Welcome to episode 98. Today, I’m diving into one of my favourite topics - sex and relationships - but this time through the lens of my experience as an autistic woman. I’ll be exploring how people with different neurotypes can better understand each other’s needs through clear, honest communication, and we’ll look at how expressing and listening to desires without shame or judgment can lead to more fulfilling sexual experiences. At its core, this episode is about connecting in a way that feels authentic to you and building relationships that bring joy and satisfaction. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

·        How confidently addressing neurodivergence and embracing open conversations about your challenges and desires will always lead to better sex.

·        How do you know when someone fancies you? The challenge of understanding social cues and flirting as an autistic person.

·       Written communication is a powerful way to express your sexual desires and needs - often used in long-distance relationships but helpful for everyone, especially those with different neurotypes.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

The hugely popular webinar ‘Sex and the Autistic Brain’ with sex educator Ruth Ramsay and Helen Calvert:

https://www.ruthramsay.com/autism

 

Season 5 of this podcast is sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.

https://www.thespicybraincollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 97. Have you ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or even dismissed in a healthcare setting? In this episode, I open up about the deeply frustrating and often traumatic experiences that neurodivergent individuals face when seeking medical care. From confusing communication and rigid rules to the emotional toll of harmful assumptions, I share my personal journey of navigating these challenges as a person with autism. Join me as we discuss how a little awareness, kindness, patience, and compassion can transform healthcare experiences for everyone.

Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

·         The anxiety-inducing nature of healthcare settings, where rules and procedures often go unexplained, leaving patients feeling vulnerable and confused.

·         Why we should be free to question everything - demand clarity, and don't hesitate to express your distress.

·        The importance of using tools like a sunflower lanyard to signal hidden disabilities, aiming for improved treatment and understanding.

 

This episode is brought to you in association with enterprise consultant, Adrian Ashton

Connect here:

https://linktr.ee/adrianashton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianashton/

https://www.instagram.com/adrianashton2/

https://substack.com/profile/806037-adrian-ashton

 

Season 5 of this podcast is sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.

https://www.thespicybraincollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

 

Welcome to episode 96. Today, we’re diving deep into a crucial yet often misunderstood topic — autistic burnout. Drawing from my own personal experiences, this episode unpacks the emotional and physical toll of navigating a world not built for neurodivergent minds. We explore the vital need for extreme rest as a form of recovery, and the persistent self-doubt fuelled by societal pressures to "bounce back." Join me for an honest, insightful conversation about burnout, rest, and reclaiming compassion for ourselves. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

• Understanding autistic burnout – How environments clash with neurodivergent needs and the exhaustion of constant adaptation.
• The importance of extreme rest – Why extreme rest is essential for healing, demanding a conscious choice to pause, reset, and prioritise well-being over daily responsibilities.
• Self-doubt and feeling like a fraud - How self-doubt fuels the fear of "faking it," and the need for excessive kindness in self-validation.

 

For a more in-depth look at my journey through autistic burnout, you can view my Burnout Diaries playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs0wogq1CFJnd4DOjIAwqj5biNaxjSO6w

 

This episode is brought to you in association with Liz Reddish of Devonwell House

Connect here:

https://www.devonwellhouse.co.uk/hhnsignup

https://www.instagram.com/devonwellhouse/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-reddish-79143795/

 

Season 5 of this podcast is sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.

https://www.thespicybraincollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

 

Welcome to episode 95. Today, we’re discussing communication — the challenges neurodivergent people face and the strategies they use to navigate a world that can feel unfamiliar. We explore how thoughts and emotions are shared, and how autistic burnout adds to these struggles. Whether you're neurodivergent or neurotypical, this conversation aims to inspire empathy and strengthen our connections. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

• Autistic burnout and communication — how it differs from life/professional burnout and its effect on my ability to communicate.
• The toll of miscommunication — the energy spent to be understood and its lasting impact.
• Why it all matters - how empathy in communication benefits us all, not just those who are neurodivergent.

This episode is brought to you in association with Beyond Profit Ltd.

Connect here:

https://www.beyondprofituk.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondprofituk/

https://www.instagram.com/beyondprofitcharities/

 

Season 5 of this podcast is sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.

https://www.thespicybraincollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 94! We're taking a break from our usual format to introduce the headline sponsor for Series 5 - Stephanie Ward of the Spicy Brain Collective!

Stephanie opens up about her journey as a neurodivergent entrepreneur, sharing how her experiences have shaped both her business and her passion for supporting fellow business owners (ND or not!). Her dedication to helping others thrive has led to the creation of a diverse range of services designed to empower and uplift.

A huge thank you to Stephanie for her continued support of the podcast! Be sure to check out the links to her website and socials below.

In this episode:

• The story behind the Spicy Brain Collective - how it all began and Steph’s path to success.
• Entrepreneurial passion - why it's crucial for neurodivergent business owners to operate in their "zone of genius" while maintaining autonomy.
• The challenges of ND entrepreneurship - why celebrating the wins, big or small, is more important than ever!

Find out more about Stephanie and the Spicy Brain Collective here:

https://www.thespicybraincollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome back to series 5, episode 93. Despite navigating autistic burnout and recovering from the flu, the incredible support of our community has inspired this return. This season, we're exploring life from an autistic perspective while integrating insights on work-life balance and personal happiness. As your host, I've always shared strategies that have helped me thrive as an autistic woman, even before I fully understood my neurodivergence. This journey is universal - offering wisdom for everyone seeking happiness and balance. Join me as we embrace our unique experiences when creating the lives we want. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

• The hidden influence of ancestry – how our backgrounds shape us in ways we may not realise.

