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In this episode of Tranquil Topics, host Stephanie Graham welcomes back Corrina Morris of Guiding Stars Feng Shui, a modern-day Feng Shui consultant, to discuss how Feng Shui can help alleviate the stress of the Christmas season. Corrina explains the principles of Flying Star Feng Shui, the impact of holiday decorations on energy flow, and practical tips for creating a peaceful home environment during the festive period. The conversation covers everything from colour choices in decorations to managing clutter and preparing for guests, all while emphasising the importance of mindfulness and energy awareness.

December doesn’t have to feel like a pressure cooker. Corrina shares simple, modern ways to keep your home calm during the holidays—without redecorating or spending a fortune. We dig into why classic red can spark more arguments than joy, how too many spiky ornaments at the front door invite edgy energy inside, and why an artificial tree placed in the centre of your home might leave everyone feeling run down.

Corrina explains Flying Stars Feng Shui in plain English, mapping the home by true compass directions and linking areas to health, love, wealth, and career. You’ll hear practical ideas for the dining table that encourage warmth and kinder conversations, including rounded decor, grounding metallics, and supportive crystals like rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, and black tourmaline. We also tackle the silent holiday saboteur—clutter—and share quick strategies to keep the front door clear so good energy can flow into every room.

Hosting, gifting, and resetting your space gets easier with a few rituals: open back windows to release stale vibes, welcome fresh energy through the front door, and use music to break up heaviness fast. As we close out the season, Corrina offers a clear path to the Feng Shui new year in early February with goal-setting tips for each compass area and a rising phoenix symbol. Gentle, doable, and family-friendly, these steps help you protect your peace and design a December that finally feels like home.

To connect with Corrina, please follow the links below:

Email: [email protected]

Website: Guiding Stars Feng Shui

Instagram: @guidingstarsfengshui

Facebook: Guiding Stars Feng Shui

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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Les Jones is a designer, street photographer, writer, artist, speaker and publisher. He is the founder of one-man, creative magazine, Elsie, and the international art publication, Contemporary Collage Magazine. As one client once put it...'Les doesn't just think outside the box, he lives outside the box'. 

What if two days in a collage class could reshape a creative life? We sit with Les Jones to explore how a spark in lockdown became Contemporary Collage Magazine, a global artist network, and the first UK contemporary collage conference. Les contrasts the intimate, playful side of Elsie magazine which reached The Museum of Modern Art and the New York Library Journal with the rigor of building a commercial publication that now connects hundreds of artists across continents.

The stories are irresistible. A typed letter from Tom Hanks about lost gloves leads to a handwritten interview. An afternoon hunt for street posters ends with a single scrap of paper printed with “Les,” a wink from the universe to keep going. A lifelong admiration for Sir Peter Blake turns into an in-person interview and an original collage made just for Les. Threaded through it all is a simple rule with big consequences: when you do stuff, other stuff happens.

We go deep on the mindset that keeps the work alive. Les shares how to make for yourself first, why comparison drains joy, and how to find creative flow through tactile making. He offers practical tools for blocks and three street photography principles that scale to any craft: be receptive, be bold, and don’t be afraid to ask. If you’ve ever felt “not an artist,” this conversation hands you permission and a plan.

Please connect with Les using the links below:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.contemporarycollagemagazine.com/

@lesjonescollage

@contemporarycollagemagazine

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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When life gets loud with uncertainty, it’s easy to let other people’s opinions drown out your own. This episode starts with a personal update on the job hunt after graduating uni and what it’s really like to face a wall of rejections, why a jobs fair left me stunned, and how careless words can puncture confidence if we let it. I share the moment I remembered an old “you’ll never get it” verdict from a recruiter — and how I landed that office manager role anyway — because gatekeepers don’t decide your value, they only guess from a distance.

We dig into the mindset shift that changed everything: rejection as redirection. Instead of scrambling from fear, I paused to notice the freedom I actually have and the space it gives me to explore work that aligns with my passions and interests. You’ll hear a story inspired by Lisa Kudrow’s early career setbacks (link below), proof that closed doors set up better ones. Then we get practical with tools to steady the unknown.

Follow this link for Lisa Kudrow's speech as mentioned on the episode.

If you’re navigating career change, graduate job searches, or any season of not-knowing, this conversation will help you protect your self-worth and move forward with simple, doable actions. You’re more than your past roles, more than anyone’s opinion, and closer than you think to a room that fits you. It's okay to want more for yourself and you just have to trust the process.

Press play, then share this with someone who needs a lift today. If the episode helps, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what’s one belief you’re reframing right now?

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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Have you ever wondered what happens when you finally say "yes" to that idea you've been hesitating to pursue? As Tranquil Topics celebrates its first anniversary, I'm reflecting on the remarkable journey from nervous first-time podcaster to connecting with listeners across 20 countries and 183 cities.

This milestone episode offers a candid look at both the triumphs and challenges of building something meaningful from scratch. I share my recent Mercury retrograde misadventures (when everything from our fridge to our car headlight simultaneously broke) and how an unexpected week of dog sitting for a black labrador named Cooper provided a much-needed pause during my job hunting journey. There's something powerful about embracing life's unplanned moments that often prepare us for whatever comes next.

The podcast landscape has transformed my approach to uncertainty. Each job rejection now receives a spoken "thank you" as I trust that better opportunities are coming. This shift in perspective—learning to articulate intentions clearly while remaining open to possibilities—has been one of many unexpected gifts from podcasting. Others include newfound confidence in networking situations, meaningful connections with guests who have become friends, and the realisation that vulnerability creates authentic connection. As Christina from Indigo Holistics (episode 27) recently asked me: "What else is possible for you?" It's a question worth asking yourself too. Whether you're considering starting your own creative project or facing a period of uncertainty, remember that amazing things happen when you step beyond habitual patterns and simply begin. Subscribe for more conversations that inspire, inform, and create moments of tranquility in your day.

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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Christina is a counsellor, holistic therapist and meditation teacher based in Bolton, UK. She offers one to one sessions in talking therapy, holistic and spiritual coaching, Reiki, aromatherapy massage and crystal healing, while also hosting regular meditation classes and holistic workshops. She is passionate about helping clients to empower their own wellbeing, reconnect with their inner voice, reclaim their stories and explore their soul journeys.

Step into a world where physical symptoms speak the language of unresolved emotions and energy flows through invisible pathways within us. Christina from Indigo Holistics shares her remarkable journey from sceptical law student suffering debilitating migraines to becoming a holistic therapist who bridges traditional counselling with energy healing.

What makes our bodies manifest pain when emotional issues remain unaddressed? Christina reveals how the mind, body and spirit operate in different timeframes - your physical body experiences the present moment, emotions process the past, and thoughts project into the future - all connected by your timeless spirit. This fascinating framework helps explain why addressing symptoms without healing root causes creates cycles of recurring problems.

For sceptics, Christina offers a thoughtful perspective, comparing our energy fields to invisible technologies we readily accept like WiFi and radio waves. She doesn't demand blind faith but instead invites curiosity and firsthand experience: "Don't knock it till you've tried it." Her message empowers listeners to trust their intuition and recognise that on some level, we already possess the wisdom needed for our healing journey.

Ready to explore how energy healing might complement your wellness journey? Connect with Christina using the links below to discover how addressing the whole self - mind, body and spirit - can lead to profound transformation and authentic living.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.indigo-holistics.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigo.holistics/services

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigo.holistics/

Youtube: Indigo Holistics

LinkedIn: Christina Page

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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When was the last time you truly celebrated a personal achievement? Not just the obvious milestones, but those quiet victories that might seem insignificant to others yet represent profound growth for you?

Through stories of an unexpected Portugal adventure (complete with a hilarious shoe disaster at a formal event) and reflections on my recent graduation ceremony, this episode explores the transformative power of validating your own progress. We dig into the science behind celebration—how acknowledging achievements releases dopamine, reinforces positive behaviors, and builds confidence for future challenges.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is the recognition that wins come in all sizes. External wins might be visible to everyone, but sometimes our biggest victories are completely invisible to others—like saying no when you usually say yes, setting a difficult boundary, or finally completing a task you've been avoiding. These micro-wins may seem too small to matter, but they're essential building blocks of personal growth.

Many of us struggle with guilt or shame around celebrating ourselves. We downplay our achievements, thinking "it's not that big a deal" or "others have done more." But comparison truly is the thief of joy. Your journey is uniquely yours, and if something has stretched you, challenged you, or changed you, it deserves to be honored.

The people who genuinely support you will celebrate your success without competition or jealousy. They will pick you up during moments of self-doubt and reflect back your growth when you can't see it yourself.

Today, I challenge you to acknowledge one win from your past week, no matter how small. Write it down, say it out loud, share it with someone who cares. Because you're doing better than you think, and every single win counts on this journey of growth.

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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Dave Holt from DH360 Fitness dives deep into the often-overlooked world of men's health with host Steph, exploring the unique physiological needs men face throughout their lifetime.

At the heart of male wellness lies strength training - not just for aesthetics, but as a cornerstone of disease prevention and longevity. Dave explains how building muscle in your 20s and 30s creates a critical reserve that protects against age-related decline when testosterone naturally drops after 35. "We want to prioritize strength training and muscle building... gaining a little bit of muscle in our early 20s and 30s is key because it will stand us in good stead as we age," Dave emphasizes.

The conversation reveals surprising insights about training blind spots men typically develop. Many believe playing sports or running eliminates the need for leg training, despite quads and glutes being the first muscle groups to deteriorate with age. This deterioration directly correlates with increased diabetes risk and metabolic issues. Meanwhile, flexibility work - often dismissed until injury forces the issue - proves essential for maintaining joint integrity and preventing the "vicious circle" of chronic pain and decreased activity.

Nutritionally, Dave challenges low-fat diet culture that can devastate men's hormonal health. He outlines specific requirements for protein intake, emphasizes the importance of saturated fats as precursors for testosterone production, and discusses supplement recommendations. Most importantly, Dave connects physical and mental health through movement.

Want to optimize your health as a man or support the men in your life? You can follow and connect with Dave using the details below:

Instagram: @dh360fitness

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Dave Holt

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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What if everything you've been told about women's fitness is working against your body's natural rhythms? In this eye-opening conversation with Dave Holt from DH360 Fitness, we unpack the unique physiological needs of the female body and why conventional approaches often miss the mark.

"Muscle is the organ of longevity," Dave explains, challenging the cardio-first mentality that dominates women's fitness. While running and cycling benefit cardiovascular health, they don't provide the bone-strengthening, metabolism-boosting effects of resistance training that women desperately need to prevent osteopenia and sarcopenia as they age. The prescription? Just 2-4 strength sessions weekly, adapted to your experience level and hormonal phase.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when exploring the female hormonal cycle and its profound impact on everything from workout performance to nutritional needs. During the luteal phase (second half of your cycle), your metabolic rate naturally increases - potentially requiring up to 300 additional daily calories. This revelation directly contradicts the uniform calorie-restriction many women follow year-round. "Your body is screaming for high-density nutrition," Dave emphasises, particularly more carbohydrates during this phase.

For women navigating specific life stages, Dave offers tailored insights for pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause - where stress management becomes paramount as adrenal glands take over oestrogen production. The conventional approach of intense exercise to combat menopausal weight changes? It might actually exacerbate hormonal imbalances rather than help.

Whether you're struggling with period symptoms, preparing for pregnancy, navigating menopause, or simply wanting to optimise your female physiology, this conversation provides a roadmap to working with your body rather than against it. Ready to transform your relationship with your uniquely female body? This episode is your starting point.

You can connect with Dave using the details below for personalised support:

Instagram: @dh360fitness

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Dave Holt

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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"I’m Mithila, a style coach who is passionate about creativity, cultural heritage and sustainability. Personal style can be self-care and getting dressed can be joyful! If you need some support on the journey to finding your authentic style or would like to collaborate then please get in touch."

Ever felt like your wardrobe doesn't truly reflect who you are? Sustainable Style Coach Mithila Ramagavigan transforms this common frustration into an opportunity for self-discovery and joyful expression.

Clothing isn't just what covers our bodies - it's how we communicate with the world. Mithila's approach blends colour psychology, sustainability, and personal identity to help people rediscover their authentic style. Through her business Life in Colour, she guides clients to wardrobes that feel genuinely aligned with who they are and how they want to show up in the world.

The magic of colour analysis opens doors to shades many have previously dismissed. This process frequently leads to surprising discoveries and colours once avoided become new favorites.

Mithila also addresses the environmental impact of our clothing choices. "The easiest way to have a sustainable wardrobe is to wear what you already have," she emphasises. In a world of micro-trends that cycle through in mere weeks, finding lasting joy in what we already own becomes a revolutionary act.

For those feeling stuck in a style rut, Mithila offers a playful solution that worked for her: "I just came up with random characters and became that character for a day." This approach helped her incorporate more of her South Asian heritage into her daily style, starting with bold jewellery and gradually building confidence with full outfits. Her three personal style words - playful, vibrant, and desi - guide every outfit choice.

Ready to reconnect with your authentic style? Start by identifying what truly makes you feel confident and joyful, not what others expect you to wear. As Mithila beautifully articulates, "Put other people's ideas and expectations of who you should be to one side. Think about how you want to take up space in the world, and dress for yourself - because you're worth it."

To connect with Mithila, please use the links below:

Website: https://www.itsacolourfullife.co.uk/

Instagram: @lifeincolouruk

LinkTree: lifeincolouruk

Links to resources mentioned in this episode are below:

Shakaila Forbes-Bell, Fashion Psychologist

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

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Luke Mather is a Chartered Independent Financial Planner at Suttons IFA, a newly chartered firm based in Sale. With a diverse client base, Luke specialises in supporting business owners - helping them stay on top of their financial plans so they can stay focused on growing their businesses.

Money troubles keeping you up at night? You're not alone. That's why this conversation with Luke Mather cuts through the noise to explore the deep connection between financial stress and mental wellbeing.

"We don't get taught anything like that at school," Luke explains, highlighting why so many of us struggle with financial literacy. From creating emergency funds to navigating investments, from understanding credit scores to planning retirement, this episode delivers practical wisdom for every stage of your financial journey.

The discussion tackles uncomfortable truths about our relationship with money. Luke reveals how social media fuels dangerous spending habits, why checking investment values too frequently creates unnecessary anxiety, and how small subscription costs silently drain our accounts. But more importantly, he offers simple, actionable strategies to regain control.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Luke's compassionate approach. Rather than judging financial mistakes, he acknowledges they're normal and provides clear steps forward. His six-point action plan gives listeners immediate tools to transform their financial wellness – treating savings like non-negotiable bills, creating annual budgets that include irregular expenses, and opening honest money conversations with loved ones.

Whether you're drowning in debt, confused about investing options, or simply seeking better financial peace of mind, Luke's insights provide a roadmap to both financial stability and improved mental health. Because as he emphasises throughout our conversation, it's never too late to change your money story.

To connect with Luke, please use the links below:

LinkedIn: Luke Mather

Email: [email protected]

https://www.suttonsifa.co.uk/

Thank you for tuning into this episode! If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a 5* review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps to reach more listeners and continue sharing meaningful content.

"ZapSplat" is the resource used for the intro and outro music in this podcast. You can check them out for your own music requirements at the link below:
https://www.zapsplat.com/music/get-the-groove-an-uplifting-energetic-funky-modern-disco-pop-with-the-feel-of-a-band-piano-drums-guitar-disco-strings-and-more/

For more insights and updates, follow Tranquil Topics on social media or visit the website on the links below.

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