A Thought I Kept

In this episode, I talk to Jacky Power about feelings — the ones we hide, the ones we soften, and the ones we’re not always sure we’re allowed to have. We explore what it means to be seen, and why that can feel both deeply wanted and quietly risky. There’s something here about the tension between expression and protection — how we might say things sideways, through poetry or humour or busyness, and hope someone understands anyway.We talk about loneliness, and the difference between being alone and feeling emotionally unseen. About anxiety and overwhelm, and what happens when we start to understand our emotions not as problems to fix, but as signals from a nervous system trying to find its way back to safety. And we spend time with the idea of “hulp” and why it can be so hard to ask for help, even when we need it most.Jacky Power is a therapeutic poet, trauma therapist, and transformational speaker working at the intersection of psychology and performance poetry. With an MSc in Addiction Psychology & Counselling and advanced EFT training, she has spent years helping "cycle breakers” - people interrupting intergenerational patterns  - find language for what they've been taught to swallow. She is the creator of the HULP to HOPE framework, host of the Words in the Wilderness podcast, and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with her one woman show ’Stop the world I want to get off’ and has a poetry collection out under the same name. Her next book, From Hulp to Hope, is due out this summer 2026.Substack | Website | InstagramWe also mention: The work of Dan Siegel | Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird | Deb Dana, Polyvagal Theory bk | Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart | We’re Going on a Bear Hunt | Charles R. Snyder's hope theorySupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

There are days when you’re here, fully in your life, in your conversations, in the small, ordinary moments, and days when part of you feels somewhere else entirely. That's what I get into with Cathy Rentzenbrink this week. We explore what it means to live a life that feels both grounded and slightly unreal at the same time. We explore the tension between being present and being pulled elsewhere and how easy it is to lose sight of what’s right in front of us.We talk about anxiety and emotional overwhelm, about the loud pressures of modern life, and the small things that can tip us over the edge. We explore creativity as a way back to ourselves, reading as a kind of refuge, and the idea of “selfing” — trying to be who you are without turning that into another thing to get right. At the heart of the conversation is the thought Cathy has kept since childhood: that moment of realising how easily our attention can be pulled away from the people and lives we love, and how, in hindsight, we wish we had stayed closer to what mattered.Cathy Rentzenbrink is an amiable bookworm, a writer of fiction and non-fiction who chairs literary events and speaks on life, death, love, and literature. She is best known for her memoir The Last Act of Love, as well as Dear Reader and Write It All Down. Unusually extravert for a writer, she likes talking to strangers, is a lover not a fighter, and is determined to cling onto her faith in humanity. Twice divorced, she lives in Cornwall with her son and cat. She has been extremely keen on Agatha Christie since she was nine years old and her next book The Agatha Christie Cure will be out in September. Instagram | Website | Cathy's Sunday Sessions: A monthly work-out for your writing self | Books by Cathy | Also mentioned: Dr Gavin Francis: The Unfragile MindSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode, I talk to Tanya Lynch about hope, resilience, and the ways we hold ourselves through change. We explore what it means to believe that things will be OK, not as a forced positive mindset, but as something lived and felt over time. Through stories of heartbreak, midlife, motherhood, and starting again, Tanya shares how this trust has been shaped not just by ease, but by everything she’s had to move through.We talk about the emotional reality of life’s harder seasons—grief, uncertainty, anxiety—and how those experiences can sit alongside beauty, connection, and even moments of calm. There’s something here about being in nature, about looking up instead of down, about the small, everyday ways we find steadiness again. We also explore journaling, creativity, and the spaces Tanya creates through her retreats, where women can feel held, seen, and a little lighter.Tanya Lynch is a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats. Tanya collaborates with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK. A year ago she became a certified bibliotherapist offering book prescriptions and launched The Bibliotherapists podcast with her co-host Toni Jones. Tanya is also a therapeutic journalling coach and through her programme ‘Rage on a Page’, she helps midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday Tanya hosts an online journalling club ‘Journal with Ease’. She’s usually near a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats, writing in her journal or hanging out on Substack.Website | Instagram at Ease Retreats and Tanya LynchIf you’re in a moment that feels uncertain, or you’re learning how to trust yourself again, this is a great episode for you.Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if trying — in your work, your parenting, your creativity — was already enough?There are time when it can feel like you’re doing everything you can, and still wondering if it’s enough. The days where you’re holding work, parenting, and life all at once, trying to build something, care for others, and look after your own mental health in the middle of it all.In this episode, I talk to Imogen Partridge about what it means to try, and how we begin to recognise that effort as enough. We explore the emotional weight of trying — how it can go unseen in busy lives, especially in motherhood, business, and everyday wellbeing — and how powerful it can be to pause and give ourselves credit for it.We talk about creativity as a practical wellbeing tool rather than something reserved for artists — a way to regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and reconnect with yourself. Imogen shares what she’s seen in her creative workshops, where people often arrive believing they’re “not creative,” and what shifts when they allow themselves to begin anyway. We also explore how creativity can sit alongside other mental health practices — from walking and journaling to community and conversation — as part of a more personal, flexible approach to wellbeing.This conversation is for anyone who is looking for more ways to support your mental health, reconnect with creativity, or navigate the overlap between work, parenting, and wellbeing.Imogen Partridge is a watercolour illustrator and creative workshop host based in the UK. Before illustration, she spent over a decade as an interior designer, a background that shaped her belief that creativity is a tool for storytelling, connection, and meaning. She now works with both individuals and businesses, running workshops for corporate teams and events, and creating live illustration and bespoke commissions. She's also a mum of two, keen (but chaotic) allotmenteer and currently training for the London Marathon in aid of Mind. Website | Instagram | Linkedin | Substack | Photo of Imogen was taken by Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

There’s something that changes when we stop doing life on our own. Maybe that's an idea that only makes sense once it’s shared, a feeling that softens when someone else is there to hear it, or the magic that comes from being a room of likeminded people singing Queen.In this episode, I talk to Laurence McCahill about connection in its most everyday form and what it means to gather, to listen, and to create spaces where people can be themselves. We explore why life can feel lighter, clearer, and more alive when we do it together, and why so many of us are quietly craving that kind of connection now.We talk about friendship across decades, the difference between being around people and truly connecting with them, and the subtle shift from doing things alone to letting other people in. There’s something here too about midlife — about reaching a point where success or productivity matter less, and being with the right people matters more.Laurence shares the thought he has kept: that he is the glue that brings people together. Not by being the loudest voice in the room, but by listening, noticing, and helping others feel at ease. It opens up a wider question of how we each bring people together in our own lives, often without even realising it.This episode is for anyone wanting more connection in their lives and hoping for places where it might be found.Laurence McCahill is co-founder of The Happy Startup School, an alternative business school and thriving community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs and leaders. He's a designer, coach and community builder, and the creative force behind their legendary gatherings Summercamp and Alptitude. He spends much of year mentoring founders towards a more fulfilling path on their flagship Happy MBA program. The Happy Startup School | Summercamp | Alptitude | Happy MBA LinkedInLaurence also mentioned How To Know a Person by David Brooks and we talk about Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode, I talk to Rachel Hart-Phillips about grief, suicide, and what it means to be there for someone in the hardest moments of their life. We explore that quiet, often uncomfortable space where words feel inadequate and yet, where they can matter most.We talk about the fear of saying the wrong thing, the silence that can grow around loss and mental health, and how even the simplest gestures — a message, a card, a “love you mate” — can open a door. Rachel shares her experience of losing her first husband to suicide, and the thought she has carried with her since: don’t let it define you. Together, we explore what that looks like in real life and over time.This is a conversation about the many emotions that sit inside grief — anger, guilt, love, even moments of joy — and how they move through the body. We touch on how we support each other when someone is struggling, what it means to stay rather than fix, and how we begin to trust that life can hold both loss and aliveness at once.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to say, or how to show up for someone you love, this episode is for you.Rachel Hart-Phillips is the Co-Founder of LoveLossDiscoballs, a vibrant greetings card company creating colourful, honest messages of comfort for people navigating grief and all of life's moments. She is also the founder of Afterglow Grief Coaching, where she supports people through loss, including those impacted by suicide loss, and the complex realities of grief with compassion and lived experience. Rachel is passionate about suicide prevention, open conversations, and firmly believes that even in the darkest moments, life can still hold colour and light. Instagram at @lovelossdiscoballs and @theafterglowspaceSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode, I talk to Dr MaryCatherine McDonald about what it means to make space for all that we feel, especially the emotions we’ve been taught to push away. We explore anxiety, grief, joy, and all the ways our nervous system tries to protect us, even when it leaves us bracing against life rather than living it.MaryCatherine shares how her understanding of emotions shifted from something to manage or control, to something to sit with and relate to. We talk about anticipated loss, the way fear can interrupt connection, and why joy isn’t something we reach after the hard parts, but something that often arrives in the middle of them.We mention The Guest House by Rumi, Leslie Jamison’s The Empathy Exams, and MaryCatherine’s books The Joy Reset and Unbroken.Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald is a trauma researcher, author, and educator who has spent nearly two decades helping people reframe the way they understand grief, resilience, and joy. With a PhD in philosophy and a knack for turning complex neurobiological concepts into practical tools (and surprisingly good metaphors), she’s made it her mission to help people find light in the darkest moments. Dr. McDonald has written four books, many academic papers, delivered countless workshops, and created an online community where members geek out about trauma and joy.  Website | Tik TokSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

Sometimes the things we reach for to cope slowly become the things we feel trapped by. A glass of wine at the end of a long day. Something to take the edge off anxiety. Something that promises connection, relaxation, or a moment of relief from the noise of everyday life.In this week’s episode of A Thought I Kept, I talk to sober coach, sober mentor, and writer Ellie Nova about our relationship with alcohol, emotions, and the stories many of us carry about coping.Ellie shares the thought that changed everything for her: there is nothing wrong with you.For years she believed that struggling with alcohol meant she was broken. But through a different way of understanding addiction, emotions, and self-compassion, she began to see something else entirely. Not a personal failure, but a human response to pain, loneliness, and the ways many of us learn to numb what we feel.Together we explore why alcohol can become intertwined with everyday emotional life from anxiety and overwhelm to loneliness, shame, and the longing to belong. We talk about the cultural stories that tell us drinking helps us relax, connect, and cope, and what happens when those stories start to feel less true.About Ellie Nova:Ellie is a sober coach, sober mentor, writer and mother who lives in Lewes, East Sussex. In 2018, after more than a decade feeling trapped by alcohol and full of shame, she discovered a radical new approach to recovery that changed her life. Now six years free from alcohol - with no desire to drink - Ellie supports courageous women to reclaim their power and break free from alcohol for good. Website | Substack | Instagram | Women's sobriety support circle Show notes:This Naked Mind — by Annie GraceThe Little Book of Big Change — by Amy JohnsonAlcohol Explained — by William PorterThe Biology of Desire — by Marc LewisSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if the way to feel better isn’t about doing more but learning how to notice what’s already here? In this episode, I talk with occupational therapist Josephine Dolan-Dufourd about what it means to find beauty in everyday life, especially when you're not quite where you thought you'd be.We explore burnout, the pressure to keep producing, and the curious way our attention can get pulled away from the lives we are actually living. Josephine reflects on her years working in forensic psychiatry, the moment she realised she was burned out, and the unexpected shift that came from leaving London and rebuilding a life in rural France.Along the way we talk about the neuroscience of attention, why our brains are wired to look for the negative, and how small acts of noticing — a cup of coffee, a walk outside, the quiet satisfaction of meaningful work — can slowly reshape how we experience everyday life.We even get into the limits of happiness culture. Josephine shares why she now thinks more about contentment than constant positivity, and how living with illness, uncertainty, and change can sharpen our appreciation for the ordinary moments we often overlook.If you’ve been feeling the pull to slow down, pay attention, and find a steadier way to live well, this conversation offers a good place to begin.Josephine Dolan-Dufourd is a British-trained and French-registered Occupational Therapist (ergothérapeute)—a profession defined by the use of purposeful activity, or “ the art of meaningful doing,” as a therapeutic tool to helping individuals to live a life of value, meaning and purpose. Based near Pézenas in the south of France, Josephine blends 26 years of eclectic experience to run a local clinic for children and their families, alongside a specialised practice in English providing online support for those navigating Cancer and Parkinson’s. She also serves as the In-house Therapist for heiter magazine and its community, The Heiter Society, where she hosts online workshops helping adults find joy and intentionality in their daily lives.Website Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

There are moments in life when everything looks fine on the outside, but something inside you is wondering, is this it? In this episode, I talk to Erica Moore about career change, rest, tea, and the small, pivotal moments that can shift the direction of a life. The bath before work. The cup of tea. The sudden clarity that life is short and this isn’t a dress rehearsal.Erica shares what happened when she left her career in law to build a tea company rooted in wellbeing and conscious pause. We explore what it means to wake up to your own life, to recognise burnout or quiet dissatisfaction, and to choose differently without losing yourself in the process. We talk about mental wellbeing, perserverence, self-trust, and the subtle pressure to keep growing even when growth no longer feels like freedom.If you’ve ever followed the path you thought you should take and found yourself questioning it, this conversation may feel familiar. It speaks to that moment when you realise that something needs to shift, and then you act on that.At the heart of this episode is Erica’s thought: life is short, and we might as well enjoy it. Not in a reckless way, but in the steady, everyday sense of allowing rest, pleasure, and presence to matter now. We reflect on how small daily tea rituals can support the nervous system, create space for mental wellbeing, and help you come back to yourself in the middle of busy work and family life. This is a conversation about change, but also about returning. About not waiting until everything is done before you let yourself rest.About Erica MooreErica Moore helps people slow down just enough to live and lead well, using tea, presence, and simple daily practices to support clarity, balance, and better choices.She is the founder of eteaket tea and creator of The Tea Mind, a practical philosophy that turns everyday tea rituals into moments of clarity, presence, and care.eteaket | The Tea Mind | LinkedIn | Instagram | PodcastIf you’re thinking about change, craving rest, curious about tea rituals, or simply wondering howSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

This week I’m joined by writer, ADHD coach and founder of The Quiet ADHD Club, Gabrielle Treanor. Together, we explore what it means to feel fully here in your own life, especially if you’re a quiet woman in midlife who has spent years trying to be smaller, more consistent, or more “together” than you actually feel inside.We talk openly about ADHD in midlife, including the experience of late diagnosis and what it can mean to discover in your forties or fifties that your brain works differently. Gabrielle shares how recognising quiet ADHD helped her make sense of anxiety, procrastination, fluctuating motivation and years of self-doubt. We explore what self-trust looks like when your energy shifts, when consistency feels hard, and when traditional wellbeing advice simply doesn’t fit your nervous system.Gabrielle Treanor is a coach, writer, author and podcaster living in Wales, UK. She supports introverted, sensitive women who discover they have or think they have ADHD later in life, to understand, accept and love themselves, to work with their brain and build inner calm and confidence, so they can experience more peace, fulfilment and joy every day. Gabrielle was diagnosed herself with ADHD aged 48. She hosts the Quiet ADHD Club online membership and works one to one with coaching clients.Gabrielle has an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and her first book, The 1% Wellness Experiment, was published December 2023. Gabrielle hosts the Pressing Pause podcast and she has spoken on podcasts, at bookshops, festivals, and wellbeing shows. Website | The Quiet ADHD Club | The 1% Wellness Experiment | Podcast | Newsletter |  InstagramThe Better Read Book Fest: Website and Instagram Mentions: Natalie Lue, host of The Baggage Reclaim Sessions. Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What happens when the life you carefully built no longer feels like it fits? When the version of success you were chasing leaves you anxious, or strangely unfulfilled? In this episode, I sit down with Ray Martin to explore what it really means to live in surrender without losing yourself.Ray shares the story of a year that unravelled everything he thought he knew — his marriage, his business, even his sense of who he was meant to be. What began as a six-month sabbatical turned into fourteen years of travel, self-inquiry, and learning to listen to something other than ambition. Together, we talk about the fear that can come when you let go of what’s expected of you, and the possibility that can open up when you follow what genuinely interests you instead.This conversation moves through anxiety and aliveness, identity and self-trust. We reflect on the pressure to keep playing a role that no longer feels true and the difference between chasing goals and responding to inner nudges. Ray speaks about rewriting his rules of success, learning to feel more deeply, and trusting that life might have his back, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.Ray Martin, aka The Daily Explorer, is an entrepreneur and award-winning business leader. As a coach, mentor, facilitator, speaker, writer, and mindfulness teacher, he is a torchbearer for greater human consciousness. Ray is also a marathon runner and fundraiser. He’s on a mission to empower people to live authentically and to bring more joy and happiness into the world.WebsiteThe Untethered Soul by Michael A. SingerThe Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie WareManhood by Steve BiddulphSteve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speechThe film Yes Man starring Jim CarreySupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

Sometimes it isn’t a dramatic breaking point that tells us something needs to change. It can be quieter than that. Maybe just a sense of disconnect, or a feeling that the story we’re living no longer quite belongs to us.In this episode of A Thought I Kept, I talk to Hilary Salzman about what happens when you start to notice that misalignment — between who you are, how you’re seen, and the roles you’ve learned to inhabit. We talk about voice, self-trust, and the emotional weight of trying to stay inside stories that once made sense, but now feel confusing, limiting, or quietly exhausting.Hilary and I explore why telling our own stories can feel both risky and necessary, especially for women. We talk about emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and the pressure to turn our lives into neat, polished narratives rather than staying with what’s messier and often more honest. The thought Hilary brings to this conversation — "If you don’t tell your story, someone else will" — stays with us as we talk about authorship, permission, and what it means to couragously reclaim your voice without needing to perform, explain, or fix yourself.Hilary Salzman is a business storyteller, writer, speaker and founder of She Roars Club who helps women in business stop playing small with their voices.She's the author of The Roar of Her Story (shortlisted for Business Book Awards 2025) and founder of She Roars Club, an accountability community for women entrepreneurs. She spent 20 years in corporate marketing at major tech brands before launching her storytelling consultancy.Hilary doesn't teach women to be louder or more polished. She shows them how to use their real experiences, even the messy bits, to build genuine connections and close the gap between the impact they've made and the stories they're telling.Instagram | Substack | LinkedIn | WebsiteSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

This week’s thought I kept comes from Edwina Jenner, and it’s one that fundamentally reshaped how she thinks about responsibility, self-trust, and the way we move through midlife. It’s a thought that can feel confronting at first but, when given some space, can open up a surprising sense of clarity and freedom.In this episode of A Thought I Kept, I talk with Edwina about what happens when we stop waiting and start listening to ourselves more closely. We explore moments many listeners will recognise: feeling overwhelmed by expectation, navigating identity shifts in midlife, carrying responsibility for others, and learning how to rely on your own body, instincts, and decisions.Our conversation moves between emotional and physical strength: we talk about consistency when motivation wavers, how trust is built through action, and how caring for your body can become a way of caring for your future self. Throughout, we return to the question of agency: what changes when you realise you are already more capable than you think?Edwina shares how strength training became part of this wider shift in her life — a way of grounding herself, building resilience, and creating a steadier relationship with her body during her 40s and through moments of upheaval. This episode also touches on visibility, confidence, and what it means to take up space as a woman in midlife.As always, I’ll leave you with a question: will this be a thought you carry into your week and maybe even beyond?About Edwina JennerEdwina Jenner is an online PT specialising in strength training for women at home. She helps women in their 40s and 50s learn to lift weights with short, effective dumbbell home workouts. Women worldwide of all fitness levels follow her online programmes to improve their metabolic health, manage their weight, and build a strong and toned body they can rely on as they age, through her online strength training membership.Website and membership | InstagramIn this episode Edwina also mentions James Clear's Atomic HabitsSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, I’m joined by Nicky Denson-Elliott for a conversation about the beliefs many women carry without ever consciously choosing them and what can shift when we begin to let those beliefs go.We talk about the emotional weight of comparison, competition, and feeling like we have to stay small or agreeable just to feel safe. About confidence not as a personality trait, but as something that changes across the different life contexts. About money, worth and the subtle ways women are taught to doubt themselves — often in the name of being good, likeable, or successful.Nicky brings a simple but powerful thought to the table: "In order for me to win, no one else has to lose". From there, we explore what it means to unlearn internalised ideas about scarcity, competition between women, and self-worth and how crafting a more generous belief system can change not just how we relate to ourselves, but how we relate to other women too.This conversation is for anyone who has ever noticed themselves comparing, under-charging, holding back, or feeling uneasy when someone else succeeds. It’s about self-trust, emotional awareness, and creating more room — for rest, confidence, and connection — without needing to push or prove.About Nicky Denson-ElliottNicky Denson-Elliott is a serial entrepreneur, founder of The Wilder Collective, host of the Women’s Business podcast, and a mum of two. Everything Nicky does is about lifting the voices of female founders, and she empowers her community of women to break down conventional norms and become free to explore the lives and careers they want. Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | PodcastSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode, I talk to Matthew Bellringer about what it can feel like to move through a world that doesn’t always seem to be made for you and how impactful it can be to realise that other people may be experiencing that same world in fundamentally different ways.We talk about neurodiversity, but always through lived experience rather than labels. About overwhelm, burnout, boredom, joy, and curiosity. About what happens when you’ve spent years mistrusting your own responses, your own pace, your own needs and how self-trust can begin to rebuild when you understand that difference isn’t failure.Matthew shares how a later diagnosis of autism and ADHD helped them make sense of patterns they’d carried for a long time, from emotional intensity and exhaustion to creativity, insight, and the pull toward unconventional thinking. We explore rest that doesn’t look like stillness, wellbeing that doesn’t come from forcing yourself to fit, and the relief that can come from finding spaces — and people — where you don’t have to explain yourself quite so much.Matthew Bellringer is a neurodiversity and innovation specialist who believes it takes an unconventional perspective to engage with some of the trickiest problems we face. They work with neurodivergent professionals, executives and business owners; organisations which want to support neurodiverse innovation; and organisations delivering innovative services to a neurodiverse audience.Matthew specialises in supporting work that addresses problems from a unique perspective, co-production, and regenerative working practices. Alongside their private practice, Matthew is Chair and Co-founder of NeurodiverseIT, a group for neurodivergent IT professionals within BCS, the Chartered Institute of IT and the organiser and founder of Curious Being. Matthew is a late-discovery autistic ADHDer.Website | LinkedIn | SocialsSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode, I’m joined by Isabelle Fielding for a conversation about our emotions — the ones we try to manage, the ones we push down, and the ones that keep resurfacing when something important is at stake.We talk about what it’s like to live in a world that often asks us to be happier, calmer, more confident, while quietly struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, overwhelm, or a sense that we’re holding it all together by our fingertips. Isabelle brings a grounded, compassionate perspective to what our emotions are really doing for us, and how relating to them differently can change the way we move through our lives.Together, we explore why emotions aren’t problems to be fixed, but signals worth listening to. We talk about what happens when we get caught up in our feelings or withdraw from them altogether, how self-doubt can sit alongside self-compassion, and why change so rarely follows a neat A-to-B path. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to feel a little more at home with their emotions not by mastering them, but by making space for them. About Isabelle FieldingIsabelle is a Researcher and Coaching Psychologist who helps purpose-driven organisations make a meaningful difference. With 25 years of experience across psychology, research, and leadership development, she works with individuals and teams to navigate challenge and change, so that they can take purposeful action in complex and unpredictable environments. Isabelle loves questioning assumptions, challenging well-worn narratives, and exploring emotions at work, helping people uncover internal and external barriers to change and take bold action towards the things that matter most.Website | Instagram | LinkedInShow notes:  Atomic Habits | Emotions Coaching SessionsSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

