Making It Arta

Really proud to present this episode where I speak to Geoblu, an artist, interviewer and event host.

Growing up in NW London, Geo started making music at a young age and moved on to also hosting radio shows, such as on ITCH FM. We speak about building resilience, getting recognition for his music and how his passion has shifted towards interviewing and running events. Having made his own music, Geo is in a great position to give really interesting interviews over on his ‘GeoPresents’ youtube channel where he's featured the likes of Sainte, Feux and Kamikaze and he describes these interviews as an enriching, almost spiritual, experience that give him an insight into someone’s outlook on life. Geo has also hosted multiple events bringing together sick lineups and amazing vibes and we talk about the ins and outs of these events, covering the skills he's gained and the way he plans on scaling. 

Have a listen to hear about his journey over the past few years, lockdown, thinking strategically about promoting music and events and much more! And make sure you follow him to see when the next event is on;) 

Check him out on Instagram:

@GeoBluLdn

@GeoPresents 

And 'GeoPresents' on Youtube! 

Follow and rate the podcast @themakingitpodcast :)! 





(Music by Wataboi: U Said It - https://soundcloud.com/wataboi/u-said-it-soundcloud)

Thursday 3rd March is University Mental Health Day 2022 and it was only right I opened up about my experience with mental health at university. University definitely has its highs and lows and it's often framed as 'the best time of your life' so in this episode, I talk about the different challenges faced by students at different points of their degree and about the key areas that negatively impacts our mental health. Social media, for some, is also a trigger that can affect our perceptions of the typical university experience and make it feel like others have managed to get a grasp of this crazy 3/4 years and balance it all and make the most of it, when in reality I believe we're all much more similar than we expect. We go through the same emotions, like loneliness, and the same experiences and none of us really know what we're doing. I hope that by opening up the conversation around mental health as a student, it can reassure others that others relate and we're not alone in our low periods.



If you've enjoyed this episode, rate and subscribe! And follow @themakingitpodcast on Instagram! 

(Music by Wataboi: U Said It - https://soundcloud.com/wataboi/u-said-it-soundcloud)

In this episode, I reflect on turning 21 and lessons I’ve learnt up until this point. Some of the key lessons I’ve learnt include learning to use comparison positively, learning to remain positive despite rejections and accepting the sole responsibility I have to prioritise myself and my goals.

Growing up, I’ve realised how much experience has made a difference on my perspective and I wanted to share my reflections and lessons in this episode. Sometimes you just haven't lived long enough and experienced enough to stumble upon certain lessons and wisdom but one year into the podcast, and another year into my life mean I've learnt some nice lessons that I hope you all find helpful and interesting! 

If you enjoy, rate the podcast on Apple or Spotify and follow @themakingitpodcast on instagram for latest updates! 

Welcome to this episode featuring Daniel to talk about men's mental health. November is the global men’s mental health month, with charities like Movember, working to spread awareness for the struggles that are often silently fought. Men are subject to cultural ideals and gender norms around masculinity and 'what it means to be a man' and Samaritans have found this contributes to rising mental health struggles and higher suicide rates. 

In this episode we highlight some factors impacting men’s mental health and the societal influences that prevent conversations being had. Money, academic stress, uncertainty about the future, body image, and in particular, Daniel's journey with mental health, taking anti-depressants and his advice and outlook are discussed.

We also discuss the importance of discipline over motivation, having compassion for yourself at every stage of your mental health journey and social media. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health or want more information, take a look at this resource.

@themakingitpodcast on Instagram

@Danieloflaherty_ on Instagram

I recently went on a Vipassana 10 day meditation course that is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Taught by S.N. Goenka, Vipassana means seeing things as they really are and it is a method of self-purification by self-observation. Going on this course means you are silent for 10 days, away from all electronic devices, waking up at 4am, sleeping at 9pm, meditating for 10 hours a day and truly dedicating yourself to the technique.

A fundamental lesson you learn is about impermanence - everything in life is impermanent and we have feelings (anger, sadness, passion) that cause sensations in our body. We are conditioned and used to reacting in certain ways to these feelings and sensations, but these reactions cause us misery, as do attachments to things. Either we're craving for an experience, and hurt when it doesn't happen, or we're avoiding an experience, and hurt when it happens. If we can become able to let go of craving and aversion, as well as attachments, we can understand the universal truth of impermanence in life and purify ourselves. This is quite a bit promise and for that reason, I had to see for myself if I could uncover the roots of problems in my unconscious to positively impact my life. 

In this episode, I explain the purpose behind Vipassana, why someone would do it and recount days 1-4, with my hardest days being described. This was not an easy, or short, experience, but one that promises a life-changing and long-lasting impact so I was intrigued. 

Come back next Wednesday for part 2 where I recount days 5-10, give my advice, tell some stories and explain the impact its had on my life. 

Subscribe and review the podcast and follow the Instagram@TheMakingItPodcast

(Music by Wataboi: U Said It - https://soundcloud.com/wataboi/u-said-it-soundcloud)

University is a special time in someones life if they choose to go. It is 3/4 years where so much growing up and change happens - in so many facets of your life. It's often the first time you move away from family, live alone, have more independence, make new friends, choose what you want to do, how you want to spend your time, and money. In this episode I talk about some of the things I've realised from my first year of university and what I wish I knew.

Like learning the importance of prioritising your mental health and understanding what triggers difficult emotions. How you can choose to let yourself feel your emotions and be present, but then resist sitting in those feelings once you have passed the peak. For example, sadness can come with intensity but once you pass the most intense moments of it, you can choose to move on, shift your environment and shake it off, rather than prolonging it with sad music and isolating yourself.

Ultimately it's important to prioritise the relationship you have with yourself and look after yourself, in life and university especially.

University also has the education and friendship aspects that can be amazing, but also challenging. You can use systems and routines that work for you to achieve your education goals and do well as well as meet your friends for life. University and this new independence also means taking the action to go towards things you're interested in is up to you and super important to do.

So have a listen if you are heading to university and want to know what to expect and keep in mind, your timing is unique and there is a silver lining for every hardship and challenge at university as well as the amazing pros.



Follow @TheMakingItPodcast on Instagram and follow the podcast on all podcast platforms! 

(Music by Wataboi: U Said It - https://soundcloud.com/wataboi/u-said-it-soundcloud)