The Power of the Truth

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Fran sits down with Peter Greedy, an optometrist-turned-coach whose life took an extraordinary turn when he became part of the UK religious group Antioch in 1983.Peter spent 15 years inside its tightly controlled world, communal living, patriarchal teachings, no-dating rules, love-bombing, and an intense culture of obedience. He shares how he was first drawn in as a young man newly arrived in London, how members were recruited, and how allegations and internal handling of abuse shaped the community from within.A major organisational split in 1998 finally pushed Peter and his family out, leaving him to face the truth of what he’d been part of and who he was without it.But this isn’t just a story about leaving a cult. It’s about the patterns that follow us into the workplace.Now a researcher and PhD student in coaching psychology, Peter reveals the striking similarities between high-control religious groups and the way some leaders run teams, companies, and even sports organisations. He shares insights from his Workplace Culture Index, showing how culture is built (or broken) by behaviour, not branding.Together, we explore: • How coercive dynamics show up in everyday organisations • The power of emotional intelligence and psychological safety • Why questioning, critical thinking and connection are cultural lifelines • What recovering from a high-control system really looks like • How leaders can build cultures rooted in trust, belonging and humanityThis is a conversation about truth, autonomy, and the courage it takes to see what’s really going on — whether you’re in a church, a company, or a community.A powerful, eye-opening episode. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.About PeterI am passionate about and specialise in personal development, building high performing teams, enabling great leadership and optimising workplace culture. This is borne of significant lived experiences - being a religious cult member for 15 years (1983-1998), working in a corporate environment for 12 years, and an extensive career in primary healthcare meeting people from every walk of life. My career in optometry has spanned 40 years having entered City University Optometry School in 1984. Most of this time has been spent, either full time or part time, in primary healthcare. From 1996 to 2008 I worked for the global healthcare corporation, with roles in professional services, training, and IT. Since 2008 I have worked part time as a locum optometrist for a variety of practices, from high end independents to national chains. I am founder of Coaches and Mentors in Optics (CaMiO) a peer group collective of colleagues in the optical industry who provide coaching, mentoring and wellbeing services. I hold the following coaching accreditations: Accredited Professional Coach with the Association for Coaching, Integrative Coach, Ikigai Life Coach, Resilience Coach, and Belbin Team Roles Practitioner. I am currently studying for a PhD in Coaching Psychology. In my spare time I am an active member of the Events and CPD team for Gloucestershire Local Optical Committee. Otherwise, I am usually found at my home desk or out hiking somewhere. http://petergreedy.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergreedy/If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailDarren Barden's story: Surviving a Mistaken-Identity Hit, PTSD, and Turning his trauma supporting others to aid Suicide PreventionOn The Power of the Truth podcast, Fran Willoughby interviews Darren Barden, CEO of iTalk and author of “Let’s Skip to the Good Bits,” about surviving a brutal mistaken-identity attack at his home in 1996, in which he was stabbed over 20 times at home while his wife and 1-year-old son were upstairs, with no one ever caught. Darren describes the immediate aftermath, fear of a repeat attack, media appearances on Kilroy, and long-term psychological impacts including anger, PTSD/depression, suicidal planning, paranoia, and strained relationships. He highlights barriers to accessing support, sharing that 75% of suicides are male and that 90% of those men had previously sought help. Darren explains how medication and support helped him recover and how he now focuses on suicide prevention and psychological safety in construction through iTalk and his podcast Under the Hard Hat, encouraging people to talk and others to look out for those struggling. About Darren Darren Barden is a speaker, best selling author, and CEO of iTalk MH Ltd, a company on a mission to reduce suicide and improve psychological safety in the construction industry.After surviving a brutal attack in his own home, Darren found himself at rock bottom. What once felt like an anchor holding him back has since become the wind in his sails, fuelling a purpose to help others avoid reaching crisis point.Now working with construction companies across the UK, Darren believes that a 3-dimensional approach is what is needed. Psychological Safety for Organisations, Mental Fitness for Individuals and Suicide Prevention for All. His message is simple: we must move beyond awareness and start saving lives. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Support (UK) Samaritans Free, confidential emotional support 24/7. Call: 116 123 www.samaritans.org Mind Support, information, and guidance for all mental health challenges. www.mind.org.uk CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably Support for men and anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts. Helpline & webchat: 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year www.thecalmzone.net Shout 85258 Free, confidential text support for anyone in crisis. Text: SHOUT to 85258 www.giveusashout.org Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide For young people up to 35 and those supporting them. HOPELINE247: 0800 068 4141 www.papyrus-uk.orgNHS 111 Urgent mental health support via your local NHS crisis team. www.111.nhs.ukDarren’s Organisation iTalk MH Ltd Creating mentally healthy, psychologically safe workplaces. Website: https://italkmh.com/If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailHost Fran Willoughby welcomes Victoria Vanstone of the Sober Awkward podcast, an author and sobriety advocate living in Australia, to discuss alcohol, honesty, and motherhood. Victoria describes her weekend binge-drinking pattern after becoming a mum, the anxiety and guilt of hangovers with young children, and a defining moment of admitting she couldn’t moderate and needed help; therapy helped her envision “stepping off” the chaotic drinking culture, and she has been sober for eight years. Fran shares her own turning points, completing 100+ days sober, and grieving her mother without drinking, which changed her relationship with alcohol. They critique the stigma of the label “alcoholic,” discuss shame, role-modeling for children, and using professional support. Victoria highlights her books, communities, retreats, and episodes on menopause, ADHD, and the nervous system.For more info on Vic use the links below:Instagram @soberawkward @drunkmummysobermummywww.soberawkward.comwww.soberawkward.com/retreatswww.cuppa.community - Books - A Thousand Wasted Sundays and Mumming - available on Amazon audio and kindleIf you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailHost Fran Willoughby interviews Willie Nicol on the Power of the Truth Podcast. Willie shares his journey from 31 years as a police detective to an unexpected second career in coaching after leaving policing.About WillieAfter graduating with a Law degree at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, Willie had a 31 year career as a Police Officer, followed on retirement by nearly seven years in corporate security management before being unexpectedly made redundant.After getting his head round that unpleasant experience, Willie decided to step completely away from the law enforcement and security environment and, drawing on his wide lived experience and numerous acquired skills, he set up his own business as a personal development and transformational coach.That was nearly eight years ago and he hasn’t looked back.He holds certifications as a Life Coach, Hypnotherapist and Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).Willie works in a non-judgemental way to help his clients find their own solutions to stress, anxiety, overwhelm, low confidence or anything else which is blocking their development or stopping them achieving the results they really want in life.Currently, he is focusing on providing practical support for lost, stuck or unhappy men who are committed to making positive changes in their lives.Willie doesn’t “do” fluff, BS or psychobabble in his coaching. He just lets honest conversations deliver tangible results.Email               [email protected]         willienicolcoaching.com                         careercoachingcop.co.uk Facebook        https://www.facebook.com/WillieNicolCoaching/LinkedIn          https://www.linkedin.com/in/willienicolcoaching/If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of The Power of the Truth, Fran speaks with worthiness coach Ebi Diete-Spiff - a woman who rebuilt her life from the inside out.Ebi shares the turning point in 2014 that shattered the illusion of confidence she had carried for decades and led her into a deep journey of self-awareness, healing, and what she calls self-mastery.Her story spans continents and lifetimes of emotional weight — born in the UK, raised in Nigeria, married at 19, and later living in Greece in a marriage marked by physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. She left in 1988, returned nine years later, had twins, and ultimately left again in 1999 for the final time. Eventually, she raised seven children alone in the UK.Through her truth-telling, Ebi links recurring patterns of rejection, people-pleasing, and seeking validation to early experiences of foster care and even the emotional environment around her mother’s pregnancy. She describes how these patterns resurfaced throughout her corporate HR career, her relationships, parenting, business decisions, and even her health — including thyroid issues and severe disc pain that professionals later connected to stored trauma.She also shares the tools and insights that helped her reclaim her worth: — EFT/tapping — The Emotion Code — Deep somatic work — Studying pain, trauma, and emotional release — And the book that helped her surrender stored hurt rather than endlessly analyse it: “Letting Go” by Dr. David R. Hawkins🔗 Connect with SheilaWebsite: https://ebisheila.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dietesheTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ebi6270LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachebi/❤️ If You’ve Been Affected by Anything in This EpisodeYou are not alone. Support is available.UK Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247Women’s Aid (UK): https://www.womensaid.org.uk/Mind (mental health support): https://www.mind.org.uk/Samaritans (24/7 listening support): https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123NHS Support for Trauma & Abuse: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/If anything in Sheila’s story reflects your own experience, please reach out to someone — a friend, a professional, or one of the organisations above. Healing begins with one brave step.