What It Means To Be Human With Kate Stirling

This week I chat to Holly Taylor about her journey through fitness, food, and managing chronic fatigue. We explore the misconceptions around body image, the importance of authentic self-expression, and Holly's mission to help you feel good in your bodies along side how shrinking yourself to feel safe and to be accepted can hold you back not just personally but professionally too.

Holly is an online fitness and nutrition coach who helps tired, sensitive women stop sacrificing their spark to take action to live their biggest, boldest life. She specialise in helping women who struggle to show up for themselves in the way they do for others. 

What we explore:

Holly's journey from drama school to fitness coaching

The impact of a single fitness class on perspective

Misconceptions about health and body size

The internal and external transformations in fitness

The challenge of discussing weight loss without diet culture

The experience of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

Identity shifts due to health challenges

Energy management and self-care strategies

The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in coaching

Future goals for Holly’s coaching business

Powerful thoughts:

"You deserve to feel good in your body, no matter what"

"Fuel your body to perform and feel good, not to punish"

"Progress takes longer, but it's worth it"

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Holly Taylor and her journey

02:04 The pivotal spin class that changed Holly's perspective

03:47 Misconceptions about health, fitness, and body image

06:01 The challenge of discussing weight loss authentically

09:00 Holly's experience with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

13:13 The impact of health challenges on identity and self-worth

17:09 Strategies for energy management and self-care

19:58 Building a coaching business while managing health

23:58 The importance of authenticity and vulnerability

30:00 Future aspirations and expanding Holly’s impact

Let us know in the comments what you took from today's episode and don't forget to rate, review and follow to help others find us too

Follow Holly on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehollytaylor 

Follow her Podcast, Tired AF (and Fit): https://open.spotify.com/show/2rfmWnL2xhICxp91dpuhPi?si=6b4e5c67f6ef4b4a

Follow Kate on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_Kate’s Website: www.katestirling.com 

Follow the podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod

This week I talk with talent agent, all round creative and founder of Dazey Talent, Abbie Hills about building a career in entertainment, living with cerebral palsy, and what happens when achievement no longer feels like enough. We also dig into burnout, the pressure to keep performing, and the surprising clarity that can come from slowing down.

This conversation is honest, practical, and very human, especially for anyone balancing ambition with exhaustion, identity, and change.

Quotes and Takeaways

“Slow and quiet doesn’t mean bad.”

“Patience will pay.”

“I’ve got nothing left. I feel like a car that has just been hanging in there.”

Things To Notice In Your Own Life

• Notice where career has become identity and ask what you want outside work.
• Treat fatigue as information, not failure.
• Stop softening or avoiding the word disability if it is part of your truth.
• Make room for creativity, even if your job is already creative-adjacent.
• Let yourself be in a transitional phase without forcing immediate answers.

Please do follow/rate, review and share the episode! It all helps spread the word, thank you so much. Let us know what you think!

I’m talking more openly about ADHD, creativity, and self-expression! In this episode I unpack the hidden patterns that have shaped my work, motherhood, and identity, and why I am finally speaking more openly about ADHD.

I connect ADHD, masking, grief, creativity, and ambition, showing how self-protection can quietly limit fulfilment, visibility, and business growth. This episode will resonate if you are a parent, self-employed, late-diagnosed with ADHD, or trying to balance multiple identities without shrinking yourself to fit one label.

Chapters:

00:00 – Opening reflections on the last episode and why honest conversations matter
00:54 – Motherhood, injury, and the shift away from fitness into coaching
01:52 – Money stress, self-employment, and the pressure to choose what is “practical”
02:50 – Realizing something deeper was going on and exploring ADHD
03:18 – The power of the unconscious mind and how it shapes behavior
04:16 – What late ADHD diagnosis reveals in hindsight
05:45 – Divorce, emotional pain, and the impact of rejection sensitive dysphoria
06:38 – The long aftermath of trauma, grief, and navigating mental health
07:05 – Why parenting disrupted old coping mechanisms
07:58 – Helping partners understand ADHD through shared perspective
08:28 – Avoiding being boxed in as “just an ADHD coach”
10:17 – Grief, existential crisis, and why emotional processing matters
11:33 – Safety, self-trust, and the gap between where you are and where you want to be
12:32 – Coaching, creativity, and rediscovering imagination
13:25 – “Creative, resourceful, and whole” and what coaching taught her
14:20 – Eating disorder recovery, expansion, and fear of taking up space
15:07 – Burnout, control, and trying to fit into one business identity
16:34 – Missing collaboration, storytelling, and acting
17:27 – Masking and the cost of not acknowledging what you really need
18:14 – Motherhood, ambition, equity, and hard conversations at home
19:25 – Wanting the podcast to be a breath of fresh air
20:21 – Why all work is creative, whether you are a scientist or a business owner
21:17 – Why controlling how you are seen drains energy
22:14 – Speaking more about ADHD, creativity, and culture
23:07 – Dreams, action, and staying consistent
24:03 – Building a business from mind, heart, and soul
24:57 – The messiness of self-employment and evolving Club Thrive
25:23 – Dare to be Seen, pricing challenges, and leading with what feels aligned
26:20 – Closing message: stop hiding from yourself and dare to be seen

Please do rate, share and follow the podcast to help spread the word!

Website: www.katestirling.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod_

www.instagram.com/katestirling_

This week I am so delighted to welcome my partner, Actor Warren Taylor to the podcast. As a heads up this is a very honest conversation containing details about cancer, the treatment that followed alongside my dad's declining ill health with dementia and his passing away at the same time at starting chemotherapy. There is real light and shade, both bittersweet and funny alongside brutal honesty about what it is like experiencing a cancer diagnosis as a family.

We explore the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional rollercoaster of facing mortality while maintaining family life. We talk about the importance of mindset, resilience, and the power of choosing calm amidst chaos. We also look at the power of acceptance and living life fully despite adversity. We hope our candid conversation offers valuable insights for anyone facing challenges or seeking to understand the transformative power of difficult experiences.

For clarity, as I hash up the specific diagnosis part, I was diagnosed with High Grade B Cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma - Stage 1. I know not everyone has the same experience of cancer so this is not to ever compare experiences, more to share our unique experience. I had 3 rounds of chemotherapy (R-CHOP) and 15 sessions of Radiotherapy over 3-4 weeks.

I would love for this episode to help you see how much control you have even in moments where you feel out of control and to face any health concerns you have right now - or even deeper challenges personally too. Avoiding these things doesn't make them go away and when you have the courage to face them you will realise how much there is to take from the mere bravery in facing something that scares you. Also that life is short, please don't wait any longer to do what you want with yours! From a place of empowerment, rather than fear

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction

00:03 Introduction to the journey and key themes

5138:51:42 Kate finds a lump and initial concerns

6638:51:42 Kate and Warren share their personal experiences with cancer

11583:18:22 Medical investigations and inconclusive results

16805:31:45 Lessons learned about resilience and acceptance

18138:51:47 Diagnosis of lymphoma and emotional reactions

24694:25:17 Balancing hope, fear, and acceptance

25444:25:17 The impact of adversity on personal growth and family life

33333:18:42 The impact on family and loved ones

33472:12:02 The importance of mental health and mindset during illness

41861:05:25 Decisions around treatment and fertility

41999:58:45 Reflections on living fully despite challenges

49972:12:10 The importance of mindset and choosing calm

50638:52:10 The role of support systems and community

58194:25:32 Handling uncertainty and emotional resilience

58944:25:32 Advice for others facing health crises

66888:52:22 Treatment process and immune system concerns

66916:39:02 The transformative power of difficult experiences

75222:12:29 Reflections on the year and personal growth

75333:19:09 Looking forward: embracing life after adversity

Kate Instagram - https://instagram.com/katestirling_

Warren Instagram - https://instagram.com/_warren_taylor

Podcast Instagram - https://instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod_

Kate's website: www.katestirling.com

Lymphoma Action website: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

In this episode, I explore the importance of self-worth, how personal perceptions shape our lives, and the power we hold to create change. I really enforce the idea that only we can determine our value - you’ll gain ideas on how to stop your self doubt and limiting beliefs holding you back from achieving your full potential too

Topics:

The importance of self-worth and personal value

How past experiences influence current responses

The role of identity and ego in personal growth

Strategies to recognize and flip negative self-beliefs

The impact of societal and industry perceptions

The connection between self-respect and external success

Overcoming fears of judgment and rejection

The importance of self-awareness and reflection

Thoughts:

Only you can determine your self-worth and value.

Your responses to industry and societal expectations are within your control.

Recognizing and flipping negative self-beliefs can transform your life.

Self-respect and confidence are foundational to success.

Understanding your unique value helps you communicate and stand out.

 Quotes:

"Only you can change your life."

"Your self-worth is your greatest asset."

"Don't let others define your value."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Your Worth Is Yours to Define

02:17 Making Changes in Life Starts with Self-Responsibility

04:34 The Desire for Love, Belonging, and Safety

06:53 Recognizing Self-Worth in Challenging Times

09:05 Understanding Privilege and Personal Circumstances

11:18 Exploring the Balance Between Ego and Authenticity

13:33 Facing Fears and Embracing Growth

16:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Expansion

18:47 How to Cultivate Confidence and Self-Respect

19:17 Closing: Believe in Your Value and Potential

Follow the podcast to get first access to new episodes and ever grateful for reviews! Leave one here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-it-means-to-be-human-with-kate-stirling/id1691994215

Follow Kate Stirling on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_

Follow What It Means To Be Human Podcast on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod

Check out Kate’s website: www.katestirling.com

Check out Club Thrive: www.club-thrive.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

Follow the podcast to stay a part of the conversation to keep helping you achieve your own dreams, visions and potential

Reviews really help us spread the word and build momentum. Leave one here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-it-means-to-be-human-with-kate-stirling/id1691994215

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

Follow Stir It Up on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stiritupmealkits/

Follow What It Means To Be Human on Instagram www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehuman_

Follow Kate On Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_

When I had my hair cut short in January before starting chemo it was an astonishingly liberating process. At school I always found the female identity a challenging construct - wanting to both be a girl and a tom boy was a funny combination. This isn't the focus of the episode but it highlights how impactful our experiences and thoughts that follow are in relation to formative times in our lives.

In this episode I explore my personal journey through change, challenges, and embracing self expression alongside offering insights on navigating life's difficulties while pursuing holistic high performance.

What I explore:

- Navigating change and challenge

- The importance of self-expression and authenticity

- Holistic high performance and well-being

- Overcoming societal and internal fears

- The role of neurodiversity and identity in personal growth

 Takeaways

- Allow all parts of yourself to coexist without judgment.

- Reframe perceptions of ambition and success.

- Recognise self-sabotage as self-protection.

- Use creativity and resourcefulness to overcome limitations.

- Face fears to unlock personal freedom.

Quotes:

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate."

"Allow all parts of yourself to exist at the same time."

"Maybe you do fear actually taking up the space."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and the importance of embracing change

402:46:35 The power of Marianne Williamson's quote on fear and potential

833:19:55 The impact of societal conditioning on self-image

1191:39:55 Navigating multiple challenges: health, identity, and motherhood

1516:39:55 Understanding self-sabotage as self-protection

1833:19:55 The role of high performance in personal fulfillment

2136:06:35 Balancing ambition with self-care and authenticity

2519:26:35 The importance of reframing perceptions of success

2836:06:35 Overcoming fears of visibility and power

3141:39:55 Holistic approach to high performance and self-acceptance

3302:46:35 Encouragement to explore and pursue personal potential

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanspod

www.instagram.com/katestirling_

Website: www.katestirling.com

Feel free to pop questions in the comments box too

In this episode I share the journey of overcoming fears, embracing inner work, and achieving financial success through mindset shifts. I explore the importance of self-trust, energy management, and honest conversations about money and life challenges.

I explore:

- The importance of mindset and belief in financial success

- Inner work and self-trust as foundations for growth

- Managing energy and stress for better performance

- The impact of personal challenges on professional life

- The significance of honest conversations about money and fears

Takeaways

- Believing in your ability to generate income is crucial for success.

- Inner work and self-awareness are essential for confidence.

- Managing stress and energy levels improves overall performance.

- Authenticity and self-trust attract clients and opportunities.

- Open conversations about fears and challenges reduce shame and foster growth.

Quotes:

"When you believe it, it will happen."

"Ownership of fears is the first step to freedom."

"There is no competition when you're in alignment."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Belief and Inner Work

00:31 Kate's Journey: From Fitness to Coaching and Repositioning

01:00 Overcoming Personal Challenges: Grief, Illness, and Family

01:54 The Impact of Emotional Well-being on Business Success

02:48 The Myth of Competition and the Power of Alignment

04:04 Pricing, Confidence, and Inner Work in Business

04:58 Addressing Fears: Rejection, Greed, and Societal Judgments

06:11 The Role of Imagination and Relaxation in Stress Reduction

07:09 The Importance of Honest Conversations and Collaboration

08:06 Challenging Worldview and Separating Self from Scarcity

08:55 Self-Value, Energy, and the Flow of Resources

10:07 Practical Tips: Self-care, Joy, and Energy Management

11:05 The Power of Trust and Overcoming Curveballs

12:02 Encouragement to Share, Reflect, and Take Action

12:57 Closing Remarks: Belief, Authenticity, and Growth

resources

Kate Stirling - Personal Website - https://katestirling.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_

In this episode I explore the importance of self-trust, how to rebuild it after setbacks, and practical steps to cultivate confidence and authenticity in everyday life

Key Topics

• The importance of self-trust in daily life
• Practical steps to rebuild trust in oneself
• The role of body and breath in cultivating trust
• Overcoming fear of failure and success
• The connection between self-trust and authenticity

• Self-trust is like a muscle that needs regular exercise.
• Connecting with the body and breath helps build trust.
• Small, manageable steps are key to rebuilding confidence.
• Self-compassion is essential when facing mistakes.
• Trusting yourself reduces stress and enhances creativity.

• Trust Yourself: Building Confidence Step by Step
• The Power of Self-Trust in Personal Growth

• "Trust is a muscle we need to exercise daily."
• "Connecting with breath helps build trust in ourselves."
• "Small steps create big confidence over time."

Coming back in for an episode having had some time to recovery from chemotherapy before I started radiotherapy. I explore the true meaning of high performance, emphasising the importance of balance, self-awareness, and holistic well-being. I challenges common misconceptions about pushing yourself to the limit and shares insights on how to achieve sustainable success by honouring your very human needs.

I take a long pause after recording this but there will be new episodes soon as I have just finished radiotherapy and have been spending the last few weeks recovering. A lesson for me too in perhaps I should have just allowed myself to fully take the time ‘off’ or at least not set promises I didn’t have the energy to keep with production and output!

In this ep I explore:

Thoughts for you:

00:00 Navigating Motherhood and Loss

01:29 Redefining High Performance

04:43 The Importance of Rest and Recalibration

07:32 Embracing Humanity in High Performance

10:34 The Energy First Approach

14:40 Creating from a Place of Fulfilment

• High performance is not just about pushing harder; rest and recalibration are essential.
• Focusing solely on numbers can lead to obsession and overlook the bigger picture.
• Understanding your true needs and limits is key to sustainable success.
• Embracing your humanity helps create a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
• Rest and self-care are acts of high performance, not signs of weakness.

As ever thank you for your support! Do like, share and review the podcast if it resonates for you. I am excited now I am coming to the end of my cancer treatment to take this to the next levels for you too!

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