Becoming Okay

In this episode of Becoming Okay, Riley Tejcek shares the moment her life changed overnight, from elite performance and purpose to heartbreak, identity loss, and rebuilding from nothing.

We talk about:

– Being cheated on weeks before competing at world level

– The mental toll of “staying strong” when you’re breaking

– Why forgiveness is more about you than them

– Rebuilding trust after betrayal

– The identity crisis no one prepares you for

– Letting go of a dream to choose a different life

Chapters

00:00 The Collapse of a Relationship

05:03 Compartmentalisation and Healing

07:08 Faith, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward

18:04 The Importance of Self-Compassion

27:41 Navigating New Relationships

29:26 The Power of Partnership in Overcoming Struggles

33:29 Vulnerability and Communication in Relationships

35:46 Self-Discovery Through Relationships

38:51 Navigating Differences and Building a Healthy Marriage

42:18 Prioritising Love Over Career

47:10 The Journey of Letting Go and Embracing Change

50:50 Mental Health and the Importance of Community

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

Find Riley here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Paul Reeve, CEO of Cornwall Mind, to break down what mental health actually is and why the system we rely on might be getting it wrong.

From growing up around NHS mental health care to leading one of the UK’s most impactful charities, Paul shares a completely different perspective: mental health isn’t something you catch, it’s something life does to you and something you have to actively protect.

This isn’t a clinical conversation.

It’s a real one folks! We don't hold back...

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Personal Journey

07:39 Challenges in Cornwall's Mental Health Landscape

13:26 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness

17:29 Preventative Approaches to Mental Health

23:21 Five Ways to Wellbeing and Personal Insights

27:55 Navigating Personal Challenges and Isolation

33:30 The Journey to Finding Gratitude

38:52 Building Trust and Motivation in Mental Health

47:03 Redesigning the Mental Health System

53:58 Embracing the Journey of Life

Cornwall Mind: https://cornwallmind.org/

If you need support, you can find your local Mind services here: https://www.mind.org.uk/

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with Toni Lavery, a former U.S. Army Special Operations veteran with 25 years of service, who was told she's going blind… with no clear explanation.

After years of high performance, poor sleep, chronic headaches, and pushing through pressure, her body forced her to pay attention.

We talk about:

- Why high performers ignore warning signs

- The physical impact of long-term stress

- The moment everything changed

- And the interventions that helped her rebuild her life

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Stress on Health

06:13 Navigating the Medical Maze

12:06 Exploring Treatment Options

18:11 Transformative Therapy Experiences

24:22 Managing Stress and Expectations

29:26 Reflections on Regrets and Life Lessons

29:55 Navigating Life's Challenges and Choices

30:24 The Impact of Past Experiences on Personal Growth

31:35 The Power of Relationships in Healing

33:01 Communication as a Key to Relationship Success

36:00 Coping Mechanisms for Stress Management

36:32 The Importance of Discipline in Personal Development

38:24 Understanding Health Through Medical Interventions

41:42 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery

46:50 Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life

48:02 Influential Books and Their Life Lessons

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

Find Toni here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-l-nashville-professional/

Most people think happiness comes from fixing their life.

It actually starts by understanding why you’re unhappy.

In this episode, with Matt Phelan, Co-Founder of The Happiness Index, x2 Workplace Happiness Author and Keynote Speaker, we cover:

– Why your job might not be the real problem

– The truth about “loving what you do”

– And why happiness is more about relationships than anything else

Chapters

00:00 The Hedonic Treadmill and Eudaimonia

04:46 The Connection Between Work and Personal Life

07:39 The Journey to Creating a Happiness-Focused Business

10:46 Finding Meaning in Life

12:36 Societal Norms and Personal Choices

14:59 The Challenge of Sobriety and Social Expectations

23:09 The Irony of Alcohol and Mental Health

26:38 Falling Back in Love with Work

29:06 The Taboo of Job Satisfaction

30:55 Redefining Happiness Beyond Salary

32:29 The Happiness Advantage

33:41 Childhood Influences on Mental Health

35:08 Happiness as a Team Sport

36:49 The Role of Social Media in Mental Health

39:40 The Challenge of Parenting in the Digital Age

42:14 Social Media vs. Smoking: A Comparison

44:01 Starting Conversations for Happiness

47:14 Fear and Predictions of the Future

48:00 Data Points of Happiness

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

Find Matt here:

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

In this episode, Rose shares a story that most people never speak about.

From a very young age, she knew something wasn’t right, but like so many, she was silenced, dismissed, and left to carry things that were never hers to carry.

This conversation goes into:

- what childhood abuse can actually look like behind closed doors

- how silence is created and reinforced within families

- and what it takes to finally speak up after years of carrying it alone

This isn’t an easy watch. Viewers discretion is advised.

Chapters

00:00 Childhood Memories and Feelings of Isolation

03:45 The Start of Trauma: Early Experiences

08:10 Understanding Abuse: The Impact of Family Dynamics

12:59 The Role of Neglect in Family Relationships

17:27 The Burden of Responsibility: A Child's Perspective

22:29 The Emotional Fallout: Abandonment and Resilience

27:22 Breaking the Silence: Speaking Up at 15

32:29 The Aftermath: Navigating Family Dynamics Post-Revelation

39:10 Childhood Chores and Family Dynamics

47:59 Trauma and Military Experience

53:47 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

55:23 Finding Healing Through Motherhood

01:11:54 The Power of Laughter and Resilience

01:15:42 Empowerment and Moving Forward

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

Find me here:

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

Find Rose here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-randall-psy-d-ma-43404642/

What actually happens inside a therapy room?

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I sit down with licensed psychotherapist Anna Jackson, who also features as a verified therapist on Every Cloud with Ferne McCann.

We go inside the conversations people have when no one else is listening. The thoughts, patterns, and truths most never say out loud.

From relationships and heartbreak…

to grief, identity, and mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Stigma

03:05 The Importance of Maintenance in Relationships

05:33 Navigating Difficult Relationships

08:33 The Role of Comparison in Personal Growth

11:05 Grieving Relationships and Moving Forward

20:48 Navigating Grief and Celebration

23:08 The Complexity of Regret

27:30 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

30:33 Understanding Mental Health as a Symptom

35:36 Coping Mechanisms for Mental Well-being

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

Find me here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/megschirnhofer

Podlink: https://pod.link/1843627543

Find Anna here:

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

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I speak with Gabriela Flax, Founder of Pivot School, breaks down exactly how she's helped 300+ clients pivot careers, secure offers, and build businesses, with companies like: Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Oura, Easyjet and so on...

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Body Signals and Inflammation

04:56 Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace

09:15 The Meaning of Burnout

14:07 Changing Environments and Contextual Breaks

21:04 Building Healthy Routines and Discipline

25:15 Toxic Positivity and Self-Awareness

28:16 Self-Worth and Career Identity

30:03 Finding Your North Star

33:48 Understanding Sunday Scaries

37:05 The Courage to Change

42:24 Embracing Curiosity

47:12 Creating vs. Consuming

53:02 Mission vs. Goal

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 Gabriela here:

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

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabriela-flax-the-career-wellness-coach?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode of Becoming Okay, I speak with Mayer Marks about the moment that changed her life forever.

At just six months old, her son was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness.

Doctors told her to prepare for the worst.

They didn’t expect him to leave the hospital.

Years later, life would bring another shock when her daughter was diagnosed with the same condition.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Mayer Marks and Her Story

01:09 The Moment of Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

03:03 Understanding the Diagnoses and Daily Challenges

06:40 Dealing with Repetition of Diagnosis and Faith

08:32 Deciding Not to Have More Children

11:01 Coping Strategies and Support Network

15:08 First Steps and Milestones Achieved

17:55 Community Support and Acceptance in Sports

21:30 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Confidence

22:43 Lessons About Living and Slowing Down

25:42 Understanding the Rarity and Medical Perspective

28:21 Reflections on Time, Grief, and Joy

30:42 Impact on Marriage and Personal Growth

34:59 The Role of Faith and Self-Compassion

40:18 The Power of Showing Up and Resilience

43:32 The Importance of Self-Kindness and Acceptance

46:09 Balancing Life, Service, and Personal Well-being

51:52 Final Message: Living Beyond Labels

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

Follow Mayer here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3mxo/

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/