Welcome back to The Other Side Of Perfect and Episode 1 of Season 2, I’ve been really excited to get stuck into this series. The guests that I have coming up have the most wonderful careers and truly captivating stories, and after each interview I walk away feeling utterly inspired so I know there's massive benefit in what they have to say. Similar to last season I wanted to kick things off with a solo show. It's been massively requested and I’ve no idea why, but my most listened episode was the one I did on my own covering my life story, career and how I got to where I am now. I figured it would be a lovely way to format things going forward and also reconnect with you the listeners. I would like to also take this opportunity to thank you lot for making the show land in the Top 10 Best Listens of 2019 in its new category on Apple Podcasts. Receiving that email from Apple was a lovely little moment, and this whole passion project has grown into something that I’m really excited to expand on in 2020. We also have some amazing new sponsors on board, and I want to let you know that I choose my sponsors as carefully as I choose my brand partnerships on social media, so these will always be relevant to my listenership and benefit you in some way.

On today's show I discuss the real life stress you don't see on social media; my recent melt down, feeling overwhelmed and dealing with comparison. I wanted to sit down and have a chat about two of the most common topics that I'm regularly asked about through social media. I run through a variety of your anonymous questions about body image and break ups. Getting to a state of body neutrality; learning to love the body you have today, realising you have the power to change it if you're truly unhappy, weight fluctuations, period bloat, getting back on the bandwagon and my motivational tips. I also discuss healing a broken heart, trying not to focus on the status of your friends, improving your self esteem after a toxic relationship, and being single.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Sponsor https://www.rainforest.ie/

Today’s show is brought to you by Rainforest Spa. Rainforest is a gorgeous Day Spa and Yoga Studio in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow who you can check out on Instagram @rainforestspa. Rainforest is giving my listeners an exclusive 10% off Day Breaks, valid until June 2020 if you use the code JOANNE10 when booking.

On Episode 12 (the final episode in Series 1) we have the patient ambassador for DEBRA Ireland, Emma Fogarty. Emma suffers from RDEB, also known as Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. EB is a rare, genetic skin condition which causes the skin to blister at the slightest touch. These wounds, some of which will never heal, occur both internally and externally and are constantly at risk of severe infection. Children that are born with EB are highly susceptible to a very aggressive form of skin cancer from as early as their teenage years and there is currently no cure for EB. Emma has an extraordinary life, and has experienced pain most humans can’t even fathom. This remarkable woman is everything The Other Side Of Perfect is about because, she’s not defined by her struggle, instead her strength. In this episode we discuss in detail, what it’s like living with EB, life outside the condition, the incredible people Emma has met on her journey, and why fundraising is so important.

On the topic of fundraising, DEBRA Ireland is the only charity devoted solely to the care and cure of EB. DEBRA supports patients and their families living with the devastating effects of this condition and helps them cope with all the challenges that it brings. DEBRA provides this through their in-home EB Community Care Programme as well as advancing research both nationally and internationally. In February 2020 I will be taking part in the DEBRA Ireland Arctic Challenge. My mission is to survive in the harsh environment of Northern Finland, 150km above the Arctic Circle, totally off grid with no running water or electricity. The aim is to learn new skills and survive the extreme cold of the arctic regions whilst raising money for children living with EB. Last year the trip raised just under €250,000 from just 35 participants. In 2020 there's 36 of us heading and it's the first year men will be joining the mission. I know you will take a huge amount from this episode and I urge you to use the emotion and empathy experienced to make just a small donation where 100% of the proceeds from my Arctic fundraising go directly to DEBRA Ireland.

DONATIONS https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joannelarby
Arctic Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0AnSVhxHVE
DEBRA Ireland https://debraireland.org/
Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/

On Episode 11, the penultimate episode of Series 1, we have the stunningly soulful Síle Seoige, who I have officially named the ‘Galaxy bar of voice’ - smooth and full of depth. We chat about Síle’s extensive media experience over the past 20 years, from RTÉ and radio to some really heartfelt topics. Síle opens up about her journey with cancer and recovery, a relationship breakdown, miscarriage and motherhood. We talk about acceptance, non judgement, finding your true self, how negativity can be the catalyst for change, femininity and breathwork. I hope you enjoy what I found to be a truly therapeutic conversation.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Síle Seoige https://www.instagram.com/sileseoige/
Sponsor https://www.cleancutmeals.ie/ 

Thank you to the sponsors of this episode and Series 1, Ireland's leading meal prep provider, Clean Cut Meals, who are offering 20% off their meals if you use the code 'JOANNE20'.

