Bestselling author Isabel Losada has written seven non-fiction books including The Battersea Park Road to Paradise and Sensation. Her most recent book The Joyful Environmentalist is being re-released in April 2025. She tells Lee about the importance of perserverence - especially, in Isabel's case, in the face of rejection letters from publishers.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

This one's for anyone - particularly women - feeling under scrutiny over their clothing choices. As Style Editor Samantha Harman says, 'if your wardrobe isn't helping you make money... it's not doing its job properly.' Samantha talks to Lee about why she's so passionate about helping women dress well and be confident, and why pockets are a feminist issue.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

At just 52 years of age, speaker coach Susan Perry had a stroke. In this Brave Conversation, Susan tells Lee about her unexpected symptoms, her pathway to recovery, and how it has been a 'fault line' moment. She also discusses how to look for and embrace 'slivers of joy' in life. 

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Film-maker Holly Hardman shares the health impacts of her dependence on prescription drugs, particularly benzodiazepines. Holly also discusses the making of her documentary 'As Prescribed', that highlights risks associated with benzodiazepines, including addiction and mental health problems.

Watch Holly's acclaimed documentary film 'As Prescribed'.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Christo Hudson shares his journey from being an RAF and commercial pilot to becoming a mental health trainer and advocate.

We chat about the impact of the Covid pandemic on identity and mental health, the importance of understanding mental health from a male perspective, and the need for open conversations and safe spaces.

This episode comes with a trigger warning as we discuss sensitive issues including suicide. There are sources of support below.

If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, there are people you can talk to for support. In an emergency, always dial 999. You can also contact your GP, The Samaritans, or suicide prevention support charity CALM.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Laurie is a 'career wing woman', meaning she helps mid and senior level women gain skills and confidence to push forward their careers.

She emphasises the importance of being bold and brave as many women tend to minimise themselves, and fail to showcase their true abilities. 

Laurie helps her clients identify their career goals and provides practical guidance on CVs, applications and Linkedin visibility.

----

What does brave mean to you? Send Lee a Whatsapp voicenote with your thoughts - we may be able to include some of what you say in upcoming episodes: 07974841957

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

This Brave Conversation is with Jax Higginson, organiser of the North East Skinny Dip, the UK's largest organised mass nude sea-swimming event.

It has become an inclusive community that supports mental health and provides a sense of purpose. Participating allows people to let go of self-judgement and find freedom and joy in their bodies.

NESD has also raised over £140k for the charity MIND.

Find out more about taking part here.

This episode of Brave Conversations was edited in part by 2024 MultiTrack Fellow Antonia Gospel.

Donna Ashworth on being a "tiger mum", and supporting a child with Additional Support Needs. This Brave Conversation takes in overcoming fears, dealing with judgement, and stepping into your own version of 'brave'.

Donna is a Sunday Times best selling author. Her ninth book of poems "Growing Brave" is released on the 3rd of September. 

Her website is here.

The school mentioned in the episode is here.

Molly Fenton is a campaigner for women's health and period dignity from Cardiff. Now in her early twenties, she started the award-winning Love Your Period campaign while she was still in school, and couldn't find period products during an important exam. She says she wants to tackle period poverty and stigma, and to be the 'big sister' that women and girls might need.

Find Love Your Period on Instagram here.

This episode was edited and mixed by Ailish Hunter from Bespoken Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

CONTENT WARNING: sexual violence, rape

Madeleine shares her story of having been brutally and multiply raped as a young teenager, as part of a mission to end shame, stigma, and silence. She's an author, public speaker, and hosts her own 'Unbroken - healing through storytelling' podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk