Hi there and welcome to episode 20 of Couragemakers!

This week, I'm talking with the lovely Jennifer Seale. Jen is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner (health and wellness coach), licensed Spiritual Practitioner, blogger, truth-seeker, and lover of life.  She guides those who want to love themselves, heal their relationship between food and body, and live their best life possible!  She shares a passion of overall wellness through holistic health, food, creativity, mindfulness, spirituality, and most importantly…balance! Jen currently resides in sunny southern California with her partner Greg, and their sweet pup Charlie.

In this episode, Jen really vulnerably her journey of growing up feeling insecure and how she made the decision to start learning how to love herself.  Jen shares all about the doubt and guilt that comes with starting to love yourself, and how we can start to move beyond the grief of what could have been and embark on a journey of working to build yourself.

We really dive into how working to love yourself is always a work in progress, how healing and change can happen when you treat yourself with kindness and respect and Jen gets really vulnerable about what she believes about herself now that her younger self would be astounded to hear.  

This is a wonderful episode if you want to learn more about what self love looks like in practice, if you struggle with your self esteem and if you find it hard to accept yourself where you are right now.

Also, Jen is queen of recommending books and TV programmes, so I've included all of the things she's mentioned in the show notes!

I'm really excited for you to listen to this episode - Jen is so honest, so funny and I really appreciate how vulnerable she gets  during this interview, to help all of us learn to love ourselves.

Enjoy the show!

Jennifer Seale is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner (health and wellness coach), licensed Spiritual Practitioner, blogger, truth-seeker, and lover of life.  She guides those who want to love themselves, heal their relationship between food and body, and live their best life possible!  She shares a passion of overall wellness through holistic health, food, creativity, mindfulness, spirituality, and most importantly…balance!

Jen recently launched an ongoing 21 Day Meditation Experience that is open to the public.

You can connect with Jen here: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

• How Jen's life fell apart in one week and Jen’s decision to start learning to love herself

• How fear is good for you

• How healing and change occurs when you treat yourself with kindness and respect

• What keeps Jen inspired and her go to things when you're having a shitty time

• The Office

• House of Cards

• Scandal

• Orange is the New Black

• The Royal Tenenbaums

• It Was Me All Along  - Andy Mitchell

• Gabrielle Bernstein

• Mary Ann Williamson

• Seven Thousand Ways to Listen - Mark Nepo
• The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz

• Friday Five Favourites - The Happy Healthy Balance

• Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

Find out more and download the Couragemakers Manifesto here

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest |

Hi there and welcome to episode 19 of Couragemakers!

Today I'm talking with Maria Northcott. Maria is native New Englander, former schoolteacher, sought-after wedding officiant and   creator of community.Maria thrives on building relationships and making connections and in 2015, she quit her full-time job to free her heart and soul to do exactly that

During our conversation, Maria shares her journey into the world of creative business, her world beliefs including why she doesn't believe in competition and how we can all take the time to ask ourselves what feeds us, what feeds the world and how we want to spend our energy.

We dive into so many topics during this episode and talk about everything from why the idea of quitting your job today to follow your passions is bullshit, why reflection is so important and how creativity has such a wider definition than we're taught.

This is a wonderful episode if you want to explore how you would like your world to look and if you're struggling to see how things will all work out okay for you.

Maria is just such a big hearted, wonderful person and I think this conversation is the very definition of authentic.

Enjoy the show!

Native New Englander. Former schoolteacher. Sought-after wedding officiant. Of all the labels that describe Maria Northcott, however, the one you’ll hear most often is “creator of community.” It’s not just weddings that are Maria’s passion — it’s the people at the heart of those weddings. Whether it’s couples planning their wedding or the professionals who serve them, Maria thrives on building relationships and making connections. In 2015, she quit her full-time job to free her heart and soul to do exactly that. Not only is Maria in demand as an officiant by couples across the country, but she's also the founder of the Maine Wedding Network, fostering a sense of collaboration and support among professional wedding vendors throughout Maine. Whether it’s by the woodstove in her midcoast Maine cottage or at one of the many weddings she officiates each year, Maria exudes a warmth that draws people in, makes them feel comfortable, and sends them back into the world with a brighter spark in their eye.

You can connect with Maria here: A Sweet Start | Maine Wedding Network | Twitter |

• The sacrifices you have to make to follow your dreams

• Uncovering the reality of the 'quit your job and do what you love myth'

• How everything you do leads you to what you are meant to do

• Why self reflection is so important and how you can use it to really grow get the answers you need to get to the next step

• Quiet the Mind - Matthew Johnstone

• Episode 1 of Couragemakers: Creating From The Margins with Amber Thomas

• Rising Tide Society Facebook Group

Find out more and download the Couragemakers Manifesto here

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest |

Hello there and welcome to episode 18 of Couragemakers!

This week I'm speaking to Amanda Sewell. Amanda is a wellness junkie, coach and rule breaker. She believes that everything in life comes down to radical self responsibility.

During the interview Amanda shares her own journey of self care, how tough experiences have built her resilience and her  practical advice for women who really struggle with self doubt.

In this episode, we really challenge this notion that self care is selfish, talk really honestly about the impossibility of meeting other people's and society's expectations and how boundaries are so important in order to live a life that works for you.

Hi there! This week I’m talking to Amanda Sewell. In this episode, we really challenge this notion that self care is selfish, talk honestly about meeting expectations & how boundaries are vital in order to live a life that works for you.

This is a great episode for you if you want to hear from someone who really embraces being different, if you struggle with self doubt and setting goals, and if you believe there is  so much more to life than staying in your comfort zone.

I love how honest Amanda is and how a lot of what she says could be put on a t-shirt and I think you're going to love her refreshing attitude towards looking after yourself.

Enjoy the show!

Amanda Sewell is a wellness junkie, coach and rule breaker. She believes that everything in life comes down to radical self responsibility. That we are more than our appearance, "trying to get skinny" or "be more consistent ".  We all have needs that at times go unmet and result in us trying to constantly regain control (ie diets, emotional eating, feeling like a victim). She loves working with women who want to move past always stressed about their weight and start living.

Free 45 minute In Recovery Session

You can connect with Amanda:  Blog | Instagram | Facebook |

• How health  doesn't look the same for everybody. It's about looking for the unique clues your body gives you

• How we let ourselves be treated and how we enforce that with people around us

• How Amanda uses boundaries to maintain her self care in her business

• Amanda's advice for anyone stuck in comparison paralysis

Find out more and download the Couragemakers Manifesto here

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest |

Hello and welcome to episode 17 of Couragemakers!

This week I'm talking to the lovely Krista Rae. Krista is  a blog strategist and WordPress developer who helps female creatives  craft   strategic blogs to elevate their business and conversions.

In this episode, Krista shares how how she went from starting a craft blog and having a side hustle to being able to quit her job and focus on her business full time , She also shares how  she  found a supportive community online, and also the not so glamorous side of side hustles and working for yourself.

We have a great discussion about the links between mental health issues and becoming an entrepreneur, what happens when you take a bet on yourself and how the power of starting before you're ready.

This is a great episode if you have an online business or are thinking of starting one, if you struggle to give yourself permission to take feel afraid and make decision and if you want to hear about both the shit and the glitter of owning your own online business.

I had so much fun talking to Krista and I love how honest she is about every step of the journey. She has so much practical advice and I think everyone can learn something from her story.

Enjoy the show!

Krista is a blog strategist and WordPress developer who helps female creatives elevate their business, increase conversions, and boost engagement through crafting strategic blogs. She uses personalized, goal-driven strategies to set her clients apart from the competition and highlight their unique offerings. Learn more over on her blog!  Krista is happiest spending time with her husband, family, and friends...especially if she can mix a little work in there too

You can contact Krista:  Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’

• Krista shares how how she went from starting a craft blog and having a side hustle to being able to quit her job and focus on her business full time
• The links between becoming an entrepreneur and mental health issues

• The not so glamourous side of having a side hustle and working for yourself

• The different ways we can handle fear

Resources/Things We Mentioned During today's show

• Kory Woodard - korywoodard.com

Find out more and download the Couragemakers Manifesto here

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest |

Hi there and welcome to episode 16 of Couragemakers!

This week I'm talking to Michelle Anneliese. Michelle is a writer, speaker, geek, mental health advocate, and self confessed overachiever. She's also a multi-passionate content creator and has dreams of owning her own media production company.

During our conversation we really dive into some great discussions about passions and how to sustain them, starting projects to get us through hard times and how to refill your creative cup.

Michelle shares her journey of how she started her  two blogs and sharing her life online, her dreams of owning a media production company and how choosing herself in tough situations has led her to where she is today.

We cover so much ground in this episode, from blogging misconceptions and friendship breakups  to being an introvert and what to do to get yourself through a bad.  I know this episode is going to be especially helpful for you if you're also a person with a wide range of passions and if you struggle to choose yourself. I find Michelle's honesty so inspiring and I know you're going to love this episode!

Enjoy the show!

Michelle is a writer, speaker, geek, mental health advocate, and overachiever at michelleanneliese.com. She currently runs two blogs: Look Through My Lens

and A Geek Girl's Guide.

You can contact Michelle:| Twitter | Instagram | Medium

• What keeps Michelle inspired and how she organises her creative content

• What it’s like when the people you know in your real life find out about what you do online

• What Michelle does to get her through a bad day and how blogging has helped her through hard times

• Michelle’s amazing decision making process based around resouces, time, inspiration, and energy

Resources/Things We Mentioned During today's show

• That Hummingbird Life & Couragemakers Feedback Form

• What Not To Say To Someone With Anxiety - Michelle Anneliese

• Why I Quit My Passion - Michelle Anneliese on Huffington Post

• TED Talk: Try Something New For 30 Days - Matt Cutts

Find out more and download the Couragemakers Manifesto here

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest |

Suzanne (who likes it when people call her Suz) is a recovering lawyer and the founder and chief creative copywriter of PepperJar, the place where small business owners and entrepreneurs go to escape the 'epidemic of generic' and stand out online with personality-infused words.

As much as she loves her work, she loves play too, and can often be found enjoying any of the following: snuggling on the sofa, wandering by the sea, thinking up witty tweets, sweating on the netball court, getting lost in a book, listening to Stevie Nicks, watching a cracking boxset, eating pretty much anything edible, relaxing in a bubble bath, dancing like a crazy fool in her lounge, and her favourite of all, laughing until she cries.

You can contact: PepperJar | Facebook | Twitter |

• Suz shares her unexpected journey of moving from being a miserable lawyer to owning her own copywriting business

• We challenge the myth that work can't be fun

• Suz’'s advice for people to give themselves permission to follow their own path

• How trying new things and taking yourself out of your comfort zone can spark new ideas

Resources/Things We Mentioned During today's show

• The Middle Finger Project - Ash Ambirge
• Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert
• Being Boss Facebook Group
• Savvy Business Owners Facebook Group
• 60 Second Persuasion Facebook Group
• The Creative Rebels Facebook Group
• Violeta Nedkova

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Hello and welcome to episode 14 of Couragemakers!

For this week's episode, I had the absolute joy of talking to Ashten Giardine.

Ashten is the founder of Just Go Left: a lifestyle blog and a love letter to living her best life. She founded Just Go Left, not just because she not-so-secretly wants to be Oprah, but because she believes through the ups and downs of life we are given the choice to "go left" when things don't go right and I'm so excited to share that journey with you today.

In this episode, we really dive into the idea of choosing joy in the everyday little things, how grief and hard times can profoundly affect us and how learning to ask for help can change your life.

This is a great episode to listen to if you're going through a hard time and want to hear advice and lessons from someone who made it through to the other side.

Big things have happened with Ashten since we recorded this episode back in February. Ashten made the huge decision to move from Atlanta back to California and she has been really honestly shared her journey and also some great decision making, packing, budgeting and moving tips on Just Go Left. So if you're in the process of making a big decision, or moving, I seriously recommend reading her series on the blog.

Ashten is such a warm and reassuring force of nature and has so much wisdom to share and I know you're going to get so much from this episode.

Enjoy the show!

Ashten is the founder of Just Go Left: a lifestyle blog and a love letter to living her best life.

She founded Just Go Left, not just because she not-so-secretly wants to be Oprah, but because she believes through the ups and downs of life we are given the choice to "go left" when things don't go right.

Ashten is an introverted extrovert with a penchant for sarcasm, and sass, who thinks most problems can be solved with a cup of coffee. Ashten lives in Southern California with her boyfriend Kyle and their dog, Gatsby.

Just Go Left | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin

• Warner’s story - how Ashten’s life and outlook on life was completely transformed after her dog Warner was diagnosed with PLN (a genetic incurable disease) and how the experience completely changed her

• Thriving in difficult situations

• How we are entitled to come out of pain, grief and hardship however we want to

• Ashten's practical tips for learning to ask for help and how it can change your life

• Enjoying the chapter you’re on and finding joy in the everyday

Resources/Things We Mentioned During today's show

• What I Know for Sure - Oprah Winfrey

• Brené Brown

• Rachel Camfield

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Hi there and welcome to episode 13 of Couragemakers!

