Thriving not Surviving

Keywords Thriving, trauma healing, grief, PTSD, addiction recovery, psychosis, EMDR, nervous system, voice healing, creativity, music, resilience, somatic healing, community, self-worthSummary In this deeply moving episode, Helen sits down with Ziggy Phoenix—singer, songwriter, and self-described “Creatrix”—to trace a life shaped by early loss, trauma, and profound turning points… and the fierce, tender rebirth that followed.Ziggy shares her experience of losing her mother aged 2 and being raised by extraordinary grandparents, alongside the loneliness and bullying that came with feeling “different.” From a turbulent adolescence and time in psychiatric care, to running away and finding belonging in counterculture community, Ziggy speaks with brave honesty about how pain can shape the nervous system—and the choices we make just to survive.We explore how trauma can live in the body, the long road of trying to feel safe again, and the moment Ziggy found genuine, life-changing support through therapy—especially EMDR. She describes what it meant to reprocess core memories, reclaim her inner child, and finally loosen the grip of a lifetime of stored grief.Ziggy also shares the immense pressure of working in the film industry, the frightening experience of losing vision in one eye through extreme stress, and the moment she chose a different path—one that led her back to music, back to her voice, and into a sold-out show where she stood on the very stage she once ran off in tears.We close with the rising of “Creatrix”—Ziggy’s mission to champion women in rock, create safer, more inclusive spaces, and help other women bring their creativity into form. This one is raw, powerful, and full of heart.TakeawaysHealing isn’t linear—and it often comes in layers. If one modality doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean you’re “too broken.” It means you haven’t found the right support yet.Trauma isn’t just in the mind; it’s somatic. The body remembers, and healing often requires nervous system safety, not just insight.Grief needs space. Letting yourself cry is not weakness—it can be regulation, release, and repair.EMDR can be profoundly transformative for trauma, helping to reprocess memories and soften the intensity held in the body.Your voice matters—literally and metaphorically. Reclaiming it can be a huge part of reclaiming your life.Community changes everything. Safe people, compassionate support, and true belonging can be the bridge from surviving to thriving.“Creatrix” energy is about becoming the feminine creator of your own life—bringing what’s inside you into reality, even after everything you’ve endured.ResourcesDark Nights Of The Soul: A guide to finding your way through life's ordeals by Thomas Moore Silence - book by Thich Nhat HanhThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Kolk, Bessel van derNo Bad Parts by Richard SchwartzEleanor Wellspring Pool – Counselling Sandra Kelly - Rebirthing Breathwork (Leonard Orr) +353879647949 WhatsApp Jax Allen - Compassionate Enquiry and Counselling  https://www.shamanictherapies.comHannah Mae Dawson – Shadow work Ruth Wallace EMDRJade Williams SingerConnect with ZiggyZiggy Phoenix band page - ziggyphoenixofficialFB: Band siteIG: (6) Instagram  Ziggy_phoenixLinktree for gigs, music, merch etcConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462 For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords Thriving, Near-Death Experience (NDE), lightning strike, hypnotherapy, regression therapy, nervous system regulation, safety, unconditional love, oneness, heart-led living, soul, ego, inner child, active listening, healing space, spirituality, autism, facilitated communicationSummary In this episode, Helen speaks with master hypnotherapist and regression therapist Paul Aurand, whose life was profoundly transformed after being struck by lightning and experiencing a near-death state. Paul shares how the experience shifted his values, expanded his awareness beyond the “mental mind,” and deepened his commitment to healing that honours a person’s innate capacity to heal themselves.Together, they explore the difference between mind, ego, and soul guidance; why listening (to people—and to Spirit) changes everything; and what it can mean to remember why you came here—without needing a traumatic wake-up call. Paul also leads a beautiful guided “I am safe” practice to help settle the nervous system and bring you back into your body, heart, and presence.Takeaways· Thriving doesn’t mean life is easy—it means you have tools, support, and the ability to meet the dark times with awareness and growth.· A healer doesn’t “heal” you; a healer holds a safe, respectful space so your own healing intelligence can emerge.· Paul’s lightning strike and NDE brought experiences of unconditional love, oneness, and guidance—plus a clear message: you can have a good mind, but rely on it less than heart and soul.· Active listening can radically change the healing dynamic—from “I fix you” to “I honour your inner capacity.”· Paul frames ego as something we need to function on Earth—but the wounded ego (shame, unworthiness, fear) is what needs care and healing, not annihilation.· The guided “I am safe” grounding practice offers a simple way to communicate safety to the body and shift out of stress reactivity.