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In this engaging conversation, Kay Wilson shares her remarkable journey from a career in public relations to becoming a stand-up comedian and author. After experiencing a life-altering brain haemorrhage, Kay decided to pursue her passion for comedy, leading to the creation of her debut novel, 'The Stand Up Mam.' The discussion explores themes of resilience, creativity, and the importance of humour in overcoming life's challenges. Kay also reflects on her experiences in the comedy community and her aspirations for future projects, including her upcoming novel.

Kay Wilson lives near Sunderland and is married with two children. She worked in PR for 30 years. At 48, after a near-fatal brain haemorrhage, she decided to do stand-up comedy, performing unpaid, five-minute gigs for two years. This was the inspiration for her debut novel The Stand-Up Mam, which is shortlisted for a Comedy Women in Print self-published award.

kaywilsonwriter.com

Insta: @kaywilsonwriter FB: kaywilsonwriter

Takeaways

Kay's journey into PR was accidental, stemming from a desire to work in television.

Writing has always been a passion for Kay, dating back to her teenage years.

A near-fatal brain haemorrhage prompted Kay to pursue stand-up comedy.

Kay emphasises the importance of living life fully after facing adversity.

The process of writing her debut novel was inspired by her stand-up experiences.

Kay's book aims to inspire women to prioritise their own dreams and ambitions.

The Comedy Women in Print Prize highlights the need for recognition of female comedy writers.

Kay found support and community within the comedy scene, which helped her grow as a performer.

The challenges of self-publishing taught Kay valuable lessons about the publishing process.

Kay's upcoming novel explores themes of friendship and personal growth through humour.

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This conversation explores the inspiring journey of Claire Louise Liddle, who transformed her life from a troubled past marked by trauma and addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community figure. Claire shares her experiences with alcoholism, the impact of her childhood trauma, and the lessons learned during her time in prison, which ultimately led her to discover her passion for baking and helping others. The discussion emphasises the importance of personal responsibility, resilience, and the power of community support in overcoming life's challenges.

After suffering from a severe amount of trauma for most of her life - and struggling with alcohol addiction as a fully functioning alcoholic so not even really aware that there was an issue - Claire ended up in court for theft and found herself carted off on the last sweat box for a Holloway induction. Her story is one of acceptance, apologies, fixing up and sorting herself out, growing up and taking responsibility - for the mess she’d created. How was she going to get through it? She didn’t know, she just knew she had to.

Instagram: @cakeaholics_by_claire
Website: www.cakeaholicsbyclaire.co.uk

Takeaways

Claire's journey from addiction to recovery is a testament to resilience.
The importance of community support in mental health recovery.
Baking became a therapeutic outlet for Claire during her recovery.
Facing childhood trauma is crucial for personal growth.
Alcoholism can stem from unresolved trauma and emotional pain.
Prison provided Claire with the opportunity to reflect and change.
Taking responsibility for one's actions is essential for healing.
Claire's cake shop serves as a safe space for the community.
The journey of recovery is ongoing and requires continuous effort.
Helping others is a way for Claire to give back and find purpose.

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In this engaging conversation, Mrs Smith, a teacher turned comedian, shares her journey from the classroom to the stage. With 39 years of teaching experience, she discusses the challenges and joys of both professions, her experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, and the importance of humour in education. Mrs Smith emphasises the significance of saying yes to opportunities and maintaining a balance between her teaching career and stand-up comedy, all while keeping her identity as Mrs Smith somewhat anonymous. The conversation concludes with light-hearted banter about cocktails and the unique experiences of being a teacher and a performer.

Have you ever wondered what your teacher was thinking? Let Facebook’s Mrs Smith enlighten you! Mrs Smith was an ordinary teacher in an ordinary school until she went viral on Facebook, got invited to the Edinburgh Fringe and accidentally became a stand-up comedian. She is currently on tour with 1,2,3, Eyes on Me, which is the follow-up to her sell-out show of 2023 See me!, which she debuted at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, never having done stand-up before in her life.

https://facebook.com/mrssmithsaysit

Takeaways

Mrs Smith has been teaching for 39 years.

