Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

Very few people ever feel fulfilled.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I spoke with resilience and fulfilment coach Ali West about something that completely reframed how I think about success.

He shared a formula for fulfilment.

Three things.

And most people are missing at least one of them.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Resilience

02:22 Understanding Fulfilment

05:02 The Importance of Values and Purpose

07:20 Taking Action Towards Success

10:22 The Role of Mindset in Personal Growth

13:19 Self-Care Practices and Their Impact

16:09 The Power of Consistency in Self-Improvement

29:52 The Power of Journaling and Meditation

31:37 Persuading High Performers to Embrace Mindfulness

33:30 Overcoming Barriers to Meditation

35:26 Simplicity in Self-Care Practices

37:31 Accountability in Self-Care Routines

39:25 Resilience and the Importance of Consistency

41:18 Transitioning from a Fast-Paced Life to Slower Living

44:33 Redefining Success and Limiting Beliefs

47:18 The Life Audit: A Tool for Self-Reflection

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

Find Ali here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliwestcoach/

Free Life Audit Resource (Gifted from Ali): https://shorturl.at/DeCD7

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

Anne is a psychologist, author, and expert in ambition, perfectionism, and identity.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, we explore one of the most loaded questions women face...

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Purpose Beyond Parenting

03:51 The Pressure of Traditional Roles

09:37 Navigating Career and Family Dynamics

13:21 Communication and Resentment in Relationships

19:24 The Nature vs. Nurture Debate

22:37 The Roots of Perfectionism

24:27 The Ambition Paradox: Perfectionism and People-Pleasing

27:16 The Gift of Imperfection in Relationships

28:49 Finding Wellness Through Presence

30:41 Navigating Career Misalignment

34:02 The Importance of Small Shifts

38:16 Embracing Change and Multiple Versions of Ourselves

42:03 Making Decisions: The Power of Visualisation

46:19 Practical Tools for Self-Compassion

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

Find Dr Anne Welsh here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drannewelsh/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.In this episode of Becoming Okay, I speak with Michael Serwa, the UK’s highest-paid life coach, about the mindset, decisions, and uncomfortable truths behind building a 10 out of 10 life.Michael Serwa coaches the elite using his signature no-bullshit approach.Since 2011, he has built the most successful personal coaching practice in the UK, working one-to-one with entrepreneurs, executives, and high performers determined to go from good to amazing.He is the author of From Good to Amazing and has been featured in GQ, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, BBC, and Sky.Chapters00:00 Understanding a 10 out of 10 Life04:16 The Importance of Location and Life Satisfaction06:50 Key Decisions for a Fulfilling Life10:11 The Journey to Personal Development14:55 Finding Your Calling18:27 The Dangers of Settling for Mediocrity20:06 The Transition to Coaching23:04 The Search for Purpose29:01 Continuous Personal Development35:40 Cultural Integration and Adaptability38:27 The Role of Coaching in Personal Development43:36 Characteristics of High Achievers50:04 Mindset and Attitude: Keys to Success54:21 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs01:02:56 Investing in Personal DevelopmentHere’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.Find me here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8gInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhoferLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhoferTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhoferPodlink: https://pod.link/1843627543Find Michael here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mserwa/Website: https://michaelserwa.com/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Richard North, who survived a catastrophic car crash, endured an armed robbery in his home, built multi-million pound businesses and has lived with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. Today he's the most vulnerable he's ever been in an interview.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Diagnosis

13:34 The Near-Death Experience

21:18 Life After the Accident and Recovery

28:18 The Aftermath of Trauma

29:14 The Armed Robbery Incident

31:12 Confronting Danger: A Fight for Survival

38:02 The Psychological Impact of Violence

43:12 Resilience and Positive Outlook

50:11 Coping Mechanisms for ADHD

55:57 Managing ADHD: Strategies and Systems

58:55 Evolving Definitions of Success

01:01:58 The Impact of ADHD on Relationships

01:04:46 The Journey to Diagnosis and Understanding ADHD

01:08:54 Embracing ADHD as a Superpower

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Richard here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-north-b91b8a9/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richard_north_bizbites

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Lavery, Green Beret and amputee, to talk about discipline, emotional regulation, and how to prepare your mind before life gets difficult.

We explore:

- Why motivation always fades and what replaces it

- How emotional regulation becomes the ultimate performance skill

- The difference between reacting and preparing

- Why time isn’t missing, it’s prioritised

- How discomfort can train calm instead of panic

- What real discipline looks like day-to-day

Chapters

00:00 Nick's Early Life and Personal Struggles

06:05 The Role of Adversity in Building Resilience

08:43 Preparation and Prevention: Military Insights

11:39 Defining Mission and Priorities

14:38 The Impact of Losing a Limb

17:42 Mental vs Physical Rehabilitation

20:25 Fear, Guilt, and Team Dynamics

23:21 Navigating Discipline and Self-Care

26:16 Intuition and Decision Making

29:20 Time Management and Prioritisation

34:15 The Power of Language and Time Management

35:46 Crisis Management and Emotional Regulation

40:34 Mindfulness and Discomfort Training

48:12 Building Consistency and Discipline

01:00:17 Finding Purpose in Life

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Nick here:

Nick's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Objective-Secure-Battle-Tested-Guide-Achievement/dp/057835201X/ref=asc_df_057835201X?mcid=72065aab74173e239926bf0c3081e699&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697289803178&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5542436220820159477&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006988&hvtargid=pla-1600210744718&psc=1&hvocijid=5542436220820159477-057835201X-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicklavery/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-lavery-a691871ba/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

We spend so much of our lives chasing a feeling we call happiness, without ever stopping to ask what we’re actually looking for.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Kapil Gupta to talk about numbness, emotional suppression, and what it really means to feel alive again.

We explore:

- Why numbness is often emotional overload

- How childhood conditioning shapes emotional suppression

- Why suppressing pain also blocks joy

- Emotional regulation vs emotional avoidance

- The power of community and feedback loops

- A gratitude practice that actually works!

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Numbness and Emotional Suppression

05:17 The Spectrum of Emotions

11:02 Masculine Conditioning and Emotional Expression

16:40 The Journey to Emotional Awareness

20:30 Facing Fear and Embracing Emotions

24:32 The Importance of Community in Healing

29:26 Feedback Loops and Self-Discovery

31:54 Understanding Our Ancestral Influence

34:40 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:18 Redefining Love and Relationships

42:15 The Feedback Loop in Relationships

45:10 The Performance to Presence Method

50:54 The Power of Gratitude

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Kapil here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kapilgupta/

TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/sdTy9IZR87k

Substack: https://nibananotes.substack.com/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

We spend so much of our lives chasing a feeling we call happiness, without ever stopping to ask what we’re actually looking for.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Jordan Dawes to talk about what really helps when motivation disappears.

Real consistency comes from systems, self-awareness, and knowing what you can control when your energy is low.

We talk about:

- Why forcing motivation will never work

- The difference between discipline and self-punishment

- How to stay consistent on low-energy days

- Why your nervous system treats everyday stress like danger

- The 3 Circles framework for regaining control

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Military Mindset and Personal Journey

03:59 Competing with Yourself: The Path to Self-Improvement

07:55 Setting Goals and Building Discipline

11:49 Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Motivation

15:53 Transitioning to Military Life and Its Impact

17:49 The Journey Through Military Training and Resilience

27:18 Health Crisis and Turning Points

29:16 Overcoming Adversity in Pursuit of Goals

34:00 Finding Purpose and Motivation

36:30 The Importance of Fulfilment

40:02 Tools for Mental Clarity and Focus

46:23 Life Lessons from Diverse Experiences

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Jordan here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dawes-488341278/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorddawes/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

We spend so much of our lives chasing a feeling we call happiness, without ever stopping to ask what we’re actually looking for.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Commander Mark McGinnis to talk about resilience, fear, and the Navy SEAL mindset you can steal for everyday life.

We talk about:

- The one moment that saved his life

- Why you aren't 'done', you just give up too soon

- The 40% rule and accessing hidden reserves

- Breaking overwhelm into one step at a time

- Why suffering in silence does more harm than good

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of Hell Week

07:54 The Power of Tough Love

15:06 Selflessness vs. Self-Care

21:52 Redefining Purpose After Service

24:31 The Importance of Significance Over Success

30:29 The Science of Change Management

31:15 Fear and Anxiety in High-Stakes Situations

32:42 The Mindset of Life and Death

33:45 Overcoming Mental Barriers

35:23 Unlocking Hidden Potential

39:16 The Power of One Step

42:40 Finding Balance in Life

47:41 Defining Ultimate Success

50:21 Handling Stress and Adversity

52:50 The Importance of Seeking Help

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Mark here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/commander-mark-mcginnis-b82242221/

Welcome, to the Becoming Okay podcast, conversations with your host Meg Schirnhofer, who meets with people who share their lived-experiences with mental health and how they are finding a way to become okay.

We spend so much of our lives chasing a feeling we call happiness, without ever stopping to ask what we’re actually looking for.

In this episode of Becoming Okay, Todd Tomlin and I talk about what happens when the chase stops working. When success, distraction, productivity, or numbing no longer bring the relief they once did and you’re left with what?

In this episode, we explore:

- Why happiness is fleeting + what’s more sustainable

- How chasing “more” can actually pull you further from yourself

- Addiction and numbing as coping, not moral failure

- What contentment looks + feels like

- Learning to sit with discomfort instead of escaping it

- Giving yourself permission to rest, without earning it

Chapters

00:00 Redefining Success and Self-Worth

04:04 Selfishness vs. Self-Awareness

07:46 Embracing Change and Letting Go of Control

14:03 Finding Peace Beyond Titles and Promotions

17:06 Overcoming Addiction and Discovering Self-Love

22:26 The Healing Power of Nature and Self-Discovery

30:30 Finding Joy in Simple Moments

36:22 Navigating Uncomfortable Situations

40:22 Redefining Success and Fulfillment

47:12 The Pursuit of Contentment

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9yWnk7ajO7ykPMGEuBS8g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr

Find Todd here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtomlin/

This is my first solo episode and the start of a new season.

I’ve been hosting The Sunday Suite for a few months now, and while I loved the conversations, something felt off.

Somewhere along the way, I tied it back to my work again, my Monday–Saturday, my 8–6, my output.

2026 will bring some much-needed changes.

I’m tired of everything needing to have “meaning” in the way we usually define it: money, power, success.

All wrapped up in guilt, stress, and constant pressure to perform.

I love work. I’m a workaholic.

For a long time, work was my purpose.

But what happens when the goalposts keep moving?

When the work you pour yourself into mostly makes other people successful?

When you’re busy, capable, and doing well, but not actually contributing to the world in a way that feels meaningful to you?

Well, you change it up.

The Sunday Suite was a business podcast.

And if I’m being totally honest, it would be really nice to have something that isn’t directly tied to my day-to-day job.

So as of January 2026, I’m welcoming you to Becoming Okay.

This podcast is for real conversations, the kind that ease your mind and gently help you rethink your life. It’s not about fixing yourself or optimising everything. It’s about understanding the mind and learning how to live with it.

Going forward, I’ll be speaking with doctors, psychiatrists, military leaders, elite athletes, high performers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and thinkers who help shape how we understand resilience, anxiety, purpose, and meaning.

My life is wonderful, but as many of you can probably relate, the mind can still be a dark place sometimes.

I want to understand it better.

I want to learn how others have trained resilience, built positivity, and found meaning beyond success.

So we can all navigate our lives with a little more clarity and a lot more compassion.

Alongside the podcast, I'll be sharing weekly vlogs as I navigate 2026 coming off of antidepressants after 13 years!

In this episode, I share:

- My first experience with illness and anxiety at nine years old

- Living with severe anxiety, depression, and panic as a teenager

- How over-achieving became a coping mechanism

- Why antidepressants helped and why I’m now questioning my relationship with them

- The difference between surviving and healing

- Why success stopped feeling like enough

- Why Becoming Okay felt like the only honest name for this next chapter

Here’s to Becoming Okay, in every sense of the word.

Find me here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@megschirnhofer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megschirnhofer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megschirnhofer

📩 Subscribe to the Becoming Okay, Together newsletter: https://dynamic-breeze-93428.myflodesk.com/jsxjmqnonr