This is a great episode to start the year with as well as a new season of the podcast. I sit down with wellbeing writer Rebecca Frank to explore how curiosity might offer a way of beginning when we might not be quite ready.Rebecca and I talk about what curiosity looks like when life is full, messy, and changing. We explore how it can soften judgement, widen our view of other people, and help us stay open during moments of uncertainty or transition. Our conversation moves through everyday experiences many of us will recognise: parenting and letting go, the pull of restlessness alongside the need for anchoring, the comfort of familiar places and the quiet aliveness that comes from noticing something new.The thought that Rebecca brings this Monday — the one she’s kept — is curiosity. Not as a trait you either have or don’t have, but as a practice you can return to. We talk about curiosity as a way of relating to the seasons of the year and the seasons of a life, of approaching wellbeing without overwhelm, and of staying connected to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Along the way, we touch on nature, creativity, friendship, and why starting small often matters more than getting it right.Rebecca Frank is a journalist, author and podcast host with 25 years experience writing about women's health and emotional wellbeing, nature and travel for national monthly and weekly magazines. She's currently wellbeing editor for The Simple Things, as well as co-hosting the magazine's weekly podcast, Small Ways To Live Well. She's the author of two books, A Breath of Fresh Air and Just Add Nature, published in association with The National Trust.In this episode we also talk about: Flourish | The Silent Book Club. Our own Reading Retreat is this Spring. Details Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What does it really mean to feel held – not just by others, but by ourselves, our bodies, and the rhythms of everyday life?In this episode of A Thought I Kept, I’m joined by Lauren Barber for a conversation about anxiety, aliveness, self-trust, and the quiet practices that help us come back to ourselves when life feels loud or overwhelming. Together, we explore what it means to hold space – for others, for our emotions, and for the parts of us that are tired, tender, or still becoming.Lauren shares openly about her lifelong relationship with anxiety and panic, including the experience of mistrusting even “good” feelings, living in a state of hyper-vigilance, and learning how to rebuild a sense of safety from the inside out. We talk about somatic support, nervous system regulation, motherhood, seasonal living, and the small, everyday acts of self-tending that can gently replenish our energy.We also explore change – not as a dramatic before-and-after, but as something subtle, lived, and deeply human. From human design and creative work to sacred space, self-compassion, and choosing work that truly nourishes us, this conversation is an invitation to soften, to listen, and to trust your own unique rhythms.At the heart of this episode is the thought Lauren has carried with her for years: life is too short to do work that you do not enjoy. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, motherhood, creative transitions, or a quiet sense of longing, this is a conversation to return to when you need reminding that it’s possible to feel held again.About Lauren BarberLauren Barber is a Mentor and Sacred Space Holder for Mystical & Magical women who are walking the path of their Heart and Soul work. She is a Mother of two daughters, a Soulful Branding & Website Designer, Writer, Speaker, Human Design Guide, Women’s Circle Facilitator, Yoga & Meditation Teacher and all round multi-faceted human being Find Lauren online:Website | Substack | InstagramSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

When your mind won’t settle, your thoughts won’t line up, or you feel like you can’t hear yourself think, what do you do? In this episode, Claire is joined by Katie Driver, founder of The Thinking Alliance, to explore how we can reclaim clarity in a world that demands constant noise, answers, and action.This conversation explores how to think for yourself, how to listen deeply, how feelings shape thought, why compassionate self-talk matters, and how quieter people can find their own voice. As the year draws to a close, Katie offers guidance on how to navigate the pressure, pace, and expectations of December with more ease, clarity, and self-kindness.04:52 The Power of Questions12:46 The Thinking Environment26:56 The Role of Feelings in Thinking37:10 Empowering Quiet Individuals41:08 Navigating Overwhelm and BurnoutMentioned in this episode:The Question Burst Technique, Hal Gregersen | The Extended Mind, Annie Murphy Paul | More Time to Think, Nancy KlineAbout Katie Driver: Katie Driver is all about helping thinkers and thinking to flourish. Her typical coaching clients are quieter mid-career women who are tired both literally and metaphorically of trying to be ‘jazz hands’ leaders and want instead to reclaim their quiet strengths and get on with the work that matters. Katie’s clients find not only the clarity and courage which come from having time to think, but also the self-belief and quiet confidence to lead in a way that suits them. Katie is also a qualified Thinking Environment® Coach, Facilitator and Teacher. She trains coaches and leaders to use the Thinking Environment, a way of going about things which creates the Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if your energy is more than just a feeling? What if it’s your currency? In this conversation, host Claire Fitzsimmons speaks with Georgina Jones about the invisible threads that connect us: joy, grief, presence, and the power of what happens when we stop trying to fix and start feeling. They explore how energy shapes how we show up, how we hold space for others, and how movement, music and humour help us access the full range of our emotions especially the ones we don’t have words for. Georgina speaks powerfully about holding joy and grief in the same space, and the everyday tools that can help us reconnect to ourselves in low-energy, disconnected times. In this episode, they talk about:Why your energy is your emotional currencyThe surprising companionship of joy and griefHow Georgina created “Grief Discos” Rewriting the story of what grief has to look likeWhat it really means to “turn someone’s lights on” Timestamps02:59 The Power of Energy and Presence11:42 The Three Circles of Energy24:42 The Healing Power of Grief Discos25:43 Balancing Joy and Grief30:05 Challenging Grief NarrativesResources: Turn Lights On, Georgina Jones / Patsy Rodenburg's “Three Circles of Energy” / The Joy Reset, MaryCatherine McDonald / Grief Disco / Happy Startup Summer Camp / Ted Lasso / Mojo MovesAbout Georgina Jones:  Georgina Jones is a speaker, coach, facilitator, and the co-founder of Grief Disco — a movement that helps people honour their loved ones, process grief, and make space for joy again through music, movement, and community. Her mission changed profoundly after the death of her son Osian. Navigating grief while still reaching toward joy transformed not only her life but her work. Georgina now suppSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if self-care wasn’t about adding more to your to-do list but about rethinking what care even means? In this episode, Claire Fitzsimmons speaks with Chartered psychologist, coach and author Suzy Reading about the often invisible emotional labor of women, the cultural messaging that teaches us to ignore our needs, and the radical act of allowing ourselves to be cared for.Suzy, author of the new book “How to Be Selfish: Seven Steps to Taking Back Your Power,” shares her personal evolution with self-care from early moments on the ice rink to navigating motherhood, grief, and perimenopause. Together, they explore how guilt, hyper-independence, and people-pleasing disconnect us from our emotional needs, and what it takes to advocate for ourselves gently and clearly.Topics Covered:Why so many women feel guilty for needing careEmotional health as a guide, not a flawThe hidden emotional toll of “being the strong one”Small, real-world ways to practice self-advocacyHow to begin receiving help without shameTimestamps:01:07 The Importance of Self-Care17:38 Embracing Emotions and Building a Toolkit24:43 Reclaiming the True Meaning of Self-Care26:49 Advocating for Yourself in Relationships38:03 Reflecting on the Year and Setting IntentionsSuzy Reading is a Chartered Psychologist and one of the UK’s leading self-care and self-advocacy experts. She has three decades of experience in the health and wellbeing industry, drawing on her qualifications in yoga and personal training, together with psychology, to empower people with sustainable healthy lifestyle habits. Suzy is a monthly columnist for Top Sante Magazine; the Psychology Expert for Neom Organics and is a founding member of the ‘Nourish’ app. She is the author of many books including The Little Book of Self-Care, The Self-Care Revolution, Self-care for Tough Times, And Breathe, Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if your nervous system was quietly shaping everything — from your relationships to your resilience — and no one ever taught you how to understand it?In this episode of A Thought I Kept, Claire Fitzsimmons speaks with Beth Derry, resilience coach and founder of Lovely Messy Humans, about the deep and often overlooked influence our nervous systems have on how we cope, connect, and show up in the world.They explore the relationship between emotional coping, overwhelm, and shutdown — and how self-harm among young people can be a misunderstood bid for regulation and relief, not attention or rebellion. Beth shares her own story of navigating emotional dysregulation, what she wishes adults knew about teen self-harm, and why nervous system literacy isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.From the science of emotional responses to everyday tools for regulation, this episode offers a gentle, grounded invitation to rethink what it means to support ourselves — and those we love — with more curiosity and less fear.Show Notes04:59 The Power of the Nervous System13:31 Understanding Emotions and Their Biological Purpose29:27 Introduction to Lovely, Messy Humans30:54 The Importance of Nervous System Education36:51 Addressing Self-Harm and Emotional Regulation39:42 Understanding the Science Behind Self-Harm48:52 Practical Steps for Nervous System RegulationBeth Derry is the founder of Lovely Messy Humans. After careers in zoology, sustainability, and communication, Beth now works as a resilience coach, speaker, and Havening Technique practitioner, helping people better understand their emotional worlds and find grounded, embodied ways of coping. Website is www.lovelymessyhumans.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethderry/References + Resources MentionedTad Hargrave – Marketing For HippesSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

What if your creative energy didn’t need an algorithm — just some more self-trust and a room full of the right people?In this episode of A Thought I Kept, Claire Fitzsimmons speaks with PR strategist, founder of The Inspiration Space, and self-described “idea-laying machine” Liana Fricker, about navigating creativity, burnout, and how we reconnect with ourselves — and each other — beyond the online world.Together, they explore the emotional and energetic tension between abundance and overwhelm, visibility and vulnerability, and what it means to be seen without being online. Liana shares her experience of living with ADHD, finding clarity after burnout, and reframing the idea of consistency in a world that doesn’t work for every brain.They also dive into the “dead internet theory,” the hunger for real-world gathering, and how the body becomes both compass and guide for meaningful creativity. It’s a conversation about rethinking the pace of life, redefining success, and remembering that sometimes… healing looks like Antiques Roadshow and a weighted blanket.Episode Chapters:02:53 – Abundance, ADHD, and Access to Inspiration08:01 – Designing Life Around Energy09:36 – What If You Couldn’t Use Social Media?13:42 – The Art of Gathering, Offline Connection & The Dead Internet Theory17:56 – Fear, Overwhelm, and the Invisible Barriers to IRL26:34 – Recognizing Burnout & BurndownsAbout Liana Fricker:Liana Fricker is a PR marketing strategist, speaker, and the founder of The Inspiration Space, a community and consultancy for creative entrepreneurs. Her work centers around sparking possibilities, creating collaborative momentum, and making space for human-first ambition. She’s passionate about future-facing business, radical self-trust, and finding creative energy beyond the algorithm. Watch her TEDx talk: Inspiration as an Act of Resistance Follow Liana on Instagram Connect on LinkedInSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this special episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimons is joined by Amanda Sheeren, her close friend and co-founder of 'If Lost Start Here', a wellbeing company aimed at helping people navigate modern life's complexities with creativity, curiosity and humour. This episode centers on Amanda’s thought that even in the dark times there is light. They discuss how the hardest and best parts of life can coexist, touching on topics such as parenting, depression, Instagram, sobriety, and finding joy in small moments. Amanda shares personal experiences, underscoring the importance of embracing both positive and negative emotions. The conversation also highlights mindfulness, intentional living, and the significance of community and connection in wellbeing practices.01:26 Navigating Life's Challenges07:23 The Power of Tiny Joys10:13 Balancing Emotions21:28 Creative Practices and Wellbeing22:32 Exploring the 10 Pathways to Wellness23:45 The Challenge of Untethering from Technology24:13 Navigating Connection and Purpose24:33 The Dual Nature of Technology28:28 The Sober Illustrator: A Journey of Connection30:36 Misconceptions About Sobriety33:53 Living a Values-Based Life38:57 Finding Joy in the Present Moment43:51 Concluding Thoughts on Wellness and JoyAbout Amanda Sheeren:Amanda Sheeren is with Claire Fitzsimmons the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. She is also a freelance writer, illustrator, and graphic designer from Marin County, California. Amanda is the creator of The Sober Illustrator and Okay, Yeah! Design.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writes on Substack under Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimmons engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katharina Geissler-Evans, founder and editor-in-chief of heiter. The discussion explores how to find resilience during exhaustion and overwhelm, and how to create intentional and joyful connections in our increasingly online lives. Katarina shares how the philosophy 'if there's a will, there's a way' has guided her through challenges, and supported her through periods of perseverance. This conversation delves into the importance of small, joyful moments, and the value of community and gratitude practices during all life's seasons.03:36 The Power of 'If There's a Will, There's a Way'08:33 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy10:31 Building a Community and a Brand18:51 The Importance of In-Person Connections23:17 Values and Future Plans About KatharinaKatharina Geissler-Evans is the founder & editor-in-chief of heiter, an independent lifestyle publication and brand with a strong focus on supporting others in finding and celebrating joy in the chaos. If Katharina doesn’t write, curate and talk about all things heiter, she spends her time exploring different aspects of intentional living in her own life as well as fashion styling for other brands and indie publications. Katharina, who describes herself as “a multi-passionate creative”, lives with her husband and their two kids in Edinburgh.Website | Magazine shop | Substack | The Heiter SocietyNewsletter sign-up | Instagram: heiter & KatharinaFuture eventsAbout Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on aSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

Why do our hearts race at the sound of an email? Why does one glance at our phones send us into full-blown panic? In this episode, we're joined by massage therapist and author Carrie Ekins, who helps us understand what’s really going on in our bodies when everything feels like a threat.Carrie shares how the nervous system can get stuck in survival mode and why modern life triggers ancient fear responses that were once meant to protect us from sabre-toothed tigers. Together, we explore simple, practical ways to return to safety, anchor ourselves in the present, and reclaim emotional steadiness in a world that often feels like too much.You’ll learn:Why your brain can't tell the difference between an email and a real-life threatThe hidden cost of being constantly “on” — and how to gently switch offWhat “safety” actually feels like in the body Small, powerful tools to regulate your emotionsWhether you’re feeling fried, frantic, or just a bit untethered lately, this conversation offers a warm, human path back to yourself. You don’t need to meditate for 40 minutes or change everything about your life – just a few small shifts can make a big difference.01:41 The Saber-Tooth Tiger Analogy02:46 Carrie's Journey into Massage Therapy05:10 Understanding the Stress Response Cycle07:03 Techniques for Managing Stress08:57 The Disembodied vs. Embodied Self13:19 The Importance of Mind-Body Connection20:32 Storytelling and Myofascial Release24:40 The Power of Breath and Softening26:02 The Magic of Being Present28:09 Challenging Hustle Culture29:43 Emotions and the Body32:15 Building Emotional Safety36:24 Navigating Midlife Changes37:26 The Importance of Connection41:47 Embracing Magic and AlchemyMentioned in this episode:The Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen PorgesBreath by James NestorSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this week’s episode of A Thought I Kept, storyteller and creative leader Andrea Rathborne shares a memory so vivid, it feels like a short film stitched into the fabric of her life. This experience taught Andrea to appreciate the everyday small but meaningful moments, which she likens to a series of dashes and dots, forming a personal Morse code of memories. Host Claire Fitzsimmons talks with Andrea about what it means to notice deeply, to be changed by presence, and to hold onto the moments that quietly shape us — the ones we shelve in our own inner library, ready to return to when we need them most.Together Claire and Andrea explore how her project Half Betty is creating space for midlife women to be seen, heard, and celebrated. We discuss the importance of intergenerational wisdom, and the power of sharing our stories.This episode emphasizes the need to notice and cherish the beauty, joy, and even the sorrows in life, encouraging listeners to find connection in the everyday.00:36 Introducing Andrea Rathborne02:22 Andrea's Thought: Life as a Series of Moments05:27 A Memorable Encounter in Greece12:20 Reflections on the Experience31:48 The Inspiration Behind Half BettyAndrea Rathborne is a storyteller, creative leader, and cultural voice whose work has always lived at the intersection of imagination and human connection. With more than two decades shaping the identities of purpose-led global brands, she is now the founder and host of Half Betty, a podcast and storytelling platform exploring identity, reinvention, and the quiet (and sometimes unruly) strength of midlife.Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram  Claire Fitzsimmons is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writes on Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons invites Anya Pearse, a coach, mentor, and creative thinker, to discuss a thought that's stayed with her: 'Am I feeling my thinking?' The conversation explores the origins of this thought, inspired by the works of Byron Katie and Michael Neil, and explores themes of self-awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance. Anya shares personal anecdotes and insights into how this thought has impacted her understanding of emotions and thinking. This episode emphasizes the complexity and interconnectedness of ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and how understanding these can transform one's life. It also highlights the importance of accepting ourselves and the generous sharing of ideas to cultivate a richer, more connected life.00:24 Meet This Week's Guest: Anya01:37 The Thought: 'Am I Feeling My Thinking?'02:03 Exploring Byron Katie's 'The Work'04:02 Michael Neil and the Three Principles15:51 The Ecosystem of Ideas About Anya PearseAnya Pearse MAPP is a Positive Psychology Practitioner, intuitive advisor, coach and writer. She has an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and is the host of The A to Z of Happiness podcast. Anya is the community host at The Happy Startup School and has worked with the Museum of Happiness, Hay House and The Neurodiversity Education Academy.www.anyapearse.com About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writes on Substack about all things wellbeing at MoreGoodDays. People, Thinkers & Teachers MentionedByron Katie: The Work, “Judge your neighbour, write it down, ask four questions, turn it around.”Michael Neill: Coach and author. TEDx tSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this conversation, Claire Fitzsimmons and Emma Simpson explore the profound question of 'What's the worst that can happen?' as a guiding principle in life. Emma shares her journey of transforming fear into adventure, resilience through grief, and the balance between safety and freedom in parenting. They discuss the importance of emotional energy in nurturing friendships and the challenges of making connections as adults. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, the courage to embrace change, and the necessity of facing life's uncertainties with a positive mindset.TakeawaysThe phrase 'What's the worst that can happen?' can shift from fear to adventure.Resilience is built through experiences of grief and loss.Emotional energy is crucial in nurturing relationships and friendships.Finding a balance between safety and freedom is essential in parenting.Embracing change can lead to fulfilling new paths in life.Community and connection are vital for overcoming loneliness.It's important to invest in friendships and seek nurturing connections.Life's challenges can be faced with a positive mindset and adaptability.The journey of personal growth often involves taking risks.Emotional energy can be replenished through creative expression and meaningful interactions.Chapters01:02 The Power of 'What's the Worst That Can Happen?'02:35 Evolution of a Mindset: From Fear to Adventure05:43 Resilience Through Grief and Loss08:33 Balancing Safety and Freedom in Parenting11:22 Embracing Life's Waves: Adapt and Overcome14:27 Taking Risks: A New Chapter in Life17:26 Facing Fear and Embracing Change19:48 The Emotional Energy Exchange24:36 Nurturing Friendships and Connections28:54 Overcoming Loneliness and Finding Community  About Emma SimpsonEmma Simpson is an award-winning debut author, wild swimmer and tea sommelier. Having spent a couple of decades being distracted by a career in air traffic control, and experiencing two life-wrenching events, Emma rediscovered her pen and her passion for storytelling at the same time as discovering how transformational cold-water swimming was for her health, wellbeing, and sense of connection witSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons welcomes journalist and author Rosamund Dean, creator of the brilliant Substack Well, Well, Well. They discuss the complexities and contradictions of wellness including Rosamund's mindful approach to drinking and her experience with breast cancer. This conversation explores how to make health choices fun and sustainable, the impact of competitive PE classes on kids, and the importance of community and playfulness in wellness. It's a candid and timely discussion about experimenting with health habits, social connections, and redefining wellness on our own terms.00:37 Exploring Wellness and Midlife01:00 Rosamund's Career and Books01:26 Conversation on Wellness Habits02:51 Strength Training and Menopause04:26 The Journey to Mindful Drinking06:33 Reframing Health and Wellness17:56 The Role of Social Connections21:41 Embracing Personal Preferences in Wellness22:16 Defining Personal Wellbeing Goals22:40 The Impact of Early Menopause and Cancer on Health22:59 Shifting Mindsets Post-Illness24:32 Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Children25:27 Reevaluating Physical Education and Activity30:57 The Concept of a Modern Wellness Person33:31 Writing About Wellness: Keeping It Real38:04 The Practice of Drinking Less AlcoholAbout Rosamund Dean:Rosamund Dean is a journalist and author with a special interest in human behaviour and relatable wellness. Previously deputy editor of Grazia, she writes for The Times, Telegraph, Women’s Health and Vogue. She is the founder of popular wellness Substack, Well Well Well, as well as author of Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life, and Reconstruction: How to Rebuild Your Body, Mind & Life After Breast Cancer. About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better plSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept host Claire Fitzsimmons talks to Eleanor Tweddell, a writer, speaker, and change consultant. Eleanor discusses what it was like to write and publish her new book, Another Door Opens: Five Steps for Navigating Change in Life and Work. The discussion ranges from the importance of pausing, the reassuring nature of messiness, and holding space for magic during transitions. Eleanor shares her experiences with the fluctuating nature of work and personal projects, emphasizing that meaningful change requires asking rather than rushing to answer questions and being intentional when we’re ready to do so. The episode encourages listeners to navigate change thoughtfully, leaving space for unexpectedly positive outcomes.01:38 The Launch Day Experience02:38 Letting Go and Embracing Feedback04:48 Always Leave Space for Magic09:47 The Importance of Pausing and Resting18:27 Navigating Unexpected Changes19:58 Staying Calm in Chaos20:38 The Power of Self-Talk21:30 Exploring Archetypes21:57 The Doers, Ponderers, and True Pausers25:08 Intentional Living25:52 Navigating Transitions28:33 The Journey of Change33:54 Celebrating Achievements37:16 Embracing the Messiness of ChangeAbout Eleanor TweddellEleanor Tweddell is a change specialist - helping us to find joy and opportunity amongst messy changes in our life. After 20 years of corporate life, Eleanor decided to set up her own business, Another Door Opens, after being laid off in 2016. She is the author of the books Why losing your job could be the best thing to ever happen to you, and Another Door Opens. Eleanor encourages us not to fear change but embrace all the messy, uncomfortable feelings that come with it, and allow ourselves to have hope that it might just work out to be more than OK.Website: www.another-door-opens.comSubstack: https://anotherdoor.substack.com/About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