• Embracing identity & diversity – Exploring the blend of experiences that deepen connection and empathy with one another.

• How neurodivergence shapes perspective – insights on balance and self-care and how they stem from my own autistic experience.

 

This episode is sponsored by LMO Book keeping

https://www.instagram.com/lmobookkeeping/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-owen-micb-20655940/

  Season 5 of this podcast is sponsored by Stephanie Ward of The Spicy Brain Collective. We thank Stephanie hugely for her ongoing support.   https://www.thespicybraincollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thespicybraincollective/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-ward-sbc/

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 92. This week I’m sharing my personal experiences of autistic burnout and what this means to me and the people around me.  This is an exposing and vulnerable fifteen minutes laying bare the realities of living with neurodiversity, but also a rallying call to all my amazing listeners to help me shape series five and build partnerships with potential sponsors. As we wrap up season 4, I would love to hear from you so please get in touch via the links below. For now though, let’s dive in!

In this episode:

• Understanding autistic burnout – the different manifestations and how it effects autistic people navigating a neurotypical world.
• My personal experience and the important distinction between my capacity for work and private life.
• Call out for S5! Your ideas, comments and partnership requests are welcomed, so get in touch today!

Watch my Autistic Burnout diaries on YouTube

 

This episode is sponsored by EZ Hampers

https://ezhampers.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/ezhampers/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ez-hampers/posts/?feedView=all

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 91. We live in a time where there’s more in life to manage than ever before, so in this episode I’m exploring a deeper perspective on our relationship with productivity, and asking - what are we missing out on in pursuit of getting all the shit done? By understanding that there’s life beyond the list we can make space for the small things that bring us joy, bring new, healthier perspectives to our lives and crank up the happiness dial as a result. Ready to go? Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

·         Why we need a good relationship with ourselves to make the best positive changes.

·         Embracing ‘glimmers’ – recognising and savouring small moments of joy and how this can help change your perspective on life.

·         Re-evaluating control – how to stop the exhaustive cycle of doing and learn to let go.

.

 

This episode is sponsored by Michelle Hodson Design

https://www.michellehodson.design/

https://www.instagram.com/michellehodson_design

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-hodson-13059195/

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 90. Today we take a look at how we can make non-work events less overwhelming by identifying and organising them into projects - just as you would in your business or your work. If you’re in charge of organising a family holiday, pulling off Christmas or managing the people or pets in your house, you’ll understand the stress that comes from not having a plan or leaving everything to the last minute. Join me as I share tips on how to bring your project mindset into your big life stuff - and give you time back to squeeze even more enjoyment out of life. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

·        How approaching non-work-related events with a project mindset can help manage stress and overwhelm.

·       Planning this stuff does NOT make you boring! Fun things need planning too – do whatever makes it easier for you and don’t be ashamed of needing a system or a plan.

·      How to practice excessive kindness to yourself during busy life events – managing your own expectations and being realistic with what you can achieve.

 

In this episode I give a shout-out to an online event I’m running with sex educator and coach Ruth Ramsay: Sex & the Autistic Brain on 26th November at 8PM. Sign up for your ticket here:

https://app.wearexapp.com/events/view/1538

 

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!

Welcome to episode 89. Are you the one doing ‘all the things’ in your household? Does it feel like too much? Today we take a careful look into the dynamics of household responsibilities and the importance of sharing the mental load. Creating an equal partnership with the other capable people in your home is a less-obvious act of self-kindness - but the conversations around this can be hard. Tune in for advice on how to navigate these difficult issues and find more time, productivity and joy in your life. Let’s dive in!

In this episode:

·  Understanding and distributing the mental load – for many households there is an imbalance, so understanding and re-distributing responsibilities is paramount.

·       The four key mindset blocks that are stopping us from having equal responsibility in the home.

·      Enabling the under-functioning person in your household – are you guilty of this? How things can be better with the right conversations.

 

Additional resources to support this episode:

·         Five Ways to Share the Mental Load in Marriage https://www.usu.edu/today/story/ask-an-expert--five-ways-to-share-the-mental-load-in-marriage

·         It’s All in Her Head (and It’s Exhausting) https://www.thefeministparent.com/post/it-s-all-in-her-head-and-it-s-exhausting

·         Internet Cheers Wife's Spreadsheet Explaining the 'Mental Load' to Husband https://www.newsweek.com/internet-woman-household-husband-debate-mental-health-1777465

·         Dad goes viral for his simple tips to reduce ‘mental load’ for his partner https://youtu.be/2yeno7KBBw0?si=FgYAzOIuVtVs3ZHw

·         Amanda shares her visceral OVERWHELM with the staggering invisible load we carry as women https://x.com/GlennonDoyle/status/1405542123756085254

 

This episode is brought to you in association with Nicola Jayne Landscape Design

https://njlandscapedesign.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/nj_landscapedesign/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-phillips-6864861b/

  

Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss any new episodes; subscribe to my mailing list and connect with me over on Instagram @happierlifecoach

If you would like to know more about how coaching works or to work with me 1-2-1, please visit https://happier-life.co.uk/

For more tips and to be part of the community, sign up to The No Bullshit Guide To A Happier Life Facebook Group now!

Have you got a copy of the The No Bullsh*t Guide to a Happier Life book? Follow this link to purchase yours now!