PodcastsHealth & WellnessThriving not Surviving

Thriving not Surviving

Helen Valentino
Thriving not Surviving
Latest episode

63 episodes

  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 62 George’s Story: The Reality Behind Reality TV and Reclaiming Self-Worth

    12/05/2026 | 1h 5 mins.
    Keywords
    thriving, mental health, ADHD, music industry, X Factor, reality TV, grief, self-worth, authenticity, personal growth, resilience, creative expression, overthinking, acceptance
    Summary
    In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Helen is joined by singer-songwriter George Windsor, who shares his journey from being fast-tracked onto The X Factor to navigating the emotional aftermath that followed.
    At just 19, and in the same year he lost his mum, George found himself thrust into a world he wasn’t prepared for—one filled with pressure, expectations, and a loss of control over his identity as an artist. What followed was a challenging period of confusion, self-doubt, and mental health struggles, amplified by undiagnosed ADHD and a lack of support after the spotlight faded.
    George speaks openly about the realities behind reality TV, the impact of broken promises, and the toll of feeling like a “novelty” rather than being taken seriously. But this is ultimately a story of growth.
    Through the support of a close friend, learning to let go of expectations, and making the difficult decision to walk away from what no longer served him, George began to rebuild—this time on his own terms.
    Now thriving, creating meaningful music, and working with the right people, George is living proof that success isn’t about fame—it’s about authenticity, connection, and staying true to yourself.
    Takeaways
    • There is no such thing as an overnight success—what you don’t see is years of work behind it
    • Expectations can create pressure—aspirations allow freedom
    • Trust your intuition, even when others doubt you
    • Comparing your journey to others will only hold you back
    • Being “loyal” shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing
    • Mental health challenges often come after the “high” of success
    • ADHD can amplify overthinking—but awareness is power
    • The right people will support you without making false promises
    • Walking away can be the beginning of thriving
    • True success is connection, authenticity, and meaning—not money
    Connect with George
    www.imgeorgewindsor.com
    www.instagram.com/imgeorgewindsor
    www.tiktok.com/@imgeorgewindsor
    www.facebook.com/imgeorgewindsor
    Music:
    Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/george-windsor/1090056105
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q4kiQIQodzVREi88I4AUa?si=NWVUP5GPS82lb3ZWF90nLg
    The Audition : X Factor 2016
    Band I Mentioned: Ragati String Band - Face book: Ragati String Band You Tube Bandmix
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 61: Jodie’s Story – Burnout, Breakdown & Rebuilding a Life That Works

    05/05/2026 | 1h 11 mins.
    Keywords: thriving, burnout recovery, neurodivergence, ADHD, functional neurological disorder, nervous system, healing, self-awareness, mental health, workplace wellbeing
    Summary
    In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Helen is joined by Jodie Steele, founder of Neuro Talks, who shares her extraordinary journey from high-performing corporate success to complete physical and neurological burnout.
    After years of pushing through stress, masking mental health struggles, and navigating life as a single parent, Jodie’s body ultimately shut down. Diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), she experienced loss of speech, mobility issues, chronic fatigue, and severe health complications that left her bed-bound for long periods.
    This episode explores what burnout can really look like at its most extreme—and more importantly, how recovery is possible.
    Jodie now uses her experience to educate organisations on neurodiversity and burnout prevention, while also sharing accessible, practical tools that helped her rebuild her life.
    Together, Helen and Jodie dive into the importance of self-awareness, nervous system regulation, kindness, and learning to truly listen to your body before it forces you to stop.
    Takeaways
    Burnout is not just feeling tired—it can lead to serious physical and neurological conditions
    Neurodivergent individuals may be more susceptible to extreme burnout
    Your body will always give you signals—learning to listen early is key
    Breathwork, nature, and slowing down are powerful (and often free) healing tools
    Recovery is a journey, not a destination
    You don’t need expensive interventions—simple daily practices can create profound change
    Alcohol and coping mechanisms can mask deeper issues rather than resolve them
    Kindness—to yourself and others—is a foundational part of healing
    Creating psychologically safe environments at work benefits everyone
    You cannot pour from an empty cup—self-care is not selfish, it’s essential
    Resources
    Parenting Autism and ADHD - Podcast
    The Five Side Effects of Kindness by David R. Hamilton
    The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
    The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
    Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
    Calms App _ 👉 Download or explore the Calm app
    Connect with Jodie
    Jodie Steele is the Founder of NeuroTalks and Alchemy Souls Travel, a keynote speaker and consultant specialising in neurodiversity, psychological safety, and high-performance workplace culture. With over 25 years’ experience across marketing, media, and business development, Jodie combines professional expertise with lived experience to help organisations unlock the hidden potential within their people. Her work focuses on creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive - driving both wellbeing and performance.
    Neurotalks - https://neurotalks.co.uk/
    Alchemy Souls Travel: Family inclusive travel https://alchemysoulstravel.com/
    IG: alchemy_souls_travel
    Linked In: Jodie Steele
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 60: Dr Liliya’s Story: From Ukraine with Love

    28/04/2026 | 1h
    Keywords
    thriving, resilience, overcoming adversity, single motherhood, immigration journey, career transformation, mindset, purpose, healthcare, personal growth
    Summary
    In this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by Dr Liliya, whose journey from rural Ukraine to becoming a private GP in London is nothing short of extraordinary.
    Raised by her grandmother on a farm without running water, Liliya’s early life was shaped by separation, hardship, and resilience. From becoming a young mother during medical school, to surviving extreme poverty, divorce, and starting again in a new country with no English — her story is one of unwavering determination.
    Arriving in London with just a dream, she took on cleaning jobs, lived on £1 a day, and worked tirelessly to rebuild her life. Against all odds, she retrained, passed her medical exams, and went on to create a thriving private practice on Harley Street.
    This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, your circumstances do not define your future — and that every challenge can become a stepping stone to something greater.
    Takeaways
    Resilience is built through life’s challenges, not despite them
    You don’t need to have it all figured out — just keep moving forward
    Asking for help and support is a key part of thriving
    Your past does not limit your future
    Passion and persistence will take you further than talent alone
    Every setback holds a lesson — and often a hidden opportunity

    Connect with Dr. Liliya
    Dr Liliya’s private GP Practice - drliliyaburrettpractice.co.uk
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 59: Rukaya’s Story: Breaking Barriers & Building Belonging

    21/04/2026 | 58 mins.
    Keywords
    thriving, community, belonging, empowerment, motherhood, immigration, resilience, women in business, confidence, connection
    Summary
    In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Helen is joined by Rukaya Chounwie (Ruki), founder of Together We Rise — a growing community created to support women, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
    Ruki shares her powerful journey from growing up in Northern Ghana in a large, close-knit community, to moving to the UK and suddenly finding herself navigating motherhood, isolation, and a completely different way of life — largely on her own.
    What unfolds is an honest conversation about the realities many women face but rarely speak about openly — the loss of community, the emotional impact of isolation, the financial pressures of starting again, and the quiet identity shift that can come with becoming a mother in a new country.
    Despite these challenges, Ruki didn’t just adapt — she transformed.
    From full-time mum to stepping into the world of work, exploring property, and eventually discovering her true calling, she shares how her own experiences led her to create Together We Rise — a space where women can rebuild confidence, find belonging, and support one another.
    This episode is a beautiful reminder that thriving doesn’t mean everything is perfect — it means having the tools, the courage, and the community to keep going, even when things feel hard.
    It’s raw, real, and full of heart — and a powerful testament to what can happen when women come together.
    Takeaways
    Thriving is not about having an easy life — it’s about having support, tools, and resilience
    Losing community can have a profound impact on mental health and identity
    Motherhood, especially in isolation, can be both beautiful and deeply challenging
    You don’t have to wait until you “make it” to start making a difference
    Community creates confidence — and confidence creates opportunity
    Representation and safe spaces matter, especially in business and networking environments
    Collaboration over competition is where real growth happens
    Sometimes your purpose is born directly from your pain
    Connect with Rukaya
    https://www.togetherwerisecommunity.co.uk
    Phone: 07467879998
    Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/rukaya.bukari.7
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/rukibaya/?hl=en
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rukaya-chounwie-359616292?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 58 Pamela’s Story: “All the Data Isn’t In Yet”: Hope, Free Will & the Bigger Picture

    14/04/2026 | 1h 15 mins.
    Keywords
    Thriving, hope, miracles, grace, faith, spirituality, free will, sovereignty, resilience, chronic illness, childhood hospitalisation, osteomyelitis, healing, prayer chain, intuition, clairaudience, clairsentience, memoir, creative process, hospice, grief, life after death, community, compassion, unconditional love, world peace, Unification Movement, cultural perspectives, meaning-making
    Summary
    In this heartfelt conversation, Helen is joined by author and poet Pamela Moffatt, whose life has been shaped by profound challenges — childhood hospital stays with recurring bone infection, moments of fear and uncertainty, homelessness, hunger, and standing beside loved ones at the end of life through hospice.
    Yet Pamela’s story is not one of despair — it’s one of grace arriving in unexpected forms: a frail elderly woman radiating love in a hospital ward, long-lost friends appearing at exactly the right moment, and a prayer chain that coincides with a medical turning point that never returned.
    Together, Helen and Pamela explore what it really means to thrive — not as perfection or constant positivity, but as a willingness to invite a bigger perspective, stay connected to the heart of a situation, and trust that “all the data isn’t in yet.” They speak candidly about faith, intuition, spiritual senses, sovereignty, and how love can’t be forced — it must be chosen, opened to, and received.
    Takeaways
    · Thriving isn’t having it good every day — it’s having tools, support, and the courage to ask for help when life gets dark.
    · “All the data isn’t in yet.” A powerful anchor when you’re in uncertainty — you don’t know the whole picture, and hope is still valid.
    · Miracles are often practical. Support can arrive as people, timing, kindness, and “earth angels,” not dramatic supernatural moments.
    · The heart of a situation matters more than the appearance of it. What’s authentic can be felt — beyond presentation, beyond polish.
    · Free will is sacred. Love and spirit can’t be imposed — they must be invited.
    · Community can be a crucible for growth. Living closely with others reveals our edges — and offers the practice of “loving the difficult-to-love.”
    · Grief doesn’t cancel connection. Hospice experiences and spiritual knowing can offer comfort: death as “a change of address.”
    · Creativity reveals truth. Memoir writing can uncover what you didn’t even know you believed until you wrote it.
    · Believing eyes matter. In vulnerable creative seasons, encouragement and safe support are more nourishing than critique.
    Resources
    Book - Chicken soup for the soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
    Wolf’s Message by Suzanne Giesemann
    The artists Way by Julia Cameron
    Kimberly Brown – Poet: https://www.instagram.com/kma_za_/
    Connect with Pamela
    We have the Stars: A Memoir – By Pamela A Moffat
    Bluesky: @pcmoffatt.bsky.social
    Substack: https://pcmoffatt.substack.com
    Instagram: @pc.moffatt
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelamoffatt
    A sample of my poetry is on my blog: https://cyberciphering.blogspot.com
    Website: https://about.me/pamelamoffatt
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About Thriving not Surviving
Thriving, Not Surviving is a podcast for anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges and wondered, Is there more to life than just getting by? Hosted by Helen Valentino, this show dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the incredible power of transformation. Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of people who have not only overcome adversity but found ways to truly thrive.Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or just need a dose of motivation, this podcast is your companion on the journey to a more fulfilling life. Because you deserve more than survival—you deserve to thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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