The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 8: Diana Vickers

Can’t believe we’ve already reached the last episode of The Confidence Clinic Season 2, what a journey!

To wrap up this rich and - I hope - inspiring season, I’ve invited Diana Vickers: singer, songwriter, actress, podcast host, and above all - friend!

In this honest and cheeky episode, Diana doesn’t shy away from talking mental health struggles and sharing with us the highs and the lows that come with being an all-rounded artist and performer in today’s entertainment industry. 

Realising her musical talent at a very young age, Diana always embodied contradicting traits: from histrionic kid always putting up shows for her family, to being acutely self-aware whenever a teacher would ask her a question in front of the classroom.

And this pendulum very much characterises Diana’s life to date - except that now she’s gone through a few of the roller coasters that being a young popstar would throw you on and she’s picked up a skill or to along the way.

Honing in on her immense clarity about wanting to be a performer, Diana was itching to get herself out of A-Levels and dive into the world of theatre and performance. And the opportunity knocked on the door when a good friend sat her restless self down and helped her fill the forms for X Factor. And the rest is (almost) history.

And what a ride! Yes because jumping from teen to tv star is no easy feat. Especially if you are prone to insecurities and easily lean toward anxious behaviours. Certainly teen Diana went through a crash-course in confidence and resilience: the talent show world is a tough bootcamp not only for your artistic talents but also for your spirit!

Forging her confidence through this ring of fire, Diana blossomed into a successful popstar with an incredible record deal immediately following her X-Factor exit. Bravo! But the higher the highs, the lower the lows. The more exposure to the love and warmth of her fans, the more pressure to continue securing gigs and conquering her audience and critics. All the meanwhile, with they eyes of the press glued on you as they dissect your personal life (and body!) as a 16-year-old.

So how did she balance her conviction in pursuing her many creative expressions with the challenges of navigating an industry where the sense of rejection and scrutiny are always impending? Tune in and hear first-hand Diana’s journey - one where self realisation, self discovery and self acceptance form a beautiful triangle that helped her overcome anxiety, judgement and grow out of self invalidating narratives and behaviours. 

While we may not live under the limelight like her, I’m sure you’ll find her tales and tips more than just relatable.

Thank you for following me on this Confidence Clinic Podcast journey and witnessing the story of my amazing guests. Stay tuned for what's to come!

About Diana: Diana is a singer, songwriter and actress. She was semi-finalist on The X Factor in 2008 and soon after signed a record deal with RCA Records that let her touring with her fellow finalists from The X Factor. After her TV success she turned to the West End with the revival of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Diana continues to express herself in a variety of ways, from Comedy to running her

Podcast Ki & Dee Podcast.

Connect with Diana

Instagram: @dianavickersofficial | Spotify

Connect with Me: Instagram: @drjaneleonard | Youtube: Dr Jane Leonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 7: Dr. Tosin

One of the many reasons I love running 'The Confidence Clinic' is to connect with people I hold dear and look up to. So, of course, trailblazing icon Dr. Tosin could definitely not be missed as one of my guests! In our penultimate episode of Season 2 (I know!), I’m joined by the Embarrassing Body co-host, incredibly reputed doctor and founder of Mind Body Doctor for a heartfelt, and banter-filled, chat. With honesty and laughter, we talk through her childhood, reminisce about our very formative Uni years and trace connections between our experiences as junior female doctors finding their feet in the medical industry. And let me tell you, it’s always so fun and inspiring to sit down with Dr. Tosin! From shy little girl to TV personality, her journey has been one of determination yet equally packed with lots of valuable self-learning experiences: launching into her medical education and training at full force, Dr. Tosin completed her GP training at the prestigious Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London, garnered a wealth of specialisations, and obtained a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health that cemented her dedication to women’s health leading her to become an expert voice for Endometriosis. With this mission clear in mind, her career took off but, naturally, the highs of her professional success and dedication, night-shift after night-shift, soon came at the cost of her well-being. Following a plot all too familiar amongst young doctors, Dr. Tosin proudly reveals how she had to prescribe herself a healthy dose of simply allowing herself to be more than just a doctor – to be her whole, full person! But it doesn’t just stop at these valuable tips on how to find your confidence and balance! Dr. Tosin is a true powerhouse and force of change as someone who has gradually come to terms with the pressures of being a black female doctor in the UK and has since committed to working to break down these barriers. How? By using her voice and position to offer the world the representation she lacked as a little child growing up, so that other little Dr.-Tosins-in-the-making can see that YES it is possible to dream and become who they want; all the meanwhile by offering her knowledge and presence to those patients who best resonate with her specific skills and embodied experience. Talking about a femtech icon - go Dr. Tosin!

About Dr. Tosin:

Dr. Tosin is a well-reputed GP with experience working in both primary and secondary care and with a particular interest in women's health. She gained an MBChB from the University of Manchester and a Diploma in the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She is the founder of Mind Body Doctor - an online education platform which offers a friendly space to educate people to take care of what's most important, and is a proud spokesperson for women’s health issues and specifically those of black women. In 2022, she co-hosted Channel 4's Embarassing Bodies, and has since been invited to many public engagements as a spokesperson, specifically for Endometriosis. As a committed role-model and pioneering professional, she’s venturing into the world of femtech to leverage technology to continue improving women’s health and outcomes. 

Connect with Dr. Tosin

Instagram  :@drtosinofficial | YouTube: Doctor Tosin

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @drjaneleonard | Youtube: Dr Jane Leonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 7: Simon Alexander Ong

Ever woke up, looked at your life and realised you were living someone else’s plot, walking in someone else’s shoes? If so, Simon Alexander Ong has definitely something to share with you on the subject of overhauling your life to pursue what keeps you - Energized. Yes, as a personal development entrepreneur, personal coach, author and renowned public speaker, Simon has garnered a wealth of experience perfecting a method that precisely empowers you to do that: taking stock of your life and addressing any areas where you may feel stuck or unsatisfied.

But his journey started far from enlightenment and self-awareness. He too had to go through it, to get out of it. So what’s the story, the catalyst, that made Simon pursue a life of fulfilment, and yes, self-inquiry?

As you’ll hear in our honest and deeply enriching chat, his hero journey started with the realisation that the life he had so convincingly pursued and constructed (one in the high banking world) was not hitting the spot. Quite the opposite, was bringing him donw. So how do you go from sleep-walking through life, keeping your eyes closed on your daily commute to imagine a different reality, to waking up to your dreams and desires and actually stepping into the next version of yourself?
Honing in on his wisdom pearls from his best-selling book ‘Start With Why' and recently published ‘Energize’, Simon doesn’t hold back from sharing his secrets to living a life of intentionality, consistent change, and self-compassion. Because at the heart of his personal revolution, it must be said, there really was a special ingredient, or element. One empowering source that really allowed him, motivated him, to find the courage that set him on a path of self-unravelling and blossoming, building his confidence step by step. Want to know what this was? Tune in and you’ll hear it first-hand in what will be a vulnerable, heartwarming and inspiring conversation. I’m still going through all my notes myself, thank you Simon!

About Simon Alexander Ong

Simon is a personal development entrepreneur, coach, public speaker and renowned writer. In his coaching work, he supports and empowers people from all walks of life, sharing the unique techniques and approaches he's put into his book 'Energize'.

Connect with Simon Alexander Ong

Instagram: @simonalexandero | www.simonalexanderong.com | YouTube: Simon Alexander Ong

Connect with Me:
Instagram: @drjaneleonard | Youtube: Dr Jane Leonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 6: Dr. Becky Spelman We hear it all the time - mental health is SO important! And who better than Dr. Becky Spelman to sit down with and chat through some key concepts and experiences that mark our day-to-day psychological and emotional lives?

Words like ADHD, social anxiety, trauma, PTSD, shame are thrown around on the daily in our social circles, both online and in person. But do we really understand them? And what benefits do we get from knowing these terms?

Sharing her 20+ experience as a worldwide renowned psychologist and founder of her own practice ‘The Private Therapy’, Dr. Becky doesn’t shy away from getting personal and talking all things trauma, coping mechanisms and finding the secret ingredient to psychological ease and a fulfilling life. With vulnerability and clarity, she reflects back on her life story sharing some of the tumultuous moments that have led her to become the insightful, compassionate and self-aware person - and distinguished professional - she is now.

Yes, because while standard practice promotes a distance between therapists and clients, Becky believes that at times it’s more beneficial to just be ‘real’. After all, we’re all just one ‘I’ve also been through that’ away from building a bridge of empathy with those around us who are likely experiencing very similar feelings and situations. With this spirit, in our heartfelt chat, she generously offers crucial anecdotes from her life as a motivational tale to empower oneself to take charge of your mental health, confront difficult life situations, feel and name all of our feelings… And for someone who went from struggling with ADHD and being expelled from school to earning a PHD at age 25, someone who went from being hostage to debilitating anxiety disorder due to severe trauma to featuring as the go-to expert on TV, we may learn a couple of things or two.

So tune in and join us in this safe space, where we share, reflect, make connections and above all get real.  I promise it’ll be a truly enriching and emotional listen!

About Dr. Becky SpelmanShe’s a world-renowned psychologist, a mental health entrepreneur, and the CEO and Founder of PrivateTherapy Clinic, one of London’s leading Psychological Therapy and Psychiatry Clinics. 

Dr. Becky obtained a Doctorate, two Postgraduate and is an HCPC registered psychologist and BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist, with over 21 years of experience. She specialises in a wide range of psychological difficulties such as relationship issues, trauma, personality issues and issues with identity and many more. She’s a proud mental health advocate, ambassador of her own struggles and appears on tv regularly as a go-to expert as well as passionately making inspiring content on her YouTube account.

Connect with Dr. Becky Spelman

Instagram: @drbeckyspelman | www.theprivatetherapyclinic.co.uk |YouTube: Dr. Becky Spelman

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @drjaneleonard | Youtube: Dr Jane Leonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 4: Bianca Gascoigne

Ever dreamt of dancing with the stars? Or indeed, become one? Bianca Gascoigne wasn’t quite given the choice as the daughter of popular reality tv personality Sheryl Gascoigne, and world-famous footballer, Paul Gascoigne. But, as we know, all that shines isn’t always gold...

On today’s episode of The Confidence Clinic we sit down with the beloved reality TV Star, DJ, and model to lay it all out: from experiencing bullying early on at an all-girls school to dealing with journalists and paparazzi - growing up under the limelight is certainly no easy feat.  

Especially if you discover your own histrionic streak and want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While some may say the path had already been laid out for her, it’s one thing to follow someone’s footprints and another to leave your own mark.

Swimming against the current of TV critics’ expectations, (mis)judgements, and hyper scrutiny towards her body, bit by bit, Bianca not only conquered the public but also her own fears: from being a ‘nervous mess’ all throughout her debut on Love Island to winning the show; from doubting every sentence uttered on camera to learning Italian and scooping up applauses on the local ‘Dancing with the Stars’ watched by some 3 million+ audience. Talking about a self-confidence journey!

But the challenges didn’t stop at mastering dance routines and charming the international public. With self-humour and earnesty, Bianca tells us how she stopped herself from becoming the cliche party girl, from repeating familiar patterns, to settle into the focused adult she is now: a mum who takes her job very seriously. Yes because Bianca's pregnancy wasn't an easy one: navigating the intensities of ante-natal depression - a condition similar to postnatal depression but way less spoken about - Bianca has no shame talking about this painful experience to dispel the stigma still surrounding it.

As we said, all that shines isn’t always gold. That’s why in this episode we try to shed a light on important women’s health topics whilst bringing a ray of hope and fun! So tune in to hear Bianca’s self-confidence motto, and discover what she’s got cooking up for us all in the health business...

About Bianca: Bianca is a widely known reality tv star, acclaimed DJ, and model. She rose to prominence after winning Love Island Fiji edition in 2006. Since then, she’s become a beloved and inspiring fixture of the international reality-tv panorama, participating in shows of the likes of Dancing with the Stars Italy. She’s currently active as a DJ and is soon to launch a new business in the (women’s) health industry. Stay tuned!

Connect with Bianca:

Instagram: biancagascoigne1

Connect with Me:
Instagram: @drjaneleonard | Youtube: Dr Jane Leonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 3: Sophie Grace Holmes.

On this third episode of The Confidence Clinic Season 2 we sit down with trailblazing force Sophie Grace Holmes, athletes, influencer and sports & life coach.

Faced with a Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis as early as 4 months old (!), Sophie set the tone for the course of her life by frankly saying: NO, I’m not dying yet. Tracing her childhood and teenage years steeped in her relentless determination to break through the limitations of her condition, Sophie reflects on how her unwavering ambition and focus have been her life-saving grace. And, at times, a beast to tame.Yes, Sophie’s remarkable focus and attitude had her defy what most doctors had told her, that she wouldn’t reach her teenage years. And how?  Well, having the incredible strength and sense of humour to say: taking 80 pills a day makes staying alive a full time job. If you add to that school and consistent training, Sophie is surely one to prove that the power of your mind can really change your reality. And so she goes on to becoming an acclaimed marathon runner, wearing her heart and pride on her sleeve to show to her community and the global public what you can achieve if you set your mind to something. But it’s not just about her successes, with piercing self awareness, Sophie reveals how her ambition and determination has at times led her astray, always raising the bar for herself and achieving amazing results, but that can sometimes be exhausting. It’s important then to sit down, rest, and take stock of the smaller things. A lesson that hit Sophie all too closely when Covid struck. For someone who is used to churning out miles and keeping the fire burning, teaching people how to move, sitting still was definitely a tough one to reckon with. But again, with acceptance, discipline, Sophe reminds us that leaning into change is the healthiest possible thing you can do. And so, with incredible dexterity, she takes the leap and pivots to life coaching honing in on the remarkable life lessons she’s accumulated through her life journey. 

So tune in and listen first hand to all the roller coaster adventures Sophie has gracefully traversed, the fun races, life challenges she has experienced and soak in all her determination and optimism to say ‘the better of your life will be tomorrow’.

About Sophie:

Sophie is an inspiration to many with her unbeatable work ethic and dedication to health and fitness. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 4 months old after being born 10 weeks premature. Her parents were told she might not even live to be a teenager but against all odds, she has lived an incredibly full and exciting life while maintaining peak physical fitness. Now 25, Sophie has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, run the London Marathon, and is training to run a 100km ultra marathon later in the year. She is a personal trainer, motivational speaker, blogger, and fitness model who shares her passion for fitness with everyone around her and spreads awareness of Cystic Fibrosis as an active member of the CF Trust. 

Connect with Sophie:

Instagram: sophiesgraceholmes | TikTok: sophiegraceholmes | Website: www.sophiegraceholmes.com

Connect with Me:
Instagram: @drjaneleonard

The Confidence Clinic, Season 2 Episode 1: Amy Neville 

Welcome back to The Confidence Clinic Podcast, for a whole new series full of amazing guests, honest vulnerability and precious insights.

I am so touched to open Season 2 with no else other than Amy Neville - the iconic model turned fashion expert and blogger and most recently wonder mum and women’s health advocate.

In this heartfelt episode, we hear how Amy went from being bullied at school and battling self-doubt to rising up to fame in one of the toughest industries out there - fashion. Using her trailblazing determination to combat imposter syndrome, for Amy it’s all been about ‘fake it till you make it’, casting after casting, rejection after rejection. Gradually honing in on her own self worth and charisma, Amy reveals the importance of having (at least) one special person in your corner that supports you along the way and never losing sight of the positive life evidence you gather through your successes.

But there’s so much more to the picture - Amy lets us in on what it means to be now a model and a mum. A mum who’s had to fight incredibly hard to become one, dealing with the challenges of the widely under-recognised condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum and grappling with the confusion and stigma still surrounding it. Against an industry as ephemeral as transactional, we are moved to hear Amy’s determination to uphold her career and - her financial independence - while going through such an incredibly painful and core-shaking time in her physical and mental wellbeing.

And that’s why I feel Amy’s story is sure to be one that inspires and sets the tone for this Second season of The Confidence Clinic Podcast. I hope you’ll enjoy listening to it and will follow all the episodes and amazing guests to come!

About Amy:

Amy Neville shot to fame through her very own fashion blog AmyNevFashionDiaries. Her behind the scenes approach, high flying lifestyle and sartorial choices have led to an army of fans who follow her every move from modelling worldwide to being a working mum in the public eye.

Connect with Amy:

Instagram: @amynevfashiondiaries | www.amynevfashiondiaries.com

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @drjaneleonard

The Confidence Clinic Season 2, Episode 2: Michelle Agbulos.

Have you ever had your entire world crumble, carpet being pulled from underneath you? Michelle Agbulos definitely has and is here to share her story from rock-bottom to SHINE-ing again. And, wow, what a journey it’s been! Certainly one that will have you jolt from your seats and take lots of valuable notes on how to look after oneself through times of personal crisis. Yes, because Michelle’s story, however unique, speaks to the reality of many people - especially women - who lose themselves in toxic codependent relationships and struggle to find their way out. With honesty and (self-)humour, in this episode, Michelle retraces her traumatic story that left her overnight as a distraught single mother, precipitating her into a state of confusion and depression that pushed her to her limits. Till she said no more, and realised that living in survival mode and chain smoking through the pain were no longer feasible, especially with a daughter to take care of. But how did she do it? How did she manage to get herself out of this rough patch and reboot her life, rebuild confidence? In this episode, Michelle reveals how a simple driving motto - now a mantra - and reaching out and falling into incredible self-help tools allowed her to develop the courage not only to change her story but also to use it as an inspiration to help others. From victim to heroine, from scrambling through life to founding her own coaching business, developing her patented self-help technique SHINE and even publishing her first book 'Shine Baby Shine', this is an unmissable episode that truly has the potential to change your life!

About Michelle:

Michelle Agbulos is a mental health advocate, role-model, coach and writer focussed on self-compassion and overcoming codependency. She has developed her unique self-development technique called SHINE which she uses in her practice as a coach. In 2023, she published her first book ‘Shine Baby Shine’ where she shares personal anecdotes and tools from her life and work experience helping oneself and others.

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @michelle_agbulos | www.michelleagbulos.com

Connect with Me:
Instagram: @drjaneleonard

The Confidence Clinic, Season 1 1 FINAL Episode: Jono Lancaster.

Can’t believe we're on the last episode of The Confidence Clinic’s very First Season! And who to best wrap up this incredible first chapter with other than Jono Lancaster himself? Jono is an author, role model, and self-love advocate who chose to challenge this beauty-obsessed world and became his own self-hero in the face of continued bullying and prejudice. And all for what you may ask? Well, he was born with Treacher-Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that alters the way facial features develop. And, as we all know too well, in today’s society our face is - unfortunately -our business card. Jono’s story begins with a heartbreaking abandonment from his biological parents, continues through relentless bullying and prejudice, and climaxes at the peak of serious mental health struggles brought about by a lifetime of hardship and insecurities due to societal prejudice. So how do you undo all of that and go from hiding away to embracing visibility and owning the public eye? In this emotive and empowering episode, Jono and I will confront this world’s fixation on appearances and unpack how the transformative power of self-acceptance, coupled with the right support system and healthy coping strategies, helped Jono turn his life around as he went on to become the acclaimed loving partner, parent, and public figure he is now. 

So tune in and listen to this ultimately inspiring and transformative conversation that brings to a close what has been an incredible journey! And, THANK YOU for walking alongside me and witnessing my marvelous guests Sarah Jayne, Olivia & Bella, Dominic, Alexandra, Jacqui, Rhona, and Jay share their touching stories with vulnerability and confidence. Stau tuned....

Episode Highlights:

Meet Jono

Jono is a motivational speaker, founder of the 'Love Me Love My Face Foundation', and author with his upcoming book ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes’, now available for preorder.

Connect with Jono (Guest)

Instagram: @jonolanc | Twitter @Jono_LancasterFacebook: @Love Me Love My Face Foundation

Connect with Me (Host): Instagram: @drjaneleonard

The Confidence Clinic, Season 1 Episode 7: Jay Hutton.

In this episode of ‘The Confidence Clinic’ we chat with Jay Hutton, celebrated tattoo artist and TV show personality known to the public for his appearances on E4 Series ‘Tattoo Fixers’.  Charting his trajectory to professional recognition and fame, Jay revisits his childhood and reflects on the importance of the supportive and encouraging environment that shaped him growing up. Thanking his parents for nurturing his talent for drawing and gifting him a true appreciation for life, Jay recognises how his early years were foundational in building his confidence and being the self-assured and kind person he actively tries to be day by day. But it’s not been all roses and rainbows! In this honest and homely episode, we also will also confront some of Jay’s intense and painful life events and try to unpack how to process grief, move on, learning how to ultimately master Jay’s guiding life motto "keep moving forward."

Episode Highlights:

Meet Jay:

Jay Hutton is a celebrated tattoo artist widely known to the public thanks to his appearances on the E4 reality series Tattoo Fixers.

Connect with Jay: Twitter | Instagram 

Connect with Me: Instagram: @drjaneleonard