We talk about love, family, friendship and even boundaries — but we rarely talk about this: the relationship we have with ourselves.In this episode, Claire Fitzsimmons is joined by therapist Sarah Rees to explore the quiet power of self-compassion and why it’s the most overlooked relationship of all. Sarah shares how her work evolved from cognitive behavioural therapy and nursing to compassion-focused therapy, and why that shift changed everything — for her clients and for herself.They explore practical ways to check in with ourselves (especially when it feels uncomfortable), the difference between thinking your emotions and feeling them, and how self-awareness isn’t just about you — it’s what allows you to show up more fully for others too.If you’re someone who finds it easier to help everyone but yourself, or if you're always searching for the “fix” outside of you, this conversation is a gentle reminder that sometimes just remembering ourselves is what we need too.00:49 The Importance of Self-Compassion02:40 Applying Self-Compassion in Daily Life05:04 The Role of Therapy and Mindfulness07:55 Practical Tips for Self-Check-In13:20 Evolving Perspectives on Mental HealthAbout Sarah ReesSarah Rees is a CBT therapist with over 30 years of experience working in mental health. She is trained in EMDR and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and works with clients both online and from her private practice in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Sarah supervises on Professor Paul Gilbert’s CFT Diploma and is the author of The Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice: Building a Values-Based Business. She specialises in helping therapists set up and grow sustainable private practices with self-funding clients and consistent income. Sarah also runs Therapists Corner, a Substack and online community offering practical, values-led support for therapists in business. You can find her on Instagram at @sarahdrees.co.uk and at sarahdrees.co.uk.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If LostSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimmons welcomes Emma Lightfoot, a pet grief expert and animal behaviorist, who shares an impactful epiphany from a wise friend. Emma discusses her tendency to immerse herself in learning and preparation to avoid the discomfort of starting and the fear of failure. She reveals her 2025 pledge to stop spending on self-help books and courses, focusing instead on trusting her own knowledge and abilities. Through engaging storytelling, Emma explains how she maintains this thought with visual reminders and mini zines. The conversation explores the balance between seeking comfort in ideas and the necessity of action.00:40 Meet the Guest: Emma Lightfoot01:00 Emma's Epiphany: The Fear of Starting02:00 The Cost of Perfectionism02:43 Breaking the Cycle: Embracing Discomfort06:00 Practical Steps: 25 Things in 202507:05 Reflecting on Progress and Freedom08:51 The Power of Trusted Advice12:34 Creating Personal RemindersEmma Lightfoot is an animal behaviourist who went to work in HR and then undertook research into the meaning of grief for pet owners. She is passionate about opening a space to talk about the loss of pets and aims to reduce any stigma around this. Emma also reads a lot, walks a Spaniel, and keeps guinea pigs and a lot of fish. You can find her on Substack at @tails_of_grief_and_love and instagram at @pumpkinmatisse and @tails_of_grief_and_love.Claire Fitzsimmons is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives.Learn more about Claire and how to work with her here.Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons interviews Lindsay Kaldor about the impactful teachings from a yoga class fifteen years ago that taught her the importance of seasonality and rest. Lindsay shares her journey from living a nonstop 'summer existence' in her twenties, to embracing the cyclical nature of life inspired by the wisdom that 'flowers don't bloom all year round.' They discuss the pressures of constant productivity, the significance of winter as a period of inward growth and rest, and how Lindsay's transition into motherhood and the pandemic has deepened her connection with natural rhythms. Lindsay also talks about creating home spaces that support well-being and how small, intentional changes can make a significant impact. This episode explores the delicate balance between outward engagement and inward reflection in fostering a sustainable and nourishing lifestyle.00:18 The Impact of a Simple Teaching02:09 Embracing the Seasons of Life04:30 The Concept of 'Summer Existence'08:18 Wintering and Personal Growth12:37 Creating Sacred Spaces17:43 Balancing External Demands and Inner Needs22:43 The Importance of Seasonal AwarenessAbout Lyndsay KaldorLyndsay is a writer, creative mother and lifestyle PR consultant. She writes about home, garden, creativity and mothering through the seasons at her publication Story & Thread. She hosts a membership, The Beauty Thread. by Lyndsay to support homecoming with a multi-layered offering, including seasonal creative gatherings, co-working spaces, a series of guides to help you create an intentional and joyful home, and resources to support you in crafting the stories of your creative business with meaningful PR. Instagram  About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writesSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, Sarah Philp discusses the profound impact of Nancy Klein's quote, 'The quality of everything human beings do depends on the quality of the thinking that we do first.' She reflects on the relationship between thinking and action, the importance of creating thinking spaces, and how these concepts have shaped her work as an educational psychologist and coach. Sarah also shares personal practices like cold water swimming and visiting the Isle of Skye that help her maintain clarity and presence. The conversation delves into the subtleties of coaching, transformation, and the significance of articulating thoughts aloud. Sarah emphasizes the value of being present, gentle boldness, and the quiet power of thoughtful action.00:40 The Influence of Nancy Klein01:06 The Importance of Thinking and Action03:05 Challenges in Modern Thinking05:43 The Role of Presence in Coaching06:56 Articulating Thoughts and Taking Action11:39 Personal Approach to Transformation16:05 Creating and Seeking SpaceAbout Sarah PhilpSarah is a Psychologist and Coach with almost 20 years of experience in Education. Her mission has always been to maximise the impact of Psychology; to help us understand ourselves and each other more deeply in order to be able to relate, learn and lead better together.Sarah is also the host of the Space to Think podcastWebsite LinkedIn Instagram TwitterAbout Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a company on a mission to get people to a better place, sometimes literally. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps women navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives. Claire writes on Substack under Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept,' host Claire Fitzsimmons talks with her friend  Irena Meštrović Štajduhar about redefining the concept of strengths. Irena, based in Croatia, is a life observer who shares insights on how traditional metrics of success often lead to burnout and disconnection. They delve into Marcus Buckingham's idea that true strengths are activities that bring joy, and discuss how personality tests can sometimes limit us. This conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing personal passions, even if they are not conventionally acknowledged as strengths, and the idea of 'internalized capitalism.' The episode concludes with reflections on how reclaiming joy and love in one's work can create a meaningful and fulfilling life.Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of 'A Thought I Kept' hosted by Claire Fitzsimmons, brand designer and creative mentor Sarah Robertson discusses the lasting impact of a saying from her Scottish grandmother. Sarah shares how this phrase has been an anchor throughout various personal and professional challenges, offering comfort and encouragement. She reflects on the insights gained from creating and launching her design studio, balancing creative pursuits with client work, and the importance of both stretching oneself and returning to zones of comfort. The conversation emphasizes trust, resilience, and the delicate balance between striving and acceptance in creative endeavors.00:29 Meet Sarah Robertson: Brand Designer and Creative Mentor00:50 The Wisdom: What's for You Won't Go By You01:36 Applying this in Life and Business10:53 The Creative Process and Overcoming Self-Doubt15:18 Launching the Brand Seasons Play Deck21:17 Reflections and Future Aspirations27:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSarah is the writer behind Brand Seasons and a brand designer and creative mentor at These Are The Days, where she collaborates with clients to define their vision, craft beautiful visuals and discover their voices. Claire is a writer, certified emotions coach practitioner, and co-founder of wellbeing company If Lost Start Here, and is on a mission to help get people who are lost, lonely, disconnected or simply curious to a better place. You can subscribe to Claire's substack at MoreGoodDays. Subscribe for future episodes on the ideas that last a lifetime.  Support the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

In this episode of A Thought I Kept, host Claire Fitzsimmons talks with Emily Charlotte Powell about the one idea that has guided her creative journey. Emily shares her realisation that prioritizing joy and personal fulfillment in her creative pursuits over external validation and algorithm-driven demands is everything. They discuss the importance of staying true to one's own interests, the therapeutic nature of creating, and the balance between sharing work and internal satisfaction. This episode invites listeners to reconsider what truly motivates their creativity and to find joy in the act of creating itself.Emily Powell is an illustrator, accountant, creative adventurer and the writer behind the Substack publication: While I Was Drawing.Claire Fitzsimmons is the host of A Thought I Kept, as well as a writer, emotions coach, and co-founder of If Lost Start Here, a wellbeing company for everyday life.00:00 Introduction to 'A Thought I Kept'00:40 Introducing Emily Charlotte Powell01:05 Emily's Guiding Thought: Create What You Love01:25 The Origin of the Thought03:53 Balancing Joy and Consistency08:16 The Joy of Creating for Yourself12:50 The Power of Joy in Creativity19:47 Staying True to Your Creative Joy22:11 Reflections on a Creative LifeSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...

A Thought I Kept is a short-form wellbeing podcast about the single ideas that shape how we live — the ones that stay with us, long after we’ve forgotten the rest.Hosted by Claire Fitzsimmons, each episode features a different guest sharing the one idea they’ve carried with them through life. A line from a book, a sentence said at the right moment, a realisation they couldn’t un-hear. These are the thoughts that changed something. That embedded. That stayed.In a world overflowing with life advice, inspiration, and self-help ideas, A Thought I Kept isn’t just about what sounds good — it’s about what lives well. What actually makes it off the page, off the stage, and into our everyday lives.This podcast is about the thoughts we return to without trying. The ones we’ve tested, made our own, or are still figuring out how to live. It’s personal, reflective, and real. Sometimes messy. Always grounded in how we actually live.In this trailer episode, Claire introduces the idea behind the series:• Why we need space for the thoughts that matter• How one moment of insight can shape a lifetime• What to expect in the episodes aheadYou’ll also meet Claire — a writer, emotions coach, and someone always on the lookout for ideas that mean something. This podcast is her way of tracing how those ideas shape who we become — especially in times of transition, growth, and self-discovery.What kind of ideas will you hear on the show?Guests include writers, creatives, therapists, coaches, entrepreneurs and academics — each sharing the one thought they kept that changed how they approach their life.You’ll hear about:• A quote remembered since teenage years• A truth discovered at just the right time• A thought passed down by someone loved• A lesson learned the hard way• A line in a book that quietly rearranged everythingAnd maybe one of them will land with you, too.Why listen?Because in a culture obsessed with big, bold transformation, A Thought I Kept is about the thoughts that go the distance — the ones we make our own. The kind that don’t just change our perspective for a moment, but shape how we live, connect, and move through our days.Whether you’re navigating change, seeking claSupport the showThis is A Thought I Kept — Weekly conversations about the ideas that stay. Listen every Monday morning for a new thought to hold onto this week.About Claire FitzsimmonsClaire is the host of A Thought I Kept, a wellbeing writer and the co-founder of If Lost Start Here. As an ICF Associate Certified Coach and a certified Emotions Coach Practitioner, Claire helps people navigate the everyday lost moments of their lives and all the feelings, from anxiety to grief, overwhelm to disconnection. Find out about working with Claire here. Claire's first book is out now here. Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate or review this podcast. Follow on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter. Shop Season 1 poster. For full video episodes become a member on Substack at MoreGoodDays. Made with Descript & ...