Always Better than Yesterday with Ryan Hartley | A Podcast for Heart Centred Leaders

In this episode of the Always Better Than Yesterday Podcast, host Ryan Hartley sits down with Nic Warner and Sarah Warnaar to explore sacred union, polarity, men’s work, women’s work and the deeper path of love.Nic shares his journey from addiction, emotional disconnection and the collapse of his former life into a path of healing that led him into men’s work and deeper self-awareness. Sarah reflects on her upbringing in a family of psychologists, her experience in modeling, and her journey through eating disorders and body dysmorphia into a deeper embodiment of the feminine.This episode explores what it truly means to move beyond modern relationship templates into something more honest, more challenging and more meaningful. Together, Nic and Sarah unpack the foundations of sacred union, the importance of inner sovereignty, and the role of brotherhood and sisterhood in shaping the people we become in relationship.The conversation moves through themes of intimacy, polarity, generosity, shadow work and communication, offering both practical insight and deeper philosophical reflection on what it takes to build a relationship rooted in truth rather than illusion.At its heart, this episode is about becoming the kind of person who can hold real love — grounded in devotion, responsibility and growth.About Nic Warner & Sarah Warnaar’s WorkNic Warner and Sarah Warnaar guide men, women and couples through transformational work rooted in sacred union, embodiment and relational depth.The work includes men’s work, women’s work, retreats, rites of passage, coaching and immersive experiences designed to deepen connection and self-awareness.The goal is to help people come home to themselves, build inner union, strengthen relationships and create lives rooted in truth, connection and purpose.Those with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Nic Warner & Sarah WarnaarWebsite (Nic): https://www.nicwarner.com/Website (Sarah): https://www.sarahwarnaar.com/Instagram (Nic): https://www.instagram.com/nicwarner/Instagram (Sarah): https://www.instagram.com/sarahwarnaar/Instagram (Sarah) https://www.instagram.com/thetempleofthefeminineflame/ Connect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactDiscover your heartset: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to:podcast@abty.co.ukEpisode Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:30 – Nic’s journey through collapse and healing08:40 – Sarah’s path into the feminine14:35 – Where sacred union begins19:20 – The three pillars28:30 – Brotherhood and men’s work31:30 – Communication and unmet needs42:00 – Sisterhood and feminine wisdom47:00 – Sacred union is not Disney55:00 – Rites of passage59:00 – Legacy and heartprint#AlwaysBetterThanYesterday #RyanHartley #NicWarner #SarahWarnaar #SacredUnion #MensWork #WomensWork #Polarity #Relationships #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the Always Better Than Yesterday Podcast, host Ryan Hartley sits down with psychotherapist and author Jessica Fern, alongside restorative justice facilitator David Cooley.Together, they explore the core ideas behind their book Transforming the Shame Triangle, unpacking how shame is formed, how it operates internally, and how it shapes our relationships, leadership, and sense of self.Drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory and restorative practices, Jessica and David introduce the concept of the Shame Triangle — a powerful framework that explains the internal dynamics many of us experience daily.Through this conversation, they reveal how our inner critic, shame responses, and coping strategies are not flaws, but adaptive parts shaped by our upbringing, culture and lived experiences.The conversation explores the power of:• Understanding the inner critic, shame and escape patterns• Transforming internal conflict into self-leadership• Moving from adversarial thinking to restorative thinking• Nervous system awareness and emotional regulation• Building relationships rooted in safety, honesty and repairAt its heart, this episode is about moving from survival patterns into authentic living — transforming shame into self-awareness, compassion and connection.About Transforming the Shame TriangleTransforming the Shame Triangle introduces a practical framework for understanding and healing internal shame patterns.The model identifies three key internal dynamics:• The Inner Critic (judgement and attack)• The Shame Part (internalised unworthiness)• The Escapers (coping and avoidance strategies)The work guides people toward transformation into a Self-Love Triangle, where:• The inner critic becomes an inner coach• Shame softens into authentic experience• Escapers become inner nurturersThe goal is to help individuals:• Break repetitive emotional patterns• Develop self-awareness and compassion• Improve relationships and communication• Lead themselves and others more effectivelyThose with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Jessica & DavidJessica Fern: https://jessicafern.comDavid Cooley: https://www.restorativeconversations.comConnect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to:podcast@abty.co.ukChapters: 00:00 – Introduction and guest overview02:00 – What is restorative justice in relationships05:00 – Introducing the Shame Triangle08:00 – Inner critic, shame and escapers explained12:00 – Social conditioning and shame16:00 – Shame in relationships and conflict20:00 – Transforming shame into self-love23:00 – Conditional vs unconditional love26:00 – Attachment and relational safety30:00 – Leadership and self-leadership34:00 – Speaking from parts vs for parts38:00 – Collective division and binary thinking42:00 – Building shame-free leadership cultures45:00 – Healing, practices and nervous system work49:00 – Generational shame and inheritance52:00 – Heartprint and legacy#AlwaysBetterThanYesterday #RyanHartley #JessicaFern #DavidCooley #ShameTriangle #SelfLeadership #EmotionalHealing #RelationalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #ConsciousLeadership

In this episode of the Always Better Than Yesterday Podcast, host Ryan Hartley sits down with lifelong judo coach and mental wellbeing advocate Callum Woods.Callum shares his story from growing up in a small mining town outside Edinburgh, discovering judo at six years old, and dedicating his life to coaching the sport. What began as a lovefor judo eventually evolved into something deeper — a mission to help men reconnect with themselves, their wellbeing and their communities.Through his own personal experiences with depression, anxiety, divorce, ADHD and life transitions, Callum realised that many men struggle in silence. These experiences led him to train as a transformational life coach and ultimately create Chat on the Mat, a programme combining martial arts, movement and conversation to support men’s mental health.The conversation explores the power of:     Martial arts to bring people intothe present momentCommunity and connection for men’swellbeingPhysical movement as a pathway toemotional healthLeadership through livedexperience and serviceCreating safe spaces where men cantalk honestlyAt its heart, this episode is about helping men reconnect withthemselves and each other, using the dojo as a place not just for sport — but for healing, growth and brotherhood.About Chat on the MatChat on the Mat is a 10-week behavioural change programme designed for men aged 18+.The programme combines:Judo-based physical movementGuided group conversationsPersonal development and coachingCommunity and peer supportThe goal is to help men:Improve physical fitnessStrengthen social connectionsSupport mental wellbeingDevelop confidence and purposeBy creating a safe space for movement and conversation, the programme helps men rediscover connection and build healthier lives.Those with ears,let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Callum Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/woodscallum⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583171290339⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-woods-6656bb341/⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callumwoodscoaching/Connect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to: podcast@abty.co.uk #mensmentalhealth #chatonthemat #thementalhealthdojo

Pavel Aeon is a transformational leader, impact-driven entrepreneur, and global conscious DJ/producer renowned for blending 528 Hz healing frequencies, breathwork, movement, and mindfulness into transformative experiences. He is the creator of the BDM Method™ (Breathe, Dance, Meditate) — a holistic approach that guides individuals toward balance, inner peace, and embodied self-realization. As a certified Wim Hof Instructor and Ambassador of Peace, Pavel’s mission is to empower people to align with their true selves, cultivate deeper community connection, and activate human potential through sound, breath, and intentional presence. His work spans immersive System Reset events, breathwork workshops, conscious DJ performances, and keynotes at global gatherings — from Biohacker Summit to Burning Man. Over the past decade Pavel has guided tens of thousands of people across more than 25 countries through breathwork,breath–movement–meditation practices, and sonic alchemy rooted in ancient and modern wisdom. In this conversation, Pavel breaks down the idea of two “versions” of Earth (fear-based vs love-based operating systems), the importance of awareness + pattern recognition, and his practical model for living aligned: Me – We– Be (individual, collective, supra-consciousness).You’ll also hear about Pavel’s four “mystical senses” (inner hearing, feeling, seeing, knowing), why breath is the fastest state-shifter, and his grounded 4-step reset process:Wake Up → Clean Up → Power Up → Unhook (Rest Up) including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual “unhooking” rhythms to prevent burnout.Finally, Pavel shares what he’s building next: The System Upgrade — a free 12-month community series aiming to gather 144,000 people meditating in coherence. Register now for The System Upgrade (free): https://thesystemupgrade.com/registerThose with ears,let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with PavelWebsite: ⁠https://www.upperaeon.com/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pavelnoaaon/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavelaeon⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pavel.aeon/⁠SoundCloud: ⁠https://soundcloud.com/noaaonofficialConnect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to: podcast@abty.co.uk#PavelAeon #TheSystemUpgrade #Earth2.0 #healingfrequencies #consciouscommunity