On Episode 10 we have the fabulous Jennifer Rock, also known as The Skin Nerd on Instagram. I've known Jennifer since she first started her journey in this industry, and it's truly remarkable to watch her business grow over the past few years. Jen is now a best selling author and creator of the Cleanse Off Mitt, and increasingly popular Skingredients skincare line. From TV to consultations, she is the ultimate queen of skin in Ireland, so I hope you take some nuggets of information from the show. We chat growing a business from the kitchen table to a company of 16, dealing with grief, managing a team and lots of your frequently asked skincare questions from adult acne to anti ageing.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
The Skin Nerd https://www.theskinnerd.com/

On Episode 9 we have the incredibly creative Catherine Carton, also known as Dainty Dress Diaries on Instagram. I’ve followed Catherine for years; not only for her DIY skills, but also her humour and bubbly personality. Catherine works full-time, but her successful side hustle is interiors, content creation and Youtube. Over the next hour or so we chat about finding flow, traveling solo, the positives about being single in your 30’s and removing societal pressure. We also touch on dating apps and Tinder terrors, so grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy! 

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Catherine Carton https://www.daintydressdiaries.com/

On Episode 8 we have one of Ireland's leading public speakers Pat Divilly. Pat is also an author and high performance coach, who is passionate about helping people reach new levels of purpose, passion and fulfilment through movement and mindset. Pat regularly speaks at his own one day workshops and three day retreats, as well as providing trainings in leadership, self awareness and wellness for some of Ireland's leading corporations. I think this conversation will really benefit those of you struggling with self doubt or if you’re looking to upgrade your career, or personal life. We discuss dealing with failure and insecurities, letting go of what others think about you and learning how to deal with, and benefit from constructive critique.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Pat Divilly https://www.patdivilly.com/
Sponsor https://www.cleancutmeals.ie/ 

Thank you to the sponsors of this episode, Ireland's leading meal prep provider, Clean Cut Meals, who are offering 20% off their meals if you use the code 'JOANNE20'.

On Episode 7 we have mental health activist Caroline McMenamin, also known as The Red Dutchess on social media. Caroline has a degree in counselling and drama, a post grad in CBT and over 15 years of voluntary work and training. Caroline is also the founder of Replenish, a non-clinical mental health organisation aimed at educating, empowering and equipping individuals with the resources and support needed to manage their mental health. Caroline takes us on a journey from her OCD diagnosis to CBT training, and we cover mental health topics including anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship abuse and removing the stigma around seeking help or getting therapy. Caroline has a wonderful way with words, an incredibly insightful approach to dealing with clients and is truly passionate about helping people get better.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org
Replenish https://www.replenish.online/
Caroline McMenamin https://www.instagram.com/red_dutchess/

In Episode 6 we have the terrific Trisha Lewis, also known as Trisha's Transformation on Instagram. Trisha takes us on her journey from being morbidly obese and in the depths of depression, to learning to love herself enough to change her life forever. This uplifting and inspiring episode explains how someone fighting an incredibly difficult internal battle, can master that reset button, start again, and 'beat the bulge' for good. This woman went from avoiding photos completely to filming workouts for the nation to see. Over the next hour we discuss how to remove the bully that lives in your brain, making weight loss a positive, enjoyable process, dealing with gym fear and handling plateaus in weight loss. This is a woman who went from lashing out at the ones she loved and physically feeling like she was going to die, to waking up every morning, tying those shoelaces and getting shit done. Her basic, yet powerful daily mantra ‘do you want to be fat or fit, happy or sad, healthy or dying will help so many embarking on their journey.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Trisha Lewis https://www.instagram.com/trishas.transformation

In Episode 5 we have the ultra cool Laura Crane. I love how chilled this episode is; we had this conversation sat in loungewear, jet lagged after a long, but super fun day. We're both extremely comfortable and relaxed, and yet touch on some heavy heartfelt subjects. Laura has a really interesting and unique story. You may know her from Love Island, but she’s been a pro surfer and model for big companies like Billabong from a very young age. This episode delves into the world of being an athlete in a male dominated industry, traveling around the world without your parents from such a young age, the pros and cons of a competitive streak, proving people wrong, and dealing with negative thoughts. We also cover Laura’s journey battling and recovering from bulimia, social anxiety, being your best self, and the reality behind reality TV.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Laura Crane https://www.instagram.com/lauraloucrane
Sponsor https://www.cleancutmeals.ie/ 

Thank you to the sponsors of this episode, Ireland's leading meal prep provider, Clean Cut Meals, who are offering 20% off their meals if you use the code 'JOANNE20'.

In Episode 4 we have the beautiful and bubbly Sinead O'Brien, also known as Sinead Curvy Style. Sinead is one of those women who just makes you feel good; her uplifting spirit and happy, positive outlook on life is infectious. She's super comfortable in her own gorgeous skin and I think so many of you will benefit from this one. Sinead discusses curvy modelling and how, if the jeans don’t fit you simply need to buy bigger jeans. This episode will make you want to pack your bag full of confidence if you're going on holidays, and learn to love the skin you’re in. We had so much banter, we had belly laughs, and we also delve into you dating questions. From what it's like to date an influencer to how to know if he’s the one, dealing with cheating, strip clubs, how to not panic if you’re single in your 30s, getting back with an ex, facing fear head on, marriage and more.

Visit https://theothersideofperfect.com/
Sinead O'Brien http://www.sineadobrien.ie/