Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

The morose phrase 'Life's a Bitch, and then You Die' hides an inner optimism that isn’t at first apparent. We will hear about how this truth is both hard to swallow and liberating to accept. In this episode, Delia speaks to Australian-American author, linguist and podcaster, Karen Stollznow, whose new book explores the rich history of the expletive in this week’s phrase.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Delia�s guest is Chef Jason Howard. Barbadian born and Vincentian by descent, Jason is marking his place in history as a Modern Caribbean chef living in London. With over 18 years of professional experience, Chef Jason has mastered infusing the flavours from his home cuisines with international cooking techniques, presenting Caribbean dishes at its finest level of enjoyment. You should see how he plates them! No surprise then, that his metaphor is, 'Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavour'.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

In this episode, Delia talks with business and entrepreneurial expert, Key McKay on the age old saying; 'As the crow flies'. This episode takes us through some interesting history of the phrase and its use throughout cultures and timelines, with funny missadventures along the way. With an extensive track record in business, it is no surprise Key is familiar with taking the direct approach! Join Delia and Key in navigating the intricacies of this historical and widely used phrase through the lens of business.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

The phrase 'I am not a mirror' is of one our guest, educator Andrew Scott, has devised. You may be familiar with the original phrase, 'I am a mirror' so we invite you to listen to Andrew’s rationale. We also 'look' back in time to the first mirrors made and the inner mirrors we all have. 'See' you soon?

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'They wear their heart on their sleeve' is a common phrase many of us have heard over the years. But, where does this phrase come from, and why has it stayed with us for so long? This week, we take a look at some possible origins of this saying, and what it means in the end. Delia’s guest is Cheryl Ginnings, CEO and Founder of Cheryl Speaks Caregiving. Credits: Script: Joseph Whittle Script Supervisor: Delia Dolor Social media graphics by Oduwa Osemwenkae. Social media videos by Ernie de Neve. This episode of Metaphorically Speaking was edited by Giacomo D’Anselmi.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'A little piece of heaven on earth'. Heaven is a picture of perfection. It’s whatever anyone wants it to be, but it all gives us the same feeling of joy. In this episode, we look at how heaven can be defined in our lives and some of the emotions it evokes. Delia’s guest is Michael Vincent, a trailblazer and award-winning magician.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Myriam Belasse is a mother and fashion designer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born in Saint Lucia and raised in Barbados before moving to the United States. As Saint Lucia celebrates their annual Nobel Laureate Festival, Myriam tells Delia how the islands’ two Nobel Laureates’, 'excellence' shaped her life using her chosen metaphor, 'Giving up is not an option'.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Sarah Fitz, aged 9, lives in Saint Lucia and is already an author! Hear her interpretation of the metaphor 'No pain. No gain'. Later, Delia discusses the metaphor with one of the show’s writers, David McDade.

'Move the needle' says Vanessa Wiliams, who chose this week’s metaphor. It generated so much conversation between the Metaphorically Speaking team, that we recorded our thoughts too! Research uncovered so many variations of 'moving the needle', you’ll be surprised!

'Cock and bull story' illustrates Kate Iroegbu's (founder of Triumph Over Adversity) own life and struggles and path to success. 

'The Grass is Always Greener' is traveller, Paula Johannsson's chosen metaphor as she shares some of her biggest life changes after becoming divorced, moving country and changing career all in a short period of time.

'The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet' says Tony Kelly, 2022 recipient of the Black Honours Award for his achievements in raising awareness for diabetes. He discusses how his chosen metaphor has affected his life.

A lot can happen within a split second. Lives can be changed - for better or for worse. In this episode we look at different concepts of time and how we can change our mindset to become more present. Our guest is Mark Raymond Jr., founder of the Split Second Foundation.

Kym Carter, former Olympian and accomplished coach joins Delia to discuss why 'Sports is a metaphor for life'.

Did you know the metaphor 'fake it till you make it' seems to have its origins in psychology, around the 1920s with Alfred Adler, who developed a therapeutic technique called 'acting as if'? Nowadays, we call it, 'role-play'. Magician Michael Vincent continues his discussion with Delia on how this metaphors resonates in his life and career.

Internationally renowned magician Michael Vincent, named Best Close-Up Magician three times by the UK’s Magic Circle, and awarded the title of International Magician of the Year in 1993, is in a great position to say 'Fake it til you make it'.

Once an undocumented immigrant, now a US citizen, Felicia J. Persaud is a Black Caribbean-born immigrant, journalist, entrepreneur, and advocate for the Caribbean American community. She tells Delia why 'Things are always working out for me'.

Lorlett Hudson is the CEO of 'One Hand Can't Clap' - and that�s our metaphor this week! Also, the author of a book about Jamaican proverbs called, 'Things Mama Used to Say', Lorlett has given a lot of thought into how this metaphor affects her life and the life of others.

'Life is like an onion, you peel it off one layer at time and sometimes you weep!' Delia�s guest Seme Eroh explains all in her book, 'When the fog lifts: Gaining clarity after chaos and confusion'. Her story creates dialogue surrounding the trauma within toxic marriages and how living life as if it were an onion can not only bring tears to your eyes, but as you tear off layers of skin, it provides opportunities to cut out the things that make you cry.

A lot can happen within a split second. Lives can be changed - for better or for worse. In this episode we look at different concepts of time and how we can change our mindset to become more present. Our guest is Mark Raymond Jr., founder of the Split Second Foundation.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'To carry the can', 'etwas ausbaden müssen', 'to bathe something out', means having to bear the consequences for something that either you or another is responsible for. This week’s episode looks at its German origin and how it differs greatly from the UK’s understanding. Delia’s guest is commentator Tony Kelly.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'Failure is not an option!' was always on Delia�s guest's mind during her career producing Rolls of Honour. Clare Villar is a multi award winning, internationally recognised Military Artist and successful female entrepreneur. Her hand crafted unique artwork is being commissioned to commemorate prestigious events around the world.

