The Tropic Pianist Gamer’s Podcast

Every May I circle back to my book, as that's the whole reason this podcast exists. Going from surviving to thriving, remembering how far I've come, and what I'm looking forward to!

This month I like to dedicate to Neurodiversity, so what better guest to have than Joanne, the Neuroinclusive Consultant!In this episode we chat about what being Neuroinclusive actually looks like, some earlier experiences, and how Joanne helps others make their spaces more neuroinclusive. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannegibsonneuroinclusiveconsultant/

Originally when I set up as a piano tutor, I wanted to appeal to anyone and everyone, I chanced saying I specialised in teaching older adults because it meant more daytime slots, but that backfired within the first year! I bumbled through until 2025, before realising what my actual niche was. Now clarity is 100%! And it's all due to Neurodiversity <3

Danielle Beardmore-Easson is a legal business co-founder and lifestyle entrepreneur building at the intersection of law, leadership, and legacy. After overcoming a dyslexia diagnosis that challenged her confidence in numbers, she now empowers others to protect their future, lead boldly, and design lives rooted in freedom and purpose.In this episode we talk about living with dyslexia, and how she got through life despite not having a diagnosis until her 20s, and now thrives running her businesses!

Talking this month about maths, how I used to have a photographic memory, and how I lost my "gift" of maths by the time I was 17...And also how I still use maths now, despite everyone at school saying maths was pointless because no one uses it in real life! For Pi Day (3/14 in American :P)

This month I'm talking to Jolanda about being childless. This is a topic that still has a lot of stigma about it, so it's important to cover it. It was also interesting because myself and Jolanda have completely opposite life experiences!Jolanda is a certified coach and the founder of ThrivingWithout Kids, a community for childless women. She knows about the pressureof ‘having to make a choice’ and  ‘whenthere is no choice’. She has lived this and here is how she found her way tojoy and confidence: *Feeling ashamed and silenced, to... embracing my story andspeaking with confidence. *Seeking constant validation, to... standing strong in myown worthiness. *Emotionalexhaustion, to... setting boundaries that protect my peace.  Her coaching is rooted in Dialectical Behaviour Coaching,Core Renewal Therapy and Breathwork, offering structure and compassionatesupport to help women live with purpose, clarity, self-trust and joy. Through1:1 coaching, a growing online community, and accessible tools like herEmotional Trigger Guidebook, Jolanda is redefining what it means to live a fulllife without children.Her message is simple but powerful:“Childlessness is not the end of your story, and you do getto live a life full of joy and fulfilment” More info: www.thrivingwithoutkids.comJoin the community www.thrivingwithoutkids.com/community

In this episode I talk about "not" choosing to become a mum. But also choosing it. The plight of being anxious about being pregnant, and how I was originally incapable of making big life choices... how I got through the pregnancy, and how for this part of my life, CBT did actually work.

This month I'm talking to Heather Palfreyman. Heather was one of my main influences who helped me in the early days of my self development journey, I love seeing her journey too! We met in lockdown at a virtual networking event. Heather is a Home Educating Mum of two, owner of More Than Just Mum and a Leader with UW. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and dreams through mindset work, coaching and teamwork.https://www.morethanjustmum.com/Guidance: There is the odd bit of swearing in this episode.

This month I'm talking about my word of the year, over the years, and what they've meant to me (or not in some cases!) And why this year's word is FUN! (and a culmination of all the past ones too) https://tropicpianistgamer.co.uk

This month I'm talking to Jackie Hall about her memories of Christmas in Germany, and how it differs to the way Christmas works in the UK. Jackie is a Holistic therapist, wellbeing mentor, crafter & best-selling author—supporting others to live with balance, clarity, and care through natural, heart-led routines.

This episode I talk about the traditions my family held, the pattern that caused meltdowns in my first employed job, the kid hating his first Christmas dinner, and how I'm breaking the traditions this year.Because this year has been different in many ways, may as well finish it off differently!

As a nod to Men's Mental Health and International Men's Day (19th) I chatted to guest Aaron Solly about his movement to help others who feel stuck, as he has extensive lived experience of mental health struggles, which he overcame taking the lessons with him as he went along. Aaron SollyMental Wellness Coach | Author | Founder of Engage Coaching GroupFor many years, Aaron struggled with low self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. He felt like an underdog in life, battling depression and searching for answers to why he felt so stuck.. It wasn’t until he shifted his mindset, began asking new questions, and embraced personal growth that he discovered the path to healing.Today, his mission is to help men—particularly those in sales or high-pressure careers—who feel trapped by stress, depression, or life’s challenges. He has walked that path, and now he guides others through it.Through his company, Engage Coaching Group, he helps his clients with Amazon best selling book, “Engage, Connect, Grow”, a supportive community and 1 on 1 coaching services.His ultimate vision is to contribute to healing men & their families around the world from depression through natural healing methods.https://engagecoachinggroup.com/lessons

It's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month this month, so ahead of my guest, I'm talking about mental health in my family. When I met Dr G he was always the calm one against my stress! we're a lot more balanced now, and I've learnt a lot along the way, and we're able to communicate more efficiently about mental health (both ways) But Men's Mental Health is still very much stigmatised in society, so I'm contributing to the need to talk more (with Dr G's permission for his insights)

This month's guest is Hali Jafari, a multi passionate creative, who flits between things, but found success in multiple outlets before settling into what she does now.Hali Jafari is a Creative Business Strategist who helps multi-passionate entrepreneurs build businesses that align creativity, purpose, and profit.

It's World Mental Health Day today, which marks exactly 3 years since this podcast began!But what I uncovered last month, were the stubborn bits of anxiety that were hiding in my subconscious and blocking my mindset.. Explore with me, and don't forget to check in on your friends <3

This month I'm talking to guest Angela Hodgson about how her experiences led her to helping business owners find their purpose and passion. How she came from burnout to brilliance. And how she manages a balance being mum to two neurodivergent kids! Free quiz here: https://igniteimprovement.co.uk/quizConnect with her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahodgson/

This month's topic is spinning plates!How many times has someone asked how you manage to spin all the plates? Or warned you not to try spinning all the plates?I've been asked/told many times over the years, but it only stopped me while I was anxious. When I found my confidence, I realised that it's ok to want to do all the things, as long as it's not simultaneously obviously! I like balance, a bit of this, a bit of that. Focus yields results. Find out more in this episode!

This month's guest was Laura Teare-Jones. Laura Teare-Jones is a hormone and mindset coach and business mentor. Laura's journey into this space has been deeply influenced by her own experiences and challenges. For the past decade, she has dedicated her work to supporting women with their wellbeing, helping them to be kinder to themselves and to prioritise their own needs, and over the last year, her role has evolved and she now works with brilliant business owners who, as amazing as they are, sometimes let their minds get in the way of their success.Laura lives with a hormone condition called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a cyclical mood disorder, and since getting her diagnosis, she says she has had to do a lot of learning and unlearning about herself, her health and the world around her. This personal journey has shaped much of her work.NB at 11:53 there's an edit as there was a drop in connection. No actual content is missing.

This month's topic is around Imposter Syndrome, and Self doubt, which is a common topic for anyone on their self development journey.The interesting thing being I don't have an inner dialogue, but with a previous anxiety disorder, was it always like that?Listen to this episode to find out!Join the discussion in https://www.facebook.com/groups/tropicpianistgamer

This month I'm chatting to Jan Ockenden."I'm Jan - I'm a personal power coach and therapist. A qualified and highly experienced psychotherapist with a twist. I blend traditional therapy with coaching, NLP and energy practices to support deep lasting change.My passion is working with women to help them love themselves fiercely and show up unapologetically as the woman they know they are inside and shrank when the world told them who they "should" be."

Talking about our cycles... whatever stage of life you're at, you'll have a cycle. The most obvious one is the menstrual cycle, but even if you don't menstruate, your energy comes in ebbs and flows.I'm seen as high energy most of the time, but I'm honestly not. I went from battling through every month, to being more mindful about what my body went through, and now give space to my body when I need it, and that helps keep my cup full <3Explore with me in this episode!

This month I'm talking to Jade Zammit, a Children's sleep coach. In this episode we discuss sleep deprivation, working with your partner as a team, and how you can tap into her services. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Jade Zammit is a mother and an award-winning professional in Infant & Child Sleep, and Child Sleep & ADHD. She has built her business from the ground up, working with over 200+ families on a 1:1 support basis.After years of different sleep challenges and being in the deep despair of sleep deprivation, it took its toll in many other ways than just exhaustion. Jade knew she had an opportunity to support others in a way she wished she had with her own two children. Sleep after all, is one of the hardest parts of parenting!Jade is passionate about holistic sleep training solutions, and parental wellness.She truly believes there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to sleep - and every child and family are different! Sleep deprivation impacts many aspects of life, and Jade puts the parents' wellbeing at the front of everything she does.Since starting business she has been recognised globally for her services and online courses, and bringing the highest standard knowledge and services to others.www.beyondthestars.co.uk

Becoming a mum is something I talk about in quite depth in my book, but I haven't really spoken about it in talks or my podcast, so this is an overview of my experience of becoming a mum.Did I ever really adjust?Sleep deprivation has a lot to answer for... ("sleepless Insanity" anyone?!)What about being anxious before making the decision (or not making the decision!)

The month of May is all about books, as I celebrate the third anniversary of when my own book "Tales of an Anxiety Warrior" was published!This month I'm talking to Joanne about her upcoming book series, and why every mum will want to tap into it! Joanne Cook is the founder of Connect with Jo and the creator of The Road to Motherhood book series. As an intuitive life andbusiness mentor, she creates spaces where women feel seen,stand out with confidence, and lead impactful businesses and build legacies beyond the income - all whilst raising a family. A mum of two with over 23 years on the motherhood journey herself, Joanne understands the reality of balancing personalgrowth, business dreams, and raising a family.Joanne created The Road to Motherhood book series to shine a light on the parts of motherhood often left out of the highlight reels - the messy, emotional, laugh out loud, and quietly powerful moments that shape us as women. Her mission goes beyond storytelling. Joanne supports the next generation of female leaders, women building impactful businesses, raising families, and choosing to leave leyacies that stretch far beyond income.https://www.facebook.com/theroadtomotherhoodwithjoannecookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/connectwithjowww.connectwithjo.comwww.theroadtomotherhood.com

This month marks 3 years since my book "Tales of an Anxiety Warrior" was published. 3 is my magic number, so I'm celebrating this year! I've come a long way as a pianist, so this is a reflection on that, and about my current mission. And of course, how I got the name "the Colourful Powerhouse"If you're here before the 15th May 2025, then head over to my Instagram or Fb Page for a special giveaway on 15th! @tropicpianistgamer

This month I'm talking to Jo Phillips about Neurodivergency, and how she tuned into her strengths to find her path as a Surface Pattern Designer. Jo Phillips is a surface pattern designer and has a businesscalled Infinity Designer™️. As a freelance designer, Jo specialises in craftingunique surface designs that enhance products and packaging, deliveringimpactful and on-brand results. Embracing her neurodivergence—being Autistic,Dyslexic, and having ADHD—Jo channels her unique perspectives into her art,transforming challenges into creative strengths.Jo also is the founder and director of Paperly™️ where theysell handmade and specialty papers from Asia. This business is now thriving andthe inventory is growing monthly.Beyond her professional endeavours, Jo is a devoted wife toDanny, a step mother of four grown up children, and a grandmother of two, and abeautiful Siberian cat called Monty.For more information about Jo's work, visit her website: www.infinitydesigner.co.uk.Connect with her on Instagram: @infinitydesignerjophillips [email protected]. Explore herPaperlyUK shop on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PaperlyUK

This month I'm sharing some of my story about having no ambitions or aspirations (or direction) even after my postgraduate degree...It took me until my mid 30s to find my purpose and direction, but I got there eventually! It's never too late to start again, you just need to make that choice and action it <3

This month my guest is Emma Benyon, and we talked about using mindfulness as mums and how to reduce the overwhelm. Emma Benyon is a Multi-Certified Coach for Women, Self Care Expert and Educator supporting women who are juggling it all, to reduce the mental overload and be calm, present and intentional. She empowers women through journaling, breath-work and self care practices to develop their inner coach and reduce their inner critic. Emma is a qualified coach, NLP Master Practitioner, mBIT and Practical Magic Coach.Website - Emmabenyoncoaching.co.uk Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emmabenyon.coach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journalingwithemmaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaBenyon.Coach Journals - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ms-Emma-Benyon/author/B0DMM7KKTG Emma also has her own podcast: Podcast - https://emmabenyoncoaching.co.uk/self-care-and-motherhood-edit

I talked about Self Care a bit last summer, but my priorities have changed since then. I've also taken on an additional role in the "non business" world, because I simply like meeting new people <3Listen to how things can change, and how important Self Care is, as well as how simplistic the notion can be!

This month I'm joined by Clare Ford, an expert in teen and tween mental health. "Clare Ford is an award-winning international author, speaker, coach, healer, and educator, dedicated to unlocking the brilliance in your child, tween, and teen. As the founder of SwitchedON!, a global online academy, Clare combines over 20 years of experience with her unique SWITCHEDON! Learning Philosophy to empower young people to access their natural gifts, talents, and abilities.Through her flagship programme, The Teen Success Codes, Clare equips teens with essential life skills, emotional resilience strategies, and future-focused tools to excel academically, communicate confidently, and live purposefully. A passionate advocate for transformative education, Clare’s mission is to inspire a generation of switched-on learners and future-ready changemakers, fostering positive growth in families and communities worldwide.Clare  is going to share how we can help “switch on” our next generation for success, increasing their confidence, creativity and fulfillment."https://www.switchedonglobal.comNB: There is an edit due to disconnection at 9:54.80

My topic this month is teen mental health. What I've learnt about myself during my self development journey, was I was excellent at masking to survive school... but there was one main reason that I got up every day for school, and it wasn't the studies! But the anxiety started when I was just 13, and it wasn't recognised as anxiety until well into my 20s... I was just seen as "shy" or "nervous" There's so much more help out there now. Tune in to this month's episode for some insights about my teenage experiences.

This month I'm joined by Nicola Noel, of BrainWorks Therapy, to talk about people pleasing and boundaries. "Nicola is the founder of BrainWorks Therapy, an online private mental health clinic. She is an Award Winning Specialist Psychiatric Nurse, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist, and Mindset Coach with over two decades of frontline experience. She has worked across community, acute, judicial, and custodial psychiatric services. She specialises in empowering professional women to rewire their brains, change their mindsets, manage emotions, build resilience, and improve overall mental health.Nicola’s expertise lies in areas such as complex trauma, PTSD, perinatal mental health, and forensic mental health. She also delivers wellbeing, mindset, and resilience training, with a particular interest in women navigating peri-menopause and menopause. Her work extends globally, having consulted with the United Nations on prison reform for men of Afro descent and collaborated with the HRH Duchy of Cornwall estate, offering menopause awareness days.Nicola is deeply committed to raising mental health awareness within her local community. She hosts bi-weekly online Coffee and Chats, in collaboration with MiB International to encourage open discussions about mental health, reduce stigma, and offer support. Her work has also gained attention through media appearances, including being featured in Metro, Yahoo life!, Good Housekeeping, Simply Christmas, interviews on BBC Hereford and Worcestershire, UK Health Radio, local and national papers where she discusses mental health issues and offers advice to a broader audience. With a growing social media presence and a reputation for empowering women through therapy, coaching, corporate talks and training, Nicola continues to make a lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing, both locally and internationally. Find her at: https://subscribepage.io/PhZwYj" Thanks to Jackie Thomson of Jackie T hypnowellbeing, for sponsoring this month's episodes. www.jackiethomson.com

In some ways, I still AM a people pleaser, but I'm also nothing like the doormat that I used to be! I now know how to say "no", but as long as communications are clear, there can be no misunderstandings. I'm known for being reliable, honest and most of all trustworthy, and I stand proud in that. but not at the cost of mental health. Listen in for my experiences of being a people pleaser, and how I reframed it into my strengths. Thanks to Jackie Thomson for sponsoring this month's podcast episodes! www.jackiethomson.com [email protected] +44 (07) 449 304903

This month I'm joined by Jackie Thomson (Hypnowellbeing) Jackie Thomson is an award-winning hypnotherapist, coach, and founder of Jackie Thomson HypnoWellbeing, based in North Wales. She works both in person and online with her unique blend of hypnotherapy, coaching and personal development, empowering clients to live happier, healthier lives. Jackie’s warm, compassionate approach empowers clients to unlock their inner potential, create lasting change, and reclaim their lives with renewed confidence and clarity. Recognised as Inspirational Hypnotherapist of the Year, a speaker at the UK Hypnosis Convention and included in Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100 in 2024, Jackie brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from a successful corporate career to holistic therapy more than a decade ago. Her bespoke and personal approach is inspired by her own journey of self-healing and transformation, which she now shares globally through her practice, training, and speaking engagements. Thanks to Amanda Anderson for Sponsoring this month's episodes!

This month I'm looking back at Christmas memories. My parents always did things a certain way, so when I met Dr G I never twigged he had a different Christmas until we got married and started spending Christmas at our respective parents' houses, alternating each year until we had our son. There were some awkward moments that's for sure! Give this episode a listen to find out more! Thanks to Amanda Anderson for sponsoring this month's episodes. Amandaandersonauthor.com

This month I'm joined by artist Lucy Waide. "I’m Lucy. Small but mighty. Ex teacher and head of art and English in a neurodiverse school. Ex chocolatier and business owner. Ex wife. Ex womb owner and Endo sufferer. Ex suicide attempter. Current author, joy finder creating art in my studio and enjoying helping businesses and their teams to recognise, understand and believe that they have a choice to be happy and positive, using abstract art." Find Lucy at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-waide-2b33a7b3/ Sponsored by Una Cottrell/ 45 Not Out https://una-cottrell.newzenler.com

This month's theme is "Art" and with my mum celebrating a milestone birthday in just a few weeks, this episode is for her! One thing I don't really talk about in my book, is my childhood. Because anxiety didn't start until I was 13. My earlier childhood was full to the brim with art, adventures, colours and fun! My mum's creativity inspired my creative life <3 Thanks to Una Cottrell for sponsoring this month's podcast! 45 not out is a supportive community for sassy women aged 45 and over who are still serious about life, work and everything else who really aren’t done yet!

This month is about Menstrual Cycles to honour Menopause Awareness Day which took place on the 18th. Dr Bev Taylor is a chartered psychologist, menopause trainer, speaker and coach. She regularly speaks at conferences and events about well-being, menopause or behaviour change or work with organisations to understand the impact of menopause at work. She believes that whilst menopause comes with a number of challenges, with the right information and support, we can enable employees to thrive during this important life stage.  Thanks to Emma Sails Coaching for sponsoring this month's episodes. https://emmasailscoaching.com/

The theme this month is about menstural cycles, because my guest asked to be on episode 46 this month, because of Menopause Awareness day on the 18th October. In this episode I talk about my experience with periods, from my first to the present day! (Ok, it's a brief trip of about 25 years, but until more recently, I didn't have anyone that I could discuss this kind of topic with.) Through the networking world, I've found my people, and I love how the world is opening up to talking about more topics affecting mental health. Celebrating World Mental Health Day today, and my gratitude for the last 4 years of my journey so far. Today marks two years since my podcast originally launched, and three years since I became a best selling author through collaboration book "Seen". Thanks to Emma Sails Coaching for sponsoring this month's episodes! https://emmasailscoaching.com/

This month's theme is consistency, so I'm joined for this episode by Tesni Kendell. "I'm Tesni at Ace of Media and I help passionate small business owners to unlock the power of social media without it being an overwhelming or confusing task." Thanks to Soapy Jane for being this month's sponsor! Website: www.soapyjane.co.uk Facebook/Instagram: @SoapyJaneSoapery Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jane-prewett

This month's topic is Consistency, but it's certainly interesting that the word means different things to different people. Tune into this episode to discover what consistency means to me, and how it helped me find my true confidence! Thanks to Soapy Jane for sponsoring this month's episodes! Website: www.soapyjane.co.uk Facebook/Instagram: @SoapyJaneSoapery Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jane-prewett

This month I'm joined by Decluttering coach Susie Boutal, where she talks about what "Decluttering" actually is (It's not just stuff all over the floor!) and how she can help you declutter your life too. Susie is a qualified ADHD coach and declutter expert, helping busy, often neurodiverse, women transform from procrastination to purpose to find their “Space to Live”, by decluttering their lives physically, mentally and emotionally. As a life-long declutterer, she works with these courageous women so they can take control, find freedom and break away from clutter for good. You can find out more at www.aspaceforliving.co.uk. Thanks to Dani Louise Smith, the Queen of Business Organisation, for being this month's sponsor! Watch the advert at the end to grab your freebie! www.queenofbusinessorganisation.co.uk

Having anxiety, I suppose the definition of the contents of your brain is "clutter"?? originally I only thought clutter referred to the "junk in your house" but this month's upcoming guest discussed the mental and emotional clutter too, so that got me thinking. Tune in to find out how I "decluttered" my mind... Thanks to Dani, Queen of Business Organisation for sponsoring this month's podcast. https://www.facebook.com/queenofbusinessorganisation Her free toolkit: www.queenofbusinessorganisation.co.uk/toolkit

Beckie describes herself as an imperfect mum of 3, dedicated to helping fellow mums build lasting relationships with their kids, teens and themselves. Using a blend of coaching, NLP, and hypnotherapy, we can build harmonious homes, and handle what life throws at us. Together we'll reconnect you with your purpose as you navigate the evolving journey of motherhood. In this episode we talk about how she helps others juggle mum life so that they don't have to struggle as much as she did when her children were younger! Beckie's links: https://www.facebook.com/cloudlessskycoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-cloudlessskycoaching https://www.facebook.com/groups/mostlymums/ Thanks to Brain Works Therapy's Nicola, for sponsoring this month's episodes. Nicola's Links:  www.brain-works-therapy.com https://www.instagram.com/brainworkstherapy https://www.facebook.com/nicolabrainworkstherapy https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-noel-7b924752

I had anxiety. I was scared of being pregnant. I was too anxious to even "make the decision" to start a family. All the things that could possibly go wrong were running through my head. I did keep a journal which helped me overcome my fears in time to have my baby, but then no one warned us how bad the sleep deprivation could make things!!! find out how I got my balance of being a mum of a neurodivergent kid, whilst being a multiple business owner... Thanks to Nicola Noel for Sponsoring this month's episodes! Her links are below: https://www.instagram.com/brainworkstherapy https://www.facebook.com/nicolabrainworkstherapy https://www.tiktok.com/@brainworkstherapy

Having the nick name ‘Smiler’ it’s no surprise that Maggie Hollinshead describes herself as a “glass overflowing” kind of person, which she attributes to a very happy and positive upbringing.    As an Artist, Maggie has enjoyed all kinds of creativity since childhood, but it wasn’t until her thirties that she followed any formal training in the arts, until then she had been a Secretary/PA with a side hustle of creative work.  After studying Textiles with the Open University - College of the Arts and a Creative Embroidery Qualification via City and Guilds, Maggie had her work in various exhibitions and rented a studio in Staffordshire, later owning a small Independent Gallery in Shropshire with her husband, where Maggie showcased work  from Contemporary British Designer Makers and Artists.  Now working from her two studios in Staffordshire,  Maggie creates commissions, sells her own work, classes and workshops via her website, writes a regular online subscription magazine and has two books underway.  For the past ten years, Maggie has also taken her work into an NHS mental health setting one day a week, where she works directly with patients on the ward, this work is facilitated by Arts for Health, part of Midland Partnership Trust NHS.  Maggie is also a very keen gardener and has an award winning allotment with her husband, Tony.   Tony grows all the veg and fruit, whilst Maggie tends a cutting garden to provide flowers for home and as gifts for family and friends.  Gardening and the natural world inspires much of Maggie’s work, so it’s no surprise that during lockdown Maggie successfully combined her love of gardening and creativity to develop garden designs from an Artist’s eye, with five completed designs to date.      Maggie Hollinshead – Maggie’s Studio [email protected] www.maggiesstudiouk.co.uk IG – Maggie’s Studio (MHSmiler) FB – Maggie’s Studio LinkedIn – Maggie Hollinshead (Maggie’s Studio) This episode is sponsored by Julie Williams of the Coaching Den. FB- "the cooking counselor" https://www.thecoachingden.org  

In this episode I talk about what Self Care actually is, in general and for me specifically. Because although my actual business revolves around the idea of Self Care and wellbeing, there's more to it, because at the end of the day there's still a work-life balance needed. Listen in to find out how I see Self Care personally <3 Thanks to Julie Williams for being this month's sponsor. www.thecoachingden.org https://www.facebook.com/TheCoachingDen4Life

