In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with Kerry, a powerful life coach who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation on healing from toxic relationships. We dive into the deep end - talking trauma, recovery, and the emotional rollercoaster of escaping abusive patterns. Kerry shares her raw story, from surviving childhood abuse to breaking free from toxic partners as an adult, and how she’s now using that pain to empower others.
Together, we unpack how trauma bonds keep us stuck, why nervous system regulation is key to emotional healing, and how small steps can lead to big transformation. We also explore practical tools to rebuild your self-worth, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover who you are after emotional abuse. Whether you're in the thick of healing or just starting to recognise toxic patterns, this episode is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and inspired to take your power back.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] Welcome to the healing journey and why this conversation matters
[0:16] Meet Kerry: Life coach and survivor of childhood and adult abuse
[1:48] Kerry opens up about her early experiences and trauma
[2:59] Spotting toxic relationship patterns before they spiral
[6:29] Narcissistic traits and toxic behaviors - what to look out for
[13:08] How to handle toxic family dynamics without losing yourself
[19:37] Why nervous system regulation is essential for healing
[25:11] Understanding trauma bonds and the cycle of emotional abuse
[34:20] Building self-trust and setting boundaries that protect your peace
[35:57] Rediscovering your passions after toxic relationships
[37:33] The connection between self-love, healing, and emotional neglect
[40:31] Breaking the cycle and creating lasting change
[42:06] The power of small steps and daily healing habits
[45:40] How trauma bonds can show up like addictions
[53:58] Embracing the non-linear nature of healing
[1:00:32] Acknowledging abuse and letting go of shame
[1:06:07] Final reflections and grounded advice from Kerry
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Kerry on Instagram here
Connect with me on Instagram here
Book a connection call with me here
If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First. Sharing your thoughts helps us reach more listeners who are healing from toxic relationships and rediscovering their worth - just like you.
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In this episode, I’m diving deep into one of the most important conversations we can have - how to avoid getting caught in toxic relationship patterns before they even begin. I’m sharing practical tools and insights to help you recognise early red flags, set strong boundaries, and trust your intuition when something feels off. If you’ve ever found yourself repeating unhealthy relationship cycles, this episode is your roadmap to breaking free.
I also talk about the deeper inner work that sets the foundation for healthy love - like understanding your core values, building self-trust, and surrounding yourself with people who model respect and care. Whether you’re dating, healing, or simply learning to love yourself better, this one’s packed with the clarity and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - Why avoiding toxic relationships starts before they begin
[2:23] - The most overlooked red flags - and how to spot them early
[5:38] - Boundaries 101: What they are, why they matter, and how to hold them
[8:53] - How self-work is the secret to building healthier dynamics
[10:51] - Trusting your gut: Your intuition is smarter than you think
[24:14] - Why growth often feels uncomfortable - but is always worth it
[26:22] - A powerful reminder to honour yourself and your healing journey
LINKS & RESOURCES
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with subconscious reprogramming mentor Gemma Hanley for a powerful conversation about breaking free from the emotional cycles that keep us stuck - especially in toxic relationships. We explore how deeply rooted subconscious patterns shape our self-worth, relationships, and even our physical health, often without us realising it.
Gemma shares her raw and real journey from rock bottom to healing, offering practical tools to help you reconnect with your nervous system, set brave boundaries, and start shifting the beliefs that no longer serve you. If you’ve ever felt trapped in repeating emotional patterns, struggled to put yourself first, or are ready to reclaim your power - this episode is for you.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] Welcome and intro to today’s guest and topic
[1:29] Gemma’s rock bottom moment and her path to self-discovery
[3:10] How the subconscious mind really works—and how it runs your life
[5:03] Why “good girl” conditioning keeps us stuck in toxic patterns
[7:22] The role of subconscious reprogramming in emotional healing
[16:50] The power of taking action (even when it’s uncomfortable)
[20:04] What brave boundaries really look like in practice
[24:44] How childhood conditioning wires our adult relationships
[26:25] Real-life example of setting a boundary and standing in self-worth
[30:19] The healing magic of somatic practices and nervous system work
[33:21] Gemma’s simple emotional check-in routine
[37:55] How hitting rock bottom can be your turning point
[40:55] Effective techniques for healing the subconscious
[43:11] Final encouragement for your healing journey
LINKS & RESOURCES
Listen to Gemma’s podcast here
Connect with Gemma on Instagram here
Visit Gemma’s website here
Connect with me on Instagram here
Book a connection call with me here
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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Have you ever felt drained from constantly saying “yes” when you really wanted to say “no”? In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with Elizabeth Stranzl - former psychologist turned boundaries coach - to unpack what healthy boundaries actually look like and why they’re so vital for emotional well-being. Elizabeth shares her own journey from chronic people-pleasing and burnout to reclaiming her self-worth and stepping into empowered living.
We dive into the heart of what it means to set and hold boundaries, especially if you've never done it before. Elizabeth offers practical, real-world strategies for navigating tricky dynamics at work and in personal relationships, dealing with manipulative behavior, and building the confidence to prioritize your needs without guilt. Whether you’re deep in a toxic situation or just want to level up your communication and self-respect, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to take the next step.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - Welcome to the episode and an intro to boundaries
[0:21] - Meet Elizabeth: Her journey from psychologist to boundaries coach
[1:49] - Burnout, people-pleasing, and the road to self-discovery
[5:05] - What boundaries really are - and what they aren’t
[6:52] - Real-life examples of setting boundaries at work
[7:56] - The hidden cost of people-pleasing
[11:19] - How to mentally prepare to set boundaries
[22:29] - Navigating manipulative relationships
[28:56] - Spotting subtle manipulation and regaining control
[30:08] - Why having a support system matters
[31:24] - Reclaiming your power from toxic relationships
[32:30] - How to set and reinforce boundaries consistently
[33:39] - A closer look at the psychology behind manipulation
[35:37] - Recognizing behavioral patterns and red flags
[41:20] - The impact of low self-esteem and societal pressures
[53:51] - Elizabeth’s practical tips for holding strong boundaries
[57:45] - Final reflections and takeaways
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram here
Connect with me on Instagram here
Book a connection call with me here
If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First. Sharing your thoughts helps us reach more listeners who are healing from toxic relationships and rediscovering their worth - just like you.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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Do you ever find yourself wondering how you ended up in yet another toxic relationship - even after doing the inner work? In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I unpack why so many of us fall into the same unhealthy relationship dynamics over and over again - and how to finally stop.
I talk about the subtle red flags that often go unnoticed, from emotional unavailability to gaslighting and control, especially for empathetic, driven people who tend to give too much. I share insights into how childhood experiences shape our beliefs about love and self-worth, and why those beliefs quietly guide our adult relationships. I explore real, practical strategies to rebuild your self-worth, get clear on your core values, and create healthy love by first building a secure relationship with yourself.
Whether you’re currently in a toxic relationship or simply tired of repeating the same painful patterns, this episode is your invitation to break the cycle and choose peace, wholeness, and real connection.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - The hidden patterns behind toxic relationships
[1:19] - What toxic dynamics really look like
[2:26] - Red flags: gaslighting, control, and emotional distance
[10:03] - How childhood beliefs silently shape your love life
[14:11] - Why awareness is the first step toward change
[18:49] - The power of self-worth and healing from within
[29:24] - Actionable steps to attract emotionally healthy partners
[32:04] - Finding peace, wholeness, and the love you deserve
LINKS & RESOURCES
If this episode spoke to you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your reviews help more people find the show and break free from toxic cycles. Let’s heal together 💛
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What if the beliefs you formed in childhood are still controlling your life today?
In this episode, I sit down with transformational coach Aisling Kennedy to explore how limiting beliefs - often formed early in life - shape our personal growth, career paths, and most importantly, our relationships.
Aisling shares her powerful journey of leaving a toxic work environment, manifesting a fresh start, and now guiding women through the process of reclaiming their power. We dive into the emotional weight of toxic relationships, how people-pleasing and overthinking hold us back, and the mindset shifts needed to step into self-worth. We also talk about practical tools like EFT tapping, positive affirmations, and the importance of conscious self-talk for rewiring your belief system.
Whether you're navigating a toxic workplace, healing from a relationship, or simply trying to silence your inner critic, this episode offers actionable tools and inspiration to start believing in your potential.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] Introduction to belief work and how it impacts your life
[1:04] Meet Aisling Kennedy and hear how she helps women transform
[2:23] How she manifested her exit from a toxic job
[7:18] The science behind belief systems and how to shift them
[13:18] The emotional toll of toxic relationships and how to recognize the signs
[17:31] Therapy vs. coaching: how to choose the right support system
[21:36] Unpacking people-pleasing and chronic overthinking
[24:03] Reframing negative thoughts through affirmations
[24:46] What is EFT tapping and how can it help with anxiety?
[28:06] Tools for dealing with self-doubt and decision fatigue
[34:06] Understanding fear and using it as a guide
[37:16] Building belief in your own potential
[41:55] How to make small changes that lead to major growth
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Aisling on Instagram here
Connect with me on Instagram here
Book a connection call with me here
If you’re ready to strengthen your self-trust, reconnect with your intuition, and set meaningful boundaries, this episode is a must-listen.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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Have you ever wondered why traditional therapy sometimes feels like it’s not quite getting to the root of things? In this episode, I dive into one of the questions I get asked most: What’s the real difference between conventional therapy and the transformational coaching methods I use in my practice?
I open up about my own background in occupational therapy and how that journey led me to embrace a more integrative, deep-reaching approach to healing. I walk you through what sets methods like Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), hypnotherapy, NLP, and somatic work apart - and why they’re so effective at breaking lifelong patterns and reprogramming limiting beliefs. This isn't about just talking through your problems - it's about shifting your subconscious and creating real, lasting change from the inside out. If you’ve been doing the work and still feel stuck, this episode will shine a light on a new path forward.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - Welcome + the key question: why therapy alone isn’t always enough
[0:47] - My personal journey from OT to transformational healing
[1:29] - Therapy vs. coaching: understanding the crucial distinctions
[4:03] - How RTT unlocks deep-rooted beliefs and drives true change
[7:43] - The power of reprogramming your subconscious mind
[10:18] - Why a body-mind-soul approach is essential for healing
[11:22] - Real client stories that show what’s truly possible
[17:24] - Coaching = accountability + action
[19:56] - Final thoughts: choosing YOU and investing in your growth
LINKS & RESOURCES
If this episode spoke to you, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast - it helps others find this space of healing and self-love. Don’t forget to follow and share with someone who might need to hear this today 💛
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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In this episode of Because I Love Myself First, I sit down with self-trust coach and yoga teacher Anna Botley for a powerful conversation on how to rebuild trust in yourself - especially after toxic relationships. We dive into the emotional recovery process and unpack how childhood experiences, past traumas, and disempowering environments can shake our sense of inner knowing. Anna shares how we can begin to reconnect with ourselves through daily practices rooted in mindfulness, movement, and self-compassion.
Together, we explore the difference between self-confidence vs. self-trust, how to hear your intuition beneath the noise of anxiety, and why healing isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about consistent, small acts of self-love. Whether you're navigating a breakup, recovering from emotional abuse, or simply trying to rebuild your relationship with yourself, this episode offers a grounded, holistic approach to healing and personal empowerment.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - What is self-trust, and why does it matter so much after toxic relationships?
[1:30] - Meet Anna Botley: Self-trust coach, intuitive yoga teacher, and holistic healing advocate
[2:38] - The connection between communication patterns and rebuilding trust in yourself
[4:50] - Defining self-trust vs. self-confidence—and why the difference is crucial
[5:40] - How early childhood experiences plant the seeds of self-doubt
[8:54] - Why self-compassion is the first step to developing emotional resilience
[12:11] - How to tell the difference between anxiety and your inner voice
[18:03] - Tuning into intuition through micro-decisions in everyday life
[21:14] - Debunking meditation myths and finding what works for you
[22:39] - How creativity and intuitive movement foster deeper self-connection
[25:20] - Understanding the essence of yoga as a self-trust practice
[30:44] - Practical ways to set healthy boundaries and honor your inner voice
[36:59] - Daily rituals and mindset shifts to build a strong foundation of self-trust
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Anna on Instagram here
Connect with me on Instagram here
Book a connection call with me here
If you’re ready to strengthen your self-trust, reconnect with your intuition, and set meaningful boundaries, this episode is a must-listen.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Because I Love Myself First - and share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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In this episode, I’m opening up about the key lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I began my healing journey. From battling the pressure to conform to societal norms, to learning how to build true self-worth, I’m sharing the hard-earned truths that shaped my growth - so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.
We’ll explore what it really means to heal from the inside out, how to stop outsourcing your value, why deep healing work goes beyond surface-level self-care, and how self-trust can completely change your life. If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries, people-pleasing, or wondering why healing feels so hard, this episode is here to help you feel seen - and supported.
Whether you're just starting your personal growth journey or you've been doing the work for a while, these reflections will help you reconnect with your power, honour your worth, and move forward with more clarity and self-love.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[0:00] - Introduction: The healing truths I wish I learned sooner
[1:32] - Why sacrificing yourself to fit in only leads to self-abandonment
[4:39] - You can't heal in isolation — the importance of community and support
[8:21] - Understanding self-worth beyond titles, roles, and validation
[11:42] - Talking isn’t enough — why real healing takes aligned action
[14:15] - Trusting yourself is the most powerful shift you'll ever make
[18:54] - How your relationship with yourself teaches others how to treat you
[21:33] - Final thoughts: Embracing your healing journey with compassion and courage
LINKS & RESOURCES
If this episode spoke to you, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast - it helps others find this space of healing and self-love. Don’t forget to follow and share with someone who might need to hear this today 💛
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
Free Download: hypeddit.com/scandinavianz/happydays
Welcome to the very first episode of Because I Love Myself First! In this powerful and deeply personal debut, I open up about my journey through a painful cycle of toxic relationships, emotional manipulation, and the long road to rediscovering my self-worth. From repeated heartbreak to the shocking discovery of a partner's double life, I share how I finally broke free - and what it truly took to heal.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever doubted their instincts, felt trapped in a manipulative relationship, or struggled with the question, “Why do I keep ending up here?” I walk you through how Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) helped me uncover the unconscious beliefs that kept me stuck - and how learning to love myself first changed everything. If you’re on a path of healing, growth, or just need a reminder that you're not alone - this one’s for you.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[00:00] - Welcome to the Because I Love Myself First podcast
[00:23] - My personal story begins: early patterns in love and self-worth
[03:00] - Repeating toxic relationship cycles - what I didn’t see at the time
[04:08] - Discovering Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and how it shifted my healing
[05:51] - Enter “W”: red flags, charm, and the start of manipulation
[12:24] - When the cracks began to show: gaslighting, confusion, and control
[15:20] - The truth comes out: uncovering the double life
[17:39] - What I learned and how I reclaimed my power
[27:30] - Advice to anyone navigating self-doubt and toxic relationships
[30:10] - Final reflections and an invitation to begin loving yourself first
LINKS & RESOURCES
If this episode spoke to you, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast - it helps others find this space of healing and self-love. Don’t forget to follow and share with someone who might need to hear this today 💛
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Free Download: hypeddit.com/scandinavianz/happydays
Welcome to Because I Love Myself First - the podcast for real, honest, and empowering conversations to support your healing, growth, and transformation. I’m Orla Foster - coach, guide, and someone who’s walked the path of rebuilding after toxic relationships. Now, I help women like you do the same.
This podcast is your safe space. A place to feel seen, understood, and supported as you reconnect with who you truly are - beyond the hurt, beyond the self-doubt.
Each week, I’ll dive into powerful topics like boundaries, self-worth, mindset, and breaking free from the patterns that have kept you stuck. You can expect expert guests, real talk, and tools you can actually use in your everyday life.
In the very first episode, I’m sharing my own story - a toxic relationship that gives the Tinder Swindler and the GAA catfish a serious run for their money. I’ll be opening up about the red flags I missed, the gut instincts I ignored, and how I ended up there in the first place. I’m sharing it all to validate your experience, raise awareness (because this guy is still out there), and honestly... because it’s a story that’s too wild not to tell.
New episodes drop weekly starting May 26th. Make sure you follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you're enjoying it, and come hang out with me on Instagram @orla_foster_.
Let’s grow, heal, and rise - together.