💬 Work with FranLearn more about Fran’s resilience coaching, the Mojo Method, and her mission to help self-employed people build strong personal brands rooted in truth and confidence: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Mojo Revival HubIf you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailTipped as a future Second Sea Lord, Commodore Duncan Lustig-Prean, the holder of three Commendations for Leadership, was dismissed from the Royal Navy in 1995 because of his sexuality. He went on to lead the campaign to lift the ban of gays in the military and challenged the UK in the European Court of Human Rights. In 2000 the ban was abolished with new rules and support mechanisms prepared by Duncan in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence. A tireless campaigner he successfully campaigned to change anti-gay legislation on two further occasions. He was also heavily involved in other areas of equalities including improving recruitment from the global majority, women in the front line and latterly, opening up the performing arts to groups often excluded from them.In more recent years, together with the charity Fighting With Pride, Duncan campaigned for an Inquiry into the treatment of LGBT people. He was an informal adviser to the judge leading the Inquiry. As a result of this restitution is being made to the victims of the LGBT ban on gays in the military.Duncan’s varied career includes Commodore of a Merchant Shipping Line specialising in firefighting and salvage, CEO of a large firm of solicitors, Deputy Director General of the ASA, and a number of years as senior instructor with easyJet. He is now Chair of Brighton Fringe, the second largest Fringe in the world and chair of a new charity OUTstanding which provides mentoring and residential courses to help with the trauma LGBT veterans still experience because of the cruelty and abuse experienced during their dismissals.Duncan has been given a number of awards for his work in equality including the Prix de Nantes, Stonewall Equality Award and the Mike Rhodes Award. He was nominated for a BAFTA for a feature length documentary he advised and appeared in and also an Iris award for another short film.Support for restitution applications is available from Fighting with Pride at Fighting With Pride: The Armed Forces LGBTQ+ Charity Support with trained mentors and access to residential courses and social events is available from the new charity OUTstanding which cares for LGBT veterans who lost their careers. They can be contacted at: [email protected] you have been affected by anything you have heard in this episode, please do reach out to one of the following helplines:The Samaritans, available on 116 123 (24 hours 7 days)Hopeline247 – 0800 068 41 41 - www.papyrus-uk.org Hub of Hope - www.hubofhope.co.uk  Fighting with Pride - 0203 981 3810If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Power of the Truth Podcast, Fran interviews Maike Mullenders, a yoga teacher, author, and volunteer group facilitator for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide. Maike shares her childhood growing up with a father with undiagnosed mental health issues who repeatedly attempted suicide and died by suicide when she was 21. Book:The Confession: A Journey to Acceptancehttps://amzn.eu/d/f1b9CIkContact:LinkedIn: Maike Mullenders | LinkedInFacebook: FacebookInstagram: InstagramMaike works as a yoga teacher but she is first and foremost a mother of three. I volunteer for SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), heading up their Reigate Support Group.After working for ten years as an actress in television, theatre and radio, she trained and worked as a Relate couples and young people counsellor. Going on to work as an advocate for Witness Against Abuse by Health and Social Care Workers.  Having benefited greatly from practicing yoga personally, she went on to train as a teacher and has been teaching since and running workshops.Her personal highlight has been finally having the courage to tell her own story; living with a father with undiagnosed mental health issues who went on to take his own life. My book, The Confession: A Journey to Acceptance was published by Mirror Books in 2023.If you are struggling, please contact:The Samaritans, available on 116 123 (24 hours 7 days)Hopeline247 – 0800 068 41 41 - www.papyrus-uk.org Hub of Hope - www.hubofhope.co.uk Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Power of the Truth Podcast, host Fran Willoughby interviews Joy Schulz, an energetic midwife who escaped a religious cult in Mid-America. Joy shares her powerful story of liberation, healing, and self-reclamation. She discusses her journey of unlearning ingrained beliefs, overcoming trauma, and rediscovering her true self through various means, including human design, life coaching, and spiritual exploration. Joy now helps women embody their true selves and reclaim their lives, drawing from her own experiences and the struggles she has faced. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of living in one’s truth.About Joy Schulz"You were never too much. You were just never mirrored by someone who could hold your magic."Joy Schulz is an intuitive mentor, energetic midwife, and sacred mirror for women who know they’re meant for more but are done performing and pretending to get there.A 4/6 Emotional Projector, certified Holy Fire Reiki practitioner, and Priestess of Goddess Isis, Joy walks a devotional path of remembrance and reclamation. She blends Human Design, Reiki, oracle wisdom, and soul coaching to guide women into radical self-trust and spiritual sovereignty. Her clients are often recovering perfectionists and people-pleasers who’ve done so much inner work—but still feel like something's missing.For more than five years, she’s held space for women on the edge of transformation—those navigating identity shifts, untangling religious conditioning, and learning to trust their own rhythm. Her sessions are intuitively led, often steeped in ceremony and ritual, and always infused with warmth, humor, and deep presence.Rooted in Oklahoma with her partner Jack and her familiar Shadow, Joy drums in the woods, devours fantasy books like candy, and crochets magic into everything she makes. Links: Website: https://www.radicaljoyfulness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/radicaljoyfulness/Substack: https://radicaljoyfulness.substack.com/Book a Free Resonance Call: https://tidycal.com/radicaljoyfulness/resonanceIf you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Power