Your Time With James Sweetman

Episode 199 'The things I no longer chase' - A meditative journey

This week’s episode is a reflective piece titled - “The things I no longer chase.” It’s a meditative journey that includes a meeting with my future self. It's also an opportunity to pause and consider what we can finally set down. If you’re in a season of reassessing what really matters, join me for this week’s reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the things we let go of allow peace to catch up with us.

Episode 198 In conversation with Samantha Kelly

This week, I’m joined by social media expert and entrepreneur Samantha Kelly. We chat about everything from practical social media strategies to the deeper power of connection and authenticity. With her trademark warmth and generosity, Samantha shares insights on courage, community and creativity, reminding us that, as she says, ‘If you can’t find what you’re looking for, create it yourself.’

Episode 197 Return on Attention

We’re all familiar with the idea of return on investment, but in today’s 'always on' world, I believe the real metric is return on attention. This week, I explore why multitasking is a myth and why busyness has become a hollow badge of honour. I  share practical ways to reclaim focus, from creating white space for quality thinking, to practising the discipline of exclusion.

When you manage your attention, you don’t just boost proactivity and productivity, you make better decisions and you create more space for what really matters. So if you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, join me as I explore how to increase your return on attention.

Episode 196 Productivity Anxiety

Do you feel guilty when you’re not being busy? Do you struggle to relax because your head starts listing all the things you should be doing? Do you fear that if you stopped, you’d fall behind? This is productivity anxiety and it’s the theme for this week. I explore where it comes from and why so many of us believe we have to earn the right to rest. I’ll share how productivity anxiety has shown up in my own life, as well as some practical strategies for counter-balancing it. So if you have a relentless chorus of ‘shoulds’ running in your mind, this episode is for you.

Episode 195 Trusting your intuition - recognising when life is guiding you

Have you ever felt nudged in a certain direction, or sensed something before it happened? This week I’m exploring the gentle power of intuition and guidance. Whether you call it gut instinct, soul wisdom, or divine guidance, I believe there’s an inner compass available to all of us. I share practical ways to recognise these signs and explore how guidance differs from the noisy demands of the ego. You’ll also hear personal stories, reflection questions, and gentle invitations to help you ‘tune’ in more deeply.

Episode 194 'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' - A reflection

'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' This weary confession from a friend was the inspiration for this week’s episode. It’s a reflection piece for those tired of proving, efforting and chasing. I hope my words provide solace and encouragement for those of us who care deeply and still show up consistently.

Episode 193 In conversation with Michael Dunlop

This week I was fortunate to sit down with Michael Dunlop (www.powerofchoice.ie) It’s a heartfelt and uplifting conversation where Michael shares a personal story of loss, love and resilience. We explore the power of choice and practical coaching insights and frameworks from the world of NLP, where Michael is a recognised expert. I find Michael’s quiet heroism and wisdom so inspirational. It’s an episode not to be missed.

Episode 192 Building momentum after a break

In this first episode of a brand new series, I explore the reality of ‘getting back to normal,’ after a holiday, or a break from work. It’s a time when our inner critic loves to show up with a storm of ‘shoulds.’ I share practical tips to help you build momentum and I close this episode with a reflection called 'The Day After Holidays,' a soft landing for anyone who’s returned from a break, but hasn’t quite arrived yet.

Episode 191 A new chapter - sharing wisdom, creating community

In this special edition of my podcast, I’m sharing something personal and professionally significant. After years of hesitation, I’ve launched a new subscription-based membership community. But this episode isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a story. I talk about the internal resistance, the pivotal conversation that shifted everything, connecting with my creativity and courage and why now, after two decades in business, this feels like the most aligned and authentic step forward for me. If you’ve ever wrestled with the idea of valuing your work, or felt the quiet nudge to evolve into something deeper, I think you’ll resonate with what I share.

Episode 190 Soulful living & self-worth with wellness coach Sharon Fitzmaurice

This week, I’m joined by Holistic Wellness Coach and author Sharon Fitzmaurice. Our heartfelt conversation is a fitting way to close this series of episodes. We explore the power of surrender, the wisdom of the inner child, and how healing often begins by simply allowing ourselves to feel worthy. Sharon shares insights from her own journey of overcoming trauma, as well as practical tools for reconnecting with presence, intention, and inner peace. It's a nourishing, soulful exchange, one that reminds us that transformation doesn’t come from striving, but from softening.