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Summary

In EP16, I sat down with Brian Gorman — a speaker, author, change coach, LGBTQ+ rights advocate, and adoptive father — to explore his extraordinary journey through identity, transformation, and the many faces of change.

Brian opens up about growing up as a lonely and introverted child, learning the value of hard work early on, and stepping into leadership as a student activist at Syracuse University. His coming out in the 1980s marked another pivotal chapter — one that deepened his empathy and commitment to driving meaningful change.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation? Brian shares how photography unexpectedly led him to his son, through adoption — a moment that forever changed his life.

From corporate consulting to social advocacy, Brian’s life is proof that embracing change leads to growth — personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Highlights:

• How a lonely childhood built a foundation of resilience - Working 7 days a week for the family business
• Coming out in the 1980s and navigating identity
• Challenging stereotypes and sparking social change at Syracuse University
• How photography led him to adopt his son
• Transforming from consultant to change coach
• Using storytelling to heal and empower
• The ongoing journey of learning - You are Never Alone

Keywords

identity, change, adoption, LGBTQ+, childhood, storytelling, leadership, transformation, self-discovery, photography, activism, resilience, parenting, growth, healing

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:

• Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube
• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show.
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• Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

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Summary
In EP15, I travelled to the U.S. Georgia, to chat with John Hankins — a giver, a licensed social worker, certified financial therapist, and former IT professional — about his unique journey through life, work, and the evolving relationship we have with money.

John shares how his childhood and family traditions shaped his views on financial responsibility, generosity, and purpose. After retiring from a long career in IT, he reinvented himself in his 70s as a financial therapist, helping others — especially those NGO and those midlife and beyond — navigate the emotional side of money.

We also explore John’s deep desire to give back in his life - from putting giving back as a family value to becoming a kidney donor. It’s a conversation about purpose, reinvention, and the many ways we can live a meaningful life.

Highlights:

• How early life experiences shape money habits
• Reinventing your career after retirement
• Financial anxiety in retirement years
• Living with purpose and curiosity
• How the process of becoming a kidney donor actually saved his life (!)

Keywords
childhood, family legacy, storytelling, giving, money, finance, life after retirement, grandparents, relationships, memories, creativity, personal growth

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:

• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show.
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com

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Summary
In EP14 - We are going to dive into The Forgotten Chinese Seamen of Liverpool.

During World War II, thousands of Chinese sailors served in Britain’s merchant navy, keeping vital supply routes open. Many settled in Liverpool, starting families and becoming part of the city's fabric. But after the war, the British government saw them as expendable. In a secret policy, at least 2,300 Chinese seamen were forcibly deported between 1946 and 1949—many without warning. Their wives and children were left behind, never knowing the truth. For decades, this story remained buried. For decades, their families believed they had been abandoned. The truth? They were erased. This is the untold story of Liverpool’s forgotten Chinese seamen

Keywords
Chinese seamen deportation Liverpool, Forgotten Chinese sailors WWII. Liverpool Chinese merchant navy, UK secret deportation Chinese seamen

Chapters
01:56 Introduction & Welcome
04:11 Why still publish when there is no interviewees in this episode?
05:21 Historical Context
07:34 Setting the Scene
08:42 The Role of Chinese Seamen in WWII
09:59 Life in Liverpool & The Promise of a Future

11:19 The Secret Deportation
12:24 Aftermath

Related video and articles:

Video: 'I just want to know - UK woman's search for missing Chinese father

Video: The Secret Betrayal: How the UK ejected the Chinese sailors who had risked their lives

Articles: Home Office Official Report

Support the show

Intrigued by the conversation? Get involve using the following ways:

• Buy your life story recording and become a Beyonder!
• Join the Beyonder family on Patreon or Become a podcast member for as little as 3 GBP per month to get exclusive the Now and Then Beyonders' pictures and contents. You can ask questions and nominate Beyonders to be on the show.
• Follow us @ Beyondhood on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Email me at gobeyondelderhood@gmail.com