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The choices we make today lay the foundation for our health as we age. In fact, our midlife health is one of the strongest predictors of our long-term well-being. It really matters. Lavina inspires us to take action now, with her contagious optimism and enthusiasm shining through. I absolutely loved our conversation.

Drawing on evidence-based research, Lavina shares that just 11 minutes of movement a day can significantly improve our health. Considering the average person in the UK spends 10 hours a day sitting, Lavina offers practical ways to reduce this sedentary behaviour and prevent the physical decline often associated with ageing.

In this episode, we cover:

How maintaining serotonin and dopamine levels supports mental health as we age.
The critical role of movement during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Staying motivated and building a personalized movement toolkit.
Reframing how we think about exercise.
Strategies to preserve energy and maintain independence long-term.
Managing brain fog and optimising brain function as we age.
Practical tips and resources for living a healthier, happier life.
This conversation goes far beyond movement. Lavina brings a holistic perspective on how to protect and enhance both our physical and mental health for years to come.

Lavina’s links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelgoodwithlavina?igsh=MW44ZWU2bjJ2Y2dlag==

The Feel Good Fix book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-feel-good-fix/lavina-mehta-mbe/9780241665084

Resources mentioned in show:

British Menopause Society: https://thebms.org.uk/

Menopause Mandate: https://www.menopausemandate.com/

Balance App: https://balanceapp.com/

Helen’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

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

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In this episode, I chat with Dr. Claire Plumbly about burnout. Recent reports state that up to 80% of the UK workforce have experienced or are experiencing burnout, but burnout doesn’t just happen in the workplace. Through this conversation and her brilliant new book, Claire shares with us:

•What burnout actually is
•What burnout isn’t 
•What causes it
•The importance of boundaries
•Who gets affected 
•How Covid has changed our supportive community
•The loss of community 
•The importance of feeling safe in our bodies 
•The impact of being ‘on’ all the time
•Where to go to for support

She also provides a game-changing way of understanding our nervous system—how to recognize when it’s in fight, flight, or freeze mode, and how to bring it back to a feeling of safety (which might not be how you imagine!).

We also answer many of your questions.

This episode isn’t just for those experiencing burnout, but for everyone, as Claire introduces tools to help us prevent burnout in our lives. Understanding and listening to our nervous system is key, and this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge you need.

I truly hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having this conversation!

Claire’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drclaireplumbly?igsh=b3JibTF5cTBrZmpy

Her book ‘Burnout: how to manage your nervous system before it manages you’ https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/feel-better

Mental Health UK annual burnout report: Burnout Report: one in five needed to take time off work due to stress in the past year - Mental Health UK

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

My book CHOOSE YOU: Choose You

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This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/helenmarie

In this week’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with clinical psychologist Dr. Emma Offord about ADHD. 

In this conversation, Emma helps us to understand ADHD and the uniqueness of neurodivergence, covering topics such as:

•The impact it has on the nervous system
•The causes of ADHD
•The differences between a brain with ADHD and one without
•Where to go for support
•How to take your power back if you have ADHD
•Tips for managing
•Co-presenting conditions

Emma also answers many of your questions. 

This conversation was simply eye-opening, and I adored Emma’s compassionate and understanding approach to the complexities of neurodivergence. I think you will too. 

Emma’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divergentlives?igsh=aGQ3ejB6bGp1OTE0

Divergent Life website: https://www.divergentlife.co.uk/

Helen’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

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

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In this beautiful conversation with Izzy Judd, we explore her ‘real story’ with anxiety. Sharing such stories feels important, as they offer hope from people with lived experience. Izzy gives hope by generously sharing what she went through and how she has learned to meet her anxiety with compassion and understanding instead of fear. 

In this episode, Izzy opens up about her own experiences and personal growth, as well as her path to becoming a mindfulness practitioner and host of the BBC Sounds Music and Meditation podcast. Her story is full of hope and serves as an invaluable resource to anyone struggling with anxiety. Additionally, Izzy’s calming and soothing  voice adds another layer of softness to this much-needed conversation. 

Please be mindful that this episode includes discussions about Izzy’s journey with fertility, IVF, and miscarriage. If you’re affected by anything we discuss, I encourage you to reach out to someone you trust. I’ve also included links to charities that may be able to offer support. 

Tommy’s - the pregnancy and baby charity: https://www.tommys.org/change-lifetime-of-loss

Saying Goodbye: Saying Goodbye - support for miscarriage and baby and infant loss

Izzy’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_izzyjudd?igsh=MTl2OThsbm81bTc0Zg==

The Music and Meditation podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-music-meditation-podcast/id1622228529

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard

My book Choose You: Choose You

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Coupon code for 9D Breathwork: HELEN50 https://helenmarie--9dbreathwork.thrivecart.com/9d-letting-go/ 

Have you ever wondered why some people don’t like you? Or stressed over being misunderstood? Or not felt good enough? In this episode, I chat to the wonderful psychotherapist Anna Mathur about exactly this -  and other uncomfortable truths - as explored in her most recent bestselling book, The Uncomfortable Truth. Anna brings her warmth and wealth of experience to shed light on the struggles that make us human. She invites us to not only understand ourselves a little deeper but to also extend that understanding to others. It’s life-changing and a must-listen for anyone battling these uncomfortable truths. Happy listening!