· Paul shares the general pathway he often guides clients through: mind → heart → beliefs/emotions → survival strategies → inner child (wounded + wonder) → “wise one within” → soul essence and purpose.The Guided “I am safe” grounding practice: takes place around 48:52 minutes in – 56:47 (approx.)Resources “The Telepathy Tapes” Podcast  Child of Eternity                            Book by Adriana Rocha  Eben Alexander, MD                   Proof of Heaven                             A neurosurgeon’s NDE Dannion Brinkley                          Saved by the Light                        Struck by lightning twiceConnect with Paul Website: https://www.paulaurand.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulAurandIG : https://www.instagram.com/paulaurand/FB:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014310670200#Training: https://paulaurand.com/TrainingBook : https://linktr.ee/ESSENTIALHEALINGBOOKNDE Study:  https://youtu.be/MnJOTTRvXBg?si=mph33VPTThGZv_mAFor More InformationConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462 For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk  

Keywords workplace bullying, bullying, boundaries, standing up for yourself, confidence, self-worth, shame, guilt, gaslighting, healing, self-awareness, nervous system, intuition, trauma, support, sovereignty, thrivingSummary In this powerful and deeply relatable episode, Helen is joined by Harinder Virdee, host of Belly Button Musings, to explore workplace bullying, fear-based leadership, and the moment we decide: enough is enough.Harinder shares her lived experiences of being undermined, humiliated, shouted at, and targeted through insidious behind-the-scenes behaviour — and how each experience shaped her ability to respond with what she calls a “strong internal no.” Together, Helen and Harinder unpack how childhood experiences, shame, and old beliefs about hierarchy can prime us to tolerate mistreatment… until we learn to reclaim our voice.This conversation is a reminder that your body is a warning system, your intuition matters, and you don’t have to do it alone — whether that means seeking a trusted friend, a therapist, or bringing someone into the room to balance power dynamics.Takeaways· Bullying often erodes confidence slowly — it can start as “feedback” and become a pattern of undermining and control.· If something wouldn’t be acceptable happening to someone else, it’s not acceptable happening to you.· Your body knows: that feeling in your stomach/heart is data. Don’t ignore it — especially when things feel confusing or “off” (hello, gaslighting).· You can respond in the moment or later. A message, letter, or voice note still counts as standing up for yourself.· Bringing support changes the power dynamic — ask a neutral person to join a conversation if you need to.· Shame shrinks us. Self-worth doesn’t need to be earned — it’s inherent.· Boundaries don’t have to be aggressive: sometimes a calm, firm “That’s not okay” is the most powerful move.Connect with HarinderBellybuttonmusingspodcast@gmail.comIG: harinderkv Linked In: (32) Harinder Virdee | LinkedInConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: 07971798462 For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, grief, trauma, nervous system, chronic pain, breathwork, somatics, ADHD, authenticity, community, self-responsibility, healing, resilience, embodiment, conscious leadership, authentic relating, Spain, off-grid living, Biting LemonsSummary In this powerful episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by therapist and truth-teller Beth Hardwick, who shares an extraordinary journey through upheaval, grief, and transformation. Beth opens up about growing up in a deeply Christian community, early rupture and rebellion, the devastating loss of her baby daughter Florrie, and the relentless pressure to keep functioning while her world fell apart. She shares how trauma lived in her body as shutdown and chronic pain — and how breathwork, somatic listening, community support, authentic relating, and conscious leadership helped her rebuild from the inside out. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about choosing yourself, breaking loops, welcoming what is, and remembering that thriving is possible — even after the unthinkable.TakeawaysThriving can start with the next hour — one choice at a time.Grief and shock live in the body, not just the mind.Shutdown and “numbing out” are often survival strategies, not failures.Your nervous system needs safety before feelings can fully move.Breathwork can reopen what the body learned to block.Healing isn’t solo work — we heal in community.Notice the loop… and gently break it.“Welcome everything” is a practice that changes your whole life.Boundaries can be loving — and you’re only responsible for you.You don’t need a perfect plan… you need the next brave step.Connect with BethSensitivitahttps://www.sensitivita.com/https://www.instagram.com/sensitivita/Podcast Biting Lemons (coming soon):https://www.bitinglemons.com/https://www.instagram.com/biting_lemons/https://www.patreon.com/cw/BitingLemonsResources mentionedConscious Leader program - Gregg Kendrick - CEO / Guide & Facilitator Certified CNVC Nonviolent Communication™ Trainer gkendrick@basileia.org  | www.greggkendrick.comJoin the Becoming a More Conscious Leader publication & community on SubstackART – Authentic Relating Training: https://authenticrelating.co/For a discount: https://www.sensitivita.com/product/authentic-relating-level-1-foundationsBooksAnd Breathe — Rebecca DennisThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma — Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century — Barbara CarrellasThe Ethical Slut — Dossie Easton and Janet W. HardyConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: 07971798462For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

