In this episode, Athene Parker is joined by broadcast journalist Jennifer Bartram for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, confidence and navigating the impact of early personal loss, growing up onscreen and navigating online abuse.

With more than twenty years on screen at the BBC, Jen reflects on a career shaped by storytelling and public connection. She also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of being targeted online, the knock to confidence that followed, and the intentional determination it took to rebuild a sense of safety and self.

Together, Athene and Jen explore how we hold space for ourselves in challenging moments, how confidence can be reclaimed after adversity, and why clear communication remains such a vital tool in every setting, from the studio to everyday life. Jen also shares practical strategies for reducing digital overwhelm, grounding in real-life connection and supporting our own wellbeing in an always-on world.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark

Track 2 – Smokey Robinson - Tears of A Clown

Track 3 – Radiohead - No Surprises

Track 4 – Katy Perry - Raw

Track 5 – Primal Scream - Moving On Up

The emPOWER Breakfast - Jennifer Bartram Spotify Playlist

Jen talked about a wonderful supportive Facebook community called Adults Bereaved As Children. A place where she has found empathy and support around her feelings of grief losing her father aged 16.

For people with teens interested to read how social media is affecting young people Jen recommended The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Jen also offered practical ideas for creating healthier boundaries with technology, from grounding ourselves offline to removing the visual prompts that drive habitual scrolling.

Jen’s Digital Wellbeing Tip: Turning on Greyscale (iPhone):

Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Colour Filters → switch ON → select Greyscale

To add a quick shortcut:

Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut → select Colour Filters

Triple-click the side button to toggle greyscale instantly.

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In this episode, Athene Parker speaks with James Hayhurst, founder of the Positive Parenting Alliance and the driving force behind The Parents Promise.

James joined us for a deeply moving and insightful emPOWERMENt conversation that explored the power of compassion, courage and vulnerability in leadership and life. Drawing on his own personal journey, James shared how he transformed a profoundly difficult family experience into a movement that supports parents navigating separation with empathy and understanding.

Together, Athene and James discuss the importance of building compassionate workplace cultures, the role of employers in recognising major life events such as separation, and how these moments ripple through families and professional lives alike. They also reflected on their shared experiences as parent carers to non-speaking autistic children, opening up an honest dialogue around care, communication and the unseen challenges faced by many families.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Queen - Radio Gaga

Track 2 – Stormy Clouds - The Verve

Track 3 – Heart and Soul - David Gray

Track 4 – Fever to the Form - Nick Mulvey

Track 5 – When I Close My Eyes - Benjamin Amaru

The emPOWER Breakfast - James Hayhurst Spotify Playlist

For those who’d like to explore the themes discussed in more depth, you can find resources and insights from the session in our accompanying PDF guide.

You can also learn more about The Parents Promise and how to introduce its principles in your workplace here:

www.theparentspromise.org.uk

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For this episode, Athene Parker speaks to Rebecca Rowntree, Creative Consultant, AI Creative Technologist & Film Director and founder of the Get Sh*t Done community.

Rebecca’s Creative Directing career spans bold campaigns, beautifully crafted films and a passion for celebrating real stories that challenge the status quo. Through her work, she continues to open up space for creative voices to be heard and supported.

In this honest and energising conversation, Rebecca talks about the messy, brilliant and very human sides of doing the work: the pivots, the doubts and the hard-earned wins. She shares her insights on navigating leadership as a freelancer, building a life and career on your own terms, and finding strength in moments of uncertainty.

A reminder that being authentic is not something to fix, but a powerful place from which creativity, courage and growth can flourish.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Assassin De La Police – Cut Killer (from La Haine)

Track 2 – Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien – Édith Piaf

Track 3 – Coconut Mall – Mario Kart Wii Soundtrack

Track 4 – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

Track 5 – I Am the Greatest – Spinifex Gum x Marliya Choir

The emPOWER Breakfast - Rebecca Rowntree Spotify Playlist

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Series 2 Episode 3 Summary:

For this episode, Athene Parker talks to emPOWER’s inaugural emPOWERMENt guest speaker, Barny Wright, CEO and Partner of No.8 London.

Back in April, Barny joined us to launch our very first emPOWERMENt event, an open space for men in our industry to share their own challenges and journeys.

In this conversation, Barny opens up with striking honesty about his path through addiction, recovery, and astonishing professional success. He talks candidly about the pressures that can come with working in the advertising industry, the grief of the loss of his nephew, and his unwavering commitment to sobriety. What shines through is his ability to blend humour, vulnerability, and courage, offering hope and perspective to anyone navigating life’s tougher moments.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Track 1 – Don’t You Want Me - Hooj Mix - Felix

Track 2 – Prayer - Prospa

Track 3 – White Lines - Grandmaster Flash

Track 4 – Starfish and Coffee - Prince

Track 5 – Wildfires - Sault

The emPOWER Breakfast – Barny Wright Spotify Playlist

We asked Barny what helped him stay on track and here are a few of the books that he turned to to help him get through his experience of not only addiction, but also the grief of losing his nephew.

Addiction:

The Ongoing Path by Mark Dempster

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Running (running is Barny’s ‘goto’ to maintain mental wellness and resolve):

Born to Run (McDougall book)

Grief:

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

We also thought these links might be helpful resources.

NA - Narcotics Anonymous

AA - Alcoholics Anonymous

Mind

Remember, If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction please source support. Unmasking and reaching out to your community for help and advice will make you feel better than you think. If someone you know is struggling and it is impacting you, the first thing you must do is support yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.

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Series 2 Episode 2 Summary:

Athene Parker talks to the indomitable Melissa Robertson, CEO, Director of Menopause Mandate and Director of the Women’s Sports Trust. In a refreshingly frank conversation about Melissa’s experience of peri menopause and how she managed debilitating symptoms while CEO at Dark Horses, where she also wrote an open source menopause policy later adapted by Menopause Mandate.

Melissa takes us through defining and challenging moments of her impressive career and we get a glimpse of the fearless, entrepreneurial schoolgirl Melissa once was. The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Oliver’s Army – Elvis Costello
2. Days Like This – Van Morrison
3. Sisyphus – Andrew Bird
4. Rise – Gabrielle
5. Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman

The emPOWER Breakfast – Melissa Robertson Spotify Playlist

Melissa is a Director of Menopause Mandate, a movement founded by Mariella Frostrup to push for policy change for women in peri menopause and menopause in both workplaces and GP surgeries. Here is Melissa’s open source Menopause Policy, written while CEO at Dark Horses.

Did anyone mention Menopause: It's a Right Laugh!? A one off show with an all female line up of top comedy, introduced by MM chair Mariella Frostrup and compéred by the one and only Davina. Menopause Mandate are looking for a sponsor to cover artist costs so that we can get this CORKER on air. If that sponsor could be YOU then click here.

The emPOWER Breakfast created a giveaway PDF with tips, information and testimonials from members for Melissa’s talk which we wanted to share with you.

Lifestyle & Symptom Management:

Nutrition: Manage symptoms by eating phytoestrogen-rich foods (soy, flaxseed, legumes), a balanced diet with extra protein, and reducing sugar and refined carbs. Stay hydrated.

Exercise: Focus on weight-bearing and strength training, yoga, walking. High cardio can increase cortisol in peri menopause.

Sleep: Practise good sleep hygiene and mindfulness before bed.

Stress: Meditation, breathing exercises, journaling.

British Menopause Society: Guidance on symptom management and treatment options.

HRT options:

Progesterone – Tablets (can be used as pessaries if you react to progesterone)

Estrogen – Gel or patches

Testosterone – Access Androfemme via the Newson Clinic, or ask your GP for male testosterone in the UK.

Quick fact: During peak fertile years your ovaries make more testosterone than estrogen so don’t take no for an answer if you feel it could help.

Holistic methods: nutrition, meditation, breathwork and practitioner-led support.

For some, HRT is life changing when physical and emotional symptoms impact mental health. Every woman should have the right to choose what works for her. Connecting with communities, therapists or menopause specialists can provide practical tips and emotional support.

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Series 2 Episode 1 Summary:

For this episode, Athene Parker talks to emPOWER’s first guest speaker of 2025, the INCREDIBLE Sally Miller, in a moving and profoundly human conversation.

Today, Sally celebrates her 50th birthday, offering a moment to reflect on a life and career marked by strength, humour and compassion. She speaks candidly about caring for her mother, who is living with advanced dementia, sharing the daily realities of family caregiving that so many face but few discuss openly.

Sally also takes us through some of the most defining and challenging moments of her life while building a remarkable career in advertising and media. From navigating grief and loss to finding resilience and joy, her story shows the power of vulnerability, empathy and connection in leadership and beyond.

The chat is woven around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild In The Country
2. Sex Pistols - Who Killed Bambi
3. Ludovico Einaudi - The Earth Prelude
4. Stevie Wonder - Isn’t She Lovely
5. Snatam Kaur - Long Time Sun

The emPOWER Breakfast - Sally Miller Spotify Playlist

We asked Sally to share some of her go-to resources that bring her knowledge and comfort. Take a look below.

Resources/Links:

Gabby Bernstein Instagram

Audible Books:

Manifest by Rosie Nafousi

The Goddess Path by Kirsty Gallagher

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts

This is Dyslexia by Kate Griggs

Menopausing by Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter

Am I Enough: Mark Your Mirror & Change Your Life by Marisa Peer

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish

My Dyslexia by Philip Schultz

Living from a Place of Surrender by Michael A. Singer

The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

Oh, Miriam! by Miriam Margolyes

Happy Mind, Happy Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee

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Series 1 Episode 9 Summary:

For this special episode, emPOWER’s first guest speaker, the wonderful Leila Bartlam, has turned the tables and is in glorious conversation with Athene Parker, finding out more on Athene’s own personal story! Athene is the founder and host of The emPOWER Breakfast, an autism advocate and founder of theSENmumma, a network for mums at the beginning of the diagnosis journey for their kids. Athene has worked in music and advertising for over 25 years in a New Business capacity and went full time on emPOWER at the end of 2024.

A woman who has been no stranger to challenges, she and her husband navigate life as parent/carers for their wonderful son Jack who is profoundly autistic and pre-verbal. Living with her husband Ben (who is also her voiceover agent!), their son and their crazy dog Conker.

The chat is weaved around a trip down a musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tracks:

1. Fairport Convention - Crazy Man Michael
2. Rosie Vela - Magic Smile
3. Mother Devine - Devi Prayer
4. Justin Timberlake - Can’t Stop The Feeling (Got That Sunshine in My Pocket)
5. Ganavya - Oh Raaya
6. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity

The emPOWER Breakfast - Athene Parker Spotify Playlist

Useful Resources:

The Telepathy Tapes - Ky Dickens

If you are a parent to a non speaker, this will blow your mind. If you aren’t it will blow yours harder!

Spell To Communicate

theSENmumma

Filofax! They still exist :)

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Series 1 Episode 8 Summary:

Athene Parker is in glorious conversation with McCann Birmingham MD Lucy Hudson. Lucy is an all-round, incredibly inspiring woman. Her story is deeply moving and we do have a:

‼️TRIGGER WARNING‼️

In this powerful episode, Lucy shares her journey of leadership through the ultimate test—losing her first child, Poppy, to a brain tumour. Now MD of McCann Birmingham, she speaks openly about navigating grief at work and educating organisations on how to support teams facing profound loss.

Lucy reflects on how tragedy reshaped her leadership style, her career path and her belief that there is life after loss—no matter how unreachable that may feel. This episode explores the intersection of personal grief and professional responsibility, with insights into resilience, vulnerability and community.

Lucy is a proud mother of three and lives with her husband and Poppy’s two sisters.

The conversation flows through a trip down musical memory lane. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Tracks:

1. Thank You For The Music – ABBA
2. Working 9-5 – Dolly Parton
3. Together in Electric Dreams – Phil Oakey
4. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
5. Weightless – Marconi Union

The emPOWER Breakfast – Lucy Hudson – Spotify Playlist

Key Topics:

Leadership Through Crisis – Balancing work with personal grief

Workplace Grief – Creating supportive environments

Team Support – How to show up for grieving colleagues

Authentic Leadership – Why vulnerability is a strength

Supporting Colleagues Through Grief – Tips:

Listen, don’t fix

Follow their lead – Let them share at their pace

Offer specific help – “Can I handle the client call today?”

Respect their process – Grief has no timeline

Ongoing Support:

Check in regularly – Often, support is most needed after the funeral

Remember key dates – Offer flexibility on anniversaries or birthdays

Include them – Don’t assume they want to be alone

Be patient – Grief affects focus and decision-making

What NOT to Say:

“I know how you feel.”

“They’re in a better place.”

“How old? That’s a good innings.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“You need to move on.”

Any “At least…” statements

What TO Say:

“I’m thinking of you.”

“I’m here if you need me.”

“Would you like to talk about [their loved one]?”

“There’s no right way to grieve.”

“How are you today/this afternoon?” (Be specific)

If You’re Bereaved: The Five Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model):

1. Denial – “This can’t be happening”
2. Anger – “Why me? This isn’t fair”
3. Bargaining – “If only…”
4. Depression – Sadness and withdrawal
5. Acceptance – Coming to terms with reality

These stages aren’t linear. You may revisit or skip them. Knowing the model can help make sense of your experience.

Useful Resources:

Cruse Bereavement Care – Free advice/support

The Compassionate Friends – Support for bereaved parents/siblings

Child Bereavement UK – Family support

Winston’s Wish – Support for grieving children/young people

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