Love Starts Within

We talk a lot about relationships—but what about the one we have with ourselves?

Are we staying in relationships because we want to, or because we’re avoiding the work we need to do within? If you looked in the mirror right now, would you date the version of you today? Be brutally honest.

This episode is all about self-reflection, comfort zones, and breaking the cycle of seeking external validation instead of doing the inner work. Because at the end of the day, only you can make yourself truly happy. The right person will only add to that. ❤

I’m beyond excited to have my friend Kiran on the podcast for this episode. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible she is—anyone who knows her is truly lucky to have her in their life.

Kiran’s story is one of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. She opens up about her journey with God, the family history that has shaped her, and the experiences that have made her who she is today. Her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering spirit make this conversation one you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, comfort, or just a reminder that our paths are uniquely and beautifully designed, Kiran’s words will leave you feeling uplifted. I’m so grateful she’s sharing her story with all of us, and I know you’ll walk away feeling as moved as I did. 💛

We’ve made it to the final episode of the year, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or joined somewhere along the way, thank you for being part of Love Starts Within. In this milestone 20th episode, I reflect on what this podcast—and this year—has taught me about myself, sharing my two biggest achievements tied to personal growth and mental health.

Your messages about how Love Starts Within has inspired or helped you truly mean the world to me. What started as a personal journey has grown into a shared space of self-love and transformation, and I’m so thankful to have you here.

Join me as I celebrate the wins, embrace the lessons, and look ahead to a hopeful 2025. Here’s to growing together and stepping into the new year with love and intention. Let’s do this! 💖

In this episode I share my personal experience with synchronicity. Those meaningful coincidences that seem almost too perfectly timed to be random. Are these moments truly coincidental, or is there something deeper at play?How does synchronicity show up in our lives? The science and psychology behind it, and what it could reveal about our intuition, personal growth, and connection to the universe. Whether you’ve encountered serendipitous events or are just curious about this intriguing phenomenon, this episode invites you to question the boundaries of fate and chance.

Love J x

I had my friend Sam on the pod to talk all about the mental & physical benefits of starting your fitness journey. We cover everything-from building confidence in the gym and investing in yourself with an online PT, to how making fitness a priority now can transform your future self.

Plus, tips on building and maintaining a healthy routine that fits your current lifestyle-and more!

With love, J x

Don't forget to follow to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and sneak peeks. Plus, check out my TikTok for even more daily content...

Sam's Instagram:

@samsliftlife

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• @lovestartswithinpodcast

Time Stamps:

00:02:57 - Sam’s Transition into Online Coaching & Starting a Business

• The reality of starting your own fitness business.
• Embracing challenges and thriving in uncomfortable situations.

00:07:33

• Shifting from tracking the scale to falling in love with building muscle.
• Creating a sustainable routine that lasts.

00:08:54 - Online Coaching vs. In-Person Training

• Breaking down the types of coaching and how to find the right PT based on your lifestyle

00:12:53 - Overcoming Gym Fear as a Beginner

• Tackling intimidation and understanding “Gymbros.”

00:16:36 - The Power of Morning Workouts

00:20:41 - How fitness builds confidence and aligns mind and body.

00:23:49 - Investing in Your Present & Future Self

• How building a healthy routine in your 20s can transform your future self.
• Breaking self-doubt and building lasting self-confidence.

00:31:07 - What’s the process like? Aligning values and expectations with your trainer.

00:33:26 - Sam’s Transition from Bodybuilding to Running

• The muscle loss myth.
• Why cardio is essential for overall health.

00:36:56 - Sam’s outlook on fitness at 26 compared to his 20 year old self

00:42:50 - Balancing the “all-in” mindset with knowing when to rest.

00:48:27 - Creating a Balanced Lifestyle

00:58:17 - Top 10 Exercises & Building a Routine You Love. | Why women shouldn’t fear lifting weights.

1:06:09 - Meal Planning & Healthy Eating Tips

• Avoiding unhealthy habits through meal prepping.
• Sam’s full-day meal prep breakdown and the “plate theory.”
• Getting creative with home-cooked meals and tracking nutrients.

1:15:28 - How social media influences fitness, finding authenticity, and avoiding quick-fix schemes.

