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Gobsmacked

Welcome to the Gobsmacked! Podcast, hosted by Catherine Williamson 🎙️ Welcome to my podcasts. All with me, Catherine Williamson.

Gobsmacked: Extraordinary stories from ordinary people; Gobstopper: Leadership, resilience & talent , and Assa Marra: Celebrating all that is the heart of West Cumbria.

12/09/2025

Here's a to a fantastic episode!

I had the pleasure of interviewing both Dianne and Gerard Richardson, who were warmly described by another wonderful guest, Rachel Holliday, as the "Mam and Dad of Whitehaven."

This episode features the incredible Dianne Richardson, CEO of Britain's Energy Coast Business Cluster , who, since being recorded, has soared to new heights by completing a charity skydive for the Great North Air Ambulance Service . Her story is a must-listen!

This episode was so popular that it's been listened to around the world - from the UK to the USA, Australia to Montenegro. Grab a cuppa and dive in 🪂 You'll love hearing Dianne's story - it is everything that Assa Marra, my love letter to West Cumbria, is about! I'd love to hear your feedback.

Link to listen here: https://bit.ly/AssaMarraDianneRichardson

11/09/2025

Some of us say we’ve got anxiety the way others say they’ve got the flu - when really, it might just be a cold. But for some, that anxiety is life-shattering. Dr Jeanne Retief knows this well.

A South African international human rights expert with a PhD and 15+ years of global work behind her, Jeanne collapsed under what she first thought was a stroke. It was panic disorder, and it ended her law career in an instant.
From that breaking point, she rose. She trained in cosmetic chemistry, launched FIGGI Beauty, and built a community called The Calm Club - for people who understand that anxiety is more than a buzzword.

This is an extraordinary story from crippling panic, which could hit at any time and anywhere - to finding a purpose in helping herself and so many others that goes way more than skin deep.

Jeanne is bright, wise, and deeply learned. This conversation isn’t just inspiring - it’s a survivor’s manifesto. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt their wiring was too much for the world.

04/09/2025

Wow - still can't quite believe that about 3 years and 50 episodes later, the Gobsmacked! Podcast has reached listeners in 125 countries! This journey has been all about connection, and it means the world to me that these inspiring stories resonate with so many of you.

This is a testament to showing up and keeping going, even when it feels daunting at times. It's a testament to those who stand by us and help us live that dream - you know who you are. I'm so excited for what's next! You may have seen a few hints in an earlier post 🚐

Thank you SO much to all who have supported me along the way, showed up and shared your stories, and also for the wonderful feedback that reaches me from around the world. Here's to the next 50!

The link to the Gobsmacked! Podcast series is here. https://pod.link/1612117307

03/09/2025

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Dr Jeanne Retief on the podcast this week! After a panic disorder diagnosis in 2015, her life unravelled, leading her to leave her career as a human rights expert. From that experience, she found the brave calm, the clarity and inspiration to create FIGGI Beauty.

In our conversation, she shares her journey from human rights lawyer to the raw truth of what panic disorder meant in her life. She talks about being an emotional wellness advocate, the power of emotional honesty, and why she created The Calm Club - a space for people to feel safe, seen, and supported in who they are.
This really is so worth a listen - it's real lived experience with so much gentle hope.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
Stream here: https://bit.ly/3JG0c7b

02/09/2025

How to do justice by way of introduction to my guest on my Gobsmacked! Podcast this week? Some of us say we’ve got anxiety the way others say they’ve got the flu - when really, it might just be a cold. But for some, that anxiety is life-shattering. Dr Jeanne Retief knows this well.

Dr Jeanne Retief was a high-flying international human rights expert, but then hit a major challenge that framed a huge transition in her life. What she first thought was a stroke turned into a diagnosis of Panic Disorder, ending her extraordinary and impactful law career in an instant.

From that breaking point, she rose, she studied, she changed direction. She trained in cosmetic chemistry, launched FIGGI Beauty, and built a community called The Anxious Calm for people who know that anxiety is more than just a buzzword.

This conversation with a bright, wise survivor is a manifesto. A must-listen for anyone who has ever felt their wiring was too much for the world. I hope it will help you to know that you are not alone. This is for you.

For everyone, it is a fascinating listen about anxiety, resilience and purpose.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/DrJeanneRetiefGobsmacked

28/08/2025

My Gobsmacked! podcast with Matt Gallagher ‘Beyond the Whistle’ has now reached listeners in 26 countries from Australia to Vietnam, UK to USA, Mauritius to Mexico... and remains one of my most listened to interviews.

Matt Gallagher is a former rugby pro facing Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Rejecting despair, Matt channels his strength into the Matt Gallagher Foundation, raising funds and awareness for MND. Tune in and be inspired by his resilience and determination.

If you haven't heard it before, this really is a powerful listen with lots to take away from his glass-half-full attitude in the face of such a challenge. The Matt Gallagher Foundation

Listen here: https://bit.ly/mattgallagherbeyondthewhistle

If you'd like to watch this interview you can find it on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/MattGallagherBeyondTheWhistleYT

27/08/2025

Sending huge congratulations to the courageous and resilient powerhouse that is Xander Van de Poll! He is a brilliant paracanoeist, and a few days ago placed 7th in his first World Championships!

I'm so grateful to have spent time with you, Xander, and what a perfect time to share a link to the podcast where you let us hear the highs and lows of your story.

It's a celebration of grit and graft. At just 18, Xander's life changed forever after a freak accident left him with a broken back. But instead of letting that define him, he defied the odds in ways that are truly awe-inspiring.

From taking medical exams from a hospital bed to becoming a practicing doctor and training for the 2028 Paralympics in paracanoe, Xander is a living, breathing testament to the power of attitude.

We talk about everything: the tough days, the small wins, and the big dreams. If you need a dose of inspiration, this one’s for you 💦🛶🤩

Congratulations again Xander - so excited for your future 🚀

Link to podcast: https://bit.ly/GobsmackedXanderVanDerPoll

22/08/2025

Just been looking back at some wonderful guests I've had the pleasure of talking to this year, and extraordinary stories from the last few months. I'm going to start resharing them as the feedback has been amazing. So if you are looking for some inspiration this weekend, here's a special one for you🎙️

Take a listen to "The Second Innings," a powerful podcast about Andrew "Patto" Patterson, a former Irish cricketer who was told he would never walk again. Instead of giving up, he fought back, raised money for pioneering surgery, and taught himself to walk a 5K. His story of persistence and courage is the perfect way to start your weekend with a big dose of determination. Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend!

Patto Power

Link to podcast: https://bit.ly/GobsmackedAndrewPatterson

21/08/2025

The response to the Assa Marra podcast has been incredible. This show, which I created as a love letter to West Cumbria and the legend I married, is all about shining a spotlight on the area's rugged, gritty heart—and it's now making waves far beyond its borders.

Our latest episode with the savvy, unstoppable, charismatic, and compassionate Rachel Holliday has climbed high into the top 25% of all podcasts globally with its performance in the first 10 days alone. We are so proud of the incredible momentum and reach we're achieving. I am so grateful to all who show up as guests, all who listen, support, give feedback, and share!

In just seven months and with only 15 episodes, our show has now been heard in a staggering 37 countries, a truly global community tuning in! From the United Kingdom to the USA, Bulgaria to Brazil, and Spain to South Africa, our audience is proving that the stories of West Cumbria resonate with people all over the world 🌎

Link to listen to Rachel: https://bit.ly/AssaMarraRachelHolliday - with 1 click you'll access it on your favourite 🎙️ stream

Thank you for listening and helping us share these stories!

Calderwood House Time To Change West Cumbria Project CIC

14/08/2025

My wonderful guest this week is an inspiration, a firecracker, a champion in the community.

So why did Rachel Holliday start Time to Change (West Cumbria) and open Calderwood House? Because she's been there herself. After experiencing homelessness as a teen, Rachel worked hard to create a better life. She's now living proof that investing in homelessness works.

In this powerful conversation on Assa Marra, Rachel shares her extraordinary path from addiction and homelessness to creating a place that offers people a hand up, not a handout. At Calderwood House, people find not only shelter but life skills, paid work, and a new beginning. It transforms lives and gives hope.

She’s a fearless force for good who doesn't let obstacles stand in her way. Take a listen to the full episode. Rachel is one of the amazing I spoke with this week. Another champion in magical, rugged, unique West Cumbria. Have a listen here, and I'd love to hear your feedback:

https://bit.ly/AssaMarraRachelHolliday

09/08/2025

Thinking of my wonderful Assa Marra podcast guest, Dianne Richardson, today as she takes to the skies for a skydive! She's raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance, a service that is absolutely vital in a rural county like Cumbria, where they can reach people in need in minutes, regardless of location. 🚁

Good luck, Dianne! You can do it!

And if you haven't heard Dianne's episode yet here's the link: https://bit.ly/AssaMarraDianneRichardson
You won't be surprised that she's doing this amazing fundraiser when you hear her talk!

Her fundraising link is here: https://bit.ly/41tH4PG

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