Thriving not Surviving

Keywords : holistic medicine, child development, sensory processing, dyslexia, ADHD, primitive reflexes, functional neurology, parenting, brain development, environmental factors
Summary
In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with Lara Barnes about her journey supporting her son, Archie, who faced severe sensory processing difficulties and dyslexia. Lara shares her insights on the importance of understanding primitive reflexes, functional neurology, and the environmental factors affecting child development. She emphasizes the need for foundational development in children and discusses the broken systems in place that often overlook these critical aspects. The conversation highlights the transformative journey of Archie and the potential for all children to thrive when given the right support and tools.
Takeaways
· Lara's son, Archie, faced severe sensory processing difficulties and dyslexia.
· Understanding primitive reflexes is crucial for brain development.
· Functional neurology can significantly impact children's learning abilities.
· Archie's transformation showcases the potential for all children to thrive.
· Foundational development is key to overcoming learning challenges.
· Environmental factors play a significant role in child development.
· The current academic system often fails to support children with learning difficulties.
· Detoxing before having children can help reduce developmental issues.
· Eye tracking is a critical component in addressing ADHD symptoms.
· Parents should be educated on developmental milestones to better support their children.
About Lara
Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. She has seen profound changes in her son, emotionally, physically and academically. Now she wants to share these techniques to the world to show there is a way to heal your child.
www.braindevelopment.co.uk [email protected]
Social media - Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook all @ braindevelopmentuk
Brain Development UK provides parents with a pathway to healing the behavioural and learning symptoms of their Autistic, Dyslexic, ADHD, Dyspraxic child, which builds the foundation of the brain. These children may have missed key milestones in their development before the age of 12 months. I assess and teach parents primitive reflexes and use the sensory system of vibration, smell, coloured lenses and sound to change the nervous system, correcting the foundational problem. My podcast will address HOW to manage this to change the brain, addressing all aspects. Brain Development, the nervous system, the sensory system, the gut and its importance in the brain functioning, visual and auditory processing, lab testing, food sensitivities, diet & supplements, exercising for the body and the brain. We share parent success stories, expert insights, how the brain develops, what causes changes in a child's trajectory, join us to understand how you can help build your child's brain to let your child shine.
Resources from Lara
Dr Melillo
Dr Melillo’s Books Including Disconnected Kids - Third Edition: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders: Amazon.co.uk: Melillo, Dr. Robert: 9780593713419: Books
Podcast: https://youtu.be/JMPSGVKdwkM?si=MaxGpv9uJ-2udrP9
Rakhi Pabari - Behavioural Optometrist - Vision and Auditory Processing @eyesinmotion
Johansen Program : Johansen Individualised Auditory Stimulation (JIAS) - Johansen IAS Sound Therapy
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 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.

Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, mentorship, healing, documentary, cinematography, social change, grief, community support
Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino engages in a deep conversation with Ben Cole, an actor, filmmaker, and mentor. They explore Ben's journey from a challenging childhood, through the struggles of acting, to his eventual reinvention as a cinematographer and documentary filmmaker. The discussion delves into themes of trauma, healing, mentorship, and the importance of community support. Ben shares his insights on grief, self-discovery, and the role of elders in guiding the younger generation. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change in society to better support those in need.
Takeaways
• Thriving means having tools and support to navigate life’s challenges
• Early trauma can shape identity, but it does not have to define the future
• Reinvention can be a powerful act of self-trust and healing
• Mentorship plays a vital role in growth, recovery and self-discovery
• Grief is an ongoing practice that many people are never taught
• Listening and presence can be profoundly healing for others
• Community support has the power to change lives
• Documentary filmmaking can be a vehicle for healing and social awareness
• Society needs systemic change in how it supports those who have suffered
• Awareness is the foundation of personal transformation
Sound Bites
"I had to reinvent myself."
"Hurt people hurt people."
"The real me was just awareness."
Connect with Ben
Website: bencolecinematographysite.com
A Band of Brothers
Boarding School film: Boarding on Insantity
R-evolution film promo:
1 Giant Leap
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 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.

Keywords
thriving, surviving, resilience, discipline, boxing, recovery, addiction, mindset, coaching, personal growth, accountability, small steps, 1 percent better, purpose
Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Bennie White, a coach, boxer, entrepreneur and podcaster, who shares his powerful journey from poverty, instability and addiction to discipline, purpose and service. Bennie reflects on growing up without safety, leaving home at 14, surviving on the streets, and numbing pain through alcohol and drugs. Everything changed when he found boxing, which gave him structure, belonging and a new way to face life. Together they explore discipline over motivation, the power of small daily steps, accountability, morning routines, and the philosophy of becoming 1 percent better every day. This episode is a reminder that it doesn’t matter where you start, only that you start.
Takeaways
• Discipline outlasts motivation
• Small daily actions build lasting change
• Accountability helps habits stick
• Structure and community can be life-changing
• Setbacks are lessons, not failures
• Being present matters more than perfection
• Anyone can change their life, one step at a time
Soundbites
• If I can do it, so can you
• I never lose, I either win or learn
• Discipline will take you further than motivation
• One step at a time, one round at a time
• It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters that you start
• Be 1 percent better every single day
Film Mentioned – Creed with Silvester Stallone
Connect with Bennie - Online Fitness and Lifestyle Coach
Bennie White - YouTube
IG: iambenniewhite
Tik Tok: iambenniewhite
LinkedIn: Bennie White
Face book: bennie_whitevip
Tel: +44 742 337 5924
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 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.

Keywords thriving, surviving, personal growth, relationships, health, wellness, self-discovery, kindness, morning routines, entrepreneurship
Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Ildiko Sealey for a heartfelt and honest conversation about the journey from surviving to truly thriving. Ildiko shares her personal story of growth through relationships, including reflections on her past marriage, the experience of loneliness, and the courage it took to choose herself before finding a deeply supportive partnership.
Together they explore how personal growth is often born from challenge, the importance of self-discovery and independence, and how expecting others to make us happy can lead us away from our own inner power. The conversation also touches on the impact of morning routines on health and wellbeing, the ripple effect of random acts of kindness, and the simple yet transformative power of a smile.
This episode is a gentle reminder that life is a rollercoaster, and thriving doesn’t mean avoiding the dips, but learning to meet them with grace, compassion, and self-awareness.
Takeaways
• Thriving is possible even in the midst of life’s challenges.
• Expecting others to make you happy can lead to disappointment and loss of self.
• Personal growth often emerges from difficult or uncomfortable experiences.
• Healthy, supportive relationships begin with self-connection and independence.
• Morning routines can have a powerful impact on mental and physical wellbeing.
• Random acts of kindness create meaningful ripples beyond what we can see.
• Self-discovery is an ongoing journey that leads to acceptance and freedom.
• Embracing independence supports healthier, more balanced relationships.
• A simple smile can shift your mindset and change the tone of your day.
• Life’s ups and downs are inevitable – how we meet them makes all the difference.
Sound Bites
"I do feel that I am indeed thriving now"
"I am number one, full stop"
"Smile, it makes your brain happy"
References
Chicken Soup for the Soul – Book By Jack Cornfield
Danni Wallace – I am the Queen Bee – Big Festoon
Connect with Ildiko
Website: www.encorepreneurs.club
Linked In
Facebook: Ildiko Sealey
IG: encourpreneursclub
You Tube
Podcast: New Business in Later Life
Connect with Helen
🔗 Helen on LinkedIn
🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk
📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healing
🎵 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.

Keywords sobriety, alcohol, recovery, Bee Sober, community, mental health, holistic practices, personal growth, podcast, wellness, sobriety, ADHD, rejection sensitivity disorder, family business, IPHM, mental health, personal growth, communication, financial awareness, holistic practices
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Lisa Elsworth, founder of the Bee Sober community and Owner and Director of the IPHM Accreditation Board. Where she supports holistic practitioners and training providers to be recognised for the life-changing work they do, without losing their heart or values. She’s also the co-founder of Bee Sober, a global community for anyone who chooses not to drink, creating spaces rooted in connection, choice, and compassion. Here Lisa shares her deeply honest journey into sobriety, the moments that led her to stop drinking, and how that single decision transformed every area of her life. Together, they explore the way alcohol is normalised in our culture, the quiet struggles many people face behind closed doors, and the power of choosing a different path. Lisa speaks openly about ADHD, rejection sensitivity disorder, and the impact these have had on her relationships, work and self-understanding.
The conversation also dives into the heart of IPHM — a family-run organisation supporting holistic practitioners worldwide — and the importance of community, compassion, and human-centred business. This is a powerful, real, and hopeful conversation about self-discovery, mental health, and what becomes possible when we choose connection over coping.
Takeaways
· Everything good in my life has happened since I stopped drinking.
· Binge drinking was a cycle I couldn't escape.
· Stopping drinking was an experiment for self-discovery.
· Community is essential for those choosing sobriety.
· Sobriety doesn't mean the end of social life.
· Alcohol is often normalized in our culture.
· It's important to acknowledge the challenges of sobriety.
· Curiosity can make the journey of sobriety more interesting.
· You can start your sober journey anytime, not just on New Year's. Lisa saved £27,000 over seven years of sobriety.
· ADHD diagnosis can come later in life, impacting self-perception.
· Rejection sensitivity disorder can lead to intense emotional responses.
· Building a community helps individuals feel seen and valued.
· IPHM aims to support holistic practitioners and training providers.
· The importance of understanding ADHD in personal relationships.
· Financial awareness can be a motivating factor in sobriety.
· Creating a human-centered approach in business is essential.
· Practitioners need support and understanding in their work.
· The journey of building a family business can be fulfilling and challenging.
Connect with IPHM
Website: https://www.iphm.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iphm_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iphmaccredited/
Email: via IPHM contact form on their website, or call +44 (0)1706 838332
Connect with Bee Sober & Bee Sober Podcast
Connect with Lisa
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-elsworth/
IG: @ i_am_lisajo
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
IG: helens_inspired_healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
For full transcription, contact: [email protected]
🎵 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.