ZestPal: Life Skills & Life Lessons Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:41:40 +0200 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1947327 en © 2026 ZestPal: Life Skills & Life Lessons yes Support this Podcast d61dee6d-a2e8-51af-916f-751e09101c5d Gabriella Campelli episodic false ZestPal (formerly Wellbeing in Focus) is a podcast about life in a broader sense: life skills, life lessons, meaning, regret, joy, elder stories, and of course, zest for life.


I’m Gabriella, and together with my guests we explore the deeper questions in life: what  it is that truly matters, what we can learn from those who’ve been there, and how we can live a life that we won’t regret later. 


Moving beyond expert advice, ZestPal is a space for real stories and honest conversations about the human experience. It's a place to listen, learn, and take action on what really matters - so we can all build a life that we actually enjoy.


Come and join us!


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Gabriella Campelli https://storage.buzzsprout.com/9bdfurj38v2ni3jfgggjsnzomtkj?.jpg ZestPal: Life Skills & Life Lessons Is Self-Awareness the Key to a Good Life? - with Alexandra Lefort Is Self-Awareness the Key to a Good Life? - with Alexandra Lefort Holding on through stress can feel like strength, but what if it is just survival mode with a nice label? We sit down with Alexandra Lefort, career and life coach and founder of Moving Forward Coaching, to get clear on what resilience actually is, and why bouncing back is less about pushing harder and more about restoring stability in your nervous system.

We dig into the practical core of her work: nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, and reconnection to self. Alexandra explains why emotions are not “good” or “bad” but simply information; and how learning to observe them turns reaction into action. We also talk about the hidden cost of chronic stress, and how self-awareness strengthens confidence, decision making, and intuition over time.

From simple routines like scheduling, single-task focus, breathwork, movement, and prioritising sleep, to bigger life questions about love, purpose, gratitude, and the idea that “this too shall pass”, the takeaway is clear: small, consistent steps reshape your inner world and change your life. 

If you want resilience, mental health tools, and a more meaningful life, press play and enjoy this conversation.

To learn more about Alexandra's work you can visit her website Moving Forward Coaching, or connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Alexandra!

Support the show

]]> Holding on through stress can feel like strength, but what if it is just survival mode with a nice label? We sit down with Alexandra Lefort, career and life coach and founder of Moving Forward Coaching, to get clear on what resilience actually is, and why bouncing back is less about pushing harder and more about restoring stability in your nervous system.

We dig into the practical core of her work: nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, and reconnection to self. Alexandra explains why emotions are not “good” or “bad” but simply information; and how learning to observe them turns reaction into action. We also talk about the hidden cost of chronic stress, and how self-awareness strengthens confidence, decision making, and intuition over time.

From simple routines like scheduling, single-task focus, breathwork, movement, and prioritising sleep, to bigger life questions about love, purpose, gratitude, and the idea that “this too shall pass”, the takeaway is clear: small, consistent steps reshape your inner world and change your life. 

If you want resilience, mental health tools, and a more meaningful life, press play and enjoy this conversation.

To learn more about Alexandra's work you can visit her website Moving Forward Coaching, or connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Alexandra!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-19176939 Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200 2753 full false Permission to Fail, Fail Again, and Fail Better - with Baya Salmon-Hawk Permission to Fail, Fail Again, and Fail Better - with Baya Salmon-Hawk The moment in midlife when you finally have space again might not be what you imagined. The kids are older, the career is stable, the house runs, and still a sharp question lands: is this it? I’m joined by Baya Salman-Hawk, an “enchantress” with roots in psychotherapy, EFT tapping, and shamanic healing, to talk about what happens when a woman is done performing the roles and is ready to come back to herself, with everything she has lived included.

We explore Baya’s idea of the Enchantress Years, the stage between the mother and the crone where power returns in a new form. Not the power of pleasing, coping, and holding it all together; but the power of knowing what you want, and even without a perfect plan, doing it anyway. We talk about why society makes this transition harder than it needs to be, why role models for later life creativity are still rare, and how stories and myth can either shrink women or set them free.

We also get practical. Baya breaks down EFT tapping for nervous system regulation, stress relief, and emotional clarity, plus a simple way to stop feeding outside noise: “There’s nothing here for you.” Along the way we touch on daily habits like short yoga sessions, walking in nature, letting feelings move through you, and the mindset that changes everything: fail, fail again, fail better.

To learn more about Baya's work visit her website questfortheenchantress.com or check out her Facebook group EFT for Hope.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Baya!

Support the show

]]> The moment in midlife when you finally have space again might not be what you imagined. The kids are older, the career is stable, the house runs, and still a sharp question lands: is this it? I’m joined by Baya Salman-Hawk, an “enchantress” with roots in psychotherapy, EFT tapping, and shamanic healing, to talk about what happens when a woman is done performing the roles and is ready to come back to herself, with everything she has lived included.

We explore Baya’s idea of the Enchantress Years, the stage between the mother and the crone where power returns in a new form. Not the power of pleasing, coping, and holding it all together; but the power of knowing what you want, and even without a perfect plan, doing it anyway. We talk about why society makes this transition harder than it needs to be, why role models for later life creativity are still rare, and how stories and myth can either shrink women or set them free.

We also get practical. Baya breaks down EFT tapping for nervous system regulation, stress relief, and emotional clarity, plus a simple way to stop feeding outside noise: “There’s nothing here for you.” Along the way we touch on daily habits like short yoga sessions, walking in nature, letting feelings move through you, and the mindset that changes everything: fail, fail again, fail better.

To learn more about Baya's work visit her website questfortheenchantress.com or check out her Facebook group EFT for Hope.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Baya!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-19133290 Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0200 2776 full false Curiosity, Connection, and the Courage to Be You - with Catherine Macquart-Martin Curiosity, Connection, and the Courage to Be You - with Catherine Macquart-Martin What if the way back to hope starts with curiosity, openness, and talking to people outside your bubble? We sit down with Catherine Macquart-Martin, inclusive leadership coach—exploring how we learn, grow, and stay connected in a complex world. 

Catherine takes us through her journey from a small French town to an international career in diplomacy, training and coaching. Her perspective is candid and practical: connection thrives when we respect difference, self-awareness grows when we notice our strongest reactions, and agency returns when we translate “what matters” into small, repeatable actions.

Our conversation gets personal, too. Catherine describes facing her “shadow” in a difficult work relationship, and learning that what we judge in others often mirrors parts we deny in ourselves. We unpack whether hardship is required for growth and how to keep agency without dismissing pain. 

And there’s so much more. If you’re feeling stuck or powerless, this conversation offers a humane reset: choose inputs that widen your world, act on your values in small ways, and rebuild connection one intentional conversation at a time. 

To discover more about Catherine’s work, get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Catherine!


Support the show

]]> What if the way back to hope starts with curiosity, openness, and talking to people outside your bubble? We sit down with Catherine Macquart-Martin, inclusive leadership coach—exploring how we learn, grow, and stay connected in a complex world. 

Catherine takes us through her journey from a small French town to an international career in diplomacy, training and coaching. Her perspective is candid and practical: connection thrives when we respect difference, self-awareness grows when we notice our strongest reactions, and agency returns when we translate “what matters” into small, repeatable actions.

Our conversation gets personal, too. Catherine describes facing her “shadow” in a difficult work relationship, and learning that what we judge in others often mirrors parts we deny in ourselves. We unpack whether hardship is required for growth and how to keep agency without dismissing pain. 

And there’s so much more. If you’re feeling stuck or powerless, this conversation offers a humane reset: choose inputs that widen your world, act on your values in small ways, and rebuild connection one intentional conversation at a time. 

To discover more about Catherine’s work, get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Catherine!


Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18824405 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100 3277 full false Reinventing Work and Life Around Your Values - with Gaurav Gandhi Reinventing Work and Life Around Your Values - with Gaurav Gandhi What if your impressive job on paper is not aligned with your life and values? We sit down with career transition mentor and author Gaurav Gandhi to unpack how reinvention really works across countries, roles, and life stages, and how not to lose yourself in the process. From a two-decade run at the Tata Group and global postings in Germany and Canada to building a portfolio career in Austria, Gaurav shows how to pivot with purpose by anchoring to values, not vanity metrics.

We dig into the reality of moving abroad: your title and network don’t travel with you, but your skills and your mindset do. Gaurav talks about family and how career becomes a team game at home, sharing candid stories about shifting roles so his wife could pursue a demanding career path at the UN.

If you’ve ever felt torn between money, impact, and expression, you’ll love listening to Gaurav's story. Along the way, we talk meaning, parenting, serendipity, and why coherence between your values, your calendar, and your relationships quietly produces happiness.

If this conversation sparks a shift, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more thoughtful stories.

To learn more about Gaurav's work you can get in touch with him on LinkedIn, check out his mentoring page on Topmate, and find out more about his book Career Heist.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Gaurav!

Support the show

]]> What if your impressive job on paper is not aligned with your life and values? We sit down with career transition mentor and author Gaurav Gandhi to unpack how reinvention really works across countries, roles, and life stages, and how not to lose yourself in the process. From a two-decade run at the Tata Group and global postings in Germany and Canada to building a portfolio career in Austria, Gaurav shows how to pivot with purpose by anchoring to values, not vanity metrics.

We dig into the reality of moving abroad: your title and network don’t travel with you, but your skills and your mindset do. Gaurav talks about family and how career becomes a team game at home, sharing candid stories about shifting roles so his wife could pursue a demanding career path at the UN.

If you’ve ever felt torn between money, impact, and expression, you’ll love listening to Gaurav's story. Along the way, we talk meaning, parenting, serendipity, and why coherence between your values, your calendar, and your relationships quietly produces happiness.

If this conversation sparks a shift, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more thoughtful stories.

To learn more about Gaurav's work you can get in touch with him on LinkedIn, check out his mentoring page on Topmate, and find out more about his book Career Heist.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Gaurav!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18739190 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0100 3458 full false From Angel Investing to Fatherhood: Lessons on Risk, Fulfilment, and Moving Countries - with Laszlo Kiszely From Angel Investing to Fatherhood: Lessons on Risk, Fulfilment, and Moving Countries - with Laszlo Kiszely What if fulfilment became your operating system for work, family, and the country you choose as your home? We sit down with Laszlo Kiszely, entrepreneur, angel investor and startup mentor, to unpack how curiosity, clear rules, and honest tradeoffs can shape a life.

From early side hustles to corporate launches and startup pivots, Laci shares why skin in the game teaches faster than any classroom. His advice to those thinking about entrepreneurship is straight: it might not be for everyone, but if you have an idea, just try. 

The conversation stretches beyond business into the choices that define a life. Laci has lived and worked across multiple European countries, and his guidance on relocation is grounded and personal. We also talk about what it's like to become the default parent as a father, discuss demographic shifts, and why the next competitive advantage is cross‑generational teams that learn from each other.

If this speaks to where you are in your life right now, press play, or share it with a friend who’s weighing a big move or a startup leap.

To discover more about Laci's work, get in touch with him on LinkedIn.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Laci!

Support the show

]]> What if fulfilment became your operating system for work, family, and the country you choose as your home? We sit down with Laszlo Kiszely, entrepreneur, angel investor and startup mentor, to unpack how curiosity, clear rules, and honest tradeoffs can shape a life.

From early side hustles to corporate launches and startup pivots, Laci shares why skin in the game teaches faster than any classroom. His advice to those thinking about entrepreneurship is straight: it might not be for everyone, but if you have an idea, just try. 

The conversation stretches beyond business into the choices that define a life. Laci has lived and worked across multiple European countries, and his guidance on relocation is grounded and personal. We also talk about what it's like to become the default parent as a father, discuss demographic shifts, and why the next competitive advantage is cross‑generational teams that learn from each other.

If this speaks to where you are in your life right now, press play, or share it with a friend who’s weighing a big move or a startup leap.

To discover more about Laci's work, get in touch with him on LinkedIn.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Laci!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18664758 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0100 4946 full false It's OK to Change Your Mind - with Alexandra Dolea It's OK to Change Your Mind - with Alexandra Dolea What happens when your dream job stops loving you back? Alexandra Dolea, archeologist, career mentor, and creator of the Career Excavation Framework, walks us through how she spent nearly two decades in field archaeology across Europe and the Mediterranean, only for everything to unravel during the pandemic: work disappeared, burnout set in, and the story she told herself about success no longer fit. That breaking point became a blueprint for change.

We also get personal about health, rest, and the myth of balance. Alexandra shares how severe illness reordered her priorities and why movement (hiking, lifting, martial arts) became a daily anchor. She makes a case for doing nothing on purpose, noticing invisible work, and asking for help without shame. 

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own resume or worried your best chapters are behind you, this conversation opens a door. Hit play, rethink your next step, and if it resonates, share it with someone who needs permission to pivot.

To discover more about Alexandra's work please visit alexandradolea.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Alexandra!



Support the show

]]> What happens when your dream job stops loving you back? Alexandra Dolea, archeologist, career mentor, and creator of the Career Excavation Framework, walks us through how she spent nearly two decades in field archaeology across Europe and the Mediterranean, only for everything to unravel during the pandemic: work disappeared, burnout set in, and the story she told herself about success no longer fit. That breaking point became a blueprint for change.

We also get personal about health, rest, and the myth of balance. Alexandra shares how severe illness reordered her priorities and why movement (hiking, lifting, martial arts) became a daily anchor. She makes a case for doing nothing on purpose, noticing invisible work, and asking for help without shame. 

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own resume or worried your best chapters are behind you, this conversation opens a door. Hit play, rethink your next step, and if it resonates, share it with someone who needs permission to pivot.

To discover more about Alexandra's work please visit alexandradolea.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Alexandra!



Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18595016 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0100 3588 full false Finding Your Place Far From Home - with Sarah Leibovitz-Dambre Finding Your Place Far From Home - with Sarah Leibovitz-Dambre If you’ve ever had to build a life in a new culture, this conversation will meet you right where you are. It was a pleasure to sit down with Sarah Leibovitz‑Dambre, intercultural trainer and expert in French and English language and culture, to unpack the emotional and practical realities of moving to France: navigating bureaucracy, managing language anxiety, and finding belonging without losing yourself.

Sarah traces her journey from a multicultural childhood in France to a pivotal move to the U.S., a moment that sparked her calling to help international professionals thrive across cultures. We explore why facts about a country aren’t enough, how real integration starts with embodied connection, and a surprising twist: in France, corrections often signal inclusion, not criticism. 

Beyond intercultural perspectives, the conversation gets personal as Sarah reflects on the deeper questions in life. 

Whether you’re an expat in France, a global professional, or someone rebuilding identity after a big change, you’ll find this conversation incredibly useful. Press play to learn how to build meaningful connections, reframe tough feedback, and design a life that feels like home. 

To discover more about Sarah's work please visit cultureinsight.fr or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sarah!

Support the show

]]> If you’ve ever had to build a life in a new culture, this conversation will meet you right where you are. It was a pleasure to sit down with Sarah Leibovitz‑Dambre, intercultural trainer and expert in French and English language and culture, to unpack the emotional and practical realities of moving to France: navigating bureaucracy, managing language anxiety, and finding belonging without losing yourself.

Sarah traces her journey from a multicultural childhood in France to a pivotal move to the U.S., a moment that sparked her calling to help international professionals thrive across cultures. We explore why facts about a country aren’t enough, how real integration starts with embodied connection, and a surprising twist: in France, corrections often signal inclusion, not criticism. 

Beyond intercultural perspectives, the conversation gets personal as Sarah reflects on the deeper questions in life. 

Whether you’re an expat in France, a global professional, or someone rebuilding identity after a big change, you’ll find this conversation incredibly useful. Press play to learn how to build meaningful connections, reframe tough feedback, and design a life that feels like home. 

To discover more about Sarah's work please visit cultureinsight.fr or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sarah!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18546534 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100 2231 full false A new chapter: welcome to ZestPal A new chapter: welcome to ZestPal I created this short episode to mark the transition from Wellbeing in Focus to ZestPal. 

First of all, I want to say thank you.
Thank you to everyone who listened to Wellbeing in Focus. That podcast focused on wellbeing and parenthood through conversations with experts, and it’s something I’m still very grateful for.

But over time, something shifted for me.

I realised that while wellbeing is important, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. What I’ve become more and more interested in are the deeper questions in life.

That’s why Wellbeing in Focus is becoming ZestPal.

ZestPal is about life in a broader sense: life skills, life lessons, meaning, regret, joy, resilience, and of course, zest for life. 

Thank you for being here, whether you’re continuing from Wellbeing in Focus or just joining now.

I’m really glad you’re here.


Support the show

]]> I created this short episode to mark the transition from Wellbeing in Focus to ZestPal. 

First of all, I want to say thank you.
Thank you to everyone who listened to Wellbeing in Focus. That podcast focused on wellbeing and parenthood through conversations with experts, and it’s something I’m still very grateful for.

But over time, something shifted for me.

I realised that while wellbeing is important, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. What I’ve become more and more interested in are the deeper questions in life.

That’s why Wellbeing in Focus is becoming ZestPal.

ZestPal is about life in a broader sense: life skills, life lessons, meaning, regret, joy, resilience, and of course, zest for life. 

Thank you for being here, whether you’re continuing from Wellbeing in Focus or just joining now.

I’m really glad you’re here.


Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli Buzzsprout-18534697 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0100 194 full false Inclusion and wellbeing at the workplace go hand in hand - with Lee Chambers Inclusion and wellbeing at the workplace go hand in hand - with Lee Chambers It was a pleasure to interview Lee Chambers and hear his thoughts on workplace wellbeing. Lee is an award-winning business psychologist, keynote speaker on wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership, and the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. As a highly respected Black, disabled entrepreneur, Lee is a champion of inclusive wellbeing. He’s also a supporter of gender equity, and he’s an award-winning male ally and menopause champion. Lee’s first book, the Millennial's Guide to Wellness, is due to be released later this year.

During our conversation Lee talked about the importance of wellbeing at the workplace and the need for it to go beyond fruit bowls and gym passes. He also explained what "wellbeing washing" is and emphasised the need for companies to implement their wellbeing policies in practice. 

Lee highlighted that wellbeing and inclusion sit closer together than most people think, and because they work together in a cycle, workplaces need to foster them both together. We also talked about neurodiversity, gender equity and allyship in more detail, which are all causes that Lee is passionate about. 

To discover more about Lee's work please visit his website Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, or get in touch with him on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Lee!

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Support the show

]]> It was a pleasure to interview Lee Chambers and hear his thoughts on workplace wellbeing. Lee is an award-winning business psychologist, keynote speaker on wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership, and the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. As a highly respected Black, disabled entrepreneur, Lee is a champion of inclusive wellbeing. He’s also a supporter of gender equity, and he’s an award-winning male ally and menopause champion. Lee’s first book, the Millennial's Guide to Wellness, is due to be released later this year.

During our conversation Lee talked about the importance of wellbeing at the workplace and the need for it to go beyond fruit bowls and gym passes. He also explained what "wellbeing washing" is and emphasised the need for companies to implement their wellbeing policies in practice. 

Lee highlighted that wellbeing and inclusion sit closer together than most people think, and because they work together in a cycle, workplaces need to foster them both together. We also talked about neurodiversity, gender equity and allyship in more detail, which are all causes that Lee is passionate about. 

To discover more about Lee's work please visit his website Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, or get in touch with him on LinkedIn. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Lee!

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-13856580 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0200 2302 20 full false "Manage Like a Mother": recognising the leadership skills gained through parenthood - with Valerie Cockerell "Manage Like a Mother": recognising the leadership skills gained through parenthood - with Valerie Cockerell I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring conversation with Valerie Cockerell about how parenthood equips us with valuable leadership skills. Valerie is a consultant, keynote speaker, and author of the book “Manage Like a Mother: Leadership Lessons Drawn from a Mother's Playbook”. After a brilliant career at Disney, Valerie is now part of Cockerell Consulting with her husband Dan, where she facilitates workshops and shares her expertise and methodology in leading teams and delivering outstanding customer service. 

In her new book, "Manage Like a Mother", Valerie brings a simple to understand and easy-to-implement take on leadership inspired by a mother's playbook. As she explains, there are many similarities between how mothers nurture their children in order to bring out the best in them, and how leaders can do the same with their team members.

Valerie encourages everyone to recognise that maternity leave or a career pause due to having children does not have to be a setback. Women gain valuable soft skills through parenthood, and those skills are transferable to the workplace. She advises parents to get back into the workforce with confidence; and companies to give women returners a chance, because they bring valuable contributions to the table. 

To discover more about Valerie's work please visit cockerellconsulting.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Valerie!

