Latest news with #DannyWallace
The Guardian
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My cultural awakening: I joined Danny Wallace's accidental positivity cult – and found the love of my life
The spring after my A-levels was not going the way I planned. I was 19, hadn't got the required grades for any of my university choices and hadn't saved for a gap year. My friends were off enjoying their new lives and I was stuck at home in Essex with my disappointed parents, doing occasional temp work. Then I read Join Me by the writer and comedian Danny Wallace. I'd enjoyed another book, co-written by him, Are You Dave Gorman?. I found this joyous and silly project, about grownups stumbling their way through their own lives, comforting when I had no direction. So when a friend recommended Join Me, I thought it would be a giggle too; I didn't realise it would change my life. The book was more or less about how Wallace inadvertently started a 'positivity cult' after posting an ad in a London newspaper that simply said 'Join me'. Soon, letters started pouring in. He decided to use these people for good by rallying them to commit random acts of kindness each week. It was the mid-2000s and I spent a lot of time on internet forums. Some people started to talk about the group. The concept appealed, and I duly joined in. Forum members organised regular real-life Join Me meets, where they would hang out in the pub for most of the day before doing random acts of kindness, such as giving a present to a stranger. I'd been to a couple and, in June 2004, took the train to London for a meet-up on Soho's Golden Square. I was always apprehensive about meeting a bunch of strangers I had only spoken to online. One of the first people to approach me was an unassuming, bespectacled, kind-looking young man wearing an awful green jacket. He offered me a homemade Join Me badge – Badge-It! machines were very popular at the time – and we didn't speak again. We continued chatting on the forum, though, and I ran into him at meets in Brighton and Edinburgh. Then a few months later, after a night out, I drunkenly started a new thread on the forum, posting that I thought he was quite fit. It was pretty cringe. His reply was something along the lines of: 'Erm, thank you?' In the sober light of day we both ignored it. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Then on Good Friday 2005, I went to a meet in Nottingham, where he lived. It was the first time we'd met in person since my post, and as we moved from the pub to a club, he yelled out my name, shouted: 'I like you, you're my favourite person!' and ran up to hold my hand. We kissed – and it was the start of the rest of my life. We texted, and I travelled back to Nottingham and went to a pub quiz with him, then a bowling date, where we had a proper, more sober kiss. After a month of dating, I moved in; five years later we got married. During that time, I did my resits and got better grades, but I'd met so many people from Join Me who had taken different paths that I realised I didn't need university at all. I got a job on the local council and made my life in Nottinghamshire with him. We've been married 15 years now. We have a beautiful house, an assortment of cats, fish, sea monkeys and ants, and an amazing 12-year-old son who is the best person I've ever met. We still have a tattered copy of Join Me on our bookshelf, and I know of at least 20 human beings who exist because their parents met in that forum. I am so grateful to Danny Wallace for those silly projects, and particularly how they brought this amazing, kind, funny – and, yes, still quite fit – man into my life. You can tell us how a cultural moment has prompted you to make a major life change by filling in the form below or emailing us on Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
The Guardian
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My cultural awakening: I joined Danny Wallace's accidental positivity cult – and found the love of my life
The spring after my A-levels was not going the way I planned. I was 19, hadn't got the required grades for any of my university choices and hadn't saved for a gap year. My friends were off enjoying their new lives and I was stuck at home in Essex with my disappointed parents, doing occasional temp work. Then I read Join Me by the writer and comedian Danny Wallace. I'd enjoyed another book, co-written by him, Are You Dave Gorman?. I found this joyous and silly project, about grownups stumbling their way through their own lives, comforting when I had no direction. So when a friend recommended Join Me, I thought it would be a giggle too; I didn't realise it would change my life. The book was more or less about how Wallace inadvertently started a 'positivity cult' after posting an ad in a London newspaper that simply said 'Join me'. Soon, letters started pouring in. He decided to use these people for good by rallying them to commit random acts of kindness each week. It was the mid-2000s and I spent a lot of time on internet forums. Some people started to talk about the group. The concept appealed, and I duly joined in. Forum members organised regular real-life Join Me meets, where they would hang out in the pub for most of the day before doing random acts of kindness, such as giving a present to a stranger. I'd been to a couple and, in June 2004, took the train to London for a meet-up on Soho's Golden Square. I was always apprehensive about meeting a bunch of strangers I had only spoken to online. One of the first people to approach me was an unassuming, bespectacled, kind-looking young man wearing an awful green jacket. He offered me a homemade Join Me badge – Badge-It! machines were very popular at the time – and we didn't speak again. We continued chatting on the forum, though, and I ran into him at meets in Brighton and Edinburgh. Then a few months later, after a night out, I drunkenly started a new thread on the forum, posting that I thought he was quite fit. It was pretty cringe. His reply was something along the lines of: 'Erm, thank you?' In the sober light of day we both ignored it. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Then on Good Friday 2005, I went to a meet in Nottingham, where he lived. It was the first time we'd met in person since my post, and as we moved from the pub to a club, he yelled out my name, shouted: 'I like you, you're my favourite person!' and ran up to hold my hand. We kissed – and it was the start of the rest of my life. We texted, and I travelled back to Nottingham and went to a pub quiz with him, then a bowling date, where we had a proper, more sober kiss. After a month of dating, I moved in; five years later we got married. During that time, I did my resits and got better grades, but I'd met so many people from Join Me who had taken different paths that I realised I didn't need university at all. I got a job on the local council and made my life in Nottinghamshire with him. We've been married 15 years now. We have a beautiful house, an assortment of cats, fish, sea monkeys and ants, and an amazing 12-year-old son who is the best person I've ever met. We still have a tattered copy of Join Me on our bookshelf, and I know of at least 20 human beings who exist because their parents met in that forum. I am so grateful to Danny Wallace for those silly projects, and particularly how they brought this amazing, kind, funny – and, yes, still quite fit – man into my life. You can tell us how a cultural moment has prompted you to make a major life change by filling in the form below or emailing us on Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
North Wales Live
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Brits are more likely to say 'yes' to new things at this age
A poll of 2,000 adults found the average adult typically turns something down as often as twice a week. Seven in ten admit they 'play it safe' in life, but four in ten are determined to say 'yes' more often, while others hope to be less 'afraid' of taking on new challenges in the future. It emerged a quarter of over 35s feel they are more likely to say yes to opportunities now, than they did 20 years ago. Of those who felt the opposite, being settled into a routine was considered the biggest barrier, while others blamed life being more complicated now, being too tired and wanting to plan things in advance. The study was commissioned by Halfords, which is partnering with 'Yes Man', Danny Wallace, to highlight the positive benefits of being open to new experiences this summer. Danny Wallace said: "Twenty years ago I decided to say 'yes' to whatever came my way... and it led to the best adventures. I went places I would never have gone and I met people I'd never have met. I tried new things and made new memories." "When Halfords asked me to celebrate twenty years by hopping in a car and trying more new stuff, it would have been weird to say no," he added. "Even though when they asked me if I'd like 'to go sea kayaking', I thought they meant they were just going to take me to 'see kayaking', which would have been a lot easier. "That said, saying yes more is something we should all try and build into our days. Yes to something different or new. I wholeheartedly support you doing the same this summer." The study revealed the top things Brits would like to try for the first time, with mastering a foreign language topping the list. Followed by skydiving, learning a musical instrument and moving abroad. It also found 27 per cent have been told by others that they should say yes more often. But 62 per cent reckon they'd be much more inclined to try something new if they were able to prepare for it in advance. Paul Ray, from Halfords, which is encouraging people to give their car a 'Free 5 Point Summer Check' to ensure it's ready for adventure, said: "Saying 'yes' more often can open doors you didn't even know existed. "Whether it's trying something new, meeting someone unexpected, or stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, those small yeses can add up to big life shifts. "Don't let worrying about the car be the reason you say 'no' to a last-minute trip to the beach or a spontaneous camping weekend." TOP 20 THINGS BRITS WOULD LIKE TO SAY YES TO FOR THE FIRST TIME: Learning a foreign language Skydive Learn a musical instrument Move abroad Move to the countryside Go to more gigs and concerts Retire Get a tattoo Go down a zip wire Run a marathon Learn how to dance Climb a mountain Try surfing Travel solo Start a new career Sea kayaking Go on a road trip Take up yoga Move to a different city Paint or draw
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Brits are more likely to say 'yes' to new things at this age
Brits are more likely to say 'yes' to new things at this age A study of 2,000 adults found a large percentage of the population feel more likely to say 'yes' to new things now than they did 20 years ago A poll of 2,000 adults found the average adult typically turns something down as often as twice a week. Seven in ten admit they 'play it safe' in life, but four in ten are determined to say 'yes' more often, while others hope to be less 'afraid' of taking on new challenges in the future. It emerged a quarter of over 35s feel they are more likely to say yes to opportunities now, than they did 20 years ago. Of those who felt the opposite, being settled into a routine was considered the biggest barrier, while others blamed life being more complicated now, being too tired and wanting to plan things in advance. The study was commissioned by Halfords, which is partnering with 'Yes Man', Danny Wallace, to highlight the positive benefits of being open to new experiences this summer. 'Yes Man' author Danny Wallace celebrates the 20th anniversary of hit book (Image: PinPep ) Danny Wallace said: "Twenty years ago I decided to say 'yes' to whatever came my way... and it led to the best adventures. I went places I would never have gone and I met people I'd never have met. I tried new things and made new memories." Article continues below "When Halfords asked me to celebrate twenty years by hopping in a car and trying more new stuff, it would have been weird to say no," he added. "Even though when they asked me if I'd like 'to go sea kayaking', I thought they meant they were just going to take me to 'see kayaking', which would have been a lot easier. "That said, saying yes more is something we should all try and build into our days. Yes to something different or new. I wholeheartedly support you doing the same this summer." Danny braves the summer weather to accept Halford's challenge to say 'yes' to every opportunity The study revealed the top things Brits would like to try for the first time, with mastering a foreign language topping the list. Followed by skydiving, learning a musical instrument and moving abroad. It also found 27 per cent have been told by others that they should say yes more often. But 62 per cent reckon they'd be much more inclined to try something new if they were able to prepare for it in advance. Paul Ray, from Halfords, which is encouraging people to give their car a 'Free 5 Point Summer Check' to ensure it's ready for adventure, said: "Saying 'yes' more often can open doors you didn't even know existed. "Whether it's trying something new, meeting someone unexpected, or stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, those small yeses can add up to big life shifts. "Don't let worrying about the car be the reason you say 'no' to a last-minute trip to the beach or a spontaneous camping weekend." Article continues below TOP 20 THINGS BRITS WOU LD LIKE TO SAY YES TO FOR THE FIRST TIME:
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Brits are most likely to say ‘yes' to new opportunities at the age of 27
Brits are most likely to say 'yes' to new opportunities at the age of 27, a study has found. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 2,000 adults found 69 per cent admit they 'play it safe' in life, with 39 per cent determined to say 'yes' more often. And the average adult typically turns something down as often as twice a week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also emerged just 26 per cent of over 35s feel they are more likely to say yes to opportunities now, than they did 20 years ago. Of those who felt the opposite, being settled into a routine (41 per cent) was considered the biggest barrier, while others blamed life being more complicated now (35 per cent), being too tired (33 per cent) and wanting to plan things in advance (33 per cent). And 59 per cent hope to be less 'afraid' of taking on new challenges in the future. The study was commissioned by Halfords, which is partnering with 'Yes Man', Danny Wallace, to highlight the positive benefits of being open to new experiences this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Danny Wallace said: "Twenty years ago I decided to say 'yes' to whatever came my way… and it led to the best adventures. 'I went places I would never have gone and I met people I'd never have met. I tried new things and made new memories. So, when Halfords asked me to celebrate twenty years by hopping in a car and trying more new stuff, it would have been weird to say no. 'Even though when they asked me if I'd like 'to go sea kayaking', I thought they meant they were just going to take me to 'see kayaking', which would have been a lot easier. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That said, saying yes more is something we should all try and build into our days. Yes to something different or new. I wholeheartedly support you doing the same this summer.' The study also revealed the top things Brits would like to try for the first time, with mastering a foreign language topping the list (21 per cent). Others would like to skydive or learn a musical instrument (both 15 per cent) or even move abroad (14 per cent). Go to more gigs and concerts (13 per cent), get a tattoo (13 per cent) and run a marathon (12 per cent) also featured in the top 20 list. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commissioned via OnePoll, it also found 27 per cent have been told by others that they should say yes more often. But 62 per cent reckon they'd be much more inclined to try something new if they were able to prepare for it in advance. Paul Ray, from Halfords, which is encouraging people to give their car a 'Free 5 Point Summer Check' to ensure it's ready for adventure, said: 'While Brits might get set in their ways, 62 per cent feel they would be more likely to say YES if they felt ready for anything, especially when the sun's out and the kids are off school. 'Saying 'yes' more often can open doors you didn't even know existed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Whether it's trying something new, meeting someone unexpected, or stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, those small yeses can add up to big life shifts. 'Don't let worrying about the car be the reason you say 'no' to a last-minute trip to the beach or a spontaneous camping weekend. It's to encourage more Brits to say 'yes' this summer | Joe Pepler/PinPep Top 20 things Brits would like to say 'yes' to for the first time: Master a foreign language Skydive Learn a musical instrument Move abroad Move to the countryside Go to more gigs and concerts Retire Get a tattoo Go down a zip wire Run a marathon Learn how to dance Climb a mountain Try surfing Travel solo Start a new career Sea kayaking Go on a roadtrip Take up yoga Move to a different city Paint or draw
