The Happy Pod: The unlikely duo getting men talking about mental health

Summary

Global News Podcast: The Happy Pod Episode: The Happy Pod: The Unlikely Duo Getting Men Talking About Mental Health Release Date: May 24, 2025

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Introduction

In this uplifting episode of The Happy Pod, Valerie Sanderson guides listeners through a series of heartwarming and inspiring stories from around the globe. From mental health advocacy to wildlife conservation, extraordinary athletic achievements, transformative prison programs, entrepreneurial philanthropy, and young prodigies, this episode is a testament to human resilience and creativity. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and notable quotes.

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Sid Batty and Quack: Breaking Stigma in Men's Mental Health

[00:50 – 05:57]

The episode opens with the compelling story of Sid Batty, a 24-year-old mental health advocate who has embarked on a global journey accompanied by his unlikely companion, Quack, a cuddly toy duck. What began as Sid's personal coping mechanism for anxiety evolved into a powerful movement aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues among men.

Key Highlights:

• Origins of Quack: Sid shares how purchasing Quack during a tough period at university [01:35] served as a symbol of hope and resilience. Initially a personal comfort, Quack became a social media sensation after Sid began documenting his travels with the toy in December [02:00].

  Sid Batty:
  "Quack might just be a stuffed animal to some, but to me, he's more than that. He constantly reminded me that things would be okay." [02:30]

• Impact and Reach: Sid's first social media post featuring Quack amassed over 2 million views and 2,000 supportive comments within a day, exceeding his expectations and demonstrating the global need for open conversations about mental health [04:00].

  Sid Batty:
  "Reading all the comments of support showed me that I can make a change in this world. I can actually have an impact on people by doing this." [04:10]

• Personal Motivations: The tragic loss of Sid's friend, Niall, to suicide deepened his resolve to promote mental health awareness and support [03:18].

• Advice to Others: Sid encourages individuals struggling with their emotions to focus on the long-term perspective, reminding them that "it's a bad day, it's not a bad life" [05:15].

  Sid Batty:
  "Believe me, the bad times won't last forever. Do what makes you happy because it is your life at the end of the day." [05:20]

Conclusion: Sid Batty and Quack represent a beacon of hope, illustrating how personal struggles can transform into global advocacy, inspiring millions to speak openly about their mental health challenges.

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Asiatic Lions: A Conservation Triumph

[06:36 – 09:14]

Transitioning to wildlife conservation, the podcast highlights the remarkable recovery of Asiatic lions in India, particularly within the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Context: Once ranging from Turkey across Asia to eastern India, Asiatic lions faced near extinction due to hunting for sport [06:36].

• Recovery Efforts: Through focused conservation strategies, including habitat protection and community cooperation, the lion population has surged by over a third, reaching 891 individuals as of the latest census [07:11].

  Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala:
  "The lion has been very special to all of us. It is a magnificent animal, we all are very proud of it." [07:32]

• Challenges and Future Plans: With lions expanding beyond Gir to 11 districts, there are concerns about human-lion conflicts and the risks of disease and forest fires. Discussions are ongoing about potential relocation to neighboring states to ensure genetic diversity and safety [08:36].

  Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala:
  "It is to the credit of both the government and the local people that they have put up with the lions and have taken care of them." [09:14]

Conclusion: The resurgence of Asiatic lions is a significant conservation victory, showcasing the power of dedicated efforts and community involvement in wildlife preservation.

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Barbara Hernandez: The Ice Mermaid's Antarctic Swim

[09:25 – 14:10]

The podcast then introduces Barbara Hernandez, affectionately known as the Ice Mermaid, a Chilean open water swimmer who has achieved unprecedented feats in the Antarctic.

Key Highlights:

• Early Struggles and Breakthrough: Barbara overcame childhood insecurities and financial constraints to discover open water swimming at 17, channeling her passion into breaking barriers [10:13].

  Barbara Hernandez:
  "I realized it didn't matter if I wasn't the fastest. I just needed to be the most persistent." [10:36]

• Historic Antarctic Swim: In 2014, Barbara became the first South American to complete the Ocean's 77 Marathon open water channel swim in the Antarctic, enduring freezing temperatures and challenging conditions [12:00].

  Barbara Hernandez:
  "My mother has a beautiful saying which is, you mustn't be afraid of fear... it's how we get there." [11:47]

• Emotional Journey: The swim was not only a physical challenge but also an emotional journey, symbolizing her resilience and dedication. Despite severe hypothermia post-swim, Barbara cherished the moment of achievement and the support from her team [12:00].

  Barbara Hernandez:
  "Although I was concentrating on my swim and the boat, there were also some beautiful moments... I was dreaming about the glaciers, it's like they're calling to me." [12:00]

• Future Aspirations: Barbara expresses a deep connection with the Antarctic and a desire to return, highlighting her commitment to inspiring others and embracing life's challenges [13:22].

  Barbara Hernandez:
  "I want to show people what they can be capable of. I need to go back." [13:22]

Conclusion: Barbara Hernandez's story is a powerful example of how determination and passion can lead to groundbreaking achievements, inspiring others to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams.

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Mindfulness in Kenyan Prisons: Transforming Lives

[14:21 – 19:22]

Another inspiring segment features a mindfulness program implemented in Kenya's high-security prisons, demonstrating significant reductions in violence and improved relationships between inmates and staff.

Key Highlights:

• Program Initiation: Ten years ago, Naivasha GK prison introduced a mindfulness program focusing on breathing and meditation to foster self-awareness and acceptance [15:13].

  Maya Inouby:
  "The response was beyond my wildest dreams. They were transforming themselves from day one to even day two." [15:43]

• Techniques and Training: The program includes writing down emotions, meditating, and using metaphors like tuning a radio to manage negative and positive thoughts [16:28].

  Joseph Mugada:
  "We have a paradigm shift from the chaos that we used to have to a very calm institution." [18:01]

• Impact Report: An University of Exeter report revealed an 85% reduction in violent incidents, alongside decreased anger and stress among inmates and staff [17:29].

• Expansion and Community Influence: The success of the program led to its adoption in 17 other prisons and extended into the broader community, benefiting young people and former inmates [18:16].

  Maya Inouby:
  "Investing in mindfulness in the community... it won't perish. It will go on and on." [18:49]

Conclusion: The mindfulness initiative in Kenyan prisons underscores the profound impact that mental health and self-awareness programs can have on even the most challenging environments, fostering peace and mutual understanding.

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Philanthropy on Isle of Colonsay: A Smokery for Community Growth

[19:22 – 24:04]

The episode highlights Richard Irving's philanthropic endeavor to sustain the small community of Colonsay in Scotland by establishing a salmon smokery, intended to attract entrepreneurial young couples.

Key Highlights:

• Motivation and Vision: Richard, a long-time admirer of Colonsay, set up the smokery with the intention of giving it away to motivated individuals who can develop the business and invigorate the island's population [20:59].

  Richard Irving:
  "I want to give it away to somebody who would like to build it and grow it in a beautiful place like this." [21:59]

• Community Needs: With a dwindling population and only four children in the local school, Richard aims to bring in a young family willing to invest time and entrepreneurial spirit to ensure the community's sustainability [22:16].

  Richard Irving:
  "I need a couple where one can work remotely and have young children to support the school's future." [22:27]

• Response and Challenges: Receiving over 270 responses, Richard emphasizes the dreamers' and schemers' interest, acknowledging the challenges of island life while highlighting its unparalleled beauty and community spirit [22:59].

  Richard Irving:
  "I'm happy to give my time away to help out the next generation, particularly for this island." [23:39]

Conclusion: Richard Irving's initiative demonstrates a creative approach to sustaining small communities through entrepreneurial philanthropy, offering a unique opportunity for young families to contribute to and thrive in a picturesque environment.

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Harvey Goodbody: 11-Year-Old Piano Prodigy

[24:04 – 25:48]

The podcast also celebrates the remarkable achievements of Harvey Goodbody, an 11-year-old self-taught pianist who has mastered Grade 8 piano exams within five months.

Key Highlights:

• Self-Motivation: Harvey's passion for classical music, particularly Beethoven, led him to dedicate hours each day to practicing and learning through YouTube tutorials [24:31].

  Harvey's Mother, Jen:
  "After seeing his video, I was absolutely astounded and had to recommend more tutors." [25:48]

• Therapeutic Benefits: Learning to play the piano has provided Harvey with a therapeutic outlet, helping him manage his emotions and find satisfaction in his musical progress [24:31].

  Harvey Goodbody:
  "It's really satisfying to play music like this. I'm also starting to compose my own music." [24:31]

• Future Aspirations: Encouraged by his initial success, Harvey has begun formal piano lessons, further honing his skills and inspiring others with his dedication and talent [25:48].

Conclusion: Harvey Goodbody's story is a testament to the power of self-directed learning and passion, showcasing how young individuals can achieve extraordinary feats with dedication and the right resources.

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Words of Wisdom from Kermit the Frog

[25:48 – 26:55]

Concluding the episode, Kermit the Frog delivers a heartfelt commencement speech, offering sage advice to graduates stepping into the next phase of their lives.

Notable Quotes:

Kermit the Frog:
"Life is better when we leap together. Stay connected to your loved ones, friends, and dreams. Dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there." [26:14]

Conclusion: Kermit's speech encapsulates the episode's overarching themes of connection, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams while maintaining meaningful relationships.

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Closing Remarks

Valerie Sanderson wraps up the episode, inviting listeners to share their own inspirational stories and highlighting the enriching experiences shared by the diverse range of guests. The editors and producers are acknowledged for their seamless delivery of these heartwarming narratives.

Contact:
For story submissions, reach out to [e-mail].

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Summary:
This episode of The Happy Pod masterfully weaves together stories of personal triumph, community resilience, and the transformative power of compassion and dedication. From Sid Batty's crusade to normalize men's mental health struggles, the booming conservation efforts for Asiatic lions, Barbara Hernandez's ice-battling swims, groundbreaking mindfulness programs in Kenyan prisons, Richard Irving's philanthropic ventures on Colonsay, to Harvey Goodbody's prodigious piano skills and Kermit's timeless wisdom—each segment offers valuable insights and inspiration. This rich tapestry of narratives underscores the podcast's mission to highlight the best of global good news, providing listeners with hope and motivation to create positive change in their own lives and communities.

Transcript

[Valerie Sanderson]

This is the happy pod from the BBC World Service. I'm Valerie Sanderson and in this edition.

[Sid Batty]

Reading all the comments of support on that first video showed me that I can make a change in this world. I can actually have an impact on people by doing this. Focus on the bigger picture. You know it's a bad day, it's not a bad life.

[Valerie Sanderson]

We meet a man who's helping millions of people with mental health issues with the support of an unlikely companion. A a roaring success in India as lions make a comeback. How simple breathing techniques have dramatically reduced prison violence in Kenya. Also, the 11 year old who's taught himself to play the piano in just five months. And sage advice for graduates from a.

[Kermit the Frog]

Frog Life is better when we leap together.

[Valerie Sanderson]

We start with the tale of an unlikely duo who have been helping people with mental health issues. 24 year old Sid Batty has traveled the world with Quack, a cuddly toy duck. And what started as a simple way to cope with anxiety has turned into a global adventure. Sid has documented his travels on social media and gained millions of views for his honest and open conversations about mental health. He wants to break the stigma around men talking about the issue and encourage others to be open about their struggles. With Quack by his side, Sid spoke to the happy pods.

[Sid Batty]

Holly Gibbs I was in my second year at university and a couple of years prior I'd been diagnosed with social anxiety, depression and ocd. And when I was at university in my second year, it got quite bad. I was going through a pretty rough period mentally. And so one day I just decided to go to the local shops and buy something to make myself feel better. Something that I could like, look at and it would remind me that everything will be okay. And well, I bought Quack. This is Quack and my name is Sid. And to some people Quack might just be a stuffed animal. But for someone who has been struggling with social anxiety depression, he was my symbol that everything would be okay no matter how hard things get. And I kept him for about a year and a half without ever posting him. I brought him with me to just kind of make me feel less alone. Every place I went to around Europe initially, I kind of took pictures of him in every and every beautiful city I went to. Yeah, I guess I posted him for the first time when I was in Australia in December and it kind of just blew up from there really. This is the first Christmas that I'm not going to be with my family. In fact, I'm on the other side of the world. I'M currently in Sydney, Australia, and all I have with me is my duck that I travel the world with. He is unfortunately just an inanimate object. He can't speak, but it's more everything I've put into him and everything he means to me. A stranger down the street will just look at it and think he's just got a stuffed animal with him. But to me, he's helped me through all the tough times. I speak about him like he's a person, but he's constantly reminded me that things would be okay. So it is more than just a stuffed animal.