This month I'm chatting to Lisa Williams, Children's Illustrator, about her lifelong passion for drawing, and how she got into children's illustration and now works closely with authors on their projects. Here's some of her story/bio: "My love of drawing started when I was a just a wee toddler. The only thing that kept me quiet and focused, according to my parents. As early as primary school (ages 5-11) I had decided that I wanted to be an illustrator. Occasionally I thought about being a ballerina or an astronaut but that would only have been alongside my creative career, of course! While I was still at secondary school (age 11-16), I received a handful of commissions and the school Art Prize. I took an Art Foundation course in Bangor, Wales after school, which I enjoyed. As a result, I decided to enrol in a three-year Graphic Design course at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. It was during this time that I focused on illustration. Fortunately, I attracted the attention of an Artist Agency at my degree show. Commissions were slow initially, not helped by graduating during the recession of the 90s. For a few months, I worked in a bouncy castle factory which taught me to work at speed — no prevaricating! This skill was hugely beneficial for my commercial career. Thankfully, the number of commissions I received gradually increased and I haven't looked back. During the early years, much of my work has been in Educational Publications. This included projects for many magazines and a variety of children's books. These commissions have come from all over the world, including various countries across Europe, the U.S.A., and the Middle East. I've even had projects for the Chinese Educational Authority, and also some African countries. It is interesting how you have to adapt your artwork to fit in with different cultures. I often adapt my style to suit a given project. Sometimes I'll include little details that make the illustrations secretly more personal. This could include making the children look like the author's family members. The dog might look like their family pet dog. Toys in the story look like their children's favourite teddy bear or fluffy monster. It's a really great feeling helping them bring their stories to life. The illustration process has changed considerably over the years. I remember starting to fax sketches to a publisher and thinking it was SO much quicker. The final artwork all had to be painted by hand, mounted on board for protection and posted by 'snail mail' i.e. recorded delivery — slow and expensive! Later we could scan artwork and email it and now of course it's quicker still with drawing digitally on the iPad with an iPencil. I can't believe this year it's actually 30 years since I started in business - I'm excited to think about what the next 30 years might bring! They say that everyone has a book in them. Might you have a story that needs illustrating? Maybe, it's part written or you're not quite confident about the final draft. Please get in touch. I have some great contacts including fantastic editors, designers, and people who can advise you or assist you with self-publishing. Never be afraid to ask. If I can't help you, I probably know someone who can. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lisawilliamsillustration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljmwilliams This podcast is sponsored by Ashtanga Life Anglesey. https://www.ashtangalife.co.uk

This month I celebrate two years since my memoirs "Tales of An Anxiety Warrior" was published. This episode talks about my development through books, what inspired my life, and how it could have shaped my view of the world. It's all about books this month! This episode is sponsored by Ashtanga Life Anglesey! Why not come and join us at the festival over summer solstice <3

Join me this month, as I chat to Emma Sails about what it's like being a Neurodivergent adult. We chat about how she found out, how she deals with it, and she also shares some tips if you're wondering if you might be/thinking of seeking a diagnosis. "Emma is an accredited health and life coach. I work with neurodivergent adults and parents of neurodivergent children to help them achieve what they want in their lives and feel confident and happy. I work with clients through 1:1 or group coaching, and have some On Demand resources around the topic of Exploring Neurodiversity available through my website. When I found out about my own neurodivergence aged 35, everything changed for me. I had just come through a battle with postnatal depression and ended my marriage... I was on a mission to figure out what I wanted in life and how to be the best role model for my son. ADHD and ASD gave me an answer to a lot of the struggles I’d faced throughout my life, so I retrained as a coach and set out to spread awareness and help others who are on the same journey. My ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations of neurodivergent children don’t have to go through what we did. Prior to being a coach, I ran a successful bookkeeping and accountancy business for 9 years, which gives me a great business foundation to help my neurodivergent clients with their businesses through Access to Work, as well as in their personal lives." You can find Emma at https://linktr.ee/emmasailscoaching and her website is www.emmasailscoaching.com This episode is sponsored by "Aphoria North Wales" Abi is the only musculoskeletal specialist in North Wales, and is just introducing EMDR therapy to her offerings! https://www.facebook.com/aphorianorthwales