KEYWORDS: addiction recovery, sobriety, thriving not surviving, men’s mental health, masculinity, rehab, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, boundaries, shadow work, plant medicine, trauma healing, grief, community support, personal growth, emotional wellbeing, recovery journey, Brave Man Project, resilience, self-worthSUMMARY: In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster Hamish Niven, who shares his raw journey from addiction, loss, and self-destruction to sobriety, self-awareness, and purpose.Hamish opens up about the insidious drinking culture of the TV industry, reckless behaviours driven by unprocessed grief, and the moment he finally asked for help. He speaks candidly about rehab, losing almost everything, and the fear of becoming “dry but miserable” — a turning point that led him to actively choose thriving over mere survival.Together, Helen and Hamish explore addiction, shame, masculinity, AA, plant medicines, boundaries, shadow work, and why men desperately need safe spaces to feel, speak, and heal. Hamish also shares a sneak preview of his upcoming Brave Man Project, a movement designed to support men in reclaiming emotional sovereignty, authenticity, and purpose.This episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins when we choose ourselves — and that thriving is possible, even after everything falls apart.TAKEAWAYS • Addiction can begin subtly and disguise itself as success and social belonging• Highly functioning addiction often hides deep grief, shame, and unresolved trauma• Asking for help is one of the bravest acts a man can take• Recovery only truly works when you choose it for yourself• Losing everything can become the gateway to reclaiming your life• Thriving is an active choice — not just the absence of addiction• Men are deeply harmed by emotional suppression and lack of safe spaces• Community, honesty, and boundaries are essential for healing• Shadow work and feeling emotions are unavoidable on the path to growth• What other people think of you is none of your businessSOUNDBITES • “I didn’t want to be sober and miserable — that scared me more than addiction.”• “I chose life in a moment of clarity.”• “Thriving is easier than walking on eggshells.”• “Men aren’t broken — they’re unseen.”• “What other people think of you is none of your business.”• “You can’t heal without feeling — and men are taught not to feel.”Connect with HamishHAMISH NIVEN  GUIDE | MENTOR | PODCAST HOST📥 hamish@TheBraveManProject.com📱 0044 7908 524 482🖥 TheBraveManProject.com🎤 Podcast: The Brave Man Projecthttps://hamishniven.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishniven/https://www.tiktok.com/@hamish.nivenhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheBraveManProjecthttps://www.instagram.com/hamishniven/https://www.facebook.com/hamishnivenConnect with HelenIPHM Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF – the £10 I get will go to my charity “The Forward Trust”Website: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Content note: This episode includes honest discussion of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges. Listener discretion advised and please take care while listening.Keywords ADHD, Autism, Mental Health, Hypnotherapy, Cacao Ceremony, Neurodiversity, Support Networks, Parenting, Community, Personal GrowthSummary In this milestone Episode 50 of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster and late-diagnosed ADHDer Cliff Kilmister for an honest, compassionate conversation about neurodiversity, mental health, and survival. Cliff shares his personal journey through anxiety, suicidal ideation, late diagnosis, and parenting an autistic/ADHD daughter, alongside powerful insights into masking, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), stimming, and the impact of workplace and school environments on neurodivergent nervous systems. Together, Helen and Cliff explore healing tools including hypnotherapy, cacao ceremony, intuition, and compassionate leadership — offering hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating neurodiversity, whether as a parent, professional, or late-diagnosed adult.Support: If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available. In the UK, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.Takeaways ·     Cliff's journey with ADHD and autism has shaped his understanding of mental health.·     Support networks are crucial for navigating challenges related to neurodiversity.·     Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and overcoming anxiety.·     Late diagnosis of ADHD and autism can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.·     Masking behaviours can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health.·     Creating supportive work environments is essential for neurodiverse individuals.·     Cacao ceremonies can provide profound experiences of relaxation and insight.·     Stimming is a natural self-regulation technique for many neurodiverse individuals.·     Reading challenges often stem from a lack of interest or engagement in the material.·     Community and collaboration are key to supporting neurodiverse individuals.Sound Bites·     "You have to work through it."·     "It's all about learning."