Anna’s links:

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/annamathur?igsh=eTdldHMwbnhsd2wz

Anna’s book The Uncomfortable Truth:
https://www.annamathur.com/start-here/

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

My book Choose You: Choose You

Send us a text

Welcome back to the I Don’t Think We Talk Enough About podcast, where this week we are diving deep into self-compassion with Sarah Ann Macklin. Together, we explore what self-compassion is and why we often find it difficult to practice. Sarah Ann brings her own personal story, revealing why discovering self-compassion was imperative for her survival. 

Drawing from her own experiences and studies, she now offers invaluable advice on embracing kindness towards ourselves. This episode is packed with both theory and practical tips for you to find a way to be a little kinder to yourself. 

In a world where kindness towards oneself is often scarce, this is truly a must-listen.

Sarah’s links:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin?igsh=aDVmZTRzcml3czRm

Live Well Be Well Collective:
https://www.instagram.com/be_well_collective?igsh=MTJ1cWxrN2RmZGY4bw==

Self-compassion article:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/mind-body/a60979504/self-compassion-body-image-acceptance/

My links:

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

My book Choose You: 
Choose You

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This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/helenmarie

In this week’s episode, I’m excited to share with you this wonderful conversation I had with psychotherapist Philippa Perry. Philippa is the author of the bestselling book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad You Did), which has sold over 2.6 million copies worldwide!

In this episode, we talk about how to build a long-lasting relationship with your children, the truth about why we are triggered by our children, the importance of honesty and authenticity, how to understand them, the beauty and importance of rupture and repair, why some children are sensitive, and how to grow bonds with your children so that there is reciprocal liking!

This is a must-listen, whatever stage of parenting you are at, or if you’re simply interested in better understanding your own upbringing. In fact, this isn’t just a parenting book; this is a book for anyone interested in building healthier relationships and stands as one of my favourites in the field.

I absolutely adored this conversation and hope you do too.

Philippa’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkittycat?igsh=ZWl2YmlobzVzdHF0

Radio 4 programme - When Parents Split: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00051dz

'The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did': https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-book-you-wish-your-parents-had-read-and-your-children-will-be-glad-that-you-did/philippa-perry/9780241251027

Links from show:

Duke University Affection Study: How a Parent’s Affection Shapes a Child’s Happiness for Life

The Dandelion And The Orchid: The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Sensitive People Struggle and How All Can Thrive: Amazon.co.uk: Boyce, Dr W. Thomas, Perry, Philippa: 9781984352187: Books

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

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

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In this week’s episode of I DON’T THINK WE TALK ENOUGH ABOUT I’m delighted to welcome back Josh Connolly for part 2 of our conversation on dysfunctional families. We answer more questions from my Instagram community that we didn’t have time for in part 1 (episode 11), as well as explore the power of breath work as a tool in healing, which has been a core element of Josh’s personal story. There’s even an opportunity for you to listen and try one of Josh’s beautifully powerful exercises. 

As always, if anything comes up for you while listening to our conversation, please reach out to someone you trust. Our hope is that, within this conversation, you find some hope and support. 

Josh’s links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_ffw?igsh=cnoya2E4d3FtbGRv

Josh’s book: https://www.joshconnolly.co.uk/its-them-not-you

Other links mentioned in podcast:

Deb Dana’s nervous system resources:

Befriending Your Nervous System: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Befriending-Your-Nervous-System-Audiobook/168364462X

Deb Dana Polyvagal Cards: Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change: Amazon.co.uk: Dana, Deb: 9781324019763: Books

Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma: Amazon.co.uk: Kolk, Bessel van der: 9780141978611: Books

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

My book CHOOSE YOU: https://tr.ee/p96zuSRcKy

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In this week’s episode of I Don’t Think We Talk Enough About I am delighted to welcome Kate Moyle. Kate is a psychosexual therapist and we had the most wonderful conversation around normalising conversations about sex. 

We dive into what is normal, how sex affects our mental health, the difference between intimacy and sex, assumptions around sex, debunking some of the myths, where to go to for help, as well as answering some of your questions on fantasy, cheating, and shame around sex. 

Kate was wonderful to chat to and her platform on social media is such an informative space if you are looking for more resources. I hope you enjoy and if anything resonates for you in this episode and you feel you would like to explore further do check out Kate’s resources and the resources she mentions in the podcast. I’ve linked in show notes too. 

Kate’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy?igsh=NHpxNGFlcHFtcWhj

Kate’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sexual-wellness-sessions/id1527311547

Kate’s book The Science of Sex: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Sex-Every-Question-Answered/dp/0241593298

Links mentioned in podcast: 

Esther Perel: https://www.instagram.com/estherperelofficial?igsh=MWpibjRmN2dmcjdzOA==

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

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

Send us a text

In this week’s episode, I’m talking with Dr Caroline Boyd about anger. We explore defining anger as an emotion, the societal expectations of both men and women regarding anger, the effects of suppressing it, the feelings of shame that may arise, and how to make sense of this powerful emotion. Caroline also shows us how to understand our anger and beautifully demonstrates how to connect with the younger, vulnerable part of ourselves when exploring anger. Anger is an important emotion, and Caroline shows us that it’s OK to have limits. 

This episode promises wonderful insight into what happens in the brain when we experience anger, as well as tools and tips to self-regulate when anger appears, helping release our body from the threat-activated state of anger. 

This is a must listen for us all. Let’s work together to change the narrative on anger. 

Caroline’s links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_drboyd?igsh=czJzNG56NDNha2E5

Waitlist for self-guided anger course:   
https://dr-caroline-boyd.mykajabi.com/digital-rage

My links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e/profilecard/?igsh=MXVsZHZwcTl2Zmppdw==

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