What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Money is something that affects all of us… but most of us were never actually taught how to manage it.In this episode, we’re joined by Ola Majekodunmi, qualified financial advisor, public speaker and founder of All Things Money to talk about saving, investing, budgeting and building wealth in your 20s & 30s.From feeling behind financially to learning how to invest for the first time, we unpack the money conversations more people need to be having.We talk about:💸 How to actually start saving & investing📈 Building wealth even if you don’t earn loads🧠 Money anxiety, comparison & financial confidence🏡 Buying property, budgeting & financial goals💳 Credit cards, debt & student loans👩‍💻 Women & investing📱 The impact of social media on how we view success✨ And the financial advice we wish we knew soonerKEY MOMENTS:00:00 Introducing Ola & All Things Money02:30 Why schools don’t teach enough about money05:00 The biggest money mistakes people are making07:30 Feeling behind financially in your 20s & 30s10:30 Where to start with saving & investing14:00 Best investing platforms for beginners15:30 Property, relationships & financial goals19:30 “I don’t earn enough to save”22:00 Saving vs investing explained26:00 Debt, credit cards & student loans32:00 What Ola wishes she knew soonerWhether you’re just starting your financial journey or trying to feel more confident with money, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation.Follow us on socials @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod 🤍

With everyone talking about community right now, we wanted to ask the question… why does it feel harder than ever to actually find it?We grew up in environments where connection felt easy — school, university, even early careers — but as we’ve got older, building meaningful friendships and feeling part of something has become a lot less straightforward.At the same time, we’re more “connected” than ever online… yet somehow more disconnected in real life.So why is that? And what can we actually do about it?In this mini episode, we unpack: 🏡 Why community used to feel easier (and what’s changed) 📱 How social media creates the illusion of connection 🤝 The difference between having friends vs feeling like you belong 🌍 Why everyone wants a “village” — but no one wants to build one 😬 Why putting yourself out there feels uncomfortable (but is necessary) ☕ How small, everyday moments can lead to real connection ✨ Why we decided to start building our own community for “5–9ers”KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Everyone wants a village — but no one builds one 01:00 Why community feels more important than ever 02:00 From built-in communities to building your own 03:00 The impact of remote work & post-COVID life 04:00 Why it’s harder to make friends as an adult 05:00 Social media vs real connection 07:00 Why “catch-up culture” isn’t real connection 09:00 Building community in small, simple ways 11:00 Why you have to put yourself out there 13:00 Finding your people (and trusting your intuition)If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing “your people” — this episode is for you.Follow us on socials @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod and send this to someone who might need the reminder 💛 

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Lindfield - career strategist, author of Play the Game and founder of EmbraceHer.From the outside, Jess’s career looks incredibly successful. But behind the scenes, her experience with ambition, burnout and navigating corporate life hasn't always been straightforward.We talk about what it really means to “play the game” at work and why working hard alone isn’t always enough to get ahead.✨We also get into:why ambition needs to be sustainable (not just impressive on paper)confidence vs self-trust (and what actually moves the needle)how to build visibility without it feeling forcedthe career advice women aren’t always taughtand how to define success in a way that actually works for your lifeIf you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to navigate your next move, this episode is for you.KEY MOMENTS:00:00 – Introduction to Jess Linfield02:00 – How her relationship with ambition has evolved03:30 – Chasing promotions vs enjoying your day-to-day04:30 – Rapid career growth at 24 (and realising it wasn’t what she wanted)06:00 – Why she created Embrace Her07:30 – What women are really struggling with: confidence vs career strategy09:00 – Why self-trust matters more than confidence10:30 – Imposter syndrome and getting out of your own way12:30 – How confidence is actually built21:00 – The DARE method explained30:00 – Why working hard isn’t enough (visibility, strategy & impact)💬 Follow us for more conversations on life, career & personal growth @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod💛 And if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to follow, rate and share the podcast - it helps us reach more people who might need these conversations.

With everyone talking about the millennial career crisis, we wanted to ask the question… is it actually a crisis or are careers just evolving?Many of us were raised to follow a certain path: go to school, go to university, get a stable job, work hard, and eventually everything will fall into place.But the world we’re working in now looks very different.AI is reshaping industries, the job market is shifting, and more people are questioning whether climbing the traditional ladder is the only definition of success.So are millennials really lost or are we just redefining what work and purpose look like?In this mini episode, we unpack: 💼 Why so many people feel stuck or uncertain in their careers 🤖 How AI and technology are changing the job market 🧠 Why your job title shouldn’t define your identity 🎨 The importance of passions and creative outlets outside of work 📉 Whether university is still the “right” path for everyone 🔄 Why pivoting careers is more normal than we think ✨ And how to build a life that isn’t defined only by workKEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Are millennials actually in a career crisis? 02:00 Millennials were raised for a different world 03:30 AI, job security & the changing job market 05:00 The rise of personal brands and creator careers 07:00 University vs alternative career paths 11:00 Hustle culture vs Gen Z work values 13:00 Why life starts to feel like Groundhog Day 15:00 Finding purpose outside your job 18:00 Redefining success and pivoting careersIf you’ve ever felt like everyone else has their life figured out while you’re still working it out — this episode is for you.Follow us on socials @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod and send this to someone who might need the reminder 💛 

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew Sooner, we’re joined by Adam Smith - Co-Founder of HelpBnk and Chief Community Officer - to talk about entrepreneurship, purpose, and why waiting for the “perfect time” might be the very thing holding you back.Adam shares his unconventional career journey, from following the traditional path into scientific research to leaving it behind, travelling the world, learning sales on the streets of Sydney, and eventually building and selling his own business.We explore what it really takes to start something from scratch, why execution matters more than ideas, and how surrounding yourself with people who have purpose can completely change the direction of your life.Along the way, Adam shares powerful lessons about taking action, embracing uncertainty, and why you probably have far more time than you think.✨ In this conversation we discuss:• Why the traditional career path isn’t always the safest option• The mindset shift that turns ideas into action• What entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes• Why community and purpose matter more than ever• The importance of doing things before you feel ready• How one conversation can change the trajectory of your lifeWhether you’re thinking about starting a business, building something on the side, or simply feeling stuck about your next step, this episode is a reminder that progress rarely comes from waiting - it comes from taking action.KEY MOMENTS:00:00 — Intro: Adam Smith (Co-Founder of HelpBnk)00:02 — Why He Walked Away From the Traditional Career Path00:03 — Traveling the World & Learning Sales Door-to-Door00:06 — Starting His First Business00:11 — The Story Behind HelpBnk00:19 — Turning Ideas Into Businesses: The HelpBnk Accelerator00:25 — The Rise of AI & Building a Personal Brand00:30 — “Do It Scared”: Taking Action Before You’re Ready00:35 — Why Execution Matters More Than Ideas00:41 — The Non-Negotiables for Building a Business That Lasts00:47 — What Adam Wishes He Knew Sooner00:52 — Advice for Anyone Feeling Stuck💬 Follow us for more conversations on life, career & personal growth @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod✨ And if you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to follow, rate and share the podcast - it helps us reach more people who might need these conversations.

As we wrap up love month, we’re talking red flags, green flags, and the standards we set in modern relationships…Are we becoming more self-aware or just more picky?Where did the obsession with “red flags” even come from?And how do you tell the difference between a genuine warning sign and just… being human?In this mini episode, we unpack:🚩What a red flag actually is (and what it isn’t)💬 Why consistency and communication matter more than grand gestures🎯 The difference between attention and intention🧠 How to spot subtle disrespect 🚦 Why not everything that makes you uncomfortable is toxic💚 And the green flags that genuinely point to emotional maturityWhether you’re dating, in a relationship, or just reflecting on your patterns, this one’s about listening to your intuition and not settling for less than you deserve.Follow us on socials @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod and send this to someone who needs the reminder 💌

In this episode, we’re joined by Rebecca Emery, founder of Not Born Yesterday, to explore how we’re seen, why visibility alone isn’t enough, and what it really takes to build trust and credibility in a noisy world.From PR and storytelling to perception, personal brand and modern visibility, Rebecca helps us unpack why being “out there” doesn’t always translate to being trusted and how the stories we tell (and don’t tell) shape how others experience us.We talk about what PR really is beyond headlines, how credibility is built over time, and why staying human, intentional and consistent matters more than chasing attention. Rebecca also shares the lessons she’s learned building her own agency, working closely with founders and brands, and what she wishes she’d known sooner about backing herself and showing up with confidence.We talk: 💬 Why visibility doesn’t automatically equal trust 🧠 How perception quietly shapes how we’re seen 📣 What PR really is (and what people often get wrong) 🌱 How to build credibility in a world that’s louder and faster than everKEY MOMENTS:0:00 Intro & meeting Rebecca1:00 What most people get wrong about PR11:00 Why PR matters for your career and personal brand13:00 What the people and brands who “get it” do differently16:00 Why building trust and real connection is so difficult today21:00 How to build credibility without it feeling forced25:00 What the shift toward GEO means for modern brands34:00 Staying visible in the age of AI without losing your human edge 35:00 How PR can support brands through a crisis 42:00 Lessons in resilience, reputation and leadership48:00 Taking the leap: navigating the uncertainty of starting her own business53:00 What Rebecca wishes she knew sooner🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: Rebecca Emery, Founder of Not Born Yesterday (@notbornyesterdaypr) 🔗 Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod 

What I Wish I Knew Sooner is a podcast about the lessons no one teaches you — from careers and money to creativity, confidence, and navigating your twenties and thirties.Hosted by Senna and Serenity, each episode features candid conversations with founders, creatives, and industry experts, sharing the insights they wish they’d known earlier. 

In this new episode of What I Wish I Knew Sooner, we’re kicking off a new series of shorter, just-us conversations - diving into one topic at a time and sharing the lessons we’re learning in real time.With 2025 often described as the Year of the Snake (shedding, reflection, letting go) and 2026 as the Year of the Horse (momentum, movement, and forward action), we reflect on what we’ve had to release and what we’re choosing to move towards next.We talk about:🐍 Why 2025 felt like a year of shedding and change🐎 What the Year of the Horse represents as we move into 2026✂ Letting go of old versions of ourselves and people pleasing🚶‍♀️ What moving forward actually looks like without forcing it 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod 

In this episode, we’re joined by psychotherapist Charlotte Braithwaite to explore what it really means to be human in a world that’s moving faster than our nervous systems were ever designed for.From burnout and survival mode to hustle culture, AI, and constant comparison, Charlotte helps us unpack why so many of us feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like we’re constantly “on edge” - and why this isn’t a personal failing, but a very human response to modern life.We talk about how our nervous systems shape the way we think, feel and behave, how productivity culture and technology can quietly keep us stuck in fight-or-flight, and what it actually looks like to begin regulating ourselves in a world that rarely slows down.Charlotte also shares practical insights on how to reconnect with yourself, create a greater sense of safety in your body, and move from survival mode into a more grounded, intentional way of living.We talk: 💭 Why so many of us feel like we’re constantly in survival mode 🧠 How the nervous system quietly runs the show 🤖 What AI and modern life are changing about how we relate to ourselves 🌱 Small, realistic ways to regulate, reconnect and feel more human againKEY MOMENTS:0:00 Why modern life feels so overwhelming 2:00 As AI gets smarter, are we losing touch with what makes us human?5:00 Survival mode isn’t what you think - here’s how it actually shows up 10:00 The signs your nervous system is quietly running the show18:00 How productivity culture keeps us disconnected from ourselves24:00 People-pleasing, imposter syndrome & why they’re nervous system patterns 34:00 Why boundaries feel so hard and what your body has to do with it 39:00 What it really means to improve the quality of your life46:00 What’s actually happening in your body during an existential crisis 54:00 What Charlotte wishes she knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: Charlotte Braithwaite (@be_conscious_with_charlotte) 🔗 Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with Sophia Maslin - barrister turned founder of Morby, the modern estate-planning platform - to explore why planning for the future doesn’t have to be complicated, morbid, or reserved for later in life.After losing a family member in their thirties, Sophia discovered just how unprepared most people are when it comes to wills - not because they don’t care, but because the process feels confusing, outdated, and overwhelming. Morby was born to change that.We dive into how Sophia is demystifying wills, reframing them as a core part of financial wellness, and helping a whole generation take control of their futures with clarity, confidence, and even humour.Sophia opens up about her personal story, the misconceptions holding people back, and what it’s been like disrupting one of the most traditional corners of the legal world.We talk: 💭 Why so many Millennials & Gen Z avoid wills (even though they know they need one) 🐾 The surprising things you can protect in a will, from pets to social media 📱 How tech, design & AI are modernising a dusty, outdated industry 🌱 Why planning for the future is an act of self-care, not morbidity 🗂 The reality of building a startup, raising investment & disrupting a legacy sector ✨ The mindset shift that helped Sophia pivot from law to entrepreneurshipKEY MOMENTS:0:00 Intro & Meet Sophia 1:00 Sophia’s journey law journey3:00 The personal story behind Morby 10:00 Why we avoid talking about death & planning for the future13:00 Taking something hard to face & reframing it with humour 17:00 The disconnect between what we know we should do & what we actually do 21:00 What can wills protect for people that don’t have big assets 25:00 Turning a complex, traditional process into something simple 31:00 Sophia’s first business: Revolt model agency 39:00 Hot takes on wills, legacy, manifestation and peace of mind 42:00 What Sophia wishes she knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: Sophia Maslin (@morbyapp) 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with George Bell — author of Be a Man About It: Building a Healthier Idea of Masculinity — to unpack one of the most important and misunderstood conversations of our time: men, mental health, and modern masculinity.Released during Movember, Men’s Health Awareness Month, this episode dives into why so many men are struggling in silence, how cultural expectations around strength and emotion are affecting them, and what needs to change in the way we talk about masculinity.George shares what inspired him to write the book, the patterns he’s seen through his research and interviews, and how we can all play a part in breaking unhelpful cycles and creating healthier models of strength, vulnerability, and connection.We talk: 💭 The silent pressure cooker men are living with today 🧠 How the myths of masculinity are fuelling disconnection and burnout 💬 Why vulnerability isn’t weakness and what healthy strength looks like 🌍 How we can all play a part in reshaping the conversationKEY MOMENTS:0:00 Introduction & Meet George2:00 Why men are cracking under the weight of cultural & societal norms4:30 Have men always felt this way or is it new?6:15 Why is male mental health still fairly unspoken about?9:30 Opening up emotionally to men vs. women 16:15 Learning emotional intelligence at school18:00 Is the damage already done or can it be reversed?19:30 George’s thoughts on Netflix’s Adolescence22:30 How social media has shaped the idea of masculinity27:30 Breaking the cycle for future generations30:15 Advice for men who didn’t have positive role models 37:00 The role women play in the cycle 47:30 Interviews from the book that will change your perspective on masculinity52:30 Steven Fry’s review of the Be a Man About It book 55:00 What gives George hope that the conversation is starting to change58:30 Hot takes on men fearing emotion, needing vulnerability, and the difference between how men & women talk to their friends1:05 What George wishes he knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: George Bell (@georgeybell) 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod 

In this episode, we sit down with Hanan Tantush - award-winning designer and founder of Intotum, the adaptive fashion brand redefining what it means to create clothing that’s functional, comfortable, and beautiful.After watching her grandfather struggle to find clothing that felt both practical and empowering, Hanan set out to change the fashion industry from the inside out - designing garments with the disabled community, not just for them.From building Intotum from scratch to winning £70,000 at the inaugural NatWest Accelerator Pitch and being named one of Drapers’ 30 Under 30, Hanan shares what it takes to build a business rooted in purpose - and why inclusivity should never come as an afterthought.We talk: 👗 What adaptive fashion really means and why it matters 💡 The story behind Intotum’s mission to make clothing accessible for everyone 🔥 How to pitch with purpose (and win big) 🧵 The future of inclusive design and representation in fashionIf you care about innovation, impact, or the power of design to make life better - this conversation is for you.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 Intro & meet Hanan4:00 Why Hanan felt she had to do something 7:00 How Hanan got into sewing and fashion design 8:00 The meaning behind the name Intotum9:00 Turning the idea into a business13:00 Hanan’s experience winning business pitches  22:00 Balancing function, fashion and comfort 28:00 Designing with the community, rather than for them33:00 The challenge of breaking into the fashion industry37:00 Why Intotum is expanding into sportswear43:00 Advice for other founders pitching their business 54:00 How the NatWest Accelerator pitch will change things for Intotum1:00 Hot takes on function vs fashion and representation in the industry 1:02 Hanan’s advice on a listener dilemma 1:03 What Hanan wishes she knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: Hanan Tantush (@intotum_fashion) 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with Kierian Cameron - founder/Cult Leader of Brand Cult, the UK’s first print-only business newspaper created to disrupt boring business advice - to talk about building brands that people don’t just follow, but obsess over.From starting out as a teacher to launching a cult publication that’s landing on desks across the creative and entrepreneurial world, Kierian shares the bold thinking behind her mission and the lessons she’s learned about brand, storytelling, and standing out in a noisy world. We dive into what makes people truly connect with a brand, why obsession beats awareness, and how founders and creatives can build communities that care - without selling out or playing by the old rules. We talk: 🗞️ Why Kierian built a print-only business newspaper in a digital world 🔥 What makes a brand “cult” and how to create one people love 💡 The power of authenticity, vulnerability and storytelling in marketing 📈 How to grow with intention and protect your brand from burnoutIf you’re building something and want people to care deeply about it - this conversation is for you.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 Intro & meet Kierian2:00 Kierian’s journey from teacher, to graphic designer, to founder19:00 How Brand Cult is for the founders who want to scale without selling their soul20:00 All the topics covered in Brand Cult 26:00 In-person community events for Brand Cult 27:00 How the Brand Cult branding has resonated with audiences29:00 Ambitions to grow the Brand Cult team 30:00 What makes a brand obsess-worthy?31:00 The biggest branding mistakes entrepreneurs make at the beginning of their journey37:00 Rebels in branding 38:00 What made Kierian choose print only in a click-chasing era 40:00 How Brand Cult got traction so quickly 42:00 Building the hype and getting the word out without going down the online route44:00 What Kierian has learned from shifting careers multiple times 48:00 How Kierian balances being creative whilst being CEO50:00 Hot takes on building a cult brand, product quality, and bad marketing 52:00 Listener dilemma and Kierian’s advice54:00 What Kierian wishes she knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 📍 Guest: Kierian Cameron (@houseofcultbrands)💛Follow Brand Cult: @brand.cultuk 🎧 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

 In this episode, we sit down with Will Polston - mindset strategist, coach, and author of North Star Thinking - to explore how to get clear on what you want, stop making excuses, and finally take action.Will explains the North Star Thinking framework he’s used to help thousands of people find clarity, get past excuses, and move toward the lives they want. Instead of chasing motivation or waiting for the perfect moment, Will shows how to turn vision into action. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by options, or unsure where to focus your energy, this conversation will give you the inspiration to move forward.We talk: ✨ What “North Star Thinking” really means and how to apply it to everyday life 🧭 Why clarity beats motivation when it comes to results 💭 How to take consistent action even when you don’t feel ready  🚀 The role of accountability and environment in success 🔑 The mindset shifts that turn ideas into lasting resultsIf you’re ready to swap confusion for clarity and excuses for action, this episode is for you.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 Intro & Meet Will02:00 Achieving financial success but feeling unfulfilled 04:00 The Tony Robbins talk that shifted Will’s mindset09:00 What finding your North Star means11:00 How people can can get toward their North Star 17:00 The kind of people Will is helping & where they are on their journey20:00 The most underrated tool for transformation 27:00 Why so many ambitious people still feel unfulfilled 33:00 Spotting misalignment in people 35:00 The common thread between Will’s business investments 40:00 How building businesses helps Will’s coaching 47:00 Beliefs and mindset shifts from the North Star Thinking book52:00 Hot takes on ambition, routines and turning failures into wins56:00 Will’s advice on a listener dilemma 1:00 What Will wishes he knew sooner🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 💡 Guest: Will Polston (@willpolston) 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with Mervyn Reid Nelson - body confidence coach, photographer, and founder of You at Yours - to explore what it really means to feel at home in your body.Mervyn shares how his journey from wedding photographer to body confidence coach revealed a bigger truth: it’s never really about the photos, it’s about what happens when you stop hiding, let go of self-criticism, and allow yourself to be seen.Instead of chasing perfection or filters, Mervyn’s work is about creating spaces where people can rediscover joy, confidence, and self-acceptance - exactly as they are. From navigating social media pressures to redefining what confidence looks like across generations, this conversation is both honest and uplifting.We talk: 📸 Why the photo is just the byproduct of real transformation 💬 How culture, family & society shape our body image 🔒 Why safety, trust & boundaries are at the heart of confidence 🌊 From Oxford Circus to Tower Bridge: powerful client stories of liberation 🔑 What it means to stop waiting for “someday” and love yourself nowIf you’ve ever felt held back by body image, struggled with self-esteem, or wondered how to show up more fully in your life, this episode is for you.KEY MOMENTS:00:00 Intro & meet Mervyn 01:00 Why Mervyn pivoted from wedding to body confidence photography03:00 Where our low self-esteem comes from 06:00 How You at Yours balances empowerment and authenticity 12:00 How to feel confident without external praise and affirmation 16:00 The different photoshoots You at Yours offers 21:00 What happens at a You at Yours shoot21:00 What does confidence really mean and what are we getting wrong 27:00 Can you really “fake it til you make it”?32:00 The difference in how different generations approach being seen39:00 How Mervyn’s work is challenging mainstream beauty standards42:00 How working in this space has changed the way Mervyn sees himself48:00 The advice Mervyn would give to his 10-year old self 54:00 The most difficult part of Mervyn’s job emotionally 58:00 Small shifts people can make when struggling with low self-esteem and body image1:02 Unexpected challenges of building You at Yours1:06 Hot takes on the beauty industry, confidence, being photogenic and loving your body1:12 Mervyn gives his advice on a listener dilemma 1:16 What Mervyn wishes he knew sooner1:18 Episode wrap up 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 💛 Guest: Mervyn Reid Nelson (@youatyours) 📍 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with Jaini, the intuitive channel, energetic guide and founder of Alchemy with Jaini, to explore what it really means to get unstuck in life.Instead of quick fixes or surface-level self-help, Jaini shares how deep, soul-led tools like astrology and energy work can help you understand your patterns, clear subconscious blocks, and come home to who you really are.If you’ve been doing all the things and still feel stuck, this conversation is for you.We talk: 🌙 How astrology reveals your soul’s blueprint 🌀 Healing the parts mindset work misses 💫 The power of channeling, hypnosis & energy work 🔑 What it means to live with purpose and actually believe in yourselfKEY MOMENTS:00:00 Intro 01:00 Meet Jaini02:00 How Jaini got into astrology 04:00 Combining mindset work and soul strategy07:00 What your birth chart can tell you about your purpose09:00 Why you have the same star sign but a different personality10:00 What the most misunderstood things about astrology are 12:00 How people can use their birth chart practically in daily life13:00 Senna’s birth chart reading!17:00 Why feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken20:00 The most common blocks Jaini sees in people’s lives23:00 How people can rewire their patterns and move forward26:00 How to use pain as fuel 29:00 Jaini’s hypnosis and healing work 32:00 Jaini’s entreprenurial work with Carrie Green33:00 Using Stan Store for your online business35:00 Hot takes on star signs, healing and mindset blocks 36:00 Listener dilemma 39:00 What Jaini wishes she knew sooner42:00 Wrap up and where to find Alchemy with Jaini 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 💛 Guest: Jaini (@alchemywithjaini) ✨Jaini's Stan Store: https://stan.store/alchemywithjaini📍 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube 🔗 Follow us @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod

In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Turner, energy scientist and founder of Rhae - the world’s first hormone-syncing app - to unpack periods, power, and patriarchy.Sophie shares why hormonal health is still so misunderstood, what inspired her to create Rhae, and how she’s challenging outdated narratives around women’s bodies. We dive into her mission to end shame, give women back their power, and build tools that help us understand our cycles, nervous systems, and emotional truths.From trans inclusion in hormonal health to redefining what self-care really means, this conversation is raw and refreshingly honest.We talk: 💛 How hormones shape confidence, energy, and identity 🩸 Why the patriarchy keeps us disconnected from our bodies 🧠 The power of nervous system repair and emotional literacy 🚀 Sophie's journey to building Rhae and her vision for the anti-wellness eraIf you’ve ever felt confused by your cycle, burnt out by wellness culture, or just want to learn what your body’s been trying to tell you - this episode is for you.KEY MOMENTS:00:00: Intro & meet Sophie01:00: Why Sophie is building Rhae06:00: How Rhae helps discover hormonal issues09:00: The patriarchy and underfunding of women’s health15:00: The anti-wellness era 21:00: Building an inclusive business 24:00: Using AI to create personalised healthcare28:00: Growing Rhae behind the scenes 30:00: Bringing powerful women together on Playing to Win39:00: Sophie’s work as an Energy Scientist 45:00: Ancestral patterns, hormonal imprints & emotional timelines 51:00: Hot takes: men’s periods, pilates & matcha, burnout and emotional overwhelm54:00: Listener dilemma 55:00: Final reflections & what Sophie wishes she knew sooner 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity ✨ Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod🔗 Follow Sophie & Rhae: @thisisrhae / @thisissophiet🎧Listen to Playing to Win on Spotify and YouTubeWe use Descript to edit all our episodes — it makes life so much easier. ⁠⁠Try it here⁠⁠: https://get.descript.com/y157svgo3gej

In this episode, we sit down with Ama Owusu-Afriye - founder and host of the Nova & Boba Start-ups Podcast - to explore what it really takes to build a podcast from scratch.Ama shares how she launched Nova & Boba after her first start-up, grew it from zero to thousands of streams, and turned it into a go-to platform for Gen Z founders and early-stage start-up stories.We talk about pitching dream guests, building confidence behind the mic, and growing an audience when no one knows your name yet. It’s an honest conversation about finding your voice, staying consistent, and creating the space you wish existed.We cover:💭 Why she started Nova & Boba 🚀 How to grow a podcast from nothing 💡 Learning to take up space as a Gen Z founder 🎧 Lessons in confidence, consistency, and communityIf you’re dreaming of starting something of your own - this episode is for you.KEY MOMENTS:00:00 – Intro & Meet Ama02:00 – Why Ama started the Nova & Boba podcast04:00 – Gen Z & the rise of entrepreneurship05:00 – Ama’s interview with Georgie Holt & building confidence07:00 – Ama’s early entrepreneurial moments (Galaxy Cookie Crumble)09:00 – Building an educational platform & balancing creativity16:00 – Dealing with trolls & taking risks17:00 – How Ama sources guests & grows the podcast19:00 – Getting big-name guests & changing the pitch20:00 – Marketing strategy & early growth hacks21:00 – Why “bubble tea” is part of the brand23:00 – Running a podcast team & managing interns25:00 – Bubble tea personality analysis26:00 – Lessons from her first business29:00 – Dealing with rejection, failure and setbacks32:00 – Tips for new podcasters33:00 – Hot takes: growth, rejection & social strategy37:00 – Listener dilemma40:00 – Final reflections & what Ama wishes she knew sooner🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 💛 Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod ✨ Listen to Nova & Boba on Spotify and YouTube📲 Follow @novaandbobapodWe use Descript to edit all our episodes — it makes life so much easier. ⁠Try it here⁠. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Nicola Gunby — exited founder of My Rev and co-founder of CLIQ, the app making real-life friendships easier (and more meaningful) to build.We talk about what it takes to grow an early-stage start-up, raise over £500K with no marketing spend, and build a business that solves a real human problem — all while working with your partner and navigating the ups and downs of being a female founder.We also dive into: 💡 The lessons Nicola learned from exiting her first business📱 What makes CLIQ different from your typical social app 🧠 Mindset tips for building confidence as a founder 🔥 Our spiciest Hot Takes on start-ups and self-promotion 💬 A listener dilemma on how to get out of your comfort zoneWhether you're a future founder or just someone looking for honest advice and inspiration, this one’s for you.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 - Intro 06:00 - Exiting MyRev & how that shaped the approach to building CLIQ11:00 - The mission of CLIQ in tackling loneliness 14:00 - Achieving success without a traditional marketing push 17:00 - Pitching to investors and what they are looking for25:00 - Staying motivated as an entrepreneur 27:00 - Practical tips for building a business alongside your 9-530:00 - The importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people33:00 - The fear of entrepreneurship and getting started37:00 - Handling failure, rejection and setback 39:00 - How to find a co-founder for your business42:00 - Building the initial MVP and market research  46:00 - Hot takes on being an entrepreneur today 51:00 - Listener dilemma 55:00 - What Nicola wishes she knew sooner 57:00 - Where to find CLIQ and what is coming up 🎙 Hosts: Senna & Serenity 💛 Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpod✨ Connect with Nicola: @nicolargunby | @findyourcliqWe use Descript to edit all our episodes — it makes life so much easier. Try it here. 

Art, community and finding your people through shared passions 🎨💫In this episode, we’re joined by Yinsey Wang and Katie Morrowick — co-founders of Muses in the City, a community platform making arts and culture more accessible, inclusive and joyful.We talk about how they built a space that celebrates connection through creativity, the power of heritage and storytelling, and what it really means to build a meaningful community in 2025.We also dive into: 🖼️ How arts spaces spark deeper friendships 💬 The creative practices that keep them inspired 🔥 Our spiciest Hot Takes on art and culture 💡 A listener dilemma on reigniting your creative sparkWhether you're a gallery lover, a weekend poet, or just looking for a new way to meet like-minded people, this one’s for you.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 - Intro01:00 - Meeting the girls & our Taylor Swift connection05:00 - The story behind Muses in the City08:00 - How Muses in the City has helped people’s personal growth 12:00 - London’s culture scene & how these spaces bring people together14:00 - Yinsey & Katie’s favourite Muses in the City experience 18:00 - Why community is so important in 202523:00 - Hot takes on the arts and culture scene 31:00 - How Yinsey balances being a full-time lawyer, model, museum advisor and running Muses35:00 - Embracing your multipassions and not being afraid of being judged  37:00 - How Katie stays creatively inspired as an audiobook narrator, writer, painter and musician 42:00 - Listener dilemma44:00 - Yinsey & Katie’s biggest muse, favourite creative work and what they wish they knew sooner 48:00 - Where to find Muses in the City and what’s coming up 🎙️ Hosts: Senna & Serenity💌 Connect with Muses: @musesinthecity💛Follow us: @whatiwishiknewsoonerpodWe use Descript to edit all our episodes — it makes life so much easier. ⁠Try it here⁠. 

In our first real episode, we’re unpacking the life lessons no one teaches you — from career twists to outgrowing friendships, trusting your gut, and making peace with not having it all figured out.Think of this as a pep talk from your future self.KEY MOMENTS:0:00 - Intro 02:00 - Careers & hustle culture08:00 - Friendships & social life 14:00 - Relationships & dating 23:00 - Money 28:00 - Hot takes on careers, social life and relationships 🎙 New episodes monthly on Spotify and YouTube💛 Follow us on socials: whatiwishiknewsoonerpodWe use Descript to edit all our episodes — it makes life so much easier. ⁠Try it here⁠.