Your Time With James Sweetman

When does self-improvement actually stop improving us? This week, I reflect on the shift that can happen when ‘living our best lives’ begins to feel like an obligation rather than an invitation. I explore how self-improvement begins with the assumption that something needs fixing and contrast it with self-understanding and self-acceptance.  I also introduce the idea of horizontal and vertical lear...

We live in a world obsessed with discipline, optimisation and productivity. But what's driving our effort? This week, I explore the difference between pushing and being pulled, and why the most sustainable discipline is actually rooted in devotion. I also look at the hidden role of shame and the pressure of all our ‘shoulds.’ If you've ever felt tired of striving, constantly chasing the next goal,...

We often use the phrases ‘I feel stuck’ and ‘I feel lost’ interchangeably, but as I explore this week, there are important differences between these two experiences. I look at how labels we place on situations can become identities and how we can intellectualise our emotions rather than feel them. I also share tips for getting ‘unstuck’ and for navigating those times in life when we feel lost. If...

This week’s episode is for those of us who are natural givers and doers but who can struggle with receiving. I explore why receiving is a skill, how self-worth and control influence our ability to receive, as well as the connection between endless giving and burnout. If you’re someone who brushes aside compliments and feels guilty when resting, you’ll find this week’s episode helpful. 

What are our desires really trying to teach us? In this reflective episode I look at the deeper emotional needs hidden beneath our goals, ambitions and dreams. In other words, why do we want what we want? I share my thoughts about striving and self-worth, and why the life lesson hidden inside your desire may be every bit as valuable as the desire itself.

This week I explore the hidden cost of convenience and how it masks what economists call opportunity cost neglect, the unseen trade-offs when it comes to how we spend our time, energy and attention. From self-service checkouts to AI tools, tasks once outsourced now land in our ‘to do’ lists, stealthily sapping our mental bandwidth. I reflect on why a little inconvenience isn’t always a bad thing a...

After a break from recording, I’m delighted to return with a simpler and more reflective format of my podcast. In this new episode, I explore the concept of psychological permission, those moments in life when we already know what feels true for us, but struggle to give ourselves permission to act. At a time when we are bombarded by information, it’s important to recognise that wisdom is not alway...

In this special episode, I sit down with Frankie Sheahan, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Summit, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation. As well as chatting about this year’s Pendulum Summit, taking place on Friday 23rd January at the Convention Centre Dublin, Frankie shares insights into the thinking behind the event, the evolution of Pendulum over the years and what makes this y...

This week’s episode, the last in the current series, is one of my favourites, my annual book review. I speak about 10 books that have inspired, entertained and stretched me over the past 12 months, five non-fiction books and five novels. From books about creativity, awareness and purpose, to stories that explore connection, courage, and the human condition each one reminded me why reading is high...

In this week’s episode, I’m joined once again by international keynote speaker and high performance coach Gerry Duffy ( www.gerryduffyacademy.com ) We chat about his latest book Lessons for Leaders, a collection of 28 practical and thought-provoking insights designed to help leaders reflect, grow and inspire. Our conversation explores what leaders are hungry for today and how common sense is not a...

We all run the gamut between waiting to be found and waiting to be found out. On one hand we long to be seen and appreciated, on the other, we fear criticism and rejection. In this week’s episode, I explore the hidden cost of visibility, how it takes courage to show up, speak up and share our work with the world, but it’s the courage to rest and refill the well that keeps us whole. If you’ve ever...

To celebrate 200 episodes of my podcast, I’m handing the microphone over! My friend and fellow podcaster Sharon Fitzmaurice interviews me in an open, heartfelt and often humorous conversation about life, purpose and my the journey so far. I share stories I’ve never spoken about before, from childhood challenges to coming out, from leaving the corporate world to finding my true calling. It’s the mo...

