Skin & Within

Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Time Management Coach Sarah Stewart about the power of finding balance in a busy world. If you ever feel overwhelmed by your to-do list, struggle to set boundaries, or wish you had more time for self-care, this conversation is for you. Listen out for Sarah’s practical tips on prioritisation, handling distractions, and creating space for wellbeing—because managing your time isn’t just about productivity; it’s about designing a life that supports your mental and emotional health. Get ready for some life changing tips from Sarah.

Join host Claire Gray for this heartwarming episode of Skin & Within, as she chats to Renu Bhardwaj, a food influencer known for her practical approach to cooking. Renu shares her journey into the kitchen and how cooking became a mindful practice and source of nourishment for herself and her family. We explore the deeper meaning of "comfort food" beyond indulgence, discussing how it can promote mental and emotional well-being. Renu reveals her favourite ingredients for creating balanced and nourishing meals. She also offers practical tips on making everyday meals more soulful and talks about the influence of cultural heritage on comfort cooking. Don't miss Renu’s favourite recipe and her top comfort foods for nourishing the soul. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you hungry for more!

Join host, Claire Gray as she talks to the incredible Dylan Lombard, a young man with an extraordinary story of self-acceptance and resilience. Dylan lives with Mandibular Duplication Pterygium Syndrome (MDP), an extremely rare condition that has shaped his journey in unique ways. He’s also autistic, and today, he opens up about how both aspects of his identity have influenced his experiences, challenges, and triumphs.  We’ll dive into Dylan’s school years, his experiences with bullying, and how he found strength through photography and dance. He’ll also share his thoughts on social media—both the positives and the negatives—and the importance of representation through campaigns like ‘Changing Faces’ and ‘I Am Not Your Villain.’  Most importantly, Dylan’s story is one of hope. His journey of self-acceptance is truly inspiring, and he’ll be offering advice for anyone struggling with self-esteem or embracing their uniqueness.  Get ready for an uplifting conversation about resilience, identity, and finding joy in the things that make us who we are.

Join host, Claire Gray as she is joined by Wellbeing and HR experts Ruari Hunter and Gail McPake to discuss the importance of wellbeing in the workplace. We explore how organisations can create a culture that prioritises mental, physical, and emotional health, the impact of wellbeing on productivity and job satisfaction, and how to recognise the early signs of burnout. Ruari and Gail also share practical strategies for both employers and employees to reduce stress, promote balance, and prevent burnout before it takes hold. Whether you’re an employer looking to support your team or an employee trying to navigate workplace pressures, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you work well and live well. Listen now for expert advice on creating a healthier, happier work environment!

Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to The Energy Queen; Hiuyu about energy healing and bodywork. Your body holds onto stress, emotions, and even past traumas—often without you realising it. In this episode, we explore how energy healing can release these tensions, restore balance, and reconnect you with your inner power. We discuss:    💆‍♀️ What energy healing is and why it matters  🌿 The link between body, mind, and soul  💫 How emotional release transforms your wellbeing  ✨ Simple ways to incorporate energy healing into your self-care routine    If you’re curious about how bodywork can help you feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with yourself, this episode is for you! Let’s go! Find Huiyu on Instagram @iamhuiya - https://www.instagram.com/iamhiuyu/?hl=en

Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Paula Rastrick, a trauma and hormonal sensitivity specialist, who works on the connection between the nervous system, endocrine health, and emotional wellbeing. In this insightful episode of Skin & Within, Claire chats with Paula Rastrick to explore the intricate links between hormonal sensitivity, trauma, and neurodivergence. We dive deep into what it means to be hormonally sensitive, how to identify if you are highly sensitive, and whether this trait is hereditary. Paula explains how hormone fluctuations—especially during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause—interact with the endocrine system and neurodivergence, shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and hormonal shifts. We also discuss the impact of past trauma on the body and mind, including how it influences stress tolerance, hypervigilance, and overall wellbeing. Key takeaways include: The link between the nervous system and hormonal balance How oestrogen affects mood and emotional regulation Practical strategies for managing hormonal sensitivity and reducing stress Insights into the survival vs reproductive system response If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your body's reactions to stress, trauma, or hormonal changes, this episode offers valuable guidance and support. Tune in for expert advice, real-life experiences, and actionable tips to help you navigate hormonal sensitivity with more ease. Let’s go!   Further reading: https://subscribepage.io/hormonal-sensitivity-els-trauma-pdf Find Paula on Instagram @mrspaularastrick

Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Niki Taylor MBE , Educator in regenerative fashion and textiles, fashion activist and artist. In this episode of Skin & Within, we welcome Niki Taylor, MBE, a passionate educator in regenerative fashion and textiles, a fashion activist, and co-founder of Fashion Revolution Scotland. As a lecturer in design at Edinburgh College of Art, Niki plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of designers, inspiring them to prioritise sustainability in their work. Niki and Claire both started our careers in the fashion industry at a time when consumerism and fast fashion were at their peak. But as our values evolved, we found ourselves questioning the system and seeking a more ethical approach to fashion. In this conversation, we explore the power of community, the role of education in sustainability, and the small but meaningful steps we can all take to care for people and the planet.

Welcome to Skin & Within, where we delve into wellness that goes beyond the surface. I'm Claire Gray, founder of Ermana Natural Skincare, and your guide to finding your inner glow. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Madelaine Black, trauma survivor and author of Unbroken. In today’s episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Madeleine Black—an author, speaker, and survivor who has courageously shared her story of healing. After experiencing sexual violence at just 13, Madeleine hid her trauma for many years. But through self-exploration, relationships, and ultimately sharing her story, she found the strength to heal. We’ll discuss the role of shame, the impact of trauma on self-identity, and whether forgiveness is necessary in the healing process. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation, but also one filled with hope and empowerment. Let’s go!

Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Stuart Sandeman; Founder of Breathpod, and Bestselling Author of Breathe In, Breathe Out In this episode, we explore the transformative power of breath with Stuart Sandeman, founder of Breathpod and Sunday Times bestselling author of Breathe In, Breathe Out. Join me as I chat with Stuart about how breathwork can shape our emotions, thoughts, and even our personalities. He shares his personal journey into breathwork and explains why so many of us aren’t breathing properly – and how small changes can have a profound impact on stress, mood, and overall wellbeing. We dive into: How breathwork influences the nervous system, from fight-or-flight to deep relaxation. The fascinating connection between breath, thoughts, and emotional states. The difference between nose and mouth breathing – and why it matters. The archetypes of breathers – which one are you? Practical techniques for using breath to manage anxiety, grief, anger, and shock. Stuart’s three simple steps to help us all breathe better. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or simply connect with your body in a deeper way, this episode is packed with insights to help you harness the power of your breath. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that could quite literally change the way you breathe – and how you live. Let’s go!

Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts.  Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to former Scottish footballer, Founder & Chief Executive Of Glasgow City Football Club Laura Montgomery about female body image. Laura is a trailblazer for women’s football and she believes that we can all play a part in shaping positive body image by becoming role models for the next generation. In this episode we explore the powerful connection between sport, body image, and confidence, particularly for women in today’s world. Listen to her inspiring story of challenging a male-dominated industry and transforming perceptions of women’s football, all while championing female empowerment.