The Diary of Discovery with Jacky Clarke

What happens when you’ve built a successful career, ticked all the boxes, and still feel like something is missing?

In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Brown to talk honestly about the healing journey that began when she realised that success wasn’t going to fill the gap she felt inside.

Heidi had built a successful career as a chiropractor, but underneath it was a feeling of being unfulfilled. That eventually led her into personal development and, ultimately, to a retreat that opened the door to much deeper work.

At the retreat, Heidi began to uncover childhood wounds around feeling unloved and not belonging within her family. Rather than simply understanding those experiences intellectually, she began to actually process them and see how they had shaped the way she experienced herself and the world.

We talk about what happened when Heidi started to fall in love with herself, and how that changed her relationship with possibility, choice and what she believed was available to her.

We also explore the much less glamorous side of transformation: leaving behind the career she had built, stepping into coaching, facing the fear of the unknown and learning to loosen her grip on perfectionism.

Heidi shares why she believes deep inner work matters, why having a neutral space held by someone else can be so powerful, and why healing isn't something we simply complete and move on from.

One of the biggest themes running through Heidi's current work is the core belief:

“There’s something wrong with me.”

And perhaps one of the most powerful parts of this conversation is what happens when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start getting curious about where that belief came from in the first place.

This is an honest conversation about healing, belonging, self-love, identity and the ongoing process of coming home to yourself.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Feeling unfulfilled despite outward success
• How childhood experiences can shape our sense of belonging
• The impact of feeling unloved or like there is something wrong with you
• What deep inner work can actually look like
• Heidi’s transformative retreat experience
• Learning to fall in love with yourself
• Moving from chiropractic into coaching
• The fear that comes with leaving behind what is familiar
• Perfectionism and the need to get everything right
• Why having a neutral space to explore yourself can be so powerful
• Conscious creation and seeing new possibilities
• Why healing is an ongoing journey rather than something we simply “finish”
• The importance of authenticity when sharing your own story

Find Heidi here: https://www.instagram.com/heidibrowncoach

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

We often talk about healing as though it is simply about becoming a happier, healthier or more confident version of ourselves.

But what happens when healing means letting go of who you used to be?

Sometimes the parts of ourselves we are trying to change were once the very things that helped us cope, survive or feel safe. The people-pleasing. The need to be strong. The constant achieving. The overgiving. The ways we learned to protect ourselves when we didn't have the tools or awareness we have today.

So when those parts of us begin to change, there can be grief.

In this episode, Jacky explores the often overlooked grief that can come with healing and outgrowing previous versions of ourselves.

She talks about learning to look back at who we were with compassion rather than judgment, recognising that we were doing the best we could with the knowledge, capacity and resources we had at the time.

Healing isn't always one huge breakthrough. Sometimes it's a series of tiny shifts that slowly change the way you see yourself, your relationships and your life.

And somewhere in that process, you can find yourself in the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you're becoming.

Jacky explores why we don't always need to rush out of that "in-between" space and immediately work out who we're supposed to become next.

She also talks about the grief that can come with outgrowing relationships, dreams, identities and expectations for the life we thought we were going to have.

Because two things can be true at the same time.

You can be deeply grateful for where you are now and still mourn what you've lost.

You can know that something was right to leave behind and still miss it.

You can be excited about who you're becoming and still feel sadness for the person you used to be.

And perhaps healing isn't about hating who you were.

Perhaps it's about being able to look back and say:

Thank you for getting me here. But I don't need to be you anymore.

• Why healing can come with grief
• The survival strategies and behaviours we can outgrow
• Why we shouldn't judge the versions of ourselves that helped us survive
• How healing often happens through small shifts rather than one big breakthrough
• What it feels like to be in the "in-between" space of becoming
• Grieving relationships, dreams and versions of ourselves we've outgrown
• Why gratitude and grief can exist at the same time
• Learning to look at your past self with compassion
• Why you don't have to know exactly who you're becoming yet
• How to thank an old version of yourself without continuing to live as her

What version of yourself are you still holding onto, even though you've already outgrown her?

And perhaps even more importantly:

Can you thank her for getting you here without needing to take her with you into everything that comes next?

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

What happens when the thing that makes you different becomes the thing everyone else sees first?

In this episode of Diary of Discovery, I’m joined by Ruth Meredith, whose story challenges so many of the assumptions we can make about disability, resilience and what it means to live a full life.

Ruth was the first child to be mobile in a powered wheelchair before the age of two, and her story has become part of the collection at London’s Science Museum. But while she was once known as the “wheelchair toddler”, Ruth’s life has gone far beyond that label.

Today, she is a commercial mediator, using skills in negotiation, problem-solving and dispute resolution that have been shaped by a lifetime of navigating situations that don’t always go according to plan.

We talk about growing up with a genetic condition, taking over her parents’ business, navigating huge personal and professional challenges, and what happened when her father was diagnosed with cancer and later when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Ruth shares a refreshingly pragmatic perspective on resilience. Rather than pretending that difficult things don't happen, she talks about learning how to respond when they do.

