Rude Awakenings

Shann is an expert in gut health science and the founder of Chuckling Goat, located on a goat farm in Wales producing award-winning goat’s milk kefir. Shann is also the author of three best-selling books on gut health, works with Cambridge University and is an advisor to the Welsh government.In this episode, Shann and I chat about her Rude Awakening when her husband, Rich, contracted a superbug MRSA infection after going to hospital for an operation. Shann developed her passion for gut health science when she used kefir to miraculously save her husband’s life from the deadly infection.We also talk about my personal experience with the magical healing power of Shann’s goat’s milk kefir. Seven years ago I developed an auto-immune condition and doctors told me there was no cure and that I would have to live with it. Through my own research I was led to Chuckling Goat and in just 6 weeks was able to cure my condition.Find out more about Shann and her Chuckling Goats:Through her website: www.chucklinggoat.co.ukHer books:"Secrets from Chuckling Goat""The Kefir Solution: Natural healing for IBS, Depression and Anxiety""How to Start a Business on Your Kitchen Table" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Thomson is the founder of the app “Moody Month” which is an app that allows women to track their monthly cycles and log their moods and symptoms. The aim is to help women to build a long-term picture of their hormone patterns and connect women with the wellness information and advice they need to address their symptoms including advice about nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness.In this episode, Amy and I chat about her Rude Awakening of experiencing burnout after founding her first business. During that time Amy was travelling extensively and dealing with the stresses of running a business until in 2016 her periods totally stopped. She spent almost 12 months being told she may be infertile or suffering from any number of terrifying illnesses before finally realising her symptoms were due to burnout.We also talk about her experience as a female founder and the steps that Amy and the Moody Month team have taken to support women in the US by protecting their data following the overturning of Roe vs Wade.You can discover more about Amy's work by:Downloading the Moody Month app hereCheck out her book "Moody: A 21st Century Hormone Guide" here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Madeleine and I talk about her traumatic experience of being violently gang-raped at the age of 13 and her journey of healing from this terrible event. Madeleine’s work now centres around helping others find their voice and ending the shame, stigma, and silence surrounding sexual violence.We also talk about some of the tools she has employed in her healing journey from traditional talking therapy to more alternative therapies including working with a shaman, transformational breathwork, and the use of plant medicines such as San Pedro TRIGGER WARNING In this conversation there are references to violence and rape so if these are triggering topics for you please do take extra care when listening.Find out more about Madeleine's work by checking out:Her book: Unbroken: One Woman's Journey to Rebuild a Life Shattered by Violence. A True Story of Survival and HopeHer website: madeleineblack.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millie is the founder of the Sober Girl Society and author of the book, The Sober Girl Society Handbook. The Sober Girl Society was founded with one simple purpose – to show the world that you can still live a fun and fulfilled life after you break up with booze. In this episode, Millie and I chat about her Rude Awakening in her twenties. After years of partying and hangovers started taking a toll on her mental health, Millie Gooch gave up alcohol in February 2018 and hasn’t looked back since.You can find out more about Millie and the Sober Girl Society below:Sober Girl Society WebsiteThe Sober Girl Society Handbook by Millie GoochThe Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine GrayIf you are struggling with alcohol you can find information and support at alcoholchange.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefanie Sword Williams is the founder and author of a global movement and book, with quite possibly my favourite name: Fuck Being Humble. Before turning her side hustle into a full-time mission, she worked in advertising for seven years telling brand stories for businesses all over the world.She created Fuck Being Humble to encourage individuals to be unapologetically proud of their achievements and overcome the fear of self-promotion. Named as Forbes 30 Under 30 in Europe, she has delivered workshops for global brands including Google, The BBC, and spoken at conferences such as Cannes Lions Festival.In this episode, Stef and I chat about her Rude Awakening of working in a toxic working environment in her early career and why it’s important to understand the difference between celebrating yourself and being arrogant.Check out more of Stef's work here:Her website: https://www.fuckbeinghumble.com/Her book: F*ck Being Humble: Why self-promotion isn’t a dirty wordHer Podcast: That feeling when...Follow her: @stefaniesw @fbeinghumble @thismighthelpus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie Wilby is an award-winning comedian who has appeared many times on BBC Radio 4 programmes including Woman’s Hour and The Human Zoo and at major festivals including Latitude and Glastonbury. She is also the author of a book called The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak which is a love letter to her breakups and a celebration of what they have taught her.In this episode, Rosie and I chat about one of her first Rude Awakenings in 2011 when Rosie was dumped by email. Obsessing about breakups ever since, we talk about her quest to investigate, understand and conquer the psychology of heartbreak.You can discover more of Rosie's work here:Book: The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak Podcast: The Breakup Monologues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holly Matthews is a former TV actress who you will recognise from hit TV shows such as Byker Grove, Waterloo Road, and The Bill. Holly is now an accomplished Ted X speaker, Life Coach, and founder of The Happy Me Project – a practical online membership program that is packed with great tools, ideas, and challenges to help you to feel good and navigate all the stuff life throws your way.In this episode, Holly and I chat about a number of Rude Awakenings she has experienced throughout her life from the ups and downs of working in show business, to her daughter’s premature birth and her biggest Rude Awakening in 2017 when Holly’s husband Ross died of brain cancer. We talk about how practicing radical acceptance has got her through that experience and how she believes the frequent rejection faced by actors is something that helped to build her resilience.Find out more about Holly's work and The Happy Me Project here: https://www.iamhollymatthews.com/And by following her instagram: @iamhollymatthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brita is a speaker, transformational coach, and author of a book entitled “Fears to Fierce: A women’s guide to owning her power”. She previously worked as Executive Director of Women for Women International, working in conflict-affected countries around the world to support the most marginalised women.In this conversation, we talk about Brita’s experience of being bullied at work and ultimately standing up to that bully as well as how “good girl syndrome” can keep you small. We also talk about the importance of inspiration and how Brita derives her inspiration and purpose from the women she has worked with.Find out more about Brita's work by:Checking out her website: https://www.britafs.com/Following her instagram: @britafsChecking out her book “Fears to Fierce: A women’s guide to owning her power” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie (aka Mlle Sophie) is a business owner, creative director, knitting coach, and author with one mission at heart: spreading the joy of knitting. Born and raised in France, she learned to knit with her devoted, loving grandmother.  In this conversation, we talk about the superpower that is… knitting! Sophie has helped people all over the world from victims of domestic violence and cancer patients to Silicon Valley executives by blending mindfulness and knitting techniques that lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels to bring peace and focus.Find out more about Sophie's work by:Checking out her website: https://heartknit.fr/mllesophieFollowing her instagram: @mllesophieChecking out her latest book on knitting: Les basiques de Mlle Sophie: Apprenez à tricoter sans stresser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe is an award-winning mental health campaigner who campaigns to change mental health services and to find better ways to help children and young people stand up and speak out against bullying.In this conversation, we talk about Joe’s experience of living with autism as well as other complex mental health issues and how he is using his experience of growing up in the care system to help young people going through similar challenges.Find out more about Joe's work, his blog and podcast on his website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.