Ruled by Magpies

We’ve all heard the saying “everything happens for a reason.” But what if it doesn’t? What if some things are just downright unfair, painful, and senseless?In this episode, I’m talking about why we don’t have to find meaning in every bit of suffering, and why it’s okay to sit with the mess, without trying to polish it into a life lesson. Abuse, grief, heartbreak, they don’t need to be turned into some big inspirational story.It’s not all doom and gloom though. There’s hope, honesty, and a bit of grit. This one’s for anyone who’s tired of being told to find the silver lining, when sometimes you just want to say, “no, this was just shit.”Come have a listen. It’s a bit raw, a bit real, and definitely from the heart.

Eyup! Tune in for this straight-talking reflection on trusting your gut, spotting red flags, and why I no longer hand out all access passes to people wearing masks. My ovaries may be chaotic, but my instincts aren’t.Don't forget, if you're enjoying Ruled by Magpies, leave a comment, click download, and rate us 5 star! Thanks, ciai ciao!

Don't forget to leave a review, a comment and subscribe so you never miss a future download.Want to follow us on Instagram? @ruledbymagpiesCreativity isn't just about having an outlet or a skill, it canbe a way of being. A way of remembering, surviving, grounding, and creating our present and future selves.This episode explores how creativity and embodiment are powerful tools for escaping difficult realities, imagining new futures, and grounding ourselves in the present. Through my personal reflections on surviving domestic abuse, rediscovering small joys, and using everyday rituals to regain control, this episode invites you to see creativity not as a luxury, but as a lifeline. Creativity lives in all of us and this episode might just enlighten you as to how you can tap in to yours.

Following last weeks episode which was a guided goal setting, we explore the concept of aligned action.If you've ever found yourself stuck in patterns of self-sabotage, avoidance, or perfectionism, this conversation is for you.We dive in to an exploration of the values and behaviours that once kept you safe, but may now be holding you back. Whether it's money habits rooted in scarcity, perfectionism born from trauma, or people-pleasing disguised as kindness, this episode invites you to gently question what you're carrying, and whether it's still serving you.Enjoy and until next time, ciao ciao! x

Eyup gang. Thanks for tuning back in to another RBM instalment. This is a gorgeous gorgeous episode featuring a guided goal setting. Pluto stations retrograde on 4th May, which initiates a new cycle of introspection and transformation. Whether you feel aligned to the cyclical nature of the planets or not, this is an episode you can visit any time for some reflection on where you are vs where you want to be. Enjoy, have fun, believe in yourself. Live, love, & laugh yourself to sleep. Ciao Ciao x

This one’s a deep one. A raw one. But you're used to that from me by now, surely?I'm getting properly honest about what it means, as a woman today, to even think about motherhood, especially when you’ve had to fight bloody hard for your own freedom, your future, and your fire.I’m talking about coercive control. About how abusers use pets and kids as weapons. About my own experience of how my dog was used to control me, how my body was controlled too.I’ll share how unlearning all that old survival shit has made me stronger, softer, and smarter, and how these days, I’m fully at peace with the idea that motherhood is a choice, not a destiny.There are so many ways to build a life full of love and not one of them involves sacrificing yourself for someone else's ego.This episode is for any woman who's ever been made to feel that her life, her body, her dreams, belong to someone else.Thanks for listening, ciao ciao x

Hi team, reality check in week at RBM this week. I’m talking about the sneaky little voice in our heads that tells us we can’t, shouldn’t, or aren’t good enough, and giving it the boot. Expect to hear more about the realities of running my business, from lost contracts to unexpected wins, I’m reflecting on how far I’ve come despite believing I wasn’t “cut out” for any of it. We're talking about why women are more prone to limiting beliefs (cheers, patriarchy), and encouraging you under the Pink Moon to seize a perfect opportunity to bin all that internalised crap with me. Plus, the debut of our new feature Red Flag Regrets! Bare with me as it doesn't sound anywhere near as cool as all the professional podcasters make their features sound but I am sure we will get there! Buckle up, it’s part therapy session, part rallying cry.Want to share a red flag regret? DM us on insta @ruledbymagpies or email me at [email protected]. Ciao Ciao x

We are back with Part 2 on Adolescence, and wow, people have had thoughts. Thanks to those that have shared them with me! After so many discussions (in training sessions, online, with my sister, my brother, my best friends), a real frustration I’ve heard? That the show focused on the perpetrator and not the victim. And honestly, I get it. It makes you want to scream, “WHAT ABOUT KATIE?!” In fact, this reaction tells me I have the RIGHT people in my life (I see you feminists). For me, Katie’s story was there. Just not in the obvious way, and in this episode I talk about what I saw and felt to hear Katie's story. I talk about how every day sexism exists on the same continuum of homicide. I also said we would talk about how I felt this was a drama about men who hate their lives, and so we talk about the backlash against women’s success, the high profile conversations about male loneliness and the never-ending expectation that women should be the ones to fix it.

I’ve been holding back on talking about Adolescence, not wanting to add to the noise for noise's sake. But after watching the discourse unfold, the victim blaming, the misinformation, the lack of real action, I can’t stay silent.This episode dives deep into the normalised ways we excuse male violence while holding girls to impossible standards. From the online response to Adolescence to the everyday messages we send girls about keeping quiet, keeping the peace, and putting their safety second, I’m calling it out.Why are we so quick to scrutinise women’s reactions but not men’s intentions? Why are we blaming Katie instead of the boy who calculatedly inserted himself into her life? And why, when given the opportunity to take real action, do so many people still sit on their hands?Tune in to join the conversation on making change happen!

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up, it means choosing yourself even when it’s the hardest thing to do. In this episode, I’m talking about the courage it takes to step back from causes and commitments that once fueled passion, especially when they start to drain your spirit and hold back healing. As a victim- survivor of domestic abuse, I know how it feels to be conditioned into giving endlessly, sacrificing my own well-being for the sake of others. But reclaiming my life means learning to say “no” without guilt.I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the resilience it takes to put yourself first and protect your peace, even when it feels uncomfortable or selfish. I’ll also talk about spotting red flags in friendships and relationships, recognising those who exploit kindness and mistake it for weakness. More people than you might realise are willing to take advantage of your empathy, but breaking that cycle starts with honouring your own needs.This is a raw personal journal episode. Enjoy, leave your feedback, and Ciao for now!

This is not a story about love. It is a story about my valentine's day encounter with a rather bizarre flasher. In this episode, we explore the evasive and flawed reaction to this odd behaviour by the people apparently 'trained' to keep public spaces safe and harmonious. We talk about the escalation of violence where acts of voyeurism and/ or indecent exposure happen, highlighting high profile cases. There's a hopeful and empowering end to this story as we discuss the power of small people, in small places, making small stands! Content warning: this episode does mention sexual violence and murder. No graphic explanations are included. High profile cases of such incidents are referenced. Don't forget to like and share this episode if you enjoyed it. You can also follow us on instagram for all the BTS @ruledbymagpies

HELLO! RBM is back. I know, I know, I've been MIA for a ridiculous amount of time. But I am here now, and I am spilling the tea Over the last 23 weeks whilst I've been MIA, I've been entering and exploring a new era of healing. In this episode, we explore the process of learning to trust your gut again after abuse. From how my life was derailed 9 months ago, to taking a trip right back to the morning of my wedding to my perpetrator, I reflect on lessons in listening more and talking less. If we all listened more, and talked less, could we help prevent so many more crisis's from happening?Don't forget to follow us on instagram @ruledbymagpies and leave a review, or share this episode if you enjoyed it.Ciao ciao!

In this episode, I take you through my hilarious and disastrous disco ceiling DIY adventures. From here we talk about my mad, bonkers, hormonal brain, and I share personal stories, like the time I was compared to a distressed lion in the jungle by my GP. This episode prompts thinking in to how doctors hyperfocus on reproduction, and ignore real issues when it comes to women's health. I talk brain fog, hormone imbalances, and why it’s so important for women to be truly listened to when it comes to their health. Tune in for a mix of humor, honesty, and hormonal realities. p.s. I am in no way shape or form a medical expert and this episode is based purely on my own experiences and things I have read online!

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I take listeners on an intense journey through my experience with coercive control and the traumatic impact of suicide threats used as a tool of manipulation by a domestic abuser. Learn about the eight-stage domestic homicide timeline developed by Dr. Jane Monckton Smith, focusing specifically on the final stage where threats escalate to potential suicide or homicide. I share how these threats have left lasting psychological scars, affecting me in future relationships and impacting my perceptions of suicide. Through my story, I highlight the importance of understanding these abusive dynamics, offering solidarity and support to anyone affected by similar experiences. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for empathy, emphasising the complex emotions that survivors navigate in the aftermath of such trauma. Please note that this episode contains discussions of suicide and domestic abuse, which may be triggering for some listeners. I provide resources at the start for those in need of support and encourages listeners to seek help if they are in a similar situation. The number for the Samaritans is 116 123. You can call the Samaritans 24/7 and they will help you. That’s 116 123.   The phone number for the national domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. You can call in confidence, 24/7. The national domestic abuse helpline is run by Refuge.

It's been a shitshow of a few weeks when it comes to VAWG, and I am not in the mindset to regurgitate more of what everyone else in the field has been saying right now. So in lieu of rage filled feminist rants, here is the long awaited episode of the chaotic pigeon rescue saga. A wild rescue operation, grand plans of a pigeon palace, and a down stairs bathroom full of bird shit. I hope this episode makes someone smile!

In this episode of RBM, I take you on a light-hearted journey of a misplaced egg custard and a series of mishaps in trying to retrieve it! But the heart of the discussion takes a serious turn as I delve into the prevalent issue of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in the context of violence against women and girls. We explore the distinctions between consensual and non-consensual acts, the influence of pornography on young people's sexual behaviors, and the broader societal implications of NFS. Join me for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges societal norms, encourages open dialogue, and underscores the importance of understanding consent and the devastating impact of NFS. Listen now and join the conversation on how we can address and reduce violence against women and girls. Links to support - Learn more about our organisation - SafeLives Homepage - National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk) Want to talk? | Rape Crisis England & Wales FREE COURSE - Caring for yourself: Sex and intimacy after sexual viole – victimfocus resources (victimfocus-resources.com)

In last weeks episode, I implored listeners to ditch their fears of failure and try new things, but that's easier said than done right. It's a misconception that confidence is something that some of us have naturally, and some of us don't. This isn't Loreal, you're not born with it, but you are worth it! You can cultivate confidence to try new things and achieve goals beyond your wildest dreams - in this episode I give you some very practical tips, and talk about some of the most common coaching methods used to build confidence.

We've all heard people say, 'no question is a stupid question', but what if we really meant it when we said that? How differently would we all be able to show up in so many spaces for ourselves if we could let go of the fear and shame of being the least knowledgeable or experienced in the room? This episode is a short insight in to the different environments I have been in, as the 'shittest' in the room, and some suggestions of what we could all do differently to stop blocking brilliant opportunities and experiences from our lives.

Hello and welcome for tuning back in for another RBM instalment. In this episode, I explain how trauma from domestic abuse can surprise us at any point in time- whether that's 3 weeks, 3 months, or even 3 years after leaving a perpetrator. We get talking about difficult decisions, and how choosing self-compassion in the face of our trauma responses to regain control is bad ass as fuck. I did a hard thing recently and I believe you can do hard things too.

Strap in for another episode of RBM, where I bring you the tea, the truth, and as always, challenge common misconceptions and patriarchal structures head-on. I discuss how patriarchal and heteronormative attitudes often embodied by straight male partners, manifests unique challenges faced by bisexual women in a society that often misunderstands and misrepresents their experiences. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that aims to educate, inform, and empower. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the importance of respecting and validating bisexual identities.

It's a dear diary, digital download of the inner workings of my brain kind of week. Tune in to find out why there's leather jackets all over my garden, and how a bombay bad boy took me on a very icky trip down memory lane. I'm interested to know - what was your first ick? You can message me on instagram @ruledbymagpies

Inspired by the first half of Dr Jessica Taylor's new memoir 'Underclass', I ruminate and reflect on my own experiences. Born and raised in an ex-mining community in the 90's, and spending my teenage years in the most deprived area in Wales, neglect, poverty and trauma have followed me in to adulthood. This podcast is a live recording of me verbally journaling my thoughts as I slowly devour the memoir, and receive the gift of representation from Dr Jessica Taylor. I gift I've never received before in my life. Expect sweary words, honest truths and references to situations and circumstances that some may find challenging. You can buy Underclass here - Underclass: A Memoir – victimfocus resources (victimfocus-resources.com)

This week I have a proud feminist mommy moment, and reflect on how accessible and welcoming feminism really is. Come with me for a solo weekend in London, I deep dive in to my own trauma responses - being a workaholic, hyper-independent, and what it feels like to feel fleeting moments of recovery growing. It wouldn't be an RBM instalment without a few laughs, so you might wanna tune in for my ratings of the oscillating, electronic toilets! Who knew heated toilet seats were a thing ...

Something has got me listening to Rage Against the Machine on repeat this week. Could it be the patriarchy Chloe? I hear you ask. Most probably, but you'll have to come and listen to find out. This episode is a quick ranty rant about the zero-sum game we play as women in the corporate jungle at work. Is there really room for all of us to be our best, and what is our best anyway?

Ok, this episode is so eclectic in themes I couldn't even title it well. If you don't like lots of swearing, you should skip! I'm recording pretty much live before posting as life has been bizzzzy! Join me for a morning brew, we talk British weather, the worst things I've put in my mouth, and the worst words that come out of our mouth (the C word)! Who is to really blame for the distaste of the C word? Find out what I think. On a serious note, it's been a heavy few weeks in VAWG - in this episode I share my rants and tips on how to support activists with lived experience, as an ally.

The first day of the rest of my life is about to happen, in T minus 5 days to be exact! But for 1 person every 5 minutes and 16 seconds in England and Wales, a new 'first day of the rest of their life' is happening. Debt - so many of us are in it, yet we react with such bizarre horror when we find out others are in our shoes. Why is that? Here's everything to not say to a person in financial difficulty or debt, from someone who had 6 CCJ's and tens of thousands of pounds worth of debt, until very recently. Let's make the world a kinder place so we aren't keeping the oppressed, oppressed.

What happens when new romantic relationships intersect with unresolved issues with exes? Why do we behave in the ways we behave? This pod doesn't have the answers .. or any advice, but it is full of my usual feminist fuelled rants, my observations from a weekend in London, and my reflections drawn from conversations with girlfriends, and falling for a domestic abuser.

I am officially directionless, and if you are too, that's ok. Success still lies ahead and I share with you how in this episode. We explore the power of having no rigid direction, and the joy of finding unexpected paths forward. Get ready to challenge the conventional notions of success and embark on an adventure where the only compass you need is within. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on living your most authentic life.

Join me for a big old natter whilst we have doms on the beach ... no not delayed onset muscle soreness, you filthy fitness loving freak! And no, there are no professional doms present, I'm simply scranning a big fat dominoes washed down with a bottle of vino whilst I chat rubbish, on the beach. Ok, that's not the total truth, there are some pizza and wine outtakes, amongst other stuff. In this weeks episode I make a BIG confession I've been holding on to since 16! I compare a baby to a Jack Russell, and talk about what it really means to be kind to yourself when you're living with trauma.

This week I discuss the importance of sponsorship over mentorship in advancing women's careers, particularly in the context of the upcoming International Women's Day's theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." This pod is all about actionable investment for gender equity! This episode concludes with practical strategies for both sponsors and women seeking sponsorship to foster career growth and empowerment. It's a must listen for employers, managers and career focused ambitious women alike!

As the rain falls in Yorkshire, setting the backdrop for a day of outdoor labor and redirection, I share some simple tips & tools adapted from corporate life, and my career as HR professional, to help you find clarity when you feel stuck or lost. You can hear me sing (badly), not once, but twice, before we dive in to introspective discussions on values, priorities, and setting clear goals. Through personal stories and practical advice, listeners are invited to reflect and refocus. Get your FREE coaching questions resource at www.onesourcehr.co.uk Send me your DM's and feedback on @ruledbymagpies on instagram!

Welcome to the latest installment of RBM, where we dive headfirst in to a whirlwind of chaos and feminist-fueled rants like no other. I dissect Mean Girls and decide the only woman who belongs in the burn book in Mean Girls is Tina Fey (trust me, you'll want to hear this). Kick back, pour yourself a glass (or two) of your favorite wine, and get ready for some unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation about societal norms and explore the untold stories of women's labor. It's like brunch with your most opinionated friend - if your friend happened to have a podcast and a lot to say.

In this special episode for National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we delve into the potential of apprenticeship programs to address skills shortages in the UK economy, and ensure a sustainable future for businesses. 2 special guests feature on this weeks episode, a now high flying cyber security professional speaks to us about the start of their career as an electrical engineering apprentice, and a post graduate level STEM student tells us how they transferred from academia on to a L4 apprenticeship for better career opportunities and satisfaction. Through these insightful interviews with apprentices, we shed light on the role of ensuring employers provide accessible and inclusive apprenticeship opportunities to develop the skills industry really needs to survive and thrive!

Running businesses and hustles based on financial necessity for 16 years has taken it's toll. I'm evolving in to pursuing passion independently of financial constraints in this next phase of life, but as I do, I want to share my personal experiences and explore the mistakes made in the early stages of entrepreneurship. Tune in for a simple run down of big no-no's when it comes to being self-employed, if you wanna protect your peace and your income!

The heart of this episode lies in Chloe's reflections on cultivating a strong sense of self. Learn to lean in to discomfort, self-reflection, and align your actions with core values to pave the way to genuine, internal confidence. Whether voicing opinions, or wearing maximalist outfits, or dealing with baseless negativity, you must know yourself at the core. Chloe imparts valuable insights on staying true to oneself and enjoying the peace that authentic living brings. Tune in for a dose of positivity, resilience, and practical tips on navigating life with timeless confidence. Embrace your uniqueness, live for yourself, and let Chloe's journey inspire you to unleash your own brand of confidence, irrespective of trends or external opinions. 🌟

Diving in to the positive aspects of the new fund, I probe deeper into the nuances of economic abuse and the challenges faced by victim-survivors. The podcast scrutinises the broader landscape of domestic violence support, in the face of sustained economic challenges, urging a more holistic approach. In a powerful segment, I share my own experience of coerced debt, highlighting the enduring impact and the systemic issues survivors face. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, a thought-provoking exploration of financial hardship in the context of domestic abuse, and some belly laughs about my ethical home based sweatshop, that definitely does not have a toastie machine in it! Your support and engagement are crucial in the collective journey towards a more informed and empathetic society for women and girls. Thanks for listening and don't forget to share your feedback in a review, or by dropping a DM on instagram @ ruledbymagpies🎙️✨

In episode 2, I bravely venture into the veggie life, enduring a month of bean-based flatulence and questionable garnishments. But fear not, this podcast isn't just about dietary adventures; it's a rollercoaster of empowerment and calling out gender inequity in all it's sneaky forms. This week I tackle the 'oversensitive' label, unraveling the gender bias and gaslighting wrapped up in that term. We dive into the weaponisation of 'open-mindedness' and how it contributes to workplace microaggressions. Hold on tight as I deliver a fiery takedown of discriminatory workplace policies, exposing how seemingly innocuous changes can be acts of violence against women. And don't miss the epic showdown with John, the self-proclaimed pomodoro technique expert. Spoiler alert: John's crusty life choices don't stand a chance against this unapologetic rant! Join us for the chaos, the laughter, and a side of beans as we navigate through empowerment, gaslighting awareness, and the daily battles faced by women in the workplace. Remember to leave a review, share your experiences, and tune in next week for more madness and bean updates!

Are your reading skills or ability to tell the time holding you back? Mine too .. I missed the masquerade ball and slated my friends Xmas present. But seriously, what values and behaviours do you hold that are stopping you from living the life you really want to in 2024? In this episode, at the ripe age of 30, I've come to the conclusion that people don't have a crystal ball, and I'm going to have to use my big girl words, and ask for what I really need. We unpack gaslighting, living in survival mode and the importance of validating your own emotions to lead a more purposeful life. With tips for communicating better at work about your boundaries, and the importance of compromise for impactful boundary setting. Get your free coaching questions at - www.onesourcehr.co.uk or www.liftorg.co.uk Leave a comment, a review, or DM us on Instagram @ruledbymagpies

Welcome to the #RuledbyMagpies podcast, where resilience reigns supreme! I'm your host, Chloe, and buckle up because we're about to take a wild ride through the rollercoaster of my life. In the unfiltered world of #RuledbyMagpies, I spill the tea on slaying the patriarchy, surviving the corporate circus, and embracing life with trauma—all while keeping our sanity, self-esteem, and, of course, our fabulousness intact. This podcast is an unscripted, rollercoaster journey filled with mild sarcasm, strong opinions, and a healthy dose of self-discovery. Expect sprinklings of empowerment, education, encouragement, and, of course, laughter. Get ready to laugh, learn, and lean into the fabulous mess that is life. This is #RuledbyMagpies, where empowerment is our anthem, resilience is our superpower, and fabulousness is our birthright. Enjoy these little teaser clips of upcoming content!