Pearls of Wisdom
Self-Improvement
About
Pearls of Wisdom to Change Your Life is an exploration of the practice of being, shared through simple, powerful insights you can carry into everyday life. Through reflection, Julia Chi explores how we live, relate, and move through the world with greater presence, awareness, and freedom. Each episode offers a clear point of insight, a “pearl,” that brings us back to what truly matters. This podcast is about experiencing who we truly are, moment by moment, and discovering how life begins to unfold more naturally when we live from awareness rather than habit.
Episodes
- Your Reactions Are Showing You Something
This episode of Pearls of Wisdom discusses reactivity, explaining its origins in childhood conditioning and past emotional wounds. It highlights how understanding the space between stimulus and response, combined with breath and awareness,…
- The Inner Discipline That Changes Everything
This episode discusses discipline not just as external consistency, but as an internal practice. It explores how self-awareness, attention, and observation of thoughts and emotions can lead to conscious responses and a different understand…
- Living Without Stress (Even in a Busy Life)
This episode examines stress, defining it as a response rather than the situation itself. It delves into the nervous system's role, the normalization of stress in modern life, and how disconnection from the present moment causes tension. T…
- Become The Master of Your Mind
This episode discusses the relationship between humans and their thoughts, emphasizing that individuals are not their thoughts. It explains how meditation and awareness can help master the mind, leading to greater clarity and inner peace.
- The Four Behaviours That Damage Relationships
This episode examines the four behaviors John Gottman identified as damaging to relationships: Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt, and Stonewalling. It explores how these patterns emerge and how self-awareness can lead to positive shifts i…
- Inner Balance Over Work-Life Balance
In this, I explore what it really means to find balance in our lives. We often think of balance as something external - how we divide our time between work, family, rest, and the things we enjoy, and while this has its place, many people s…
- Staying Present in a Busy Life
In this episode I explore what it means to move forward in life without losing ourselves. Modern life is often full, with our work, relationships, family, responsibilities, not to mention our goals! It’s easy to become caught up in everyth…
- 3000 possibilities in each moment
In this episode, I explore the creative nature of each moment and the space that exists between what happens to us and how we respond. So much of our lives is shaped through conversation – not only with others, but within ourselves. Each i…
- Learning to Trust Yourself Through Everything
In this episode, I explore what it really means to trust, and why the search for trust outside ourselves can never fully resolve the deeper longing within. We often look for trust in other people: in partners, teachers, therapists, friends…
- Reclaiming Your Power Through Responsibility
In this episode of Bodhisattva Conversations , I explore a powerful and sometimes uncomfortable idea that there is no-one to blame! Blame looks outward and backward, focusing on who or what caused our current situation, whereas responsibil…
- Joy as Our Natural State
In this episode of Bodhisattva Conversations , I explore the subtle but powerful difference between being in joy and enjoying something . Enjoyment is often connected to outer experiences - a beautiful day, a delicious meal, a moment of su…
- What We Place In The Space Between Us In Our Relationships
In this episode of Bodhisattva Conversations , I explore the nature of relationship, and what occurs in “the space between” us and the other. There is always a space between two people. An invisible field made up of tone, attention, intent…
- Time, Spirit, and Story: The Inner World of Sashi Radley
In this episode of The Practice of Being , I’m joined by writer and spiritual mentor Sashi Radley, for a conversation that weaves together creativity, presence, love, loss, and the mystery of life itself. Sashi shares how writing is not si…
- Being with Uncertainty
In this solo episode of Bodhisattva Conversations , I explore the practice of being with uncertainty, and the truth that the only thing we are ever certain of is that nothing is certain! As human beings, we go to great lengths to construct…
- Stillness Is Freedom: Calming the Restless Mind
Most of our suffering is not caused by life itself, but by the restless mind reacting to life. In this episode, I explore what it truly means to still the mind not by suppressing it, but by gently training it so that we are the master of o…
- The Wisdom of Pain: Trauma, Healing and Integration
Not Getting Stuck in Pain | Healing Trauma & Living More Fully Pain is an inevitable part of being human, but suffering arises when pain isn’t met, processed, or allowed to move. In this episode of Bodhisattva Conversations , I explore how…
- Meeting Death Without Fear
In this episode of The Practice of Being , I reflect on death, not as something to fear, but as one of life’s greatest teachers. From early childhood moments to spiritual traditions, lived experience, and sitting with people at the end of…
- Simple Practices to Raise and Sustain Your Vibration
In this episode, I explore what it really means to raise our vibration, not through forcing positivity, but through awareness, clearing, and presence. We are energetic beings, and our thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences all shape our…
- Meeting Life Without Resistance
In this episode of The Practice of Being , I explore the practice of non-resistance -what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can transform the way we meet life. Non-resistance does not mean passivity or giving up. It doesn’t mean we stop str…
- The Practice of Being: Reflecting on 2025, Entering 2026
In this episode of The Practice of Being , I explore reflecting on the year that has passed and how we can step into the year ahead from a place of presence rather than striving. Together, we look back on 2025 from a place of self awarenes…
- Trying Too Hard: Effort, Exhaustion, and the Path to Ease
In this episode, I’m joined by Anadi Taylor for a reflective conversation about the tendency to 'try too hard' and the often unseen cost of living in constant effort. We explore what “trying too hard” really means, why so many people fall…
- Unconditional Love: A Daily Practice of Letting Go
In this solo episode, I explore unconditional love as a living, breathing practice, one that asks us to recognise the divinity within ourselves and in everyone we meet. Unconditional love is not a destination, but a journey of gently clear…
- Permission to Be Yourself!
