Forget Celebrity: Why Everyday Stories Are the Real Source of Inspiration

I was recently fortunate enough to be interviewed by Johanna Fink from the excellent Yellow Shelf podcast. Johanna does a wonderful job of interviewing authors and podcast hosts, curating short ten-minute interviews that help listeners discover books and podcasts that might have slipped under their radar.

One of Johanna’s comments really got me thinking. She mentioned the 'relative' anonymity of the guests on the Extrology Podcast. That observation struck a chord with me, as it touches on what I see as the true wonder and beauty of Extrology—something I was only too happy to share with Johanna, even if I have a clear vested interest in doing so!

The inspiration for Extrology came from a genuine belief that everyone has a story worth telling. We’re all striving to overcome obstacles, to realize our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. That daily struggle is the essence of being human—and it holds invaluable lessons for personal and professional growth.

The cult of celebrity is everywhere these days. Maybe it’s escapism or simple voyeurism that draws us, moth-like, to those who bask in the limelight. But for me, the true value lies in the insight, inspiration, and learning that comes from the everyday person—the one sitting next to me on the train, the one I pass in the street or while out walking the dog, the one ordering their morning coffee or doing the weekly shop. It's these stories that remind us that extraordinary achievements start from ordinary places.

So often, it's within life’s mundanity that real inspiration emerges. Yet we rarely have our eyes open wide enough to really see, our ears tuned to truly listen, or our curiosity sharpened enough to ask the right questions. Extrology exists to change that—to help us recognize and learn from those around us.

These stories can transform our outlook, inspire us to take action, or simply remind us that resilience and ambition are not reserved for the famous. Whether you’re leading a team, trying to find your next big idea, or just navigating life's challenges, there’s so much to gain from hearing how others have faced and conquered their own.

This is why I created Extrology—to give a platform to the extraordinary stories found in the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives. To remind us all that greatness is not a distant concept—it’s right here, all around us, waiting to be uncovered.