The Action Factory Podcast
Quit Your Diet is Michael Dawson’s new book, course, and core focus right now—and it’s not about food, it’s about freedom. This podcast is where those ideas come to life. Rooted in decades of work with real people, Quit Your Diet offers a new approach to change—one based on how the mind actually works, not willpower, rules, or restriction. Michael Dawson is a behavior specialist with a long track record of helping people shift deep-set patterns and create lasting transformation. Trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and NLP, he’s spent over 40 years on the front lines—from building groundbreaking youth projects to working one-to-one with clients stuck in difficult loops. This podcast is inspired by those conversations—by what people are really up against, and by what actually helps. Right now, we’re exploring the tools behind Quit Your Diet—why diets don’t work, how beliefs shape behavior, and what it really takes to break out of stuck patterns. If you’re ready to think differently, change your habits, or just want to understand the mind a little better, you’re in the right place.
Episodes

Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.
Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Now, let's get started...
Ever wondered how a song, a scent, or even a festive conversation could act as an 'anchor' to evoke certain feelings? We're going to uncover the concept of 'anchoring' and demonstrate how it can be used to trigger uplifting responses and diminish negative ones.
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
I'm your host, Michael Dawson, welcome back to another exciting episode of our Action Factory podcast.
Today, we'll be diving deep into the transformative power of Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, in the realm of youth work.
Discussing:
- The concept of 'anchoring' in NLP.
- The use of anchoring in various fields, including stand-up comedy and sports.
- How anchoring can be used in youth work.
- Practical applications of anchoring in your interactions with young people.
As the festive season is just around the corner, we'll also discuss how holiday conversations can serve as anchors for pleasant memories and experiences.
Get ready to not only understand the theory of anchoring but also to learn its practical applications in your interactions with youth. So, whether you're a seasoned youth worker or just starting your journey in this field, I hope this episode promises to offer valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your skills.
As always I invite you to get this weeks DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

Monday Dec 11, 2023
#136 P6 Free NLP Course - The limits of limiting beliefs in young people.
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.
Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
I'm your host Michael Dawson, and today we delve deep into the powerful world of beliefs and how they shape our lives. This episode is specifically tailored for those of us who are in the front lines of residential youth work, dealing with young lives every day, and helping them navigate the often complex world of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
In today's episode, we're exploring the profound impact of beliefs on our actions, especially in the context of residential youth work.
I'll talk about two boys who, despite similar upbringings, developed different belief systems leading their lives to take drastically different turns. I'll also unravel how beliefs, right from core to surface level, can influence our readiness to take risks or explore new things.
I want to know how we can adopt or adapt Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques into residential youth work. I'll delve into the importance of relationships, the power of visualization, the impact of positive and negative reframing, and why being a trusted source is so crucial.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How beliefs, from core to surface level, influence our actions and behaviors.
- The role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in residential youth work.
- The importance of relationships.
- The power of visualization and reframing.
- How to adapt NLP techniques to provide valuable support to young people in residential youth work.
You won't want to miss this enlightening discussion on leveraging NLP to empower both young people and youth workers.
As always I invite you to get this weeks NOTES (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

Monday Dec 04, 2023
#135 P5 Free NLP course - Goals amongst Chaos in youth work
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.
Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
In this episode, we're set to explore the remarkable power of goal setting and the influence of positivity in the field of residential youth work. We'll uncover how to utilize the SMART principles, NLP techniques, and a plethora of other tactics to inspire youngsters to envision their accomplishments and genuinely claim their goals.
We'll also talk about the power of reshaping pre-existing beliefs, how this can lead to a shift in outlook, and how this empowers young individuals to attain their dreams. This episode is a must-hear for youth workers or anyone enthusiastic about uplifting the next generation.
We'll delve into how fostering sincere relationships with young people can have a considerable impact on their personal development journey. Prepare to uncover fresh perspectives, tactics, and much more in this enlightening episode.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- The effectiveness of SMART criteria and NLP techniques in motivating youth.
- The role of reframing existing beliefs in altering perspectives and achieving aspirations.
- The importance of fostering authentic relationships.
- The transformative power of goal setting in residential youth work.
- Strategies and tactics to inspire young people to take ownership of their dreams.
As always I invite you to get this weeks Download NOW (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.
Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Now, let's get started...
Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work
🔊 Welcome back to the Action Factory Podcast, the hub for all things related to residential youth work!
In this episode, "Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work," we continue our enlightening journey through our audio course on NLP in residential youth work.
Designed as 'commutable chunks' of wisdom, these sessions are perfect for on-the-go learning, whether you're on the bus or taking a break at work.
🌟 Highlights:
- Dive into the NLP Communication Model: The diverse ways we process information, crucial for both you and your clients.
- Decode Dominant Systems: Recognizing dominant sensory systems - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic - can drastically improve your communication skills.
- Practical Observations: Observe clients and colleagues to identify their communication styles, and perhaps uncover your own!
- Interactive Elements: Consider ways to apply these concepts in everyday interactions.
- Enhance Your Toolkit: Gain insights into how adapting your communication style to match others can create more meaningful and effective interactions in your work.
🌐 For newcomers, don't forget to check out our website at https://www.theactionfactory.com to grab your fascinating free download and stay updated with our upcoming product launches.
⏰ This episode promises to be succinct yet packed with valuable insights, respecting your time and catering to the fast-paced nature of what you do.
👥 We unravel the intricacies of the NLP communication model, tailored specifically for the dynamic field of residential youth work. Learn to identify and adapt to various communication styles, enhancing your ability to connect with and support the young people in your care.
📝 Remember, downloadable notes and additional resources are available to supplement your learning journey.
No email required, CLICK HERE.
The BIG Four Download
You're welcome to join our community, and share your thoughts.
Stay tuned for an episode that promises to transform the way you communicate and connect in your professional world. See you there! 🌟🎧

Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson.
Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Now, let's get started...
Body Language, NLP and residential Youth Work.
I’m Michael Dawson, and welcome to another episode of the Action Factory podcast where we are deep into the free audio course, “Neurolinguistic Programming in Residential Youth Work”.
For ten weeks, we will be breaking down NLP tools and examining ways of incorporating them into your daily work. I call them 'commutable chunks' because each episode can be listened to on the bus and practiced at work. This week, we delve into the transformative world of youth work through the power of body language.
I'll discuss the SMILE Toolkit, which I developed as a body language hack. It's become my secret weapon in revolutionizing how I approach residential work, and I’m excited to share its potential with you. Youth work is no longer just about counseling and guidance. It's about truly understanding and connecting with the young individuals we work with. It's about decoding the unspoken, understanding their silent cries, their hidden joys, their unexpressed fears, and so much more.
This podcast is your guide to understanding neurolinguistic programming, a key tool in reshaping youth work. Join me as I dive into the world of non-verbal communication, uncovering how small shifts in body language can make a significant impact. We'll explore practical applications of the SMILE Toolkit in a residential setting, revealing how you can harness this potent tool to revolutionize your work with youth. I'll be sharing valuable insights and tips, and discussing real-life examples and cases.
Moreover, I'll be offering this free training to help you master the nuances of body language and neurolinguistic programming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the youth work sector, this podcast will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to foster a deeper connection with the young people you work with and truly make a difference in their lives.
So, join me in the greatest job in the world, as we revolutionize youth work, one gesture at a time.
Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming sessions. And remember, the supporting notes are just a click away, ready to enhance your learning experience.
Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com
Grab the FREE DIGITAL NOTES

The Solution Focused Toolkit
Michael is the developer of the solutions toolkit, a framework for working with young people in a care environment.
An approach that he believes should be the standard in the care industry.
- Top ten sales person by industry
- Author of 12 fat ladies
- Author of The Solution Focused Toolkit
- Founder member of the Family Intervention Team
- Managed North Manchesters Mental Health Project
Get the full audio course at www.theactionfactory.com
Subscribe to the podcast at www.theactionfactorypodcast.com