Support the show

]]> I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring conversation with Valerie Cockerell about how parenthood equips us with valuable leadership skills. Valerie is a consultant, keynote speaker, and author of the book “Manage Like a Mother: Leadership Lessons Drawn from a Mother's Playbook”. After a brilliant career at Disney, Valerie is now part of Cockerell Consulting with her husband Dan, where she facilitates workshops and shares her expertise and methodology in leading teams and delivering outstanding customer service. 

In her new book, "Manage Like a Mother", Valerie brings a simple to understand and easy-to-implement take on leadership inspired by a mother's playbook. As she explains, there are many similarities between how mothers nurture their children in order to bring out the best in them, and how leaders can do the same with their team members.

Valerie encourages everyone to recognise that maternity leave or a career pause due to having children does not have to be a setback. Women gain valuable soft skills through parenthood, and those skills are transferable to the workplace. She advises parents to get back into the workforce with confidence; and companies to give women returners a chance, because they bring valuable contributions to the table. 

To discover more about Valerie's work please visit cockerellconsulting.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Valerie!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-13813669 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0200 2757 19 full false Empowering our sons: masculinity and boys' mental health in a changing world - with Matt Pinkett Empowering our sons: masculinity and boys' mental health in a changing world - with Matt Pinkett It was great to talk to Matt Pinkett and learn more about the mental health of boys in this podcast episode. 

Matt is a leading authority on gender and masculinity in schools, and as a teacher who has worked in a variety of educational settings, he challenges toxic masculinity and calls for schools to do more to help boys’ mental health and wellbeing. Matt is also the best-selling author of ‘Boys Don’t Try? Rethinking Masculinity in Schools’, and his new book, ‘Boys Do Cry: Improving Boys' Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools’ was released this summer.

During this conversation we're chatting about masculinity and the male suicide crisis, and why it's crucial for boys to see better role models. Matt also tells us about the importance of bromance and loving relationships in boys' lives, and we talk about what schools and parents can do to support the mental health of boys better.

Matt regularly does talks for schools on a variety of topics, so if you'd like to get in touch with him you can email him at matt.pinkett@sky.com or reach out to him on Twitter.

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Matt!

Support the show

]]> It was great to talk to Matt Pinkett and learn more about the mental health of boys in this podcast episode. 

Matt is a leading authority on gender and masculinity in schools, and as a teacher who has worked in a variety of educational settings, he challenges toxic masculinity and calls for schools to do more to help boys’ mental health and wellbeing. Matt is also the best-selling author of ‘Boys Don’t Try? Rethinking Masculinity in Schools’, and his new book, ‘Boys Do Cry: Improving Boys' Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools’ was released this summer.

During this conversation we're chatting about masculinity and the male suicide crisis, and why it's crucial for boys to see better role models. Matt also tells us about the importance of bromance and loving relationships in boys' lives, and we talk about what schools and parents can do to support the mental health of boys better.

Matt regularly does talks for schools on a variety of topics, so if you'd like to get in touch with him you can email him at matt.pinkett@sky.com or reach out to him on Twitter.

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy 🎙

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Matt!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-13765777 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0200 2387 18 full false Why Malaysia has the lowest rates of postpartum mood disorders in the world - with Valerie Lynn Why Malaysia has the lowest rates of postpartum mood disorders in the world - with Valerie Lynn It was a pleasure to interview Valerie Lynn and learn more about Malaysian postpartum practices in this podcast episode. Valerie is a postnatal care specialist and has been a significant force in introducing after-birth recovery practices from Malaysia, its traditions, techniques, and treatments to women globally.

Valerie has benefited first-hand from Eastern medical modalities while living in Asia for over 20 years. She wrote her first book The New Mommy Plan: Restoring Your Post-Pregnancy Body Naturally, Using Women’s Traditional Wisdom, which resulted from a yearlong research project via the Malaysian Ministry of Health, Traditional Complementary Medicine department. The New Mommy Plan is endorsed by several leading childbirth educational organizations in the U.S. and internationally for postpartum doula and new parent education certification.

Valerie’s cookbook, Healing Meals: Simple Recipes for New Moms, is based on postnatal food science. Both books are the basis for her coaching services and corporate workshop for the public and private sector. 

Valerie explains to us why Malaysia is a true global benchmark when it comes to postpartum recovery and how other countries could learn from their practices. She tells us how perinatal mood disorders and postpartum recovery are connected, and that it is no coincidence that Malaysia has the lowest rates of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders at just 3%. Comparing this number to the 25% in the US, it becomes clear that we in Western countries still have a long way to go to achieve proper postpartum support - but the journey is not hopeless. And Valerie has the roadmap. 

To discover more about Valerie’s work please visit her website ecopostnatalcare.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy! 🎙🤗

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Valerie  💞

Support the show

]]> It was a pleasure to interview Valerie Lynn and learn more about Malaysian postpartum practices in this podcast episode. Valerie is a postnatal care specialist and has been a significant force in introducing after-birth recovery practices from Malaysia, its traditions, techniques, and treatments to women globally.

Valerie has benefited first-hand from Eastern medical modalities while living in Asia for over 20 years. She wrote her first book The New Mommy Plan: Restoring Your Post-Pregnancy Body Naturally, Using Women’s Traditional Wisdom, which resulted from a yearlong research project via the Malaysian Ministry of Health, Traditional Complementary Medicine department. The New Mommy Plan is endorsed by several leading childbirth educational organizations in the U.S. and internationally for postpartum doula and new parent education certification.

Valerie’s cookbook, Healing Meals: Simple Recipes for New Moms, is based on postnatal food science. Both books are the basis for her coaching services and corporate workshop for the public and private sector. 

Valerie explains to us why Malaysia is a true global benchmark when it comes to postpartum recovery and how other countries could learn from their practices. She tells us how perinatal mood disorders and postpartum recovery are connected, and that it is no coincidence that Malaysia has the lowest rates of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders at just 3%. Comparing this number to the 25% in the US, it becomes clear that we in Western countries still have a long way to go to achieve proper postpartum support - but the journey is not hopeless. And Valerie has the roadmap. 

To discover more about Valerie’s work please visit her website ecopostnatalcare.com or get in touch with her on LinkedIn. 

Listen to this insightful episode and enjoy! 🎙🤗

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Valerie  💞

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-11795043 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0100 2925 17 full false Becoming Us: perinatal relationships, parenthood, and becoming a family - with Elly Taylor Becoming Us: perinatal relationships, parenthood, and becoming a family - with Elly Taylor It was lovely to chat with Elly Taylor about perinatal relationships in this podcast episode. Elly is a relationship counsellor, award winning author of "Becoming Us: The Couple's Guide to Parenthood", keynote speaker, and founder of Becoming Us: a perinatal relationship education and training for care professionals. 

We talk about how preparations for birth and parenting are important, but there is currently a gap when it comes to preparing parents for parenthood and the changing relationships with each other and themselves. Elly shares some tips with us how couples can navigate this journey and keep their relationship on track.

Elly explains that parenthood can often cause couples to grow apart; but it doesn't have to be this way. She also gives us some insight into the most common issues couples experience in their relationships, and how they can avoid them.  

And there is so much more - listen to the episode and enjoy! 🎙🤗

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Elly 💞

Support the show

]]> It was lovely to chat with Elly Taylor about perinatal relationships in this podcast episode. Elly is a relationship counsellor, award winning author of "Becoming Us: The Couple's Guide to Parenthood", keynote speaker, and founder of Becoming Us: a perinatal relationship education and training for care professionals. 

We talk about how preparations for birth and parenting are important, but there is currently a gap when it comes to preparing parents for parenthood and the changing relationships with each other and themselves. Elly shares some tips with us how couples can navigate this journey and keep their relationship on track.

Elly explains that parenthood can often cause couples to grow apart; but it doesn't have to be this way. She also gives us some insight into the most common issues couples experience in their relationships, and how they can avoid them.  

And there is so much more - listen to the episode and enjoy! 🎙🤗

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Elly 💞

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-11668531 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0100 2289 16 full false Parent Promise by Dearbump: supporting parents at the workplace - with Emma Jarvis Parent Promise by Dearbump: supporting parents at the workplace - with Emma Jarvis In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Emma Jarvis, founder of Dearbump and co-founder of Parent Promise, helping workplaces support parents during pregnancy, parental leave, and early parenthood.

Emma shares with us how her own experience of feeling unsupported  and overlooked as a new mum at her workplace made her leave the company and set up her own business instead supporting parents. 

Her experience is far from being unique. Statistics show that 77% of mothers experience discrimination at work, 80% of new mums consider leaving their job during maternity leave, and 46% of mums change employers. These shocking numbers highlight the enormity of the issue and the need for workplaces to address it.

With diversity and inclusion being high on the agenda parents expect more help and support from their employers, and rightly so. Emma explains how creating family-friendly policies makes perfect business sense: it helps retain employees and saves the huge costs of having to find and replace talent, not to mention that parents who feel supported and valued by their companies are more engaged and motivated to do their best at work.

To discover more about how workplaces can support parents please visit the Parent Promise website or get in touch with Emma on LinkedIn.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Emma!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Emma Jarvis, founder of Dearbump and co-founder of Parent Promise, helping workplaces support parents during pregnancy, parental leave, and early parenthood.

Emma shares with us how her own experience of feeling unsupported  and overlooked as a new mum at her workplace made her leave the company and set up her own business instead supporting parents. 

Her experience is far from being unique. Statistics show that 77% of mothers experience discrimination at work, 80% of new mums consider leaving their job during maternity leave, and 46% of mums change employers. These shocking numbers highlight the enormity of the issue and the need for workplaces to address it.

With diversity and inclusion being high on the agenda parents expect more help and support from their employers, and rightly so. Emma explains how creating family-friendly policies makes perfect business sense: it helps retain employees and saves the huge costs of having to find and replace talent, not to mention that parents who feel supported and valued by their companies are more engaged and motivated to do their best at work.

To discover more about how workplaces can support parents please visit the Parent Promise website or get in touch with Emma on LinkedIn.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Emma!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-11541390 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0200 1835 15 full false Burnout: the many factors, and their solutions - with Dr Jacqueline Kerr Burnout: the many factors, and their solutions - with Dr Jacqueline Kerr In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Dr Jacqueline Kerr, behaviour change scientist, TEDx and Keynote speaker, podcast host, and burnout expert. Jacqueline is not only familiar with burnout as an academic, but she is a burnout survivor herself, who now helps employers and leaders tackle this issue throughout their organisations.

Burnout is a very complex problem with different factors and personality traits involved, and this means there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. As Jacqueline explains, there are six types of burnout profiles and they each require a different approach.

Jacqueline tells us about the importance of solving the root causes of burnout. There is a lot that employers can do, and indeed it is in the interest of workplaces to provide solutions as burnout overlaps with employee engagement, wellbeing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as well.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more and make sure you check out Jacqueline's website drjacquelinekerr.com. You can listen to her podcast Overcoming Working Mom Burnout and watch her TEDx talk How to Stop Burnout Before It Starts. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Jacqueline!


Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Dr Jacqueline Kerr, behaviour change scientist, TEDx and Keynote speaker, podcast host, and burnout expert. Jacqueline is not only familiar with burnout as an academic, but she is a burnout survivor herself, who now helps employers and leaders tackle this issue throughout their organisations.

Burnout is a very complex problem with different factors and personality traits involved, and this means there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. As Jacqueline explains, there are six types of burnout profiles and they each require a different approach.

Jacqueline tells us about the importance of solving the root causes of burnout. There is a lot that employers can do, and indeed it is in the interest of workplaces to provide solutions as burnout overlaps with employee engagement, wellbeing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as well.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more and make sure you check out Jacqueline's website drjacquelinekerr.com. You can listen to her podcast Overcoming Working Mom Burnout and watch her TEDx talk How to Stop Burnout Before It Starts. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Jacqueline!


Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-11364976 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0200 3429 14 full false Find your spark: happiness, wellbeing, and personal development - with Sanjeev Sandhu Find your spark: happiness, wellbeing, and personal development - with Sanjeev Sandhu In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Sanjeev Sandhu, happiness and wellbeing trainer, speaker, PhD researcher in positive psychology and wellbeing, and published author.

Sanjeev tells us how during his first career in finance and accounting he noticed that the key difference between people who were fulfilled and unfulfilled was the spark in their eyes, and how he subsequently went on to find his own spark - by changing careers and diving into personal development, happiness and wellbeing.

As an Art of Brilliance trainer, Sanjeev now works with individuals, companies, and schools around the world delivering workshops and talks about all things positive psychology, personal development, happiness, and wellbeing. He tells us why businesses now need to put wellbeing on the agenda more than ever before, why children benefit from wellbeing skills being taught in schools, and why it's time to change the conversation from mental health to mental wealth.

Sanjeev is the co-author of two books: How to Be a Well Being: Unofficial Rules to Live Every Day, a Business Book Awards 2021 Finalist in personal development and wellbeing, and Be You-nique: Find Your X-Factor, a book specifically tailored for teenagers in India. 

To discover more about Sanjeev and his work please visit his website sanjeevssandhu.com.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sanjeev!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Sanjeev Sandhu, happiness and wellbeing trainer, speaker, PhD researcher in positive psychology and wellbeing, and published author.

Sanjeev tells us how during his first career in finance and accounting he noticed that the key difference between people who were fulfilled and unfulfilled was the spark in their eyes, and how he subsequently went on to find his own spark - by changing careers and diving into personal development, happiness and wellbeing.

As an Art of Brilliance trainer, Sanjeev now works with individuals, companies, and schools around the world delivering workshops and talks about all things positive psychology, personal development, happiness, and wellbeing. He tells us why businesses now need to put wellbeing on the agenda more than ever before, why children benefit from wellbeing skills being taught in schools, and why it's time to change the conversation from mental health to mental wealth.

Sanjeev is the co-author of two books: How to Be a Well Being: Unofficial Rules to Live Every Day, a Business Book Awards 2021 Finalist in personal development and wellbeing, and Be You-nique: Find Your X-Factor, a book specifically tailored for teenagers in India. 

To discover more about Sanjeev and his work please visit his website sanjeevssandhu.com.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sanjeev!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10967282 Fri, 15 Jul 2022 16:00:00 +0200 2532 13 full true "When I Ran Away": a story of new motherhood - with author Ilona Bannister "When I Ran Away": a story of new motherhood - with author Ilona Bannister In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Ilona Bannister, author of When I Ran Away and Little Prisons. Ilona is a writer, mother, and a New Yorker living in London. She was a dual qualified US attorney and UK solicitor and practiced immigration law in the UK before she started writing fiction.

Ilona tells us about her debut novel When I Ran Away ,  which was longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s 2021 First Novel Prize. It is a rich, bighearted debut that takes us from working-class Staten Island in the wake of the September 11th attacks to moneyed London a decade later, revealing a story of loss, motherhood, and love.

Our conversation in this podcast focuses on new motherhood and the need to talk openly and honestly about the experiences of mothers. Ilona discusses how mothers and motherhood are devalued in our society, and explores why leaning in is not always working for everyone.  She also talks about the uncomfortable topic of maternal rage, and highlights that anger is a perfectly natural response to the unfair situation mothers often find themselves in.

To discover more about Ilona and her work please visit her website ilonabannister.com.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Ilona!


Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Ilona Bannister, author of When I Ran Away and Little Prisons. Ilona is a writer, mother, and a New Yorker living in London. She was a dual qualified US attorney and UK solicitor and practiced immigration law in the UK before she started writing fiction.

Ilona tells us about her debut novel When I Ran Away ,  which was longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s 2021 First Novel Prize. It is a rich, bighearted debut that takes us from working-class Staten Island in the wake of the September 11th attacks to moneyed London a decade later, revealing a story of loss, motherhood, and love.

Our conversation in this podcast focuses on new motherhood and the need to talk openly and honestly about the experiences of mothers. Ilona discusses how mothers and motherhood are devalued in our society, and explores why leaning in is not always working for everyone.  She also talks about the uncomfortable topic of maternal rage, and highlights that anger is a perfectly natural response to the unfair situation mothers often find themselves in.

To discover more about Ilona and her work please visit her website ilonabannister.com.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Ilona!


Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10916348 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0200 2527 12 full false Let's talk about mindfulness - with Sally Singleton Let's talk about mindfulness - with Sally Singleton In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Sally Singleton, mindfulness consultant and trainer, and Founder of Mindful Interlude, delivering evidence-based mindfulness courses to individuals and organisations.

Sally tells us about the different aspects of mindfulness,  and explains how they all focus on slightly different things. She reassures us that the mind chatter that so many people experience during meditation is completely normal and it doesn't mean we're doing anything wrong.

We also talk about the limitations of mindfulness apps and how they cannot replace the guidance provided by a qualified mindfulness practitioner. Sally works with organisations and coaches, and she also runs a 4-week mindfulness course live online for individuals from time to time. Follow her Instagram page to find out when the next course is, or sign up for her 5 day Mindfulness Habit Starter freebie. 

Sally is also teaching mindfulness in primary schools and tells us about how the practice can benefit children.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sally!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Sally Singleton, mindfulness consultant and trainer, and Founder of Mindful Interlude, delivering evidence-based mindfulness courses to individuals and organisations.

Sally tells us about the different aspects of mindfulness,  and explains how they all focus on slightly different things. She reassures us that the mind chatter that so many people experience during meditation is completely normal and it doesn't mean we're doing anything wrong.

We also talk about the limitations of mindfulness apps and how they cannot replace the guidance provided by a qualified mindfulness practitioner. Sally works with organisations and coaches, and she also runs a 4-week mindfulness course live online for individuals from time to time. Follow her Instagram page to find out when the next course is, or sign up for her 5 day Mindfulness Habit Starter freebie. 

Sally is also teaching mindfulness in primary schools and tells us about how the practice can benefit children.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Sally!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10877759 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0200 1987 11 full false Villyge: the platform supporting parents and caregivers at the workplace - with Founder and CEO Debi Yadegari Villyge: the platform supporting parents and caregivers at the workplace - with Founder and CEO Debi Yadegari In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Debi Yadegari, Founder and CEO of Villyge, an employer-paid benefit and full service, B2B solution supporting working parents and caregivers. Villyge connects employees and their family members 1:1 with a community of career coaches, parenting experts and healthcare specialists. They also provide management training and work with employers to shape corporate culture and create parent-friendly workplaces that increase productivity, reduce litigation, and encourage retention to expand the talent pool and increase diversity, equity and inclusion.

Es Debi explains, Villyge is a platform that helps managers to lead with empathy through employees' life events, such as parenting, caregiving, elder care, or divorce, just to mention a few. Managers now need support more than ever, as employees expect their managers and companies to care about them personally and support them through big life events. Villyge can give managers a helping hand so that they can navigate this cultural shift that's happening at the workplace post-pandemic, and create a culture of care so that all employees can thrive.

Debi also tells us about how the 1:1 employee support with Villyge experts works in practice. This is a service that companies that sign up with Villyge pay for, and all employees can access this support free of charge. Being able to receive personalised assistance can make a huge difference, and it can help employees navigate life events while keeping their careers on an upper trajectory.

If you're an employer or HR professional make sure to check out the Villyge website and see how they can help you. Or if you're an employee and would like to have Villyge at your workplace, let your manager or HR department know. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Debi! 

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Debi Yadegari, Founder and CEO of Villyge, an employer-paid benefit and full service, B2B solution supporting working parents and caregivers. Villyge connects employees and their family members 1:1 with a community of career coaches, parenting experts and healthcare specialists. They also provide management training and work with employers to shape corporate culture and create parent-friendly workplaces that increase productivity, reduce litigation, and encourage retention to expand the talent pool and increase diversity, equity and inclusion.

Es Debi explains, Villyge is a platform that helps managers to lead with empathy through employees' life events, such as parenting, caregiving, elder care, or divorce, just to mention a few. Managers now need support more than ever, as employees expect their managers and companies to care about them personally and support them through big life events. Villyge can give managers a helping hand so that they can navigate this cultural shift that's happening at the workplace post-pandemic, and create a culture of care so that all employees can thrive.

Debi also tells us about how the 1:1 employee support with Villyge experts works in practice. This is a service that companies that sign up with Villyge pay for, and all employees can access this support free of charge. Being able to receive personalised assistance can make a huge difference, and it can help employees navigate life events while keeping their careers on an upper trajectory.

If you're an employer or HR professional make sure to check out the Villyge website and see how they can help you. Or if you're an employee and would like to have Villyge at your workplace, let your manager or HR department know. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Debi! 

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10803086 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0200 2051 full false Preparing new dads better - with Steven Kennedy Preparing new dads better - with Steven Kennedy In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Steven Kennedy, Founder of the PREPARE Foundation and Birthing Dads.  Steven is dedicated to helping families thrive from the get go, and aims to prevent perinatal mental health impacts to families by engaging expectant fathers and inspiring greater paternal involvement in maternity care. 

Steven tells us about modern birth culture and how the gaps in antenatal education fail to prepare dads. He also highlights how the deep challenges new dads are facing are often overlooked, and contribute significantly to poor mental health outcomes. 

Knowing what's normal in childbirth is crucial for being in the room. However, as Steven explains, men are currently not being prepared adequately, they're not being included, and often they're being overlooked. If dads are better prepared, they can support mum better not only in the delivery room, but also during pregnancy and postpartum.

Steven has a wealth of resources for first-time dads to prepare them for birth and beyond, so make sure to check out his websites.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Steven!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Steven Kennedy, Founder of the PREPARE Foundation and Birthing Dads.  Steven is dedicated to helping families thrive from the get go, and aims to prevent perinatal mental health impacts to families by engaging expectant fathers and inspiring greater paternal involvement in maternity care. 

Steven tells us about modern birth culture and how the gaps in antenatal education fail to prepare dads. He also highlights how the deep challenges new dads are facing are often overlooked, and contribute significantly to poor mental health outcomes. 

Knowing what's normal in childbirth is crucial for being in the room. However, as Steven explains, men are currently not being prepared adequately, they're not being included, and often they're being overlooked. If dads are better prepared, they can support mum better not only in the delivery room, but also during pregnancy and postpartum.

Steven has a wealth of resources for first-time dads to prepare them for birth and beyond, so make sure to check out his websites.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Steven!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10763432 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0200 2027 9 full false Motherhood, society, and a new feminism - with Naomi Stadlen Motherhood, society, and a new feminism - with Naomi Stadlen In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Naomi Stadlen, existential psychotherapist and best-selling author of three books: What Mothers Do: especially when it looks like nothing, How Mothers Love: and how relationships are born, and What Mothers Learn: without being taught. For over 30 years, Naomi has listened to hundreds of mothers at her weekly discussion meetings, Mothers Talking, and at monthly meetings for La Leche League. As an existential psychotherapist she specialises in seeing mothers and parent-couples.

During our conversation Naomi shares her insights into motherhood and the invaluable work that mothers do. We talk about the perception of motherhood in society, how the situation of mothers has changed over the past decades, and what challenges modern mothers face.

She also gives suggestions how women could be better prepared for the realities of motherhood, and highlights that we need to find new words to accurately describe the experience of mothers and the invisible side of what they do.

To discover more about Naomi and her work please visit her website naomistadlen.com. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Naomi!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Naomi Stadlen, existential psychotherapist and best-selling author of three books: What Mothers Do: especially when it looks like nothing, How Mothers Love: and how relationships are born, and What Mothers Learn: without being taught. For over 30 years, Naomi has listened to hundreds of mothers at her weekly discussion meetings, Mothers Talking, and at monthly meetings for La Leche League. As an existential psychotherapist she specialises in seeing mothers and parent-couples.

During our conversation Naomi shares her insights into motherhood and the invaluable work that mothers do. We talk about the perception of motherhood in society, how the situation of mothers has changed over the past decades, and what challenges modern mothers face.

She also gives suggestions how women could be better prepared for the realities of motherhood, and highlights that we need to find new words to accurately describe the experience of mothers and the invisible side of what they do.

To discover more about Naomi and her work please visit her website naomistadlen.com. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Naomi!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10562868 Thu, 05 May 2022 08:00:00 +0200 3089 8 full true How to have more happiness in your life - with Pamela Gail Johnson How to have more happiness in your life - with Pamela Gail Johnson In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Pamela Gail Johnson, happiness advocate, speaker, author, and Founder of the Society of Happy People. 

Pamela shares with us the story of how she founded the Society of Happy People more than 20 years ago and how attitudes towards happiness have been changing since then.

We talk about her recently published book Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life, and discuss the biggest happiness zappers and what people can do to manage them.

Pamela also works with companies and tells us what they can do to foster more happiness at the workplace.

To discover more about Pamela please visit her website pamelagailjohnson.com. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Pamela!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Pamela Gail Johnson, happiness advocate, speaker, author, and Founder of the Society of Happy People. 

Pamela shares with us the story of how she founded the Society of Happy People more than 20 years ago and how attitudes towards happiness have been changing since then.

We talk about her recently published book Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life, and discuss the biggest happiness zappers and what people can do to manage them.

Pamela also works with companies and tells us what they can do to foster more happiness at the workplace.

To discover more about Pamela please visit her website pamelagailjohnson.com. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Pamela!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10519884 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0200 2875 7 full false Gender equality for fathers - with Michael Ray Gender equality for fathers - with Michael Ray In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Michael Ray, solo dad, author, public speaker, and advocate for gender equality. 

Michael tells us about how outdated gender stereotypes hurt fathers and men in general. He highlights that personality traits and behaviour associated with masculinity or femininity are not determined by gender, but by character and values.

Michael also shines a light on how the equality debate often doesn't include fathers and how this should be improved. The bumbling man-child image of fathers is demeaning and patronising, when the truth is that men can be very capable fathers if they're given the opportunity to practice and learn. 

Workplaces need to facilitate fathers doing more parenting because, as Michael points out, true equality for women at the workplace cannot happen without true equality for men at home. 

To discover more about Michael and his work please visit his website michaelray.com.au. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Michael!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Michael Ray, solo dad, author, public speaker, and advocate for gender equality. 

Michael tells us about how outdated gender stereotypes hurt fathers and men in general. He highlights that personality traits and behaviour associated with masculinity or femininity are not determined by gender, but by character and values.

Michael also shines a light on how the equality debate often doesn't include fathers and how this should be improved. The bumbling man-child image of fathers is demeaning and patronising, when the truth is that men can be very capable fathers if they're given the opportunity to practice and learn. 

Workplaces need to facilitate fathers doing more parenting because, as Michael points out, true equality for women at the workplace cannot happen without true equality for men at home. 

To discover more about Michael and his work please visit his website michaelray.com.au. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Michael!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10473982 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 20:00:00 +0200 3082 6 full false Why companies need a wellbeing strategy - with Emma Ellis Why companies need a wellbeing strategy - with Emma Ellis In this podcast episode I'm interviewing wellbeing strategist and coach Emma Ellis, Founder of Redwood Ellis.  Emma tells us why companies need to have a wellbeing strategy if they want to attract and retain talent in today's competitive environment, and why it's equally important that this strategy is actually implemented.

She reassures us that wellbeing is really not that complicated, and we can all start by asking some simple questions. 

We also discuss some future of work trends such as working from home and how it can backfire, how people are increasingly looking for meaning and purpose in what they do, and how they're seeking a workplace that aligns with their values.  

Thank you Emma for sharing your thoughts with us!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing wellbeing strategist and coach Emma Ellis, Founder of Redwood Ellis.  Emma tells us why companies need to have a wellbeing strategy if they want to attract and retain talent in today's competitive environment, and why it's equally important that this strategy is actually implemented.

She reassures us that wellbeing is really not that complicated, and we can all start by asking some simple questions. 

We also discuss some future of work trends such as working from home and how it can backfire, how people are increasingly looking for meaning and purpose in what they do, and how they're seeking a workplace that aligns with their values.  

Thank you Emma for sharing your thoughts with us!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10433393 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 21:00:00 +0200 2556 5 full false Many Mothers: community support for parents - with director Antoinette Villamil Many Mothers: community support for parents - with director Antoinette Villamil In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Antoinette Villamil, director of Many Mothers, an organisation in Santa Fe, New Mexico providing support to all local families with babies, free of charge. 

Antoinette tells us how their flagship Maternal Support Program, which provides practical, hands-on support through volunteers and is available at no cost to all local families, works in practice. She also talks to us about their other programs that are available for income-eligible families only. 

Through the incredible generosity of Many Mothers, other communities can also follow their example and set up their own support system for local parents. There have been a number of such initiatives already popping up in other places, and Antoinette is happy to share the guides and resources with anyone who wishes to follow suit and further their community's wellbeing by supporting parents and families. 

Thank you Antoinette for sharing your thoughts with us!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode I'm interviewing Antoinette Villamil, director of Many Mothers, an organisation in Santa Fe, New Mexico providing support to all local families with babies, free of charge. 

Antoinette tells us how their flagship Maternal Support Program, which provides practical, hands-on support through volunteers and is available at no cost to all local families, works in practice. She also talks to us about their other programs that are available for income-eligible families only. 

Through the incredible generosity of Many Mothers, other communities can also follow their example and set up their own support system for local parents. There have been a number of such initiatives already popping up in other places, and Antoinette is happy to share the guides and resources with anyone who wishes to follow suit and further their community's wellbeing by supporting parents and families. 

Thank you Antoinette for sharing your thoughts with us!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10388874 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0200 1622 4 full false Being a postpartum doula - with Danielle Bensky Being a postpartum doula - with Danielle Bensky In this podcast episode we're talking about postpartum care and the work of postpartum doulas with Danielle Bensky. Danielle is a postpartum doula and Founder of Mothers Transition, providing postpartum doula services in Helsinki, Finland. She is also part of the NEST doula collective in Finland, working with foreign families in English.

Danielle tells us about what it is exactly that postpartum doulas do, and why their support is invaluable for new mothers. She highlights how this kind of postpartum care used to be universal a very long time ago, and how it is important to bring it back and make it a part of essential pregnancy and mother and baby care. 

She also gives tips to those mums who don't have access to postpartum doulas and shares practical advice about what they can do to prepare for a positive postpartum experience.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Danielle!

Support the show

]]> In this podcast episode we're talking about postpartum care and the work of postpartum doulas with Danielle Bensky. Danielle is a postpartum doula and Founder of Mothers Transition, providing postpartum doula services in Helsinki, Finland. She is also part of the NEST doula collective in Finland, working with foreign families in English.

Danielle tells us about what it is exactly that postpartum doulas do, and why their support is invaluable for new mothers. She highlights how this kind of postpartum care used to be universal a very long time ago, and how it is important to bring it back and make it a part of essential pregnancy and mother and baby care. 

She also gives tips to those mums who don't have access to postpartum doulas and shares practical advice about what they can do to prepare for a positive postpartum experience.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Danielle!

Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10345602 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0200 2609 3 full false Fathers' mental health - with Mark Williams Fathers' mental health - with Mark Williams In this podcast episode we're talking about paternal mental health, or the mental health of fathers with Mark Williams. Mark is a keynote speaker, published author, and international campaigner for fathers' mental health. He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and and the #HowAreYouDad Campaign to help ensure that all parents and families are supported throughout the perinatal period. You can find out more about Mark on his website markwilliamsfmh.co.uk.

Mark shines a light on this very important area as he shares his own story and how he got involved in fathers' mental health. We learn how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects a lot of fathers witnessing a traumatic birth, and how suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.  According to recent research from Canada 1 in 4 fathers suffer from anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, a figure that is a lot higher than the official 1 in 10.

Mark identifies antenatal education, communication on labour wards, and mental health awareness as ways the situation could be improved. As Mark observes, although men are less likely to open up about their feelings initially, they will do so in a safe place. Support groups for dads are ideal for these kinds of conversations, and family and friends can also help encourage men to talk about their emotional wellbeing and ask for help. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Mark!

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]]> In this podcast episode we're talking about paternal mental health, or the mental health of fathers with Mark Williams. Mark is a keynote speaker, published author, and international campaigner for fathers' mental health. He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and and the #HowAreYouDad Campaign to help ensure that all parents and families are supported throughout the perinatal period. You can find out more about Mark on his website markwilliamsfmh.co.uk.

Mark shines a light on this very important area as he shares his own story and how he got involved in fathers' mental health. We learn how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects a lot of fathers witnessing a traumatic birth, and how suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.  According to recent research from Canada 1 in 4 fathers suffer from anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, a figure that is a lot higher than the official 1 in 10.

Mark identifies antenatal education, communication on labour wards, and mental health awareness as ways the situation could be improved. As Mark observes, although men are less likely to open up about their feelings initially, they will do so in a safe place. Support groups for dads are ideal for these kinds of conversations, and family and friends can also help encourage men to talk about their emotional wellbeing and ask for help. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Mark!

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]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10290768 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:00:00 +0100 2440 2 full false Maternal mental health - with Jennifer Norris-Hale Maternal mental health - with Jennifer Norris-Hale In this podcast episode we're talking about maternal mental health with Jennifer Norris-Hale. Jennifer is the Founder of Mission: Motherhood, a community in Fort Wayne, Indiana for all mothers of all backgrounds experiencing maternal mental health conditions.

Jennifer shares her own story and why she got involved in supporting mothers struggling with mental health issues. She gives valuable tips for mums who are struggling, and for partners or family members who would like to support them. 

She explains how Mission: Motherhood supports local mums, and how other communities can follow suit. She also tells us about their most recent initiatives such as Diaper Bank and Pantry Network, and how these are connected to maternal mental health.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Jennifer!


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]]> In this podcast episode we're talking about maternal mental health with Jennifer Norris-Hale. Jennifer is the Founder of Mission: Motherhood, a community in Fort Wayne, Indiana for all mothers of all backgrounds experiencing maternal mental health conditions.

Jennifer shares her own story and why she got involved in supporting mothers struggling with mental health issues. She gives valuable tips for mums who are struggling, and for partners or family members who would like to support them. 

She explains how Mission: Motherhood supports local mums, and how other communities can follow suit. She also tells us about their most recent initiatives such as Diaper Bank and Pantry Network, and how these are connected to maternal mental health.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Jennifer!


Support the show

]]> Gabriella Campelli-Ignacz Buzzsprout-10150601 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0100 2228 1 full false