Stories of Survival in the Modern Age

What happens when life takes a different path from the one you imagined, and how do you find your way through it without losing yourself along the way?

In this episode of Stories of Survival in the Modern Age, I’m joined by Lyndsay Williams, author of Manifesting Through Motherhood, podcast host, fitness specialist and self-development mentor.

Lyndsay shares her journey from an ambitious young woman determined to prove what she could achieve to a mum navigating the unexpected realities of raising her son, Harrison, who has an ultra-rare genetic syndrome. After years of searching for answers, receiving his diagnosis brought both understanding and new challenges... and Lyndsay has since connected with other families facing the same condition, offering reassurance and support when they need it most.

We talk about trusting your instincts, advocating for your child, finding strength in your support network and why looking after yourself isn't selfish. Lyndsay also explains what manifesting means to her, how gratitude and mindset have helped her through difficult times, and why personal growth doesn't have to mean chasing a bigger life or achieving more and more.

Perhaps the most powerful reminder comes towards the end of our conversation: “You're never too old, you're never too late," and as Lyndsay reflects, it's also okay to pause, appreciate the life you've built and recognise that you already have so much to be grateful for.

If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed, a woman wondering what comes next, or simply someone who needs permission to take a breath, I hope this conversation reminds you that you matter, too.

Connect with Lyndsay:
Look for Manifesting Through Motherhood and Lyndsay Williams' podcast and social channels to explore more of her work supporting women and mums.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

At 56, after more than 30 years in education, Dr. Charlotte Garbutt decided it was time to do something completely different.

She retrained as a personal stylist and colour analyst and started her own business, not because she had suddenly become someone else, rather she wanted to re-empower herself and try something new.

In this conversation, Charlotte and I talk about reinvention, confidence and authenticity, and why being true to yourself doesn't mean staying the same.

We challenge the ridiculous idea that women should somehow dress according to their age, and Charlotte shares her thoughts on the damaging messages and insecurities created by those endless “rules” about what women over 40 or 60 should - or shouldn't - wear.

We also talk about how clothing and colour can affect how we feel and how we present ourselves, Charlotte's work with trans clients, and the importance of creating a safe space where people can express who they really are.

And... if you've ever wondered whether you've left it too late to change direction, Charlotte has a rather good answer: start with what brings you joy, experiment, and give yourself permission to try something different.

Because being true to yourself doesn't mean standing still.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

Six years ago, Brett Henry and I talked about authenticity and reinvention. We had no idea then just how much life was still going to change.

Since that conversation, we've experienced loss, relocation, a move back to the UK, and semi-retirement. And now he's embarking on something completely new, training to become an independent civil celebrant.

And yet... is it really something new?

In this conversation, Brett reflects on the many chapters of his life, from broadcast television and public relations to photography, storytelling and the different ways he's found to connect with people and serve others.

We talk about the idea that sometimes the career we're looking for is hiding inside the skills we've already developed, and whether what looks like reinvention might actually be about bringing together pieces of ourselves that have been there all along.

We also talk about purpose, change, service and what it means to stop defining ourselves by what we do professionally.

And perhaps the biggest question of all: what if the next chapter isn't about becoming someone new, it's recognising what you already have and finding a new way to use it?

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

What happens when you sit around a table with people you've known since primary school?

In this episode, I'm joined by three old friends, Joanne Gallacher (Stanley), Nichola Prescott (Preston) and Lorna Read (Symon), and rather than a carefully planned interview, we simply start talking.

We chat about what has changed over the five decades since we first met, what hasn't, getting older, caring less about what other people think, the different versions of ourselves we show to different people, and whether friendship really needs regular contact.

We talk about friends who are there for a reason, a season or a lifetime, and what makes an old friendship feel so comfortable. There are memories, disagreements, laughter, a little nostalgia and quite a lot of “do you remember when…?”

And somewhere along the way, we realise that although we've all lived very different lives, there's still something familiar about sitting around the table together.

Perhaps that's one of the lovely things about old friendship: you can change enormously, and yet still somehow recognise each other.

So pull up a chair and join us for a very ordinary, and rather special, conversation about friendship, memories and the people who have known us longest.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

Lauren Sellick's story takes us through bereavement, betrayal, redundancy, lockdown, romance scams, perinatal mental health struggles and the difficult reality of becoming a mum when you're not sure you can be what your baby needs.

Lauren fell in love believing she'd found her person, only to have her marriage end in a five-minute phone call. Already feeling isolated and unwanted, she was later drawn into a romance scam that ultimately cost her £40,000. Looking back, Lauren recognises a deep need to be needed, something she now understands much more clearly. 

