You Keep Me Sane

Episode Overview

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie share an honest, relatable conversation about anxiety—how it manifests, how it affects their lives, and the tools they’ve found to navigate through it. From childhood experiences and lifelong struggles to the surprising onset of anxiety in peri-menopause, they open up about their personal journeys and offer practical strategies for managing anxiety. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that there are ways to find calm, even in the chaos.

Key Discussion Points

• What Anxiety Feels Like: How it differs from stress and shows up in the body and mind.
• Our Stories: Julie’s lifelong anxiety and Aileen’s peri-menopausal onset.
• Coping Tools: Breathwork, boundaries, magnesium, movement, and creating a personal go-to list.
• A New Perspective: Anxiety is often a symptom, not who you are. Talking about it reduces its power.

Listener Takeaways

• You’re not alone—anxiety is more common than you think.
• Small steps like mindfulness and self-care make a difference.
• Help is available—and asking for it is a strength, not a weakness.
• Anxiety doesn’t define you. Be kind to yourself.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you. How does anxiety show up in your life, and what tools have helped you navigate it? Share your thoughts, stories, or questions with us!

Resources Mentioned

• Jamie Clements (Breathwork Expert) – https://www.instagram.com/jamieclements_/ Free weekly Instagram breathwork sessions
• Somatic Workouts for stress release – https://www.instagram.com/theworkoutwitch_/
• London Nootropics (Mushroom Coffee) – A caffeine alternative for managing jitters

Thank you for listening!

BetterHelp Paid Partnership - Get 10% off your first month

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who suits your needs. Their online platform connects you with credentialed therapists, and if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can switch.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Aileen and Julie explore the powerful, often difficult process of growth through adversity. Reflecting on their own life experiences—from heartbreak to major transitions—they discuss how challenging moments have fundamentally shaped who they are. Together, they ask whether personal growth always requires hardship and consider ways we can foster self-development even in calmer times. For anyone navigating a tough period or looking to cultivate growth without drama, this episode offers gentle encouragement and thoughtful perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth Through Adversity: Aileen and Julie share personal stories of overcoming grief, loss, and life transitions. They reveal how these hardships ultimately brought greater strength, self-understanding, and compassion. 
• Can We Grow Without Trauma? The hosts discuss whether growth must come through painful experiences, contemplating the role of intentional challenges, risk-taking, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone as alternative paths to growth. They reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and facing one’s fears before life forces a confrontation.
• How to Embrace Growth, Even When It Hurts: For those facing difficult times, Aileen and Julie offer strategies to navigate pain and find growth within it. They share personal practices, like journaling, self-reflection, and letting emotions surface, to help process and embrace challenging emotions in a healthy way.

Quote of the Episode:
"To abolish all valleys is to get rid of all mountains." – Alan Watts, shared by Julie

Practical Advice:

• Allow yourself to feel and process difficult emotions, using practices like journaling, mindful observation, and seeking support from trusted friends.
• Recognise growth opportunities in smaller, intentional challenges, especially when life feels stable—take steps that expand your comfort zone in gentle, steady ways.

Join the Conversation:
Share your thoughts on growth through adversity or how you encourage self-development in calmer times. Join our Instagram group, send a voicemail, or email us at [email protected].

Thank you for listening! Join us next week for another honest conversation about navigating life’s challenges together.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie explore the idea of purpose—not as a grand, singular mission, but as discovering your “spark.” They share personal stories and practical insights to help you identify the small, meaningful moments that bring joy and fulfilment, encouraging a more present and intentional approach to life.

Key Discussion Points

• Challenging Traditional Views of Purpose: Why tying purpose to external achievements often leaves us unfulfilled.
• Discovering Your Spark: What sparks are, how they make you feel alive, and why they’re not about productivity or impressing others.
• Purpose as a Journey: How to reframe purpose as a daily practice of living fully, with curiosity and joy.

Listener Takeaways

• Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it’s about noticing and nurturing the small things that light you up.
• Sparks evolve over time—stay curious and make space for them in your life.
• Living with purpose is a journey of being present and choosing joy daily.

Join the Conversation

What’s your spark? Share your thoughts with us via voicemail, DM, or on social media. Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery and joy!

Thank you for tuning in—see you next time on You Keep Me Sane!

BetterHelp Paid Partnership - Get 10% off your first month

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who suits your needs. Their online platform connects you with credentialed therapists, and if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can switch.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview

Happy New Year! In this special episode, Aileen and Julie introduce Sanity Check, a short weekly segment offering quick insights alongside their regular episodes. They explore the idea of being addicted to not feeling okay—a mindset where struggle and chaos feel normal—and share how they plan to break free from this cycle in 2025.

Key Discussion Points

• Reframing Resolutions: Shift from pressure-filled resolutions to positive intentions like “I will drink more water” instead of “I won’t drink alcohol.”
• Addicted to Not Being Okay: Why we cling to stress and drama, and how it can feel unfamiliar—even scary—to embrace calm and happiness.
• Breaking the Cycle: Develop awareness, practise mindfulness, embrace joy, and let yourself sit with moments of contentment without seeking problems to solve.

Listener Takeaways

• Reflect on how societal and personal stories keep us stuck in holding patterns of discontent.
• Practise being present and recognising when things are okay.
• Reframe your goals with kindness and focus on what lifts you up.

Join the Conversation

What’s your intention for 2025? Are you ready to let yourself feel okay? Share your thoughts by messaging us on Instagram, email or leaving a voicemail.

Here’s to a year of embracing calm. Happy New Year! 🎉

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie delve into holding patterns—the habits or beliefs that keep us stuck in life. These cycles, often rooted in fear or indecision, can prevent growth and change. Inspired by a heartfelt letter from a listener, Sue, they reflect on personal experiences and offer insights on recognising and breaking free from these patterns.

Through honest conversations, Aileen and Julie highlight the importance of self-awareness, small intentional steps, and trusted relationships in moving forward.

Key Discussion Points

Understanding Holding Patterns
Repetitive cycles that keep us stuck, often driven by unresolved fears or beliefs.

Listener Letter: Sue’s Story
Sue shares struggles with recurring drama and feeling unable to move forward, sparking today’s discussion.

Self-Awareness and Fear

• Recognising where we’re stuck requires honesty and courage.
• Julie discusses her fear of judgement and how confronting it has fostered growth.
• Aileen reflects on low self-worth and unhealthy relationship patterns shaped by guilt.

Breaking the Cycle

• Small, conscious changes—like saying no when it feels uncomfortable—are powerful.
• Growth isn’t linear; setbacks are part of the journey.

The Role of Trusted Relationships

• Having someone reflect your patterns back without judgement can be transformative.

Listener Takeaways

• Recognise Patterns: Identify areas where you feel stuck or repeat unhelpful behaviours.
• Ask Questions:
  • What’s holding me back?
  • Is fear or a belief shaping my choices?
  • What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
• Start Small: Make one small, intentional change.
• Reflect with Others: Share your thoughts with a trusted confidante.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Growth takes time—celebrate progress, however small.

Join the Conversation

What holding patterns are showing up in your life? We’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @youkeepmesane.pod

If this episode resonates with you, please like and share it with someone who might benefit. Remember, growth starts with honesty.

Until next time, take care.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview

In this Christmas Day episode, Julie and Aileen hold space for every kind of Christmas—joyful, bittersweet, or quiet. They reflect on family traditions, the challenges the holiday can bring, and the importance of creating moments of connection and meaning, however the day unfolds.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Complexity of Christmas
   • The holiday can bring joy but also amplify feelings of loneliness, grief, or overwhelm.
   • Acknowledging that it’s okay to feel however you feel today.
2. Creating Connection
   • Small acts, like sending a message, taking a walk, or enjoying a film, can bring comfort.
   • Aileen and Julie share personal traditions and reflect on the joy of giving.
3. Honouring Absent Loved Ones
   • Simple rituals, like playing a song or lighting a candle, can keep memories close.
4. Letting Go of Perfection
   • Embrace the chaos and let go of the pressures of the season. Taking time for yourself is important.
5. Gratitude and Presence
   • Gratitude can be found in small, quiet moments. Presence, not perfection, is what truly matters.

Listener Takeaways

• Your emotions today are valid—whatever they may be.
• Small moments of connection can make a difference.
• Honour loved ones in ways that feel meaningful to you.
• Let go of perfection and focus on what truly matters.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear about your Christmas—what brought you joy, what was challenging, or how you found meaning. Share with us via DM or voicemail, and join us in the New Year for more honest conversations.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview
In this festive sanity check, Aileen and Julie reflect on the chaos of the pre-Christmas period. From endless to-do lists and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday, they share their personal experiences and remind us that good enough truly is good enough.

Key Discussion Points

• The Holiday Juggle: Why the week before Christmas feels overwhelming and how 80% of people feel stressed by preparations.
• Perfection Pressure: The emotional load of striving for a picture-perfect holiday often leaves us overwhelmed. Studies show that 42% of people feel pressured to create the "perfect" Christmas, with 1 in 5 finding it too stressful to enjoy. 
• Personal Stories: Julie’s triple-whammy of Australian Christmas chaos (school year, summer holidays, and family travel) and Aileen’s strategy of setting the table a week early to stay sane.
• Practical Advice: Lean into "good enough," let go of unnecessary tasks, and focus on connection and joy.

Listener Takeaways

• Christmas is about the moments, not the details. Laugh at what goes wrong—it’s where the best stories come from.
• Letting go of unrealistic expectations can help us focus on what truly matters—connection and joy.
• Prioritise self-care, whether it’s a glass of wine, a cup of tea, or simply letting yourself off the hook.

Join the Conversation
How are you managing the pre-Christmas chaos? Share your stories with us via DM or voicemail—we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Us
We’ll be back next week with more honest chats. Until then, take a breath and remember—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview
In this heartfelt episode, Aileen and Julie delve into the challenging but vital topic of self-worth in children. How do we help our kids feel worthy and enough when many of us struggle with self-worth ourselves? Inspired by a listener's letter, they explore what self-worth truly is, why it’s essential for kids, and how we can teach it while still learning it ourselves.

Key Discussion Points

• What Is Self-Worth? Understanding it as an inner belief in your value—different from self-esteem.
• The Cost of Low Self-Worth: Aileen and Julie share how chasing external validation shaped their lives.
• Raising Resilient Kids: Teaching self-worth helps children handle setbacks and build healthy relationships.
• The Parenting Balancing Act: Navigating our own self-worth while modelling it for our kids.
• Practical Tools: Real examples—affirmations, praising effort, and creating emotionally safe spaces.

Listener Takeaways

• Model It: Speak kindly about yourself and set boundaries your kids can learn from.
• Praise the Process: Celebrate effort and inner qualities, not just achievements.
• Separate the Deed from the Doer: Correct behaviour without labelling the child.
• Validate Feelings: Show it’s okay to feel and fail—it’s how we grow.
• Celebrate Uniqueness: Help kids own their strengths and quirks.
• Own Your Mistakes: Apologising models accountability and unconditional love.

Resources

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves in a World That Tells Them They're Flawed by Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlan 

Join the Conversation

How do you nurture self-worth in your children? Have you found ways to model self-worth while on your own journey? Share your experiences with us via voicemail, email, or DM.

Until next time, remember—you are enough, just as you are.

BetterHelp Paid Partnership - Get 10% off your first month

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who suits your needs. Their online platform connects you with credentialed therapists, and if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can switch.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview
In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie delve into the exhausting and often invisible reality of this life stage, the mental load and the chaos it can create in our lives. With the added pressures of the holiday season, they share honest reflections on the relentless demands of caregiving, managing households, and balancing work, all while navigating emotional and mental well-being. They also explore practical strategies for managing the overwhelm and embracing imperfection during life’s busiest stages.

Key Discussion Points

• What Is Mental Load? The often-invisible strain carried by caregivers.
• Why It’s Exhausting: Emotional, mental, and physical burnout from doing it all.
• Life Stage Chaos: How work, parenting, and holidays amplify the pressure.
• Guilt & Expectations: The myth of “doing it all” and its toll on self-worth.
• New Perspective: Embracing imperfection and accepting life’s messiness.
• Tools for Relief: Tips to manage mental load—boundaries, priorities, and asking for help.

Listener Takeaways

• Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
• “Good enough” is more than okay.
• Boundaries and self-care help lighten the load.
• Accepting your life stage can bring calm.
• Asking for help is a strength, not a failure.

Quotes & Links Mentioned

“It takes courage to rest and play in a culture that sees exhaustion as a status symbol” - Brene Brown

For Incredible Holiday Portraits (discount code YKMS24):

https://www.gsixtysix.com/category/xmas24

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you manage the chaos of mental load, particularly during the holiday season?

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Thanks for listening!

BetterHelp Paid Partnership - Get 10% off your first month

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who suits your needs. Their online platform connects you with credentialed therapists, and if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can switch.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we dive into peri-menopause—something so many of us face, yet rarely talk about.
Aileen and Julie share their personal experiences with everything from brain fog and sleepless nights to unexpected symptoms like anxiety and allergies, offering honesty, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Key Discussion Points

1. Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room - How menopause often feels sidelined, despite being a significant life transition.
2. The Symptom Minefield - Exploring 48 recognised symptoms of menopause
3. Navigating Treatments and Misstepn - The trial-and-error nature of finding solutions
4. The Bigger Picture - The impact of menopause on relationships, and mental health.
5. Reclaiming the Narrative - The power of knowledge and advocacy when seeking medical care.

Listener Takeaways

• You’re not alone: Menopause is a shared journey—many women are going through it too.
• Know your options: Understanding symptoms gives you back some control.
• Reach out: Support from friends, GPs, or professionals can make all the difference.
• Prioritise you: Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you! Share your menopause journey, what’s worked for you, and what hasn’t.  

Links & Resources Mentioned

For Incredible Holiday Portraits (discount code YKMS24):

https://www.gsixtysix.com/category/xmas24

48 Symptoms of Menopause: https://wuka.co.uk/blogs/menopause/48-symptoms-of-menopause

Book: Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring By Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter

Womenwise Health: https://womenwise.health/

BetterHelp Paid Partnership - Get 10% off your first month

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.

BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist who suits your needs. Their online platform connects you with credentialed therapists, and if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can switch.

Links:

• Download Enough - Our Self Worth Reset.
• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod  
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at  [email protected]

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.youkeepmesane.com/subscribe/

Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for privacy information

Disclaimer: 

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.