Solo traveling has undoubtedly played a huge role in my life. It has encouraged me to lean into discomfort, embrace uncertainty, unfamiliarity, welcome the unknown, seize unplanned opportunities, and grow. It has been the ultimate opportunity to learn about myself, my values, embrace the beauty of spontaneity, embark on a journey of self-discovery and build my confidence. From the mesmerizing sunrises in Tunisia, the mountains of Sintra, to navigating the serene Wachau Valley, motorcycling throu...
Oct 15, 2023•46 min
Today I am joined by Lloyd Ashley - a mental health awareness advocate, an accredited first aid for mental health instructor, lead for mental health and wellbeing for the Welsh Rugby Players Association. He is also an ex-professional rugby player, representing both the Ospreys and Scarlets over a 10 year career. Our conversation today delves into the value of facilitating conversation around mental health, normalizing discussions, and emphasizing the necessity of undertaking a proactive approach...
Oct 01, 2023•46 min
Today, we delve into the profound transformation that took me from using exercise as a tool to facilitate disordered tendencies to embracing it as an essential act of self-care, empowerment, and creativity. I'll take you through the pivotal moments in my life where I transitioned into cultivating a healthier relationship with recovery. We'll explore how I found a supportive community, struck a balance in my fitness journey, and learned to celebrate the remarkable capabilities of my body. I also ...
Sep 14, 2023•42 min
Today I am joined by Dawn Venturas, for a conversation focused upon self-belief, entrepreneurial mindsets, perseverance and growth. Initially, Dawn shares her captivating business journey, from humble beginnings to where she stands today…. sharing how life's challenges served as a catalyst for personal and professional development, fostering the grit and determination that continue to drive her forward. We discuss overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubt, illustrating the power of self-talk an...
Aug 29, 2023•31 min
In this episode, I discuss how to cultivate a healthy and positive relationship with food. Whether you're recovering from an eating disorder or seeking a more balanced approach to nutrition, I share insights and offer practical tips to hopefully facilitate a more positive perception of food - to in turn benefit your overall health, wellbeing, and perception of self. Throughout this discussion, I discuss the power of mindful eating, creative cooking, and listening to our bodies' cues. I also talk...
Aug 16, 2023•26 min
Today I am joined by Tessa Peters for a conversation focused on body image, eating disorder recovery, and the healing power of shared experience. From a young age, Tessa battled years of difficulty with body image that eventually manifested into a debilitating eating disorder, leaving her feeling isolated, unhappy, and vulnerable. Over time, her disordered harmful habits escalated, leading to severe consequences like hair loss, stomach ulcers, and loss of her menstrual period. But despite these ...
Aug 02, 2023•34 min
Today I'm joined by James Knot for a thought-provoking conversation about our shared journey through anorexia nervosa. In this episode, we delve into various topics that are often overlooked when discussing anorexia. We shed light on the delayed diagnosis and how being labeled as an anorexic inadvertently fueled our desire to continue down the path of disordered tendencies. We also touch on the role of perfectionism and control. One aspect we explore is the lack of recognition given to the psych...
Jul 19, 2023•33 min
Throughout her remarkable career, Kate has consistently demonstrated immense courage and determination. Her story serves as a testament to the concept of adversarial growth and the resilience that can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances. From being born without a right hand to falling short of two Paralympic games, Kate's journey has been marked by challenges. The critical illness of her equestrian mount at the World Championships, the traumatic loss of her mother, and a prolonged ...
Jun 26, 2023•56 min
In this episode, Anna and I discuss our running journeys, and the countless mental health benefits running has to offer - the endorphin hit, the opportunity to be outdoors, the time away from life's stressors, the sense of purpose it provides and overwhelming sense of accomplishment. We also discuss the value of community integration within running. How immersing yourself within a supportive social network of like minded others provides a sense of togetherness, belonging, and allows for countles...
May 31, 2023•57 min
With my undergraduate degree officially coming to an end, join me as I reflect on my transformative journey at University - the highs, lows, and everything in between In this episode, I discuss the chronological journey - from the numerous mental health wobbles, studying during a pandemic, unforeseen personal challenges, as well as the valuable lessons I learned in coping with academic anxiety. But it’s not all about the struggles. I also delve into my personal growth as I went from feeling isol...
May 17, 2023•40 min
For Lucy and I, our eating disorders stripped away our independence. It stripped away our freedom to enjoy life, the ability to seek adventures, opportunities to build relationships, form memories…. instead, we were isolated, withdrawn, trapped by our anorexic restrictions. However, we discuss how reminding ourselves of all the life experiences and opportunities that recovery will inevitably allow was a powerful motivator for pushing through difficult moments. Now we have the freedom to do fun t...
May 03, 2023•32 min
Today I am joined by Scarlette, an ED Intervention Coach and Bulimia Specialist. We begin by having a very raw and open discussion regarding our experiences with anorexia nervosa, and binge purge anorexia… how the daily rituals of disordered habits slowly amalgamate, become your normality and begin to dictate your lifestyle and identity How self-imposed isolation can provide a sense of control, sense of safety, and an opportunity to engage in disordered behaviours without distraction, judgment, ...
Apr 18, 2023•27 min
Today I am joined by Katie Fischer - a holistic sleep coach, specializing in behavioral interventions. In this episode we discuss all things sleep, and how establishing a positive sleep routine can have a significant impact upon our cognitive functions, emotional regulation, wellbeing, and overall psychological health. Katie shares advice on how to consistently and maintain a healthy sleep cycle, such as setting a consistent wake-up time, creating a relaxing sleep environment, light exposure at ...
Mar 23, 2023•47 min
T hroughout this episode, Sean talks openly about his journey with depression and the multiple challenges he faced - the loss of identity, battling societal stigmas associated to masculinity, the numbness, suicidal feelings… but then also provides light on how, with appropriate support, was able to transition into a far healthier headspace. We also discuss the often negative connotations associated with attending therapy… whereas, in reality, it should be celebrated and rewarded! This process of...
Mar 01, 2023•34 min
Today I am joined by the wonderful Dovile, a personal development coach, to discuss confidence development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and ways to release perfectionistic tendencies. We’re often crippled and frozen by self-doubt and fear, feeling an overwhelming need to meet internal and externally enforced expectations, stuck in an overly perfectionistic mindset. And yes, although being high achieving, goal oriented, and achievement striving are all great qualities… these traits can actually...
Feb 15, 2023•31 min
Today I am joined by Dr Perry Crofts, who provides a very honest and raw depiction of life with depression, and the story of how he went from doctor to patient and back again. He details his darkest moment, the destructive internal monologue, and low perceptions of self. However, he then explains the journey he undertook to overcome it…. detailing the necessary changes he made - such as adapting his work routine, prioritizing self-care, seeking professional support, and speaking up. He also talk...
Feb 02, 2023•48 min
Today I am joined by Cleo Oldham - a body and food freedom coach, to provide insight as to how we can improve our relationship with food and body image. We discuss the value of being aware of unconscious rules related to food - putting light upon the restrictive, dieting mindset, and behaviours which have been ingrained. Cleo also talks about how to overcome exhausting binge/restrict cycles, how to challenge habitual restrictive tendencies, in turn finding freedom and balance. Cleo also provides...
Jan 18, 2023•36 min
Today I am joined by James Ball, a successful Paralympic cyclist to discuss his sporting journey, the impact of injury, sacrifices he has made, and the power of a strong social network. He details his experience of competing at Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and the emotions associated with attending these high-pressure events.
Dec 07, 2022•38 min
Today I am joined by Emma Jay, a wellbeing coach, TEDx Speaker and author, to discuss chronic stress, burnout and the priority of establishing habits to support your physical and psychological health. In 2002, Emma was involved in a serious car accident, causing her to lose all of her confidence. She transformed from her previous outgoing, bubbly and enthusiastic self, to isolating herself away, manifesting a negative mindset… only triggering the development of depression. A few years on, Emma t...
Nov 10, 2022•40 min
Jessica discusses her competitive sporting journey, the process of transitioning between gymnastics, judo and weightlifting, as well as the challenges of being a student athlete - having balancing academic goals alongside her sporting endeavours. Jess shares her experience at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the pressure of competing at such a huge, globally documented event… as well as the mental skills required to focus, and regulate her emotions whilst performing under exceptional circ...
Oct 26, 2022•34 min
T oday I am joined by Jamie Forsyth. An award-winning wellbeing coach, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Inspirational Speaker. Throughout this episode, Jamie discusses his story with bipolar disorder - providing an in-depth insight into the reality of living with the disorder… sharing his experiences of depressive lows, erratic mood swings, and periods of mania where he’d often disregard his own safety. D espite the ongoing battle, the periods of isolation, challenge, turbulence and trauma...
Oct 12, 2022•45 min
Today I am joined by Natalia Rachel A keynote speaker, writer, therapist, specialising in trauma & abuse recovery to discuss topics of healing, transformation, and the value of self-compassion. Natalia opens up about her own personal experience of emotional and physical abuse, and how growing up within a traumatic environment triggered the development of multiple mental health complexities and physical health conditions, pushing her towards some very dark places. However, she then discusses ...
Sep 28, 2022•44 min
I’ve recently contracted the travel bug - HARD. So today, I am here to share my experience of how challenging my perceived comfort zones, pushing myself into unfamiliar environments, and embracing the beauty of spontaneity, has truly transformed my perspectives and mindset. Alongside my good friend Joss, a fellow adventure-adrenaline-junkie, we discuss the wonderful nature of travel and adventure, how it connects you with your true values, how it allows you to form unpredictable yet incredible r...
Sep 14, 2022•52 min
Today I am joined by Oly Newton. A motivational speaker, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and founder of @Run4YourMind. In this episode, Oly discusses his experiences of battling severe OCD, anxiety, depression, and how his life was dictated and consumed by intrusive thoughts and rituals, feeling trapped and isolated. Through sharing his story, he breaks down predetermined social stigmas associated with OCD, providing an in-depth, realistic insight into life with this debilitating illness. How...
Aug 31, 2022•41 min
Habits to Improve Wellbeing, Happiness and Mindset – Jay Unwin Today I am joined by Jay Unwin – an international public speaker, consultant on mental and physical wellbeing, focusing upon preventative support and education. During this conversation, Jay discusses his experiences of burnout and how after trial-and-error, he has formed a more balanced and healthier lifestyle, through redefining physical and mental fitness. Therefore, this conversation focuses heavily upon the topic of how to build...
Jun 15, 2022•37 min
Today I am joined by @Eddie.Ilic, a Bath based hairdresser with a profound story of recovery and an uplifting message of hope. Throughout this conversation, Eddie provides a very honest, and raw depiction of the reality of struggling with alcohol and drug addiction from a young age. He discusses its isolation, its progressive identity consuming nature, his darkest moments, the multiple complexities and hardships faced… as well as how he finally learned that recovery can only truly and authentica...
Jun 01, 2022•45 min
Today I am joined by Dr Lee David - a GP and accredited CBT therapist who trains health professionals and teachers in how to support wellbeing in others. She has recently developed a new approach known as ’10 Minute GROW’ using CBT and mindfulness to support positive mental health. In this episode, we focus on student mental health and wellbeing, discussing the many challenges faced, but also provide insight on practical strategies to implement, to cope with stressors. Her latest book: 10 Minute...
May 18, 2022•39 min
Joined by Dr Omara Naseem, a psychologist specialising in eating disorders, for an in-depth discussion regarding the somewhat controversial topic of the introduction of calories on menus. As of April 2022, it is now a legal requirement for restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 staff to include caloric information on their menus, websites, and on delivery platforms. The new rule is part of government plans to tackle obesity. In today’s episode, we discussed this (what we perceived t...
May 11, 2022•35 min
What strategies can you employ to support a friend, loved one, or significant other experiencing mental health difficulties? How can you inspire an individual to progress along their recovery journey, seek suitable support, speak openly of their emotions, and guide them along a positive pathway? From acquiring greater understanding through education, practicing patience, setting aside time to genuinely listen, and maintaining a non-judgmental dialogue... here is my advice.
Mar 12, 2022•12 min
BMI should never be used as the primary indicator for eating disorder diagnosis, or for determining who is considered 'unwell enough' to access specialist treatment. Why do I think this is harmful? It can lead to potentially dangerous delays, neglecting imperative early intervention strategies, thus triggering suffers further down a destructive pathway It's important to remember that the vast majority of eating disorders aren’t immediately visible - they’re primarily psychological illnesses, evi...
Feb 28, 2022•11 min
