Perspectives

This week, we’re diving into a subject that affects nearly all of us—quietly, profoundly, and often painfully: body image.

Whether we talk about it openly or carry it silently, our relationships with our bodies are deeply personal—and often shaped by forces far beyond our control. From social media and advertising to peer pressure, gender norms, and even medical systems, the way we come to see ourselves is influenced from every direction.

And for many—especially young people—those messages are doing real harm.

We’re joined by two incredible guests who bring not just deep professional expertise, but also lived experience and heartfelt insight into what it really means to live in a body that’s constantly scrutinized—and how we can heal.

Together, we explore:

* The role of media, gender and family in shaping self-worth

* How shame and appearance-based judgment are embedded in everyday life and how limiting beliefs can really do us damage

* What recovery and healing can look like—and how we can build more compassionate cultures

Jenny bravely shares her own experience of living with anorexia—how it shaped her physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and how those effects still linger. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible (rarely simple), but that real healing comes from being heard, understood, and supported.

But this episode isn’t just for those struggling with body image or eating disorders.It’s for everyone.

Because body image isn’t just a “personal problem.”It’s a social, cultural, and public health issue.It’s about who gets to feel at home in their body—and who doesn’t.

Isn’t it time we changed the narrative?To let go of shame, comparison, and the impossible standards we’ve inherited? To start seeing ourselves and each other with more compassion and curiosity? To finally value our original, unfiltered, unedited worth—the kind that can’t be sold, scaled, or measured?

This episode is an invitation:

To consider what we believe about ourselves and one another.To listen with empathy.To stand beside one another.To imagine a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and truly at home in their own skin.

We hope you’ll join us.

Meet Our Guests:

Thomas Midgley – Psychotherapist, Eating Disorder Specialist Dietitian, and Founding Director of the Body Image Treatment Clinic on Harley Street, London.

Jenny Tomei - Eating Disorder Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, Personal Trainer, and founder of JenUp, a nonprofit dedicated to early intervention and education around eating disorders.

Being a patient can sometimes feel isolating — like you’re shouting into a void. The fear, confusion, and overwhelm can make it all feel too much. That’s exactly where patient advocacy steps in: as a voice, a guide, and a lifeline when you need it most.

In our latest podcast episode, we speak with Christine von Raesfeld, a rare disease advocate, and Shona Dors, a breast cancer survivor. Their stories reveal the harsh realities of dealing with pain, misdiagnosis, medical gaslighting, and the emotional toll of navigating complex healthcare systems.

They share practical advice on how to advocate for yourself: asking questions, keeping thorough records, seeking second opinions, and understanding your unique health data.

Together, we explore:

* The emotional toll of misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting

* Why genetic testing and personalized medicine are lifesaving, not luxury

* The role of patient data, and why consent and equity are critical

* The trauma of not being believed — and how advocacy rebuilds dignity

* How to prepare for appointments, track care, and know your rights

* What real informed consent and patient-centered care should look like

We also discuss how patients, caregivers, and even young people can support one another — and what needs to change in our healthcare systems to make care more human, inclusive, and just.

Whether you're navigating illness, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and inspired to speak up — and support others in doing the same.

This conversation is a reminder that your voice matters — and you deserve to be seen, heard, and empowered.

In today’s episode of Perspectives Post, we’re joined by three incredible guests who invite us to rethink what it means to truly belong. Together, we explore masculinity, radical inclusion, and the often-unspoken power of storytelling to heal, connect, and transform.

We explore the emotions behind inclusion—shame, guilt, fear—and the freeing permission to show up as your full self. We keep coming back to the power of storytelling: how sharing lived experiences breaks stigma and builds deeper human connection.

Our panel of incredible guests:

* Kosta Michalopoulos – Men’s coach, registered nurse, and founder of The Men Spirit | IG: @themenspirit

* Nicole Bonnah – Journalist, filmmaker, and founder of Tap In Think Tank | IG: @tapinthinktank / @tapintotalks

* Jerry Okiki – Disability rights advocate, youth leader, and storyteller living with a stammer—speaking with courage and authenticity to inspire others.

We look at:

* Redefining masculinity and emotional expression

* Creating safe, inclusive spaces for men and boys

* Quiet allyship: the unseen actions that create real impact

* The discomfort of courageous conversations—and why that’s where growth begins

* Disability, representation, and reclaiming your voice

* The role of intersectionality and psychological safety in belonging

“I never had anyone to look up to.” – Jerry Okiki“Simply, it starts with you – the little conversations, calling people out in love and kindness.” – Nicole Bonnah“It’s in the discomfort that transformation can come.” – Nicole Bonnah“We are the sum of our stories.”

Bonus Advice for our Tweens:“Difference is a chance to stand out.” 💫

If you’re committed to building a more inclusive world—whether you’re a parent, educator, ally, or change-maker—this episode is for you.Join the conversation using #justgiveanhour

Want to share your story or connect with us? We’d love to hear from you.

Part of our Month of Inclusivity – The Informed Perspective Podcast

In this deeply human & humbling episode, we hear from three remarkable individuals who’ve faced extraordinary challenges:

* Greg, who overcame bullying, dyslexia, and two open-heart surgeries

* Larissa, a survivor of rape and substance abuse

* Kerri, who spent her youth and early adulthood living on the streets

Together, we explore the weight of shame, the invisibility of trauma, and how connection, not judgment, helps us survive and grow.

👉 A key takeaway? Adversity doesn’t discriminate—and we all need spaces where we’re simply allowed to be.

"Your life changes, you have more chapters to write." – Greg, Little Optimist Trust

In this episode, we ask a powerful question:Is self-discovery a luxury—or is it essential for a fulfilling life?

Together with a panel of speakers who have each walked unique paths of growth and transformation, we explore what it really means to reconnect with ourselves. Whether you're navigating change, questioning old beliefs, or just starting to explore who you truly are—this conversation offers grounded wisdom, lived experience, and practical tools for the journey.

In this episode, we explore:

* Letting go of limiting beliefs and inherited narratives

* How journaling, breath work, meditation, and cold exposure help us reconnect

* Why community and connection are vital to discovering who we are

* The importance of curiosity, courage, and joyful exploration

* Addressing trauma as part of reclaiming our identity

* And what it means to consciously shape your own story

* Plus BONUS insight for Tweens on self-discovery

A few insights that stood out:

“I don’t know what I don’t know.” — A reminder to stay open and humble in our growth.“Follow the joy.” — Because what excites you often leads you to who you are.“You are totally 100% responsible for everything that shows up in your world.” — A bold invitation to take back your power.“The biggest act of self-love is discipline.” — A reframing of discipline as something that serves freedom and clarity.

Meet Our Guests:

* Priya Nair – Certified Life & Brain Coach | @withpriyanair | liveinmindfulness.com

* Chantelle Botha – Identity Architect, Founder of Dragonfly | dragonflyccc.com

* Darren Timms – Therapist, Author of The Journey Back to Self | darrenjontimms.com

* Macaulay Sutton – Founder of Arctic Alchemy, Wim Hof Instructor | @arctic.alchemy | arcticalchemy.co.uk

This episode invites you to slow down, tune in, and trust that your uniqueness matters.

If it resonates, please share with someone who might need to hear it today.

What makes a neighbourhood feel connected, safe, and alive?

In this episode, we talk with Seth Kaplan and Eric Sandelands about how inclusive urban planning can build stronger, more resilient communities. We explore what makes a community fragile (hint: it’s not just economics), the importance of local schools, and how trust between neighbours impacts everything—from children’s independence to a sense of belonging.

“Having local schools where kids can walk back and forth, where they know each other and can visit each other’s homes—that’s really important.”

We also touch on how technology can either support or erode local connection—and why community voices must guide urban development from the start.

Including bonus advice for our Tweens!

Listen now and let’s reimagine what local connection can look like!

In this episode, a diverse panel of experts discuss AI’s impact on workplaces, education, and society. Dr. Stephanie Fitzgerald stresses the importance of ethical, human-centered AI development. Hammed Kayode Alabi shares how Rafiki AI supports underserved youth with career advice across multiple countries. Patsy Stevenson highlights the need to address bias and amplify marginalized voices. Nicki Watts focuses on AI literacy and protecting young people from digital risks.

They also answer a thoughtful question from a tween, offering fresh perspectives on AI’s role in their futures. The conversation closes with ideas on making AI more transparent, fair, and supportive of human wellbeing, alongside plans to develop AI tools and enhance AI education for youth.

Whether you're facing your own turning point or simply asking big questions about life, mortality, and what truly counts, this conversation will resonate.

It’s raw, reflective, and ultimately hopeful—touching on:

* What it means to live with grief (and not "get over" it)

* How illness can reshape our priorities

* The emotional truth we carry, and how it affects our bodies

* The unexpected clarity loss can bring

✨ A meaningful listen for anyone rethinking what matters most.

It’s Penny & Jennie again from The Informed Perspective, and today’s podcast was a deep (and much-needed) dive into why sleep matters more than we think.

We were joined by three incredible women:🍼 Sinead Davin – newborn care specialist🧠 Tracy Hannigan – sleep therapist for adults🌿 Janie Perry – naturopath and nutrition expert

Together, we unpacked:

* Why sleep deprivation can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s

* How new parents (yes, dads too!) are deeply affected by sleep loss

* What “hyperarousal” is and how it keeps us wired at night

* Why blood sugar, caffeine, and magnesium matter for quality sleep

* Tools like breathwork, tapping, and screen-free wind-downs

🌙 Top tips from our guests:

* Sinead: Get daytime feeding right (for baby sleep!)

* Janie: Balance your blood sugar

* Tracy: Don’t check the clock at 3 a.m.

Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s your foundation.

🎧 Tune in now & let's rest smarter.

From the icy plains of Antarctica to the vast expanse of space! 🚀

This week's podcast features two incredible women: Dr. Megan Christian, European Space Agency reserve astronaut, and Sue Stockdale, the first British woman to reach the magnetic North Pole. Their journeys are a testament to courage, purpose and perseverance.

Listen now!