This week’s episode is a reflective piece titled - “The things I no longer chase.” It’s a meditative journey that includes a meeting with my future self. It's also an opportunity to pause and consider what we can finally set down. If you’re in a season of reassessing what really matters, join me for this week’s reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the things we let go of allow peace to catch...

This week, I’m joined by social media expert and entrepreneur Samantha Kelly. We chat about everything from practical social media strategies to the deeper power of connection and authenticity. With her trademark warmth and generosity, Samantha shares insights on courage, community and creativity, reminding us that, as she says, ‘If you can’t find what you’re looking for, create it yourself.’

We’re all familiar with the idea of return on investment, but in today’s 'always on' world, I believe the real metric is return on attention. This week, I explore why multitasking is a myth and why busyness has become a hollow badge of honour. I  share practical ways to reclaim focus, from creating white space for quality thinking, to practising the discipline of exclusion. When you manage your at...

Do you feel guilty when you’re not being busy? Do you struggle to relax because your head starts listing all the things you should be doing? Do you fear that if you stopped, you’d fall behind? This is productivity anxiety and it’s the theme for this week. I explore where it comes from and why so many of us believe we have to earn the right to rest. I’ll share how productivity anxiety has shown up...

Have you ever felt nudged in a certain direction, or sensed something before it happened? This week I’m exploring the gentle power of intuition and guidance. Whether you call it gut instinct, soul wisdom, or divine guidance, I believe there’s an inner compass available to all of us. I share practical ways to recognise these signs and explore how guidance differs from the noisy demands of the ego....

'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' This weary confession from a friend was the inspiration for this week’s episode. It’s a reflection piece for those tired of proving, efforting and chasing. I hope my words provide solace and encouragement for those of us who care deeply and still show up consistently.

This week I was fortunate to sit down with Michael Dunlop (www.powerofchoice.ie) It’s a heartfelt and uplifting conversation where Michael shares a personal story of loss, love and resilience. We explore the power of choice and practical coaching insights and frameworks from the world of NLP, where Michael is a recognised expert. I find Michael’s quiet heroism and wisdom so inspirational. It’s an...

In this first episode of a brand new series, I explore the reality of ‘getting back to normal,’ after a holiday, or a break from work. It’s a time when our inner critic loves to show up with a storm of ‘shoulds.’ I share practical tips to help you build momentum and I close this episode with a reflection called 'The Day After Holidays,' a soft landing for anyone who’s returned from a break, but ha...

In this special edition of my podcast, I’m sharing something personal and professionally significant. After years of hesitation, I’ve launched a new subscription-based membership community. But this episode isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a story. I talk about the internal resistance, the pivotal conversation that shifted everything, connecting with my creativity and courage and why now, after two decad...

This week, I’m joined by Holistic Wellness Coach and author Sharon Fitzmaurice. Our heartfelt conversation is a fitting way to close this series of episodes. We explore the power of surrender, the wisdom of the inner child, and how healing often begins by simply allowing ourselves to feel worthy. Sharon shares insights from her own journey of overcoming trauma, as well as practical tools for recon...

We’ve all left meetings wondering -‘What was the point of that?’ This week, I share 10 practical strategies for making meetings efficient, engaging, and worthwhile. I also explore how meetings are culture in action, the power of questions over statements, and why a meeting without psychological safety is a performance, not a conversation. And if you’ve never heard of ‘the meeting within the meetin...

Change isn’t just a strategic challenge, it’s an emotional one. This week I’m exploring why so many change initiatives fail before they even begin, namely because of the absence of psychological safety. I’ll also look at the emotional barriers to change, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how leaders can create environments where growth feels safe. I’ll go beyond the workplace too, because personal...

This week I’m exploring the topic of resilience, not as an heroic soundtrack moment, but as a soft, steady strength, a whisper that helps us move from ‘why me’ to ‘let me.’ We’ll look at how resilience helps us navigate uncertain times and why it’s less about bouncing back and more about recalculating, like your inner GPS when life takes an unexpected turn. I share practical tips for building resi...