Scott Berman is the founder of Sky Cave Retreats — the first darkness retreat center in the United States.Over the past two decades, Scott has spent more than two years in self-guided solo retreats in remote wilderness settings. He completed his first darkness retreat in 2012 and has since spent over 70 days in multiple solo darkness retreats, including several with his wife Jill.For the last six years, Scott has accompanied more than 600 people through darkness retreats at his center in Southern Oregon, pioneering a grounded, nervous-system-informed approach to this ancient practice.In this profound and grounded conversation, Ryan sits downwith Scott Berman, founder of Sky Cave Retreats, to explore what really happens when you spend three days in total darkness.This is not a conversation about chasing peak spiritual experiences. It is about meeting your baseline.Your defenses.Your nervous system.Your conditioned self.Scott shares his journey from wilderness solitude and spiritual striving to pioneering one of the first darkness retreat centers in the United States. Together, they unpack: Why spiritual tools can becomestrategies of avoidanceWhat the nervous system does whenyou’re alone in the darkWhy peak experiences don’t createlasting transformationHow safety and connection regulatefearThe difference between achievingawakening and allowing truthDark retreat, as Scott says, “reveals you to you.” Those with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Scott & Sky Cave RetreatsWebsite: ⁠https://www.skycaveretreats.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skycaveretreats⁠Connect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for Heartset coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflectionsto: podcast@abty.co.uk#darknessretreats #spirituality #nervoussystemhealing #skycaveretreats

Neale Donald Walsch is the author of over 40 books on contemporary spirituality including his latest book Letters to a Young Seeker: Departing Thoughts from an Elder.Neale is best known as the NY Times bestselling author of the internationally acclaimed Conversations with God series, translated into 37 languages. Those with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Neale Website: https://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealeDonaldWalschConnect with ABTYWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to: podcast@abty.co.uk#nealedonaldwalsch #conversationswithgod #spiritualwisdom #letterstoaseeker

Master Mingtong Gu is a globally recognized teacher andhealer bringing ancient wisdom to humanity's most urgent modern crisis: our disconnection from our own bodies.Named Qigong Master of the Year, founder of The Chi Center and the 150-acre Southwest Sanctuary for Embodied Wisdom, he has empowered 50,000+ seekers across 47 countries through Wisdom Healing Qigong — a practice he trained in at China's famous "medicine-less" hospital under Grandmaster Dr. Pang Ming, where thousands healed from"incurable" conditions through energy alone.His upcoming book, Coming Home to Embodied Awakening (Spring 2026), offers a map for reclaiming power, presence, and fulfillment in the age of AI. Featured at Wisdom 2.0, Esalen, Omega, and PBS, Mingtong's message is clear: "You are not artificial. You are original." To learn more, visit www.mingtonggu.comThose with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Master Mingtong GuWebsite: https://mingtonggu.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisdomhealingqigong/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicenter/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WisdomHealingQigongConnect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to: podcast@abty.co.uk#Qigong #ChiEnergy #MasterMingtongGu #HealingWisdom

GS Youngblood is the author of The Masculine in Relationshipand The Art of Embodiment for Men, with over 17 years devoted to understanding relationship dynamics, polarity, and masculine embodiment. His work challenges men to stop blaming, pleasing, or trying to fix the relationship externally, and instead return to grounded masculine leadership as the true source of relational harmony.GS distils this work into the Masculine Blueprint—a practical framework built on responding rather than reacting, providing clear structure, and creating emotional, physical, and financial safety. With nearly 100,000 books sold, this embodied approach has transformed tens of thousands ofmen’s lives and underpins his own long-term relationship. His message is clear: stop settling for flat or toxic relationships and start living from your Masculine Core.For upcoming workshops with GS visit: https://www.gsyoungblood.com/workshopsThose with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with GS YoungbloodWebsite: https://www.gsyoungblood.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gsyoungblood1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsyoungbloodmir/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gsyoungblood8437 Connect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflectionsto: podcast@abty.co.uk#masculinity #relationships #masculineleadership #polarity

Neale Donald Walsch is the bestselling author of the Conversations with God series and numerous books exploring spirituality, consciousness, human evolution, and the nature of divine love. His work has reached millionsworldwide, challenging fear-based belief systems in favour of compassion, personal authority, and lived spiritual truth.In this conversation, Ryan Hartley sits down with Neale to explore themes from Conversations with God – Book 4 and Awakening the Species, including synchronicity, sentient beings, human evolution, angels, reincarnation, the wisdom of the soul, and what it truly means to live as a highly evolved being in everyday life.The discussion also touches on the Q4 2025 3I/ATLAS event and Neale’s clear assertion that humanity is already in communication with — and being visited by — highly evolved,non-human sentient beings. Importantly, this exploration is not rooted in fear, conspiracy, or speculation, but in love, responsibility, and awakening consciousness.At its heart, this episode is an invitation: to live from pure love, to stop violating one another’s worldviews, to be kinder to ourselves on the path, and to remember that our lives are notabout us — but about everyone whose life we touch.Those with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with Neale Donald WalschWebsite: http://www.nealedonaldwalsch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealeDonaldWalschConnect with ABTY Website: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group (Akira): https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflectionsto: podcast@abty.co.uk#nealedonaldwalsch #conversationswithgod #3iatlas #awakeningthespecies

Bethan Laker and Joni Harding are the Directors of The Leisure Experts — a consultancy and education business serving the leisure, aquatics and physical activity industry across the UK and Ireland.The Leisure Experts was born from a deep care for the industry and a belief that it deserves better — better leadership, better support, and better experiences for both people and communities. They work alongside operators, teams and organisations to deliver consultancy, training, operational support and transformation, always grounded in real-world experience and practical impact.At their core, Bethan and Joni are committed to creating positive, meaningful experiences in and around water — experiences that save lives, build confidence, and open access to opportunity. They believe this happens not through fear-based systems, hierarchy or box-ticking, but through heart-centred leadership, culture, trust and human connection.This episode is a real-life case study of what it looks like to live and lead the heart-centred way — building a business from purpose, integrity and courage, while walking alongside an industry they genuinely love.In this episode, you will hear:• How The Leisure Experts was born from heartache, purpose and a deep love for the leisure and aquatics industry• What it really looks like to lead and build a business the heart-centred way — beyond theory and into lived experience• Why creating positive experiences in and around water is about joy, belonging and opportunity, not fear• How Bethan and Joni build culture, trust and teams by putting people before policy and humanity before hierarchy• The courage required to do business differently — and the unexpected “miracles” that emerge when you doThose with ears, let them hear.Always love,RyanConnect with The Leisure ExpertsWebsite: https://theleisureexperts.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theleisureexperts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleisureexperts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-leisure-experts/ Bethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethan-laker-40350013a Joni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joni-h-954442174 Connect with Always Better Than YesterdayWebsite: https://abty.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysbetterthanyesterdayuk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abty/Men’s Group: https://abty.co.uk/akiraJoin our mailing list: https://abty.co.uk/contactSign up for coaching: https://abty.co.uk/coachingPlease email questions and reflections to:podcast@abty.co.uk#TheLeisureExperts #HeartCentredLeadership #HeartCentredBusiness #CorporateCulture #HeartCentredCulture