Karen talks with Paula Rastrick, former sports rehab coach, about her powerful journey through perimenopause, trauma, and self-discovery. After a severe reaction to HRT, Paula began exploring how childhood experiences and stress shape women’s health. Together, they discuss why real healing means listening to your body, simplifying, and reclaiming your power — instead of chasing quick fixes. A raw, honest chat for any woman ready to take back control of her wellbeing.   Home - The Brain Body Method by Paula Rastrick    

In this episode, Karen shares why transformation isn’t about fixing yourself it’s about remembering who you truly are. She talks about letting go of old stories, family expectations, and the need to please others so you can reconnect with your real self. Through her “Sloth to Beaver” analogy, Karen reminds us that growth means clearing what no longer serves you and rebuilding life in a way that feels true. A gentle, inspiring listen for anyone ready to stop “fixing” and start being.

In this episode, Karen chats with Dr Thomasz George, founder of Freya Health — a groundbreaking app that puts you in charge of your medical data. Imagine having all your records, from NHS visits to smartwatch data, in one secure place you can access anywhere in the world. Thomasz explains how Freya helps you share information safely with doctors, take part in research (and get paid for it), and even track your health using a simple 30-second face scan. A fascinating look at how technology could finally make healthcare personal — and truly yours. Learn more: freyrhealth.com

In this episode, Karen Bashford opens up about a deeply personal few weeks caring for her elderly cat and the emotional exhaustion that followed. She reflects on how stress, fear, and overwhelm can lead to self-sabotage, loss of motivation, and even physical fatigue and how awareness, honesty, and self-compassion can bring us back to balance. Karen shares gentle reminders to recognise the warning signs, allow yourself space to rest, and stop blaming yourself for simply being human. A tender and honest conversation about self-abandonment, resilience, and the healing power of kindness toward yourself.

In this inspiring episode, Karen talks with fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen about how our clothes affect how we think, feel, and show up in the world. Jennifer explains why colour impacts mood, how “dopamine dressing” lifts confidence, and why what we wear can even help us heal after trauma or loss. You’ll also hear about her simple “wardrobe zones” method—comfort, confidence, and identity—that helps you dress with purpose and feel more like yourself every day. A warm, fascinating chat that proves style really does start from the inside out.

Have you ever found yourself stuck overthinking a big decision? In this solo episode, Karen talks about why making choices can be so challenging and shares her five-step method for overcoming fear and uncertainty. She opens up about her own experiences of following her heart, making mistakes, and learning to listen to both logic and intuition. You’ll learn how to get clear on what you really want, understand how your body reacts to choices, and take confident steps forward – even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s a calm, honest look at decision-making that reminds us we always have the power to choose our next direction.   https://karenbashford.com https://slothorbeaver.com  

Artist, designer, former teacher, and men’s mental health advocate Shaun Pritchard joins Karen to talk honestly about what many men carry but rarely say out loud. We dig into why male friendships fade, how creativity and nature can heal, and Shauns’s new men-only community, Forge, built to rebuild connection, accountability, and support. You will hear practical ways women and men can understand each other better, how to start real conversations with the men in your life, and why strong, healthy masculinity makes families and communities safer. Real talk, hopeful solutions.   Business Networking for Men | Forge Network | Nottingham Auraform.co.uk Shaun Pritchard | LinkedIn  

Keep putting things off, ghosting your goals, or talking yourself out of good relationships? In this episode, Karen explains what self-sabotage really looks like and why it shows up. She shares a simple four-step practice to stop the spiral: list what you want, rate your commitment 1–10, choose a “Power of Three” actions, and check what your body is telling you. Clear, practical, and compassionate support to start moving forward today.

Struggling with a wardrobe full of clothes but “nothing to wear”? Karen sits down with Suzanne Suthers, personal shopper and stylist, to talk about simple ways women can feel fabulous again. From finding colours that make you glow to choosing clothes that fit who you are now, Suzanne shares practical tips that boost confidence and style at any age.   Suzanne Suthers - Home

In this episode, Karen Bashford explores how childhood wounds, family dynamics, and unhealed patterns shape the stories we carry into adulthood. She reveals why so many women feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood, and how reviewing, reflecting, and rewriting your story can open space for self-love, healthier choices, and a life aligned with who you truly are. Listen now to discover how to empty the bucket of negativity, refill your heart with love, and step into your authentic self.

Can deep change happen fast? Karen talks with Clare, creator of The Walters Method, about body based tools that move you from low self worth and anxiety to calm, empowered action. Hear how felt sense work reveals root causes, why shifts can be immediate, and how Claire’s new diploma trains coaches and therapists to guide real transformation. Listen now, get practical steps, choose your empowered adult.   The founder of TWM - Clare Walters Overview of Diploma Course in TWM - The Walters Method

In this episode of The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast, host Karen Bashford shares her deeply personal journey of breakdown, healing, and breakthrough. She explores how slowing down, surrendering, and questioning long-held beliefs can transform pain into peace. Karen also introduces the Sloth or Beaver Toolkit, a powerful self-discovery tool designed to help you uncover patterns, release old stories, and step into the life you were truly meant to live.   https://slothorbeaver.com https://karenbashford.com  

In this episode of The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast, host Karen Bashford sits down with Lottie Moore, a modern-day Celtic medicine woman and Grand Master Fire Walk Instructor. Lottie shares her journey from the mountains of Africa to the sacred landscapes of Ireland, revealing how indigenous plants, fire walking, and a deep relationship with the land can ignite transformation. Discover the ancient wisdom we’ve forgotten, how to reconnect with the earth beneath your feet, and why healing isn’t just for people – the land needs it too.

In this uplifting solo episode, Karen Bashford shares how a spur-of-the-moment trip to Sicily turned into a powerful lesson in self-belief. From navigating foreign roads and unexpected challenges to climbing 84 stairs to her apartment, Karen reveals how trusting yourself—and taking things one step at a time—can transform fear into confidence. Full of real-life anecdotes, gentle humour, and inspiring takeaways, this episode will remind you that when you believe in yourself, little miracles happen every day. Listen now and start turning your challenges into triumphs.

In this inspiring episode, Karen Bashford speaks with Kay Reeve, a mentor, breast cancer survivor, and domestic abuse warrior. Bernadette opens up about her harrowing experiences of physical and emotional abuse, the trauma of sexual violation, and the long-term health consequences of suppressing her truth. With raw honesty and grace, she shares how she found the courage to escape, rebuild her life, and now support others through their healing journeys. From autoimmune conditions and surgeries to embracing her inner power, Bernadette’s story is a testament to resilience, self-love, and the transformative strength within us all. This is more than a conversation—it’s a message of hope for any woman who has ever felt silenced, broken, or unseen. Listen now and be reminded that your past does not define your future.   Connect with Kay Reeve: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.kayreeve YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kayreeve.author LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-reeve-437078108/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayreeve.author TEDx Talk: Tackling Teenage Depression https://youtu.be/DiIUdXmhf-0?si=YigvZ5h_IrCcErRu

What Is Your Body Really Telling You? In this deeply personal solo episode, host Karen Bashford explores the powerful connection between emotional trauma and physical illness. Drawing from her own life experiences, Karen shares how suppressed emotions—especially those tied to rejection, fear, and anger—can manifest in the body as everything from sprained ankles to autoimmune disease and migraines. Through raw reflection and metaphysical insight, she invites listeners to consider how their bodies might be communicating unresolved pain or unspoken truths. Could your symptoms be a signal to slow down, change direction, or finally speak your truth? If you're struggling with recurring health issues, this episode might help you uncover the emotional root beneath the physical pain. Tune in and start listening to your body in a whole new way.

Menopause, Misunderstood – A Conversation with Michelle Rowlinson In this powerful episode, host Karen Bashford is joined by Michelle Rowlinson, bestselling author, senior MSK physiotherapist, and menopause wellbeing educator. Michelle opens up about her seven-year battle with undiagnosed perimenopause symptoms, the toll it took on her health, relationships, and career, and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for menopause education. From misdiagnoses and marriage breakdowns to hormonal brain fog and the realities of HRT, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the silent struggles many women face. Michelle also shares actionable advice around nutrition, exercise, and how to advocate for yourself with healthcare professionals. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or confused about your body during perimenopause or menopause—this episode is for you. Listen now and reclaim the power of knowledge.   Michelle's social media, books and information. Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson  Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a  Podcast  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/menopause-the-real-deal/id1784499874  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/79YajNoR3KRCJTaH2rho4v  Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag  Free facebook menopause support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082560989097400/   

We judge others.We fear being judged.And often, we harshly judge ourselves. But what if judgement isn’t just about right or wrong? What if it’s a reflection of our own fears, conditioning, and pain? In this episode, we’ll explore how judgement shows up in our lives, how it separates us from others and from ourselves and how we can shift from criticism to curiosity. Let’s go deeper. Let’s get honest.

This week, The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast chats with Marian Egan, Energy Healer, who shares how her life has been affected by the death of her brother when he was under her care.  Seeking to heal herself from the trauma of her childhood, she began painting, which led to her creating healing cards which incorporate frequency numbers.  Karen and Marian discuss the emotions associated with trauma and how we can heal ourselves through energy.   To contact Marian and to explore how the Energy cards can help you, visit https://marianegan.ie/ or follow her on: Facebookfacebook.com/marianegantransformationhealth Facebookfacebook.com/HeartArtMagic Instagraminstagram.com/marianegantransformationhealthTik Toktiktok.com/@mannegan1 Linked Inlinkedin.com/in/marian-egan-174836301        

Want to know why you're really getting sick? In this raw, personal episode, I'm revealing how our emotions literally create our health. From my painful divorce to an autoimmune disease, I'll show you how every ache is your body's secret language - screaming what your voice can't. It's not just medical talk; it's a heart-to-heart about listening to yourself and understanding how unresolved feelings become physical symptoms. Your body's trying to tell you something - are you ready to listen?