Thriving not Surviving

KeywordsCompassion fatigue, burnout, nursing, healthcare, emotional resilience, panic attacks, anxiety, mental health, self-compassion, emotional wellbeing, NHS, stress management, resilience training, healthcare leadership, horses, equine therapy, teaching, emotional safety, trauma, vicarious trauma, healthcare professionals, carers, first aid, compassion, wellbeing at work, EF Training, emotional health, thriving, personal growth.SummaryWhat happens when the people who dedicate their lives to caring for others forget how to care for themselves?In this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by nurse, educator and CEO Jayne Ellis, whose life changed forever after suffering a devastating panic attack while working as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse in the NHS.Jayne shares the unseen pressures of working in healthcare, the overwhelming guilt she felt after taking time off sick, and how years of chronic stress eventually led her to discover compassion fatigue—a condition affecting countless healthcare professionals, carers, emergency services and anyone working in emotionally demanding roles.She explains how reconnecting with horses became an unexpected part of her healing journey before creating EF Training, an organisation now helping thousands of professionals understand emotional resilience, self-compassion and the importance of emotional health and safety.This conversation is filled with powerful insights that apply not only to nurses and carers, but to anyone who spends their life supporting others. If you've ever felt exhausted, emotionally drained, guilty for resting or wondered why "being strong" isn't always enough, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways• Compassion fatigue is a real occupational hazard for anyone working in caring professions.• Panic attacks and burnout rarely come "out of nowhere"—they are often the result of prolonged emotional overload.• Looking after yourself is not selfish; it's essential if you want to continue helping others.• Emotional health deserves the same attention as physical health in every workplace.• We are more than our job titles—our identity should never be defined solely by our profession.• Small daily resilience practices can have a profound long-term impact.• Horses and nature can play an incredible role in emotional healing and nervous system regulation.• Better leadership and workplace culture can dramatically reduce burnout and improve staff wellbeing.• Understanding our stress responses helps us recognise the warning signs before reaching crisis point.• Responsible selfishness allows us to keep showing up for the people who need us most.Resources MentionedBook by Adam Kay – This Is Going to HurtConnect with JayneEF Training – Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Health Training - https://www.eftraining.co.ukLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/11075152/admin/dashboard/Link to my podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2570870/episodesLink to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@JayneEllisEFtrainingConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: 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

KeywordsNear-death experience, coma survivor, pneumonia, resilience, women's health, menopause, post-menopause, osteoporosis, osteopenia, lifestyle medicine, holistic health, midlife wellness, grief, healing, infertility, IVF, sobriety, women's circles, meditation, biohacking, health coaching, wellbeing, personal growth, thriving after trauma, Thriving Not Surviving Podcast.SummaryAt just 27 years old, Lisa Daly's life changed forever.After developing severe pneumonia, she was placed into an induced coma and found herself fighting for her life in intensive care. During that time, Lisa experienced what she describes as a peaceful near-death experience—one that completely transformed her relationship with life and death.Waking up was only the beginning. Lisa had to rebuild her health, her confidence and, ultimately, her future. Along the way she faced infertility, IVF, grief, menopause, osteoporosis and many other challenges, yet each became another stepping stone towards discovering her purpose.Today, Lisa is passionate about helping women embrace midlife with confidence, improve their health naturally and realise that this stage of life isn't about slowing down—it's about thriving.In this inspiring conversation, Helen and Lisa explore near-death experiences, grief, sobriety, menopause, lifestyle medicine, community, resilience and the extraordinary strength we often discover during life's most difficult moments.This episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges don't have to define us—they can become the very foundation of the life we're meant to live.Key Takeaways• Even life's darkest moments can become the catalyst for extraordinary transformation.• Near-death experiences can profoundly change our perspective on life and remove the fear of death.• Grief cannot be rushed—it needs compassion, space and time to heal.• Lifestyle medicine and small daily choices can have a remarkable impact on long-term health.• Community, connection and supportive relationships are essential for wellbeing.• Midlife is an opportunity for reinvention, growth and renewed purpose.• It's never too late to take control of your health and create a life you truly love.• Thriving isn't about avoiding adversity—it's about discovering the strength that adversity can awaken.Resources MentionedMeditation App: www.headspace.com The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo WurlitzerWise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause to Awaken Authority, Purpose and Belonging by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo WurlitzerConnect with LisaIG :    holistic_health_by_lisaFB: Lisa DalyWebsite : Lisa-Daly.comConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: Inspired HealingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462 NB: 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

Keywordsthriving, self-discovery, embodiment, sexuality, women's empowerment, self-trust, personal growth, healing, intimacy, relationships, somatic healing, pleasure, emotional wellbeing, awakening, midlife transformation, feminine wisdom, consent, self-love, authenticity, resilienceSummaryIn this deeply honest and thought-provoking conversation, Helen speaks with Lorna Gale, Story Unweaver, Sex & Spirit Alchemist and Somatic Sexologist.Lorna shares her remarkable journey from a 30-year marriage in which she felt emotionally and sexually disconnected, to a profound midlife awakening that transformed her relationship with herself, her body and her sense of purpose.Together they explore the importance of asking the powerful question, "Who am I?", and discuss how many of us lose ourselves through conditioning, people-pleasing and living according to other people's expectations.Lorna speaks candidly about shame, sexuality, self-trust and the healing that became possible when she learned to reconnect with her body and listen to its wisdom. She introduces her concepts of "Movies, Mirrors and Merry-Go-Rounds" as ways of understanding our life experiences and the stories we tell ourselves.The conversation moves far beyond sexuality into the realms of self-worth, embodiment, emotional healing and learning to honour our own truth. Helen and Lorna also discuss the importance of self-touch, personal practice, consent and reconnecting with the simple pleasure of being fully present in our own bodies.This is a powerful episode about courage, authenticity and discovering that thriving begins when we stop abandoning ourselves and start listening to the wisdom within.Takeaways• Asking "Who am I?" can be the beginning of profound personal transformation.• We often lose connection with ourselves when we prioritise other people's needs above our own.• The body holds immense wisdom when we learn to slow down and listen.• Shame thrives in silence but loses its power when brought into the light.• Self-trust is built by learning to honour our feelings, instincts and inner knowing.• We do not need to make something wrong or bad in order to choose a different path.• Difficult experiences can become catalysts for growth, healing and awakening.• Embodiment practices help us reconnect with ourselves and deepen our capacity for joy and pleasure.• True thriving comes from living in alignment with our authentic selves.• Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is choose ourselves.Resources MentionedPeople & TeachersBetty Dodson Brené Brown Marianne Williamson Gina Croson Books & ResourcesMy Stroke of Insight – Jill Bolte TaylorConnect with LornaReclaiming Eden - Private FB Group for Women https://www.facebook.com/groups/iamreclaimingedenTrusted Bodywork - Client Testimonials and a “Menu” of offerings https://www.trustedbodywork.com/profiles/lorna-galeFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/lorna.gale.108Orgasmic Wellness - https://orgasmicwellness.com/members/lornalornagale-com/profile/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-gale-b-ed-sse-csb-b52bb75/Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: Inspired HealingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462 NB: 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, spiritual awakening, trauma healing, family constellations, Bert Hellinger, life between lives, Michael Newton, soul purpose, soul contracts, signs from spirit, grief, reconciliation, transgenerational trauma, somatic healing, past life regression, consciousness, spirituality, healing journey, survival mode, thriving, forgiveness, ancestral healing, intuition, mediumship, soulmates, karmic healing, resilience, post traumatic growthSummary In this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by Sophia Kramer, whose life has been shaped by five near-death experiences, childhood trauma, grief and profound spiritual awakening.Sophia shares her first near-death experience at the age of five after contracting typhoid fever, describing leaving her body, encountering angelic beings and connecting with guides who would remain part of her life journey. Returning to everyday life left her feeling different from those around her and searching for deeper meaning and understanding.Together, Helen and Sophia explore the challenges of growing up with emotional neglect, addiction within the family, violence, abuse and loss, alongside the healing work that helped Sophia transform her life. They discuss therapy, somatic healing, family constellations, hypnotherapy and life between lives regression, and how each contributed to her journey from surviving to thriving.The conversation also explores ancestral patterns, soul purpose, signs from loved ones after death, intuition, forgiveness, reconciliation and the possibility that even our most painful experiences may hold deeper meaning.This is a powerful, vulnerable and inspiring conversation about healing, consciousness, resilience, love and learning to trust life, even through its darkest moments.Takeaways • Near-death experiences can transform our understanding of life, death and consciousness. • Healing often involves emotional, physical, ancestral and spiritual layers. • Family constellations can reveal hidden generational patterns and entanglements. • Healing ourselves can positively influence future generations. • Signs from loved ones can appear in many unexpected ways. • Spiritual experiences do not require external validation. • Soul purpose often emerges through life's greatest challenges. • Thriving is about having tools, support, hope and connection. • Authentic relationships support healing and personal growth. • Life's difficulties can become catalysts for growth and transformation.Resources & Links MentionedPeople & Modalities· Bert Hellinger — Founder of Family Constellations work · Michael Newton — Creator of Life Between Lives regression methodology · Brian Weiss — Past life regression pioneer · Peter Levine — Somatic trauma healing · Ilana Rubenfeld — Body-centred psychotherapy · Gabor Maté, Richard Schwartz, Thomas Hübl, Raymond Moody, Bruce Greyson, Pim van Lommel Books Mentioned· The Forever Angels by P. M. H. Atwater · Child of Eternity Previous Podcast Episodes Mentioned· Episode 55 — Paul’s Story (struck by lightning) · Episode 63 — Janna’s Story · Episode 67 — George’s Story Connect with SophiaWebsite : www.sophiakramer.com Personal email: sophiakny@aol.comIG: sophilie13FB: Sophia KramerConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: 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

KeywordsThriving, trauma healing, Complex -PTSD, neurodiversity, dyslexia, inner child, IFS, emotional healing, boundaries, personal growth, resilience, energy work, circus arts, embodiment, mindset, transformation, community, empowermentSummaryLindsey’s journey is a powerful example of turning deep childhood trauma, neurodiversity, and limiting beliefs into a life of purpose and impact.After years of emotional instability, difficult relationships, and working in high-pressure environments, everything shifted when she discovered circus arts—reconnecting her with her body and opening the door to healing.Through tools like hypnotherapy, Landmark, therapy, IFS, and energy work, Lindsey began to understand her patterns, set boundaries, and reclaim her power.The biggest turning point came when she made the heartbreaking decision to walk away from the circus school she built—only to find that letting go created space for something even greater.Today, she runs an inclusive circus collective and CIC, helping others transform their own limiting beliefs and step into thriving.Takeaways• Your past may shape you, but it doesn’t have to define your future • Trauma lives in the body—not just the mind—and needs to be processed physically as well as emotionally • Awareness is the first step to breaking unhealthy patterns and cycles • Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and wellbeing • Letting go of something misaligned can create space for something far greater • Healing is not linear—it’s layered, spiralled, and ongoing • Community and connection are key to moving from surviving to thriving • There is no “one way” to heal—explore tools that resonate with you • You are allowed to rewrite the story you were given • Thriving doesn’t mean perfect—it means having the tools, awareness, and support to navigate lifeResources • PDSA The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals  - The Vets Charity for pets in need -  Find your local PDSA • Landmark (Forum, Advanced) Landmark Worldwide • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron- Morning Pages practice • Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy Dick Schwatz -Book “No Bad Parts” • Clairvoyant On-Line training with InVision https://www.invisionpsychic.com/aboutinvision • Human Garage (fascia & somatic release work) https://www.humangarage.net/ • Hypnotherapy (smoking cessation & inner child work)Connect with LindseyRebel Circus Collective: https://www.therebelcircus.co.uk/ 07551 268388  Unit 7B, The High Cross Centre, London N15 4QNIG: rebel.circus.collectiveFB: https://www.facebook.com/Therebelcircusschool/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-higgins-468190300/ Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: 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

Content note: This episode includes some sensitive themes around childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Nothing is described graphically, but please listen with care and compassion for yourself.A little note: this episode had a few unexpected “gremlins” during recording, with some tech dropouts along the way. So this one has been edited a bit more than usual and definitely put my (slightly questionable!) editing skills to the test. I hope you won’t notice too much and apologies if there are a few funny transitions.Keywords Trauma healing, inner child, relationships as mirrors, spirituality, astrology, personal growth, addiction recovery, emotional healing, nervous system, empowerment, feminine energy, thrivingSummary In this deeply raw and powerful episode, Kristy shares her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and abuse to profound healing and self-discovery. Growing up in a challenging environment and experiencing early violation of trust, Kristy carried deep wounds into adulthood which played out in relationships, addiction and survival patterns. Through spiritual awakening, inner work and holistic healing, she began to unravel those layers. From building her own crystal business to navigating domestic abuse, single motherhood and ultimately stepping into her purpose, her story is one of resilience and transformation. She speaks openly about relationships as mirrors, the importance of accountability and how true healing goes beyond the mind into the body and energetic system. Her journey into astrology adds a powerful lens on purpose and alignment. Now travelling the world and stepping into a new chapter, Kristy embodies what it means to move from surviving into thriving as a way of being.Takeaways Healing must include the body, emotions and energy, not just the mind Relationships act as mirrors reflecting our inner world Addictions often stem from disconnection from self You cannot truly help others if you are abandoning yourself Healing is an ongoing journey, not a destination Self-love, compassion and surrender are essential for true transformationResources The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle Women Who Run With the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés Read “Breathe” by Becky Hemsley Rebecca Campbell – oracle cardsConnect with KristyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristy.hodges.98Clarity Queen Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theclarityqueen/Instagram: @theclarityqueenukLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-j-hodges-953179106Connect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: 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

Keywordsresilience, healing, brain injury recovery, grief, trauma, personal growth, mindset, neuroplasticity, thriving, purpose, emotional wellbeing, boundaries, self-developmentSummaryIn this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster Jena, creator of Resilience Brilliance, who shares her extraordinary journey from a life-altering brain injury to building a life rooted in purpose, resilience and alignment.After a skiing accident left her unable to walk, talk or retain short-term memory, Jena was forced to completely rebuild her life from the ground up. What followed was a powerful journey through recovery, identity loss, and ultimately rediscovery.But her challenges didn’t stop there. Jena also opens up about profound personal loss, including the death of her partner and navigating deep grief while already in survival mode. Through it all, she chose not to stay stuck in pain, but to transform it into purpose.This episode explores what it really means to be resilient — not pushing through, but learning to bend without breaking. Together, Helen and Jena reflect on growth in dark times, the importance of community, asking for help, and how life’s hardest moments can shape us into stronger, more compassionate versions of ourselves.A powerful, honest and hope-filled conversation for anyone navigating challenge, change or simply wanting to move from surviving to truly thriving.Takeaways • Resilience is not about pushing through — it’s about learning how to bend without breaking• Growth often happens in the darkest moments, even if we can’t see it at the time• Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness• You can transform pain into purpose and use your story to help others• Small, consistent steps create powerful long-term change• Alignment between your values and your life reduces inner conflict• Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and wellbeing• You always have a choice — even in the hardest moments• Healing is not about returning to who you were, but becoming who you are meant to be• Thriving comes when resilience becomes a natural way of beingResources Mentioned Brain Injury Hope Foundation (support, workshops and community: https://braininjuryhopefoundation.org/Connect with JenaFacebook:         https://www.facebook.com/jenniferltaylorauthorhttps://www.facebook.com/TheWordTailor/Instagram:        @resiliencebrillianceTwitter/X:         @JenniferLTaylorLinkedIn:            https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferltaylor/Clubhouse:        @jennifer.taylorTiktok   @resiliencebrilliance13Clapper @Jennifer.L.Taylor            What’s App       @thewordtailorPinterest             https://www.pinterest.com/ResilienceBrilliance/YouTube:             https://www.youtube.com/@thewordtailorPodcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/05AnHRTV4b0xQKz3qnUSgmhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-brilliance/id1853437257https://www.youtube.com/@thewordtailor/podcastsConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: Inspired HealingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462For 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 Warning: This episode includes open discussion of intimacy, sex, consent, sexual behaviour, body image, and the portrayal of intimate scenes in the film industry. It also contains references to sexual misconduct and abuse.Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or step away if anything feels triggering or activating. Seek support if needed.From Hollywood sets to real life, pioneering Intimacy Coordinator Ita O’Brien explores a new way to approach intimacy, healing our relationship with our bodies, pleasure and boundaries.Keywordsintimacy, consent, boundaries, relationships, sexuality, embodiment, pleasure, self-worth, communication, thrivingSummaryIn this powerful and eye-opening episode, Helen sits down with intimacy coordinator, movement director, and author Ita O’Brien to explore the truth about intimacy—both on screen and in our personal lives.From the lack of guidance actors once faced during intimate scenes to the revolutionary “intimacy on set guidelines” Ita helped create, this conversation dives deep into consent, communication, and the importance of understanding our own bodies.Together, they unpack how societal conditioning, shame, and outdated beliefs have shaped our relationship with intimacy—and how we can begin to reclaim it. This episode is honest, thought-provoking, and at times deeply personal, offering listeners a new lens on connection, pleasure, and self-awareness.TakeawaysIntimacy begins with your relationship to yourself, not your partnerConsent is ongoing, evolving, and essential in all relationshipsMany of us were never taught what healthy intimacy actually looks likeOpen communication and boundaries create deeper connection, not lessBody awareness and self-acceptance are key to fulfilling intimacyWhat we see in media and pornography often distorts realityShame around sexuality is learned—and can be unlearnedChoreography, communication, and consent are transforming the film industryYou deserve pleasure, respect, and agency in your intimate lifeResources:Cup of Tea video about consentBook –The Mists of Avalon was written by Marion Zimmer Bradley.Book – Rose McGowan: BraveBook – Unfu#k your Intimacy by Faith G HarperBook – Unfu#k your boundaries by Faith G HarperBook – Intimacy Ita O’BrienAudible – Intimacy Ita O’BrienSoma Temple – Melisa Lumina (Self Pleasure ritual & more…) IG: somatemplegreeceWeb: www.somatemple.comConnect with ItaIntimacy On Set InstagramIntimacy On Set FacebookIta O'Brien InstagramIta O'Brien FacebookIntimacy On Set Website News PageConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingFB: Inspired HealingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInWhatsApp: +447971798462For 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