This week Miriam talks with Susie Stonefield (she/her)—artist, expressive-arts facilitator, and self-described “midwife of creativity and grief”. Susie shares how art journaling became her lifeline during her late-in-life coming-out journey, helping her move from a 30-year marriage to building a passion-driven career and a joyful new home in Chico, California. Together they explore how creativity can turn life’s messiness into meaning, how to navigate fear when starting over, and why making art is a powerful way to process both grief and growth.

Susie Stonefield guides individuals and small groups through intuitive art journaling to find freedom, relief, and lightness. She holds degrees in fine arts and education, is certified in expressive arts facilitation and grief counseling, and is a late-in-life queer cis woman, mom of three, and guitar-wielding songleader. She is excited to be launching her new project: The Create Brave Collective for Women* in their Third Act.

Website & Podcast: www.susiestonefield.com

Instagram: @creativity_midwife

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 37 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

BlueSky Miriam Grace - Psychotherapist Author Podcaster

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Just a few days after returning from the OUT & WILD FESTIVAL where Rosie Wilby and Miriam Grace ran their workshop Relationship Revolution, they catch up to debrief the impact of the workshop. Rosie, a life long, or "Pioneer Lesbian" as Miriam calls them, and Miriam, a Later-In-Life Lesbian discuss some of the differences in perception between both these groups. Looking at libido, conscious uncoupling and historical lesbian community and life under Section 28. Is the end of a relationship the catastrophe we think it is? Listen in, send in your responses and ideas.

Rosie Wilby an award-winning comedian, podcaster, speaker and journalist, regularly appears on radio and TV commentating on sexuality, dating and love. She has extensively explored heartbreak in her podcast, The Breakup Monologues, in her hugely successful comedy shows, and in her first book, Is Monogamy Dead? (shortlisted for the Diva Literary Awards and longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize).

Miriam Grace has worked as a therapist for over three decades with those in relationships, and latterly in specialist work with dozens of later in life lesbians. Her upcoming book MID-LIFE LESBIAN: THE Coming Out Companion, which will be the only book of it's kind, with new models of coming out, insights and specialised understanding and therapeutic exercises, will be published by JKP / Hachette in 2027.

Is Monogamy Dead? Rosie Wilby

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1786154536/

The Break-up Monologues Rosie Wilby

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1472982282/

Publications include The Guardian, Sunday Times, and New Statesman,

Festivals include Glastonbury and Latitude.

Podcast: podfollow.com/breakupmonologues

X: @rosiewilby

Insta / Threads: @breakupmonologues

Bluesky: rosiewilby.bsky.social

TikTok: @rosiewilbyauthor

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

BlueSky Miriam Grace - Psychotherapist Author Podcaster

OUT & WILD EVENTS

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

In this Season Special, Miriam talks to her partner, Finn, about mental health, the kindness of strangers, how the natural world can bring us healing and improved wellbeing, as well as the concept of 'appropriate rescue'.

She goes into the background of why a garden rescue was important and significant to Finn when she was facing burnout, and explores the idea that sometimes survival is about connection and community.

Mental Health • Burnout • Nature • Gardens • Appropriate Rescue • THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Nicky lives in Derbyshire with her husband and they have two grown up children. Their stillborn daughter Kim is the reason for Nicky’s passion for remembrance photography. A keen photographer since her teens, she ran a successful part-time photography business once the children were at school; now retired, she will never give up taking photographs.

She previously volunteered for Sands, a bereavement support charity, and is determined to see Remembrance Photography offered as a choice to parents as widely as possible across the UK.

Nicky accepted the Cherished Keepsake award on behalf of RMB in 2016 at The Butterfly Awards - an evening dedicated to recognition of achievements in baby loss - and was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2019 Butterfly Awards. In 2024, Nicky was presented with a Special Recognition award by The Guild of Photographers for her work with RMB. 

“Break the taboo, talk about it, everyone knows someone who has suffered a loss, its more common than everyone thinks and it’s a topic we need to get more comfortable with because it is a reality affecting more families every single day.”

How can listeners help RMB?

Raising awareness – like/share/comment on socials; 

funds – small charity solely dependent upon donations/fundraising with rising costs

Email: [email protected]

Website: remembermybaby.org.uk

Facebook: @remembermybaby

Instagram: @remembermybaby/

SANDS is a national organisation in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support.

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Caron Kirkham is passionate about young people and being a climate activist.

She is committed to keeping fit and eating healthily. In November 2006 she cycled across Rajastan from Agra to Jaipur over 5 days.

[email protected]

Caron has many roles:

Freelance Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor.

Associate Trainer for MHFA England and British Safety Council.

https://ckmentalhealthtraining.weebly.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caron-kirkham-3b108331/

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Podcasting with other MHFA Instructors

Podcasts with Heartfelt Minds

https://open.spotify.com/show/2krus3yYK61Cbb17GEci8o

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Director of Compassionate Voices

****

Founder of Wishing Well Shining Bright

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Lead Campaigner for the Green Party

The next election for the local council is in 2026.

North Tyneside Green Party contact details

07943 333 287

[email protected]

www.northtyneside.greenparty.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northtynesidegreenparty

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Co-facilitator of an in person Action for Happiness Group

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Wellbeing Walk Leader

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Repair Café Jeweller

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Greenpeace Speaker

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Caron references: The Art of Being Brilliant, Andy Cope

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Walking the path with uncertainty when life gets lifey!

Helen Samson Mullen is the co-creator and co-host of The Autoimmune Campfire podcast.

Helen was juggling caring for elderly parents, parenting and menopause when a "final straw" situation pushed her over the edge into autoimmune disease. How her diagnosis affected her, how she struggled and how she discovered the opportunities to grow within this challenge are the topic in this episode.

Born and raised in the NE of England, she now lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Helen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the end of 2018. 

Helen has degree in physiological sciences, a PhD and post-doc in gastrointestinal research years of medical and clinical research and is a professional certified coach. 

She co-hosts The Autoimmune Campfire with Nona Jordan who has MS.

What would you add to our Women of Steel Booklist?

I had to pick, it would be The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

I love Isabel Allende novels and just read Radiant Rebellion by Karen Walrond that is fabulous.

Find Helen on Linkedin and listen to her PODCAST on substack

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/helen-samson-mullen-phd-pcc/

Website: helensamsonmullen.com

The Autoimmune Campfire Podcast on substack

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

In this Season Special, Miriam talks to her partner, Finn, about mental health, the kindness of strangers, how the natural world can bring us healing and improved wellbeing, as well as the concept of appropriate rescue.

She goes into the background of why a garden rescue was important and significant to Finn when she was facing burnout, and explores the idea that sometimes survival is about connection and community.

This episode contains NO SPOILERS re the the TV show which has not aired yet, but in a follow up show the full recording, with the edited cuts replaced and restored will be available.

Mental Health • Burnout • Nature • Gardens • Appropriate Rescue • THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS 

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Warning this episode contains reference to suicidal feelings and loss of a pet

Dawn Brown is the owner of Dogland UK and Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care and Luxury Doggy Hotel. 

A dog saved Dawn’s life. From humble beginnings in Sheffield, through many difficulties, Dawn has found her way forward and created a unique business where she adds happiness and improved wellbeing to dogs lives and also to the wellbeing of her staff.

Miriam and Dawn talk about their mental health, our dogs, pet bereavement and also about dogs’ mental health and how we can give back.

Dawn Brown has studied dog behaviour, dog grooming and other dog related courses. Designed around the dogs desires to be free and to play in a safe secure environment monitored by trained loving staff. Dawn and her staff at Rose Cottage strive daily to provide each and every dog with the love and care they all need.

Dogland UK

Phone: 01246 938111 

Mobile: 07809 895348

Email: [email protected]

Rose Cottage, Crow Lane,

Chesterfield, S41 7UE

doglanduk.co.uk

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Rosie Wilby is an award-winning comedian, podcaster, speaker and journalist.

She regularly appears on radio and TV commentating on sexuality, dating and love and was dubbed ‘the Queen of Breakups’ by BBC Radio 4 following the success of her podcast The Breakup Monologues.

She has extensively explored heartbreak in her podcast, in her hugely successful comedy shows, and in her first book, Is Monogamy Dead? which was shortlisted for the Diva Literary Awards and longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize.

Part memoir, part investigation, The Breakup Monologues takes on the big questions about our life-changing separations in the modern age of ghosting, breadcrumbing and conscious uncoupling.

This episode explores women's sexuality in general and lesbian sexuality in particular. Rosie Wilby and Miriam Grace know their subjects very well. Rosie through research, writing and personal experience and Miriam through working as a therapist over decades with those in relationships, and latterly in specialist work with dozens of later in life lesbians. The pair don't hold themselves back from topics of monogamy, lesbian bed-death, the urge to merge, falling in love, heartbreak and the differences in heterosexual and lesbian relationships.

Topics not often discussed, Rosie and Miriam offer a serious yet kindly discussion to birth many discussions for listeners interested in developing and furthering support for women in relationships. Rather than judging or pathologising, understanding and reflection is valued.

Is Monogamy Dead? Rosie Wilby

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1786154536/

The Break-up Monologues Rosie Wilby

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1472982282/

Publications include The Guardian, Sunday Times, and New Statesman,

Festivals include Glastonbury and Latitude.

Podcast: podfollow.com/breakupmonologues

X: @rosiewilby

Insta / Threads: @breakupmonologues

Bluesky: rosiewilby.bsky.social

TikTok: @rosiewilbyauthor

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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

Michaela Johnson lives and works near Washington DC. In 2021 she undertook thesis research into lesbian representation on TV for her Masters Degree at John Hopkins University.

Miriam and Michaela discuss TV shows, coming out and “the sea of confusion” caused by invisibility, lack of role models, stereotypes, tropes and the production of shows through the lens of the male gaze.

From Dead To Femme

GLADD Statistics

GLAAD, an American organization focused on tackling tough issues to shape the (LGBT) narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.

https://assets.glaad.org/m/114d72edf8a779a6/original/GLAAD-2022-23-Where-We-Are-on-TV.pdf

Some of the shows referred to:

Pretty Little Liars

Glee

Greys Anatomy

Station 19

Jane the Virgin

One Day At A Time

The L Word

Orange Is The New Black

Steven Universe

Reunion BBC Series

Set in Sheffield

And also mentioned in the written thesis

Will and Grace

Coronation Street

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. 

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk 

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: [email protected]

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk 

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk 

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk 

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