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In this episode, I sit down with Dr Jen Douglas - psychologist, former Stanford professor, and expert on perfectionism - to unpack what perfectionism really is, where it comes from, and how it quietly shapes our lives. We talk about the roots of perfectionistic thinking, the emotional and relational costs, and why so many of us feel trapped in impossible standards.

We also answer your questions and share practical tools to help you loosen perfectionism’s grip and move toward a more compassionate, grounded way of being.

Perfectionism isn’t the pursuit of excellence - it’s the fear of being seen as anything less.

If you’re tired of feeling like nothing you do is ever enough, this conversation really is for you. 

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this episode, I sit down with Amber Rae - bestselling author, artist, and speaker whose work has inspired millions around the world to live with more courage, creativity, and emotional honesty. Her new book, Lovable: One Woman’s Path from Good to Free, is a raw and beautiful memoir about what it means to stop being good and start being true  

Our conversation felt like something special - it was real, and deeply human. We talked about self-trust, belonging, and the brave work of coming home to yourself.

As a therapist, I found this dialogue both grounding and illuminating - a reminder that love isn’t something we earn through perfection or approval, but something we return to within ourselves.

This episode has stayed with me. I hope it stays with you, too.

Amber’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyamberrae?igsh=MWR2eHQyZ2JzaTI4ZA==

Her memoir, Lovable: https://www.amberrae.com/links?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaAOK721leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadmf8mbKqVJDodCO7BMBY2rzFqzvELwWhYGluW3SYQVjiv5dhGXDkbK9Qrt9Q_aem_5yf8T3de7wssjXhERcg6iw

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this solo episode, I’m sharing insights from my book Choose You. I dive into why self-abandonment happens, the cost of neglecting your own needs, and also offer some favourite practices to help you start to choose yourself too. 

Special offer to listeners: my book Choose You is available via Ebury Self Help Books for just 99p throughout November:

https://amzn.eu/d/cxnReZX

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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What if being “selfish” was actually the most generous thing you could do? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist, author, and self-care expert Suzy Reading to talk about her brand new book, How to Be Selfish. Together, we explore what it really means to prioritise yourself in a world that glorifies self-sacrifice, and how healthy selfishness can transform your relationships, energy, and emotional well-being.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt guilty for needing space, struggled to say no, or found themselves constantly prioritising everyone else’s needs before their own. Suzy shares accessible, compassionate tools for reclaiming your time, your boundaries, and your sense of self - without apology!

Let’s redefine selfishness as self-respect, and discover how caring for your own needs can be one of the most loving things you do - for yourself and everyone around you.

Suzy’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyreading?igsh=b2JqMml3MDJ5ZXc=

Suzy’s book available for pre-order now: https://smarturl.it/howtobeselfish?fbclid=PAZnRzaAN4WcZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafUatPN9UaWwk1jHuldlg8uOh-A9eZ3kkS6NdI85USUjZyeeDADUpvh6ndwZg_aem_qTksUF2CsQNf9WOinfbL4g

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this solo episode, I’m talking about how complicated mental health has become and how we can come back to what’s simple.

I share some gentle, honest ways to look after your mind without turning it into another project or trend and why softness and simplicity can sometimes do more for our wellbeing than any checklist ever could.

It’s a reminder that caring for ourselves doesn’t need to be loud or perfect just real and accessible. Think simply, softly, gently.

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this solo episode, I explore the voice we all know too well - the Inner Critic. I share how this part of us often develops as a protector, shaped by childhood, culture, and survival instincts. I guide you through shifting your relationship with it and helping you to meet and soften that familiar voice inside.

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this episode, I’m exploring one of the most transformative things I’ve learned - how understanding my own nervous system has completely changed the way I see myself, my emotions, and my healing. It’s honestly felt like magic.
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I explore what nervous system healing really means (and what it doesn’t), why regulation isn’t about being calm all the time, and how practices like co-regulation, awareness, and gentle consistency can reshape our sense of safety from the inside out.
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 If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do, or why certain relationships feel calming while others drain you, this one’s for you. Once you start to understand your nervous system, everything - truly everything - begins to make sense.

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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In this heartfelt episode, I speak with Karena Dawn - author, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of The Big Silence Foundation - about her powerful memoir, The Big Silence. Karena shares her deeply personal story of growing up with a mother living with mental illness, the silence that shaped her early years, and her ongoing journey of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

Her honesty and compassion remind us that while pain can shape us, it doesn’t have to define us and that we are never alone in our struggles.

Please note that this conversation touches on sensitive themes, including mental illness, addiction, and suicide, so please listen gently and take care of yourself as you do.

Karena’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenadawn?igsh=YjgzZDVoazhvbTVn

Links to her book, podcast, and fitness app: https://keychain.club/KarenaDawn?fbclid=PARlRTSANTSglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp39CGi4wqxWiHzT1rQqMJ_W1_H2hBpLjeY-GKYDIsuuDZj9qWQe6KRxZ5Id7_aem_F42DxPcyaOGZpob04EOERQ

Helen’s links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Choose You book: https://lnk.to/ChooseyouHelenMarie

SPONSOR:

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Bare Biology.

Use code HELENMARIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order.

https://yourshopifydomain.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=HelenMarie

Website: https://www.barebiology.com/

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What does it really mean to be happy - and can we actually get better at it? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and human behaviour. We explore the small daily habits, surprising insights, and real-life challenges that shape our happiness. Practical, thought-provoking, and full of warmth, this episode promises to leave you reflecting on your own journey toward a more joyful life.

Gretchen’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenrubin?igsh=bWRlOXA4azFlOW9s

Helen’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Choose You book: https://lnk.to/ChooseyouHelenMarie

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Anxiety touches almost everyone -  but what if you could feel ten times calmer? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Kirren Schnack, clinical psychologist and author of Ten Times Calmer, to talk about what anxiety really is, why it shows up in our lives, and the practical tools we can use to manage it. We explore common myths, everyday coping strategies, and why ignoring your anxiety is not the answer. Whether you’re dealing with anxious thoughts yourself or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers science-backed insights and real hope. 

Dr Kirren’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkirren?igsh=bzZ4bjRtNWs2bXJ4

Helen’s links: 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr