The Barbara Thompson Podcast

New relationships can feel magical exciting, hopeful and full of possibility and I LOVE that. Healthy love isn’t just about chemistry… it’s about safety, respect and emotional wellbeing.

In this episode I talk about how to enjoy new love while staying aware of early patterns that can signal control or unhealthy dynamics.

Together we explore:

• why the beginning feels intoxicating
• the difference between intensity and genuine connection
• love bombing and fast tracked intimacy
• subtle controlling behaviours
• coercive control explained
• why we often don’t see the signs when we’re in it
• Clare’s Law and relationship safety awareness
• what healthy love actually feels like

This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness, self trust and protecting your heart. The right love will never require you to abandon yourself to keep it.

If you would like me to focus on anything specific from this episode I would love to hear from you. Please send me a DM on Instagram @self_care_studio or you can send me an email at [email protected].

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It’s Valentine’s Day.
Love is everywhere. But, beneath the surface so many people are carrying a quiet fear: the fear of being alone.

In this first episode for 2026, I explore the deep human need for connection and the difference between choosing love from wholeness versus choosing someone to avoid loneliness.

I talk about:

✨ why we are wired for connection
✨ why so many people settle in relationships
✨ the importance of spending time alone
✨ how attachment styles shape who we choose and how we love
✨ breaking patterns and choosing conscious relationships
✨ learning to feel safe within yourself

This episode is compassionate, honest and grounding whether you are single, partnered, healing or questioning your relationship patterns.

This is the work I do with my clients. If you would like to find out more or to book an appointment with me, please head over to my website for more information: www.selfcarebybarbarathompson.com.au

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In this episode I’m joined by Ruby Chapman, co founder of Zensi Retreat a woman who alchemises her life experiences into wisdom, presence and pure magic. We open with a beautiful grounding exercise led by Ruby inviting you to settle into your body before we explore the deeper conversation beneath the conversation.

Together we dive into:

🌿 Ruby’s Awakening

Ruby shares who she is, what pulled her into the world of energy, embodiment and ritual and the pivotal turning point that woke her up. She opens up about her own comfort zone breakthroughs and the moments that changed her life.

🔥 Pushing Past Your Comfort Zone

What does stepping out of your comfort zone actually feel like energetically?
Ruby and I explore the difference between discomfort and danger, fear as an invitation, the nervous system’s role, and how transformation happens through brave micro movements, not giant leaps.

🌙 Trust, Faith & Surrender

We talk control vs. flow, trusting timing and how surrender is a softening, not giving up. Ruby shares how energy responds when you finally let go and allow life to meet you.

✨ Living Life as Ritual

Ruby offers simple, powerful rituals you can weave into everyday life. These practices help you reconnect to yourself, your intuition and the magic in the mundane. This episode is an invitation to slow down, open up and step into the version of you that’s been waiting.

If you’re craving more trust, more alignment, more magic this one will land deeply.

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In this episode we explore the deeper meaning behind the moments in your life, the ones that feel confusing, challenging or perfectly aligned. I’ll walk you through how every experience is guiding you, shaping you and inviting you into a stronger relationship with yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why is this happening?” or “What am I meant to learn from this?”… this conversation will help you see your life through a clearer, more empowered lens.

We talk about signs, timing, redirections and the lessons hidden inside your relationships, emotions and everyday experiences. My hope is that after listening, you’ll feel more connected, grounded and supported by the journey you’re on exactly as it is.

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In this deeply heartfelt episode I’m joined by  Stella Beckett, founder of Diary Dolls — forever friends for little ladies. Stella has just been recognised at the Gold Coast Women of the Year Awards, winning her category for the beautiful work she is doing in emotional development and early confidence building. This conversation is one that will stay with you.

Stella opens up about her upbringing, how it shaped her sense of worth and love and the ripple effects it carried into adulthood through people pleasing, self doubt and always putting herself last. She shares the moment everything shifted, the moment she realised something had to change and began her own healing journey.

Together we explore:

Self love & self worth
The science of early development
The birth of Diary Dolls
Connection, co regulation & healing together
Stella’s mission, her vision and the heart behind her work

You can contact Stella via:

Website: https://www.diarydolls.com

Instagram: @diarydolls_

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I honestly think this is one of the best episodes I have recorded. It came straight from my heart and life experience. In this episode I talk about one of the most powerful shifts in life, the moment you finally start listening to yourself instead of everyone else.

I share a personal story from when I was just 10 years old and how I got lost in Melbourne CBD for a few hours. This was a moment when I had to listen to myself but it also changed me in ways where I also stopped listening to myself.

Through gentle reflections and practical steps I invite you to reconnect with your intuition, honour your emotions and learn to recognise what your body and heart are trying to tell you. I talk about three ways where you can start if you would like to know how to start listening to yourself. 

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Dating can be exciting, scary, confusing, healing and confronting all at once.
Whether you’re new to dating, starting over after a long relationship, or maybe dating later in life it’s such a powerful time for growth. This episode is for you.

I truly believe that dating isn’t just about finding someone, it's about finding yourself. It’s about noticing how you show up, what you tolerate, how you communicate and whether you’re coming from fullness or from lack.

GREEN FLAGS  & RED FLAGS what they look like in yourself and in someone you are dating.

When you’re full within yourself you attract someone who meets you there. When you come from fullness you won’t settle for crumbs.

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If you’re someone who keeps everything inside this episode is for you.
I want to talk about the hidden weight we carry, the stuff no one sees but your body feels. Holding it in isn’t strength. It’s survival and it’s costing you your peace, your energy and your joy.

I’m breaking down why we do it, how it shows up in the body and how to start releasing it in a way that feels safe. I’ll share one of my own stories and some of the steps I use with clients who’ve carried pain for far too long.

If you’re ready to stop pretending you’re fine… download this episode today.

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In this episode I dive deep into something almost all of us wrestle with, the craving for validation. From childhood praise to social media likes, we’ve been conditioned to measure our worth through other people’s approval. But when does that desire cross the line into people pleasing, self abandonment and exhaustion?

I share stories from my own life, the hidden costs of chasing approval and why rejection feels so painful even as adults. Together, we explore the cycle of people pleasing, how it disconnects us from our true selves and how to shift the pattern.

✨ Why external validation feels so addictive
✨ The emotional toll of people pleasing
✨ How to start giving yourself the approval you crave
✨ Simple practices to anchor your worth from within

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Episode 1 is here! 

In this very first episode of Soul & Soma, I’m sharing what this podcast is all about why I created it, what you can expect and how it’s here to guide you on a journey to help you connect with your true self.

This is just the beginning and I can’t wait for you to come along with me. 

Much love,

Barbara

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