Then came motherhood. Lauren experienced depression, anxiety and psychosis during the perinatal period, and struggled profoundly to bond with her daughter, until one tiny moment, her daughter reaching out and holding her finger, became a turning point. 

Today, Lauren has channelled her experiences, alongside her background in animal behaviour, welfare and teaching, into Wild Minds - bringing nature, interactive activities and conversation into classes for babies, toddlers and their parents. 

This is a conversation about vulnerability, connection, motherhood, self-worth and learning to trust yourself.

And perhaps, ultimately, about discovering that you were enough all along.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

What if the things we’ve been told about ourselves become the very things that hold us back?

At 72, Christine Worthington is a healthy living advocate, coach and lifelong learner who is still curious about what’s possible. And yet, her story began with being told, in effect, that she wasn’t quite good enough.

Leaving school at 16 with few qualifications, Christine went on to study through evening classes, move into education, become a lecturer and senior manager, and gain further qualifications along the way. She also experienced imposter syndrome and the pressure of constantly feeling she had to prove herself.

In this conversation, we talk about the power of lifelong learning, overcoming negative self-talk, reinventing yourself and being willing to start something new at any age. Christine shares how she learned to recognise that little voice telling her she didn’t belong, and how she turned it into determination, thinking “I’ll show you, I can do this.” 

We also explore the life she thought she might have, the choices and compromises that shaped the life she actually created, and why she believes it’s more important to ask “What can I do today?” than dwell on what might have been.

Christine talks about “reverse ageing”, staying physically and mentally active, curiosity, community and what she calls being “functionally fit”, including still wanting to kick a ball around with her grandson.

And if you’re listening and thinking you’ve missed your opportunity, Christine is here to remind us, you can start anytime.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

Sometimes the episode you planned isn't the one you end up releasing.

After attending a celebration of life service and then unexpectedly losing her Tower Captain just days later, Sarah found herself asking some difficult questions.

What really matters?

What will people remember about us?

And how much of life are we missing while we're busy preparing for the future?

In this honest and reflective solo episode, Sarah shares why she chose to step away from work for an afternoon, what a simple walk by the river taught her, and the quiet shift she's noticing in what truly matters.

If you've been carrying the weight of work, finances, doing, being or simply keep all the plates spinning, this gentle conversation is a reminder to pause...

Because your heartbeat means you're alive.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

What if recovery didn't end when rehabilitation did?

When Victoria Jones' father suffered a major stroke in 2023, life changed in an instant. As she watched him navigate the months that followed, she also discovered something many families experience: the gap between clinical rehabilitation and the realities of everyday life.

That journey transformed Victoria's career and inspired her to create her work supporting stroke survivors and their families, helping them understand that meaningful progress can continue long after formal rehabilitation has ended.

In this heartfelt conversation, Victoria shares her father's remarkable story, the power of hope, why prevention matters just as much as treatment, and how simple lifestyle changes, including knowing your blood pressure, could make a life-changing difference.

Whether you've been affected by stroke personally, care for someone who has, or simply want to reduce your own risk, this episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, prevention matters, and hope should never be underestimated.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

What if resilience isn't about being fearless... rather about the choices we make when life doesn't go to plan?

In this deeply personal episode, Sarah chats with Carey Winder, who is sharing a part of her story publicly for the very first time.

Diagnosed with Turner syndrome at 13, Carey found herself navigating growth hormone injections, regular hospital appointments and being told she could never have children. Yet rather than allowing a diagnosis to define her, she chose to focus on what was possible.

Their conversation also explores the challenges that have continued to test her resilience, from her dad's heart attack and a devastating house fire to personal loss and heartbreak, and why she believes that every setback has ultimately shaped the person she is today.

Above all, this isn't simply a conversation about Turner syndrome. It's about perspective, purpose and the quiet decisions we make every day that help us keep moving forward.

Whether you're facing uncertainty, rebuilding after adversity or simply need a reminder that your circumstances don't have to define your future, this episode is for you.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.

What does it really mean to "bring sunshine"?
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After joining 100 volunteers on the beach at Morecambe, Lancashire, to celebrate what would have been Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday, I came home reflecting on something far bigger than a famous comedian and a familiar song.
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It was about kindness.
It was about community.
It was about the memories that unexpectedly transport us back to the people we love.
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In this solo episode, I share the story behind an unforgettable afternoon, how laughter connected complete strangers, why a simple T-shirt reading Kindness Changes Everythingstayed with me, and how the day reminded me that our greatest legacy may not be what we achieve, but how we leave people feeling.
 
So, wherever you're listening today, I hope this episode encourages you to leave someone feeling just a little lighter than you found them.
 
Because perhaps... that's what bringing sunshine has meant all along.

Stories of Survival in the Modern Age features honest conversations about resilience, reinvention, and being human in a complicated world.