[Holly Gibbs]

And on a serious note, you talk a lot on your social media about mental health and being open about the struggles that you face. What do you hope to achieve by doing that?

[Sid Batty]

I just. I hope that people can see me and see me speak openly and realize themselves that they're not alone. I think me putting myself out there and being open enough to speak about it and speak about the things that help me, I hope that that helps men in particular see that it's okay to not be okay. I actually had one of my. One of my friends took his own life and his name was Niall and he was actually one of my biggest supporters when I first started the social media stuff. So that, that hit me quite hard, to be honest. And I guess that that just kind of motivates me more to do something about it. And subconsciously that is. That's helped me.

[Holly Gibbs]

What's the feedback been on your social media?

[Sid Batty]

It's been. It's been incredible. I mean, I checked the video after the first day and it had had about 2 million views and there was about 2,000 comments. And I was just sat there reading them and I had the biggest smile on my face because I thought the initial reaction was that it was going to be. It was really cringe and embarrassing and all of that. I thought I was going to have to take the video down, but reading all the comments of support on that first video showed me that, you know what? I can. I can make a change in this world. I can actually have an impact on people by doing this. So the one that sticks out to me, I had a mother message me and she said, she said that because of me, she's booked her first solo travel trip to help her mental health and she's taking her daughter's teddy with her. The teddy has her daughter's ashes in so she can show her the world and that it gives me goosebumps every time I tell that story.

[Holly Gibbs]

Gosh, that's incredible that you've inspired somebody else to do the same as what you did.

[Sid Batty]

It's so overwhelming, like I say, but having that impact on people. And like I said, people telling you from the heart and taking the time out of their day to send you a message, pouring their heart out telling you how much you've helped them and how much videos you make have helped them. I can't put it into words. It's. It's just overwhelming.

[Holly Gibbs]

What would you say to people who don't know how to be more open with their feelings?

[Sid Batty]

Think about where you're gonna be in five years time and try and act on that today if you're struggling right now. The bad, the bad times won't last forever. Believe me. I was, I was going through the depths of it. I really was. I couldn't see, I couldn't see light at the end of the tunnel. But I always thought, you know what, one day, in a month, in a year, in five years, this is going to pass and I'm going to be happy. I think you just need to kind of think a bit long term about it and focus, focus on the bigger picture. You know, it's a bad day, it's not a bad life. Don't let other people's opinions dictate your life. Always follow your dreams and just remember that everything will be okay. And do what makes you happy because it is your life at the end of the day.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Sid Batty talking there to Holly Gibbs. And do you have an unlikely constant companion that makes your life well, we'd love to hear from you. As ever, the address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk. in the early 20th century, Asiatic lions were teetering on the brink of extinction, with numbers plummeting to around 20. Now it's a different story. As you may have heard in our global news podcast, their population in India has increased by more than a third in just five years. Isabella Jewell has been finding out why.

[Isabella Jewell]

They once roamed large parts of the earth from Turkey across Asia to eastern India. But Asiatic lions were hunted to near extinction for sport in past centuries. Nowadays, the big cats are only found in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Compared to their African cousins, Asiatic lions are slightly smaller in stature and and the males tend to have shorter and darker manes and they're an important symbol for India. Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala is a leading wildlife conservationist there.

[Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala]

The lion has been very special to all of us. It has also been our national animal before it was dethroned by the tiger. And it's a magnificent animal, we all are very proud of it. It is, as would one say, with the tiger primus enter Paris, the first amongst equals.

[Isabella Jewell]

There has been a real focus on conservation in recent decades and a census this month found that the numbers of Asiatic lions are rising and fast. Compared to the last count in 2020, the population has grown by more than a third to 891. But what's behind the surge? Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala, who's from Gujarat, has been involved in lion conservation.

[Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala]

For decades by better protecting the habitat. It was very evident to me very early on that the best hope, or in fact indeed the only hope for the long term survival of not just the wildlife but of nature is safe only in effectively managed protected areas. Our national parks and sanctuaries and community reserve. With the cooperation of the local communities there are five national parks and sanctuaries in the GIR region. By effectively protecting those parks and sanctuaries, the population reach carrying capacity of those areas and have spilled out.

[Isabella Jewell]

While they used to be limited to the Gir National park and Wildlife Sanctuary, they now roam 11 districts with sightings in sanctuaries like Panya, Gina and Bada as well as in non forested and coastal areas. There are some concerns there could be increased risks to humans as the lion population grows and the lions are susceptible to diseases and forest fires if they remain an isolated group. Currently there's a debate over whether some of the lions should be relocated to a neighbouring state. But Dr. Jala believes these latest figures are a major win for all involved.

[Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala]

It is to the credit of both the government and and of the local people that they have put up with the lions and have taken care of them and looked after them.

[Valerie Sanderson]

And that was the sound of an Asiatic lion. That was Dr. M.K. ranjit Singhala speaking there to Isabella Jewell next to a woman known affectionately in her native Chile as the Ice Mermaid. Barbara Hernandez was the first South American to complete the Ocean's 77 Marathon open water channel swims and holds the record for the longest swim in Antarctic covering a mind boggling two and a half kilometers in water that was just two degrees Celsius. She'd grown up dreaming of swimming for her country but was teased at competitions because her parents could only afford second hand costumes and she never felt she was good enough in the pool. Then aged 17, Barbara discovered open water swimming. She's been speaking to Jane Chambers.

[Barbara Hernandez]

I realized it didn't matter if I wasn't the fastest. I just needed to be the most persistent. I think when I did that first swim in the river, a little seed was sown where I asked myself if maybe I could be the first Chilean woman to do these big swims and inspire little girls and women to connect with the sea and enjoy swimming there.

[Holly Gibbs]

In 2014, she was invited to swim in Argentina in a lake near the Perito Moreno Glacia, Argentina.

[Barbara Hernandez]

It was the first time I had ever seen it snowing. I was really scared because I just didn't know how my body was going to respond. And when I was in the water, I realized just how tough and strong I was because I've been swimming and training all my life. I've learned how to adapt to the cold and just keep swimming. And I came first, even out of the men. It was amazing feeling the water on my body and my hands. We wanted to do a near impossible swim. No one had ever swum 2 1/2 kilometers in the Antarctic before. My mother has a beautiful saying which is, you mustn't be afraid of fear. I know you have to learn to live with fear, and I know it exists, but he can take over your life.

[Holly Gibbs]

The audio you can hear is Barbara swimming in deep grey, freezing cold water right by a wall of ice. Her team are speeding along beside her on two boats.

[Barbara Hernandez]

Although I was concentrating on my swim and the boat, there were also some beautiful moments. The water was so transparent. I thought about my parents and my dogs and the little girl that I once was, that was born in a city without the sea and now had the privilege of swimming in the Antarctic. The last 500 meters were tough. I felt heavier and heavier, but when I finally finished, it was amazing. I had severe hypothermia. So yes, I had managed it. But the most difficult part is the recovery. They were winching me up to the naval boat on my stretcher and I saw this huge Chilean flag and the whole crew waiting to see me. And I heard this song from Rocky, the Eye of the Tiger. And even though I was literally dying, I had this dag of giggles listening to that song.

[Holly Gibbs]

So why does she do it?

[Barbara Hernandez]

For me, it's a different way of embracing life. For me, it's about the challenge. Being Chilean and a woman and a Latin American. Achieving this makes me so proud. I want to show people what they can be capable of. I want to go back to Antarctica. We're planning our return. I miss the penguins. When I go for a long time without seeing the glaciers, I start dreaming about them. It's like they're calling to me and a part of me has been left behind there. So I need to go back.

[Valerie Sanderson]

And you can hear more from Barbara Hernandez on Outlook wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Coming up in this podcast.

[Kermit the Frog]

I'm quite happy to give my time away to try and help out the next generation, particularly for this island.

[Valerie Sanderson]

The man who set up a new business just so he could give it away. Next to Kenya, where a simple idea has improved the lives of prison staff and inmates. Ten years ago, the country's largest high security jail invited an expert to teach a session on mindfulness using breathing and meditation to foster self awareness and acceptance. Those who went started teaching others and it's now spread to prisons throughout the country and beyond. Maya Inouby has been finding out more about the project which started at Naivasha GK prison near the capital Nairobi.

