The Return Podcast

The Return Podcast: Letting Go, Reclaiming Desire, and Becoming Someone NewWhat if the identity you’re trying to release is also the part of you working hardest to keep you safe?

Marilyn Fontaine explores the uncomfortable, liberating transition of the second half of life, where grief, self-judgment, sensuality, and reinvention all ask you to stop living by someone else’s rules.As the seasons shift toward autumn and the equinox, Marilyn reflects on what it means to shed an old identity while making room for a new one. She examines the “anti-hero” within: the inner critic, saboteur, and protective mind that turns past adversity into reasons to stay small, isolated, or invisible.

You’ll discover how to:-

Recognize when your inner critic is disguising fear as practical advice,

Question the identities you adopted to keep the peace or meet society’s expectations- Reclaim sensuality, creativity, pleasure, and desire at any age-

Distinguish fear of rejection from the deeper fear of vulnerability and commitment

Lean into discomfort and listen to the messages your body is sending you.

Reinvent yourself authentically without creating another perfect persona to perform

Through reflections on menopause as an awakening, the courage to dance, dress, love, create, and connect differently, and the symbolism of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in *The Wizard of Oz*,

Marilyn asks a powerful question: are you waiting for someone else to rescue you when you already have what you need to find your way home?

This is a candid meditation for anyone navigating transition, loneliness, grief, changing relationships, an emerging sensuality, or the sense that their old life no longer fits.

You do not have to have everything figured out. You only have to become curious about what wants to be released, reclaimed, and brought into the next season of your life.

Soft power is not performance, and creative authority is not waiting for permission.

Marilyn breaks down the difference between looking powerful and actually being rooted, self-supported, and creatively free - especially if you are trying to build a real practice, not just an online persona.

You'll discover:-

Why soft power starts with finitude, freedom, solitude, and meaning-

How creative authority shows up in art, food, hosting, and everyday life-

Why validation-seeking can weaken your creative voice-

The danger of confusing external status with genuine wisdom-

How collectors, workshops, and community spaces can sustain an artist beyond galleries.

Marilyn also challenges the idea that artists should wait to be discovered, arguing instead for direct relationships, accessible work, and a practice that serves both the public and the maker. For anyone feeling stuck, isolated, overly performative, or unsure whether their work has meaning, this episode offers a grounding reset.

She also discussed The Return cohort and her free community spaces for listeners who want to reconnect with their own creative power in a real, supportive container.

Essential listening if you are craving more authenticity, more courage, and a clearer way to define success on your own terms.

.Timestamps

00:00 - Season four opener and why this episode is about soft power

01:59 - Recent commissions, workshops, and the reality of sustaining an art practice

04:09 - Why artists need collectors, not just gallery approval

05:09 - The sacred ordinary, gardening, and slow creative growth

06:35 - From everyday life into the idea of soft power

08:00 - Why external image is not the same as real power

09:58 - Soft power as self-acceptance, patience, and polarity

11:00 - Wisdom versus expertise and why lived experience matters

12:27 - Creativity, pain, love, and emotional pressure as sources of work

13:23 - The Roots Picnic, collective energy, and spiritual space in live events

14:50 - Finitude, freedom, and choosing what matters in second life

16:16 - Solitude versus isolation and choosing the right people

17:32 - When performance replaces authenticity

19:54 - Self-power as solitude, not shutdown

20:54 - Meaning, purpose, and how to find your way back

21:20 - Introducing The Return cohort and who it is for

23:10 - Moving from soft power into creative authority

24:08 - Creating a publication or companion piece for socially engaged work

25:08 - Creative authority as truth-telling and space-holding

26:06 - Defining your own creative practice without external approval

27:04 - Don’t box artists in or judge their path

28:05 - Curiosity, play, and allowing inspiration to arrive

28:33 - Community, witnessed practice, and why solitude is not isolation

29:57 - Free spaces, guided support, and how people are thriving

30:24 - Closing questions on activating soft power and creative authority.

Notable quotes

“Power is being able to know your strengths and your weaknesses.”

“The only exclusive club you need to belong to is you, your guides, and your ancestors.”

“Your creative power belongs to you.”

The Sacred Ordinary: Embracing Rituals and Presence in Daily Life. Discover how finding sacred moments in everyday routines can enrich your life and deepen your connection to the present.

In this episode, I share personal practices, insights on astrology, and practical ways to cultivate mindfulness and intentionality in mundane acts.

Please note: due to a request from The Return cohort members, this space will no longer be an open cohort as described in this episode, but a closed six-week circle

Main Topics:

• The concept of the "Sacred Ordinary" and its significance
• Ritualising daily routines to enhance mindfulness and grounding
• The impact of social media culture on authentic living
• How astrology informs personal grounding and relaxation
• Creating intimate, non-performative gatherings at home

I introduce the idea of transforming mundane acts into sacred rituals

• How I explore my own morning routine, including face massage, gardening, and cooking from scratch
• I discuss the importance of being present and avoiding performative social media sharing
• I highlight the influence of astrology, especially North and South Nodes, on my own personal grounding
• I emphasise the importance of authentic relationships and cultivating spaces for connection
• I reflect on the tension between visibility and genuine presence in today's digital culture
• Lastly, I offer practical tips for incorporating sacred moments into everyday life, like garden walks, shared meals, and intentional gatherings
• Promotes upcoming programs and retreats focused on embodiment and self-discovery

In this episode:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode "The Sacred Ordinary"
00:30 - Marilyn's hair and weather update in England
01:22 - The energy of her basement space and meditation vibes
01:50 - Explanation of "Sacred Ordinary" through astrology and daily rituals
02:33 - The significance of North Node in Taurus and grounding practices
03:01 - Marilyn's personal journey from chaos to calmness and relaxation
03:32 - The depths of Scorpio and its association with occult and psychology
04:28 - Living in alignment with North Node and embodying sacred acts in daily routine
04:55 - ADHD and routines as sacred acts for grounding
05:25 - Morning rituals: face massage, prayer, garden time
06:22 - Connecting with nature and nurturing through gardening and herbal teas
07:13 - Intentional food preparation and pantry organisation
08:08 - Managing energy and dopamine with morning protein intake
08:37 - Balancing working from home, inspiration, and routine
09:02 - Practising presence over scrolling and digital distraction
09:30 - Embracing nourishing food and mindful eating as sacred acts
10:26 - Hosting a farm-to-table supper club and celebrating communal sacred moments
11:21 - Planning seasonal harvest gatherings and honouring nature’s gifts
12:22 - Building goals aligned with seasonal energy and reflection
12:52 - Curating small, intimate gatherings for authentic connection
13:21 - The Gathering Circle to know more, click here.

The Myth of Starting Your Life Over.

In this episode, I discuss the misconceptions surrounding our life experiences and the expectation that they should be linear. In reality, life is not that straightforward. Many of us are considered "late starters," and I share my own artistic journey, which began at around age 47. This episode reaffirms that the only right time to start is right now. Grab your drink and listen in. P.S. Don't forget to subscribe and share if you find this podcast helpful!

To join the Return 6-week circle (and not 8 weeks as stated) click here.

mjfontaine-sndqbl.subscribepage.io

Unlock your creative confidence after forty with my inspiring journey through adversity, transformation, and self-expression. If you've ever felt that your best days are behind you, think again. My story proves that your most prolific, imaginative years are still ahead. At 49, I hosted my first solo art exhibition; by 58, I was making documentaries and commanding public art projects. The powerful truth? Creativity isn’t just for the young; it’s a resource that matures and deepens with age, especially when fueled by resilience and life experience. In this episode, I share my raw and inspiring stories of leaving toxic jobs and relationships, and how those hardships ignited my creative rebirth. You'll discover how adversity can catalyse your artistic and entrepreneurial pursuits. I dive into the pivotal moments that unlocked my confidence, from completing my teaching qualifications at 39 to selling artwork that moved magazines, all while battling imposter syndrome and anxiety.

My journey highlights that your gifts become clearer when you embrace the challenges and permit yourself to step into your genius.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a call to action, this episode affirms that your most impactful years are still in front of you. If this episode resonates with you, the waiting list for my new small circle called "The Return" is open. Perfect for anyone who feels it's too late or is uncertain about the next chapter. If you’re ready to reclaim your creativity and harness your life’s experiences, this conversation is your blueprint for unlocking your divine genius and creating your best life yet.

Join the Waiting List

In this second episode we explore what happens when women stop building lives entirely around survival and begin reconnecting with joy again.

The Return Podcast.

We are back !!!

We are returning after a long hiatus and with a New Season and a new name for this season. The Return.

Your new favourite podcast is now bi-weekly and focuses on everything simple, soft, exciting, and all the topics that affect Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial women.

This will be your new favourite podcast, airing bi-weekly and focusing on everything simple, soft, exciting, and relevant to Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial women, so save, comment and share with your besties.

Questions for contemplation.

What training or tools can you now consolidate into a service for more income or to serve your community?

Growing videos.

Herbs for indoors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X17I6aOI6us

Growing in containers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1C_XmNF6AM&t=140s

Welcome back to me! We are returning after a long hiatus and with a New Season and a new name for this season. The Return.

Your new favourite podcast will be bi-weekly and focus on everything simple, soft, exciting, and all the topics that affect Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial women.

We are focusing so much on how to bio- hack our lives, but not on how to live authentically. Episode 1 drops on Tuesday, 19th May. Don't forget to subscribe and rate the show. Welcome back! We are returning after a long hiatus with a new season and a new name: **The Return**. This will be your new favourite podcast, airing bi-weekly and focusing on everything simple, soft, exciting, and relevant to Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial women. Our emphasis will be on how to live authentically rather than just how to hack life. Episode 1 drops on Tuesday, May 19th. Don’t forget to subscribe and rate the show!

In this episode, we continue to talk about relationships friends, and men (heterosexual )

The good the bad and the challenging

The effect of Social media on relationships, dating and courting.

The mafia-type men in my family are growing up.

How complex PTSD impacts relationships.

The man on the street Reiki healer

How our encounters are lessons and how we need to forgive.

This is a Candid conversation

Strong Language.

Welcome back to Autumn and a Bonus Episode

I am joined by my special guest host Chia Phoenix and we have a candid conversation about where we are emotionally, physically and spiritually.

In this episode, we cover Childhood trauma, friendships, therapy, people pleasing and how we are living in a regulated state after recovering from Complex PTSD.

In part 2 (next week) we speak about romantic relationships and how we are preparing for a healthy partnership.

Trigger warning: there is talk about emotional breakdown, mental health, depression and sexual assault alongside the benefits of therapy and movement.

My website www.mjfontaine.co.uk

My Artist site https://marilynfontaineart.weebly.com/

About Chia Chia Phoenix is a London-based creative activist &  spiritual mentor, who works as an arts educator,  mentor and guide using tools for healthy creative expression through healing modalities. She has worked across the arts as an actor,  playwright, poet and director as well as in the criminal justice system using the arts as a form of rehabilitation. She works with both young people and  adults in the community. Inspiring others to feel free in who they are as their authentic selves, hold accountability for how they show up through shadow work and own who they need to be not just who they want to be
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SpreadLove BeLove OneLove
Chia Phoenix Spiritual Mentor/Readings
07487 205 270www.chiasjourneywithin.com[email protected]