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In this candid episode, UK-based creative director Grace Margetson joins us to discuss her deeply personal journey through vaginismus, a condition that affects 20% of women but remains largely taboo and underdiagnosed. Grace shares her experience of living with the condition, the struggles she faced in getting a diagnosis, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her relationships, work, and mental health. She also sheds light on the process of healing, the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system, and the support that helped her finally overcome the condition.

Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles around the vagina involuntarily tighten, often causing severe pain during any attempt at vaginal penetration, such as during sex, pelvic exams, or tampon use. This reflexive contraction of the pelvic floor muscles is out of the person's control and can be highly distressing, both physically and emotionally.

Some common causes of vaginismus include past sexual trauma, anxiety, fear of pain, or even certain medical procedures. Additionally, cultural or religious teachings around sex, which may instill feelings of shame or guilt, can also contribute to its development.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of vaginismus, its impact on women’s health, and the paths available for treatment. Grace's vulnerability in sharing her story creates a space for others to feel seen and heard, offering hope and encouragement to those who may be suffering in silence.

Key Topics:

• What vaginismus is and how it manifests
• The emotional challenges of living with an under-recognized condition
• The societal and cultural taboos surrounding women's sexual health
• The long journey to diagnosis, including the barriers within the healthcare system
• Grace’s healing process and the role of pelvic floor therapy, mindfulness, and physiotherapy
• Why it’s important to break the silence and destigmatize conversations around women’s health

Statistics Mentioned:

• Vaginismus affects about 20% of women at some point in their lives.
• Around 80% of women with vaginismus can fully recover with appropriate treatment.
• On average, it can take 5-7 healthcare providers before receiving an accurate diagnosis for vaginismus.

Resources Mentioned:

• NHS Vaginismus Information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/
• Helen Forth (Pelvic Health Specialist): https://www.helenforthphysio.com/
• Maria Elliott: www.mariaelliottphysiotherapyservices.co.uk (http://www.mariaelliottphysiotherapyservices.co.uk/)
• Diane Daly: https://www.central-health.com/ourpeople/diane-daly/ (https://www.central-health.com/ourpeople/diane-daly/
• Tracy Matthews: www.whitehartclinic.co.uk (http://www.whitehartclinic.co.uk/)
• Recommended therapies: Yin yoga, pelvic floor exercises, diaphragmatic breathing

Vaginismus is a highly treatable condition, and with the right support, you can move through it and regain control of your body. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of advocating for your health.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Grace Margetson

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

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In this episode, Jean sits down with the incredibly resilient singer-songwriter Debbie. Debbie opens up about her experiences growing up in a household where she and her sister were often left alone and had to become independent at an early age. She shares haunting memories of emotional and physical abuse, both at home and in school, and how these experiences shaped her worldview and identity.

Debbie discusses how her early life of isolation and trauma led to her diagnosis of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and the impact it had on her journey into adulthood. We explore what C-PTSD is, its symptoms, and how it differs from PTSD. Complex PTSD develops in response to prolonged, repeated trauma—often starting in childhood—and can manifest in emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. According to studies, approximately 13% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD, and for many who experience long-term trauma, C-PTSD is the more accurate diagnosis.

Debbie candidly talks about how music became both an escape and a healing tool for her. She touches on her journey to accept herself, including navigating her identity and relationships in the aftermath of her parents’ death, all while pursuing her passion for music. Throughout the conversation, Debbie’s strength and vulnerability shine through as she shares the ways she has found support in therapy, spirituality, and self-compassion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Debbie’s Early Life: The challenges she faced growing up, including neglect and abuse, which led to early independence.
2. Complex PTSD: Definition, symptoms, and statistics surrounding the condition.
3. Music as Healing: How Debbie’s connection to music has been a source of empowerment and healing.
4. Finding Support: Therapy, spirituality, and self-care practices that helped Debbie navigate her grief and trauma.

You can follow Debbie on Instagram @debbie_

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Debbie

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach, Wicked Child Studio

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Jean welcomes Nicole Pedra, a model, actress, influencer, and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the tender age of 10. Nicole shares her remarkable journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with MS, offering an honest look into the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness.

While MS is typically diagnosed in adults, it is exceedingly rare in children. Only about 3-5% of MS cases are diagnosed before the age of 16, making Nicole’s early diagnosis at just 10 years old a particularly uncommon and challenging journey. Pediatric MS differs in its progression from adult MS, often marked by more frequent relapses and more intense flare-ups. However, the brain’s plasticity in children allows for better compensation and recovery from nerve damage, which can make their long-term outcomes more hopeful.

Nicole recounts her early experiences with pediatric MS, from the intense physical symptoms to the emotional struggles of feeling isolated and misunderstood. Despite these hardships, she found strength in her resilience, which has guided her through the ups and downs of managing her health, relationships, and career.

Together, Nicole and Jean explore topics such as:

• The unique challenges of pediatric MS versus adult MS.
• How Nicole's early symptoms were misdiagnosed and her subsequent journey to find answers.
• The importance of finding community and support, even if it takes time. 
• The emotional toll of keeping her diagnosis secret and how it affected her relationships.
• Her decision to embrace her condition publicly, becoming a voice for others living with chronic illness.
• The power of resilience and how adversity has shaped Nicole into the empowered woman she is today.
• Practical strategies Nicole uses to manage her health, balance her life, and keep a positive mindset.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Nicole Pedra

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Jean sits down with her close friend, supermodel, actress and founder of Gurls Talk, Adwoa Aboah. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of pain – both visible and invisible. Adwoa opens up about her personal struggles with mental health and addiction, sharing how pain manifested in her life from a young age, how it felt isolating, and the powerful journey to learning how to cope.

Adwoa discusses the importance of acknowledging pain, the role shame plays in mental health, and how she ultimately found solace in community and self-awareness. They explore the challenges of being vulnerable, the healing power of connection, and the lessons learned from pain, including how it can shape resilience and compassion.

This episode is an intimate look at overcoming internal battles, growing from dark places, and the importance of finding hope, even in the most difficult moments. Whether you're facing your own struggles or supporting someone who is, Adwoa's insights offer a powerful reminder that healing is possible and you're never alone in your journey.

Key Topics:

• Adwoa’s personal story of pain, boarding school, and feeling isolated.
• The role of shame in mental health and how it affects healing.
• How finding community and speaking out can be transformative.
• Overcoming addiction and embracing sobriety.
• How to hold on to hope and redefine what healing looks like.

Gurls Talk is a community-led non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women*. Following Adwoa Aboah’s personal experience with mental health, Gurls Talk was formed with the goal of creating safe spaces – both on and offline – where gurls can access mental health resources, share their experiences and support each other so they never feel alone or have to reach a breaking point.

You can follow Adwoa on Instagram @adwoaaboah 

You can learn more about Gurls Talk by heading to www.gurlstalk.com 

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Adwoa Aboah

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this episode, Jean welcomes supermodel and actress Abbey Lee to discuss her 20-year journey with endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting over 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide—approximately 190 million. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility. 

Abbey shares her personal experiences, from her first symptoms in childhood to enduring years of misdiagnoses before receiving a proper diagnosis following surgery. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of managing chronic pain, its impact on mental health, and the daily struggle of living with this condition. Abbey also sheds light on the misconceptions within the medical community and emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-care, and a strong support system. She offers practical advice, sharing coping mechanisms like meditation, diet, and the role of a supportive partner, giving listeners hope and guidance in navigating similar experiences.

Abbey Lee is an Australian supermodel and actress who first gained global recognition for her work in high-fashion campaigns and runway shows for top designers like Gucci, Versace, and Alexander McQueen. Known for her striking look and versatility, she became a fixture in the modeling world, gracing the covers of international editions of Vogue and Numéro. Abbey successfully transitioned into acting, starring in major films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, The Neon Demon, and Lovecraft Country.

You can follow Abbey on Instagram at @abbeylee 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:45 Abby's Journey with Endometriosis

02:29 Defining Endometriosis

03:26 Early Symptoms and Misconceptions

06:11 Living with Chronic Pain

10:52 Navigating Career and Pain

16:00 Emotional and Mental Impact

20:11 Seeking Help and Finding Relief

23:58 Mind-Body Connection

29:13 Meditation and Coping Strategies

31:39 Exploring Meditation Techniques

33:22 The Role of a Supportive Partner

36:43 Navigating Intimacy and Pain

40:37 The Journey to Diagnosis

47:08 Managing Endometriosis Through Lifestyle Changes

58:08 Finding Strength and Resilience

01:00:04 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Abbey Lee 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell 

Studio: Podcast House 

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Edoardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

Jean welcomes Laura Mason, an autoimmune wellness blogger, chef, and the creator of Love Chef Laura. Laura shares her inspiring journey of healing from Hashimoto's and Rheumatoid Arthritis, her love for culinary arts, and the transformative therapies that have helped her manage chronic pain and transform her life. 

Highlights: 

• Introduction to Laura Mason
• Life-changing Diagnosis: Laura's journey through being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while raising young children.
• Creating a Support Network: The vital role of family and online communities in Laura's healing journey.
• Cold Water Immersion Therapy: Laura's powerful experience with cold water immersion therapy and the creation of Happy Winter Swim Club.
• Bee Venom Therapy: Detailed insights into bee venom therapy, its process, and how it has significantly reduced Laura's pain.
• Diet and Wellness: Transitioning to a paleo and carnivore-based diet, and the impact of dietary changes on her autoimmune symptoms.
• Personal Struggles and Triumphs: Overcoming the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of living with autoimmune diseases.
• Hope for Others: Laura's heartfelt advice for anyone dealing with chronic pain: You are not alone and there is hope for healing.

Join us for this powerful conversation and discover the resilience and strength it takes to transform one's life in the face of adversity. Make sure to follow Laura Mason at her blog Love Chef Laura and on social media for more on her journey and wellness tips.

You can follow Laura at https://www.instagram.com/lovecheflaura/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Laura Mason 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Edoardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

Long COVID has affected an estimated 65 million people worldwide, leaving many to navigate life with ongoing symptoms.Long COVID, a condition affecting an estimated 65 million people worldwide, can bring a wide range of lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, and respiratory issues, often lasting for months or even years.

In this heartfelt episode, Jean speaks with Lilly Downs, an advocate for long COVID recovery, who shares her personal journey through illness, resilience, and finding joy amidst adversity. Lilly discusses her experiences with long COVID, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain, and how these challenges have reshaped her view on life, happiness, and priorities.

a little about Lilly from Lilly: Hi! I’m Lilly, I’m 20 years old & have been battling my own body since getting covid in 2020. My GI tract became paralyzed, my immune system went haywire & I have spent over 9 months fighting for my life in the hospital. I started making TikToks to document my journey & destigmatize life with chronic illness, feeding tubes & a central line.  

You can follow Lilly on TikTok @lillydowns 

01:00 - Lilly's Initial COVID Diagnosis and living with chronic pain and multiple diagnoses 

07:00 - Coping with pain from a young age 

14:00 - Accepting the reality of your own mortality and shifting your life priorities 

20:00 - Finding support and building community and the integral role of nurses in her recovery 

23:00 - Self-care through creative outlets and finding independence

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Host : Jean Campbell

Guest: Lilly Downs

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Edoardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this compelling episode, Jean Campbell and Edward Burgess Wells sit down with world-class photographer Jamie Hawkesworth. Jamie shares his remarkable journey from amateur photographer to photographing the covers of VOGUE, diving deeply into his decade-long struggle with chronic back pain and how it has influenced his work and life. This episode explores the intersection of creativity and pain, resilience in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, and the transformative power of discipline and acceptance.

Hawkesworth was born in Ipswich, Suffolk in 1987. Initially introduced to photography as part of his forensic science degree, he then switched to study the medium, graduating from the University of Lancashire in 2009 with a BA in Photography. Hawkesworth’s Preston Bus Station was published in 2017; On Keeping a Notebook in 2019; and The British Isles in 2021. In 2018 he received the Award for Editorial, Advertising and Fashion Photography from the Royal Photographic Society. He has worked on editorial campaigns, catalogues and commissions for Alexander McQueen, J.W.Anderson and Loewe, amongst many others. His documentary works have been exhibited in London, Amsterdam and New York. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and Huis Marseille, Amsterdam.

Hawkesworth lives and works in London. - Current exhibition https://huxleyparlour.com

00:00 - Introduction to Jamie Hawkesworth

02:00 - Jamie and Jean's First Meeting

6:08 - Photographing Through Pain

14:49 - Turning Point and Recovery

25:34 - Physiotherapy and Managing Pain

28:32 - Current Routine and Final Reflections


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Host: Jean Campbell

Co-host: Ed Burgess-Wells 

Guest: Jamie Hawkesworth 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Edoardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this episode, influential stylist, fashion director, and one of Jean's most dear friends, Julia Sarr-Jamois, shares her candid experience with pain, anxiety, and OCD, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julia recounts how the sudden changes in her life, including isolation and uncertainty, triggered anxiety and OCD symptoms, leading to severe panic attacks. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, affects approximately 1-2% of the global population, with millions more experiencing intrusive thoughts and anxiety. These conditions often involve persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing distress.

She discusses the impact on her personal and professional life and the therapeutic approaches that helped her cope, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and regular therapy sessions. Julia emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself, practical exercises to manage anxiety, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:12 Julia's Journey with Pain and OCD

02:01 Coping During COVID-19

03:10 Experiencing Anxiety and Panic Attacks

03:42 Understanding and Managing OCD

06:18 Therapy and Finding Solutions

15:53 Self-Help Strategies and Empowerment

19:59 Reflections and Final Thoughts

Julia Sarr-Jamois is one of the most influential names in fashion today. As both the youngest and first black Fashion Director in Vogue’s history, Julia is a powerful driving force for change within the industry. She was a founding member of the Mentoring Matters and Rubric mentoring initiatives and has consistently championed diversity throughout her prolific career. In 2018, Julia was invited to Nigeria to join the panel of the prestigious Fashion Weekend as part of their Promoting Enterprise Festival, championing emerging talent and education.

Born to a French mother and Senegalese father, Julia was raised in South London, enjoying success as a model before joining the editorial team at i-D when she was 19. Julia’s exceptional talent for fashion is reflected through her dynamic editorial storytelling and social media presence. Julia’s eclectic style and eccentric elegance makes her one of the most photographed fashion directors, ruling the best dressed lists around the world.

With over 17 years experience in the industry Julia has honed a refined but joyful aesthetic, distinguished by her signature use of bold colour as well as her effortless mixing of streetwear and high fashion aesthetics.

Julia’s work has been featured in leading style titles including T Magazine, Self Service, M Le Monde, Double and More Or Less. Her work spans print and design, collaborating with photographers including Tyrone Lebon, Alasdair McLellan, Tyler Mitchell, Harley Weir, Zoë Ghertner and Nadine Ijewere. Julia has consulted for brands including Homer, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Chanel, and Zara.

You can follow Julia on Instagram @sarrjamois 

You can learn more about Julia's creative agency, Best Represents, by heading to https://bestrepresents.com/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Julia Sarr-Jamois 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Editor: Edoardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this episode, Jean is joined by Farideh Banafshei, a counseling psychologist nearing the completion of her doctorate. They discuss Farideh's journey from working in finance to transitioning into psychology, driven by her own experiences of imposter syndrome and stress in high-pressure environments. 

Farideh highlights the pressures women face in professional settings, the impact of perfectionism, and the ways society's unrealistic expectations can lead to mental health issues. She shares personal anecdotes about her struggle with severe health issues that led her to reassess her life and healing journey. 

The conversation also explores the role of cultural dynamics in disordered eating and the importance of internal reflection for genuine self-healing. Farideh emphasizes that true strength comes from within and that therapeutic work helps individuals uncover their innate resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Farideh Banafshei
00:58 Farideh's Career Journey
02:39 Transition to Psychology
02:50 Understanding Affective Disorders
04:22 Challenges in High-Pressure Environments
08:05 Personal Struggles and COVID Impact
11:26 The Breaking Point and Recovery
15:27 Perfectionism and Self-Discovery
22:26 Disordered Eating and Cultural Perspectives
31:36 Finding Support and Healing
34:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

You can learn more about the J. Flowers Health Institute by heading to their website: https://jflowershealth.com/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Farideh Banafshei Counsellor, MBACP

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Edoardo Vella