In episode 10 we dive into the Passion Purpose and Power of Marianne Oakes, a Manchester United enthusiast, serial entrepreneur, musician, counsellor, parent, grandparent, and trans woman. Marianne's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of joy.

Growing up during pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history, Marianne shares her experiences living through the legalisation of gay relationships in 1967, the AIDS crisis, the triumph of gay marriage legalisation, and the evolution of the gender recognition act. Navigating her own gender exploration against a changing yet sometimes hostile backdrop, Marianne not only survived but thrived.

As a devoted family person, Marianne finds immense joy in spending time with her loved ones. Her musical pursuits as a guitarist add another layer to her vibrant life. Beyond that, Marianne has built a thriving practice as a therapist, specialising in supporting trans clients and anyone seeking guidance to live a fuller life.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marianne Oakes as she shares her journey of finding joy in every moment, thriving through life's challenges, and helping others discover their paths to fulfilment. Tune in to this episode for a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of living authentically.

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Meet Dan Pierce, a devoted Manchester United supporting priest, a loving father of three boys, and a devoted husband to the beautiful Ruth. In episode 9 of the show, I have a remarkable guest whose life weaves together the threads of spirituality, family, and the profound resonance of music.

Beyond the pulpit, Dan wears multiple creative hats – poet, author, musician, and singer-songwriter. Under the musical guise of DC Pierce, Dan has released his gorgeous album, "Mindful Systems." An album that has been a long time coming, full of meaningful words and excellent musicianship.

As a priest, Dan brings spirituality into the realms of the human experience. His songs, influenced by many things including his own journey with mental health, become a bridge connecting the divine and the everyday struggles we all share. He encapsulates the complexity of existence through his heartfelt lyrics, creating a musical tapestry that resonates with authenticity.

Amidst the demands of overseeing seven churches across three parishes, Dan still finds time to navigate the beautiful chaos of fatherhood with his three boys and cherishes his role as husband. Join us in this episode as we delve into the multifaceted life of Dan Pierce, exploring the intersections of faith, family, and the transformative power of music. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! 

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Meet Jennifer Opal, a remarkable DevOps Engineer and the founder of Data But Make It Human. Jennifer is a Technologist, Writer, Keynote Speaker, Student, and a passionate advocate for Neurodiversity and inclusion. Her company, Data But Make It Human, is on a mission to humanize the tech industry by leveraging data insights to drive neurodiversity inclusion and equity.

But that's not all – Jennifer is also the creative mind behind The Opal Blog, a platform that has gained recognition for its compelling human stories. Through her blog, Jennifer shares her personal experiences as a black, neurodivergent woman in the technology industry, shedding light on mental health challenges along the way.

Jennifer's achievements speak volumes – she's a multi-award-winning professional who clinched the Rising Star Award at the Black Tech Achievement Awards in 2020. Her commitment to education and awareness shines through as she uses her various platforms to address issues affecting the neurodivergent community, LGBTQ+ matters, and racial equality.

Join us as Jennifer Opal takes us on a journey through her experiences, insights, and the impactful work she's doing to foster a more inclusive and humanized tech industry. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with stories of resilience, advocacy, and a vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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