·     "It's all about the client."Resources Mentioned in EpisodeHow to ADHD – Jessica McCabeScattered Minds – Gabor MateConnect with CliffIG: cliff_kilmister08FB: Cliff KilmisterLI: linkedin.com/in/cliff-kilmister-420a07bbYouTube: Cliff Kilmister - YouTubeWebsites: helpanxiety.org & autismadhdsupport.orgEva’s you tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYTConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, community, beekeeping, personal growth, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, healing, spirituality, success, trauma, art, healing, portraits, health challenges, business success, personal turmoil, women in business, grief, motherhood, resilience, beekeeping, spirituality, community, self-worth, personal growth, bees, mindfulness, connection, organic food, mental healthSummary In this deeply moving episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Paula Carnell – spiritual beekeeper, author, healer and truth-teller – whose life has been shaped by profound loss, chronic illness, courage and soul-led calling.Paula shares her extraordinary journey through Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, years of being bed- and wheelchair-bound, near-death moments, divorce, grief and reinvention. From building a six-figure creative business to giving everything up after being called by the bees to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Paula reflects on what thriving really means when life strips everything away.Together, Helen and Paula explore receiving vs striving, community vs isolation, feminine wisdom, worthiness, healing through nature, and the bees as teachers of presence, connection and frequency. This conversation is an invitation to redefine success, soften into trust, and remember that simply being alive is enough.Raw, expansive and full of soul medicine, this episode is for anyone navigating illness, change, loss, burnout or a deeper calling – and wondering how to thrive on the other side.The conversation also touches on themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the interconnectedness of all beings, particularly through the lens of beekeeping and sustainability.Takeaways• Paula’s journey has been a profound rollercoaster of challenge, loss, and transformation.• The call of the bees sparked a life-changing path rooted in purpose and deep listening.• Thriving is deeply personal and often redefined through community, simplicity, and support.• Returning “home” after profound experiences can feel disorientating and alien.• Living simply can bring a powerful sense of enough.• Community plays a vital role in healing, resilience, and true thriving.• Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome shapes every aspect of life and identity.• Art, creativity, and portrait-making have been central to healing and self-expression.• Health challenges can lead to unexpected discoveries and new beginnings.• Navigating grief, motherhood, love, and business requires immense resilience — especially for women.• When living feels harder than dying, a radical shift can awaken a deeper will to live.• There is always a gift in adversity, even when it takes time to see it.• Food, environment, and community are foundational to health and wellbeing.Connect with PaulaTEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI4LCGMM-gAWebsite: https://paulacarnell.comPodcast: 'Creating a Buzz about Health' available on all major podcast platforms. https://paulacarnell.com/podcasts Community: https://www.skool.com/spiritual-beekeeping/about?ref=4982f003fc5c47d9b4889348b95092b1Buy my books: https://books.by/paula-carnellMinerals I recommend: https://simplynaturals.co.uk/?ref=4HhtBRrgInstagram: https://instagram.com/paula.carnell?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-carnell-3016421?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Keywords thriving, surviving, healing, self-love, intuitive healing, Reiki, personal growth, spirituality, trauma, empowermentSummary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by intuitive healer, former nurse and fellow podcaster Beverley Holt, whose extraordinary life journey spans trauma, spiritual awakening, abusive relationships, spontaneous cancer remission, and a deep return to self-love as medicine. Beverley shares her story of growing up highly intuitive, learning to hide her gifts, navigating grief, loss and control, and ultimately reclaiming her divine connection through Reiki, forgiveness, and embodied healing. From survival to true thriving, this is a powerful conversation about self-love, intuition, resilience, and remembering who we really are.Takeaways · Thriving means having tools and support networks.· Beverley's journey emphasizes self-love as medicine.· Childhood experiences can shape our adult lives.· Empathy can lead to absorbing others' emotions.· Healing is a journey, not a destination.· Relationships can reflect our inner struggles.· Beverly's cancer journey led to profound healing.· Reiki and self-love are powerful healing tools.· Creating community is essential for growth.· Grief can lead to unexpected emotional releases.Connect with BeverleyBeverley’s websites:www.atomicempowerment.auwww.mywellnessspring.cohttp://www.youtube.com/@beverleyholt828Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyholt/https://www.instagram.com/health.wellness.podcaster/https://www.facebook.com/beverley.holt.2025My Wellness Spring page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580044537845Collaborative Best-selling book Lady X - https://www.amazon.com.au/Lady-X-MIrav-Tarkka/dp/1733095535Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust  a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions