In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately — the highs, the scary bits, and everything in between. I’ve officially left my job (!!) and for the first time in forever, I’ve given myself permission to just be . A whole month off work to chill, reset, and figure out what I actually enjoy doing when I’m not stuck in grind mode. We talk about what it’s like to let go of structure, explore spontaneity, and unlearn the pressure to "recover perfectly" now that I finally have the time. Spoiler: ...
Jun 20, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, I’m speaking honestly about something that’s been weighing heavy lately — the reality of mental health struggles in the workplace. From the pressure to always perform to the fear of not being “enough,” it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos of trying to keep up. I share my personal experiences of burnout, what it feels like when your job starts to impact your self-worth, and the hard but necessary lesson of learning to let go of what you can’t control. If you’ve ever sat at you...
Jun 05, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 6
For the perfectionists, the overthinkers, the ones who always need a plan — this episode is for you. We're talking about what it really means to trust yourself, especially when you're in a season of uncertainty. Not knowing your next step doesn't mean you're failing. Wanting to rest doesn’t mean you’ve lost ambition. This month, we're ditching the pressure to glow-up, hustle, or fix ourselves — and instead choosing softness, stillness, and self-belief. Expect real talk, gentle affirmations, and ...
May 02, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 5
This week on The Pepetoe Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Synead — a true ray of light in the fitness and mental health space! We talk about what it really means to balance gym life, mental wellbeing, a full-time job, and a busy social calendar, all while learning to love your body along the way. Synead opens up about her own journey, the pressures of being online, and how she stays grounded in a world that’s always telling us to do more. It’s a warm, honest, and inspiring chat full of heart, ...
Apr 08, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Winter's out, the sun's in, and it's officially time to thrive girlies!☺️ April's bringing fresh energy, longer days, and the perfect chance to hit reset on your goals. In this episode we're diving into the idea of April Theory - why this month feels like a magical start, how to harness that spring momentum, and the small shifts that'll have you absolutely smashing life 💕 Get ready to shake off the winter slump and move into a new season with hope, motivation and peace ❤️ Links: Blog: www.pepet...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Your 20s are a whirlwind—trying to build a career, maintain friendships, have a social life, explore hobbies, and somehow still find time to rest. It’s the decade of opportunity but also of burnout, where balancing work, relationships, and personal growth feels like a never-ending tightrope walk. In this episode, we break down the realities of juggling it all. How do you manage your social battery when everyone seems to be constantly making plans? Is it okay to put your career first? How do you ...
Mar 27, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 2
A new series: Life in Your 20s 🎉 I feel a little hypocritical, as I admit I'm only 21, but nonetheless I still think I've got some things to say! Today I'm bringing you everything about friendships, particularly those we make in our 20s. The trend of "never be the coffee date friend" is showing up again and again on my FYP (not sure if it's a little niche, but you'll get the idea!). Follow me on IG: @pepetoebyelena and subscribe (free!) to my blog www.pepetoe.net ❤️❤️❤️...
Mar 03, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, we dive into the concept of independence—what it really means and how it evolves at different stages of life. From moving out for university to landing your first job and traveling solo, we explore the highs and lows of making it on your own. Is independence just about financial freedom, or does it go deeper into emotional resilience and decision-making? Blog | www.pepetoe.net Insta | @pepetoebyelena TikTok | @pepetoebyelena
Feb 25, 2025•32 min
Lately, life has felt… heavy. Between navigating a breakup, feeling completely burnt out, and struggling with the pressure to keep going , I’ve had to take a step back and really ask myself—what do I actually need right now? In this episode, I’m getting real about slowing down, sitting with discomfort, and the messy reality of healing. I’ll also open up about my struggles with rest, the fear of relapse, and why I’m learning (the hard way) that recovery isn’t just about doing more —sometimes, it’...
Feb 12, 2025•26 min
January has felt like the longest month EVER! I'm back today to put all that shit aside and focus on what truly matters: me. Going into a new month is always good - a clean, fresh start. Let's help each other through these times, and work on coming back stronger. Remember the only thing you can control is YOU - your emotions, your reactions, and your words. Hold onto that, and let go of the need to control everything else. Blog: www.pepetoe.net Business Enquiries: www.socialmediabyel.com Collabs...
Feb 01, 2025•34 min
Happy New Year! It's a brand new year, and time to buckle down and get things done... and what I mean by this isn't your to do list, but rather working on yourself. And the first thing I'm going to be working on, and I hope you do too, is finding your independence. Whether you're introverted or extroverted, we can all do with a little more independence. Firstly, focus on your confidence - both internally with self-worth, and also externally and your effect on other people. Be confident, because ...
Jan 01, 2025•20 min
2024 has been a… different year. but all for good reasons. from dealing with quite a few relapses, to having the biggest comeback yet in my professional life, it’s been a whirlwind! here’s a little summary of everything i’ve learned: 🔅never be afraid to stand up for yourself 🔅self-care is the most productive thing you can do 🔅exercise should be a form of self-care, not a punishment 🔅learn to say let go of things that no longer serve you 🔅you have to put the work in; manifesting won’t get yo...
Dec 24, 2024•32 min
In this episode of The Pepetoe Podcast , we dive into the art of slowing down during one of the busiest times of the year. With the holiday rush in full swing, it's easy to push yourself to the brink of burnout—especially if you’re juggling work, social commitments, and personal goals. I share my personal experience of navigating the festive chaos while starting a new job in the gym industry, and the strategies I’ve been using to find balance. From setting boundaries to prioritizing self-care, t...
Dec 08, 2024•35 min
In this episode, I’m diving deep into what makes relationships truly thrive. I’ll unpack topics like building reciprocal relationships, understanding and navigating different communication styles, and how to approach conflict in a way that strengthens your connection instead of tearing it down. I’ll also share insights on knowing what you want, deserve, and need in your relationships, as well as tackling those moments when you feel “not good enough” or small. Expect a mix of personal stories, pr...
Nov 23, 2024•59 min
It's been a couple weeks but I'm back with a hefty life update episode! Over the last couple weeks I've been busy with starting my new job (eek!) and I can happily say it's going well so far. It's a big change to my previous roles but a big challenge is what I need right now to get me going again. There is also a lot of change happening in my life right now (see exhibit A above) and so I thought it'd be a good idea to remind you how positive change can be, and although it's terrifying in the mom...
Nov 05, 2024•40 min
In this episode, I dive into the rise of fake eating disorder (ED) recovery accounts on social media. Inspired by Ro Mitchell and Emily Jane Fairs, who have spoken out about this issue, I discuss how many influencers portray their recovery journeys as healthy when, in reality, they’re continuing restrictive behaviors disguised as "wellness." These accounts often swap one form of control for another, focusing on clean eating and intense exercise, which can be incredibly harmful to their followers...
Oct 23, 2024•40 min
In this episode of The Pepetoe Podcast , we take on important but often ignored topics: women's health, men's mental health, and the challenges athletes face with mental health, particularly during the winter months. We discuss the obstacles women encounter in accessing reliable healthcare and the biases they may face from male healthcare providers. The conversation then shifts to men's mental health, emphasizing the need to break societal pressures that prevent men from seeking emotional suppor...
Oct 16, 2024•43 min
Today I'm exploring some of the most hyped wellness trends of 2024, in particular relation to the gym and wellness itself, with things like Greens, ACV gummies, creatine, supps, and protein shakes. Are they worth the hype, or are they a waste of money? Let me know other topics you'd like me to review along this theme, and as always, please rate, review and share this episode! 💓
Oct 12, 2024•34 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of building confidence, self-belief, and overcoming the self-doubt that comes with imposter syndrome. We explore the importance of self-worth and self-esteem, the damaging effects of self-sabotage, and how to start being kinder to yourself. Learn practical techniques for acknowledging both small and big achievements, the power of body language, and how simple changes—like adjusting your posture or celebrating your wins—can elevate your confidence. P...
Oct 02, 2024•50 min
Keywords: Stress management, chronic stress, physical health effects, mental health, immune system, digestive issues, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalance, stress relief strategies, long-term well-being Stress is often seen as a mental or emotional issue, but its effects go far beyond just how we feel. When stress becomes chronic, it can impact nearly every part of the body, from the digestive system to heart health and even skin conditions. Over time, elevated stress levels can lead to physical ...
Sep 25, 2024•36 min
With autumn in full swing, I’m taking this moment to reflect on how the season naturally encourages us to slow down. There’s something about the crisp air and falling leaves that makes me pause and think about the past year—what I’ve learned, what I’m ready to let go of, and what I want to carry forward. It feels like the perfect time to breathe, reflect, and make space for some inner peace. In this episode, I’ll share why autumn always makes me feel like it’s okay to step back from the busyness...
Sep 20, 2024•29 min
Today I'm (finally) back with Nele, discussing all things to do with your healing journey - from topics such as exploring your inner child, knowing when you're ready to heal, moving on and letting go, and imposter syndrome. Be sure to check out Nele's socials too: Website : www.nelekintrup.com IG : @nele.kintrup Pod: love, me. love, you. Book : Souvenirs from the Soul of the World (available on story.one)...
Sep 11, 2024•37 min
In this episode, I get real about a recent experience at work where I hit what seemed like an insurmountable wall. On the surface, it felt like failure. But instead of seeing it as a defeat, I’ve come to realize it’s just another lesson on the journey to growth. We often label our challenges as failures when, in reality, they are stepping stones that push us to learn, adapt, and evolve. Join me as I dive into the importance of reframing our mindset around setbacks and why it’s crucial to priorit...
Sep 04, 2024•37 min
today's episode is more of deload. i've been facing severe burnout recently, taking on too many side jobs and tasks, and falling (almost) flat on my face. trust me, it's not been fun. so, i'm stripping it back to the essentials: focusing purely on work (my actual, employed 9-5 job) and self-care. everything else can wait. sure i have clients in my new social media business 'Social Media By El' (www.socialmediabyel.com) (www.instagram.com/socialmediabyel), but they can wait! i'm focusing on mysel...
Aug 24, 2024•38 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of perseverance and resilience, especially when life gets tough. Whether you're struggling to maintain a healthy relationship, battling mental health challenges, or navigating the daunting world of job hunting after graduation, the urge to give up can be strong. But giving up isn't the answer. We'll explore why sticking it out through the rough patches can lead to personal growth and unexpected breakthroughs. We’ll discuss practical strategies fo...
Aug 17, 2024•31 min
I know... it's been THREE MONTHS since my last episode. So much has happened recently, but I'm getting back into prioritising my podcast (I promise!) I've rebranded! No longer called This is Just the Beginning, now called The Pepetoe Podcast, to align more with my blog ( www.pepetoe.net ) and socials ( www.instagram.com/pepetoebyelena ). Check it out! Please rate + review and share to your friends, for those either starting uni and going back for second/third year - there's some useful tips in t...
Aug 11, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Today we're going on a journey back to when we were little. What would you say to your younger self? What advice would you give her before starting secondary school, before college, before university? Blog episode at www.pepetoe.net Instagram: @pepetoebyelena
May 13, 2024•25 min
Today I'm touching on something that has been life-changing. The concept of simply doing it for yourself. When you're free from everyone else's judgement and expectations, life becomes so much easier and clearer. Why not try this today? BLOG: www.pepetoe.net INSTA: pepetoebyelena
May 03, 2024•26 min
Whether you are 12 years old or 60 years old, we are constantly growing, constantly maturing. Today I'm talking about what I think it means to "mature", with topics like: - How the pandemic influenced our generation - The 'stuck in highschool' mentality - Signs of maturing in relationships - Signs of maturing in yourself - Boundaries setting and assertive communication - The difference between growing up and maturing Socials www.pepetoe.net is my blog!! pepetoebyelena is my insta :) Please leave...
Apr 17, 2024•39 min
today's episode is a big one - all about my experience in ed recovery. i think i am finally at a place where my life no longer revolves around my eating disorder, which is a huge revelation! 2 years into recovery and i am finally in a good place where relapses aren't a threat. a reminder that this is purely my personal experience with anorexia and recovery, and that you shouldn't use my story as a go-to or template for your own journey! more on my blog www.pepetoe.net <3...
Apr 14, 2024•42 min
