I’ll be honest… this episode didn’t go as planned—and that’s exactly why you need to listen.

We hit record, and life showed up in real time. Kiko was there, her beautiful daughter Ocean popped in, bedtime didn’t quite happen… and suddenly, we were living the very message we were about to talk about: you don’t control life—you learn how to move with it.

And then Kiko started sharing.

About surviving a rare disease—three times.
About rowing solo across the Atlantic… six months after brain surgery.
About choosing purpose over pain.
About something she calls Kikonomics—a way of managing your energy so life doesn’t drain you dry.

And somewhere in between the laughter, the chaos, and the raw truth… something clicked.

Because this wasn’t just a conversation.
This was a masterclass in how to play your hand—no matter what you’ve been dealt.

Key Takeaways

• You can’t control most of life—but you can control your response
• The moment you stop trying to control the uncontrollable, you free up energy for what actually matters.
• Energy is your most valuable currency
• Worry drains it. Perspective protects it. And without it, even your best resources are useless.
• Mental fitness is trainable
• Just like your body, your mind can be strengthened. Positivity isn’t luck—it’s practice.
• Every experience has two sides
• The skill isn’t avoiding pain—it’s learning to reframe it and extract growth from it.
• Storms don’t last—but they do shape you
• Every challenge builds resilience… if you allow it to.
• Stop trying to escape discomfort—grow through it
• The very thing you’re resisting might be the thing that transforms you.

Favourite Quote

”If you can’t control it, why waste your energy worrying about it? Save that energy for getting through it.”

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:26 Kids on the Podcast

01:52 Meet Kiko’s Journey

02:50 Cushing’s and Radiotherapy

03:23 Atlantic Row Record

03:50 Living and Giving Mission

04:44 Adventures and Community Impact

06:31 Single Mom and New Book

08:09 Practicing Positivity

09:50 Conserving Energy Mindset

12:07 Perspective from Colin’s Story

14:56 Control What You Can

17:12 Mental Fitness Blueprint

18:32 Host Recap and Takeaways

22:00 Reframing Past Hardships

23:13 Storms Pass Build Resilience

25:31 Why Humans Need Challenges

27:23 Feel Emotions Then Reframe

30:12 Train Logic Save Energy

31:41 Book Progress And Purpose

33:44 Encouragement For Creators

35:19 Gratitude And Closing Thoughts

39:22 Final Sendoff And Takeaway

Find out more and connect with Kiko

Kiko Matthews is an adventurer, scientist, speaker, and author whose life is a powerful example of resilience in action. From surviving Cushing’s disease to rowing the Atlantic solo and leading environmental expeditions, she has built a life rooted in purpose, sustainability, and deep human connection.

She’s now developing her concept of Kikonomics—a practical approach to mental fitness that helps people manage their energy, reframe challenges, and live more intentionally.

Kiko’s work blends science, storytelling, and humour to explore leadership, adversity, and what it really means to live well.

• Website: www.kikomatthews.co.uk
• Social: Kiko Matthews
• Special: Reach out via email for coaching opportunities, speaking engagements, or to connect around her upcoming book (and maybe even receive a signed copy 👀)

If this episode spoke to you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re stronger than they think—and that this moment, right now, is just part of the game.

And remember…

Life isn’t about the hand you’re dealt.
It’s about how you play it.

If you're interested in learning more about playing the hand your dealt in this mental game of life, you'll love my book Poker A Woman's Game. To download your free chapter today, visit https://lafayawaypoker.com