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!

Join Us for More on Patreon!

Please join us on Patreon for our Sanity Checks - our short weekly episodes where we share what’s really on our minds. They’ve been part of the podcast since the very beginning - those little check-ins and raw conversations. Now, for the price of a coffee a month, you'll get this extra weekly episode plus much more!

Join Us via this link:

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Links:

• Follow YKMS Podcast on IG @youkeepmesane.pod
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• Email us at [email protected]

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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.

Episode Overview: 

In this short Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie explore the unexpected joy and comfort pets bring to our lives. From the unconditional love of dogs and cats to the calming presence of a turtle, they dive into how pets enrich their families and create lasting memories. They share personal stories about their own pets and reflect on the valuable lessons they’ve learned, such as responsibility, empathy, and mindfulness. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or contemplating getting a furry friend, this episode will remind you of the immense joy and emotional support animals offer.

Key Discussion Points:

• The positive impact of pets on children, teaching them responsibility, empathy, and compassion.
• The benefits pets offer to adults, including emotional support and the calming effect they provide.
• The role pets play in family dynamics and how they help bring people closer together.
• The mindfulness and routine that comes with caring for pets, including the physical and emotional benefits of daily walks and cuddles.
• The healing power of animals, especially in tough times like the pandemic.

Listener Takeaways:

• Pets are more than just animals – they are emotional anchors that teach us essential life skills.
• Whether it’s a cat, dog, or even a turtle, the presence of pets can significantly impact our mental well-being and family cohesion.
• The responsibility of caring for a pet is a rewarding experience that can improve mindfulness and provide a sense of purpose, especially in challenging times.
• If you’re considering getting a pet, remember to think about the commitment and embrace the joy that comes with the responsibility.

Join the Conversation: 

We’d love to hear about your pets and the joy they bring to your life. Share your stories with us on Instagram or send us a message – we’re all ears! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who loves pets or is thinking of getting one.

Resources Mentioned:

• Three Wild Dogs and the Truth by Marcus Zusak – A brilliant, autobiographical book about the joy and chaos pets bring to a family. Highly recommended by Julie!
• All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann – An affirming introduction to autism through the lens of feline behaviour.
• All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann – An affirming introduction to ADHD, focusing on the behaviours of dogs and how they relate to ADHD.

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 a thought-provoking quote by Carl Jung: "The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents." We unpack what this means, how our unresolved struggles or unmet dreams can impact our children, and how we can foster self-awareness to break the cycle.

Aileen and Julie reflect on their own experiences—how their upbringings shaped them and how they strive to parent differently. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and ensuring that children are free to develop their own identities without carrying the weight of their parents’ past.

Key Discussion Points

• Jung’s “Unlived Life”: How parents may project their unmet dreams onto their kids.
• Personal Reflections: Aileen shares her emotionally restricted upbringing; Julie reflects on parenting through a self-worth lens.
• Generational Patterns: How unresolved wounds shape how we parent.
• Breaking the Cycle: The power of self-awareness in stopping unconscious projections.
• Supporting Our Kids: Practical ways to nurture independence and authenticity in children.

Listener Takeaways

• The importance of self-reflection in parenting—checking whether we’re projecting unmet needs onto our children.
• How to balance support and encouragement without steering children toward a path that serves us more than them.
• The power of honesty and emotional openness in parenting.
• Why working on our own self-worth prevents us from burdening our kids with our unresolved struggles.
• Practical ways to create a healthier, more supportive environment for children.

Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How has the idea of the unlived life shown up in your own parenting journey? What steps are you taking to grow alongside your children?

Join Us for More on Patreon!

Please join us on Patreon for our Sanity Checks - our short weekly episodes where we share what’s really on our minds. They’ve been part of the podcast since the very beginning - those little check-ins and raw conversations. Now, for the price of a coffee a month, you'll get this extra weekly episode plus much more!

Join Us via this link:

https://www.patreon.com/14211197/join

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 of Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many women: how we can sometimes be our own worst critics, and how we must work towards lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down. They explore how societal pressures, insecurities, and unhealed wounds can fuel negative behaviour between women, and why it's crucial to change the narrative towards mutual support and empowerment.

Key Discussion Points:

• Aileen and Julie reflect on a recent conversation about a woman who faced constant criticism from another in her circle.
• The damaging impact of competition, gossip, and judgment in female relationships.
• How insecurities often drive criticism, and why it’s important to recognise and address them.
• The need for women to extend grace to themselves and others, especially in the context of motherhood and aging.
• The significance of healthy, supportive friendships and the boundaries needed to protect our mental and emotional well-being.
• How inner work and self-acceptance are essential to breaking the cycle of negativity.

Listener Takeaways:

• Recognise when you are falling into a pattern of criticism and choose to lift others instead.
• Understand that hurtful behaviour often stems from insecurities, and it’s essential to reflect on this before reacting.
• Prioritise relationships that bring positivity and support into your life, and let go of toxic dynamics that drain you.
• Embrace the power of mutual support, especially among women, and focus on celebrating each other’s achievements rather than competing.
• Value yourself just as you are, and extend that same grace to others.

Resources/Studies:

• Female Intrasexual Competition: Study on Female Intrasexual Competition and Indirect Aggression, Psych Central, 2021.
• Perceptions of Competition in Young Women: Competition as a Norm: A Study on Young Women’s Rivalry and Societal Expectations, Springer Link, 2016.
• Socialization and Female Competition: No, Women Aren't Inherently Catty or Competitive, Bustle, 2014.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever experienced criticism or negativity from other women? How did you handle it? We’d love to hear your stories and thoughts on creating positive, supportive connections in your life. Share your experiences with us by leaving a comment or reaching out through our socials.

Remember to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you think it will resonate with someone. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other as we all navigate the ups and downs of life.

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, Aileen opens up about her experiences as a single parent, raising her daughter Amelia for over a decade. She shares both the rewarding and the challenging aspects of single motherhood, offering insight into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that often go unseen. Julie and Aileen also discuss how building a supportive community, embracing vulnerability, and seeking help from friends can make all the difference.

Key Discussion Points

• The Mental Load: Aileen opens up about the constant decision-making strain of solo parenting.
• Friendship as Support: Why close female friendships are vital when you’re doing it alone.
• Financial Pressure: The juggling act of raising a child solo in an expensive city.
• Emotional Labour: Being the steady anchor for your child while managing your own ups and downs.
• Hormones Everywhere: Navigating perimenopause while parenting through puberty.
• Staying Grounded: Therapy, movement, and breathwork as essential tools.

Listener Takeaways

• You’re Not Alone: Connection and support make all the difference.
• Self-Kindness Matters: Your best really is enough.
• Vulnerability is Strength: Let your kids see it’s okay to feel.
• Build Your Village: Lean on friends, therapy, and self-care to lighten the load.

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re a single parent, what challenges do you face and how have you learned to cope? Send us a voicemail or drop us a message—we're here to listen and support. 

Don't forget to share this episode with any single parents who could benefit from hearing these honest, relatable conversations.

Join Us for More on Patreon!

Please join us on Patreon for our Sanity Checks - our short weekly episodes where we share what’s really on our minds. They’ve been part of the podcast since the very beginning - those little check-ins and raw conversations. Now, for the price of a coffee a month, you'll get this extra weekly episode plus much more!

Join Us via this link:

https://www.patreon.com/14211197/join

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 of Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie reflect on their decision to take a break from alcohol. Sharing their personal experiences and challenges, they explore how alcohol affects them differently now, especially in the context of perimenopause. They discuss the cultural pressures around drinking, how alcohol impacts their energy, sleep, and mental health, and how stepping back has led them to rediscover a more mindful and present version of themselves.

Key Discussion Points

• The impact of perimenopause on alcohol tolerance, including changes in sleep, energy, and anxiety.
• How alcohol has historically been woven into social rituals and the challenges of changing these habits.
• The importance of creating new, healthy habits to replace alcohol without feeling deprived.
• The power of boundaries and normalising your choice to not drink in social situations.

Listener Takeaways

• Aileen and Julie have both noticed clearer minds, more energy, and a greater sense of calm since stepping away from drinking.
• Taking a break from alcohol can be a liberating choice that opens up new, healthier habits and routines.
• It’s okay to change your relationship with alcohol – it doesn’t make you any less fun or social. Instead, it shows that you’re being intentional with what you want in your life.
• Creating new rituals and habits, like replacing alcohol with tea or mindful activities, can help reduce the reliance on alcohol as a social crutch.
• The journey of reducing or eliminating alcohol is personal, and there’s no need for perfection – it’s about what feels right for you.

Resource Mentioned

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray

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.