People Worth Meeting - The Author, The Da, Our Rock, The Boss, The Visually Impaired Adventurer and The Poet - The Coffee at Eleven Show SERIES FINALE
And... that's a wrap!
The final week of The Coffee at Eleven Show has brought an unbelievable journey through COVID lockdown to an end.
Thinking COVID restrictions would last about three weeks, I stated when I first went LIVE with a Coffee with Colm Interview that I would do so, ever weekday until the COVID restrictions were lifted in Ireland. Instead, we ended up chatting with 85 People Worth Meeting recorded LIVE in front of an ever growing audience of regulars and visitors alike. The reach for the weekly highlights reel has extended to a potential global audience of almost 2.5 million.
It has been some experience!
It started out as a Business Show, but we quickly realized the Universe wanted a People Show. Our guests increasingly felt comfortable enough to become completely vulnerable in front of a LIVE audience, and those of us who attended live were privileged to listen, learn, laugh, and cry, never knowing from day to day, and often moment to moment what emotion would surface next.
I remember hearing an interview on The Culture File on Lyric FM where a gentleman associated with the performing arts spoke of the allure of LIVE performance, when a synchronicity emerges between the performer and the audience to create a moment of pure magic, whereby everyone walks away, shaking their heads and are happy to recount the experience ad nauseum beginning with the phrase, "I was there when..." That is the holy grail of LIVE entertainment and we experienced moments like that on more than one occasion throughout the series.
We were Zoom Bombed twice.
First time early on and it rattled us to our core. One bogey (or baddy) presenting shocking imagery which we can unfortunately never unsee. We shut the show down as soon as human cognition could grasp the situation and the physical body could react. The powers of darkness wanted that. It appeared they had won. But all they did was light a fire in us to continue. Twenty four hours later we were back in business with 12 layers of security in place and enjoyed a bomb-free series right until the penultimate show.
On that show, show 84, where Yours Truly was the 'guest' more than ably interviewed by Caterina O'Brien, Coffee at 11 was the target of a much more coordinated sinister attack whereby at least 10 bogeys (they had clearly studied our security) entered the cafe nonchalantly and just as we started, so did they. I have never been so proud as to witness the completely unflappable responses from Eamonn Smith aka The Monk (Head of Guest Services), Michelle Barry aka Princess Shelley, (Producer of the show) and Caterina O'Brien (Editor-in-chief and Host for that episode) as they quietly and quickly went around the cafe and ejected bogey after bogey out of the cafe unceremoniously, never to allow them return. As I had divested myself of the Host role on that day, I had no controls available, me being a guest, so to witness what happened and the way it was dealt with made me very proud indeed. The audience remained calm and present throughout and allowed us get on with what we had to and within 3 minutes, order was restored, Eamonn calmed us all down with one of his "Mindful Minutes", we took a deep breath and went on with the show.
As reward for that, we were all treated to perhaps the outstanding "I was there when..." moment of the series when as the show came to a close, Caterina invited an audience member, a regular, James Finnegan, to read a piece he had written encapsulating the series and what it meant to us through Lockdown. It was stunningly crafted from actual words and phrases uttered in over 5,000 minutes of disparate recordings into a coherent thing of beauty.
James Finnegan's piece is presented proudly below as a stand-out contribution to The Coffee at Eleven Show. Thank you James.
So. In our FINAL WEEK we met The Author, The Da, Our Rock, The Boss and The Visually Impaired Adventurer... and The Poet
- Monday: Episode 81, The Author, “Life has moved to a slower pace… It would be lovely if we could retain some of that”- Roisin Meaney
- Tuesday: Episode 82, The Da, “I’ve only ever looked for fulfillment ~ This means different things for different people”- Tommy O'Brien
- Wednesday: Episode 83, Our Rock, “New Friends – REAL Friends and a touch of upskilling is what Covid provided for me” - Caterina O'Brien
- Thursday: Episode 84, The Boss, “Precious Memories, Really Good Friendships… and Longer Hair” - Yours Truly
- Friday: Episode 85, The Visually Impaired Adventurer, “I’m Choosing to be Visionary, Not Blind; Mind-sight Over Eyesight.” Dr. Sinead Kane
- BONUS: The Poet, James Finnegan - no words, except thank you.
For the final time in Series 1 we've created a 'Highlights Reel' so stick on the kettle, grab a coffee, pull up a comfy chair, take a l'Oreal half hour (you're worth it :-) ) and enjoy another five People Worth Meeting as they 'get real' sharing their stories, their hopes and what they are taking from COVID-19 ...
Watch the 'highlights' video (highly recommended), listen to the 'highlights' Podcast or read on below...
If you wish, then you can pick your favorite and watch the full interview (Highlights Podcast and/or Full Interview Video links below each guest's bio)
In Their Own Words...
- Monday: Episode 81, The Author, “Life has moved to a slower pace… It would be lovely if we could retain some of that”- Roisin Meaney
Monday.
