When BU graduate Calum Goddard‑Mocklow launched the very first episode of his independent podcast Motional Intelligence, he had no idea how quickly things would take off. What started as a creative passion project—fuelled by a belief in powerful storytelling and authentic conversations—has already secured its first brand deal, just one episode in. For Calum, it marks not only a major milestone in his journey as a creator, but a validation of months of hard work, sacrifice, and imaginative thinking.

Calum studied BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism within BU’s Communication and Media portfolio—an experience he credits with giving him the technical grounding, confidence, and curiosity that shapes every conversation on the show today. His time at BU helped him explore multiple storytelling formats, build production skills, and develop the resilience needed to thrive in a competitive media landscape. But his leap into podcasting happened only after graduating, when he made the bold decision to invest in creating something that truly reflected his own voice.

Launching an independent series came with both excitement and financial risk. “It took a lot of personal investment to get it off the ground,” Calum reflects. From equipment to branding to countless hours of planning, recording, and refining, the early stages demanded commitment. But he believed the podcast had something unique to offer—an honest space where guests could unpack the emotions, motivations, and experiences that shape their lives and careers. That belief is now paying off.

Securing the podcast’s first brand partnership so early was, in Calum’s words, “absolutely massive.” Not only does it help recover the initial investment, but it also signals that companies see strong potential in his approach. And there is more to come—another brand deal is currently in discussion, reflecting growing momentum around the project.

The past six weeks, he explains, have been intense. Developing the show while establishing himself as a self‑employed creator required discipline, experimentation, and a willingness to learn through doing. But gradually, things have begun to click. “The structure of my weeks is starting to take shape,” he says. “It’s been a lot of time and headspace, but it’s starting to feel real—and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Calum already has two more episodes recorded and ready to release, each featuring guests whose insights bring fresh energy to the series. And there’s more on the horizon: a trip to France with Skoda for a major annual cycling event, where he’ll be creating content around the experience. It’s an opportunity he describes as “very exciting”—the kind of moment that reminds him how far the podcast has already travelled in such a short time.

One unexpected highlight has been seeing Motional Intelligence appear on a Leicester Square billboard—a surreal moment of validation that underscored just how much belief he has poured into the project. “It felt like a token of hard work and a bit of delusional belief,” he jokes. “We’re all making it up as we go along. If you want something, just give it a whack. If you love it enough, you’ll find a way to make it work.”

For Calum, the heart of the podcast remains unchanged: meaningful conversations driven by curiosity. He is especially grateful to the guests who have joined him so far, helping spread the word and bring new listeners on board. “I absolutely love making this podcast,” he says. “I’m grateful to every single person who has given me their time.”

His journey is only just beginning, but Calum’s story is already a powerful reminder of what can happen when passion meets perseverance. And from a single episode to brand partnerships and international opportunities, Motional Intelligence is proving that great stories—told with heart—really do find their audience.