Producing this podcast and interviewing amazing women all over the world has already been such a great experience for me, and this episode is really special. It's not often you get the privilege  to interview one of your best friends.

This week I'm talking to the wonderful and hilarious Jenny Ambrose. Jenny is a creative director, anthropologist, writer, business owner, encouragement coach - along with many other things - and also the mother of 4 needy animals and the wife of an amazing man.

Me and Jenny met through the power of Twitter a couple of years ago, after we bonded over our love of hummingbirds, and she's definitely made my world a much brighter place to be. Jenny grew up in New Jersey, and via LA and New York now lives in Florida. I'm SO excited to meet Jenny and her lovely husband Jake in person for the first time when me and Mr. Meg embark on our three month road trip across the US in August!

During our conversation, Jenny gets really open and vulnerable about her own journey - of feeling like she doesn't fit in anywhere, difficult    family relationships, her experience of art school and ultimately getting to a place of self validation and acceptance.

Jenny really shares how her journey of  rooting for herself and finding joy in the world, and what it has looked like for her, and she has some great words of wisdom and comfort for anyone wanting to work on accepting themselves.

This is a great episode if you struggle with self acceptance, feel like you don't fit in a box and generally if you want to hear a really fascinating discussion about creativity and how it links to who we are as people.

Jenny is the sassiest person I know, a self confessed power house and I know you'll love her just as much as I do!

Enjoy the show

Jenny is a creative heavyweight and self confessed powerhouse. She her time running her business  Purée Fantastico, a one stop creative shop focusing on all manners of design, creative thought,  and strategic brainery, Jenny can be found tending to her four needy animals, goofing around with her husband and watching re-runs of RuPaul.

You can connect with Jenny here: Website |  Twitter | Blog

• Jenny’s journey from growing up as a curious, creative child to running her own business and learning to accept herself

• The links between not creating and emotional constipation

• How Jenny structures her day to allow for spontaneity

• How what you create evolves as you do and the link between creativity and silliness.

• 2001: A Space Odyssey

• The Shining

• Rosie Bitts

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Hello and welcome to episode 12

I got SO much out of listening

For this week’s episode, I

This is a really juicy

We talked a lot about the power

This is a wonderful episode if

Jennifer is such a grounded

Enjoy the show!

Jennifer Sterling is an

Outside of her business,

You can connect with Jennifer

If you have any question about

I'm Meg and I'm the host of

When I'm not recording episodes

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Hello and welcome to episode 11 of Couragemakers!

I’m so excited this week to share my conversation with the hilarious Mei Leong. Mei is a writer, artist and entrepreneur living in Lancaster in the UK, and is the woman behind Wonderfully Mei Designs. 

In this episode, Mei shares how leaving a career in teaching allowed her to tap into her creativity and how going against the grain helped her to value herself a lot more.

We talk a lot about listening to your gut instinct, keeping inspired and how Mei’s life has changed for the better since starting to carve a life for herself on her terms. During our conversation, we dive deep into quarter life crisis’, Mei’s undying love of Nicholas Cage and how creativity and courage can be combined to change the world.

This is a great episode is you feel stuck in what you’re doing and if you want some practical tips to help you figure out what you love and how to  combine them to create a life you love.

Mei is hilarious and she’s a real inspiration for anyone looking to change paths or uncover their own inspiration, and I know you’re going to love this episode.

Enjoy the show!

Mei is a UK based writer, artist and entrepreneur behind Wonderfully Mei Designs.  Her work is fuelled on café lattes, inspirational quotes and self-motivation and her favourite things in the world are David Tennant, Shakespeare and iced lattes. 

You can connect with Mei here: Website |  Twitter |

How leaving a career in teaching helped Mei to lean into her untapped creativity

How inspiration plays a massive part in Mei's life

The boldness and gumption it took Mei to go against the grain and leave her teacher training programme

Mei's inspiration wall 

Noughts & Crosses - Mallory Blackman

Elizabeth Gilbert

Impractical Dreaming Facebook Group

If you have any question about today's episode, any comments or would like to be a guest on Couragemakers, get in touch: [email protected]

I'm Meg and I'm the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I started this podcast because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.

When I'm not recording episodes and making new friends with the wonderful guests, you can find me working on all manners of magic over at That Hummingbird Life, sending free self care checks ins to hundreds of women every Sunday and helping my clients build brands they love as a graphic designer. I'm currently based in London, and getting ready for my round the world adventure with Mr. Meg starting August 2016. Don't worry the podcast isn't going anywhere!

That Hummingbird Life | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook