Nurture Your Zest

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Kenny Primrose, teacher, writer, and host of The Examined Life podcast, for a thoughtful and deeply resonant conversation about wisdom, curiosity, and what it really means to live well in a world of constant noise.From the audacity of writing letters to David Attenborough and Gordon Brown to find "the right questions," to navigating the flighty impulses of an undiagnosed ADHD mind, Kenny shares how leaning into discomfort has reshaped his purpose. Together, Ashleigh and Kenny explore the power of storytelling, the dopamine hit of "time bending," and the redemptive nature of facing the things we usually run away from.Themes of this conversation:🌵 The power of a good question How asking the right things can be more redemptive and life-giving than having all the answers.🌵 Living deliberately in a changing world Stepping back to notice "the water we’re swimming in" and how clear writing leads to clear thinking.🌵 Shy bairns get nowt The "audacity" of reaching out to dream guests and why interesting people are often just waiting for a compelling reason to say yes.🌵 ADHD, dopamine, and "time bending" Navigating time blindness, the rush of a deadline, and finding natural ways to regulate a restless mind through exercise and presence.🌵 Facing the dark to find the light Kenny’s journey into a podcast season focused on death, dying, and grief, and why we must sit with sadness to truly grow.🌵 Validation vs. Value Why your happiness shouldn't depend on external likes, and the Disney-inspired wisdom of being "enough" regardless of the win.This episode is for anyone navigating:The search for deeper meaning and wisdomLiving with (or suspecting) neurodivergenceCreative burnout and the "last 10%" of a projectThe challenge of staying present when you want to "outrun your problems"A desire to bridge divides through better dialogueChapters00:00 "If you're not enough without winning..."03:05 Teaching, Philosophy, and the "Good Life"06:02 The Origin of The Examined Life09:39 Reaching out to David Attenborough & Gordon Brown12:15 Living Generously in a Polarised World17:17 The Integrity of Guesting & Podcasting Values23:23 Using Substack for Long-Form Writing & Support30:31 Owning Creativity as a "Slow Learner"34:33 The November Pattern: Moving, Travel, and ADHD39:00 Time Blindness and the Adrenaline Rush of Deadlines43:24 Running Towards the Hard Realities of Grief48:35 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: AlignmentLinks & Resources Visit The Examined Life Websitehttps://examined-life.com/Subscribe to Kenny’s Substack https://kennyprimrose.substack.com/ Connect with Kenny Primrose on LinkedInhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-primrose-4058341bConnect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk

In this insightful and empowering episode of Nurture Your Zest, host Ashleigh King sits down with business exit strategist and operations expert Laurie Stirling to unpack what it really takes to build a business that doesn’t rely on you to survive. From her early beginnings in Australia to building and exiting a 14-year business, Laurie shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention and redefining what success looks like on your own terms.With honesty, clarity and a refreshingly practical approach, Laurie dives into the systems, mindset shifts and strategic thinking required to scale sustainably. Key topics discussed:🌵 From survival to strategy Laurie shares her journey growing up in challenging circumstances, the pivotal moment that shaped her relationship with money, and how that experience fuels her mission to help others build financial independence through business.🌵 Why you are not the problem in your business Many founders believe they are the bottleneck, but Laurie explains why it’s almost always a system issue, and how shifting this mindset can unlock growth and reduce overwhelm.🌵 The 5 business bottlenecks every founder faces From brand awareness to cash flow, Laurie breaks down the five key stages where businesses get stuck — and how understanding your bottleneck can transform your results.🌵 Stepping into the CEO role Using the powerful “captain of the ship” analogy, Laurie explains why founders must move beyond doing everything themselves and instead focus on vision, strategy and direction.🌵 Systems, delegation and scaling sustainably If systems feel overwhelming, this episode offers practical, accessible ways to start — including how to document processes, delegate effectively and build a team that complements your strengths.🌵 Building a business that can run without you Laurie shares how she transitioned from running a business to helping others step back, scale up, and even prepare for exit — creating freedom, flexibility and long-term value.🌵 Entrepreneurship, identity and mindset From fear of visibility to capacity challenges, this conversation explores the internal blocks that hold founders back — and how to “lock in” and take action anyway.Chapters00:00 From leads to systems02:05 Laurie’s journey: from Australia to entrepreneurship05:56 Building a business from scratch (before social media)09:52 Financial independence and the drive behind Laurie’s work11:42 Adapting to change: technology, AI and staying ahead12:57 The role of a founder: captain vs operator16:32 Understanding business bottlenecks17:56 The 5 bottlenecks explained23:14 Using data to make smarter business decisions25:07 When systems feel overwhelming27:12 Strengths, weaknesses and building the right team29:44 Customer personas vs real paying clients31:23 Letting go: delegation, control and leadership mindset34:02 Simple ways to start building systems37:06 From bookkeeping to business exit strategist42:25 Creating scalable impact and extracting IP45:17 The power of collaboration and learning in community47:15 Life beyond business: creativity and balance48:16 Laurie’s “one word” to Nurture Your ZestLinks & ResourcesVisit Laurie Stirling’s Websitehttps://www.lauriestirling.com/Connect with Laurie Stirling on LinkedInhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/lauriestirlingLaurie’s Bottleneck Quizhttps://bottlenecks.scoreapp.comCheck Out Laurie’s Art Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ladylaurieartistConnect with Your Host, Ashleigh Kinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode of Nurture Your Zest, host Ashleigh King sits down with neurodiversity advocate and community builder Holly Knight, founder of Learn, Grow, Thrive.Known for her unmistakable neon green hair and equally bright energy, Holly shares her deeply personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity, learning to unmask, and building spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered.With honesty, humour and refreshing bluntness, Holly reflects on the realities of growing up neurodivergent, navigating burnout, masking, social expectations and the pressure to “have life figured out” in your twenties.She also shares the powerful story behind Learn, Grow, Thrive,  the programme she created to support neurodiverse young people aged 16–25 to find their passions, build confidence and explore meaningful opportunities beyond traditional pathways.This episode is a celebration of authenticity, individuality and the courage it takes to show up in the world exactly as you are.Key topics discussed:🌵 Neurodiversity and self-acceptanceHolly shares how discovering her ADHD and autism helped her better understand herself and why masking throughout school left her exhausted. She reflects on the journey of unmasking and why embracing her “neon green energy” became a powerful act of self-acceptance.🌵 The power of authenticity and unmaskingFrom being told she is “too blunt” to learning how authenticity builds stronger relationships, Holly explores the importance of showing up as your true self, even when it challenges social norms.🌵 Learn, Grow, ThriveHolly explains how her experience of feeling unsupported as a young neurodivergent person inspired her to create Learn, Grow, Thrive, a project helping young people aged 16–25 discover their passions, develop skills and access opportunities often overlooked in traditional systems.🌵 Navigating burnout and boundariesHolly opens up about ADHD burnout, the challenge of saying “yes” to everything that feels exciting, and the importance of setting boundaries, pacing yourself and learning when to rest.🌵 Finding purpose in your twentiesThe conversation explores the pressure many young people feel to achieve life milestones early, and why Holly believes your twenties should be about exploration, curiosity and discovering what truly matters to you.Chapters00:00 Embracing Vibrancy: The Power of Colour and Identity02:33 Navigating Chaos: Finding Order in the Unpredictable05:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Unmasking and Authenticity09:52 The Challenges of Neurodiversity: Burnout and Boundaries11:21 Supporting Young Minds: Learn, Grow, Thrive and Other Projects15:03 Holly’s Kryptonite17:11 Chaos, Structure and Being Blunt23:02 Navigating Modern Dating and Communication Challenges26:40 Friendship Dynamics and Neurodiversity30:32 The Pressure of Adulthood and Societal Expectations37:20 Finding Purpose and Creating Impact43:15 The Importance of Rest and Self-CareLinks & ResourcesLearn More About Learn, Grow, Thrivecelebratedifference.co.uk/tag/learn-grow-thrive/Connect with Holly Knight on LinkedInhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/holly-knightConnect with Your Host, Ashleigh Kinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING:Listener and viewer discretion is advised. Sensitive topics covered in this episode include:Murder, violent crime, loss and bereavement, grief and trauma, mental health challenges, and financial stress.If you find this topic upsetting and need any additional support, we’ve included some helpful resources below:www.samaritans.orgmind.org.ukwww.informationnow.org.uk/article/bereavement/www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/-In this special International Women’s Day 2026 episode of Nurture Your Zest, Ashleigh King steps into the guest seat for a deeply personal and powerful conversation with Charlotte Nichols, founder of Harvey and Hugo and host of the PRsonal Podcast.For the first time, Ashleigh swaps interviewer for interviewee, opening up about grief, trauma, entrepreneurship, money mindset, self-worth, and what it truly means to build a business rooted in purpose.With honesty and vulnerability, she shares how the murder of her best friend at 21 reshaped her relationship with storytelling, how trauma can quietly influence leadership and identity, and how reclaiming her voice through podcasting became an act of healing.This episode is a celebration of women’s resilience, creativity and courage, and a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness, but a superpower.Key topics discussed:🌵 Personal grief and growthAshleigh reflects on losing her best friend Joe to murder while studying journalism, and how that trauma caused her to step away from her dream career. She shares how grief resurfaces unexpectedly, how trauma responses show up in everyday life, and how storytelling can both heal and re-trigger.🌵 Flamingo Heights Podcast StudioAshleigh shares the story behind Flamingo Heights, the bright, light-filled podcast studio she built after being made redundant and pivoting during COVID.🌵 Vulnerability as a superpowerAshleigh explores how smiling through trauma can be a coping mechanism, and how vulnerability, when handled responsibly, can unlock courage in others.🌵 Resilience, money mindset & entrepreneurial realityThis episode also moves into the very real pressures of running a creative business.🌵 Community and supportAshleigh shares why she believes holding space for others is a gift — and why she’s learning to receive as much as she gives.-Links & ResourcesVisit Harvey and Hugoharveyandhugo.comTune in to The PRSonal Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@HarveyandhugoPRWatch Ashleigh’s PRSonal Podcast Episodehttps://youtu.be/9kUK2-RX_6g?si=5winv2deLEE_TwkFConnect with Charlotte Nichols on LinkedInhttps://uk.linkedin.com/in/charlottenicholsharveyandhugoConnect with Your Host, Ashleigh Kinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Paul King – Co-Founder of Flow Software Solutions, host of The Modern Compliance Podcast, surveying software specialist, family man, and passionate champion of underdog businesses, for a grounded, energising and deeply practical conversation about entrepreneurship, community, industry change, and doing work that truly matters.From solving “hair on fire” report-writing chaos in the surveying industry to protecting staff culture with unapologetic boundaries, Paul shares what it really takes to bootstrap a SaaS company, uplift clients, and build something sustainable without outside investment.Together, Ashleigh and Paul explore time, family, mould health, recurring revenue, leadership, podcasting, and what it means to grow a business without losing your values.Themes of this conversation:🌵 The real problem Flow solvesGiving surveyors their evenings back – reclaiming time for tea with their families instead of writing reports at 10pm.🌵 David vs Goliath in businessWhy supporting small surveying firms matters, and how software can level the playing field against large corporate monopolies.🌵 Bootstrapping vs outside investmentBuilding Flow Software Solutions from scratch, learning from failure, pivoting hard, and growing to 350+ clients without investors.🌵 Mould, health & hidden riskThe reality of damp buildings, changing legislation, Awaab’s Law, and why indoor air quality is more important than we think.🌵 Boundaries & cultureThe “two strikes rule,” protecting staff from toxic clients, and why revenue should never come at the cost of values.🌵 Recurring revenue & employee incentivesHow a SaaS bonus structure aligns the whole team – and why sharing growth builds loyalty and momentum.🌵 Working with familyBuilding a company with his brother and sister, the power of trust, and why familiarity can be a strength, not nepotism.🌵 Podcasting as growthStepping into discomfort, finding confidence in public speaking, and using curiosity as a bridge to connection.🌵 Fatherhood & perspectiveHow becoming a dad reshaped Paul’s relationship with work, safety, and legacy.🌵 Community over competitionWhy referrals, partnerships, and uplifting others create long-term business resilience.-Paul reminds us that good software gives people their time back, that values matter more than vanity metrics, and that business growth should feel human.-Links & ResourcesFlow Mobile Surveying Websitehttps://www.flowmobile.app/Flow Mobile Surveying’s Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@flowmobilesurveyingThe Modern Compliance PodcastSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0wCiStPR0XLEutMgZcn5jcYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@flowmobilesurveyingConnect with Flow Mobile Surveying on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/flow-software-solutions/posts/?feedView=allConnect with Paul King on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulking1/Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh Kinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