In this episode, Julia explores one of the most liberating truths we often forget: you are allowed to choose the life you want! She looks at why so many of us wait for permission, from society, from family expectations, from old conditioni…
- Crafting a Life You Love: Cecilia Bawler on Mindset, Health and Creative Purpose
In this fun and energising conversation, I speak with the remarkable Cecilia Bawler a woman who manages to wear many hats with grace, humour and wholeheartedness! Cecilia is a teacher, actor, playwright, runner, mother, wife , and most rec…
- Strength in the Air, Strength Within: The Story of Karin Odermatt
In this latest Bodhisattva conversation, I speak with world-class aerialist and coach, Karin Odermatt, whose career has taken her onto some of the most iconic stages in the world, from Cirque du Soleil to Chaméléon in Berlin , Tigerpalast…
- Muay Thai, Mindset & Moving Forward: Sophie François’ Story of Transformation
In this inspiring episode, I speak with Sophie François, Fundamentals and Martial Arts Coach at The Commando Temple in Deptford. Sophie’s journey into movement began at school, where she took up sports simply to avoid subjects she didn’t e…
- AI, Consciousness & The Evolution of Humanity. A Conversation with Thomas Bradley
In this episode, I speak with Thomas Bradley , founder of Clann AI, a groundbreaking platform that uses advanced computer vision technology to analyse player positioning and team dynamics, offering powerful insights into game flow, strateg…
- The Heart Behind the Game: David Chimbaza on Purpose and Entrepreneurship
In this inspiring conversation, Julia speaks with David Chimbaza , founder and manager of DTC.MEDIAUK, the world’s only global football social media marketing agency. A graduate in International Football Business , David has followed his p…
- Running Through the Decades: Mark Kleanthous on Longevity, Passion, and Purpose
In this episode, Julia connects once again with endurance legend Mark Kleanthous, a man whose athletic career spans over four decades. Mark began his running journey in the very first London Marathon in 1981 , aged just 20, and has never l…
- Everything Is Possible: The Voice and Vision of Carla Terry
In this inspiring conversation, I talk with Carla Terry , an accomplished voice-over artist whose voice has brought life to more than 1,000 projects across sport, corporate, and charity sectors. Carla shares her journey into the world of v…
- Sounding Peace: Joseph Young on Finding Stillness Through Sound
In this episode, I speak with Joseph Young , a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans installations, sound walks, performances, site-specific interventions, and film. With exhibitions across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and the USA, J…
- From Struggle to Strength: Jessica Harman on Wellbeing, Yoga, and Inner Peace
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Jessica Harman shares her powerful journey of healing, resilience, and self-discovery. A holistic health and wellbeing coach, and a yoga instructor working mainly with women both one-to-one and in…
- Discovering What’s Possible: Rose Mac on Coaching, Resilience & Inner Power
In this episode, I’m joined by Rose Mac - a boxing coach, personal trainer, martial artist, and guide for the visually impaired. Rose has worked at the top levels of competition before dedicating herself to coaching, where she now helps ev…
- Beyond the Finish Line: Jamie Vidler on His 250k Ultra Challenge
The Description In this inspiring follow-up conversation, I speak once again with ultra-runner Jamie Vidler, fresh from completing his extraordinary 250k ultra challenge across the Pembrokeshire coastal paths . Over five days of mainly rel…
- Legacy in Music and Beyond: A Conversation with Louise Camby
In this episode, Julia speaks with Louise Camby , professional speaker and director of her family music business, about the power of legacy and creativity. Louise’s grandfather, Johnny Douglas , was a prolific composer who wrote the iconic…
- Cheering for Yourself Through Life’s Highs and Lows with Giovanna Koyama
In this inspiring episode, Julia sits down with Giovanna Koyama, writer, performer, and associate founder at the fintech company Stellar Fusion. After seeing her captivating play Back to the Moon , which explores chasing dreams, facing fea…
- Celebrating Life and Love: Tess Sheehy’s Path to a Thriving Celebrancy Career
In this episode, Julia speaks with Tess Sheehy, Training Manager for the Academy of Professional Celebrants, success coach, and thriving celebrant herself. Tess shares her deeply personal journey into celebrancy, which began after she deli…
- From Ultra Miles to Inner Peace: Jamie Vidler on Running, Resilience, and Mental Health
In this inspiring episode, Jamie Vidler shares his incredible journey into the world of ultra running, a path that has not only tested his physical endurance but also deepened his self-awareness and inner strength. As Jamie opens up about…
- Running Through the Decades: Perseverance, Passion, and Purpose
In this episode, Anadi James interviews me about my 60-year running journey, a passion that began when I was just six years old. I share how an innate love for running shaped my life, how at 15 I set my sights on running for England, and t…
- From Self-Doubt to Self-Expression: Living Beyond Imposter Syndrome
In this episode, I explore imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern where even high achievers struggle with persistent self-doubt, fear of being “found out,” and difficulty accepting their own successes. I look at how this inner critic a…
- From Peak Performance to Inner Healing: A Conversation with Matt Shore
In this podcast I speak with Matt Shore, an extraordinary coach who has spent the last 17 years guiding people from all walks of life through physical challenges and achievements. With a background as a high-level sportsman in swimming, cy…
- From Elite Gymnast to Empowered Coach: Jamie Jeffery’s Journey of Resilience and Purpose
In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Jeffery, former international acrobatic gymnast and silver medalist at the 2019 European Games. Jamie shares his inspiring journey from elite-level sport to entrepreneurship, after the unexpected halt o…
- When the Show Ends: Tim B’Vard on Letting Go and Looking Inward
In this inspiring conversation, Julia speaks with Tim B’Vard — performer, former lawyer, and creator of The Bavard Bar — about a profound turning point in his life. After eight years of hosting his fabulous live show filled with play, pass…
- The Power of Perspective: Expanding Our World Through Conscious Listening
Julia Chi and Anadi James explore the power of perspective and how the lens through which we view the world is shaped by our own conditioning, beliefs, and lived experiences. We often think we’re seeing reality "as it is," but in truth, we…
- Abundance Is Within: Breaking Free from the Illusion of Lack
In this conversation, Julia sits down with Anadi James Taylor to explore the profound truth that abundance is not something we chase—it's something we awaken to within ourselves. Together, they unravel how societal conditioning and inner b…
- How Inner Healing Transforms the World
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Anadi James Taylor to explore the deep truth that all external conflict—whether in relationships, the workplace, or the world at large—mirrors inner unrest. Together, we unpack how early life patte…
- Trusting the Unfolding: Athena Jane Churchill on Art, Uncertainty and Flow
In this episode, I speak with artist Athena Jane Churchill: www.athenajane.co.uk Athena is currently engaged in three major creative projects, two in Devon: Our Freedom – ourfreedom.org.uk , and Barnstaple Public Art Consultation – barnsta…
- Navigating Change: Embracing Stillness in Uncertainty
In this episode of Navigating Change , host Julia Chi and guest Anadi James dive deep into the world of change and uncertainty. They explore how the only true certainty in life is found in the stillness within, and discuss how this perspec…
- Part 2 - 'If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you'
In this podcast, Julia and Anadi explore further the idea : 'If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you' ... They discuss whether in being outside our comfort zone, we can discover inner strengths and attain skills we didn't know we…
- Part 1 of a conversation about... 'If it doesn't challenge you it wont change you...'
This is part 1 of a dialogue of exploration between Julia and Anadi about the idea that 'If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you...' In this podcast Anadi and Julia explore the concepts of challenge and change, and whether we need…