Bestselling author and psychotherapist, Julia Samuel, invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about some of life’s bigges...
Agony Aunties on Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
In this episode, the Agony Aunties dive into a listener’s question about imposter syndrome. We open up about our own experiences of feeling undeserving or underqualified - even when the facts say otherwise - and unpack why so many of us carry these doubts. We explore how imposter syndrome often acts as a protective mechanism, and how reframing it can help shift the narrative.
From recognising emotional patterns to using stress reappraisal as a tool, we discuss ways to build self-trust, sit with discomfort, and see it as a sign of growth. This one’s all about giving yourself credit - even when your inner critic’s the loudest voice in the room.
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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11:52
Mariella Frostrup on Speaking Up for Women at Every Age
In this compelling and candid conversation, Julia sits down with her close friend Mariella Frostrup – renowned author, broadcaster, journalist and tireless campaigner – for a wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion on life, loss, and the pursuit of equity.
Mariella reflects on her remarkable career path, from the world of music PR to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in journalism and broadcasting. She opens up about the early trauma of losing her father, the resilience forged in childhood, and the enduring impact it’s had on her outlook.
Mariella shares what drives her advocacy for women’s rights – particularly around menopause and midlife. As the UK government’s menopause ambassador, she’s on a mission to tackle workplace inequality and challenge long-standing stigma around women's health.
This episode is a celebration of fighting spirit, friendship, and the power of using your voice – not just for yourself, but for the generations of women who follow.
00:50 Early Life and Formative Experiences
02:25 Challenges and Resilience
08:45 Fighting for Women's Rights
21:16 Menopause and Advocacy
25:10 The Norm of Curvy Career Paths
25:46 Menopause and Workplace Discrimination
26:34 Campaigning Challenges and Strategies
27:23 Personal Reflections on Campaigning
35:09 The Importance of Menopause Awareness
41:29 Personal Growth and Overcoming Adversity
45:06 Parenting and Childhood Reflections
Find Mariella:
Website: https://www.mariellafrostrup.com
Instagram: @mfrostrup
Buy her book 'Cracking the Menopause': https://amzn.eu/d/ftcAjjL
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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1:08:22
Agony Aunties on Feeling Like the Forgotten Sibling
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's question about feeling less valued than their younger half-brother by their stepmother. The listener shares experiences of unequal treatment and seeks advice on addressing these feelings without causing more tension. They discuss the challenges of adult children living at home, navigating complex family dynamics, and offer practical communication strategies. The episode emphasises the importance of being self-reflective and seeking supportive conversations both within and outside the family.
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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17:50
Esther Ghey on Life After the Murder of Brianna Ghey
In this powerful and very moving episode, Esther Ghey shares her story of unimaginable loss — the tragic murder of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, in February 2023. Speaking with grace and courage, Esther opens up about her grief journey, her ongoing campaign to improve mental health support for young people, and her mission to create safer online spaces through her charity, Peace and Mind UK.
Esther discusses the healing practices that have helped her, including mindfulness, meditation, and the transformative power of self-compassion. She also reflects on the complexities of Brianna’s life and the harsh realities young people face online today. One of the most striking moments in this conversation is Esther’s expression of empathy toward the mother of one of her daughter’s killers - a testament to her capacity for forgiveness and her commitment to peace over hatred.
Through her book, Under a Pink Sky, and her advocacy work, Esther is turning personal tragedy into meaningful change - and this conversation is a deeply emotional and inspiring reminder of the human capacity for compassion and hope.
Timestamps:
00:19 – The Tragic Loss of Brianna Ghey
01:07 – Coping with Grief and Mental Health
02:28 – Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
06:07 – Reflections on Personal Struggles
13:24 – Brianna’s Complex Personality
16:30 – The Impact of Social Media and Lockdown
19:52 – Family Struggles and Addiction
21:28 – The Dangers of Online Content
25:09 – Parental Challenges and Public Perception
27:12 – A Mother’s Compassion: Meeting the Killer’s Mother
27:55 – The Power of Forgiveness and Empathy
29:22 – Building Bridges: Friendship with Emma
31:24 – Restorative Justice and Letting Go of Hate
34:14 – Peace and Mind UK: A Legacy of Hope
37:32 – Cherry Blossoms and Pink Skies: Signs from Brianna
39:21 – Grief, Acceptance, and the Mystery of Afterlife
42:13 – Reflections on the Conversation with Emily and Sophie
Buy Esther's book: https://amzn.eu/d/b59YwyE
Support Peace and Mind UK: https://www.peaceandminduk.org/
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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1:03:35
Agony Aunties on Parenting Your Parent
In this Agony Aunties episode, a listener writes in about the emotional challenges of caring for her mother who is starting to show signs of aging. The Agony Aunties discuss the delicate balance between providing help and respecting the parent's independence. They highlight the importance of having tender, collaborative conversations and preparing for the future. The discussion also touches on the emotional complexity of witnessing a parent's decline and offers practical advice for maintaining patience and understanding.
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bestselling author and psychotherapist, Julia Samuel, invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about some of life’s biggest challenges.
Therapy Works is full of therapeutic conversations which may contain difficult emotions but those that can paradoxically bring light, in all its form.
Listeners will hear what the guests have learnt, failed to learn and how they have grown through their experience. At the end of each episode, Julia reflects on her session with her two psychotherapist daughters who will share their thoughts on the conversation. You’ll quickly discover that not all therapists agree on everything!
Follow @juliasamuelmbe
UK