In this episode, Dr Connie interviews Alison Beder Solway, a debut author and founder of ABS Fitness. Alison shares her profound journey to motherhood through surrogacy, as detailed in her memoir, The Miles We Run. Discussing her challenging health condition, HHT, Alison explains the struggles and learnings during her path to building a family. She draws powerful analogies between her resilience in surrogacy and her training for the New York City Marathon. Alison highlights the importance of hope, resilience, education, and self-advocacy, while offering encouragement to those facing similar challenges. 

00:00 Introduction to Alison Beder Solway

01:08 Alison's Journey to Motherhood

05:39 The Surrogacy Process

14:41 Lessons Learned and Reflections

21:47 Hope and Resilience

23:54 Connecting with Others and Advocacy

34:53 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

ALISON BEDER SOLWAY

·      Website: TheMilesWeRun.com

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this episode of Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali, Dr. Jessica Zucker, a psychologist specialising in reproductive health and author of the book 'I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, A Movement', shares her journey and advocacy work. Dr. Zucker discusses how her personal experience with miscarriage led to the creation of the viral #IHadAMiscarriage campaign, aiming to break the silence and reduce the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss. 

She highlights the importance of sharing stories to combat shame and encourages women to find their voice, whether publicly or privately. The conversation goes on to discuss Dr. Zucker's second book, 'NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma and Shame That Shapes Women's Lives', and extends to broader themes of women's mental health, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to Series 2

00:12 Meet Dr. Jessica Zucker

03:38 The #IHadAMiscarriage Campaign

10:49 Personal Impact of Miscarriage

20:39 The Journey to NORMALIZE IT

25:46 Advice on Facing Shame

31:25 Personal Stories of Overcoming Trauma

37:39 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

DR. JESSICA ZUCKER

·      Website: DrJessicaZucker.com 

·      Instagram: @IHadAMiscarriage

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In the final episode of the series, Dr McClain Sampson, a professor of social work and founder of Hear Me Roar Coaching, shares her journey and mission to empower women, particularly focusing on maternal mental health. Dr Sampson talks about her challenging childhood, her academic career, the transformative impact of her unplanned pregnancy, and the development of her passion for maternal health. She emphasises the importance of mental health support for new mothers, the critical role of self-efficacy, and introduces her concept of 'Savage Self-Care'. Dr Sampson also shares her personal struggle with her teenage son's addiction and how it has shaped her approach to coaching and mental wellness. The episode concludes with practical advice for mothers dealing with similar challenges and the significance of staying connected to oneself.

00:00 Introduction to Dr McClain Sampson

01:01 Early Life and Influences

02:31 Journey into Maternal Health

05:03 Academic Career and Research

06:43 Transition to Coaching

09:32 Personal Struggles and Family Challenges

14:06 Coping with Shame and Guilt

26:34 Savage Self-Care Framework

32:09 Connecting with Dr Sampson

34:25 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

If you need additional support after listening to this episode you can use the links below to find more information on some places to go:

·        In an emergency, dial 999 (UK only) or 911 (USA); for non-emergencies, dial 101 (UK)

·        A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery

·        A voluntary organisation such as The Samaritans (UK – call for free anytime: 116 123) or 988 Lifeline (USA – call for free anytime: 988)

Dr McClain Sampson

·      Website: HearMeRoarCoaching.com

·      Instagram: @HearMeRoarCoaching

·      LinkedIn: McClain Sampson

·      YouTube: @HearMeRoarCoaching-HMR

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this week’s episode, Dr Connie Kerali interviews Amanda Wakefield, a High Conflict Relationship Recovery and Resilience Life Coach based in Luxembourg. Amanda shares her personal journey, from becoming an orphan at a young age to overcoming significant challenges including cancer. She discusses the importance of hope, the impact of grief on vulnerability, and the steps she took to regain control of her life. Amanda also talks about her transition from a corporate career to coaching, her methods for helping others find their inner strength, and the importance of a supportive network. This inspiring discussion highlights the transformative power of resilience and hope.

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Wakefield

00:43 Amanda's Early Life and Personal Challenges

02:02 Journey to Becoming a Life Coach

03:02 Finding Hope and Overcoming Adversity

04:40 Turning Points and Realisations

09:56 Support Systems and Alternative Therapies

12:05 Building a Coaching Practice

16:46 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Messages

22:53 Remarkable Women Who Inspire

24:42 Conclusion and Gratitude

AMANDA WAKEFIELD

·      Website: AmandasBeyondCoaching.com

·      LinkedIn: Amanda Wakefield

·      Instagram: @AmandaResilienceCoach

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this week's episode, Jennifer Robertson, a fertility coach and author, shares her compelling seven-year journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and surrogacy. She discusses the impacts of her early life experiences, the emotional and mental toll of infertility, and how she ultimately embraced self-care and mental health. Jennifer talks about her transition to becoming a fertility coach and the importance of finding community and support. She also provides insights into coping mechanisms, balancing mental health, and setting boundaries. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the power of accepting emotions and the need for personal agency.

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Robertson

01:09 Jennifer's Life Story: Chapter One

04:19 Journey to Becoming a Fertility Coach

06:22 The Emotional Impact of Infertility

08:06 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health

16:16 The Importance of Support and Community

19:22 Living a Double Life During Infertility

22:52 Embracing Emotions and Setting Boundaries

26:35 Finding Community and Seeking Help

29:14 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

JENNIFER ROBERTSON

·      Website: JenniferRobertson.co

·      Instagram: @MsJenniferRobertson

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this week's episode, Dr Connie interviews Rebecca Cuberli, a seasoned creative leadership coach specializing in emotional intelligence. Rebecca shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a coach, detailing her wake-up call during the COVID-19 pandemic, her struggle with burnout, and her path to self-discovery and purpose. She emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and vulnerability. Rebecca also discusses the transformative impact of her work on leaders and teams, and her vision for spreading emotional intelligence skills globally. The episode concludes with Rebecca's advice for individuals seeking to find their purpose and her acknowledgment of key influencers in her life.

00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Cuberli

00:38 Rebecca's Wake-Up Call and Career Shift

01:34 Struggles and Realisations

05:07 Journey to Self-Discovery

09:58 Embracing Emotional Intelligence

12:30 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

14:15 The Dandelion Effect

21:03 Future Aspirations and Impact

27:55 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

REBECCA CUBERLI

·      Website: RebeccaCuberli.com

·      LinkedIn: Rebecca Cuberli

·      Instagram: @RebeccaCuberliCoach

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this week's episode, holistic counsellor and root cause therapist, Lorene Roberts, joins the discussion to share her impactful journey of overcoming life's most challenging transitions, including an emotionally and sexually abusive marriage. Lorene offers insight into how she turned her painful experiences into a source of strength and guidance for other women. She discusses her latest work, including a new course on emotional freedom, and reflects on the importance of self-discovery and the lessons learned from her past. Lorene is candid about her struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the necessity of resilience, determination, and self-belief in the path to healing.

00:00 Introduction to Lorene Roberts

00:37 Lorene's Early Life and Family Dynamics

03:15 Marriage and Realizations

07:50 Journey to Self-Discovery

10:00 Turning Points and Healing

14:03 Overcoming Bitterness and Moving Forward

16:11 The Journey of Self-Development

17:18 Resilience and Determination

19:08 Rediscovering Self-Worth

20:55 Traveling the World for Self-Discovery

24:12 Becoming a Holistic Counsellor

26:50 Advice for Listeners

31:28 Inspiration and Final Thoughts

If you need additional support after listening to this episode you can use the links below to find more information on some places to go:

·        In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies, dial 101 (UK only)

·        Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre (England only)

·        Find an NHS Talking Therapy service near you (England only)

·        A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery

·        A voluntary organisation such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, or Victim Support

LORENE ROBERTS

·      Website: LoreneRoberts.com

·      Facebook: @LoreneRoberts

·      LinkedIn: Lorene Roberts

·      YouTube: @LoreneRoberts

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected]

In this episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali interviews Jeannette Hounjet, a certified coach, Reiki Master, and advocate for women's recovery. The discussion centres on the journey to self-acceptance and authenticity. Jeannette shares her story of overcoming feelings of inadequacy and the quest for genuine self-love. They delve into practical steps for transforming negative self-talk, the importance of finding personal support systems, and the continuous nature of self-improvement. Through this inspiring conversation, listeners are encouraged to begin their own journeys toward healing and unshakable self-love.

00:00 Introduction to Speak Shame

01:18 Meet Jeannette Hounjet

02:16 Jeannette's Journey to Authenticity

04:32 The Path to Self-Love and Recovery

08:34 Finding Inner Peace and Faith

09:38 Helping Other Women in Recovery

15:25 Navigating Relationships and Support Systems

27:57 Practical Steps for Self-Love

34:30 Jeannette's Inspirations and Resources

38:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

JEANNETTE HOUNJET SOCIAL MEDIA

·      Instagram: @NowShesLiving

·      LinkedIn: Jeannette Hounjet

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

In this episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali talks with Nina de Sausmarez, a self-belief and empowerment coach. Nina shares her personal story of overcoming a challenging and traumatic past marked by drug use, running away from home, and experiencing shame from her difficult upbringing. The discussion delves into Nina's patterns of seeking validation and safety, her experiences of self-sabotage, and the profound realisation of her need for radical responsibility. Nina's journey to self-awareness, self-acceptance, and ultimately, empowerment through therapy and introspection is explored. The episode emphasises the importance of doing the work to heal from shame and using personal transformation to help others. In the end, Dr Connie and Nina discuss the impact of sharing these stories to inspire hope and resilience in others.

00:00 Introduction to Speak Shame

01:48 Nina's Early Life and Struggles

06:04 Running Away and Seeking Belonging

10:03 Life in Away from Home and Continued Struggles

16:02 Motherhood and Realisations

21:43 The Turning Point and Seeking Help

24:56 Hitting Rock Bottom: A Personal Journey

25:36 The Power of Choice and Self-Awareness

28:38 Therapy and Emotional Release

30:53 Embracing Radical Responsibility

34:42 From Self-Discovery to Coaching Others

39:56 Honouring the Past and Inspiring the Future

41:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

NINA DE SAUSMAREZ SOCIAL MEDIA

·      Instagram: @NinadeSausmarez

·      Facebook: @NinadeSausmarez

·      LinkedIn: Nina de Sausmarez

·      Website: NinadeSausmarez.com

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.

On this episode of Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali, I’m joined by Doreen Moraa Moracha, a phenomenal woman who shares her life story of living with HIV for 32 years. In a deep and inspirational conversation, Doreen recounts being diagnosed at 13, her journey through self-acceptance, and her role as an HIV/AIDS advocate. She discusses the stigma, challenges, and triumphs she has faced, including the impact on her mental health, dating life, and the importance of community support. Doreen also offers practical advice for those living with HIV and emphasizes the power of acceptance and self-love in overcoming life’s adversities.

00:00 Introduction to Speak Shame

01:08 Meet Doreen Moraa Moracha

02:24 Doreen's Early Life with HIV

03:56 Journey into Advocacy

04:39 Challenges and Stigma

16:22 The Turning Point

19:35 Dating with HIV

23:00 Navigating Relationships with HIV

23:21 Facing Misconceptions and Stigma

25:22 Building a Supportive Community

30:26 Acceptance and Mental Health

37:33 Preventing HIV and Living Positively

39:51 Reflections and Inspirations

43:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

SEXUAL HEALTH RESOURCES

·      Find a sexual health clinic near me (UK only)

·      Home STI Testing – Sexual Health London

·      Terrence Higgins Trust

DOREEN MORAA MORACHA SOCIAL MEDIA

·      Instagram: @yes_I_have_HIV

·      YouTube: @IAmABeautifulStory

·      Facebook: @DoreenMoraaMoracha

·      TikTok: @yes_I_have_HIV

·      LinkedIn: Doreen Moraa

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

·      Read Speak Shame: The Blog

·      Learn more about Dr Connie’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

·      Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie at [email protected].

·      If you're a remarkable woman who wants to let go of shame and reach your full potential, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.