Navigating the Storm

This week, our guest is Maddy Robinson from https://www.facebook.com/YogaWithMaddyRose (Yoga with Maddy). Maddy is a yoga instructor (among other things) with a passion for sharing accessible yoga - more about the holistic benefits and less about the showy positions. We got into a wide range of topics, from forcing yourself to be a superwoman when it comes to diet culture, through healing journeys and how boundaries can set us free. In the episode we discuss: What accessible yoga actually is (4:09) The pressure to act like a superwoman (6:16) Our views on "diet culture" (6:53) Acts of service - giving to ourselves vs to others (11:39) Recognising our brain's hidden "programming" (14:27) The problem with "casual" self-care advice (16:00) What radical honesty is and why it's important (19:55) Maddy's journey with kinship foster caring (21:52) What boundaries changed for Maddy (27:04) Maddy is hosting an amazing festival on Saturday March 27th, featuring movement, meditation, and discussions from leading activists in the UK on topics including anti-racism, welcoming refugees, and dismantling barriers to yoga. For tickets, go to 'Be the Change Festival' on eventbrite and use the code 'AnnaKnightReferral' for £15 off! If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, I'm speaking to Beth - she is sharing her personal experiences with babyloss and what she learned through her experiences. I know that this is a sensitive topic for many people - please look after your own needs as you listen. We discuss: how to manage when you've experienced babyloss (11:40) the importance of a network of people with similar experiences (12:06) why to avoid comparing your situation with others (13:16) how to support someone grieving the loss of a baby (15:30) how grief changes over time (21:06) talking about babyloss to your rainbow children (23:42) the importance of only telling who you want, how you want (23:29) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

This week, we are talking to Alison Matthews from IzzyWizzyRoo - a small business making big waves in the world of reusable period products. Alison and I will be talking about the experiences we have had as people who menstruate and the wider societal issues that surround periods.  All people who menstruate deserve the right to understand their own bodies and make informed choices about what happens to them.  In the episode we discuss: The scale of the environmental problem with disposable products (7:45) The impact disposable pads have on our bodies (8:55) Period shame and taboo topics (11:01) Gender inclusivity and periods - it's not just a "woman thing" (17:40) Knowing what is "normal" in your cycle (23:40) Retaining control of our reproductive health decisions (28:56) How to make the switch to reusable period products (31:58) How cycle tracking can support your energy levels (35:15) Alison has given a 10% voucher code for our listeners - tune in at 31:58 to learn more.  If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. https://annaknightcoaching.appointlet.com/s/chatwithanna/anna (Book yourself in) and we'll turn your stress into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community Port in the Storm is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, we are talking about ADHD with Jillian Trainor - a Canadian reporter with a whole lot of life experience. Producer Mel is joining us on the fun side of the microphone and we'll all share the different stages of our ADHD journeys. There is a very definite gender bias in how medical professionals view ADHD - it's based on the behaviours that young boys with hyperactivity show. People assigned female at birth often have a completely different set of needs and the diagnosis can be missed. In the episode we discuss: What ADHD looks like for people assigned female at birth (4:52) The impact of a missed diagnosis (9:42) Sleep disturbances and delayed sleep onset (11:10) Self-compassion through self-awareness (13:00) How we manage ADHD in the workplace (16:20) Creating our own organisation techniques (19:00) ADHD and the cycle of shame (23:40) Whether there are some gifts within the diagnosis (27:27) Famous females with ADHD that you might not know about (31:44) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

My guest today is Emily Jacob - she created the ReConnected Life coaching programmes because the tools are what she wishes she had had during her recovery from rape. Emily believes that we shouldn't have to fashion our own healing pathways and she is a skilful guide for the women she supports. In the conversation, Emily dropped a truth-bomb that has stuck with me since I heard it: "sometimes, the story we tell ourself about our trauma is more painful than what happened". We discuss this, along with: The difference between the end of treatment and trusting your recovery (6:10) Feeling like the "other in the room" (11:35) The privilege of using our voices (12:10) How coaching can help you after traumatic events (15:05) The myth of "it doesn't happen to people like me" (16:40) The importance of making connections (21:35) Rape and the criminal justice system (25:00) Defining "good" consent (31:00) What we can learn from the kink community (32:35) Emily can be contacted via her website and you can find her on https://www.facebook.com/ReConnectedLifeExperience (Facebook) or Twitter as well. If what you heard today resonated with you, please reach out to Emily or https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) for a chat. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, contact Emily for her secure Facebook community or join us in https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) - your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, I'm talking to Caroline Steel - a GP who has first-hand experience with burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion after prolonged stress. If you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands a lot of the time, then you might be in burnout yourself.  Join Caroline and I as we shared our experiences of living through burnout, the resources that helped us recover, and how you can support someone you love if they are showing the signs of burnout. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today, I'm talking to Yoni Ejo, a registered social worker and adoption coach with personal experience of the system from all sides: professionally, as an adopted person herself, and as the adopted mum of two now teenage girls. Yoni is a passionate advocate of adoption as a solution when children can not remain with their birth parents but she also knows that adopters do not get the full range of support that they need. Yoni believes that the key to the success for trans-racial adoptions is listening to the voices from your child's community. We discuss... which children are being missed by the UK adoption system (6:00) strategies to support your child in a trans-racial adoption (12:50) navigating a relationship with birth families (17:40) why you need to understand your own "triggers" (18:00) how wider family members can support adopters (23:05) using a diary to "tune into the everyday joy of your child" (32:30) "confirmation bias" and how to move through it (35:45) If you're interested in learning more about Yoni's work, you can find her online at diversityadopt.com. Adopters and foster carers can also join the Aspiring Adopters Facebook Group to access the resources she shares Https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousadopters (Https://www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiousadopters) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, I'm talking to two of my favourite women in the whole world - my big sister Lauren and my niece Megan. We'll be talking all about what it's like being a teenager, the impacts of social media, and what qualities we see and respect in the people around us. A lot of parents can approach the teenage years with trepidation, but as we'll hear there's a lot of joy to be found in them on both sides. In this episode we discuss: What education is like in a pandemic - a teen perspective (3:15) A teacher's perspective of education in a pandemic (5:40) How to combat lockdown isolation as a teen (7:20) Why parenting teens is much less scary than you think (10:15) The benefits of social media for your teenager (14:50) What a teenage girl wants from her mum (16:45) "Confidence is using your voice" (19:30) What qualities we love in our role models (21:00) "I take a little piece from everyone who inspires me..." (24:50) Top tips for an authentic life (33:00) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, I'm talking to Amy Gladding - a teacher, mother and incredibly talented artist. You can find her work on instagram at @my_faraway. We both believe that creativity is a vital part of life, but there is incredible pressure on all of us (and particularly working mums) to be some kind of superwoman.  Creativity in all its forms - from art to DIY to watching the TV - has been essential for so many people's mental health over the pandemic, but we often don't make it the priority is actually is. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of loving what you do (4:00) Everyday creativity and our mental health (6:45) A teacher's perspective on raising "arty" teenagers (10:00) How Amy retained her identity as she became a mum (12:00) The importance of collaborating with your people (19:15) The pressure we face to be a "superwoman" (23:00) How to support someone to talk about the tough stuff (28:00) "Mental filing cabinets" and how we understand our worlds (28:45) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, I'm talking to Rose Scott - a psychiatric nurse with over 40 years experience. Covid-19 has created unique challenges for our already stretched mental health services, and that is impacting more than just the patients. We'll talk about how to look after ourselves as people in caring professions, and adjusting to accept support when you're usually everyone else's "rock". Rose's key message for us all is that it's always a positive step to ask for support. In this episode, we discuss: The UK "postcode lottery" for mental health services (4:45) Open conversations to change the stigma of mental health (6:45) The relief that comes when your story is believed (11:40) How Rose looks after herself as an NHS staff member (14:00) What it's like to shift from "I care for..." to "I'm cared for..." (19:30) Getting stuck mothering the whole world (22:00) Asking for help (especially when it's hard!) (28:10) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. If you've got problems right now, https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in) and we'll turn them into possibilities. If you're looking for a network of lovely and loving people to support you, our Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm) is your new safe harbour. Whatever you need, we've got your back.

Today, we're talking to Chantal Herbert about all things vocational. We discuss our thoughts as women who run businesses, how hierarchies in the workplace don't help anyone, and how she intends to support the next generation of activists to make their difference without burning out. Chantal is a DJ, radio presenter, founder of multiple companies and she's in the process of setting up a network to support and empower Black and Minoritised womxn in the North East. You can find the network on social media with the tag @acyoungwomensnetwork If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

An episode with Stephanie Ward - my friend, coachee, virtual assistant and one of the co-founders of our charity project - the Jack Ward Inclusion Initiative. Most importantly of all, she's an absolutely genuine, loving and inspiring person to have around. Steph will be sharing her thoughts on disability and how she shifted her mindset to live alongside her "frenemies" fibromyalgia and hip dysplasia. We also talk about the importance of focusing on including marginalised people, and how Steph has used her inner "Sorceress" archetype to gain a new sense of calm in her life. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to our producer Mel Robinson. I've invited Mel in front of the mic to share some insights about creativity, imposter syndrome and the importance of play. Mel has a gift for the light hearted, and definitely brings that over in Port in the Storm, but today we're covering a more serious side. "Imposter syndrome" is what we call it when you doubt your skills, talents or accomplishments and have a persistent fear of someone finding out you're not good enough. As a photographer, Mel has a lot of experience in this space and has some insights to move you through those feelings and into a headspace where play is possible. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to Liz Taylor, a former teacher on a mission to https://skills4parents.co.uk/ (empower parents and skill us all up in maths). Liz is one of the fantastic members of Port in the Storm, and she is someone who inspires me on a regular basis. Our conversation today starts with maths education and feminism, and ends up at teacher burnout and the impact of our current education system on all involved.  Burnout is a major problem across the whole of our society, not just in teaching. Signs of burnout include increasing levels of stress and frustration with work, physical symptoms like headaches, emotional exhaustion and a reduced ability to perform their duties at work.  If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to Dr Susanna Petche, a GP with an interest in holistic care and trauma. We cover a few topics today, from what medical professionals need to stay afloat, an expanded definition of trauma, and how to get the help you need when you have medically unexplained symptoms.  The thing that struck me throughout the whole conversation is the power of speaking your truth. In all three cases, as Susanna explains so brilliantly, it's unfortunately common to stay quiet, but the impacts on you can be huge. Developing the confidence to speak up, set boundaries and ask for what we need can have life-changing results If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to https://thefemalemoneydoctor.com/ (Dr Nikki Ramskill) - The Female Money Doctor. Nikki has over 10 years of experience as an NHS doctor and women's health specialist, and during that time she saw the impact poor money management skills have on the mental health of her patients and colleagues. She believes that we cannot be truly healthy while a money nightmare is going on in the background. As you'll hear from Nikki, money often isn't just seen as a resource (like time and energy are). We create stories about what money means to us, and that affects how we act with our money. It's important to be aware that these are stories, not truths. It's never too late to let go of unhelpful stories, and embrace a new powerful relationship with our finances. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm really honoured to have Heather Wareing here to share her intensely personal journey with fertility issues and IVF. This is something that effects around 15% of couples, and while we might know that people have had issues after the fact, as Heather says so eloquently, this is often a hidden journey.  So today, we're opening up the conversation about fertility issues. Whether you're experiencing these issues yourself, or know other humans of child making ages, then this is an important topic to be familiar with. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today we're talking to Nichola Hayler - an interior designer with a difference. We'll be talking about mental health, compassion, and finding faith in something bigger than ourselves on a personal level (rather than a religious belief).  Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed method for finding that faith. So to help you on your journey, Nichola and I will be talking about what helped us, some of the challenges we've experienced having mental health conditions, and a new mantra for 2020 - "love your neighbour as they want to be".  You can find Nichola on https://www.instagram.com/nichola.hayler/?hl=en (social media) or you can email her to set up a phonecall with her. If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to Hattie Hasan MBE - a former teacher turned plumber, entrepreneur and changemaker.. Hattie was recognised in the 2020 Honours list for her services towards Women in the Heating and Plumbing industry. Hattie grew up experiencing domestic abuse, and we'll be talking about the impact that had on her, her passion for supporting women in trades, and her current crowdfunding campaign to start the Stopcocks National Register of Tradeswomen. The register will connect people from vulnerable groups with trustworthy, verified tradeswomen.  You can find Hattie's crowdfunding campaign https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/national-register-of-tradeswomen (here.) (Please note - today's episode discusses aspects of domestic violence - some listeners may find aspects of the conversation distressing) If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today I'm talking to Jen - a fellow coach and "wild guide". Jen went from being a wild-hearted child to her career as an Actuary, then through burnout and big changes to become the adventurer and "truth seeker" that she is today. Jen and I will be talking about burnout, the times when we realised when we were stuck on the wrong track, and how embracing the wild inside you can lead to some incredible adventures. You can find Jen online https://wildfirewalks.com/ (here), or follow her on https://www.facebook.com/wildfirewalks (Facebook). If what you heard today resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at. 

Today we're talking about two stories - my own, and my partner's. Mel and I met two and a half years ago on a dating website, when I opened with the immortal line “I'm a Ravenclaw, who's your doctor” and that was that. The start of our relationship had some unique challenges: I have multiple disabilities, including systemic lupus and fibromyalgia, and was dealing with some pretty intense complex PTSD. Mel is joining me today to talk about what it's like dating someone with chronic illness and trauma, and how we've built a life together in turbulent times.    If either of our stories resonated with you, I'm always up for a chat. Every week, I have conversations with people who need an ear and people who are ready for change. Wherever you are right now, that's part of your story, but there's always a way to start a new chapter. Come and https://www.annaknightcoach.com/book-a-call (book yourself in). I also run a Facebook community called https://www.facebook.com/groups/portinthestorm (Port in the Storm). We welcome all women and non-binary people who want to learn how to navigate life's challenges with strength, ease and energy. Your challenges might be massive, or they might be made up of a million tiny issues. Some days it might feel like all you can do is survive; other days you feel all fired up to make a change. This group is here for you, no matter where you're at.