Thriving not Surviving

Keywords meditation, spirituality, sobriety, personal growth, mental health, mindfulness, healing, transformation

Summary In this conversation, Georgia Laurence shares her profound journey with meditation and spirituality, emphasizing their critical roles in her life and sobriety. She reflects on how meditation has been a life-saving practice and how spirituality has supported her sober journey.

Takeaways

· Meditation has been the practice that has saved my life.

· I would not be here if I hadn't found meditation.

· It was just complete alignment and fluke that I found it.

· If I didn't have spirituality, I probably wouldn't be sober.

· These spiritual practices are essential on my sober journey.

Sound Bites

· "I would not be here if I hadn't found meditation."

· "Meditation has been the practice that has saved my life."

· "It was just complete alignment and fluke that I found it."

Connect with Georgia

Instagram: @enchantedminds_

Facebook: Enchanted Minds

Website: Enchanted Minds

YouTube: Enchanted Minds

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, spirituality, intuitive decision-making, healing, dragons, ancestral patterns, corporate challenges, playfulness

Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Emily Janda about her transformative journey from surviving to thriving. Emily shares her childhood experiences, the impact of ancestral patterns, and her challenges in the corporate world. She discusses a near-death experience that led to a spiritual awakening and her unique work with dragons in healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intuitive decision-making, embracing playfulness, and finding joy in the present moment.

Takeaways

· Emily's journey illustrates the power of transformation.

· Childhood experiences shape our adult lives.

· Ancestral patterns can influence our sense of self.

· Corporate environments can challenge personal authenticity.

· Near-death experiences can lead to profound insights.

· Dragons symbolize strength and guidance in healing.

· Intuition is a valuable tool in decision-making.

· Embracing playfulness can enhance our lives.

· Life's challenges often lead to personal growth.

· Finding joy in the present moment is essential.

Connect with Emilie

My website: https://emiliejanda.com/

Quantum Therapy session / Ancestral healing at the DNA level: https://emiliejanda.com/quantum-therapy/

Embodying your Cosmic Blueprint / Energy Alchemy series: https://emiliejanda.com/energy-alchemist/

Dragon Initiation: https://emiliejanda.com/dragon-initiation/

MerKaBah Activation: https://emiliejanda.com/activations-initiations/merkaba-activation/

Sovereign Divine Feminine Embodiment: https://emiliejanda.com/divine-feminine-activation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantum.therapy.akena/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IpaAlAkena

Free Guided meditations for Sovereignty on YouTube.

The scientist mentioned was Nassim Haramein.

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords: infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, IVF, medical consent, abortion pill, adoption, childhood trauma, special-needs parenting, alcoholism, sobriety, Kundalini yoga, Amma (the hugging saint), Gabor Maté, Compassionate Inquiry, self-trust, forgiveness, resilience, thriving

Summary: In this deeply moving episode, Denise Sohandev shares a decade-long journey from infertility and repeated pregnancy loss to adoption, medical trauma, and the slow rebuild into a meaningful, sober life. After being told one fallopian tube was blocked, Denise experienced multiple miscarriages, a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, and two rounds of IVF (including a brief triplet pregnancy). In a rushed clinical encounter she was given an abortion pill without informed consent, a breaking point that catalysed her decision to reclaim agency and listen to her body’s signals. Denise and her husband adopted a 15-month-old son carrying early trauma; the realities of special-needs parenting collided with her work as a yoga teacher and coach, and alcohol became her coping tool. A chance trip to India in 2017, a life-affirming darshan with Amma, and the support of a new friend became the pivot: Denise chose sobriety (3 July 2017) and later trained in Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry, which helped her soften self-judgement, process childhood patterns, and move from victimhood to responsibility and compassion. Today she supports others through body-based healing, reminding us that thriving isn’t perfection—it’s tools, support, and the courage to trust your own inner knowing.

Takeaways:

1.Your body knows—learn to recognise and trust its signals.

2.Informed consent matters; slow down rushed medical decisions.

3.Grief needs space; bypassing feelings delays healing.

4.Parenting a traumatised child is a marathon—build a village of support.

5.Alcohol “works” until it doesn’t; one decision can start a new chapter.

6.Spiritual experiences can catalyse change, but daily practices sustain it.

7.Compassionate Inquiry reframes blame into understanding and choice.

8.Naming the inner critic helps you loosen its grip.

9. Forgiveness frees you first—let go so you don’t carry the prison with you.

10. Thriving ≠ constant bliss; it’s having tools, community, and self-trust.

11. Agency is reclaimed one boundary at a time—especially with authority figures.

12. Nothing was wasted: every step can become part of your medicine for others.

Resources

Gabor Mate – Compassionate enquiry

Connect with Denise

Email - [email protected]

Website denisesohandev.com

IG - Denise.sohandev

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords mental health, personal growth, resilience, memory loss, therapy, COVID-19, public speaking, purpose, burnout, recovery

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino sits down with Gareth James-Ryan, who opens up about his profound journey of rebuilding life after a serious accident, memory loss, and mental health struggles. What began as a period of confusion and disconnection evolved into a story of resilience, self-discovery, and purpose.

Gareth shares his experiences of navigating through the fog of confusion, seeking help & how therapy, self-reflection during COVID-19, and an openness to serendipity helped him navigate burnout and find new meaning through public speaking and helping others. His story is a powerful reminder that even when we lose our way, healing and clarity are possible — and thriving can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Takeaways:

• Gareth’s journey began with a life-changing accident

• COVID-19 created space for self-reflection and healing

• Memory loss revealed deeper emotional and mental health challenges

• Therapy was key to unpacking and processing his experiences

• Recognizing burnout is vital for long-term wellbeing

• Purpose and passion can be rediscovered after breakdown

• Embracing change allows growth and transformation

• Public speaking became a way to inspire others

• Serendipity often guides us toward unexpected opportunities

• Self-care and support are essential to recovery

Sound bites:

• “I had to find out who I was.”

• “I had a full mental breakdown.”

• “I was so lost and confused.”

Resources:

Jay Shetty

Connect with Gareth

Gareth James-Ryan | LinkedIn

Gareth JR | Step Zero (@gareth.jr) | TikTok

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords loneliness, community, mental health, chatty benches, support, connection, personal development, thriving, inspiration, storytelling

Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Aliya Musa about her transformative journey from personal loss to creating a community initiative called Hello Benches. After experiencing the death of her mother and the unravelling of her marriage, Aliya found purpose in addressing loneliness through the concept of chatty benches—designated spaces for people to sit and engage in conversation. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, human connection, and the ripple effect of kindness in combating loneliness. Aliya shares her vision for expanding the Hello Benches initiative across the UK, emphasizing the need for policies that promote mental health awareness and community engagement.

Takeaways

· Aliya Musa's journey illustrates the power of community support.

· Chatty benches serve as a tool to combat loneliness.

· Loneliness affects people of all ages, not just the elderly.

· The Hello Bench initiative aims to create spaces for conversation.

· The importance of human connection has been magnified post-COVID.

· Aliya's story shows how personal struggles can lead to positive change.

· The concept of Hello Benches can inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

Resources

https://www.chasingthestigma.co.uk/

https://hubofhope.co.uk/

Professor Dixon Chibanda

Connect with Aliya

linkedin.com/in/aliya-musa-ab209050

www.hellobench.org.uk

IG:@hellobench

Connect with Helen

Website:www.InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords chronic pain, alternative therapies, kinesiology, reiki, emotional healing, India, healing centre, shamanism, music therapy, nature connection

Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino sits down with healer and musician Natalie Matos for an inspiring conversation about transforming pain into purpose. Natalie shares her deeply personal journey of living with chronic back pain from a young age and how it became a catalyst for profound self-discovery. From kinesiology and reiki to shamanism and music therapy, her story explores how alternative therapies can reconnect us with our bodies and awaken emotional healing. Having spent time in India and later creating her own healing centre, Natalie’s path reveals the importance of patience, community, and connection with nature on the road to wellness. This heartfelt conversation invites listeners to honour their own healing process, trust their intuition, and explore the many ways body, mind, and spirit can come back into balance.

Takeaways

• Thriving means having the right tools and support

• Chronic pain can start early and transform through awareness

• Kinesiology reveals the body’s deeper needs

• Reiki and emotional healing are closely linked

• Time in India opened new doors to healing and self-understanding

• Creating a healing centre fosters connection and growth

• Music, voice, and vibration are powerful healers

• Nature connection restores balance and peace

• Patience is key to sustainable transformation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving and Surviving

01:40 Natalie's Journey with Chronic Back Pain

04:02 Exploring Alternative Therapies

08:27 The Impact of Kinesiology

12:38 Reiki and Emotional Healing

13:38 A Year in India: Healing and Discovery

20:06 Establishing a Healing Centre in Goa

23:15 The Evolution of Natalie's Healing Journey

28:31 The Role of Shamanism and Plant Medicine

32:26 Returning to the UK: Adjusting to Change

39:26 The Power of Music and Voice in Healing

41:13 Connecting with Nature: Practical Tips

47:23 The Importance of Self-Exploration and Healing

54:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Natalie

My Sound | Natalie Matos

Natalie Matos Music – Co-creating TRANSFORMATION THROUGH COACHING HEALING & MUSIC

IG: nataliematosmusic

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords

surviving, thriving, spiritual awakening, meditation, self-worth, healing, emotional freedom techniques, miracles, self-discovery, transformation, spirit possession

Summary

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino speaks with Claire Collard about her powerful journey from surviving to thriving. Claire opens up about early trauma, the healing path that followed, and the moment everything changed—a family trip to an abandoned beachfront hotel that turned from playful curiosity into a profound spiritual encounter with her young daughter. What began as a “spooky adventure” became a catalyst for Claire’s awakening and her lifelong connection to energy, spirit, and protection.

Together Helen and Claire explore the tools that helped her rebuild from the inside out—meditation, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), self-worth, faith, and the willingness to believe in something greater. Their conversation reminds us that even the darkest or most mysterious experiences can become doorways to love, healing, and transformation.

Takeaways

• Thriving means having the tools to navigate dark times.

• Meditation and presence bring peace and self-discovery.

• EFT offers practical relief from stress and anxiety.

• Self-worth is inherent—it doesn’t need to be earned.

• Miracles and mysteries can guide transformation when we trust the process.

• Sharing our stories inspires healing and connection.

• Revisiting the past with compassion opens space for growth.

• The power of now is truly transformative.

Resources

Gabor Mate  - “Scattered Minds”

Dick Schwatz – “No bad Parts”

Eckhardt Tolle – “The power of Now” & “A new Earth”

Connect with Claire - Claire Romero is a meditation teacher, spiritual healer, and founder of Imagine, a holistic wellbeing brand that helps people reconnect with peace, purpose, and presence. Through her online Rise & Thrive community, transformational retreats, and mindset coaching, Claire guides others to heal, awaken, and create a life that feels aligned, free, and deeply fulfilled. Her work blends modern mindset tools with ancient spiritual practices — bridging the mystical and the practical in a way that truly transforms lives

Website: Imaginemindsatpeace

IG: @imagine_mindsatpeace

Connect with Helen

🌿 Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

💫 Instagram: @helens_inspired_healing

💼 LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

📩 For full transcription: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords mental health, anxiety, depression, empathy, shamanism, Reiki, psychic abilities, healing, spirituality, community

Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Sydney, a shamanic healer and empath, about her journey through mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Sydney shares her experiences growing up in a family with mental health issues, her struggles with self-identity, and the transformative power of spirituality and community. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing symptoms of mental health issues, the role of empathy, and the journey from Reiki to shamanism. Sydney emphasizes the significance of connection and support in healing, encouraging listeners to reach out for help and explore their own spiritual gifts.

Takeaways

· Thriving means having the tools and support to navigate tough times.

· Sharing personal stories fosters deeper connections and understanding.

· Mental health issues often run in families, impacting individuals differently.

· Recognizing symptoms of anxiety and depression is crucial for seeking help.

· Understanding the differences between intuition, sensitivity, and empathy is important.

· Spiritual practices like Reiki and shamanism can complement traditional mental health treatments.

· Community and connection play vital roles in healing and personal growth.

· It's essential to find practitioners who resonate with your personal journey.

· Gratitude for life's challenges can lead to profound personal transformation.

Resources from Episode

Kevin Whitacker

Amber Price

Emily Moran

Embracing Shamanism & Twobirds Teachings

Connect with Sydney - Sydney Morrison is a Shamanic Healer, Soul Alignment Coach, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master, and founder of Light Your Path — a sanctuary for healing and remembrance. Through Celtic earth-based shamanism, intuitive coaching, and embodied practices, she helps others return to their authentic essence. Her approach is both mystical and grounded, guiding others to see healing as a homecoming to the soul.

IG - @golightyourpath

Website @ – Light your Path

Podcast @ – Podcast | Light Your Path

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551922200224

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, beauty standards, feminism, environmental awareness, sisterhood, resilience, empowerment, self-acceptance

Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', Helen Valentino speaks with Elenice Faria about her journey from Brazil to London and back, embracing her natural beauty, and the societal pressures surrounding aging and appearance. They discuss the importance of sisterhood, resilience, and making informed choices about personal and environmental health. Elenice shares her experiences with career transformation, the challenges of returning to Brazil, and the impact of societal beauty standards on women. Helen and Elenice highlight how knowledge, self-acceptance, and community support can guide us toward thriving with authenticity and grace, in a world that often imposes unrealistic expectations.

Takeaways

• Thriving means having the tools to navigate challenges.
• Aging should be embraced as a beautiful process.
• Societal pressures can impact self-image and career opportunities.
• Sisterhood provides strength and support during tough times.
• Empowerment comes from making informed choices about health and beauty products.
• Self-care should not be equated with cosmetic surgery.
• Women should respect each other's choices regarding appearance.
• The fashion industry often overlooks the value of older individuals.
• Environmental awareness is crucial for future generations.
• Knowledge and skills can lead to greater self-sufficiency and empowerment.

Sound Bites

• "I decided to let my hair go grey."
• "Sisterhood gives me strength."
• "We must respect other people's choices."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving Not Surviving

01:24 Elenice's Journey from Brazil to London

04:53 Embracing Natural Beauty and Aging

10:44 Cultural Pressures and Societal Expectations

20:42 The Impact of Societal Norms on Self-Image

25:29 Challenging Beauty Standards and Aging

35:53 Empowering Women to Make Informed Choices

38:17 Learning New Skills for Sustainability

39:57 Restoration and Sustainability in Practice

43:38 The Importance of Self-Sufficiency

51:05 Building Self-Confidence and Vulnerability

54:06 The Impact of Societal Expectations on Self-Image

Resources: Book “Intimacy” by Ita O’Brien - Buy Book

Connect with Elenice

YT @ angablue

IG @ elenicefaria1

Connect with Helen

Helen on LinkedIn

www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

YT: @ HelenValentino-pq7so

IG: helens_inspired_healing

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551922200224

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino welcomes Sanna, a seasoned practitioner in somatic healing and trauma recovery. Together, they explore Sanna’s journey from moving through her own trauma to guiding others with powerful practices such as TRE (Trauma and Tension Release Exercises) and breathwork.

The conversation highlights the importance of emotional release, the transformative role of gratitude, and the truth that thriving is not a destination but an ongoing process.

Sanna also shares stories from her sailing adventure from South Africa to the Caribbean, offering lessons in surrender, trust, and adaptability. She reminds us that all emotions — even anger — have a place in our healing journey when they’re acknowledged and expressed.

This heartfelt episode is an invitation to reconnect with your body, process your emotions, and discover resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery on the path to healing.

Key Takeaways

· Healing often begins with our own lived experiences.

· TRE supports the release of stored trauma in the body.

· Emotional release is vital for health and well-being.

· Breathwork opens pathways to self-discovery and empowerment.

· Life challenges invite surrender and inner strength.

· Thriving is a continual journey, rooted in resilience.

· Gratitude shifts perspective and nurtures growth.

· Anger, when expressed healthily, is part of emotional balance.

· Feelings are temporary and can move through us when we allow them.

Memorable Soundbites

· “My mess became my message.”

· “Thriving is an inside job.”

· “Plans are just ideas.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving and Sanna's Journey

02:49 Sanna's Background and Healing Journey

09:30 Understanding TRE: Trauma and Tension Release Exercises

15:14 The Power of Alchemy in Healing

20:18 The Concept of Thriving: An Inside Job

27:59 The Role of Breathwork in Personal Empowerment

31:35 Sailing Adventure: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

34:25 Navigating the High Seas Cape Town to the Caribbean

39:16 Lessons in Surrender and Adaptability

45:56 The Power of Emotions: Anger and Acceptance

55:44 Healing Through Expression and Connection

01:01:48 Thriving in the Moment: Embracing Feelings

Connect with Sanna

IG: Growrecoverdiscover

Website: www.growrecoverdiscover.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.