Never Be Afraid - Brad Holcombe - Comedy Writer - Writer - Production Crew - Actor - Voiceover #231

Empowering Creativity Through Diversity: An Interview with Brad Holcomb

In this engaging episode of the Us People Podcast, host Savia Rocks kicks off season five by diving into the fascinating stories of diverse individuals and their creative endeavours. 

This episode features Brad Holcomb, a comedy writer, scriptwriter, production crew member, actor, and voiceover artist. Brad shares his journey from an uninspiring managerial job to pursuing his passion in the creative world. He discusses his early inspiration from Monty Python, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he used to gain confidence and push forward. 

The episode is filled with insightful discussions about creativity, the importance of family, and the power of perseverance in achieving one's dreams.

 00:00 Introduction to Season Five

00:05 Empowering Stories and Experiences

01:00 Thank You for Your Support

01:13 Guest Introduction: Brad Holcomb

01:56 Brad's Background and Early Influences

05:31 Transition to Writing and Comedy

12:07 Balancing Work and Creativity

15:46 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

19:40 Dream Collaborations and Inspirations

22:35 Personal Reflections and Success

36:42 The Power of Language and Final Thoughts

Thank you so much Brad for coming on the show, and letting people know that, life is not about money, but following your dream and giving love to your family.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-holcombe-bb24a2195/

Never Be Afraid of going for what makes you happy - Savia Rocks

Transcript

Never Be Afraid - Brad Holcombe - Comedy Writer - Writer - Production Crew - Actor - Voiceover #231

[00:00:00] Savia Rocks: Hey guys, we made it to season five of the Us People podcast. I'm your host Savia Rocks. And in this season, we aim to empower and embrace creativity through diversity as we dive into the fascinating stories and experiences of a diverse range of individuals. Highlighting their unique perspectives and creative endeavors from artists and entrepreneurs to innovators and activists.

We celebrate the power of diversity in driving creativity and fostering positive change. Join us as we engage in thought provoking conversations like. 

[00:00:37] Tony DADA: I made myself intentionally homeless. In pursuit of my purpose, 

[00:00:41] Jay Harris: we're aware that a lot of people want to present and they, and they were in my position and, and what's worse, they weren't a white male, which is a joke that that's even still a thing.

[00:00:49] Melanie Gayle: Think my family never, ever say you can't do something. So full of support, full of support for whatever dream. If I said tomorrow, when I fly to the moon, they'll probably say, I wish you all the best mouth. 

[00:00:59] Savia Rocks: So [00:01:00] guys. I just want to say thank you for supporting the us people podcast for the past five years.

And we look forward to sharing another new theme song with you. Let's go.

[00:01:13] Brad Holcombe: Hi, my name is Brad Holcomb and I'm a comedy writer, script writer and production crew, amongst other things. You're listening to the us people podcast with Savia Rocks.

[00:01:25] Savia Rocks: Hey guys, welcome to another episode of the ask people podcast. I'm your host Savia Rocks. And today I am humbled to have Brad here with me. He is a comedy writer, writer, production crew, actor, and voiceover. Brad, thank you so much for taking your time to come on the ask people podcast. How are you? 

[00:01:45] Brad Holcombe: Very well.

And thank you for having me. It was, it was a really nice time. You know, I think to be asked to, you know, for somebody to speak to me and, and hear my stories is really nice. So thank you. 

[00:01:55] Savia Rocks: No, you're more than welcome. So my first question for you is, could I 
[00:02:00] kindly ask a bit about yourself, where you grew up, but also how that influenced you to be the person who you are today?

[00:02:10] Brad Holcombe: Well, I grew up in Llanelli. It's a town in South Wales.

Even though the place didn't inspire me you know, it's a beautiful place, but you know, some people are inspired by their surroundings and that kind of thing. It's the people and the experiences I had that you know, further down the line have inspired me in, in so many different ways. So I mean, something as simple as my first.

view into comedy. The first thing that really stuck in my brain when it comes to comedy was then, used to, the street used to know each other and somebody would have a party and the whole street would be invited and that kind of thing. And I remember I was, I was at one of those in the house opposite and the adults were obviously 
[00:03:00] doing their thing.

I was about eight, nine years old and the TV was on So I was just watching it and and a film started and I thought, great, you know, and yeah, it, it it started off with this epic music you know, a hillscape, mist going past, all that kind of stuff, you know, the, the dramatic music, and then you, you could hear the clanking of metal and the horse's hooves and then you slowly started to see the knights coming over the hill.

And when they got to the top of the hill, you saw there were no horses, there were no horses at all. It was a guy in the front with coconuts and they were all miming, miming the horse riding. And I remember just thinking, wow, these are, these are adult men. On the telly, not, not even kids time, it was in the evening, you know, and it's a film and, and they're doing this and I just thought this, I mean, obviously limited [00:04:00] to what I was thinking at eight years old, but it stuck with me and, you know, I returned to it now and now and again and I just think, wow, and that, that is the first time I ever saw Monty Python.

That was the the Holy Grail and it just, that was it, that, that just stuck in my head and it's like, nah, that, that is amazing. If those, if those men can do that, I'm sure I can. 

[00:04:25] Savia Rocks: I've seen quite a few people on, on films of how they make the films and the sounds that they actually do in order to make them.

And there's, there's these two guys and they have literally, it, the room is a mess, When it comes to film production, you see how they take, they have changed coconuts, as you say, high heels just to implement the sounds for the video. But it's really quite cool to be able to see and see how it all impacts everything and how it plays such a big contribution to the film.

It's absolutely, it's [00:05:00] absolutely massive. My, my next question for you is, can you define yourself as a person, but also who do you see when you look in the mirror? But on the flip side of that question, Brad, has there ever been a time where you have looked in the mirror and not recognized the person staring back at you?

How did you manage to go from Being a person that you might not have wanted to be or not in a place of happiness to being in a place where you feel content. 

[00:05:31] Brad Holcombe: Well, before I started all of this, it was 2018. I started writing properly and, and that, but before that I was in management. I was an area manager.

And it was horrendous. It was it's, it's just the pressure you put under the things you have to do. You know, the, the standards that people work in and you've got to just ignore it it's, it's just not a nice environment, really toxic. And I [00:06:00] was dragged into that, but I allowed myself to get dragged into it.

I sort of, I sort of figured out since, you know, it's, it's not their fault. It's I allowed that. And Excuse me. Yeah, so I was, I was in that and I just hated it. I hated everything about it. I hated the time it took me away from my family. And me losing my job in 2018 should have been horrendous.

You know, my, my daughter had just been born. You know, and, and I was, I was suddenly out of work, but it was. Best thing that could have ever happened to me. So, looking back if I was to look at myself then I'd see how miserable I, I was. And there's a lot of stuff I can't actually remember from those times.

My wife will tell me something. No idea. It's just like I've blanked the bad, but it's also deleted some of the good. Yeah, but, but since that it's [00:07:00] I mean, everything turned and it's everything especially in my head is just positive. So it's, it's always a positive thing. And you know, something I'm striving for because I enjoy it so I can push harder and I can, you know, I can enjoy that process of, of getting there and it doesn't matter.

You know, that I'm not making as much money as I did then. I don't care about that. I'm spending loads of time with my family. I'm doing something that I love to do. And that's, that's it. That's all, all I care about. 

[00:07:36] Savia Rocks: Do you know what? I love when I hear these type of stories because it makes me realise that one thing is you don't take anything with you in life.

And every time I have a conversation with someone, that one sentence always comes out from me. You don't take anything with you, but you do leave the beautiful memories with your family. You do leave the love that you gave to them. And, and Anybody else that you touch when you're [00:08:00] walking down the road, you can smile at someone and that completely can make their day not knowing what they're going through.

And all of these things play a huge contribution to people's lives. And, and for me, that is more fulfilling than, for example, you know, making a million pound a day in a miserable job that you're not happy in, which we both, which we both know how that is. So one thing I would love to know is let's talk about, you know, comedy writing because being a comedy writer, there is a talent that you need to have within it.

Or it could be very, there's two ways that we can look at this and I'm sure you'll, you'll, you'll guide me through this. So. The first one is being a comedy writer. You can have an exceptional talent to be able to do what you need to do in order to be out in the world and write for comedy. But then there's two where [00:09:00] you can be just a very hard working person who loves the authenticity and the creativity of what you do and implement that into the world and be able to make a living from it.

Break which one down do you feel you are? 

[00:09:16] Brad Holcombe: I think it's a bit of both, to be honest. My, even though I'm quite a slow person up there, my head is just constant. It's a hundred mile an hour. So whatever it is. And I've, I've always I've always like thought, you know, I'm quite judgmental or, you know, that kind of thing, because I'm making up things in my head, you know, and then when I realized it's, it's not Being judgmental.

It's, it's actually being creative and I'm looking at this person and I'm picturing what they do, who they are, that kind of thing or, you know, I'm looking at a situation. I'm figuring it out. It's, it's, I'm playing it out in my head. So, you know, I've [00:10:00] always got this thing going on and then when I realized I could put that to paper and It just worked.

But coming from not a background of it, it's an incredible amount of hard work. I've done, I've done courses and tutorials and all sorts of stuff. Just to figure this thing out, how can I do it? How can I do it properly? How can I get people to take notice or that kind of thing. And it's, it's, I think, so for me, I think it's a mixture of both.

It's, it's that effort drive to make it work, but also the fine tuning of the, the mess that's going on up there. So. 

[00:10:49] Savia Rocks: No, no, that makes complete sense. But that's the funny thing with us creative people. Not everybody understands the way that our mindsets actually think and, and we'll go off in a [00:11:00] tangent and then start being creative.

And, and, and usually for me anyways, usually for me, my, my creativity is, is overwhelming at nighttime. So they, when I was doing research, they said from maybe 10 o'clock at nighttime to maybe four o'clock in the morning, there are a lot of creative people in the world that those are their best times to be creative.

And that's a wonderful thing to have, but a lot of people don't understand the concept of that. But I definitely understand where you're coming from because I know a lot of the time there are people who I've actually interviewed as well, who've said that their work. The way they work is they work very hard.

They work smart, but they work very hard because the talent wasn't necessarily given to them, but they know that they have to work a lot harder. A lot of the time in life, there are people who have exceptional talents, but don't have to work as hard as people who might not have the talent, [00:12:00] but they have to drive and passion to be able to want to do what I want to do.

So thank you so much for saying that. So. My next one for you is I would love to know what a day in your life is like now that you have this newfound freedom to enable you to do what you want to do in your life. What is a day like in your life from when you wake up in the morning to when you start to be creative or go into your mode or do things your way and into the evening when you decide to say this is where I'm going to rest or I'm going to relax or spend time with family.

[00:12:34] Brad Holcombe: Well, my, it depends on what day it is. I do work full time in security as well. So, but the, the benefit of that, and I hope none of them are listening is it's nights. So I work nights. So there's, there's quite a bit of downtime where, you know, you usually read a book or, or watch a TV show or something.

Well, I, I use that to write, so I'll, [00:13:00] I'll be tapping away and, you know so I'll be using that time, but it depends on what I've got on. You know, I, I could spend, especially when the kids are at school, I could be, you know, the whole time they're at school, just writing away or making a sketch video.

something could be, could be anything really. But what I do is I look at I heard some I can't remember who it was. Somebody on a podcast said that they look at their day of what they'd get in most in trouble for if they didn't do it. So then they'd focus on that 

[00:13:35] Savia Rocks: and then, 

[00:13:36] Brad Holcombe: yeah, and, and, and separate it out that way.

So so whatever that extreme deadline is, then that's what they do first, or they separate their day that way, and that's pretty much what I do. I mean, if the kids are off, like today, I've been in the garden. 

[00:13:53] Savia Rocks: I haven't 

[00:13:53] Brad Holcombe: done, I haven't done anything today. So, so, you know, I spent that time, that time with them.

So, [00:14:00] you know, it's, it's, it's one of them, I'm working nights, allows me to do that, you know, cause it's not like I work and then I've got to try and squeeze writing in. 

[00:14:08] Savia Rocks: Yeah. 

[00:14:09] Brad Holcombe: I can, I can do it while I'm there. Hopefully if I get, you know, a chance then I can also, I've got that choice to do it in the day.

Or, you know, enjoy, enjoy with the kids instead of 

[00:14:19] Savia Rocks: talk to me about one thing I would love to know is, is when you are a writer, especially if you're doing comedy, for example, you have to have a lot of confidence, especially to be a writer or an actor, you know, in these things, it's, it's about showing who you are as a person, but also the characters that you can implement in different ways.

How do you feel that you gain the confidence and self esteem to be able to do these things? 

[00:14:45] Brad Holcombe: It's, it's forced. It's a forced confidence. I remember the first little sketch that I put out on Facebook. You know, I'd written it, I'd performed it, and then it was like, Ah, it was that, ooh, shall I do it, [00:15:00] shall I not?

People are going to laugh at me, they're going to think I'm stupid. I've got people back home that'll think, Oh my God, he's a 30 year old man, what's he doing? You know? 

[00:15:08] Savia Rocks: Aw, don't say that. 

[00:15:11] Brad Holcombe: But then I saw stuff, I've written it, I've written it, I enjoy it. I enjoyed the process. I enjoyed doing it. I'm going to put it out there.

And if I find it funny, someone else is bound to, there's got to be other people with my humor. So I thought, do it, just do it. And I've done the same ever since. I'll put it out there and that's, that's it. I won't. So it's kind of a fake confidence, but it's just, you know, like Nike say, just, just do it.

[00:15:45] Savia Rocks: That's true. That's for anybody who wants to go into, to writing or acting, just from your perspective of what you've been through, what would your kind of advice be, especially for [00:16:00] someone starting in the whole industry? What would your advice be to them, to help them get into it? 

[00:16:07] Brad Holcombe: Well, the first two things I'd say is, is keep going.

You will think you're rubbish. You will get declined things or refused things. It doesn't matter. Just keep going. The other thing is something I learned early on, which is good and it does trip a lot of people up, is you will get rejected. Expect to be rejected. And that really helped me because when I was, it was like, oh, well, they said, you know, that, that I will get rejected.

So it's fine, you know, and I'm still on the right path. So I'll, I'll carry on pushing. But yeah, other than those two things, it's research, whatever you want to do if you want to write sitcom, watch loads of sitcoms, find out who these people are, who make them, look at what else they do look into how you can begin that, what, are there any courses, are there [00:17:00] any any I can't think of the word courses and, and what's any, any way of getting in like, for example, with cause I've been writing and I wanted to get into the production side of it.

So instead of working in security and then in TV land and then being a dad, it was like, right, okay, well, what if I can do all that under one umbrella you know, take out the real job, have the, the fantasy job and, and just do, do it all that. And from looking and researching, I found this course. It was the Create Central Skills Accelerator course.

And what it does, it it teaches you all of the basics. So that you can go in you can just step in as entry level. Because even trying to get in as entry level is ridiculously hard. Unless you know somebody or you you're aware of something that's happening. If you're trying to just go on a [00:18:00] film set, it's, it's really, really hard.

So something like this, it gives you the contacts and the know how and that kind of thing. It doesn't get you a job. But it teaches you how and what to do and what, what to do when you get there so that you can then you know, make people think that you're good and want you back and you can get that steady work from, from, you know, from that.

So, yeah, it, yeah, just, just keep working at it, looking, looking things up, doing everything you possibly can to get your foot in the door. What's your foot in the door? Just jam it in there and keep

Don't let it come back out. You know, 

[00:18:40] Savia Rocks: that's a fair point. Actually guys, don't let it come back out. Keep pushing yourself in there because someone will notice you. And it's quite surprising. When you're in an industry, the person who you think doesn't notice you is the person that actually notices you, you know, so I always say, keep pushing, there will be someone in there that will see your, your, your [00:19:00] value of who you are as a person and how you can contribute that value to the organization or, or company or film production that you're, that you're in.

In life, there will be rejections. Those rejections are actually a blessing. They're just redirecting you to where you need to be. I always say that to people. So no rejection is a bad thing because sometimes if you accept the first thing that comes to you, they could have been something maybe better on later on, which you could have went for and could have potentially helped you to be better at your craft and what you want to do.

So my next one is I am going to say if there was.

If there was someone that you would love to work with in film production, voiceover, being an actor, talk to me about who this person would be. You can choose any, you can choose film production, or you can choose voiceovers, whichever one you choose, because you have so many talents, so I [00:20:00] just want to get them all out.

I just want to get them all out. Who would you choose to work with and why would they be an inspirational person? Would they be just somebody who you think is a brilliant actor or actress, as they say, but now that I know that they just call it actor, who would you choose to work with in the fields that you work within?

[00:20:21] Brad Holcombe: Well, I, I've, I've, I've got two actually. They're both comedy actors. Got Matt Berry and Bob Mortimer both of them for different reasons. I mean, Matt Berry, I've, I've watched most of the stuff he's been in for years and years. I think the man is a legend and he, he should be bigger than what he is, you know, but when you see him on the screen, you know, it's going to be funny.

This guy is great, you know, and, and it's just, you're [00:21:00] guaranteed. And then Bob Mortimer. I mean, I just love to have a pint in the pub with that man. He's, he's, he's the funniest guy in the world, I think, but naturally funny. It doesn't matter what he says he can, I don't know. He's just, I just think he's got some.

Pure comedic brain, you know, and I just love to I'd love to work with him But I just love to sit in a pub and just talk to him. It might be his charisma 

[00:21:29] Savia Rocks: to be quite fair 

[00:21:31] Brad Holcombe: Yeah, 

[00:21:32] Savia Rocks: it might it might be something it might be that that he has a charisma to him Which is natural and it just it just connects with people.

[00:21:41] Brad Holcombe: Yeah, like a natural 

[00:21:42] Savia Rocks: charisma 

[00:21:44] Brad Holcombe: yeah, because I mean when he's on things like would I lie to you and Everybody knows That this episode is going to be funny. You know, the, the people on the show, they're like, Oh, bloody more. Am I, [00:22:00] what's he going to say this time? You know, you know, so, so everybody just knows like, you know, he's just one of those people.

And like you said, it's, it's, it's charms or whatever. It's, it's just something about him. He's just an awesome guy. 

[00:22:15] Savia Rocks: So we'll pull it, we'll pull it in the world for you, okay? So that you can have some kind of contact with them. Yeah. And hopefully they get, no, it's true. And hopefully, listen, if you don't ask for it, you don't get it.

So I always say to people, ask for it. And it will come your way. And if people see that you're doing the work, they'll come over and want to work with you. So if there was one quote that represented you as a person, what quote would you choose? And why would you choose that particular quote? 

[00:22:46] Brad Holcombe: Wow. It's not something that describes me, but it describes how I think. Of course. It was Richard Branson. 

[00:22:57] Savia Rocks: Ah, yes. 

[00:22:58] Brad Holcombe: I saw a quote from him years [00:23:00] ago. I can't remember it exact, but it says something like, if you're offered an opportunity. take it and then figure out what to do. It's something like, I probably said it a bit more eloquent than I did, but, but it's, it's that.

And I just thought, wow, that's, that's awesome. You know, just take it and see what happens. 

[00:23:21] Savia Rocks: Because I don't, I don't think there's a wrong way of doing something when an opportunity is meant for you. Yeah. Because It can either go blissfully well, or you learn, even though we would say it would go badly, that's not actually the case.

I think it's just us learning within it, within that opportunity. So if that opportunity arises again, we have the mindset to know, okay, I've done this a certain way this time. This time I'm going to articulate myself in this way. To make it work as a team or with people. So I completely, that's a great quote to [00:24:00] actually have for people.

So, so if there was one question you wished somebody asked you, Brad, but never ever has, what would that question be and why? 

[00:24:15] Brad Holcombe: It'll be Bob Mortimer and can you come and work with me?

I, oh God, I don't know. I got no idea. 

[00:24:23] Savia Rocks: There's a few where people, there's a few where sometimes a person actually just says. I wish someone would ask me how I am, but mean it. And then there are some people that would ask if I could do something in the world that could change the world, what would I do?

Usually it's something meaningful to them, which resonates with who they are. And sometimes it's just about caring or having compassion towards a person to find out what they love. So. If you haven't got it, we'll come back. 

[00:24:56] Brad Holcombe: Yeah, I haven't got anything. No, no, no, it's [00:25:00] totally okay. So, 

[00:25:01] Savia Rocks: let's go into music.

I'm sure everyone has a passion for some kind of music. And music, I always say, helps heal us and helps give us, you know, takes us out of places in our lives where sometimes we can feel stuck or we can feel stagnant. within our lives. If there was one song that was the soundtrack of your life, which is going to be interesting.

If there was one song that was the soundtrack of your life, what song would it be? And why? Oh, wow. I can see your brain working. Yeah. 

[00:25:36] Brad Holcombe: Cogs are going. Well, I'm going through all the catalogue of songs. I can imagine. I can just see 

[00:25:42] Savia Rocks: your brain just, just going through 

[00:25:44] Brad Holcombe: them. I mean, there's, there's a song. I can't remember the name of it.

I think it's the dark side of the street, something like that. Frank Sinatra and or the bright side of the street. I got that wrong, haven't I? It's basically stepping out of the shadows and into the bright. [00:26:00] So I think it's the light side of the street, something like that. And there was a time where I was in the rubbish jobs and, you know, a bit down that I, I did use music.

You know, to, to help turn things around. So this only the best is good enough for me. I can't remember the song title Frank Sinatra again. And there was quite a few songs like that with that positive. Message and I just listen to them in the car or listen to them, you know in the morning or whatever So I can't think of a song that would be a soundtrack to my life I would have thought some kind of Pink Floyd.

[00:26:42] Savia Rocks: Oh, that's yeah. Okay. I'm with you. I'm with you 

[00:26:46] Brad Holcombe: I don't know. I think yeah, it's gotta be something Pink Floyd, Shine On You, Crazy Diamond or something like that. 

[00:26:52] Savia Rocks: Yeah, no, I like the choices. No, those are good choices. Yep. What would you do in a world [00:27:00] differently if there was nobody who would judge you?

So for example, a lot of time in the world we get judged based upon who we are, what we do, our titles of our work, you know. Us being a manager of our daily lives, if there was no word called judgment, what would you do differently in the world? 

[00:27:23] Brad Holcombe: Well, a hundred percent I'd be more confident. I, I, I would you know, like instead of researching who's done what and what they've done, I'd be at their production studios or I'd be at their door, you know, and I'd be saying, you're right, you know, come, you know, can you show me around and, and, and that kind of thing, you know, whereas If you were to do that, it'd be like, well, who are you?

Why, why are you knocking my door? You know, unless you've got a title, a name, you know, something behind you, then, you know, you're [00:28:00] not so negative, but you're nothing really, you know, in their eyes. So if there was no judgment, I think I'd definitely be knocking a lot more doors. Inviting myself to, to places I probably shouldn't be in.

You know, just, just hobnobbing me with, with you know, with those kinds of people and see where it gets me. 

[00:28:21] Savia Rocks: Do you know what, Brad, to be fair, I think you can do it anyways. I think you could actually go and do it. And I think a lot of the time what it is with us is we have that insecurity. Or the the syndrome within us that makes us feel like we're not 100 percent good enough, or like you say, we don't have the title, but really, those people actually wait for us to come through the door and say who we are.

[00:28:49] Brad Holcombe: Yeah. 

[00:28:50] Savia Rocks: I'm, I'm being, I, listen, trust me. 

[00:28:53] Brad Holcombe: You're going to get me in trouble, you are. I'm going to go knocking doors. I tell you why? 

[00:28:56] Savia Rocks: Shall I tell you why I'm going to get you in trouble? Because the most [00:29:00] beautiful thing in life, thing in life, is I don't want people to go around saying, What if I did try that?

Or, or Or, I've sat here for so many years and I could have done this. Whereas, even if you get a no, at least you know you've got the no. Whereas, if years to come, you're wondering if you would have got the no. So, I like to get people in trouble, but I like to get people in trouble for a good reason. Yes.

Yeah. And I think that's just because I believe in people's ability. To enable them to go and get what they want in life, because we are here for a short period of time. And once that time is gone, you're either reincarnated into someone else with another dream and another aspiration, or you might not come back at all.

So for me, I'm going to get you in trouble now. I'm going to say, I'm going to say go and Go to those people's doors and find out who they are and, and have a conversation. There is nothing wrong with communication. Communication is what [00:30:00] makes the world work and it will also make you happy that you've done it as well.

It gives you like a, this boost. So, what are you most proud of that you stand for as an individual?

[00:30:14] Brad Holcombe: Well as in Who who I am or something I've done 

[00:30:19] Savia Rocks: you can do both whichever resonates with you So you can do who you are first and then what you've 

[00:30:26] Brad Holcombe: done. I mean You know, I I don't I'm not a person who dwells on the past Once it's done, it's done, you know, it's either a lesson or something that you forget, but it's gone.

So, forgetting everything I, you know, anything and anything I might have done previous, the way I'm, the way I am now. And the way, you know, me me and how I am and, and whatever, [00:31:00] I, I, I'm quite proud of of the way I'm basically I, I'm quite, well, I'm very positive now, very driven, you know, very focused, very family orientated, you know, everything is balanced.

So I make sure everything's balanced. Yeah so that, that I think that's that's something I'm quite proud of is how I am and I'm hoping that That will pass on to my kids so that they can be, you know, positive and, because, you know, there have been times in the past where, you know, under stress and everything, you're just miserable and angry and whatever else.

And, you know, not that I've done anything really bad, you know, just because you think. I don't. One thing I 

[00:31:51] Savia Rocks: don't do in life is judge. And I think that's the really authentic thing. I think even if you have done something bad, Brad, who is anyone [00:32:00] to judge you for it? There has to be a reason why you done it in the first place.

So for me, I don't think anybody has the right to pass judgment on another person. In a human world, people still do, but I just decided I don't do that.

[00:32:19] Brad Holcombe: Yeah, so, so that's something I'm proud of. Yeah work wise. It's, it's exactly what I've done. Everything I've done up until this point. Is, is, I'm proud of, because, you know, I've, I've, there's, there have been times where I've thought, Oh, can I actually do this? Does anyone care? You know, I've written this, I've got rejected, I've written this, I got rejected, I've written this, and I've got one like.

So, it's and then it's not positive, keep on going, and then I'll get something else, and it's like, there we 

[00:32:55] Savia Rocks: are. 

[00:32:56] Brad Holcombe: I'm telling myself off. Like, you [00:33:00] should listen to yourself. Yeah, so, so, you know, everything today really, I'm really proud of. 

[00:33:06] Savia Rocks: See, that's what I love. So can you define what success means to you?

Because in life we all have a different definition of what success means to us. Sometimes success can mean waking up in the morning and just. Being alive, sometimes it could be fighting cancer, it could be passing a driving test, it could be so many other things, but can you define what success means to you as a person?

[00:33:31] Brad Holcombe: Success to me is being happy. I don't think I don't think there's any other measurement, well not in my head anyway of success. You know, it's if like I'm doing what I'm doing now. I'm happy. I'm spending lots of time with my. wife and kids. I'm happy. All these things, they're making me happy.

And if someone was to offer me, you know, a million [00:34:00] pounds to do the job I was doing before, they'd have the door shut straight in their face. You know, cause I don't, you know, money doesn't bother me. It's, it's being happy. So success, I think is just being happy in whatever you're doing. 

[00:34:18] Savia Rocks: I'm so glad you said that.

I think more and more people need to know that. To need to know that especially. So if I was to say to you, what is the best advice you have ever received from someone and how has it helped you in your life? 

[00:34:33] Brad Holcombe: Well the best advice I'd say was something my dad said when I was a teenager I was lying on the sofa up to anything, just watching the telly.

And he was asking me what I'm doing. So I'm just watching the telly, and he goes, Oh, you know, not off too much then. And and he said Well, you know what they say, If things don't change, you'll stay as they are. And he walked out and I laughed. I thought, oh, that's a [00:35:00] funny thing. But then years later, I thought that's actually really good, that's actually a really, really good bit of advice.

And when I lost my job and I was doing everything and thinking of writing and, you know, shall I do it? How am I going to do it? It was in my head, it was just in my head that well, you know, things don't change, they'll stay as they are. And it just kept me, just kept pushing me forward. You know, if it don't change, it's And I did, I honestly thought it was a funny, funny saying when I first heard it, I thought it's weird.

[00:35:36] Savia Rocks: No, but it makes, it makes complete sense. 

[00:35:38] Brad Holcombe: Yeah. 

[00:35:39] Savia Rocks: It does make complete. That's actually really good. That's actually a really good way of, yeah, your dad was smart in the way he said it. So when was the last time you remember feeling at peace with yourself? 

[00:35:55] Brad Holcombe: Today, yesterday. I'm, I'm in that place [00:36:00] where I'm just grateful, I'm happy, you know, it's, it's been a while, 43 years in the making, but, you know, it's, it's, I'm there I'm happy.

Yeah, I'm at peace. Yeah, I'm, I'm focused on one thing and enjoying everything else. 

[00:36:23] Savia Rocks: You sound really calm, which is really nice. It's just like a calm aura. Plus it's a hot day guys. It's extremely hot. You don't want to be doing too much. Today. Yeah. But at the same time, you just sound in a really peaceful, tranquil place.

So I've only got literally two more for you. And my second to last question is, when did you realize that language had a power? Because in the way that we use our language and articulate ourselves, there's so much about who we are. When did you [00:37:00] learn that language had power to help you in the world? 

[00:37:04] Brad Holcombe: Well, I learned that in when I was in management, actually.

Cause you know, you'd, you'd speak to the higher ups or you'd email somebody in an office somewhere. And you just weren't taken seriously. Unless, unless, you know, You use the mind numbing craft that they use, you know, moving forward and all this kind of stuff, you know, all those phrases and you know, the management speak, unless you use that and you spoke to them as they speak to you.

You got, you didn't get taken seriously. So that was my first example of that. And, you know, once I got it, my emails were, you know, beautifully crafted. 

[00:37:50] Savia Rocks: Beautifully crafted. Oh, I like that. So, before we go. [00:38:00] Today, I, and before I even say thank you to you for coming on the show, Brad, I would love for people to be able to find you and connect with you.

So could I kindly ask you where can we find you on any social medias if you have any or anywhere that you would like to share so people can connect with you? 

[00:38:20] Brad Holcombe: Okay. Yeah, I'm on Twitter which is at B T H O L 8 1. Insta LinkedIn, and Facebook, if you just type in my name, Brad Holcombs, H O L C O M B E.

Yeah, I'm on all of those. Yes, you find me on there, and connect, and yeah. We'll go from there. 

[00:38:44] Savia Rocks: Cool. That sounds good to me, Brad. This is where I want to say, thank you so much for taking your time to sit down and have a conversation with me. Just nice and easy. Let me know about your life, where you come from, you know, and most of all, Brad, I commend you for [00:39:00] finding your happiness because a lot of people go through life and don't take that leap of faith to find the happiness that's within them.

So thank you so much again for sharing your story. Who you are, but most of all just being you and please do me a favor and get yourself in more trouble. So 

[00:39:19] Brad Holcombe: Yes, I will do 

[00:39:21] Savia Rocks: Thank you so much brad. Thank you. Lovely 

[00:39:23] Brad Holcombe: Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's been it's been a pleasure. Thank you 

[00:39:27] Savia Rocks: You're more than welcome guys, I want to thank you so much for listening to the us people podcast and please remember you can subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes, Google Play and any other platform that you prefer listening to.

Please also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and you can also donate to the us people podcast by simply going to the Savvy Rocks website or going to the us people podcast website. Guys, thank you so much for listening. Stay happy, stay positive, [00:40:00] and as always, please, continue to be kind to one another.

Take care.

[00:40:08] Brad Holcombe: Well, the first two things I'd say is, is keep going. You will think you're rubbish. You will get declined things or refused things. It doesn't matter. Just keep going. The other thing is something I learned early on, which is good. And it does trip a lot of people up, is you will get rejected. Expect to be rejected.

And That really helped me because when I was, it was like, oh, well, they said, you know, that I, that I will get rejected, so it's fine, you know, and I'm still on the right path, so I'll, I'll carry on pushing.

[00:40:40] Savia Rocks: Yes, if you try.

Spread your wings and let the wind glide you high We're just soaring through this journey living free We are far behind. Oh, so full of courage. You can win if you try. We got red PS to you. [00:41:00] You'll see the power.