We explore:

• What it was like growing up as the “wheelchair toddler”
• How disability shaped Ruth’s problem-solving and negotiation skills
• The importance of recognising the strengths that come from experiences we might initially see as limitations
• Taking over the family business and navigating the challenges that came with it
• How personal and professional crises can force us to adapt
• The impact of her father's cancer diagnosis
• How the COVID-19 pandemic changed her life and work
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• The importance of community and having people around you
• How Ruth has learned to approach life's challenges with pragmatism rather than fear
• Her work supporting mobility for disabled children through a community interest company

This conversation is ultimately about so much more than disability.

It is about identity, adaptability, recognising what you're capable of, asking for help when you need it, and understanding that the things life throws at us can sometimes help us develop strengths we didn't know we had.

Ruth's story is a powerful reminder that we don't have to define ourselves by the thing that makes us different.

Sometimes, it's about discovering what that difference has taught us.

Find Ruth here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-meredith-mediator/

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

One of the things we don't always talk about when we talk about healing is what happens to our relationships along the way.

Because when you start healing, you start changing.

Your awareness changes. Your priorities change. Your tolerance changes. You begin to understand your needs more clearly, and you may start noticing things you previously accepted, ignored or simply didn't have the capacity to see.

And sometimes, that changes your relationships too.

In this episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky Clarke explores what happens when healing starts to change the way you relate to the people around you, and why this doesn't necessarily mean something has gone wrong.

Jacky talks about boundaries, what they really mean and why a healthy boundary isn't about controlling somebody else. It's about deciding what you need in order to stay connected to yourself while still being able to love and care for others.

She explores the uncomfortable reality that sometimes relationships become stronger as we heal, while others may become different, more distant or even come to an end.

And perhaps most importantly, she talks about the relationship we have with ourselves.

Because a boundary isn't just something we communicate to another person. It starts with us. If we're not willing to honour our own boundaries, it becomes very difficult for anyone else to know where the line is.

This episode is a reminder that choosing yourself doesn't automatically mean you're selfish, difficult or uncaring.

Sometimes it simply means you're no longer willing to abandon yourself to keep somebody else comfortable.

• Why healing can change your relationships and priorities
• The difference between boundaries and walls
• What it really means to love someone without losing yourself
• Why resentment can sometimes be a sign that your boundaries need attention
• How to start setting boundaries when you're not used to doing it
• Why you don't always need to justify or explain your boundaries
• What to do when someone repeatedly ignores your boundaries
• Why boundaries have to start with you
• The uncomfortable possibility that some relationships may change as you heal
• Learning to care about other people without abandoning yourself

And a question to take away from this episode:

Where in your life are you asking someone else to respect a boundary that you haven't yet learned to respect in yourself?

Because healing isn't about becoming harder or caring less.

Sometimes it's about finally learning that your needs are allowed to matter too.

Listen to Diary of Discovery with Jacky Clarke wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

In this episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky sits down with Gwen Baird to talk about what happens when life forces you to completely rethink the path you thought you were on.

Gwen's world changed after she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that also had a significant family history. Suddenly, the physically demanding career she had built her life around was no longer sustainable, and she had to start asking some difficult questions about what came next.

What followed was an unexpected journey into online work, social media management and eventually coaching. But more importantly, Gwen began learning how to build a life and business around her energy, values and actual capacity, rather than constantly pushing herself to fit someone else's definition of success.

Gwen shares how mindset, gratitude and learning to accept her limitations have helped her navigate the changes in her life. We talk about the power of journaling and reframing the thoughts that can keep us stuck, and how changing the way we look at a situation can sometimes change how we experience it.

We also explore the complicated relationship many of us have with social media, from comparison and toxic online environments to the illusion of connection and the importance of protecting your own energy.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful question: What if success isn't about doing more, but about creating a life that genuinely feels good to live?

Gwen shares why learning to say no, prioritising self-care and paying attention to what actually brings you joy can be some of the most important parts of creating a fulfilling life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Gwen's diagnosis and how it changed the direction of her life.
• Moving from a physically demanding career into online work.
• Building a business around your energy and personal values.
• Learning to accept limitations without allowing them to define you.
• The power of gratitude and changing your perspective.
• How journaling can help you recognise and reframe unhelpful thought patterns.
• The darker side of social media and the impact of comparison.
• Why online connection isn't always the same as genuine connection.
• Learning to protect your energy and say no.
• Rethinking what success, happiness and fulfilment actually mean.
• Choosing a life that works for you, rather than constantly trying to keep up.

This is a conversation about adapting, letting go of the life you thought you were supposed to live, and having the courage to create something that fits the person you are now.

How often do you answer, "I'm fine," without really thinking about what that means?

In this honest solo episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky explores one of the most common responses we give ourselves and others, and why "fine" can quietly become a place where we stop truly living.

From the outside, everything can look successful. The business is growing. Life is moving forward. You're ticking the boxes, showing up, getting things done. Yet underneath it all, you might feel disconnected, emotionally flat, or as though you're simply going through the motions.

Drawing on her own experiences, including moving to South Africa, building a successful business, and achieving goals she once dreamed of, Jacky shares how she realised that success doesn't always equal fulfilment. Sometimes our nervous system shifts into what is known as a functional freeze, where we remain productive and capable while feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from ourselves.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why "I'm fine" is often a survival strategy rather than the truth.
• What functional freeze looks like in everyday life.
• How to recognise when you're coping instead of truly living.
• Why slowing down is often the first step towards feeling alive again.
• Practical ways to reconnect with yourself, your emotions, and what really matters.
• Why wanting more from your life and business isn't selfish. It's a sign that you're ready to grow.

This episode is an invitation to stop settling for "fine" and begin asking what life could feel like if you allowed yourself to experience more joy, more presence, and more connection.

Where in your life have you accepted being "fine" instead of asking for what you truly want?

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share it on social media and tag me, or leave a review to help more people discover the Diary of Discovery podcast.

Until next time, keep discovering, keep growing, and remember that you deserve more than simply being fine.

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

In this episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky sits down with Anthony Knott to explore how one unexpected diagnosis became the catalyst for a completely different way of living.

When Anthony was diagnosed with bladder cancer, everything changed. What first felt like a devastating shock soon became an opportunity to reassess what really mattered, how he approached life's challenges, and the person he wanted to become.

Anthony shares how moving through cancer taught him to focus on what he could control, embrace a mindset of simply doing his best, and let go of the pressure of trying to have all the answers. That same mindset gave him the confidence to leave employment and build a business alongside his wife, Kirsty, while discovering that success is about enjoying the journey as much as reaching the destination.

The conversation also explores Anthony's involvement with Men Walking and Talking, a community initiative creating safe spaces for men to connect, walk together, and have honest conversations about mental health. It is a powerful reminder that healing rarely happens alone and that small, consistent actions can have a profound impact.

Whether you're navigating illness, a career change, or simply a season of uncertainty, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on resilience, purpose, and finding strength in life's most unexpected moments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Anthony's experience of being diagnosed with bladder cancer.
• How adversity can become a catalyst for personal growth.
• The mindset of focusing on "doing your best."
• Transitioning into self-employment after a major life event.
• Why everyone's healing journey is unique.
• The importance of community and Men's Walking and Talking.
• Learning to enjoy the process instead of chasing outcomes.
• Building resilience through consistency and perspective.

If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a reminder that even life's hardest chapters can become the beginning of something meaningful.

In this solo episode of the Diary of Discovery, Jacky explores the hidden nervous system patterns that can keep people stuck, even when they have the right strategy, mindset, or plan in place.

From showing up online and selling offers to setting boundaries and pursuing health goals, Jacky explains how the body can perceive growth, visibility, and change as threats, triggering resistance, procrastination, and self-sabotage without us even realising it.

Through personal stories, including her own journey with marathon running and building a business, she unpacks why discipline alone is often not the answer and how awareness is the first step towards lasting change.

This episode dives into:

• Why your nervous system may resist growth
• How self-sabotage shows up in business and life
• The connection between safety, visibility, and follow-through
• Practical grounding tools to help regulate the body
• Why creating safety internally changes everything externally

If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but still can’t seem to fully move forward, this episode will help you understand why.

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

This podcast episode featured a conversation between Jacky and David Francis, a self-confidence coach from the northeast of England, discussing David's journey from experiencing low self-belief and burnout to building unshakable self-confidence. David shared how he transitioned from being a high-potential underachiever to an overachiever, eventually realizing that his external achievements weren't addressing internal issues. He discussed key turning points, including a breakdown 20+ years ago, his realization that he could practice skills like he would practice music, and his eventual understanding of inherent worthiness. David explained how he helps clients by focusing on practical daily practices, including journaling about self-respect actions, recording daily wins, and consistently stepping outside comfort zones. The conversation concluded with David reflecting on his next level of healing, which involves being kinder to himself and learning to rest rather than constantly doing more.

Find David here: https://www.instagram.com/coachdavidfrancis/

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.

Jacky interviewed Helen Northard about her journey through burnout and recovery, exploring how stress manifests in corporate environments and the challenges of recognizing one's own needs. Helen shared her experience of collapsing physically after being signed off work due to stress, and discussed how she eventually transitioned from corporate HR to coaching and teaching after realizing her values were misaligned with her work. They discussed the importance of taking stress seriously, the limitations of CBT for neurodivergent individuals, and the need for practical support in managing burnout. Helen emphasized the importance of small, manageable stress management techniques like HeartMath and breathwork, while also sharing her current work in developing a stress management course and reconnecting with spiritual practices like Reiki and herbalism.

Find Helen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nothard-4481244/

Thank you for listening to the Podcast!

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8

If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/

And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/

Until next week, happy healing.