[Maya Inouby]

Yeah, this is a mindful group with a song entitled Hopeful Masters. Hopeful masters, are you ready?

[Joseph Mugada]

Now this is the somewhat unlikely sound of a group of inmates in a maximum security men's prison in singing a song about mindfulness.

[Dr. MK Ranjit Singh Jala]

Mindful leaders we are hopeful masters Mindful leaders we can transform.

[Maya Inouby]

They're your neighbors so my name is Inma Darvestiorno.

[Barbara Hernandez]

While in Kenya, they know me as Dr. Inma. I kept on saying that the response was well beyond my wildest dreams. The way in which they were transforming themselves from day one to even to day two, it was just absolutely extraordinary.

[Joseph Mugada]

Joseph Mugada has been an officer at this prison for 15 years.

[Maya Inouby]

As prison officers, you used to carry a button. It's part of your uniform. Because anytime a chaos can erupt in this maximum security prison. So you have to be armed to defend yourself. She told us, I'm here because I want to roll out a program which talk about the mind. Yes, the inner reflection, the inner soul.

[Joseph Mugada]

A big group of inmates and a few officers congregated together in a large room.

[Maya Inouby]

She started to ask us, what is in your feeling? What is in your mind? Others gave anger, others uncertainty, others confused. She told us to write down what we feel and fold the paper. And then we meditate. What is the effect of what you have written in our body, in our soul? And she took all what we have written and she burned. And she informed us, you have brought it from your soul, from your mind, and now it is no longer with you.

[Joseph Mugada]

Afterwards, they started talking about how to work with their minds. They were taught to use different techniques, like comparing their minds to something. I really like a radio.

[Maya Inouby]

This radio. You can choose the channel which is negative, or the channel, which is positive. So the technique were able to help us to understand ourselves.

[Joseph Mugada]

Those who received the training were invited to become what's called mindful leaders and share what they'd learned with others in the prison. Soon, these simple lessons ended up spreading throughout the facility. Four years after the training began, an impact report published by the University of Exeter showed that violent incidents had reduced by 85%. Anger and stress among inmates and staff had also fallen. And mindfulness training had led to a transformational change between guards and inmates.

[Maya Inouby]

We were able to understand the inmates, and the inmates were able to understand us. And the discipline in the prison was able now to have a paradigm shift from the chaos that we used to have to a very calm institution.

[Joseph Mugada]

And today, thanks to inmates and committed officers like Joseph, the mindful leadership program has spread to 17 other prisons across the country. And it's even spilled out beyond prison walls. In a town in the west of Kenya called Kakamega, a former prisoner called David Okwemba is leading a session in mindfulness for young people living on the street. David served 13 years at Naivasha GK prison.

[Maya Inouby]

If you change your mind, positive, then all these negative things that are happening or what people think about you is not you. And from my experience, it is working. That's why I took it to the community. Some of them, they have lived to use drugs. They are not using drugs. I believe that the best investment is to the people, to the community, and it will never, never perish. So if I invest mindfulness in the community, it won't perish. It's something that will go on, will go on and on.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Prison officer Joseph Mugada ending that report from Myra Anubi. And you can hear more on people fixing the world wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Now, who doesn't sometimes dream of quitting the rat race and decamping to an idyllic island where life is slow and the sun is mostly shining? Well, that's what's on offer to one lucky young family with entrepreneurial spirit and a love of smoked salmon. A philanthropic businessman has spent the past few years setting up a salmon smokery just so he can give it away. And all to help boost the population of the Isle of Colonsay on the west coast of Scotland, which he has loved for decades. Richard Irving spoke to the BBC's Paddy Maguire.

[Kermit the Frog]

My life on the island is spent mainly running the smokery and just enjoying what is one of the most beautiful islands, certainly in Scotland, if not in Western Europe, if not the world. The island is very small. It's got eight miles of metalled road on benefits from the Gulf Stream. So a relatively mild climate. Living in a small community like this brings you so much closer to how a society works. So I know the guys who empty the bins, I know the guys who fix the water, I know the guys who fix the electricity. Quite often you have to lend a hand in order to get something done. And that makes it, I think, a very. A very balanced way to look at life and the joy of living on this planet.

[Isabella Jewell]

So you decided to set up a salmon smokery there. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

[Kermit the Frog]

I took my wife to this island on honeymoon 38 years ago, and we've been coming every year since with the kids. And they love it, and we love it. On small islands like this, a reasonable ongoing population would probably be about 200 people, because we've got 125. There are only four kids in the school, which means we're teetering on the edge. Always, of course, being a viable community, having enough young people, people of a working age, to do things like run the ambulance service and the fire service. So I thought what I can do is start a business that I can then give away to someone to entice them to come, a young couple to come and live on the island. I think we need more entrepreneurial spirit here. And now I've got back the money I had to put in in order to get the thing up and running. So now I would like to give it away to somebody who would like to build it and grow it and do something in a beautiful place like this, but who doesn't perhaps have, you know, the 50,000 or whatever you need to actually start up a business like this?

[Isabella Jewell]

You mentioned you're looking for a young couple. What qualities are you looking for in them and what are the challenges that they're going to face if they took up this incredible offer?

[Kermit the Frog]

My ideal is that we have a couple, say, where one of them could work remotely, may have a job that they could do remotely, and that would give them some income while they were building up the smokery business. They need to have young children because I want more children on the school role. Once the school goes, that's it. You'll never get anybody to come and live on the island again. They have to be fairly entrepreneurial. It's a great opportunity for somebody to come and grow the business.

[Isabella Jewell]

How much interest or response have you had?

[Kermit the Frog]

Oh, my God. I had so far, over 270 responses. They are as the New York Times put it, dreamers and schemers. You know, there are people who dream of moving to an island like this. It does have its challenges, but the other side of it is it is just the most beautiful island to live on. And I think if I was younger, if I was, you know, 30 years ago when I had small children, the opportunity to bring them up and go to a school where there are probably more teachers than there are pupils, you're.

[Isabella Jewell]

Gonna, let's say, babysit the people who take it on, but you will also maintain your connection with this island that you've been in love with for decades.

[Kermit the Frog]

Yes, yes, absolutely, absolutely. I mean, maybe I should think of another business that I could set up. You know, I'm, I am a baby boomer, part of that very fortunate generation. And I think it's a lot harder for younger people these days. And so if I can use some of my capital to help, I don't want to give money away, but I'm quite happy to give my time away to try and help out the next generation, particularly for this island.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Richard Irving for most of us it's a skill that would take years of practice to perfect. But an 11 year old boy here in the UK has taught himself to play the piano and pass the highest practical graded music exam available, grade 8 in just wait for it 5 months. Harvey Goodbody has been learning famous classical compositions by watching YouTube and videos of him posted by his mum Jen have gained thousands of views.

[Holly Gibbs]

He's always loved music but kind of got into classical music at the end of last year. Since then he just decided he wanted to start playing Beethoven. Yeah, out of the blue, just taught himself, decided that's what he wanted to play and then since then he's been on there hours every day. I wanted to learn because I just found it therapeutic and it was really satisfying to play music like this. I usually practice two to three hours a day. I'm learning to read sheet music and play it now and I also tinkle a little bit in composing my own music. He has started lessons. Last week he had one lesson. Now she was absolutely astounded. I had to show her a video before we went. She has a lot of tutors that work for her and was going to recommend two other tutors. But then as soon as she saw the video, she's got him herself.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata from self taught and incredible 11 year old Harvey Goodbody. And we thought we'd finish this episode with some sage advice from a frog. Kermit the frog was chosen to give the commencement speech to students graduating from the University of Maryland this week, and the amphibious Muppet had these pearls of wisdom. For those who were, in his words, preparing for this big leap into real.

[Kermit the Frog]

Life, here's a little advice. If you're willing to listen to a frog, rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side. Because life is better when we leap together. It's important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends, and most of all, stay connected to your dreams. No matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem. The truth is, dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Words of wisdom from Kermit the Frog.

[Kermit the Frog]

Foreign.

[Valerie Sanderson]

That'S it from the Happy Pod for now. If you have a story you think would bring happiness and inspiration to other listeners. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk and you can now watch some of our interviews on YouTube. Just search for the Happy Pod. This edition was mixed by Masoud Ibrahim and the producers were Holly Gibbs and Rachel Bulkley. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Valerie Sanderson. Until next time. Bye Bye.