She started writing as Mrs Smith for her friends.

The Edinburgh Fringe was a pivotal moment in her comedy career.

She enjoys the buzz of performing and making people laugh.

Maintaining anonymity allows her to express herself freely.

Balancing teaching and comedy requires careful planning.

Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected paths.

Her audience primarily consists of teachers and education staff.

Humour is a powerful tool in both teaching and comedy.

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In this engaging conversation, Charlotte Body shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and her passion for empowering women, particularly through the lens of menopause. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the evolving landscape of medical aesthetics, and the significance of embracing midlife as a time for growth and fun. Charlotte also introduces her initiative, Menopause in Practice, aimed at educating healthcare professionals, and discusses the success of Pause Live, an event dedicated to supporting women through their midlife transitions.

As the visionary behind MBody Media, a bespoke outsourcing service that matches the needs of practitioners with relevant experts, Charlotte is an entrepreneur with significant experience in medical aesthetics. She has launched and sold a number of successful businesses, including Cosmetic News (now Aesthetics journal), ACE and the Aesthetics Awards.

https://mbodymedia.co.uk/

https://www.pauselive.com/

IG: @pauselive

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090206392713

Takeaways

Charlotte started her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, selling sweets in school.

Balancing work and family is a common struggle for many women.

The aesthetic industry is evolving towards more holistic approaches.

Menopause can significantly impact women's lives, and support is crucial.

Pause Live is a community event that empowers women through shared experiences.

Empowering women is about creating a supportive environment for growth.

Midlife should be embraced as a time for fun and self-discovery.

Community support is essential for women navigating midlife challenges.

Education on menopause is vital for healthcare professionals.

Personal experiences shape the way we support others in their journeys.

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In this engaging conversation, Barbara shares her inspiring journey of taking up running in midlife, overcoming challenges such as asthma, and her experiences with triathlons and ultra marathons. She reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with motivational people and offers advice for maintaining fitness as one ages. The discussion culminates in a light-hearted moment where Barbara describes a cocktail that represents her life, emphasizing the fun and joy in fitness.

Bio: School P.E. for Barbara was a disaster, so she decided sport was not for her. But at nearly 40 that she took up running. A disastrous first attempt - half a mile, asthma attack and total exhaustion – ensued. Undeterred she entered races, came last, found a running club and finally started to win trophies. She took up ultra running to celebrate turning 50, a 100km run to celebrate turning 55 and a half ironman triathlon to celebrate her 60th. Her 65th birthday, instead of being a run along the coast of northern Scotland, ended up at an emergency vet 90 miles away. That run is unfinished business.

Takeaways

Running can be a transformative experience at any age.

Overcoming childhood challenges can lead to later success in fitness.

Asthma doesn't have to hold you back from running.

Participating in events like Race for Life can kickstart a running journey.

Cross-training can enhance overall fitness and prevent injuries.

Aging brings challenges, but fitness can still be enjoyable.

Surrounding yourself with inspirational people is key to motivation.

Completing events is more important than competing as you age.

Celebrating milestones in fitness can be empowering.

Finding joy in fitness is essential for long-term commitment.

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In this episode of Hear Me Roar, the conversation centers around the concept of MEN-opause, exploring the challenges men face during midlife, particularly focusing on andropause. James Davis shares his journey from psychology to becoming a men's health advocate, discussing the importance of understanding and addressing the symptoms of andropause. The episode delves into lifestyle changes, the role of NLP in mentoring, and the significance of communication in relationships. Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps towards better health and to foster open discussions about men's health issues.

James Davis is an Associate Member of the International Society For Coaching Psychologists, author of The Midlife Male Handbook, men’s health advocate and public speaker. With his wife Claire he hosts the podcast, The Midlife Mentors, which is in the top 1.5% of global podcast charts, aiming to redefine midlife from a ‘crisis’ into an opportunity. James mentors clients using his experience in psychology, NLP, stress management, personal training, nutrition and life/business coaching. His own midlife challenges impacted on his physical and mental health, so through championing the andropause he’s giving men over 40 the tools they need to make meaningful change to their lives.

jamespdavis.com

themidlifementors.com

F: facebook.com/themidlifementors
TT: tiktok.com/@themidlifementors

I: instagram.com/midlifementors

YT: youtube.com/c/themidlifementors

(Neuro-Linguistic Programming - NLP

An approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioural patterns learned through experience.)

Takeaways

Andropause is a real issue that many men face.

Men often struggle with their identity and social connections in midlife.

Lifestyle changes can significantly impact testosterone levels.

Resistance training is crucial for maintaining hormone health.

Communication about health issues is essential for men and women.

Men's health awareness is increasing, but there's still work to do.

The Midlife Male Handbook provides practical tools for men.

Support systems and friendships are vital for mental health.

Understanding andropause can improve relationships.

Taking small steps towards health can lead to significant changes.

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In this engaging conversation, Jacqui shares her journey as a debut author and podcaster, discussing her book 'The Daphne Project' and the themes of self-discovery and midlife transitions. She reflects on her experiences with self-publishing, the creative process, and the importance of community, all while navigating the challenges of life changes. The discussion also touches on her podcasting journey, the joy of storytelling, and her unique hobby of axe throwing, culminating in her aspirations for future projects.

Jacqui Lents, a proud Michigan native, is a debut author and the host of an award-winning podcast, Jacqui Just Chatters. When she is not writing, you can find her planning her next trip, solving mysteries with her husband, or tossing axes responsibly.

www.jacquilents.com

IG @jacquilents

FB https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069970208082

Takeaways

Jacqui's journey into writing was sparked by a desire for creativity after leaving a toxic teaching career.

The character Daphne reflects Jacqui's own life changes and existential questions in midlife.

Midlife transitions can be overwhelming, but they also offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Self-publishing allowed Jacqui to share her work with her mother sooner than traditional publishing would have allowed.

Jacqui emphasizes the importance of community and support in both writing and axe throwing.

Her podcast, 'Jacqui Just Chatters', was born out of boredom and a desire to connect with others.

Jacqui's approach to podcasting is centered around storytelling and sharing unique perspectives.

Winning an award for her podcast was a surprising and validating experience for Jacqui.

Jacqui's future projects include sequels to 'The Daphne Project' and exploring new characters.

The conversation highlights the importance of embracing change and pursuing passions at any age.

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Trigger warning: This episode mentions childhood sexual abuse. There are no graphic descriptions. The focus is on healing.

Summary: In this episode, Jenny Hodgson shares her inspiring journey from childhood trauma to healing and self-acceptance. She discusses the impact of her past experiences on her mental health, the recognition of PTSD, and the therapeutic techniques that helped her reclaim her life. Jenny emphasises the importance of support systems, mindfulness practices, and finding joy in hobbies as essential components of her recovery. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of hope in overcoming adversity.

Bio: After what felt like a lightbulb moment in her teens, Jenny Hodgson changed from being a laidback kid into a highly driven, slightly obsessive perfectionist. A published writer at 21, winner of scholarships and an Ivy League graduate, she became a Fast Streamer and senior civil servant before moving into the private sector. She even featured in a national newspaper for her achievements.

Then she hit her 40s, her past caught up with her and her life as she knew it changed forever. Now she’s getting back to being that laidback kid and living a new type of life that she never imagined was possible.

Takeaways:

Jenny transformed from a laid-back teen to a perfectionist after a pivotal moment in her life.

Childhood trauma led to years of struggle with self-worth and PTSD symptoms.

The Me Too movement triggered Jenny's memories of past abuse, leading her to seek help.

Nightmares were a constant for Jenny, stemming from her childhood trauma.

Therapy helped Jenny understand the connection between her trauma and mental health issues.

EMDR therapy was a turning point in Jenny's healing journey.

Mindfulness practices, like meditation and knitting, became essential tools for Jenny.

Jenny found joy in life again through hobbies and community activities.

Support from family and friends played a crucial role in Jenny's recovery.

Jenny emphasizes the importance of never giving up and finding hope in healing.

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