of the Truth Podcast, host Fran Willoughby interviews Hannah McIntyre, a medium, teacher, and author who has had a significant impact on Fran's own journey. Hannah shares her accidental discovery of mediumship, the challenges she faced in integrating this into her life, and the importance of honesty and self-truth in her work. They discuss obstacles like skepticism and trolling, the evolution of Hannah's business, and how she navigates the intersection of integrity and spiritual guidance. The conversation also touches on personal stories, including managing familial and societal reactions to her mediumship, and emphasises the transformative power of embracing one's true self. Hannah offers insights and advice for those curious about spirituality and underscores the role of intuition in connecting with the spirit world.For more about Hannah visit https://www.hannahmedium.co.uk/ About Fran Willoughby Fran Willoughby is a resilience and confidence coach, healer, artist, and dance teacher who helps self-employed people step into their truth and build a business that finally feels like home. With roots in musical theatre, years of creative expression, and a no-nonsense coaching style, Fran blends intuition, energy work, and practical strategy to help people rediscover their power.Her work spans 1:1 coaching, her signature Mojo Reset group programme, Evidential mediumship readings, Reiki sessions, and creative offerings that help people reconnect with who they really are, beyond the noise, beyond the façade.To find out more about Fran and her work: Website: https://www.mojo-motivator.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojo_motivator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themojomotivator Mojo Meditations Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iJqi9oL2xVX7grxp2fm3g?si=dFydpYtbSCGjBMUDfNbxrA Email: [email protected] you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailThe Power of Resilience: Seamus Corry's Journey to TruthIn this episode of 'The Power of the Truth Podcast,' host Fran Willoughby interviews Seamus Corry, a mental health practitioner and wellbeing consultant, who shares his deeply moving and honest life story. Seamus discusses his upbringing in a devout Catholic family in rural Ireland, his early designation as a future priest, and the countless challenges he faced during his seminary training. He opens up about grappling with intense internal conflicts, societal pressures, a tragic suicide of a peer, and a personal crisis that led him to leave the priesthood. After moving to the UK, Seamus experiences the immigrant blues but ultimately finds his calling in mental health support. He now uses his past traumas to empower and support others in their mental health journeys. This episode touches on sensitive topics such as religious conditioning, suicide, and abortion, offering both a cautionary tale and a message of hope and resilience.If you are affected by anything you have heard in this episode the following resources are available:Samaritans (UK & ROI) — 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress 📞 116 123 (free) | 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org/Mind — information on mental health problems & how to access help 🌐 https://www.mind.org.uk/PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) — support and advice for people under 35 HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141 | 🌐 https://www.papyrus-uk.org/International Suicide Hotlines Directory 🌐 https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/Seamus Corry is a dedicated wellbeing consultant, mental health instructor, and founder based in Manchester, UK. With over 25 years of experience, Seamus has inspired individuals, groups, and organisations by mentoring, supporting, and guiding people to achieve their true potential.In 2026, Seamus is set to release his autobiography, GOSPEL published by Phenom Publishing. The book, which will also be available on Amazon, will delve deeper into his journey of resilience and overcoming adversity.Seamus is also the host of several podcast series, including:Mental Health Matters: A 10-episode series where Seamus connects with guests to discuss mental health journeys.Wellbeing with Seamus A completed 12-episode series focusing on wellbeing strategies.In the Spotlight: A newly launched podcast series of 30 episodes highlighting unique and inspiring stories.In addition to his work as a wellbeing consultant and mental health practitioner, Seamus is a published co- author and podcast guest with a mission to challenge perceptions of mental health and promote positive wellbeing. His life story of resilience and rebuilding his life serves as a testament to his belief in making a meaningful impact.Here are his linksWebsite https://seamuscorry.co.ukLinkedIn UK https://www.linkedin.com/in/seamuscorry/Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seamus-corryhttps://open.spotify.com/show/08cFKGEOFJkUeMxe6vjyKsYou Tube www.youtube.com/@SeamusCorryPypFacebook https://www.facebook.com/seamuscorrypyp/Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@seamuscorrywellbeingInstagram https://www.instagram.com/shamey1969/If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected]. 

Send us Fan MailThe Power of the Truth 🎙️✨We all tell stories, to others and to ourselves. But what happens when we finally face the truth?I’m Fran Willoughby, and The Power of the Truth is a podcast about the moments that change us, the lies we tell, the truths we uncover, and the impact honesty has on our lives. From personal confessions to life-altering revelations, I’ll be speaking to guests from all walks of life about how truth has shaped their journeys.Because telling the truth isn’t always easy… but it’s always powerful.Subscribe now for real conversations, raw honesty, and stories that will make you think.If you have a story that you think would be good for the podcast, please do get in touch by emailing [email protected].