Zack Sikora was born with Spina Bifida, but his story is not defined by limitation - it’s defined by independence, discipline and doing hard things.
From wheelchair tennis to MMA to building his own podcast studio, Zack shares the mindset and moments that shaped him.
This episode explores the reality of growing up with Spina Bifida, the misconceptions surrounding disability, the confidence he built through adaptive sport, and how he rewrote his story through discipline, creativity and self-belief.
In this episode:
→ Spina Bifida, identity & independence
→ Wheelchair tennis, coaching & adaptive sport
→ Discipline, systems & losing 60lbs
→ MMA, pressure & becoming formidable
→ Building a podcast studio alone
→ What the "Lonely Chapter" meant in his life
→ Why "this will be the story I'll one day tell" became his anchor
Follow Zack:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelz3.14/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wheelz3.14
Follow Sam:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/
In this episode, football coach Mark Robinson - former Chelsea U21 Head Coach and the man who built AFC Wimbledon’s academy from scratch - joins me to explore leadership, mindset, player development and the role of failure in growth.
We dive into:
→ How to build non-fear learning environments
→ Coaching mindset and reflection processes
→ Why failure, mistakes and “hiccups” are essential to development
→ High-challenge / high-support coaching
→ Player ownership and accountability
→ Emotional resilience, confidence and anti-fragility
→ What great coaches do differently
→ The psychology behind growth, pressure and performance
Mark has coached and developed players who’ve gone on to the Premier League, led Chelsea’s U21s to a record unbeaten run, and transformed AFC Wimbledon during one of the toughest periods in the club’s history.
His insights into leadership, culture and human development go far beyond football.
If you’re interested in growth, mindset, coaching or resilience, this conversation will hit home.
November may be Men’s Health Month - but men’s health is a year-round issue.
In this solo episode of The Lonely Chapter, Sam reflects on co-hosting an International Men’s Day event at London Fire Brigade HQ and the eye-opening conversations around:
→ Men’s mental health & suicide
→ Loneliness and identity
→ Low testosterone and physical health
→ Gambling addiction
→ Prostate cancer
→ The strain of emergency service careers
→ The impact of shift work & sleep loss
Drawing on first-hand experience in the fire service and previous work with Samaritans, this episode highlights why men struggle in silence - and what can actually be done to change that.
You’ll also get simple, practical steps that can help improve your health, your connections, and your outlook - starting today.
If you found value in this episode, please follow the show and leave a rating. It helps more people find these conversations.
📍 Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast
Most people aren’t calm — they’re emotionally numb.
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I sit down with sacred artist and creative guide Polina Davi to explore how creativity can become a powerful tool for emotional healing, self-discovery and transformation.
We talk about why so many people feel disconnected from themselves in a hyper-stimulated world, how suppressed emotions manifest as anxiety, anger and burnout, and why stillness, self-expression and connection to nature are essential parts of the healing process.
Polina shares her practices around sacred geometry, intuitive art, silence, body-based healing, emotional release and deep reconnection — offering a new perspective on how art can help you remember who you truly are.
If you’ve felt numb, overwhelmed, lost or disconnected, this conversation will meet you where you are.
🔗 Connect with Polina📲
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/polinadavi_sacred_art/
Website:
https://polinadavi.art/
Follow the podcast:
Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast
What does it really take to break a world record — and then walk away from the title?
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, world-record endurance athlete Sean Conway opens up about the mindset, philosophy and inner drive behind his extraordinary life of adventure.
Sean shares how he approaches world records, why he embraces a “90% chance of failure,” and how fear, pain and purpose fuel his biggest challenges.
We unpack Sean’s approach to resilience, problem-solving, identity, obsession, and what he’s learned from years of pushing the limits of human endurance.
Whether you’re drawn to extreme challenges, personal growth, or honest conversations about what it takes to do something remarkable, this episode offers rare insight into a truly unique mind.
🔗 Connect with Sean:
https://www.seanconway.com/
https://www.instagram.com/seanconwayadventure/
🔗 Follow the podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/
Two days scrambling in Snowdonia reminded me how quickly life can snap into focus.
In this short solo episode, I share reflections from the Snowdon Horseshoe — the knife-edge Crib Goch, the flowers marked “RIP,” and how choosing to do hard things builds real resilience.
I also talk about the loss of hobbies in the age of screen-time, why testing yourself matters, and how following your curiosity is often enough to move forward.
A simple reminder to try your version of hard.
Are you tired of swiping without real connection? Life Coach Stephanie Nicoletti joins The Lonely Chapter to share how to date with purpose, build meaningful connections, and finally find “the one” in a year.
In this conversation, we explore what it means to date intentionally, understand your attachment style, and recognise the red and green flags that can make or break a relationship.
Stephanie also shares why self-awareness, communication, and emotional honesty are the foundations of real love in the modern world.
→ Book: Dating With Purpose
→ Stephanie on Instagram: @lifecoach_stephanie
→ Sam on Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast
Sebastien Page joins Sam to unpack The Psychology of Leadership: why listening beats talking, how sports psychology helps leaders use stress as fuel, and why “quitting” can be a top leadership move.
Follow The Lonely Chapter:
https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/
Find Sebastien on LinkedIn and buy his book: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-pagehttps://www.psychologyofleadership.net
What if changing one word could change your life?
In this episode, Clarity Consultant Kyle Smith joins Sam to explore how language, self-talk, and storytelling shape our identity and mindset.
From conflict vs. architect language to the stories we tell ourselves, this is a masterclass in how to rewire your mind through the words you choose.
We talk about:
• Reframing trauma and perception
• Why soft talk limits progress
• How to feed your “inner role model”
• Taking ownership through language
• Identity vs. identifying — who are you really?
🔗 Connect with Kyle Smith:
• The Clarity Collective (free 7-day Soft Talk Essentials): https://www.skool.com/clarity-collective-1002
• Instagram: @dapperdudekyle
📲 Connect with Sam:
Instagram: @lonelychapterpodcast
Follow The Lonely Chapter for more conversations about mindset, self-awareness, and the moments in life that change us.
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I dive into 5 life-changing ideas I’ve been thinking about recently.
From psychology to philosophy, these concepts have made me pause, reflect, and shift how I see things.
I’ll explore:
The region beta paradox and why “not that bad” can be the most dangerous place to stay
The power of validating emotions in conversations
Identity vs. identify — and why letting go matters
The Buddhist parable of the second arrow
The hedonic treadmill and why success never feels like enough
Take a moment to reflect on these alongside me — and let me know which one resonates most with you.
🔗 Follow on Instagram for updates & teasers:
https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I sit down with Shaun Dillon — a contemporary dancer and choreographer known for his bold, uncompromising style and his ability to turn raw human instinct into powerful movement.
Shaun opens up about how dance became an outlet for his anger as a teenager, why embracing vulnerability and chaos has shaped his creative voice, and the lessons he’s learned about burnout, balance, and the danger of tying your identity entirely to work.
We also explore his passion for education, the importance of giving young people purpose, and how dance can transform lives far beyond the stage.
Follow Shaun & Dillon Dance:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillon_dance
Website: https://dillondance.co.uk
Follow The Lonely Chapter:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I’m joined by author and strategist Nathan Smolensky to explore how we can rethink politics as a force for connection instead of division.
Nathan shares insights from his new book Common Ground from the Ground Up and reveals why persuasion has become a lost art — and how we can bring it back into our conversations with friends, family, and communities.
Topics we cover include:
➤ How to discuss politics without damaging relationships
➤ Why outrage and conflict often dominate today’s media
➤ The hidden effects of social media bubbles on political division
➤ Understanding political violence as part of a deeper societal issue
➤ How focusing on policy over ideology helps find common ground
➤ Practical strategies to have better conversations and bridge divides
🎧 Don’t miss an episode — subscribe to The Lonely Chapter on your favourite podcast platform:
➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wcp1ZN0zhOStU3CFoOsNF?si=b651c6d5f37d43c2
➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-lonely-chapter/id1744173358
If you’re interested in improving political conversations and building understanding in your community, this episode is for you.
—Sam 🧡
Philosophy isn’t just abstract theory — it’s a toolkit for living. In this episode, we talk with Jamie Ryder, author of the Wisdom Traditions of the World series, about how timeless wisdom can be applied to mental health, leadership, and everyday resilience.
Jamie’s books — including Japanese Philosophy, Viking Wisdom, and his latest, History’s Greatest Philosophers — explore how figures like Michel de Montaigne, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Albert Camus can help us live fuller, richer lives.
We also dive into his concept of “stealth help” — a unique blend of self-development, history, and pop culture that makes philosophy accessible and practical.
If you’ve ever wondered how philosophy can help with stress, parenting, or building better habits, this episode offers grounded insights and stories that connect the past with the present.
What do triathlons teach you about resilience, and how can endurance sports prepare you for life’s hardest battles?In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I sit down with Dr Jeffrey Reynolds — public service leader, triathlete, and author of Every Mile Matters. With over 30 triathlons completed (including Ironman 70.3 and a full 140.6), Jeffrey never expected his training to prepare him for something far greater: a dual cancer diagnosis.Expect to learn:- How triathlon training built the discipline, mindset, and resilience he needed during cancer treatment- Why early detection is critical for prostate and colorectal cancer- The role of fitness, community, and mental health in recovery- Practical lessons on handling grief, leadership, and life’s unchosen challenges- Why endurance sports are about far more than finish linesDr Reynolds has spent over three decades leading health and human service organisations, advocating for addiction recovery, mental health, and social justice — and now shares how both chosen and unchosen difficulties can shape us for the better.🎧 Listen now for an inspiring conversation on resilience, fitness, and the unexpected ways our challenges prepare us for what lies ahead.🔗 Connect with Dr Jeffrey Reynolds🌐 Website: https://www.everymilematters.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffreyreynolds💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffreyreynolds/🎙️ Connect with The Lonely Chapter Podcast📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/
Serena Williams recently spoke about GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and semaglutide — saying we should lift the stigma around their use.
In this solo reflection, I explore:
Are GLP-1s a shortcut or a solution?
The hidden risks of relying on injections — muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and eating like you’re starving.
Why lasting results depend on mindset and habits more than medication.
Why I see GLP-1s as a potential last resort — but never the whole plan.
This episode isn’t just about weight loss injections. It’s about how we approach health, how easily we reach for quick fixes, and what it really takes to create sustainable change.
💬 Connect with me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lonelychapterpodcast/
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:
Most leaders focus on skills and strategies — but Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D., bestselling author of Success Mindsets and The Elevated Leader, explains why real leadership growth comes from your mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn how to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, the difference between doing vs. being in leadership, and why vertical development is the missing piece for transformation.
We dive into:
The difference between doing vs. being in leadership
The four key mindset shifts (fixed→growth, closed→open, prevention→promotion, inward→outward)
Vertical development: why it matters and how to achieve it
Practical tools like journaling, coaching, and reframing failure
Wherever you are in your leadership journey, this episode will give you a framework to become someone others truly want to follow.
🔗 Resources & Links
Take Ryan’s free Mindset Assessment → https://ryangottfredson.com
Connect with Ryan on social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangottfredson
Find Ryan’s books → Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, Becoming Better
Follow The Lonely Chapter for more conversations that help you grow.
What if binge eating and overeating weren’t signs you’re broken — but simply habits you can change?
In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, I’m joined by Amber Abila, founder of The Confident Eater, who shares her journey from years of binge eating and food guilt to finding freedom, confidence, and trust in herself.
We explore:
Why binge eating is often a brain habit — not a personal failure
The “shame bubble” and how to escape it
Practical tools to stop overeating without diets or restriction
How to rewire your brain and rebuild self-trust with food
Why curiosity and kindness matter more than willpower
Amber’s story is packed with tools, mindset shifts, and hope for anyone struggling with food or self-confidence.
👉 Find Amber here:
Website & resources: theconfidenteater.org
Podcast: Become a Confident Eater
Instagram: @theconfidenteater
Free Facebook Group: Become a Confident Eater
Wherever this finds you, thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear it.