Get to know me (Q&A)

If you're a freelancer, creative or small business owner who feels permanently switched on, this one's for you.In this episode of No More Playing Small, I'm talking about why boredom might be the most underrated tool for your creativity, your focus and your business, and why you can be busy and bored at the same time.In this episode:Why we can't sit still for two seconds any more (thanks, phones)How boredom sparks creativity and ideasThe cost of constantly switching tasksWhy your brain needs downtime, especially if you're a freelancer or business ownerHow to fight the guilt of not being productive every secondA simple challenge for this week: do one thing with no phone, no podcast and no background noiseWelcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got 4 months left in 2026. That's it. And I'm telling you now, you can undo a bad year, or turbocharge a good one, in that time, with just ONE practice. If you've ever ended a day feeling like it happened TO you instead of because of you, this one's for you!Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was cleaning out a bag when I found something I’d been looking for for YEARS: a lost SD card. Naturally, I plugged it into my computer expecting blurry club photos, random screenshots and things I’d completely forgotten about. What I didn’t expect to find was the very first podcast episode I ever recorded!Back then, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have the right equipment, I didn’t have a format, I didn’t really know what the podcast would be about… I just had this gut feeling that I wanted to create a space where I could talk about the things I was learning, connect with like-minded people and share the conversations I was already having with friends, founders and creatives.Three years later, I’m actually doing it!In this episode, I’m going back to where the idea started, what held me back from actually making it happen, and what finding that old recording made me realise about taking the first step before you feel ready. Because sometimes the thing you keep putting off isn’t waiting for you to have it all figured out. It’s just waiting for you to start.Follow the brilliant Jill Skulina: Website: https://jillskulina.wixsite.com/jillskulina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillskulina/?hl=en-gb Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting made redundant felt like rock bottom... until life completely flipped. In the space of two weeks I went viral, attracted celebrity messages, secured my first podcast sponsor, and learned some unexpected lessons from a hospital bed. I'm sharing the highs, the lows, and why putting yourself out there might be the best career move you ever make.Thanks to Our SponsorA huge thank you to Denholm Associates for sponsoring today's episode. If you're looking for your next role in marketing, communications, digital, PR or the creative industries, I'd genuinely recommend checking them out. They've been connecting brilliant people with brilliant opportunities for over 24 years, and they also helped me land my first-ever creative agency role. If you're currently job hunting, don't miss CareerBox either, their free career hub is packed with practical advice on CVs, LinkedIn, interviews, networking and career planning.Find out more:Denholm Associates: https://www.denholmassociates.comCareerBox: https://careerbox.netThanks again to Denholm Associates for supporting No More Playing Small! ✨Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week later than planned, I'm finally sharing why.In this episode, I talk about being made redundant, navigating uncertainty, and the unexpected lessons I've found during a week back home in Fife.From sitting beside the ruins of a centuries-old abbey to finding myself back in my childhood bedroom trying to figure out what's next, I've been reflecting on resilience, anxiety, and why being human hasn't really changed all that much over the last thousand years.I also share the simple breathing exercise that helped me through one of the scariest moments of my life, why nature has been my biggest source of comfort this week, and the powerful lesson I've learned about not burning bridges when life feels unfair.Because sometimes the strongest thing you can do isn't getting the last word, it's walking away with your peace intact.If you're going through a tough season, feeling lost, anxious, or unsure what's next, this one's for you.Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the surprising connection between comfort and ambition. Why does success, stability, or routine sometimes reduce motivation and drive?Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I get really honest about where I’ve been at lately - feeling low motivation, a bit stuck, and completely out of routine. There wasn’t one big thing that caused it, more a gradual drift away from the habits that usually keep me grounded and feeling like myself.Join me in conversation around manifestation, but in a way that feels realistic and grounded rather than overly spiritual or overwhelming. I share how I personally see manifestation as a mindset tool for clarity, identity, and focus, and not something about perfection or constantly thinking positive, but about aligning your actions with the version of you you want to become.I also talk about identity, self-talk, and how the labels we repeat about ourselves can quietly shape our behaviour over time. And I share a simple but powerful exercise I use. This episode is really about motivation, mindset shifts, burnout, self-development, consistency, productivity, and manifestation in a practical, down-to-earth way. It’s for anyone who’s felt stuck, off track, or disconnected from their routines and is trying to find their way back without pressure or perfection. Because ultimately, I’m learning that you don’t need to feel amazing every day - you just need to keep coming back to yourself.Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a simple get-to-know-me episode. I’m answering your questions and sharing a bit more about myself along the way.Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of No Playing Small, I’m sharing exactly how I went from a simple thought to launching a viral, self-funded campaign that’s now gaining real traction, press coverage, and attention.This isn’t a polished success story it’s the real, messy process of starting before I felt ready, figuring things out as I went, and backing myself even when it wasn’t perfect.In this episode, I talk about:Why I stopped waiting to feel ready (because it never comes)How I made my idea small enough to actually startWhat happened when I let go of worrying about judgementHow taking action created momentum, not the other way aroundWhy backing myself changed everythingIf you’ve been sitting on an idea, doubting yourself, or waiting for the “right time,” this is your sign. I’m proof that you don’t need a perfect plan, you just need to start. This episode is for you if you’re into personal growth, starting a business, content creation, or turning ideas into reality.Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m diving into the power of perspective, how the lens you choose to view your life can completely shape your reality, mood, and decisions. I kick things off with some real talk about having a brutal week. The takeaway? Perspective isn’t about forcing positivity, it’s about widening your view, noticing the good even in frustrating situations, and remembering that everything is temporary. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “this is awful” mindset, this episode is for you. I break down practical ways to shift your perspective, embrace gratitude, and show up as your best self, even on the tough days.Welcome to No More Playing Small, hosted by Chloe McFarland - the podcast for ambitious creatives, dream-chasers, and people ready to build momentum, get intentional, and create the life they want to lead. Whether you're growing a business or just tired of playing small — you're in the right place.Follow me on Instagram: @chloemcfarland_Sponsors: Want to sponsor an episode or collaborate? Get in touch via Instagram. © 2025 Chloe McFarland. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.