Q & A with Cory from The Curious Boys Club
Connected through curiosity
I met Cory, one of the founders of The Curious Boys Club at Grapevine Cov & Warks Celebrating Leaders event. We had a feeling we had things in common but it wasn’t until we met up at The Pod for a brew that we fully discovered just how much!
You see, just like me, Cory is a fellow creative, he has two children, runs a website that focuses on building a community around an idea and lives life with a Long-Term Illness.
So Cory tell me a little bit about The Curious Boys Club and why you set it up
Sharing our story, defining who we are, checking out fashion and footwear, listen to music. we are just like everyone else trying to find our place in a f’d up world of negativity we stay positive, stay honest and stay curious!!
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Good design, more recently architecture modern and traditional sneakers, the construction design, colour juxtaposition of material tech and tradition. Nothing better.
When did your life change, due to illness?
My life has always been one of illness or injury so much so that my nickname is Mr glass!
It wasn’t until my teens that I had my first cast and operation on my knee. And then it’s just been a cycle of back and forth between the doctors and home. But it was probably 4 years ago with the recent condition, but at this point, the actual condition is being determined. But what I do know is that I’ve been better and hope to better again.
Do you think men find it difficult to ask for support when they have a Long Term Condition? If yes what’s your advice?
I think men find it difficult talking full stop. We’ve been pre-programmed not to speak, as Brit’s you have to carry on and keep a stiff upper lip. Don’t show emotion, just keep on working. We don’t like to make a fuss but deep down we are crying out for support, We just don’t talk.
The only advice I can give is to actually talk, talk to someone anyone. Just don’t bottle it up. It gets easier that’s for sure, not in the short term, or maybe mid-term but in the long term, you will be better for it.
What does an average day look like?
Wake up at 730 help get the kids ready for school. Take my 1st pill of the day. Do some light yoga and stretches. Breakfast. Shower. Then some work at the computer.
11-1130 coffee.
1230-130 naptime. This is something I cannot control if I’m at home it just happens and I can’t fight it.
315 pick kids up.
Dinner bedtime routine 730/830 which is more like 930 then chill for an hour and head to bed before I pass out. I have a short window of creativity so it’s important that I make the most of it. Plan the night before what I want to achieve. And hit my daily targets
Although life changes when you become poorly or get a diagnosis without a cure, life still can be lived. Tell us what you have been up to recently
Life is a balancing act, you can’t just go and do something without repercussions so I have to take things slow for a week if I know I have something big coming up. Recently I took my son on a 30 hour round trip to Kiev to watch Liverpool in the champions league final. (Which they lost) but the experience was incredible. Sadly it took its toll on me and took me a week to get over.
What is your self-care mantra at the moment?
Balance!
What tips can you give to someone in a similar situation?
Stop what you are doing, take 5 minutes to have a think about your current situation…and breath!!
Tell us one random fact about yourself
I used to have Blonde hair and Blue eyes…We’ll leave it at that.
If you were stuck on a desert island what one book, one album and film would you want and why?
I’m not a great reader honestly, I’ve read 2 books cover to cover in the last 3 years. One book though was the catalyst for where I am now and that was “creative confidence” by Tom and David Kelley A MUST READ.
Album would be 36 chambers I love the Wutang Clan. Love my kids are even little Wu Babies.
Film would be Misery with Kathy Bates it is just pure genius. I have a dark character I would say but a positive mindset. Maybe that’s why I’m Curious.
What things make you Feel Good?
The smile on my children’s face! Sounds a bit soppy. But they really do give me the energy to succeed and carry on.
What benefits do you get from writing a blog/Instagram/Photos?
For me it’s a release, I’ve always been quite guarded and kept my feelings to myself and then when things get too much I blow up, so this is an outlet for me to be free, create and curate a story. I say, curate because we all share the best pictures we have taken and filtered so that’s not real.
Blogging for me is the reality. And something I never thought I would do. English was not my favourite subject but I have really enjoyed this form of expression and feel honesty is the only way to be and connect with people. It’s been hard sharing sometimes, but I feel such a sense of release and have had good feedback that other men can relate to.
One man in ten already has diabetes and thousands more either don’t know they have it or are at serious risk of it. What are your thoughts on this? What can be done?
I believe this comes with education and discussion. I have pre-diabetes which just means I’m bordering the levels that are deemed to be at risk. A lot of this I have put down to my medication and family history. I don’t eat poorly and am as active as I can be.
But we should all get checked and find our own levels. Everybody is different and things will affect us all in different ways so there is no 1 model fits all scenario.
I know Football is your saviour, have you enjoyed the world cup?
I love the fact the team is young hungry yet humble. I think this is the mantra for New England after the incredible success of the youth teams.
If you are feeling curious, check out the Curious Boy’s Club website Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
