In this episode of Untold Chapters, I’m joined by Emily O’Brien, a brand strategist and copywriter whose career took an unexpected turn when she found out she was having identical twins. With her sights set on becoming a Brand Director, Emily was on a clear career path, until life had other plans.

Faced with the reality of raising three children under two, Emily made the decision to leave employment, move house, and go freelance. What could have been a daunting challenge became an opportunity to create a career on her own terms. Now, she gets to choose her clients, shape her own schedule, and build a business that works around family life.

If you’ve ever had to rethink your career due to unexpected life changes, Emily’s story is proof that sometimes, the best opportunities come from the moments we least expect.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How becoming a mum of three reshaped Emily’s career path
• The reality of making big life decisions under pressure
• How freelancing gave her the flexibility she needed—without sacrificing ambition
• Why pivoting in your career can lead to something even better

About Emily O’Brien:

Emily is a brand strategist and copywriter helping businesses define their messaging and build a brand with impact.

Links and Resources:

Follow Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-o-brien/

Check out Emily’s website: https://www.follycreative.co.uk/

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/emily-o-brien

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

In this episode of Untold Chapters, I’m joined by copywriter, Matt Drzymała. After experiencing a breakdown, Matt knew something had to change. Instead of pushing through in a way that wasn’t serving him, he made the bold decision to reshape his work-life balance—choosing clients that aligned with his values, setting boundaries to protect his mental health, and leaning into his love of fun, personality-driven writing.

We talk about how Matt reshaped his business to work for him, why saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes, and the unexpected joy that came from fully embracing his unique writing style.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a way of working that isn’t serving you, this episode is a reminder that it’s possible to rewrite the rules and build a career that brings you joy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Matt’s breakdown led to a major shift in his career
• The importance of setting boundaries and choosing the right clients
• Why embracing fun and personality in writing can be a game-changer
• How prioritising mental health leads to better work and a happier life

About Matt Drzymala:

Matt is a copywriter who specialises in fun, personality-packed content that makes brands stand out.

Links and Resources:

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdrzymala/

Check out Matt’s website: https://indeliblethink.co.uk

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/matt-drzymala

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

In this episode of Untold Chapters, I’m joined by Jools Aspinall, a neurodiversity trainer, consultant, coach and cpeaker who helps people navigate change with confidence. Jools’ career took an unexpected turn when an injury forced her to change things. But instead of seeing it as the end of something, she embraced it as a new beginning.

We talk about how Jools adapted to this life changing moment, the challenges of redefining her career, and how she now supports others in finding clarity and purpose during times of transition.

If you’ve ever faced a setback that made you rethink everything, this episode will remind you that change (even though its difficult) can lead to incredible new opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Jools’ injury reshaped her career and outlook on work
• The emotional and practical challenges of navigating a major life transition
• Why coaching and mentorship can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth
• How to turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for reinvention

About Jools Aspinall:

Jools is a leadership consultant, trainer, coach, mentor and speaker, specialising in neurodiversity and positive psychology. Jools helps businesses to create inclusive workplaces.

Links and Resources:

Follow Jools on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jools-aspinall/

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/jools-aspinall

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

In this episode of Untold Chapters, I’m joined by Jo Hooper, the founder of Get Wildly Free. After experiencing significant mental health challenges, Jo’s perspective on work and success changed completely. Instead of pushing through, she chose to build a career that prioritises wellbeing, and now she helps others do the same.

We talk about Jo’s journey from the corporate world to running her own business, how mental health shaped her path, and why she’s passionate about helping people create work that truly works for them.

If you’ve ever struggled in the workplace, questioned traditional work structures, or wanted to build a more sustainable career, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Jo’s mental health experiences reshaped her career path
• What it was like for Jo leaving corporate life to start her own business
• Why it’s okay to redefine success on your own terms

About Jo Hooper:

Jo is the founder of Get Wildly Free, a business that helps people build work and careers that feel good, without burnout.

Links and Resources:

Learn more about Get Wildly Free: https://getwildlyfree.co.uk/

Follow Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfree/

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/jo-hooper

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

In this episode of Untold Chapters, I’m joined by Georgia Williams, the founder of Ray of Social. Georgia’s journey is one of creativity, determination, and resilience. After being made redundant during the pandemic, Georgia used this unexpected challenge as an opportunity to start her own business.

We explore how Georgia built Ray of Social, the lessons she’s learned about navigating uncertainty, and how appearing on a national talent competition became a surprising and joyful part of her story. Georgia’s insights and experiences will inspire anyone seeking to turn challenges into opportunities and carve their own path.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Georgia transformed redundancy into an opportunity to launch her business
• The challenges and rewards of starting a business during the pandemic
• Insights into building a creative, purpose-driven career
• How unexpected moments, like appearing on a national talent show, can shape your journey

About Georgia Williams:

Georgia is the founder of Ray of Social, a social media management and consultancy business that helps brands shine online.

Links and Resources:

Learn more about Ray of Social: https://rayofsocial.com/

Follow Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/georgia-williams

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

Welcome to Untold Chapters!

In our very first episode, I'm joined by Michaela Parker, the founder of Wild Social. Michaela's story is one of resilience. After starting her dream job and becoming a mum, Michaela found herself at a crossroads.

This Chapter is all about how Michaela made her way through the challenges of retraining, moving across the country, growing her family, all while building her own business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Michaela transitioned from employment to self-employment
• The challenges of starting a business while managing personal changes
• The importance of aligning your career with your values
• How to embrace uncertainty and find growth in pivotal moments

About Michaela Parker:

Michaela is the founder of Wild Social, a business focused on building meaningful, purpose-driven connections through social media.

Links

Learn more about Michaela and Wild Social: https://wildsocial.co.uk/

Follow Michaela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildsocialuk/

Read a transcript of this podcast: https://untold-creative.com/untold-chapters-episodes/michaela-parker

Music by Ell Mckay: https://www.instagram.com/ell.mckay.podcastproduction/

This podcast is an Untold Creative production

Life is a series of chapters, some we write, and others are written for us. But what happens when we reach a turning point?

Welcome to Untold Chapters, the podcast where we uncover the real-life stories behind those pivotal moments. From heartbreaks to triumphs, from life-changing decisions to unexpected detours, we explore the twists and turns that life can throw at us.

My name is Lucy Critchley, I'll be your host. Sharing stories has always been my passion, and in this podcast, I’m here to guide you through some of life’s most powerful moments, one story at a time.

In each episode, you’ll hear from people who faced their fork in the road and came out the other side with a story worth sharing. These are tales of resilience, transformation, and the lessons learned along the way.

Because life isn’t just about the moments we live—it’s about the stories we tell.

So, whether you’re searching for inspiration, connection, or a reminder that you’re not alone, this is the podcast for you.

Subscribe to Untold Chapters now, wherever you listen to your podcasts, and join us as we uncover the stories that shape us all.

Your next chapter starts here.