The Keep Smiling Podcast

I met today’s guest, Katey, while backpacking through Vietnam. We crossed paths on the infamous Ha Giang Loop and ended up travelling together for a while — sharing countless special moments and thought-provoking conversations. It didn’t take long for me to know I had to bring her onto the podcast to share some of those wonderful insights, reminisce on our adventures, and document the experience.In this episode, we explore the real side of solo travel — from the expectations and reasons we set off in the first place, to surrendering to spontaneity, embracing solitude, and navigating the not-so-glamorous realities of budget backpacking.We dive into the emotional load of long-term travel, the lessons in resilience and adaptability, and how adventures abroad can completely reshape your values and priorities. We also talk about the often-overlooked “post-travel come down” — that bittersweet return home where the world feels unchanged, but you know you’re not the same.Overall, it’s a wholesome, giggly conversation where we reflect on our highlights, those magical unplanned moments, how we’ve grown and evolved, and the relief we feel at having taken that leap to book a one-way ticket. Our hope is that it inspires you to take yours too.

Today I’m joined by Meg Lewis – a passionate advocate and activist in the health space, making a profound impact in respiratory care and palliative health.Meg shares her deeply challenging and complex journey with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, a rare form of Pulmonary Fibrosis that can cause irreversible lung damage. The condition is life-altering, with no cure, limited management options, and a severe lack of research, awareness, and available resources. It’s a reality that many struggle to even imagine, yet Meg offers an unfiltered, human perspective — shining a light on the physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with living with such an under-recognised illness.She also speaks openly about the ripple effects of her diagnosis, including medically induced disordered eating. From the intense fear of food and choking brought on by her condition, to the emotional toll of weight gain from steroid treatment, Meg vulnerably explores the complex intersection between physical health, body image, and mental well-being.And yet, at the heart of her story is a powerful message about what it means to truly live — even in the face of uncertainty. Meg reminds us of the importance of filling life with the things you love, embracing the “everyday magic” of small joys, and finding moments of laughter and connection despite hardship.https://www.instagram.com/thelungnrestless/https://thelungnrestless.substack.comTikTok: The Lung N Restless

Today I’m joined by Kirsty, a Functional Medicine Health Coach passionate about helping women shift from a constant state of survival - feeling depleted and exhausted - to a place where they are energised, mentally clear, emotionally balanced, and thrivingIn this episode, we dive into practical, holistic lifestyle strategies to optimise female health. We explore how to fuel your body with balanced nutrition, improve sleep quality and recovery, regulate cortisol and manage stress. We discuss how to shift your mindset around movement, and creating consistent, nourishing habits that promote long-term wellbeing.Whether you're running on empty or simply looking to proactively elevate your vitality, this conversation is full of accessible tools and gentle reminders for you.Find Kirsty:https://www.natural-rays.com/@natural_rays_hormone_harmonyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstysmithnaturalrays/Membership: https://www.natural-rays.com/hhc

Backpacking solo through Southeast Asia was one of the most transformative, growth-filled experiences - packed with moments I could never have anticipated.In this long-overdue episode, I reflect on the biggest lessons travel taught me. From trusting in spontaneity and letting go of control, to rediscovering joy in simplicity, connection, and learning to truly rely on myself.I share the highs, the lows, the magic in the mess, and the raw, honest truths about what happens when you let life unfold without a predetermined plan. Tune in for stories about unexpected friendships, incredible adventures, pinch-me moments, and the beauty of immersing yourself in a whole new way of life. 

I’m taking a little break.I’ve got a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia… I’m about to go solo backpacking for I-don’t-know how long.It’s been a busy few years - building my business, chasing external validation, measuring my worth through grades, race times, podcast downloads, business bookings… all the things society perceived as 'successes.'But now, it's time to step away from all of that.I’ve been a student, a lecturer, a keynote speaker, a podcast host. Bbut rarely do I take time to acknowledge Lara.So this trip isn’t just about exploring a new place. It’s about reconnecting with me - without all the pressures, the expectations, or the constant need to perform.It will be about embracing the present moment, spontaneity, appreciating the beauty in just being - not always chasing the next thing.I want to wake up, not feel the pull of my laptop, not measure the value of my day by productivity.I want to wander aimlessly, learn to be okay without an immediate plan, do things for the pure joy of it, form connections, have impactful conversations with people from all walks of life.I know it will take time to fully transition and let go, as this mindset is deeply ingrained. But I hope to gradually shed the constant pressure to 'do' and learn to simply be - to embrace stillness, presence, and the freedom that comes with letting go of the need to always be moving forward.See you sometime in the future - for no doubt, many incredible stories, revelations and memories.