Life Unfiltered: The Podcast

She's back! In this episode Charis returns with a catch up of life at the moment and shares a thought surrounding the term "Just Start". Life is hectic and sometimes we can be full of excuses as to why we shouldn't do something, instead of just starting. Hit play to feel encouraged to try something new or bring back an old habit. It felt good to be back behind the mic. A chance to just chat, catch up and listen to some ramblings that might just help you along your own mental health journey. 

In this episode, I'll uncover my thoughts and feelings towards Imposter Syndrome. As a long-standing sufferer, it was about time I lifted the lid on this topic. Our brains can be our own worst enemy sometimes and I wanted it to be known that you aren't the only one feeling like you're in the wrong place or don't deserve to be somewhere or to experience something. I hope this episode brings comfort and solidarity in knowing that someone else out there feels a similar way.  All my love, Charis x

TW- pregnancy loss / miscarriage Lydia is first and foremost an exceptionally good friend and a sister figure to me and has exemplified herself to be the kind of mum I hope to be one day. She has a gorgeous baby boy earth side, although her journey to motherhood has sadly not been quite so straightforward. In this episode, Lydia speaks honesty and from the heart to share her experiences of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Prior to recording, we had a conversation about how as a society we can sometimes be naive to the difficulties that can be associated with conceiving, carrying a baby and giving birth. Perhaps we've watched too many movies with the "white picket fence" mentality; we think we'll get married, have a family and live happily ever after. Simple. This recording has  been so educational for me and has increased my admiration for women and their journeys to motherhood so much more.  This episode is for people with a variety of experiences. The one who feels uneducated and wants to change that. The one who has babies in heaven. The one who has experienced pregnancy after loss. In every situation, I hope that you are encouraged or comforted by what Lydia shares.  An episode dedicated to the eldest children of Lydia and Stuart - always remembered and always loved.

This episode features one of my favourite people of all time Olivia Watson (@oliviarachel). I met Olivia via instagram throughout the past year. We met for a coffee and honestly, the rest is history. She has become my best friend and I really feel like I've known her my whole life. Liv is so wise, so sensitive to mental wellbeing and so in tune with who she is; I knew she was the perfect guest for the podcast. In this episode, we explore a range of topics (hence the title of this episode) and spend some time reflecting on growing up surrounded by body shame culture. We had so much fun recording this ep while also bringing some really key issues to light. If you've grown up surrounded by pressures associated with how you look, what you wear and fitting in, then this is the episode for you.

This is a topic I've somewhat hidden from because I thought that being in a new, healthy relationship meant that I shouldn't talk about heartbreak from the past. But I've come to realise that my experiences have shaped who I am and that I can't run from the things I've been exposed to. Our previous experiences are what have moulded us into who we are now. Heartbreak is a nasty teacher, but a teacher nonetheless. In this episode, I dive into the learning curve heartbreak was and how it has benefitted me in my relationship today.