1:33:07 - Sam’s Take on Self-Love

1:34:00 - Outro

Ultimate cosy vibes and wholesome chats is what Love Starts Within is all about…🎙️✨🍍☁️

This week I’m joined by my friend Jess ☺️ We chat about the pros and cons of city vs country living, the truth about hitting 30, and how to know the difference between tough love and recognising when someone doesn’t have your best interests at heart ❤️‍🩹

We also unpack the pressures of following others’ expectations, learning to love your own journey without succumbing to the pressures around you, and much more ✨

Tune in for an honest, wholesome conversation on staying true to yourself and embracing life’s changes 🦋

With love, J x

Don't forget to follow to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and sneak peeks. Plus, check out my TikTok for even more daily content...

TikTok:

• @lovestartswithin
• @jessellen_x

Instagram:

• @jessellen_x
• @lovestartswithinpodcast

Time Stamps:

• End of Intro (02:15)
• City to Countryside: Why Jesse traded 10 years of city life for countryside living (2:20)
• The London Life: What it’s really like living in London throughout your 20s (6:40)
• City vs. Countryside Mindset: The mental shift between urban hustle and the rural life (8:40)
• A Friendship Sparked by Lager: How a pack of lager led to a forever friendship (10:00)
• Tough Love vs. Toxicity: Knowing when it’s support or sabotage | Protecting your peace and energy (15:55)
• Relationships that Matter: Nurturing friendships | The push & pull dynamic (22:27)
• Getting Real on Confrontation: The power of honest communication | Storytime... (27:00)
• Going with the Flow: Embracing routines vs going with the flow (45:30)
• It's a Girls world: Girly chats about the future Pinterest inspired (53:40)
• The Big 3-0: Career priorities, choosing your path, and facing family pressures—city vs. countryside (1:02:17)
• Dating, Destiny & the Three-Week Rule: Being a hopeless romantic in a hookup culture & trusting the universe (1:13:00)
• Outro: Closing thoughts & quote of the week (1:15:42)

Hi Loves!

I loved recording this episode. It’s a cozy, chatty catch-up where I share a bit about life lately, including how I've been navigating falling out of my usual routine and the ups and downs that came with it. I go into the ways I’m planning to reset and find my rhythm again. And for all the book lovers (or soon-to-be book lovers!), I share what I'm currently reading, my latest book obsessions, favourite authors, and some of my top recommendations. If you’re not into reading yet, this just might be the episode that changes your mind!

Stay tuned until the end for the quote of the day and how it ties into last week’s episode. Thanks so much for all the love and support on the pod—it means the world. Sending so much love, as always! x

J

x

Don't forget to follow to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and sneak peeks. Plus, check out my TikTok for even more daily content...

TikTok:

• @lovestartswithin
• @jessellen_x

Instagram:

• @jessellen_x
• @lovestartswithinpodcast

My best friend of 17 years joins me for a chat about life... paired with some whiskey, inspired by my Morgan Wallen phase 🥃😂 We’re diving into how we became friends, where life has taken us so far, some wild dating stories, & Will catches us up on how he’s taken this year to live more in the present moment. ✨

Back with a solo ep today, inspired by a day of reflection during a wholesome walk with my gal. This is your gentle reminder to pause, celebrate those small wins, and take a moment to look back at all you've accomplished over the past year—no matter how big or small.

Also… side note: Cosy season is officially here, and I am absolutely loving it! 🧡🍂🔥🪵🍁✨🌰

With love, J

x

Don't forget to follow to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and sneak peeks. Plus, check out my TikTok for even more daily content...

TikTok:

• @lovestartswithin
• @jessellen_x

Instagram:

• @jessellen_x
• @lovestartswithinpodcast

In today’s special episode, I’m joined by my dad, a.k.a TPaz. We dive into his love (or obsession, as I like to call it) for football, with Liverpool and Wrexham taking center stage, and how the game has been a constant throughout his life.

He shares his career journey, reflecting on life after divorcing at 21 and how he refocused on himself and his future. We also chat about his big move to South Africa at 28, where fate led him to meet my mum, get married, and become a dad—all in the span of one year!

We wrap things up with some wholesome questions from you guys. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it!

Don't forget to follow to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and sneak peeks. Plus, check out my TikTok for even more daily content...

TikTok:

• @lovestartswithin
• @jessellen_x

Instagram:

• @jessellen_x
• @lovestartswithinpodcast