Art Of Brilliance Podcast

Is it fear... or something else?In this episode, Andy chats about a conversation with an old friend and explores a few ideas about how we think, feel, and maybe overthink?You’ll also get a glimpse into his brain mid-book-writing - complete with military metaphors, some very daft character names, and a few creative leaps that somehow tie it all together.Tune in for a fresh perspective on worry, a smile or two, and maybe even a little shift in how you see the day ahead.

Would you grow younger if it meant growing apart?This week, Andy Cope spins a magical tale – part fable, part rom-com, and 100% brilliant allegory – inspired by poet laureate Simon Armitage and delivered with a custard cream-sized sprinkle of mischief.Meet Norman. He’s had a few pints, he’s tucked up in bed, and suddenly… a thumb-sized cherub appears with a once-in-a-lifetime offer… age backwards and relive your life, but with all the knowledge you’ve gained so far. Tempting, right? But there is a big twist.What follows is a heartwarming (and slightly bonkers) story about love, ageing, sacrifice, and cats with a questionable attitude toward celestial beings. It's packed with humour, charm, and one of those endings that makes you go “Wait… WHAT?”So, pop the kettle on, grab a biscuit, and enjoy a whimsical tale with a very human heart. Because sometimes growing old together is the greatest adventure of all.

What if therapy told you to keep doing the wrong thing?This week, Andy Cope goes rogue. We’re talking Latin, coaching tips, powerful questions and a therapy style so cheeky it might just change your life.Meet provocative therapy - a bizarre (but genius) form of counselling created by Frank Farrelly, where the therapist takes your worst habits, agrees with them loudly, and somehow leads you to your own breakthrough. It’s like traditional therapy… but with more sarcasm and a whole lot more “Did he really just say that?!”Is it outrageous? A little. Would it work? We'll let you decide.So, tune in for a fresh perspective, and maybe - just maybe - the nudge you need to stop talking about change and actually do something about it. Faxi faxis, friends. If you’re going to do it, do it!

You’ve got 30 seconds with yourself from 20 years in the future. What would they say?This week, Andy Cope takes things back to basics with a reminder of what positive psychology actually is - and why the Art of Brilliance exists in the first place. (Spoiler - it’s not just about bouncing around being happy all the time.)In a world obsessed with fixing what’s wrong, Andy flipped the script and focused on the few who are doing life right - the two percenters. These are the people with that mysterious “something” - the spring in their step, the grin on a Monday, the low-key magical ability to make life look easy and make YOU feel great.But this episode isn’t just a history lesson… Andy also takes us on a powerful visualisation exercise (no incense required) where you get to meet your future self. A future you, 20 years down the line, looking amazing, thriving, and totally owning life. And you get to ask them one, simple question.So grab your headphones, take a breath, and get ready for a beautifully simple but g

Do you look like your job - or your dog?This week, Andy Cope takes us from a Sunday morning tip run to a room full of Botox, beauty, and bold ideas.Fresh off the back of speaking at a Aesthetics conference (read: 200 wrinkle-free, fabulous humans), Andy dives into what it’s like to be the only non-medical keynote speaker in a world of jawlines, lasers and lip fillers. But instead of playing it safe, he ditches the script and goes all in-humour, heart, and a gentle nudge into deeper territory.What unfolds is part stand-up, part soul food. You’ll hear why people do start looking like their jobs (butchers, gym instructors and even keynote speakers), how laughter lines are actually worth keeping, and why your self-worth needs to go way deeper than your cheekbones.With reflections on ethics, social media, and why some wrinkles are actually a badge of honour, this episode reminds us that real beauty isn’t skin deep - it’s etched in smiles, crow’s feet, and decades of joy.So tune in, have a laugh, and maybe start se

What do alligators, octopi and flamingos have to do with wellbeing?This week, Andy Cope takes us on a wild ride from World Book Day to the power of culture and collective nouns (yes, really).While dressed as a children’s author and not a PhD-level happiness expert, Andy finds himself in a school where something magical happens. Enter a superhero named Eli - a quiet lad who’s not keen on speaking in school. That is, until someone mentions collective nouns (his specialist subject). What follows is nothing short of extraordinary… and maybe a little emotional.From a “congregation of alligators” to a “flamboyance of flamingos,” The big question is, what kind of collective are you part of? A low-level grumble... or a radiance of joy?So, stick your headphones on for one of the most heartwarming episodes yet - and find out how being your own best mate, might just start with changing how you show up on a Monday morning.

Are you a caged canary or ready to fly?This week, Andy is tackling one of life’s biggest questions - are you flapping around trying to climb the pecking order, or are you ready to break free and soar?In this passionate (and slightly ranty) episode, Andy unpacks why life can sometimes feel like one giant canary cage, where stress sticks around like an unwanted guest, and happiness evaporates faster than your morning coffee. He dives into the unfair battle between cortisol and positivity, the rise of anxiety in kids, and why most people are unknowingly reliving their worst moments on repeat.He also is excited to introduce Brilliant Education Online, a game-changing platform designed to teach kids how to take charge of their own wellbeing - before they grow up thinking life is just one long Monday morning.So, if you're ready to swap from survive to thrive, hit play and learn how to set yourself (and the next generation) up to soar.

What does it take to break free from autopilot and truly thrive?This week Andy Cope is diving a bit deeper into the fascinating world of positive psychology and the mystical realm of the ‘two percenters’ - those rare people who are so full of life, they have more bounce than a toddler after a late-night sugar binge.Andy spills the secrets of his PhD research (don’t worry, he’s removed the big words), revealing why positivity isn’t some magical unicorn - it’s a choice. A choice most people don’t even realise they have!From conquering Monday blues to stepping into your personal ‘quest’ for flourishing, this conversation shows how you can spark a ripple effect of positivity wherever you go. So, tune in and discover how to become the hero of your own story - while helping everyone around you shine just a bit brighter!

What does it take to stay strong in the face of life’s toughest challenges? This week, Andy welcomes his son and fellow Art of Brill Trainer, Ollie Cope, for a fun and insightful conversation about resilience. They kick things off by sharing the incredible story of Sir Adrian Paul Ghislain Carton de Wiart, a World War I soldier whose grit and determination were legendary.From simple habits like counting backward from five to the Finnish concept of ‘Sisu,’ Andy and Ollie offer practical tips anyone can use to help build their resilience levels. More than just bouncing back, they explore how true resilience fuels personal growth and everyday confidence. Tune in to discover fresh techniques and inspiring stories that’ll help you become stronger and more adaptable in every area of life!

Ever feel like everyone’s watching your every move? In this episode, Andy tackles the ‘Spotlight Effect’ - the surprising psychological tendency to overestimate how much attention others pay to us. Think of that time you had a coffee stain on your coat and worried everyone would notice. Chances are, nobody did - most people are too focused on their own little mishaps. This tendency can undermine your self-esteem and limit your potential. So, tune in to learn a bit more, discover a concept Andy calls “FOPO” and ultimately figure out how you can step out of your own spotlight, when you need to.

In this episode, Andy talks about anxiety and our relationship with it in today’s world.Recognising the complexities of modern life, he highlights the importance of appreciating the present while acknowledging the challenges created by overstimulation, fake news, excessive screen time, and the never-ending buffet of convenience and overindulgence.He shares a completely true, made-up story about a doctor who invents a cure for anxiety. It’s a tongue-in-cheek tale about the paradox of trying to eliminate worry - and the potential consequences of doing so.This is a deep and thought-provoking episode, designed to spark honest discussion about anxiety and the wider pressures surrounding mental health. Whether it helps you manage anxiety a little better or recognise the importance of seeking proper support, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Andy talks about courage, and how it’s not always what you think it is.  From stepping outside your comfort zones and being brave and asking for help, to allowing yourself to be vulnerable and embracing a failure. It takes a lot of bravery to navigate the modern world, so this week, Andy talks through 10 truths about courage.  So, if you don’t class yourself as someone who is particularly courageous, give this episode a listen. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Join Andy for a fascinating dive into the “Cobra Effect,” a real-life cautionary tale of how a British Raj’s well-intentioned bounty on cobras dramatically backfired. This episode explores how our best efforts to fix or control situations - whether it’s curbing pesky snakes or managing our public image - can sometimes cause us more trouble than what we started with. With examples ranging from Barbra Streisand’s unintended viral moment to a reflection on modern social media, this episode is a bit of a cage rattler, with some big thinking about how we manage mental health around the world. Maybe a simple shift in perspective might just be the antidote?

Welcome to series 8 of the Art of Being Brilliant podcast! In this episode, Andy discusses the importance of shining brightly in a world that can sometimes feel a bit dark. Never missing the chance to use a good metaphor, Andy talks about light bulbs to illustrate how people can either dim their glow or illuminate their surroundings. Ultimately, it's about the need for us all to embrace resilience and positivity (especially during challenging times) so that when everything is a bit dim, it's important for YOU to start shining, full beam.

Welcome to series 8 of the Art of Being Brilliant podcast! We're joined by the Doctor of Happiness, Andy Cope, who loves to chat about all things happiness, personal development and wellbeing. This episode, Andy talks about the importance of finding some fun in your life... whilst sharing a light-hearted take on traditional horoscopes.

Do you ever wish that life was just a little bit simpler? In this week's episode, Carl joins us to talk about... Paddington Bear. Why? Because he's a true 2percenter - who manages to take his (rather unfair) share of challenges in his stride. He keeps things simple. So, this week's episode has a few tips (and a challenge) that will help you live a simpler life. So if you find yourself constantly saying, "I just need things to calm down a bit"... this episode has been made for you.

This week, Andy asks "what hasn’t happened, that you didn't want, that you haven't celebrated"... er... what? Maybe you went to the loo and there wasn't a crocodile in there? Maybe you drove to work and didn't get a flat tyre? Look, we get it, It's a ridiculous question, but like all things Art of Brill, there is a clever twist to this story... so if you've got 5 minutes, Andy would love to explain how asking something daft like this, can help you have a MUCH better day.

Ever get the feeling that things just don't go to plan? Yeah, we've been there. In this episode, let Flis take you through how a day in the holiday consisting of pyjamas, schedule changes and a nasty accident made her not just think twice about making plans... but share a few tips on how to deal with life when it starts running in the opposite direction.

Today, we're joined by positive psychologist Nikki Ayles, who is talking about the power of kindness. Nikki explores how doing a random act of kindness to someone else, can actually boost our own happiness. When we do something kind, our brains release dopamine, making us feel great. Plus, the gratitude we receive amplifies this effect, enhancing our self-esteem and strengthening relationships. So have a listen and be treated to some inspiring insights and examples of how a small act can make a big difference!

Welcome to episode 23. Today, Peter Anderton tackles the tricky issue of Mood Hoovers. Mood Hoovers are those negative people in your life who are stuck in a bit of a grumpy mood and who constantly drain your energy. Peter explains that while you can’t fix a Mood hoover, there are three powerful techniques to help you manage their impact on you and those around you.