Repeat That Again Please

In this episode of Unfiltered with Genelle, we explore the reality that our comfort zones aren’t always as comfortable as they seem. Often, they're simply familiar places we cling to, even when they no longer serve us.

Genelle candidly shares personal experiences, from navigating the vulnerability of leaving single life behind, to confronting her fears around driving on motorways, highlighting how these familiar "comforts" can subtly imprison us. Like a child's well-loved but worn-out blanket, the stories we tell ourselves; I'm safer alone," "I can't drive safely on motorways," become security blankets that limit our growth and happiness.

This episode invites you to examine:

• The unhelpful narratives keeping you stuck.

• How to gently but effectively challenge these stories.

• Why meaningful change requires both compassion for your pace and the willingness to face discomfort.

• Practical steps to break free from your personal "comfort prison," and why celebrating incremental victories matters.

Whether you're hesitating about a career pivot, wary of new relationships, or tackling personal fears, Genelle reminds us that outside our comfort zones lies genuine fulfilment and richer life experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• How to identify when your comfort zone has become a "comfort prison."

• The stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck—and how to rewrite them.

• Why growth often involves discomfort, and why that’s okay.

• The power of small steps and resilience in achieving lasting change.

Join Genelle for this honest, empowering conversation, and learn how to embrace the long game of personal growth. If you're navigating change or resisting it, this episode offers valuable encouragement and actionable insights.

00:18 Exploring Comfort Zones

02:42 Navigating Life Changes

03:00 The Single Life and Dating Challenges

05:40 Breaking Free from Familiarity

08:06 The Role of Narratives in Personal Growth

10:31 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

15:14 Practical Steps to Leave Your Comfort Zone

16:40 Celebrating Small Wins and Resilience

22:25 Final Thoughts

Connect with Genelle:

• Instagram: @genellealdred

• LinkedIn: Genelle Aldred

Enjoyed this episode? Please rate, review, and share with someone who might benefit from stepping out of their comfort zone.

What if the workplace stopped seeing people as resources and started remembering that we borrow them from their real lives - with all its highs and lows?

In this expansive Repeat That Again Please conversation, Genelle is joined by Charlotte Speak, Parental Support Consultant and founder of Power of the Parent, to unpack what’s really going on in today’s workplace culture. From outdated talent systems and under-supported middle managers to the quiet divide between parents and non-parents, this episode challenges us to do better, together.

They discuss the real cost of policies written without nuance, managers promoted without preparation, and cultures where assumptions shout louder than understanding.

This isn’t just about parents, it’s about everyone. The way we talk (or don’t) about fertility, loss, visibility, burnout, and “fitting in” reveals just how much organisations are missing by failing to lead with curiosity and care.

In this episode:
– Why many managers are ill-equipped to lead—and what that’s really costing
– The “line manager lottery” and why so much depends on who you report to
– How outdated models like the 9-box grid are still shaping talent conversations
– The emotional weight of navigating work while undergoing IVF, baby loss, or simply not fitting the mould
– Why the real culture wars at work are between parents and non-parents
– How HR gets caught in the crossfire—and what needs to change
– What it means to truly advocate for yourself in a workplace that wasn’t built for you

Charlotte brings radical empathy and hard-earned insight to the conversation, with practical ways leaders and companies can make culture more human, without sacrificing their ambition.

Quotes to remember:
🗣️ “People don’t belong to the company. We borrow them from their lives.”
🗣️ “If you're not clear about your needs, someone else will project theirs onto you.”
🗣️ “You don’t fix culture with pizza.”

Highlights:
01:31 Introducing Charlotte Speak and Power of the Parent

03:22 Diving into Workplace Strategy and Talent Management

04:36 Challenges in Talent Management Systems

14:05 Middle Management and Its Impact

17:36 Supporting Line Managers and Effective Training

27:47 Self-Advocacy and Defining Success

34:34 Mentorship vs. Management

34:54 Leadership vs. Management Debate

37:26 Micromanagement: Necessary or Harmful?

38:40 Breaking Free from Restrictive Thinking

41:08 Psychological Safety in the Workplace

45:39 Balancing Policies for Parents and Non-Parents

59:06 HR's Role and Perception

01:02:54 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Charlotte:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-speak-0a143228/

Website - www.power-of-the-parent.com 

Charlotte Speak is a Parental Support Consultant and Coach, mum of two, devourer of books and avid theme park explorer. She set up Power of the Parent® in 2018 after her own dodgy experiences of becoming a parent in the workplace.

