In this episode we waffle on about how animals enhance our mental health and wellbeing. Pets offer more than just companionship; they provide emotional support, joy, and a sense of purpose. In this episode, we explore the profound impact pets have on our wellbeing, with some rather surprising discussion points along the way...

This week on The Wellness Waffle Podcast we’re joined by the wonderful Emma Hatton.

Intrusive thoughts.

Most of us have them.

Very few of us talk about them. 

And because we don’t talk about them, it’s easy to believe we’re the only one… or worse, that having them somehow says something terrible about who we are.

In this episode, Vik & Han having a proper waffle on about intrusive thoughts.

We explore what they are, why our brains produce them, where they come from, & why they’re actually a completely normal part of being human.

Along the way, we share some of our own experiences, challenge some common misconceptions, & hopefully leave you feeling a little less alone & a lot more compassionate towards yourself.

Sometimes, understanding your mind is the first step towards being kinder to it.

In this episode you will meet Angela, a lady who has been through life's hardest challenges and has come out the other end changing people's lives in the most beautiful way. From a high flying legal career to finding herself at home in nature, listen to her story and learn how sometimes you have to grip life by the geraniums and just go for it.

In this episode, our wafflers Vikki and Hannah discuss what confidence is, how it looks, what it means, and how it can be misunderstood. If you have ever wondered why some people appear more confident than others or what you can do to build your own confidence, then the wafflers are here to answer your questions.

In this episode Vikki and Hannah talk to Vickie Bess who shares her experiences of being adopted as a baby and feeling like she never really belonged...that was until she started making some life changing choices. Vickie's story covers complex family relationships, overcoming the odds, and self-discovery. 

In this episode, Vikki and Hannah talk about the cause and impact of overwhelm. Why does it happen? How do we know we are in the middle of it? And what can we do to address it? Listen to the waffle to find out!

In this episode we meet Rachel Byrne, who talks to us about the consequences she suffered as a result of burnout. In a world that rewards over functioning and high stress working, Rach's story is one we all need to listen to. Rising from the ashes, Rach tells us about the changes she has made in her life as a result of the terrifying impact burnout had on her health and how she now views the world that put so much pressure on her.

Have you ever wondered what being happy really looks like? Maybe wondered why one person is "happier" than the other? Or perhaps asked the burning question, "what is happiness anyway?!" Well, Vikki and Hannah are here with some answers (and more questions) in this episode, where they explore the science of happiness including what it is, where it comes from, and how it really isn't in the places we so often want to find it. 

In this episode you will meet Sammi. Whilst she runs a successful business that supports women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, the road has not been without its challenges for her. Carving her own path from a young age, Sammi talks to us about how she turned trauma, tragedy, and adversity into opportunity and strength. 

This is a fascinating episode where we learn about the human spirit, the thirst for knowledge, and the road to rebellion. There are many twists and turns in this episode but please do be aware of the trigger warning at the beginning.

TW: covers topics including baby death, alcohol addiction, and abuse