Happy Talk

Boredom, Break-ups and Bucket Lists with Dan Bridgewater

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Episode notes

In this conversation, Meg interviews Dan, the founder of Buckt, a mystery ticket subscription service. They discuss the origins of Buckt, which was inspired by the frustration of spending hours searching for fun activities to do. Dan shares how he used a bucket list to shift his mindset and find happiness after a breakup. Meg relates her own experience of creating a bucket list and finding fulfillment through adventure and self-discovery. They explore the power of positive emotions and the importance of variety in life. Dan highlights the impact of Buckt on relationships and mental health, and the challenge of competing against comfort and laziness.    Takeaways

  • Self-reflection and self-discovery are crucial for finding happiness.
  • Entrepreneurs may face unique challenges in finding happiness due to their desire for growth and control.
  • Faith and spirituality can play a role in happiness, but may require reconciling with the entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Taking action, managing energy, and surrounding oneself with positive influences are important for maintaining happiness. Creating a bucket list can shift your mindset and bring focus to the future, helping you find happiness and overcome challenges.
  • Engaging in new activities and experiences can lead to personal growth, build confidence, and strengthen relationships.
  • Prioritising positive emotions and variety in life can broaden your psychological resources and contribute to overall well-being.
  • Buckt's mystery ticket subscription service offers a unique way to discover and participate in a variety of activities, helping individuals break free from routine and explore new possibilities.

About Dan

Dan Bridgewater is an award winning entrepreneur, corporate governance practitioner and public speaker. Dan is the founder of Buckt. Buckt is the UK's only mystery ticket subscription. Every month subscribers receive 5 mystery tickets to top attractions and activities in their region. From axe throwing to alpaca walking, rage rooms to restaurants, subscribers receive actual tickets (not discount nor recommendations) and they can complete all of them at no extra cost. Operating in 7 regions across the country (with 3 more on the way) including Birmingham, London and Manchester, the business recently received investment from Birmingham venture capital firm Midven and has its sights on international expansion.

Alongside this, Dan is the founder of Fourth Wall (a social enterprise that uses the arts to develop the skills of young people in disadvantages communities), a first class with honours graduate from the University of Birmingham and a Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

He is a recipient of multiple awards including the prestigious Point of Light Award (chosen by the Prime Minister), One To Watch by the Phoenix Business Club and winner of the Future Faces of Entrepreneurship Award. Additionally, Dan has sat on the multiple boards including the Birmingham LEP’s business committee, UpRising, RSA Academies and was a chair of governors at a Birmingham primary school.