With wildly different family set ups and different routes to parenthood, it's never been more important to have cracking policies and empowered line managers who meet people in their lived experiences. You'll now find Charlotte collaborating with businesses who want to attract, retain and develop their utterly brilliant team members who happen to be parents or have caring responsibilities.

She's a creator of transformational parent and carer support strategies with a practical edge - leaving organisations and valued team members empowered and being able to feel psychologically safe in the workplace. It crafts organisations where everybody - and the business - can thrive. 

Get in touch

If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe, leave a review, or let Genelle know your thoughts, especially if there’s more to this conversation you’d like to hear explored.

This episode of Unfiltered with Genelle was inspired by a spontaneous question at the end of her first podcast episode, a question that uncovered something much deeper.

What started as a reflective sign-off turned into a foundational concept for living well: balancing compassion and challenge.

In this solo episode, Genelle unpacks why we need both compassion for when we're too hard on ourselves and challenge for when we're playing small.

She shares personal insights from The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, a book that has become a touchstone for her. The four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best, form a powerful framework for navigating growth.

Genelle shares personal reflections, moments of vulnerability, and the mindset shifts that have helped her stay accountable without being brutal, and kind without letting herself off the hook.

Whether you're leading a team or leading your own life, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap to becoming more self-aware, intentional, and emotionally balanced.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction 

01:21 The Importance of Compassion and Challenge

01:24 Insights from 'The Four Agreements'

02:09 Balancing Compassion and Challenge in Life

03:49 Personal Accountability and Growth

08:00 Navigating Professional Challenges

11:56 The Four Agreements in Practice

23:49 Finding Balance in Different Life Seasons

27:20 Practical Tips for Daily Balance

28:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links & Resources

Fire Memos 

With Gratitude App

The Confident Mindset Audiobook 

The Four Agreements
Genelle’s instagram

About Genelle Aldred

Genelle Aldred is a seasoned communications consultant, journalist, author, and speaker. With a background spanning major media organizations such as ITN, ITV, and the BBC, she has developed deep expertise in storytelling, messaging, and public speaking. As the author of The Confident Mindset: Unlocking Self-Belief and a TEDx speaker, Genelle is passionate about helping individuals and leaders refine their communication strategies to create meaningful impact. She also hosts Repeat That Again Please and Unfiltered with Genelle Aldred, podcasts dedicated to insightful conversations on societal issues, personal growth, and transformation. Follow her journey on Instagram @GenelleAldred

In this slow-burn but deeply enriching episode of Repeat That Again Please, host Genelle Aldred is joined by behavioural scientist Dr. Lucía Macchia to explore the often-overlooked connection between chronic, invisible stress and physical pain that has no clear medical explanation.

Dr. Lucía’s academic expertise spans psychology, behavioural economics, and wellbeing research, making this conversation both intellectually grounded and deeply human.

If you’ve ever felt like your inner peace is just out of reach, or that your body is carrying tension you can’t explain—this episode is for you.

What begins as a discussion on the research between stress and physical pain evolves into a powerful conversation about why so many of us feel "not quite right"—even when we’re doing all the “right” things for our wellbeing. 

From the societal pressures we absorb to the low-level stressors we barely notice, Genelle and Dr. Lucía unpack how our bodies respond to the emotional weight we carry.

Together, they explore:

• How socioeconomic and social pressures quietly shape our health
• Why rest, mindfulness, and self-care sometimes still aren’t enough
• The science behind stress-related pain and disconnection
• What community, belonging, and gratitude really do for our nervous systems

They discuss the importance of acknowledging stress, utilising active rest, and fostering a sense of community and belonging as strategies to mitigate stress. 

The conversation offers actionable insights and academic research on managing and understanding the pervasive, low-level stress that many experience in daily life.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

03:23 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lucía Macchia

05:29 Understanding Physical Pain and Stress

11:11 Societal and Personal Factors of Stress

22:27 Strategies to Alleviate Stress

32:01 The Role of Wellness Culture

36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join me, Genelle, in a daily GRATITUDE practice that boosts wellbeing and connection.

The With Gratitude app has become a regular part of my routine—my space to pause, reflect, and write down 5 to 10 things I’m grateful for daily. It’s a small act that makes a big difference in how I feel and show up in the world.

If you want to feel more grounded, positive, and present, come join me here:

👉 https://link.withgratitude.app/GENELE

Let’s build the habit—together.

----------------------------------

Here is a peer reviewed papers by Dr. Lucía Macchia, you can access more via her website below

Global trends in emotional distress

About Dr. Lucía Macchia

I am a behavioural scientist with an interdisciplinary background. My work involves quantitative research on human happiness, physical pain, and behaviour. Integrating methods from psychology and behavioural economics, I explore how psychosocial and socioeconomic factors shape mental and physical wellbeing. I am currently a Lecturer at City, University of London; a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics; and a Research Affiliate in the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

X: lucia_macchia

Instagram: lucia_macchia

LinkedIn: lucía-macchia

Website: www.luciamacchia.com

Connect with Genelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genellealdred/

Website: genellealdred.com

X: https://x.com/genellealdred

The Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA

In this episode of Unfiltered with Genelle, she discusses her personal journey of transforming her life over the past year. 

She reflects on a social media post that resonated with many, touching on themes of change, growth, and self-accountability. 

Genelle shares insights from friends and family about the changes they've observed in her, the patterns she had to break, and the ways lockdown significantly impacted her life.

She explores how she has become more authentic, less indecisive, and more intentional in manifesting the life she truly desires. She discusses her struggles and triumphs, including the experience of delivering a TEDx talk and the role of accountability in personal growth. 

Genelle emphasizes the importance of manifesting goals and maintaining consistent habits. She also talks about her weight loss journey as a big pivot point, the significance of recording daily wins, and staying focused on personal and professional aspirations.

She also shares practical advice on maintaining focus and the importance of gratitude in driving change. She encourages listeners to be compassionate and honest with themselves while pursuing their dreams and holds an open invitation to join her 'gratitude bubble' for collective encouragement.

This episode is a motivational call to embrace vulnerability and ride the wave of change with compassion and accountability.

00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview
00:22 – Reflecting on Personal Change
01:45 – Insights from Friends and Family
03:42 – Challenges and Realizations
04:45 – Catalysts for Change
05:03 – Navigating Career and Personal Growth
09:30 – Lockdown Reflections
12:52 – Embracing Vulnerability and Accountability
20:41 – Implementing Change and Building Habits
26:24 – Staying Focused and Recording Wins
36:36 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources to embrace change in your life!

Fire Memos: record your wins

With Gratitude: Join my gratitude bubble

The Confident Mindset: Listen to how to change your life

About Genelle

Genelle Aldred is a seasoned communications advisor, journalist, author, and speaker. With a background spanning major media organizations such as ITN, ITV, and the BBC, she has developed deep expertise in storytelling, messaging, and public speaking. As the author of The Confident Mindset: Unlocking Self-Belief and a TEDx speaker, Genelle is passionate about helping individuals and leaders refine their communication strategies to create meaningful impact. She hosts Repeat That Again Please and Unfiltered with Genelle Aldred, podcasts dedicated to insightful conversations on societal issues, personal growth, and transformation. Follow her journey on Instagram @GenelleAldred

In this episode of Repeat That Again Please, we’re getting into the real stuff—what success actually looks like (on your terms), how to find focus in the chaos, and why balancing visibility with sensitivity matters more than ever.

Plus, we’re talking about friendships: when to fight for them and when to let them go. And, of course, hustle culture—because what’s the point of grinding if it’s just grinding you down?

Host, Genelle Aldred, sits down with transformational coach, author, and keynote speaker Tamu Thomas, whose work on joyful and positive productivity is a breath of fresh air.

Together, they break down how to move away from toxic productivity, set boundaries that actually stick, and show up in life and work with authenticity.

They also dive into:
🔹 The impact of collective chaos and how to stay grounded
🔹 Why joy, rest, and self-compassion are the ultimate power moves
🔹 The real test of friendships—who’s in your corner, and who’s holding you back
🔹 The economics of under-earning (especially for women) and charging your worth
🔹 The beauty of ‘delusional ambition’ and why it might just be the key to success

It’s a conversation packed with insights, practical takeaways, and a few hard truths we all need to hear.

This Episode

00:00 Welcome to Season Two

00:33 Introducing Tamu Thomas

01:16 Diving into Joyful Productivity

02:35 The Impact of Collective Energy

03:18 Navigating Chaos and Finding Focus

07:38 The Power of Joy and Resilience

12:03 Balancing Visibility and Sensitivity

15:43 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Compassion

27:31 The Importance of Letting Go

39:23 The Real Test of Friendship

40:03 Understanding Different Life Goals

41:37 Workplace Dynamics and Productivity

43:13 Self-Love vs. Self-Improvement

43:57 Hustle Culture and Personal Wellbeing

46:34 Defining Success on Your Own Terms

49:28 The Importance of Timing and Seasons in Life

57:30 Pricing and Value in Business

01:11:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

About Tamu Thomas

Tamu Thomas is an author, leadership consultant, and keynote speaker who helps high-achieving women break free from overwork and claim the success, visibility, income, and influence they desire—without burning out.

For too long, ambitious women have been told that success comes at the cost of their well-being. Tamu is here to dismantle that myth. With a background in social work, somatic coaching, and leadership development, she teaches women how to regulate their nervous systems, set boundaries that actually protect their energy, and redefine success on their own terms.

Her work goes beyond mindset shifts—it’s about strategy, embodiment, and real, sustainable power. A sought-after thought leader, she’s been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist Magazine, and Psychologies. Her book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity and Find Your Joy, is a must-read for anyone ready to move beyond burnout and build a life that truly fits.

📖 Book Website: Women Who Work Too Much
🌍 Buy Internationally: Amazon Link
💻 Website: Live Three Sixty
📸 Instagram: @tamu.thomas
📝 Substack: Live Three Sixty

In this insightful Q&A episode of Repeat That Again, Please, host Genelle Aldred is joined by Dr. Stephanie deGiorgio to tackle your most pressing questions about weight loss injections.

Addressing the complexities of menopause and perimenopause-related weight gain, this episode dives into the practical and emotional aspects of managing weight during significant life changes.

Genelle shares her personal journey with weight loss injections, reflecting on her successes and challenges, while Dr. Stephanie offers expert advice on the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of this growing trend. Together, they explore:

* The stigma and snobbery surrounding medical weight loss solutions.

* Managing disordered eating, fat phobia, and societal pressures.

* The importance of wraparound support from GPs and nutritionists.

* Navigating side effects like pancreatitis and constipation.

* Psychological and social readiness for long-term success.

This episode also broadens the conversation by addressing men’s experiences with weight loss injections, systemic challenges within the NHS, and the importance of holistic wellness. It’s a candid, supportive, and empowering discussion designed to break down stigmas and redefine what health can look like for everyone.

00:00 Introduction

03:32 Understanding Weight Loss Injections and Their Effects

04:58 Challenges and Considerations for Women (perimenopause / menopause)

09:58 Dealing with Plateaus and Mental Preparedness

17:44 Importance of Nutrition and Managing Side Effects

29:21 Mental Readiness and Support Systems

32:39 Considerations Before Starting Weight Loss Journey

33:11 Personal Experiences and Lifestyle Changes

33:47 Impact on Eating Habits and Social Life

34:36 Balancing Exercise and Nutrition

35:25 Psychological Aspects of Food Cravings

43:43 Men's Experience with Weight Loss Injections

46:40 Addressing Weight Stigma and Societal Attitudes

55:17 Practical Tips for Maximizing Time on Weight Loss Injections

59:06 Final Thoughts

About Dr Stephanie deGiorgio

Dr Stephanie is a GP who has a personal and professional interest in obesity medicine and tackling obesity stigma. She has written the obesity e-learning modules for the Royal College of GPs and teaches health care professionals about obesity for medical education companies.

She is a director of All About Obesity, an advocacy and education organisation about obesity and has worked nationally and internationally lecturing about obesity.

Stephanie had metabolic bariatric surgery herself 7 years ago, after years of weight loss and regain on repeat, and so brings her personal experience into her professional knowledge, allowing for a dual perspective.

She is an urgent care GP, working in East Kent and has two children and four cats!

https://allaboutobesity.org/

X: @DrSdeGHello

Previous episode with Dr Stephanie: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lVLEOR2q2we54GiEZ0HE6?si=3ede739c298541e4

Genelle talking how she lost 19kg on weight loss injections: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7s2PQRo7L8i0QIT5o0Jz3I?si=2f6b2f74bae341ab

Nutrition episode with Fiona Berry: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GBXAt4gme6a90E3KzgI5d?si=bd9710bc2d534a74

Could embracing competitiveness be your ultimate growth hack?

In this episode of Unfiltered with Genelle, she speaks about the often misunderstood world of competition. Genelle unpacks how being competitive—when framed positively—can be a powerful driver of personal and professional success.

Through candid stories from her own competitive life in the gym and on the golf course, she reveals how healthy competition fuels growth, builds resilience, and keeps us striving for more.

Genelle also challenges the stigma surrounding competitiveness, particularly for women, and urges listeners to reject the narrative that ‘nice girls don’t compete’, instead to redefine competition as a source of motivation and inspiration.

She also speaks about what happens when people repress or pretend they don’t have a competitive side - hello passive aggression!

Tune in for practical insights on how to embrace your inner competitor, thrive in business and beyond, and approach competition with compassion—for yourself and others.

Do you think that everyone has a competitive side?

00:00 Introduction

00:28 The Nature of Competition

01:16 Healthy Competition in Everyday Life

03:54 Personal Experiences with Competition

05:27 Competition in Sports and Business

07:36 The Importance of Healthy Competition

10:54 Challenges and Misconceptions

13:43 Why You Should Compete

19:54 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Connect with Genelle

Genelle is a Communications and Media Advisor to senior leaders. A journalist by trade she has worked at the BBC/ITV/ITN. She still pops up on TV as a newspaper reviewer at Sky News. She is a charity Ambassor and a keen golfer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genellealdred

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/genellealdred.bsky.social

The Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA

In this episode of 'Repeat That Again Please,' hosted by Genelle Aldred, the focus is on the vital topic of financial branding for entrepreneurs.

The growing trend of entrepreneurship is explored, especially for those who find the corporate environment unsuitable and prefer to pursue their passions through their own businesses.

Genelle dives into the challenges many entrepreneurs face, particularly those who are creative or not financially inclined.

She is joined by Faye McDonough, an experienced financial services leader, who shares practical tips and insights on managing business finances to attract investors.

Faye emphasizes the importance of financial education, understanding profit and loss statements, and crafting a compelling financial narrative.

The conversation aims to equip small business owners with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial aspects of their ventures, ultimately helping them to scale their businesses and achieve financial stability.

Information recommended by Faye

British Business Bank Finance Hub - Learn about the different finance options for UK Businesses

Funding Options - Comparison site with excellent resources including a business loan calculator and tons of how-to guides

Good Finance - Education and toolkits of social investment options for social entrepreneurs and charities

UK Accelerators focused on underrepresented entrepreneurs:

* Foundervine

* Backstage Accelerator

* Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (UK)

* Barclays Black Founder Accelerator

About Faye McDonough

Faye is a seasoned financial services leader specializing in commercial property loans for businesses and charities driving social impact across the UK. With over 20 years of experience—from FinTech startups to corporate giants—she has advised organizations through fundraising, growth, and strategic exits, managing lending portfolios of up to £300 million.

Passionate about demystifying finance, Faye empowers her team and clients through coaching and mentoring, making complex financial concepts accessible. She holds an accredited leadership coaching certification, a Chartered Banker Diploma in Lending Skills, and is an alumna of Good Finance's Investment Committees of the Future program.

A University of Manchester graduate in European Studies, Faye shares insights on LinkedIn about leadership, finance, career development, and work-life balance.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayemcdonough/

Connect with Genelle

Genelle is a Communications and Media Advisor to senior leaders. A journalist by trade she has worked at the BBC/ITV/ITN. She still pops up on TV as a newspaper reviewer at Sky News. She is a charity Ambassador and a keen golfer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genellealdred

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/genellealdred.bsky.social

The Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA

In this episode of Unfiltered with Genelle, Genelle Aldred reveals her personal journey of losing 19.25kg (42lbs or 3 stone) over 20 weeks using the weight-loss injection, Mounjaro.

She acknowledges that this solution isn’t right for everyone, although her experience was positive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about weight-loss injections or seeking inspiration for their own health journey.

Genelle shares:

* Her initial concerns and extensive research before starting Mounjaro.

* Her nutrition and exercise strategies while on the injection.

* The side effects she experienced and how she managed them.

* The emotional challenges of weight loss and the role of support from family and friends.

You'll also hear practical tips for managing common side effects, staying motivated, and balancing diet and exercise for sustainable results.

Genelle emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and consulting medical professionals to align with your personal health goals.

00:00 Introduction to Weight Loss Journey

01:38 Initial Thoughts and Research on Weight Loss Injections

04:23 Starting the Weight Loss Injections

07:24 Adjusting to the Injections and Early Results

09:21 Exercise and Nutrition Strategies

12:37 Managing Side Effects and Supplements

22:46 Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Weight Loss

30:12 Final Reflections and Advice

Listen to #03 all about Weight Loss Injections with Dr Stephanie di Giorgio: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lVLEOR2q2we54GiEZ0HE6?si=d6012916386048e7

Connect with Genelle

Genelle is a Communications and Media Advisor to senior leaders. A journalist by trade she has worked at the BBC/ITV/ITN. She still pops up on TV as a newspaper reviewer at Sky News. She is a charity Ambassador and a keen golfer.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genellealdred

The Confident Mindset Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pR2fvIL0lHexgumzIEJXA?si=vbntZAJzR42yRvQJqdvDUA