Episode Overview

Hair loss is often seen as a men’s issue, but for many women, it’s a deeply emotional experience tied to identity, confidence, and self-worth. In this short but important Sanity Check, Aileen opens up about her personal experience with hair loss, the impact it had on her self-image, and the surprising encounter that gave her hope. Julie and Aileen discuss why hair loss isn't just about vanity, the role of perimenopause and hormones, and practical steps to support hair health.

Key Discussion Points

• Aileen’s personal journey with hair loss and how it started.
• The emotional impact of losing hair and how it affects self-image.
• The role of perimenopause, hormones, stress, and overall health in hair loss.
• The societal pressures around hair and why it's rarely talked about among women.
• The importance of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and checking for deficiencies.
• Practical strategies for managing hair loss, from diet to stress management.
• Redefining beauty beyond appearance and embracing confidence at any stage of life.

Listener Takeaways

• Hair loss in women is more common than people think – you’re not alone.
• Checking in with a doctor can help rule out underlying medical conditions.
• Nutrition, stress management, and gentle hair care can play a huge role in hair health.
• Hair does not define your beauty – confidence, self-care, and support from others matter more.
• It’s okay to grieve the changes, but also to embrace new styles and solutions that make you feel good.

Join the Conversation
Have you experienced hair loss? What worked for you, both physically and emotionally? We’d love to hear your story. Send us a message at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need it, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Links:

• 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 explore the journey back to authenticity—why we lose it, how we reclaim it, and what it costs us when we don’t. From childhood conditioning to the pressure to fit in, we unpack how the need for approval can disconnect us from who we really are. With insights from Gabor Maté and our own stories, we reflect on what it means to show up as your true self.

Key Discussion Points

• Losing Ourselves: How early conditioning shapes our identity.
• Authenticity vs. Attachment: Why we trade truth for belonging.
• Our Stories: When we conformed, resisted, and reclaimed ourselves.
• Fear of Judgment: Why being real feels risky—but freeing.
• Relationship Shifts: How authenticity affects who we attract.
• Staying Self-Aware: Spotting when you’re not being you—and what to do.

Listener Takeaways

• Notice when you feel disconnected—start with curiosity.
• Your truth matters—even if others don’t get it.
• Find people who love the real you.
• You don’t need to earn your worth—you already have it.

Sources & Further Reading:

• Gabor Maté, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
• Gabor Maté, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress
• Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
• Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever struggled with authenticity? Have you faced judgment for being yourself? Send us a DM or share your thoughts—we’re here to listen.

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps us reach more people who need these conversations.

See you next time! 💛

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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:

• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod
• Follow YKMS on FB https://www.facebook.com/YouKeepMeSanePod
• Email us at [email protected]

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

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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 Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that hits hard: the feeling of having lost the fun, playful side of yourself. Whether it comes from a partner, a friend, or even your own kids, hearing "you're not fun anymore" can sting deeply. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional toll of mental load, and how societal expectations often strip women—especially mothers—of their spontaneity and joy. This candid conversation explores why this happens and how we can reclaim our sense of fun.

Key Discussion Points:

• The painful impact of hearing "you're not fun anymore," especially from loved ones.
• Personal reflections from Aileen and Julie on feeling disconnected from their playful selves.
• How motherhood, mental load, and perimenopause contribute to the loss of lightness.
• The role of societal conditioning in assigning emotional labor and household management to women.
• The emotional exhaustion of juggling responsibilities while trying to maintain a joyful spirit.
• The unfair comparison to dads who often retain their playfulness.
• Practical steps to reconnect with fun: small moments of joy, dancing in the kitchen, morning music rituals, and scheduling time for fun.

Listener Takeaways:

• It's normal to feel like you've lost your fun side during certain life stages—you're not alone.
• Give yourself grace; this phase of life is demanding, and self-judgment only adds to the weight.
• Finding joy doesn’t have to be grand—small, intentional actions can reignite your playful spirit.
• It’s okay to ask for help and share the load to create space for your own joy.
• Fun isn't something you have to perform for others; it's about reconnecting with what brings you joy.

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever felt like you've lost your fun side? How have you tried to bring it back? We'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and tips. DM us or email at [email protected]. Your stories might be featured in a future episode.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who might relate. We're all just doing our best, and that's enough.

Links:

• 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
Comparison can sneak in through social media, friendships, or everyday moments—leaving us feeling like we’re not enough. In this episode, we explore the roots of comparison and jealousy, how they impact self-worth, and what we can do to shift our mindset. Through personal stories and practical tools, we look at how to move from comparison to connection.

Key Discussion Points

• Comparison vs. Jealousy: What’s the difference and why it matters.
• Our Stories: Moments where we’ve felt “less than.”
• The Social Media Effect: How curated lives trigger insecurity.
• Why We Compare Up: And how it affects our self-worth.
• Rebuilding Worth: Tools to reframe and focus on what matters.
• Practical Tips: Gratitude, perspective shifts, and celebrating others.

Listener Takeaways

• Awareness is powerful—know when comparison shows up.
• Reframe your thoughts—ask what the feeling is really about.
• Practice gratitude—it helps anchor you.
• Celebrate others—someone else’s win isn’t your loss.
• Social media isn’t the whole story—focus on your own path.

Join the Conversation:

We want to hear from you! Have you struggled with comparison or jealousy? How have you learned to navigate these feelings?

Send us a DM or leave us a voice message—we’d love to share your insights in future episodes!

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

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:

• 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

This week’s Sanity Check lands on International Women’s Day, and we’re diving into a conversation that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the immense power of women in the economy. Despite the progress we’ve made, studies show it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s five generations away. Simply put, change isn’t happening fast enough.

In this episode, we explore the real impact of women’s financial power, the barriers that still hold women back, and what the world might look like if our economic systems had been built with women in mind from the start.

Key Discussion Points

• Key Discussion Points
  • Why Accelerate Action Matters – At this rate, gender equality is over a century away. Change is too slow.
  • Women and Wealth – Women reinvest up to 90% of their income into families and communities, yet still face financial inequality.
  • The Money Mindset Gap – Girls are taught to save; boys are encouraged to invest. This shapes financial confidence.
  • Systemic Barriers – The pay gap, career interruptions, unpaid labor, and male-dominated finance keep women at an economic disadvantage.
  • Rethinking the Economy – What if financial systems were built for women? Imagine care work being valued and collaboration over competition.
  • Why Act Now – We can’t wait five generations. It’s time to build a system that truly works for women.
• Listener Takeaways
  • How do you see money? Were you taught to be cautious or empowered?
  • Women’s wealth creates change. What we earn and invest shapes entire communities.
  • Push for progress. Advocate for equal pay, challenge financial structures, and demand better policies.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

• The World Bank Report on Women and Economic Growth (2023)
• McKinsey Global Institute: The Power of Parity (2020)
• UN Women: Women’s Economic Empowerment (2022)
• Harvard Business Review: How Women Invest Differently Than Men (2021)
• World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report (2023)
• Instagram Post Referenced: @thefeministfinancialadvisor

Join the Conversation

This International Women’s Day, let’s take action—waiting until 2158 isn’t an option.

How can we create systems that truly work for women? DM us or email [email protected]—we’d love to hear your thoughts.

If this episode resonated, share it and keep the conversation going. Subscribe, rate, and review You Keep Me Sane for more honest conversations.

Happy International Women’s Day—own your power.

Links:

• 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
Most of us left school knowing algebra—not how to budget, manage debt, or invest. In this episode, we unpack the money lessons we wish we’d learned, how to shift our mindset around finances, and why it’s never too late to take control. Let’s break the silence around money and start making it work for us.

Key Discussion Points

• Financial Gaps in School: Why we weren’t taught basic money skills.
• Money Mindset: How guilt, shame, and old beliefs hold us back.
• Lessons from Mistakes: Our stories of debt and what we’d do differently.
• Women & Wealth: Why financial independence matters.
• Teaching the Next Gen: Simple ways to raise financially savvy kids.
• Healthy Habits: Easy steps to build stability and confidence.

Listener Takeaways

• Money is a tool—not something to fear.
• Financial literacy gives kids lifelong power.
• Start small: track spending, save often, and stay consistent.
• Open money conversations can change everything.

We’d love to hear your experiences!

• Do you struggle with a subconscious belief that money is bad or greedy?
• Have you started teaching your kids about money? What’s worked well for you?

Send us a DM or a voice message to share your thoughts!

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Stephen Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO episode on Money & Investing: https://stevenbartlett.com/the-diary-of-a-ceo-podcast/
• Female Invest – A great resource for learning about investing: https://www.femaleinvest.com/
• Compound Interest Calculator – See how small savings grow over time: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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:

• 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 Sanity Check episode, we explore a term that resonates deeply with many women: an overdeveloped sense of duty. Julie shares how she first heard this phrase in her early twenties, and it stuck with her. Over the years, she began to recognise how it played out in her life—compulsively taking on responsibility, stepping in to fix things, and helping others without question. Aileen and Julie discuss where this drive comes from, how it plays out in their own lives, and the emotional toll it can take.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves constantly stepping in, carrying the load, and struggling to say no.

Key Discussion Points

• The emotional and physical toll of feeling responsible for everything and everyone.
• Why so many women are conditioned to believe their worth is tied to their usefulness.
• The connection between apologising too much, hyper-responsibility, and burnout.
• Aileen’s perspective on playing the mediator in her family and how that shaped her sense of responsibility.
• The impact of societal conditioning—why women are often praised for selflessness but rarely encouraged to set boundaries.
• Practical strategies for letting go of the need to always help and prioritising self-care.
• How to check in with yourself: Are you helping out of choice or obligation?

Listener Takeaways

• If you have a habit of always taking on responsibility, pause and ask:
  "Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel I have to?"
• Selflessness isn’t the same as self-sacrifice—you can care for others without draining yourself.
• You are enough, even when you’re not doing everything for everyone.
• Saying no isn’t selfish. Other people can carry the load too.
• Boundaries matter. If your energy is constantly depleted, it’s time to reassess.

Join the Conversation

Does this episode resonate with you? Do you struggle with an overdeveloped sense of duty? We’d love to hear from you!
💬 Drop us a message or share your thoughts on Instagram @YouKeepMeSane
📩 Send us a voicemail or email—your stories matter!
🎧 If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and subscribe!

Links:

• 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
Why does happiness feel like something we’re always chasing but never quite reaching? In this episode, we dive into why happiness feels so elusive and how we can redefine it in a way that feels more fulfilling. Drawing from personal experiences, Russ Harris’ The Happiness Trap, and Dr. Judith Joseph’s 5 Vs for mental health, we explore how meaning, connection, and small sparks of joy can reshape the way we think about happiness.

Key Discussion Points

• The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris' concept of why chasing happiness makes it harder to attain.
• Social Media & Cultural Myths – How unrealistic expectations of happiness contribute to dissatisfaction.
• Meaning vs. Happiness – Why seeking purpose and embracing all emotions (even the difficult ones) can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• The 5 Vs of Mental Health (Dr. Judith Joseph):
• The Role of Small Sparks – How happiness often hides in small, everyday moments rather than grand achievements.

Listener Takeaways

• Redefine happiness – It’s not about constant joy but about moments of connection, meaning, and being present.
• Identify your values – Are you living in a way that aligns with them? If not, what small shifts can you make?
• Practice self-compassion – You’re not supposed to feel good all the time, and that’s okay.
• Notice your sparks – Pay attention to small things that bring joy and make space for them in your life.

Resources

• The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris – https://www.actmindfully.com.au/the-happiness-trap/
• Dr. Judith Joseph’s Work – https://www.drjudithjoseph.com/
• BetterHelp (Paid Partnership) – Get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane

BetterHelp Paid Partnership

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 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 easily.

BetterHelp carefully vets their therapists and has over 7,000 reviews with a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot. 

Join the Conversation

What does happiness mean to you? Has your definition changed over time? What are the small sparks that bring you joy? We’d love to hear from you—leave us a voicemail or send us a DM!

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might need to hear it.

Links:

• 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 week's Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into one of Brené Brown’s transformative quotes:
“It takes courage to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.”
They explore how society glorifies busyness and how deeply ingrained patterns of justifying our time can impact our well-being. Reflecting on their personal journeys, they discuss shifting from a mindset of relentless productivity to embracing rest, play, and meaningful living.

Key Discussion Points

• The Cultural Glorification of Exhaustion: How busy-ness has become a marker of success and worth.
• Personal Reflections on Busyness: Julie and Aileen share how they’ve identified and begun to unlearn these patterns in their own lives.
• Language and Perception: The subtle ways we signal busyness in conversations and how it can unintentionally reinforce these ideals.
• The Role of Self-Worth: How tying self-value to productivity prevents us from fully embracing rest and play.
• Practical Steps for Change: Actionable strategies to prioritise rest, engage in play, and redefine success.

Listener Takeaways

1. Notice Your Language: Pay attention to how you describe your life to others. Shift from saying “I’m busy” to sharing something restful or joyful.
2. Schedule Rest: Treat downtime as a priority, blocking out time to recharge guilt-free.
3. Embrace Play: Rediscover activities that bring you joy and make space for them without needing a productive outcome.
4. Reflect on Your Why: Journal about what drives your busy-ness—awareness can help you challenge and change old patterns.
5. Celebrate Rest and Play: Share your moments of rest and joy openly to normalise them as valuable achievements.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you balance rest and productivity in your life? What’s one small step you can take today to embrace rest and play? Let us know by:

• Leaving a voicemail
• Messaging us on Instagram (@YouKeepMeSane)
• Email us!

Remember, you are enough just as you are—whether you’re busy, resting, or playing.

Links:

• 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 deeply personal episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie dive into the complex topic of body image, exploring why size and shape continue to hold such power over our self-worth. They share candid stories from their own lives, reflecting on the lasting impact of societal expectations, family influences, and personal experiences with food, body shame, and self-acceptance. This heartfelt conversation also delves into how they’re working to foster healthier body narratives for their daughters, challenging the cultural norms that have shaped generations.

Key Discussion Points:

• The lingering influence of childhood experiences with diet culture and body expectations.
• Personal journeys with body image, food addiction, and disordered eating.
• How puberty and societal comments shaped their perceptions of self-worth.
• The evolution of beauty standards across different eras and cultures.
• The impact of social media and algorithms on body dissatisfaction.
• Navigating body changes during perimenopause and finding acceptance.
• The importance of modelling body positivity and neutrality for the next generation.

Listener Takeaways:

• Recognise that body ideals are socially constructed and can be deconstructed.
• Understand the connection between self-worth and body image.
• Practical tips for curating a positive social media feed.
• The power of challenging negative self-talk and practising body neutrality.
• How to create a body-positive environment for children.
• Strategies for shifting focus from appearance to self-appreciation and internal qualities.

BetterHelp Paid Partnership

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 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 easily.

BetterHelp carefully vets their therapists and has over 7,000 reviews with a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot. 

Referenced Resources & Statistics:

• Over 90% of Australian teenagers have some level of body image concern, with 38% being very or extremely concerned. https://butterfly.org.au/news/more-than-90-of-young-people-in-australia-have-some-concern-about-their-body-image/
• Nearly half (45%) of young people are dissatisfied with their appearance, and approximately 37% avoid physical activities due to body image issues. https://butterfly.org.au/news/more-than-90-of-young-people-in-australia-have-some-concern-about-their-body-image/
• Research indicates a link between time spent on social media and increased bo

Links:

• 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.