Therapy Works

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author Emma Barnett opens up about the unseen struggles that have shaped both her personal and professional life. Emma shares her journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis, the toll of chronic pain, and the emotional realities of going through IVF to have her children. Speaking with clarity, honesty and conviction, she dismantles taboos around women’s health and offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of motherhood — one that goes far beyond picture-perfect expectations. We also dive into her book Maternity Service, where Emma challenges outdated notions of maternity leave and reclaims the narrative of what it means to become a mother. This episode is a candid reflection on resilience, identity, and why the stories we don’t often tell are the ones that matter most. 01:02 Emma's Health Challenges 03:13 IVF Journey and Motherhood 05:50 Living with Pain and Finding Strength 08:28 Emma's Background and Upbringing 15:11 Professional Life and Broadcasting 20:26 Discussing the Book 'Maternity Service' 33:25 Losing and Gaining Yourself 33:43 Balancing Career and Home Life 34:00 The Importance of Flexibility 35:12 The 'Let Them' Movement 35:26 Influence and Relationships 38:50 Community and Support 45:46 Survival Strategies for Parents 49:07 Hope and Determination 54:24 Reflections on Motherhood Find Emma: Instagram: @emmabarnett Buy her book, Maternity Service: https://amzn.eu/d/3C2izpu Website: https://www.emmabarnett.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices