Mini Mini Pod - The Instant Calmer

In this episode I chat to an incredibly inspiring headmistress who opens up about her long journey to having the confidence to express herself within a profession that sets firm rules and expectations.Lara Pechard works in a world where both the parents and her peers alike (often headmasters) have certain preconceptions about how a headmistress should look and present herself. She explains how it has taken her years but that she now has the attitude that she is who she is and that her external attributes should have nothing to do with her skills as the head of a school.We chat about the importance of being yourself and not allowing yourself to be judged and also have a fascinating talk about how to look after our childrens' mental health (Lara has won awards for her work around mental health in schools). We even have time to chat about her passion for fragrance!I wish that more heads of schools had the confidence and self assuredness to show their students that we need to believe in who we are and express that to the world. Sometimes "breaking the rules" can be the most powerful and freeing thing we can do for ourselves and set the very best example to those around us.

In this week's minipod I'll be telling you about some inspiring people I met at last night's launch of Klira at the French Pharmacy in London's Marleybone and what they have taught me.Related to that I also have a recommendation for the most INCREDIBLE book on perimenopause. With good womens' health info still severely lacking, this book will help you understand so much about what is happening to you and how you can regain control of your health and emotions.I also chat about a brilliant use for Ren's AHA tonic and discuss how facing a big fear can reframe other things in your life in the very best way.Downloads wherever you get your podcasts xx

In this episode I chat through some of the products that I've been trying and testing with as always 100% honest reviews. I also talk about some of my absolute favourite products that really are worth every penny.

This episode is in partnership with K18 HairIn this episode I have such fun getting to know the brilliant hair stylist Eric Vaughn. As well as being a hugely well known salon owner and hair celebrity, Eric is an ambassador for a hair brand that I have loved for a long time, K18.K18 has got some brilliant science going on and Eric explains not only why it's so special but how to use it for the best possible results. As part of this episode I'm also giving away a great bundle of K18 products worth around £300. Make sure you check out my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola for all the details.I hope you enjoy learning about this very interesting brand from an utterly fabulous man.

In this week's Minipod I'm embracing Autumn and talking about all the lovely Autumnal beauty and wellbeing products that I'm enjoying using. I also have some other recommendations inlcuding the very best hot water bottle and an affordable dress that will suit every occasion.

Bryony and I had the BEST time recording this in the studio and we laughed so much I thought someone was going to tell us to be quiet!During the episode:Bryony reveals something very personal about her feelings towards cotton woolI make a very important discovery about Pacey from Dawson's CreekWe chat about what Dirty Dancing means to us which leads to a chat about holiday romances..good and bad!We also recommend lots of products and have a chat about the best beauty advent calendars xx

A little makeup bag delve to start your week.Lots of affordable products in here that are absolutely brilliant including the perfect liquid blush for £5.99 xx

This episods is in partnership with New Nordic (Janette is one of their brand ambassadors)I'm so excited to welcome the absolutely brilliant Janette Manrara on today's episode.Janette, who many of us know and love as a Strictly Come Dancing dancer and judge is also a TV presenter and author. Her little girl is one year old and she recently turned 40.During the episode we chat about the eternal juggle of being a working mum and how there still remains a lot of judgement if we decided to go back to work earlier than people expect us to.We also talk about the things Janette does to feel as good as possible at the same times as being the busiest she's ever been. What are her little tricks for feeling happy and healthy?Janette's mum also makes a hilarious appearance during the episdoe.I absolutely loved everything about this warm, energetic woman and can't wait for you to hear a different side of her.

In this week's minipod I'm talking about the slow but steady build up of stress that has wormed its way back into my life since I've been back from my holiday and how that's impacted my anxiety levels.I also tell you about a fragrance that has not only taken TikTok by storm but that I am utterly in love with....so much so that after spending a day repeatedly sniffing the wrist I tested it on in Selfridges I had to order it online. (It is a real crowd pleaser and needs to be tried!)I also have a recommendation for the best tights ever and a dry body oil that sinks in within seconds and smells delicious.xx

This episode is in collaboration with Marc-Antoine BarroisIn this special episode I'm joined by my On The Scent co-host and wonderful friend Suzy Nightingale as we sit down with @marcantoinebarrois - couturier turned fragrance house founder - for an intimate conversation recorded at the Piccadilly Arcade boutique (just before our On The Scent sold-out live event!) The discussion delves into Marc-Antoine's journey to becoming a renowned name in the world of couture and perfumery.Marc-Antoine shares heartfelt stories about his early passion for fashion, inspired by his grandfather, a textile industrialist in Northern France. His career took off when he was discovered by Dominique Sirop, leading to collaborations with iconic designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier at Hermès and John Galliano. These experiences shaped his distinctive style, characterised by sustainability and timeless elegance.A pivotal moment in Marc-Antoine's life was meeting perfumer Quentin Bisch in 2015. Describing it as meeting a "twin brother," Marc-Antoine recounts how their shared values and creative synergy led to a profound partnership. Together, they embarked on a journey to create unique fragrances that evoke emotions and memories, blending their expertise in couture and perfumery.During the podcast, Suzy and I explore the Marc-Antoine Barrois fragrance universe, uncovering the inspirations and creative processes behind each scent. Marc-Antoine and Quentin's collaboration is marked by mutual respect and trust, allowing them to craft perfumes that are both timeless and innovative.This episode is a testament to Marc-Antoine's dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire elegance and confidence through both fashion and fragrance. I so hope you enjoy listening!