'A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. We provide the music, and you provide the silence' said British conductor, Leopold Stokowski. Delia�s guest Anyango Yarbo-Davenport is a conductor and violinist, and from her first musical performance to her early life in Germany; her adventure, and why this metaphor features strongly in her life, is one you will definitely want to hear.

'It�s not the destination, it�s the journey', believes Sherry Ann Dixon, the Guyanese award-winning journalist and transformational lecturer. Highly respected in the community in Britain, Sherry has interviewed Dr. Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Pam Grier, John Holt, Alice Walker and other celebrities. Sherry explains why this week�s metaphor has been a constant in her life.

Robin Hutchinson MBE, put a very interesting spin on the metaphor 'Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan' that could be interpreted either optimistically or cynically - depends on how you view life. Find out which politician was famous for voicing a variation of the phrase.

Marsha Powell speaks to a popular statement by Dr Maya Angelou - 'I�ve learned people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'Directing the arrow back to yourself and unleashing your highest potential' is Beverley Douglas's chosen metaphor. The retired UK police officer shares her experiences on the beat and writing her book 'Cutie'.

'Don't suffer, thrive' says q ualified hypnotherapist Chris Freer who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis twenty years ago, but fought back his illness using mindfulness, exceeding medical expectations, and now helps others to flourish.

Amarachi Clarke, founder of Lucocoa, London’s first Bean to Bar Chocolate Maker and 'proud chocolate crusader and activist', explains her rationale of the metaphor 'gutted'.

'Action speaks louder than words', says Joanne Syster Blake, entrepreneur, keen hat collector, and the creator of 'Swimscarf'.

'Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself'. That�s our metaphor this week. Inter-culturist and educator, Dr Cornelius Grove who has spent years exploring education in East Asia, explains why these students often come up on top.

Jenn Brandel, licensed clinical social worker, centers her work on the use of mindfulness and humour to promote compassionate practices. As a recognized leader in her field she has released books that offer insight to her work such as When Rabbits Spill Their Tea: Metaphors to Guide Us Through Difficult Times, a title that makes it clear she�s well-versed in the understanding and study of metaphors.

�Culture leads to a wonderful life�, says Africa Yoon, celebrated activist and author of �The Korean� who in this follow-up episode delves deeper into the issue of migration.

'What eh miss yuh eh pass yuh' meaning 'If it's meant for you, it won't pass you by.' That’s the metaphor chosen by David Kallo, author of 'Jumbie in Town' about his childhood adventures in search of characters from the rich amalgamation of Trinidad and Tobago folklore.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'Change is mandatory for extraordinary results' says Jamie-Lee Abtar, a professional globetrotter and marketer. Abtar is well versed in topics such as diversity, inclusion and community engagement and uses her knowledge around the world to reach chosen audiences and educate others.

'Life is like an onion, you peel it off one layer at time and sometimes you weep!' Delia�s guest Seme Eroh explains all in her book, 'When the fog lifts: Gaining clarity after chaos and confusion'. Her story creates dialogue surrounding the trauma within toxic marriages and how living life as if it were an onion can not only bring tears to your eyes, but as you tear off layers of skin, it provides opportunities to cut out the things that make you cry.

'I walk my talk... and my talk is as authentic and bold as my walk' says fashion model, speaker, philanthropist, and author of Model Patient, Camerone Parker. She tells Delia about her experiences, her battle with autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis, and what it takes to be a badass woman.

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

'Move the needle' says Vanessa Wiliams, who chose this week’s metaphor. It generated so much conversation between the Metaphorically Speaking team, that we recorded our thoughts too! Research uncovered so many variations of 'moving the needle', you’ll be surprised!

'Stop setting yourself on fire to keep others warm!' says Liliana Dominguez-Grajales, founder of LG Wellness.  She explains how this metaphor took center-stage in her life and work.

To Alison Knowles, 'The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree'. Knowles develops programmes for children to help them regulate their emotions using Ollie!, star of a Super Power series and shortly to be a cartoon character.

To Dr Diahanne Rhiney, founder of the Baton Awards, the metaphor 'for a Woman, life is a battle and her beauty is a goddamn machine gun' is everything. She explains it all.

Marsha Powell speaks to a popular statement by Dr Maya Angelou - 'I�ve learned people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Exploring popular and obsure metaphors

When you've had two strokes, you're waiting in hospital for your mother to visit you only to be told she passed away 23 years ago and you looked in the mirror and didn't know you were looking at yourself and someone asked you to choose a metaphor that describes what you've been through, what would you choose? Maybe, 'Living on a prayer�' Carole Pyke chose as her metaphor, 'Stand on your own two feet.'

A lot can happen within a split second. Lives can be changed - for better or for worse. In this episode we look at different concepts of time and how we can change our mindset to become more present. Our guest is Mark Raymond Jr., founder of the Split Second Foundation.

'To carry the can', 'etwas ausbaden müssen', 'to bathe something out', means having to bear the consequences for something that either you or another is responsible for. This week’s episode looks at its German origin and how it differs greatly from the UK’s understanding. Delia’s guest is commentator Tony Kelly.

'If you rush it, you’ll ruin it' is a phrase that can be applied to so many areas of life, but its power lies in its simplicity. We will hear how different cultures take varied approaches to time and the pace of life. In this episode, Delia has invited Saint Lucian born, Scotland-based rum distiller Sylvester Herman as the island celebrates its two Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis (Economics) and Sir Derek Walcott (Literature).

In this episode, our research uncovered so many variations of the metaphor, 'move the needle'. You’ll be surprised!