People Worth Meeting – Roisin Meaney – No.1 Best Selling Author– The Coffee at Eleven Show REPLAY
“Life has moved to a slower pace… It would be lovely if we could retain some of that” was the sentiment offered from Roisin for the Coffee at 11 audience today.
We heard about how luck smiled on Roisin and how she funded her way through college, how she adventured to Zimbabwe and how she became so “Knacky with words”. When I asked her, “What is it you do?” her response made me smile; “I write novels” says she - understatement of the year methinks because since she started writing in 2001 Roisin Meaney has had 17 novels published, all of which have made the Irish bestseller list with her latest, The Restaurant, sitting in the top 10 as she comes on the show. And, she has written a new one, due for release in October, while in Lockdown! Sure, what else would you be doing? Except knocking out another best seller! Roisin says she took the ‘scenic route’ to writing, having started her career as a primary school teacher in Dublin which finally got put behind her in 2008, by which time three of her books were published with a 4th on the way. Fair to say everyone felt their inner author stir during today’s Coffee at 11 Show. Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and a notepad, pull up a comfy chair and listen, learn and laugh alongside the LIVE audience in this fantastic replay. A Coffee at Eleven Show not to be missed! #PeopleworthMeeting #CoffeewithColm #Coffeeat11
Highlights Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-roisin-meaney/
Full Interview Video: https://youtu.be/B9nR6gxcAho
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- Tuesday: Episode 82, The Da, “I’ve only ever looked for fulfillment ~ This means different things for different people”- Tommy O'Brien
Tuesday.
People Worth Meeting – Thomas O'Brien aka Tommy – or simply 'The Da'– The Coffee at Eleven Show REPLAY
“I’ve only ever looked for fulfillment ~ This means different things for different people” was the sentiment offered by Tommy to the Coffee at 11 audience today.
Sharing heartfelt poetry and a melodic song or two, Tommy had the café mesmerized with charm and humour. From tripping down the Portmarnock sand dunes to several retirement stories from multiple careers, Tommy certainly secured his place in the hearts of the international café visitors. Colm said, “I’ve known this man all my life – he’s my Dad and a significant part of the person I’m becoming - so when I realized The Coffee at Eleven Show was going to run on a while (I said I’d go LIVE every weekday during Lockdown), I decided to invite my Dad to join me as my guest so others can get a glimpse of my one of my formative influences. Tommy will be 82 next month. A non-drinking, hard-working man all his life, he made a living and raised five of us working for Green Isle Frozen Foods in a Sales capacity, retiring from there into another sales role with Cuisine de France, and from there into self-employment during the last phase of his active career. In his 50+ year career, he developed a uniquely simple formula for getting results – “The More Calls You Make, The More Orders You Take!” and “Stop Selling, Start Serving.” He combined these two philosophies and in so doing managed to outsell, on the tiny island of Ireland, the entire UK sales force for a piece of Steam Clean equipment! Just him and The Ma! A family man to the core, he and Mam raised five of us and gave us the work ethic we all demonstrate as well as a genuine interest in service to others being the right way to live.” Fair to say a new family member took up residence in the hearts of our audience after today’s Coffee at 11 Show. Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and a notepad, pull up a comfy chair and listen, learn and laugh alongside the LIVE audience in this fantastic replay. A Coffee at Eleven Show not to be missed! #PeopleworthMeeting #CoffeewithColm #Coffeeat11
Highlights Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-tommy-obrien/
Full Interview Video: https://youtu.be/NZoNslY5Ybw
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- Wednesday: Episode 83, Our Rock, “New Friends – REAL Friends and a touch of upskilling is what Covid provided for me” - Caterina O'Brien
Wednesday.
People Worth Meeting – Caterina O'Brien – The unflappable Editor-in-Chief on The Coffee at Eleven Show LIVE - The Coffee at Eleven Show REPLAY
“New Friends – REAL Friends and a touch of upskilling is what Covid provided for me” says Cat on today’s Coffee at 11 show.
Usually found behind the Customer Service desk at O'Mahony's, where she is fast approaching her 20th anniversary, Caterina, or Cat as she is fondly referred to is also a key member of the Colm O'Brien Motivation team having worked with Colm since he launched his first book in O’Mahony’s in 2015. In that same year, 2015, our Cat underwent a massive transformation, some of it visible - she lost 5 stone, 2 lbs in 12 months - some not so visible, and she brought us through how she arrived at the realisation of a desire to change and the emotion when she achieved her goal. We heard about the life skills of growing up in a customercentric environment and where this desire to serve and assist in all its facets, has led her to becoming not only the editor in chief, but also Our Rock. When she isn't working, you'll either find her out training for her first half marathon, postponed to next year having fallen foul of COVID, or singing with The Salon Singers, a 5 piece vocal group which she co-founded 3 years ago. Cat is an absolute gem, unflappable at least on the outside, and dependable to the last and it has been mine and the team’s pleasure to work alongside her on The Coffee at Eleven Show Fair to say a new understanding for what we mean when we refer to Cat as “Our Rock” was grasped after today’s Coffee at 11 Show. Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and a notepad, pull up a comfy chair and listen, learn and laugh alongside the LIVE audience in this fantastic replay. A Coffee at Eleven Show not to be missed! #PeopleworthMeeting #CoffeewithColm #Coffeeat11
Highlights Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-caterina-obrien/
Full Interview Video: https://youtu.be/SnscdxqCI8o
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- Thursday: Episode 84, The Boss, “Precious Memories, Really Good Friendships… and Longer Hair” - Yours Truly
Thursday.
People Worth Meeting – Colm O'Brien – Creator and Host on The Coffee at Eleven Show - REPLAY
“Precious Memories, Really Good Friendships… and Longer Hair” is what today's ‘guest’ has taken from COVID.
Founder Colm O’Brien Motivation, Co-Creator WIG-WAM.ie and Founder and MD, Carambola 5-Star School Lunches got summoned to the hot seat by popular demand and today was the day we would get to know the man that has been our generous host for Series 1 of the Coffee at 11 Show. Today we were reminded that you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take, we met the family and were moved to tears by a piece delivered by a member of our Coffee at 11 Show audience, James Finnegan, beautifully encapsulating series one of a show that has been taken into the hearts of people across the world; a show born of COVID, instigated and delivered by today’s very special guest…. Colm wanted to be a schoolteacher because of the short hours and long holidays! The Universe had different plans and thrust him into hospitality – LONG hours and SHORT holidays! He enjoyed a 20-year corporate career, a highlight of which included stint as General Manager of the World Famous Bewley’s Café on Grafton St in Dublin and he was instrumental in starting Bewley’s Café Theatre during his tenure there. He then became Franchise Manager for Bewley’s Café Brand and became self-employed for the first time when he took over the Franchise in Limerick in 1998. It failed in 2003, closed in 2005 As a result, Carambola was born out of adversity and employed 120+ in 2019. His half-autobiographical, half-educational book, ‘Feeding Johnny – How to Build a Business Despite the Roadblocks’ was written in 2013 as Colm turned 50. This led to directly to his first coaching business, Colm O’Brien Motivation which was launched in 2016 which in turn led to the weekly ‘Coffee with Colm’ blog/vlog/podcast series which led to The Coffee at Eleven Show! Fair to say our host with the most was a guest with the best on today’s Coffee at 11 Show. Stick on the kettle, grab a coffee and a notepad, pull up a comfy chair and listen, learn and laugh alongside the LIVE audience in this fantastic replay. A Coffee at Eleven Show for the archives! #PeopleworthMeeting #CoffeewithColm #Coffeeat11
Highlights Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-colm-obrien/
Full Interview Video: https://youtu.be/RsqpXTxaISI
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- Friday: Episode 85, The Visually Impaired Adventurer, “I’m Choosing to be Visionary, Not Blind; Mind-sight Over Eyesight.” Dr. Sinead Kane
Friday.
THE FINAL EPISODE People Worth Meeting – Dr. Sinead Kane – Visually Impaired Athlete & Lawyer on The Coffee at Eleven Show REPLAY
“I’m Choosing to be Visionary, Not Blind; Mind-sight Over Eyesight.” Dr. Sinead Kane on Coffee at 11.
We were in awe of this woman’s journey, though, challenging as it has been, Sinead has a remarkable ability to see the bright and often fun side of any situation. Born visually impaired, Sinead Kane has had to struggle with adversity all her life. But that did not stop her from qualifying as Ireland’s first blind lawyer! Indeed, within the space of three months Sinead was awarded two PhD doctorates. However, Sinead doesn’t let her disability hold her back and is living life to the full, holding not one, but two Guinness World Records. She is one of the few people on the planet to have run 7 marathons on 7 continents within 7 consecutive days! And Sinead has some even more impressive achievements and plans which she shared with us on the show.
Highlights Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-sinead-kane/
Full Interview Video: Coming Soon. Subscribe to https://youtube.com/c/colmobrienmotivation to be notified when it is uploaded.
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- BONUS: The Poet, James Finnegan - no words, except thank you.
BONUS.
We were moved to tears by a piece delivered by a member of our Coffee at 11 Show audience, James Finnegan, beautifully encapsulating series one of a COVID-born show that has been taken into the hearts of people across the world.
Podcast: https://colmobrienmotivation.com/podcast-james-finnegan/
Video: https://youtu.be/AIds7IzHnmQ
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END.
Next week in the cafe... Nothing!
The Coffee at Eleven Show, brought to you by WIG-WAM.ie is going dark. Only for a while though. We'll be back with Season 2 later in the year - watch this space.
Thank you for being part of the journey with us.
Stay safe and stay in in touch.