The Journey On Podcast: Birmingham Podcast Summit Recap #1 Host: Warwick Schiller
Release Date: September 6, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller provides an insightful and heartfelt recap of the recent UK Podcast Summit held in Birmingham, England. This landmark event, marking the fourth summit in the series, brought together a diverse group of presenters and attendees dedicated to personal development and growth within and beyond the horse world. Warwick engages with several key presenters, including neuroscientist Chantelle Pratt, renowned trainer Emily Kotter, transformative speaker Jennifer Zelig, veteran participant Kathy Price, and inspirational Christine Dixon. The episode delves deep into their experiences, the summit's unique features, and the profound impacts it had on all involved.

Summit Overview

Warwick begins by tracing the journey of the Podcast Summit, highlighting its evolution and global reach:

• Past Summits:

  • San Antonio, Texas (USA): Inaugural summit two years prior.
  • Melbourne, Australia: Second summit held last year.
  • San Antonio, Texas (USA): Returned last year for the third summit.

• Current Summit in Birmingham, England:
  Warwick notes a significant addition this year—Connection Circles, designed to foster deeper personal connections and allow participants to share their experiences in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Notable Quote:
[00:44] Warwick Schiller: “It’s a place to be heard. It’s not a place to be judged. It’s not a place to be educated. It’s a place to share.”

Connection Circles: A New Addition

A centerpiece of this year's summit, the Connection Circles, were introduced by Warwick and his wife Robin. These sessions encouraged participants to discuss designated topics, promoting vulnerability and authentic sharing without the pressure of receiving feedback or solutions.

Key Features:

• Structure:

  • Topics provided by Robin Schiller.
  • Group discussions with no required responses.
  • Emphasis on emotional expression and mutual support.

• Impact:

  • Enhanced emotional integration of summit experiences.
  • Strengthened community bonds among attendees.

Notable Quote:
[15:25] Warwick Schiller: “It was a great growth opportunity for me. It was definitely out of my comfort zone.”

Presenters’ Insights

Chantelle Pratt: Neuroscientist and Comedian

Chantelle Pratt, affectionately described as the “love child of Stephen Hawking and Robin Williams,” shared her multifaceted experience at the summit.

• Experience:
  Chantelle reflected on the unique energy of the summit, comparing being online to attending in-person, and emphasized the emotional depth participants experienced.

• Integration:
  She discussed how the summit accelerated personal growth, likening the brain’s processing of new experiences to rapid, transformative change.

Notable Quotes:
[10:05] Emily Kotter: “I'm grateful to see you again as well.”
[22:30] Chantelle Pratt: “I felt like they were set up for a reason because they’re all talking about the same thing.”

Emily Kotter: Championing Personal Growth

Emily Kotter provided a transformative narrative of her journey through the summit, highlighting profound personal challenges and breakthroughs.

• Summit Experience:
  Emily described experiencing an existential crisis post-presentation, where sharing her story led to intense emotional upheaval, challenging long-held self-perceptions.

• Growth and Integration:
  She articulated how the safe environment of the summit allowed her to dismantle her ego barriers and embrace deeper self-understanding.

Notable Quotes:
[12:16] Emily Kotter: “The summit is like pouring gasoline on our ability to learn from our experiences.”
[18:21] Warwick Schiller: “It's about that feeling of safety.”

Jennifer Zelig: Overcoming Fear and Finding Belonging

Jennifer Zelig recounted her emotional journey at the summit, where presenting her unique approach to human-animal relationships led to a personal existential crisis.

• Fear of Public Speaking:
  Despite significant anxiety, Jennifer chose to face her fear, leading to a profound collapse of her self-image and subsequent healing through community support.

• Realization:
  She discovered the importance of authentic self-expression and the power of being part of a supportive tribe.

Notable Quotes:
[34:27] Jennifer Zelig: “I was extremely grateful and happy for that.”
[43:11] Warwick Schiller: “If I'm not the weird outsider, who am I?”

Kathy Price: The Summit Veteran

Kathy Price, an OG participant having attended all summits, shared her enduring admiration for the event's evolving energy and community.

• Consistency and Growth:
  Kathy highlighted the summit's consistent ability to foster deep connections and personal transformation across different iterations.

• Connection Circles Impact:
  She emphasized how these circles facilitated authentic sharing and emotional release among participants.

Notable Quotes:
[59:12] Warwick Schiller: “You have to cancel the ticket. I’m never going to go through this again.”
[86:04] Christine Dixon: “The people that I met, both in the audience...”

Christine Dixon: Embracing Vulnerability

Christine Dixon discussed her personal transformation through the summit, detailing how witnessing others' profound stories inspired her to deepen her own narrative.

• Public Speaking Challenge:
  Christine initially feared presenting but found herself driven to go deeper after witnessing fellow presenters' genuine vulnerability.

• Summit Legacy:
  She expressed gratitude for the safe space that allowed her to dismantle her defenses and embrace her true self.

Notable Quotes:
[83:24] Christine Dixon: “I have to go deeper, I can share more, I can go to those places.”
[87:05] Warwick Schiller: “If you have listened to any or all of those podcasts, you’ll be as flabbergasted as I will...”

Impact of the Summit

The summit's unique blend of expert presentations, emotional Connection Circles, and a supportive community environment created a powerful catalyst for personal and collective growth among participants. Presenters emphasized themes such as:

• Vulnerability and Authenticity: Sharing personal stories without judgment fosters deep emotional connections.
• Community and Support: Building a network of like-minded individuals enhances personal development.
• Continuous Learning: The summit serves as a hub for exchanging ideas and refining personal growth strategies.

Notable Quote:
[107:30] Warwick Schiller: “You have people of a similar ilk coming with no expectation...”

Upcoming Events and Conclusion

Warwick concluded the episode by promoting the upcoming Journey On Podcast Summit in Paso Robles, California, set for October. He highlighted the extensive lineup of presenters and the continued commitment to fostering a transformative community experience.

Key Details:

• Website: summit.warwickshiller.com
• Meet and Greet: Opportunities to connect with presenters face-to-face.
• Presenter List: Includes Stacy Westport, Kelly Wendorf, and many more esteemed guests.

Warwick emphasized the summit's collaborative spirit and the ongoing creation of mastermind groups inspired by the event's success.

Final Notable Quote:
[118:02] Chantelle Pratt: “You can let it land, my friend. You can let it for real.”

Takeaways

• Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing personal stories in a safe environment can lead to profound personal growth and healing.
• Foster Community: Building connections with like-minded individuals enhances both personal and collective development.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in environments that challenge and expand your understanding to foster ongoing growth.

Join the Journey

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Journey On Podcast, where Warwick Schiller continues to explore transformative stories and insightful conversations with leaders in personal development and the equestrian world.

For more information and to join the upcoming summit, visit summit.warwickshiller.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:44] Warwick Schiller: “It’s a place to be heard. It’s not a place to be judged. It’s not a place to be educated. It’s a place to share.”
• [12:16] Emily Kotter: “The summit is like pouring gasoline on our ability to learn from our experiences.”
• [34:27] Jennifer Zelig: “I was extremely grateful and happy for that.”
• [75:09] Christine Dixon: “I'm very curious about meeting the horses that you live with.”

Stay Connected:
Follow Warwick Schiller on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates, training advice, and insights.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the Birmingham Podcast Summit Recap #1 episode, highlighting the transformative experiences of the presenters and the impactful elements of the summit.