In this episode I share my journey through grief, motherhood, and rediscovering what really matters to me after I burnt out last year in motherhood, losing my Dad, a cancer diagnosis and ADHD diagnosis all coming together in a deeper level of self discovery. Today we go beyond societal hierarchies and gender stereotypes. I emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, aligning with your energy, and living intentionally without burnout or shame. I really want to invite you to reflect on your own process, challenge internal and societal hierarchies, and cultivate a life that’s aligned with your unique authentic energy. 

Success doesn’t have to be at the expense of your humanity. Embrace your full self—experiences, fears, ambitions—and live with pure connection with and to your life

In this episode, I spill the beans on

• The messy middle of grief and the process of healing after losing a parent
• Challenging societal hierarchies and the hidden patriarchy affecting self-worth
• Redefining high performance and success as a humane, playful process
• The impact of gender conditioning on identity and ambition
• The importance of trusting your intuition over external content and expectations
• Balancing ambition with motherhood, without sacrificing your authenticity
• How to create energy and success aligned with your values and flow
• Recognizing and addressing unconscious biases that limit our potential

Chapters:

• (00:00) - What's really happening behind the scenes of personal growth
• (02:07) - Debunking myths around high performance and sacrifice
• (03:45) - The naivety of thinking motherhood will fit seamlessly into life
• (05:33) - Molly May's stress reveal and universal human stress responses
• (07:14) - The importance of emotional awareness and energy exchange
• (09:19) - The impact of societal hierarchies and gender conditioning
• (11:08) - How family dynamics reflect broader societal constructs
• (13:27) - Facing body image, self-esteem, and internal hierarchies
• (15:27) - The unconscious influences of patriarchy in our perceptions and values
• (17:43) - Releasing control and trusting your intuition for success
• (20:49) - Understanding the invisible hierarchies shaping self-worth
• (24:01) - The importance of awareness in shifting self-perception
• (28:33) - Challenging the myth that ambition and motherhood can’t coexist
• (33:03) - Avoiding burnout by aligning ambitions with inner truth
• (36:22) - Practical steps to maintain energy and authenticity
• (40:33) - Redefining success across multiple passions and streams
• (43:20) - Moving beyond weight and money hierarchies to self-love
• (45:41) - Cultivating trust in your own process and timing
• (47:34) - The power of open conversations for societal change
• (49:55) - Inspiring action, community involvement, and living fully

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Kate’s website: www.katestirling.com

What really matters in family, food and creativity with Jacquie Macbeth. In this episode, I interview Jackie Macbeth, founder of Stir It Up Meal Kits. We explore her journey from a corporate career to creating a sustainable meal kit service aimed at helping families cook healthy meals. Jackie shares her passion for children's nutrition, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the importance of making healthy eating accessible to all families alongside the enjoyment of being able to cook your own meals without additional stress or worry. We explore her personal growth, the entrepreneurial journey, and the significance of community support alongside the inevitable juggle of parenting and home life too. 

Takeaways

Jackie founded Stir It Up Meal Kits to help busy parents feed their families well.

The company sources organic vegetables from smaller family-run farms.

Stir It Up is committed to being plastic-free and sustainable.

Jackie's initial idea was to create a kids canteen in a food desert.

The pandemic delayed the launch of the meal kits, but they launched in May 2021.

Jackie emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to cook.

The meal kits are designed to be affordable and nutritious for families.

Jackie believes that cooking is a vital life skill for children.

The business reinvests 66% of profits into local communities.

Jackie encourages parents to get their kids involved in cooking. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stir It Up Meal Kits

02:13 The Journey from Idea to Launch

11:54 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

20:40 The Importance of Nutrition and Accessibility

30:43 Personal Growth and Entrepreneurial Insights

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Stir It Up Website: https://stiritup.org.uk

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n this episode of What It Means To Be Human i share about the new name change (more to come I’ll do a whole episode on it!) the ew chapter for Club Thrive and I share my personal journey, reflecting on the challenges and transformations I have faced over the past few years. From navigating motherhood and mental health struggles to dealing with losing a parent and getting a cancer diagnosis all in the same week over Christmas, I emphasize the importance of self-trust, community support, and embracing change. I discusses the evolution of the podcast and the mission of Club Thrive alongside the new chapter with What It Means To Be Human, aiming to empower you to live authentically and thrive in your life. I really want to encourage open conversations about mental health, grief, and personal growth, and I invite you to join me on my next chapter of self-discovery and growth to continue eliminating the shame, guilt and grief which can keep us small, trapped and alone especially in the times we are living in as big hearted humans

Takeaways

The importance of self-trust in personal growth.

Navigating the complexities of motherhood and mental health.

Embracing change as a pathway to growth.

The impact of grief on personal development.

Creating a supportive community for empowerment.

Understanding the connection between personal and professional identities.

The significance of open conversations about mental health.

Recognizing the value of unique experiences in shaping our journeys.

The role of resilience in overcoming challenges.

Prioritizing mental and physical health for overall well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:06 The Journey of Club Thrive

04:56 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes

10:24 Mental Health and Maternal Challenges

18:00 Facing Grief and Health Challenges

30:07 Coping with Cancer Diagnosis

39:06 Reflections on Life and Loss

46:30 Embracing Change and Growth

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In this episode I chat with casting director Sarah-Jane Price for a rich, honest, and deeply human conversation about what really happens behind the casting table. We explore how the role of casting is evolving, the emotional realities faced by both performers and casting directors, and why genuine connection matters more than ever in the creative industries.

Sarah-Jane shares her journey from performer to casting director, the fulfilment she finds championing talent, and how social media has transformed the way artists are discovered and seen. We talk about the magic of opening nights, the complexity and responsibility behind casting decisions, and the compassion required to hold space for artists navigating rejection, hope, and ambition.

Together, we dive into the realities of freelance life, mental health, rest, and identity — why embracing imperfection is a creative superpower, and how trusting the process can redefine what success really means. We also look ahead to the future of theatre, from immersive experiences to the role of technology in expanding what’s possible on stage.

This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity thrives when we lead with empathy, courage, and connection — and that the industry is at its best when we remember the humans at the heart of it all.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah-Jane Price

03:20 The Evolving Role of Casting

05:15 Navigating Emotions in Casting

07:44 The Shift from Performer to Casting Director

10:24 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Performance

12:01 The Impact of Social Media on Casting

14:14 The Joy of Creating New Work

15:55 The Changing Landscape of Talent Discovery

18:23 Connecting with Talent in a Digital Age

20:54 The Importance of Genuine Connections

22:20 The Passion for Theatre

24:29 The Excitement of Opening Nights

26:45 Meeting Big Names in the Industry

30:02 Humanizing the Casting Process

32:01 Understanding the Complexity of Casting Decisions

33:27 Understanding Casting and the Industry's Complexities

35:02 Navigating Freelance Life and Finding Balance

37:52 Mental Health and the Creative Process

40:21 The Importance of Rest and Creative Fueling

43:53 The Intersection of Identity and Career

46:47 Embracing Imperfection and the Joy of Creativity

49:52 Trusting the Process and Defining Success

51:30 The Future of Theatre and Immersive Experiences

Sarah-Jane's Website: https://www.sarahjaneprice.co.uk

Sarah-Jane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanepricecasting/

Club Thrive Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Please do rate, share and review the podcast! It all helps us to help you thrive too

In this episode I look to introduce some new energy for the path ahead for Club Thrive and the podcast after two years, after some very stop start moments! Sometimes the best we can do is to pause before taking the next steps, the wheels are still in motion. I include reflections on the challenges of navigating motherhood, identity shifts, and the impact of burnout alongside how it is helping to make this podcast and the work I do even better. I also touch on self-worth, how triggering emotionally I found the events of the 7th October 2023 and how vulnerability plus community support in overcoming life's obstacles is so powerful. There is such a balance between ambition and fulfilment but I continue to believe the edge of this is crucial for wellbeing in high achievers. I really encourage you to embrace your individual journeys and recognise your potential for growth AND the ability to thrive , even in the moments of survival. Apologies for the dog barking at the end...

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:50 Navigating Life Changes and Identity Shifts

05:56 The Impact of Parenthood on Personal Growth

09:01 Burnout and the Journey to Recovery

11:49 Understanding ADHD and Its Effects

15:06 The Balance Between Ambition and Fulfilment

18:05 Creating a Supportive Community for Thriving

Come follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Please do rate, save and share, it all helps to build the momentum behind our mission of helping you live a thriving life in spite your moments of survival

We cover so much in this episode to truly help you reprioritise yourself and your life so that work is the thing that fuels it, rather than you being a slave to what you have created out of society’s image of “success”. 

In this episode, I interview Jo Hooper, who shares her journey of living what some might see as an unconventional life.  We talk openly about overcoming mental health challenges, financial independence, and improving self-worth.

Jo discusses the importance of making choices that align with personal values, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the empowerment of choosing to be a child-free woman.

We emphasise the significance of self-accountability, the balance between work and life, and the need for rest and personal fulfilment as a driving north star to help you with decisions that truly set you free from the shackles of the expectations of others. Can't wait to hear what you think and discover from it!

What We Cover:

00:00 Introduction 

02:40 The Journey to Unapologetic Living

06:57 Navigating Mental Health and Work-Life Balance

09:58 The Financial Dynamics of Self-Care

14:30 Empowering Women to Set Boundaries

17:53 The Impact of Client Transformations

21:51 Choosing What to Overcome

25:58 The Courage to Live Authentically

28:36 Deciding to Live Child-Free by Choice

30:23 Identifying Energy Drainers

35:34 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

38:33 Sitting with Discomfort

43:21 Redefining Productivity and Rest

48:19 Empowering Child-Free Women

51:07 Thriving on Your Own Terms

Jo’s Links: https://getwildlyfree.co.uk/links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfree

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In this episode, I speak to Amber Jay, the Gutsy CEO, who shares her journey from teaching to coaching all whilst navigating the shift required in personal and professional growth too.

We explore the importance of authenticity, identity shifts, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with business alongside the power of gut instincts, navigating imposter syndrome, and the mindset around money especially as women.

Amber highlights the transformative power of embracing fear and excitement, the role of AI (and where it's best avoided) in content creation, and the commitment to building a movement of empowered women who follow their own unique GUTSY path

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Gutsy CEO

03:32 The Journey from Teaching to Coaching

05:53 Understanding Fear and Excitement

08:24 The Coaching Connection

11:27 Personal Evolution as a Coach

14:03 Living with Imposter Syndrome

14:56 The Gut Check Process

19:31 Navigating Motherhood and Business

25:09 The Money Mindset Challenge

29:06 Breaking Through Bottlenecks

32:22 The Concept of 10Xing Your Business

34:21 Embracing the 10X Journey

36:44 Navigating Entrepreneurial Risks and Self-Discovery

39:21 Balancing Business and Parenthood

42:44 Recognizing Burnout and Setting Boundaries

49:20 The Power of Authentic Messaging

56:40 Commitment to the Gutsy CEO Identity

Follow Amber on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thegutsyceo/

Head to Amber's website here: https://www.amberjay.co.uk

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In this episode I chat with Victoria Phipps MBE, a photographer, Mum of two and host of the Mum Means Business podcast where she speaks with other ambitious Mums juggling play dates and pitches who are turning passion into thriving businesses to be able to support their families too.

Get a coffee and tune into this incredibly honest and in depth conversation we have exploring the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, the joy of capturing family moments through photography, and the challenges we face as Mums in  balancing work and family life. 

Victoria shares her journey of running a charity for World War II veterans and emphasises the significance of community support for Mums. We also explore the impact of social media on creativity, the reality of guilt in motherhood, and the importance of self-care or balancing the lack thereof at times! Ultimately, we explore idea of thriving on your own terms and the value of connection and support among women, the power of community and the encouragement to seek support and help to bring your own dreams, ambitions and visions to life.

Follow Mum Means Business on Instagram here: In this episode I chat with Victoria Phipps MBE, a photographer, Mum of two and host of the Mum Means Business podcast where she speaks with other ambitious Mums juggling play dates and pitches who are turning passion into thriving businesses to be able to support their families too.

Get a coffee and tune into this incredibly honest and in depth conversation we have exploring the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, the joy of capturing family moments through photography, and the challenges we face as Mums in  balancing work and family life. 

Victoria shares her journey of running a charity for World War II veterans and emphasises the significance of community support for Mums. We also explore the impact of social media on creativity, the reality of guilt in motherhood, and the importance of self-care or balancing the lack thereof at times! Ultimately, we explore idea of thriving on your own terms and the value of connection and support among women, the power of community and the encouragement to seek support and help to bring your own dreams, ambitions and visions to life.

We Explore:

The challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

The significance of community support for Mums

The impact of social media on creativity and self-promotion

Victoria’s journey of running a charity for World War II veterans

The Mum guilt we often feel about our work-life balanc

The importance of self-care and our personal needs 

The complexities of identity after motherhood.

The encouragement to seek help and support in our entrepreneurial journeys.

Enjoy!

Follow Mum Means Business On Instagram Here: https://www.instagram.com/mummeansbusinesspodcast/

Mum Means Business Website: https://mummeansbusinesspodcast.com

Follow Victoria Here: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_phipps/

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This week I welcome nutritionist Stephanie Baker, who shares her personal journey with overcoming acne and IBS. Stephanie discusses the impact of her skin condition on her life, the turning point when she sought help, and the emotional connection many have with their skin.

We delve in the concepts of orthorexia recovery, the importance of holistic health, and the role of stress and lifestyle in skin health. Stephanie emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the influence of social media on perceptions of beauty. She offers advice for those struggling with acne and highlights the interconnectedness of body systems in achieving overall health. We explore reflections on personal growth, boundaries in practice, and the transformative power of nutrition. It's also a very honest exploration into our relationship with ourselves, identity and self worth. An incredible conversation!

Takeaways

Experiencing acne can control one's life and social interactions.

Seeking help from a nutritionist can be life-changing.

The emotional connection to acne can impact self-identity.

Stress and lifestyle choices significantly affect skin health.

Social media can create unrealistic beauty standards.

Self-compassion is crucial for those struggling with skin issues.

Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and well-being.

Setting boundaries is essential for practitioners to avoid burnout.

Healing is a journey that involves both physical and emotional work.

Sound bites

"You might have acne, but you aren't that."

"The skin is our biggest organ."

"You can't help everybody all the time."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Steph's Journey

02:44 The Impact of Acne and IBS on Life

05:56 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Nutrition

08:59 Understanding Orthorexia and Disordered Eating

12:01 The Emotional Connection to Acne

14:54 Building Trust with Clients

18:03 The Shift Towards Holistic Health

20:56 The Role of Stress and Lifestyle

23:44 The Influence of Social Media on Skin Care

26:51 Empowerment Through Healing

29:47 Advice for Those Struggling with Skin Issues

37:44 The Importance of Self-Perception

40:14 Changing Perspectives on Skin and Beauty

42:47 Understanding the Body's Interconnectedness

46:45 The Role of Stress and Lifestyle in Skin Health

50:52 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Health

53:38 Triggers and Patterns in Acne Development

58:23 Business Reflections and Personal Growth

Follow Steph on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/stephjaynenutrition

Head to her website: www.stephaniejaynenutrition.com

As ever thank you so much for listening! Follow, rate, review - the more the merrier and the more others will benefit!

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In this episode I get to dive in deep with EFT and Matrix Re-Imprinting practitioners Emma Reid and Nerine Skinner. They share their personal journeys of overcoming fears and phobias through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and discuss the profound impact of these modalities on mental health and personal transformation. We explore the science behind tapping, the importance of emotional release, and the role of the nervous system in managing stress and anxiety. As ever we encourage you to embrace your emotions, challenge your beliefs, and consider alternative possibilities to thriving in life.

Takeaways

EFT is a gentle yet powerful technique for emotional release.

Personal stories highlight the transformative power of tapping.

Phobias can be debilitating, but they can be treated effectively.

The nervous system reacts to fear as if it were a physical threat.

Emotions like anger can inspire change and should not be suppressed.

Tapping can be done discreetly in everyday situations.

The importance of feeling safe with a practitioner during deep work.

Matrix Reimprinting helps heal the inner child and rewrite personal narratives.

Self-care practices like tapping can lead to greater well-being.

Connection and community are vital for mental health.

Introduction to EFT and Matrix Reimprinting

02:48 The Power of EFT: Personal Transformations

05:47 Overcoming Fears: Personal Stories of Triumph

08:48 Understanding Phobias and the Nervous System

12:42 The Journey from Chaos to Calm

20:04 Rebellion vs. Openness: Exploring New Modalities

23:41 The Drama Triangle: Victim, Persecutor, and Creator

29:42 Matrix Reimprinting: Healing the Inner Child

33:41 The Science Behind Tapping and Energy Work

48:29 Embracing All Emotions: The Role of Anger and Fear

59:35 Thriving: Finding Joy and Connection

01:05:01 The Power of Choice and Change

Emma and Nerine are hosting a workshop for Club Thrive members on the 20th October. Become a member here to join us

Follow Nerine on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ns_eft/

Contact Emma on [email protected]

Do follow the podcast to join our free community and come find us on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

AND reviews really help others find us. If you've loved this episode leave a review to also thank Emma and Nerine for their wisdom too! Leave a review here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/club-thrive-the-podcast/id1691994215

Thank you for listening! Go take some action today in living a thriving life, it all counts 💪🏻