Explore every episode of the podcast Raising Kind Minds

THE INTERVIEW Screens seem to take over family life so easily, leaving many of us wondering how to keep our children safe without constant battles over devices. In this episode, parenting expert and author Sue Atkins joins us to share warm, practical strategies for raising confident, resilient children in a tech-driven world. Rather than banning devices, Sue champions a mindful approach centered on balance, protection, and proactive boundaries. We discuss the impact of early screen access, the importance of privacy settings, and how to help children move from the fear of missing out (FOMO) to the joy of missing out (JOMO). Sue offers practical tools, like her "together at the table" initiative and the "press pause button," designed to help families stay connected, protect a child's inner voice, and build real-world self-esteem. Tune in for encouraging insights to help your family thrive both online and offline. KEY TAKEAWAYS Balance Over Banning: Technology itself isn't the enemy; the goal is using tech consciously without letting it replace human interaction, bonding, or family connection. Pro-Tech, Pro-Protect: Reframe restrictive "parental controls" as collaborative "privacy settings" to keep children safe without creating a combative dynamic. Embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): Help children swap online validation for real-world activities like sports, arts, or family time to build genuine self-esteem. Delay Smartphones & Auto-Play: Turn off auto-play feature to avoid accidental over-exposure, and delay giving children internet-enabled smartphones as long as possible. Nurture the Inner Voice: Use gentle conversation starters, shared meals, and side-by-side chats to help children build critical thinking and a kind internal compass. QUOTES "How do we help our children thrive in a digital world without fear, conflict or constant battles over devices?" "I'm very pro-tech, but I'm very much pro-protect the children." "It's about understanding and using it mindfully... Use tech consciously, don't use it as an electric babysitter." "It's not about bashing each other over the head... Be your child's parent, not their friend, and put boundaries around it." "Your voice today becomes their voice tomorrow." Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sue Atkins & Digital Parenting Challenges 00:03:42 - Early Screen Access & The Impact on Early Development 00:08:15 - Connection, Attachment & Avoiding the "Electric Babysitter" 00:12:39 - Smartphones vs. Brick Phones: Why Delaying Internet Access Matters 00:19:34 - Moving from FOMO to JOMO: Handling Peer Pressure & Group Chats 00:25:28 - Privacy Settings over Parental Controls: Framing Safety Collaboratively 00:33:49 - Talking Openly About Online Dangers & Critical Thinking 00:44:09 - Protecting Your Child's Inner Voice & Building True Self-Esteem 00:52:00 - Reclaiming Connection: Together at the Table & Device Dens TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueatkins HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE MEDITATION  In this episode, Kathryn introduces a soothing guided meditation led by Liz, inspired by insights from parenting expert Wendy O'Leary. Grounded in the realization that much of daily parenting anxiety the worry, striving, and fear of getting things wrong stems from a deep place of care, this practice offers a gentle reset.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Uncovering Love Beneath Fear: Parenting anxieties, fear of failure, and worry about a child's struggles are often misdirected expressions of deep love. Proactive Grounding: Recalling feelings of warmth and gratitude for your child early in the day makes it easier to respond with patience when stressful moments inevitably arise. Releasing the Need to Fix: Stepping out of "problem-solving mode" during meditation helps soften physical tension, lower anxiety, and ease the pressure of striving for perfection. Mutual Growth: Difficult parenting moments are a natural part of development; both parents and children are continually learning and discovering the world together. Savoring the Small Details: Dwelling on simple, joyful sensory memories—a child's smile, giggle, or soft hand—serves as an immediate anchor for self-compassion and calm. BEST MOMENTS "So much of our parenting comes from fear... and underneath all of that fear is something much warmer: love." "There's nowhere else you need to be, nothing you need to solve, nothing you need to fix—simply this moment." "You get to love this wonderfully unique little person exactly as they are.” "Parenting is hard sometimes. Children are learning and growing, finding their way in the world—and so are we." "The love we feel for our children is always there, even when we can't reach it in the moment." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XFuo8QFk1E7UMlapBC1g8?si=92430a2ae6234466  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/7-1-wendy-oleary-self-compassion-vs-self-esteem-what/id6783327960?i=1000785357116  LINK TO THE CONVERSATION Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0syrecd9o84TxEGNbABBq4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/7-2-how-self-compassion-changes-your-parenting-debrief/id6783327960?i=1000785843600 HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION  Ever feel like your inner critic takes over the moment parenting gets tough? We sit down in the lounge to debrief our insightful conversation with educator and author Wendy O’Leary. Together, we unpack how self-compassion isn't just a nice idea - it's an essential, daily practice for both adults and young minds. From practical grounding techniques like "seat and feet" to soothing emotional tools like "feeling rocks" and the power of saying "of course," this warm, honest chat explores how showing kindness to yourself directly shapes the voice your child carries within. Discover how early intervention, playful connection, and gentle self-talk can help your family ride life's biggest waves with resilience, warmth, and joy.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Your Voice Today Becomes Their Inner Voice: Children absorb the messages and emotional tone modelled by the adults around them.  Self-Compassion is a Daily Practice: Showing kindness during difficult moments creates internal capacity to handle life’s bigger challenges.  Grounding Restores Calm: Simple physical cues, such as "seat and feet" or a hand on the heart, help regulate the nervous system during stress.  Make Invisible Feelings Tangible: Tools like "feeling rocks" and compassionate holders help children identify and soothe hard emotions safely.  Connection Over Perfection: Playful activities like crafting or driving create natural, pressure-free spaces for curious conversations.  QUOTES "The earlier we introduced them, the more naturally they'll become part of who they are."  "Learning to relate to ourselves in a kind and compassionate way, especially when things are difficult."  "When we do go out of our comfort zone... learning is hard."  "When we're kind to ourselves, we're more likely to be open to that experience of joy."   "With self-compassion, you can ride bigger waves."  EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to the Lounge 02:07 – The Power of Living, Breathing Practice 06:47 – Feeling Rocks & The Self-Compassion Blanket 10:49 – Taming the Inner Critic 18:54 – Practical Grounding: Seat & Feet 24:33 – Riding the Big Waves of Life 33:04 – The Magic of "Of Course, Sweetheart" 36:30 – Connection Through Play & Curiosity 40:33 – Closing Reflections TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XFuo8QFk1E7UMlapBC1g8 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-1-wendy-oleary-self-compassion-vs-self-esteem-what/id6783327960?i=1000785357116 YouTube Podcasts: https://youtu.be/GEwik5UNt4I HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE INTERVIEW Ever wondered what happens when we stop trying to fix every meltdown and simply help our children ride the wave instead? In part one of this warm conversation, educator and author Wendy O’Leary joins Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker to consider why self-compassion might be the most vital protective factor we can offer young minds. Moving beyond traditional self-esteem, Wendy shares how shifting away from achievement-based praise creates space for authentic growth and emotional resilience. From simple gestures like placing a hand on the heart to comforting self-talk, discover practical ways to model self-kindness at home, even when parenting feels completely overwhelming. If you want to help your child replace their inner critic with a supportive best friend, this episode offers a gentle, transformative starting point.  Self-Compassion Beats Self-Esteem: Self-esteem relies on external success or being better than others, whereas self-compassion grounds children in shared humanity. Crucial Early Skill: Introducing self-kindness in preschool years prevents self-critical habits from hardening as children grow. Mistakes Drive Growth: Approaching errors with warmth allows children to learn clearly rather than hiding out of fear. Parental Co-Regulation: Pausing to settle your own nervous system first enables more compassionate responses to tantrums. Simple Embodied Tools: Phrases like "Of course, honey" and placing a hand on the heart quickly soothe difficult emotions. "Part of being happy is being able to handle the hard stuff." "If we could give children those tools earlier, the benefit is just enormous." "Self-compassion is dependent on common humanity: all humans struggle sometimes." "We are being kind to ourselves with self-compassion simply because we're suffering." “Our voice becomes their inner voice.” 00:00 – Why Children Need Self-Compassion First 02:00 – Early Signs: Spotting Frustration in Young Kids 10:11 – The Three Pillars: Mindfulness, Humanity & Kindness 19:55 – Self-Compassion vs. Self-Esteem Explained 31:27 – Practical Daily Tools for Parents and Caregivers 43:33 – Looking Ahead to Part Two TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-oleary-76299b22/ https://www.instagram.com/wendy_oleary_mindfulmatters/ FIND WENDY’S BOOK HERE https://link.amazon/B0dsTPiMz HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ Key TakeawaysQuotesChapter Timestamps

THE MEDITATION  In this episode, Lovely Liz and meditation guide Kathryn lead a tender, heart-centered practice focused on self-compassion and gentleness. Inspired by guest Wendy O'Leary, the episode breaks down a three-part framework for compassionate self-talk combining common humanity, mindful naming of pain, and affection.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Physical Touch Soothes the Nervous System: Placing one or both hands over your heart offers a physical signal of warmth, safety, and self-care to your body. Validating Your Struggle: Recognising that feeling overwhelmed or making mistakes doesn't mean you are failing; it simply means you are human. Reflecting Love Inward: The deep affection and joy felt when visualizing a loved child can be intentionally turned inward to heal your own inner child. Modeling for the Next Generation: The internal dialogue children develop as they grow up begins with the words they hear from caregivers - including the words caregivers say to themselves. QUOTES "At the heart of everything, being kind and gentle to yourself as you would be to someone you love is the key." "We know that this kind of gentle, loving touch begins to soothe your nervous system. It signals: I am here, and I can tend to myself." "You are not failing; you are simply being human." "You do not have to have it all worked out before you can be kind to yourself." "The voice a child grows up with begins with what they hear from you. It begins with what you say to yourself." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LHWMpDu2IwxrLZhSJiGcU?si=2787d82abdde4ad8  Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-1-wendy-oleary-self-compassion-vs-self-esteem-what/id6783327960?i=1000783707891    LINK TO THE CONVERSATION Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/713CvNmvSxNdGVxBcLKoBh?si=eabf76753305413a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-2-how-self-compassion-changes-your-parenting-debrief/id6783327960?i=1000784183215 HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION  Ever feel like your inner critic takes over the moment parenting gets tough? We sit down in the lounge to debrief our insightful conversation with educator and author Wendy O’Leary. Together, we unpack how self-compassion isn't just a nice idea—it's an essential, daily practice for both adults and young minds. From practical grounding techniques like "seat and feet" to soothing emotional tools like "feeling rocks" and the power of saying "of course," this warm, honest chat explores how showing kindness to yourself directly shapes the voice your child carries within. Discover how early intervention, playful connection, and gentle self-talk can help your family ride life's biggest waves with resilience, warmth, and joy.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Your Voice Today Becomes Their Inner Voice: Children absorb the messages and emotional tone modelled by the adults around them.  Self-Compassion is a Daily Practice: Showing kindness during difficult moments creates internal capacity to handle life’s bigger challenges.  Grounding Restores Calm: Simple physical cues, such as "seat and feet" or a hand on the heart, help regulate the nervous system during stress.  Make Invisible Feelings Tangible: Tools like "feeling rocks" and compassionate holders help children identify and soothe hard emotions safely.  Connection Over Perfection: Playful activities like crafting or driving create natural, pressure-free spaces for curious conversations.  BEST MOMENTS "The earlier we introduced them, the more naturally they'll become part of who they are."  "Learning to relate to ourselves in a kind and compassionate way, especially when things are difficult."  "When we do go out of our comfort zone... learning is hard."  "When we're kind to ourselves, we're more likely to be open to that experience of joy."   "With self-compassion, you can ride bigger waves." CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to the Lounge 02:07 – The Power of Living, Breathing Practice 06:47 – Feeling Rocks & The Self-Compassion Blanket 10:49 – Taming the Inner Critic 18:54 – Practical Grounding: Seat & Feet 24:33 – Riding the Big Waves of Life 33:04 – The Magic of "Of Course, Sweetheart" 36:30 – Connection Through Play & Curiosity 40:33 – Closing Reflections TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LHWMpDu2IwxrLZhSJiGcU?si=2787d82abdde4ad8  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/6-1-wendy-oleary-self-compassion-vs-self-esteem-what/id6783327960?i=1000783707891  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE INTERVIEW Ever wondered what happens when we stop trying to fix every meltdown and simply help our children ride the wave instead? In part one of this warm conversation, educator and author Wendy O’Leary joins Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker to consider why self-compassion might be the most vital protective factor we can offer young minds. Moving beyond traditional self-esteem, Wendy shares how shifting away from achievement-based praise creates space for authentic growth and emotional resilience. From simple gestures like placing a hand on the heart to comforting self-talk, discover practical ways to model self-kindness at home, even when parenting feels completely overwhelming. If you want to help your child replace their inner critic with a supportive best friend, this episode offers a gentle, transformative starting point.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Self-Compassion Beats Self-Esteem: Self-esteem relies on external success or being better than others, whereas self-compassion grounds children in shared humanity. Crucial Early Skill: Introducing self-kindness in preschool years prevents self-critical habits from hardening as children grow. Mistakes Drive Growth: Approaching errors with warmth allows children to learn clearly rather than hiding out of fear. Parental Co-Regulation: Pausing to settle your own nervous system first enables more compassionate responses to tantrums. Simple Embodied Tools: Phrases like "Of course, honey" and placing a hand on the heart quickly soothe difficult emotions. Quotes "Part of being happy is being able to handle the hard stuff." "If we could give children those tools earlier, the benefit is just enormous." "Self-compassion is dependent on common humanity: all humans struggle sometimes." "We are being kind to ourselves with self-compassion simply because we're suffering." Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Why Children Need Self-Compassion First 02:00 – Early Signs: Spotting Frustration in Young Kids 10:11 – The Three Pillars: Mindfulness, Humanity & Kindness 19:55 – Self-Compassion vs. Self-Esteem Explained 31:27 – Practical Daily Tools for Parents and Caregivers 43:33 – Looking Ahead to Part Two TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-oleary-76299b22/ https://www.instagram.com/wendy_oleary_mindfulmatters/ FIND WENDY’S BOOK HERE https://link.amazon/B0dsTPiMz HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE MEDITATION  In this soothing practice episode, Liz introduces a gentle guided meditation led by Kathryn, inspired by Mindful Self-Compassion co-founder Dr. Christopher Germer. Centered around the fundamental act of the in-breath, the very first action we take upon entering this world, this practice invites listeners to reframe receiving nourishment as an essential act of self-care rather than a selfish luxury.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Your First Act Was Receiving: The very first breath you took at birth was an in-breath, celebrated by everyone around you as a profound reminder that receiving is inherent to life. Nourishing Yourself Isn't Selfish: Society often conditions us to believe that giving to others is more important than receiving, but taking in energy and self-care is a vital necessity. The Breath Does Not Judge: Your breath flows naturally without asking whether you've earned it or deserve it; you are free to accept it unconditionally. BEST MOMENTS "The very first breath any of us ever took was an in-breath... and it was celebrated." "Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that breathing in for ourselves, taking in, receiving, nourishing ourselves was somehow less important than what we give out." "Your breath does not ask whether you have earned it. It simply flows." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SAEVD66AD4j2gg6Ni9bUr?si=e2d010b265074db0  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/5-1-dr-christopher-germer-overcoming-shame-and/id6783327960?i=1000781301570  LINK TO THE CONVERSATION Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Bb7f8Ks4aBzg1Gbt8xObo?si=975791ee05db4672  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/5-2-inhaling-for-yourself-the-power-of-self/id6783327960?i=1000782830184  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION  Ever wonder if the way you speak to yourself is becoming the inner voice your children adopt? In this warm and reflective conversation, Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker unpack key insights from their discussion with Dr. Chris Germer, co-developer of Mindful Self-Compassion. Exploring the contrast between tender and fierce self-compassion, they share personal stories about reframing self-criticism and setting healthier boundaries. Discover how children internalise shame as young as two and a half, why taking a single in-breath for yourself can transform your day, and how modelling self-kindness creates a supportive environment for the whole family.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The Power of the In-Breath: Taking a breath for yourself is just as vital as giving outward to others. Fierce vs. Tender Compassion: Self-compassion includes soothing comfort as well as strong, protective boundaries. Early Shame Internalisation: Children can absorb negative self-talk and experience shame as young as age two and a half. Modelling Self-Talk: Children learn how to respond to mistakes by observing how adults handle their own stumbles. Practicing Self-Friendliness: Developing an encouraging inner voice is an ongoing skill that can be built at any age. BEST MOMENTS "The moment that we're born, everyone in the room celebrates the fact that we take the first breath in for ourselves." "The way we talk to ourselves will impact our physiology, impact our internal chemistry, impact the way we feel." "When we feel guilt, we attack our behaviour... But when we feel shame, we attack ourselves." "Children can experience, get the full experience of shame by the age of two and a half." "Self-compassion isn't something we have to earn. It's something we can practice one small moment at a time." EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Raising Kind Minds 01:30 The Golden Gem: Inhaling for Yourself 07:43 Fierce vs. Tender Self-Compassion 12:14 Understanding Shame and Young Children 18:34 Modelling "Booster" over "Crusher" 21:35 Guilt vs. Shame: A Vital Distinction 25:34 Learning to Love Yourself Up 31:08 Final Reflections & Guided Practice TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SAEVD66AD4j2gg6Ni9bUr Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/5-1-dr-christopher-germer-overcoming-shame-and/id6783327960?i=1000781301570 HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE INTERVIEW  Ever wondered how your self-talk quietly shapes the inner voice of the children around you? In this heartwarming conversation, clinical psychologist Dr Chris Germer joins us to unpack the origins of shame and why self-compassion is the ultimate antidote. From developmental phases in early childhood to his own decades-long battle with public speaking anxiety, Chris shares how loving yourself through moments of struggle can completely transform your life. We explore practical ways caregivers can move away from perfectionism, embrace being a "compassionate mess", and introduce gentle micro-practices into busy family routines. Tune in for a reassuring guide to building emotional resilience and treating yourself with genuine warmth.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Shame Begins Early: Children start experiencing self-conscious shame around two and a half years old as they form beliefs about what others think of them. Three Pillars of Self-Compassion: True self-compassion requires non-judgmental mindfulness, common humanity, and active self-kindness working together. Modeling for Children: Caregivers teach self-compassion best by embodying it and modeling gentle, compassionate responses when making everyday mistakes. Fierce and Tender Sides: Self-compassion isn't weak; it includes tough, protective grit as well as gentle comfort and soothing. Breathing for Yourself: A simple in-breath can serve as a compassionate reminder that your own emotional needs matter as much as everyone else's. BEST MOMENTS "When we feel guilt, we attack our behavior. Whereas when we feel shame, we attack ourselves." "The best way to teach self-compassion is to be compassionate." "I didn't know I could love myself." "We practice not to feel better, but simply because we feel bad." "We practice not to improve ourselves or not to perfect ourselves, but to perfect our love." CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – What is Shame? 05:47 – Embarrassment vs Shame 08:21 – Unpacking the Inner Critic 12:36 – When Shame Develops in Childhood 18:53 – The Three Pillars of Self-Compassion 24:33 – How Caregivers Model Compassion 31:06 – Dr Chris Germer’s Personal Journey 41:01 – The Two Paradoxes of MSC Practice 48:02 – Debunking Myths Around Self-Compassion 57:09 – In for Me, Out for You: A Simple Practice 01:04:37 – Embracing Being a Compassionate Mess TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST https://www.instagram.com/christophergermerphd/ https://www.youtube.com/@christophergermerphd https://chrisgermer.com/ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk

THE MEDITATION In this episode, Kathryn introduces a soothing guided meditation practice led by Lovely Liz, inspired by a conversation with Joy Huang. Designed for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating life's daily pressures, this practice invites you to step into the role of a "gentle detective" of your inner world.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Become a Gentle Detective: Approach your inner thoughts, emotions, and exhaustion with curiosity, openness, and warmth rather than harsh self-criticism. Worry Stems from Love: Your worried or anxious inner parts are not your enemies; they appear because you care deeply about your children, relationships, and responsibilities. Release Perfectionism: You do not need to be 100% perfect. Showing up with a kind heart 60% of the time is more than enough. BEST MOMENTS "Become a gentle detective... not a critic, but just a gentle detective: curious, open, and kind." "That worried part is not your enemy. It's there because it loves, because it cares deeply." "You don't have to be 100% perfect today. 60% shown up with a kind heart is more than enough." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FrmtYb3WSe4UJ6E0e17jV?si=2def957fece04f8d  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/4-1-joy-huang-why-your-inner-voice-matters-more-than/id6783327960?i=1000779587789  LINK TO THE CONVERSATION Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2glt3beghq6t4FTF0njXUl?si=d09748812f2e47b6  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/4-2-ditch-the-perfect-parent-trap-embracing-good/id6783327960?i=1000779960353  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION Ever caught yourself losing your cool over screen time or stressing about getting every single parenting decision right? You are certainly not alone! In this warm reflection, we unpack our recent conversation with therapist Joy Huang, exploring the universal pressures families face regardless of culture or background. From heated "hot wars" and distant "cold wars" over devices to the heavy burden of trying to raise a "successful" child, we dive deep into why so many of our reactions are actually driven by hidden fear and shame. We discuss why striving for a "10 out of 10" parent rating is setting us up to fail, and how aiming to be a "good enough" parent creates a far healthier space for everyone. Plus, we explore the beautiful bonsai tree analogy—learning to respect our children's unique nature rather than forcing them into an ideal shape.  Key Takeaways Shift from Perfection to "Good Enough": Striving to be a perfect parent creates unnecessary pressure; aiming for "good enough" builds a healthier family environment. Fear Drives Reactions: Household conflicts, especially over devices, are often fuelled by underlying parent anxiety about a child's future. Embody Self-Care First: Children absorb how adults treat themselves; modelling self-compassion teaches kids how to handle their own stress. Respect Unique Natures: Like bonsai trees, children thrive when their unique individuality is nurtured rather than aggressively shaped. Pause to Reconnect: Taking a brief moment to stop and check in with your inner voice allows you to respond from wisdom rather than panic. Quotes Direct from Transcript "What if being a good enough parent is actually healthier than trying to be a perfect one?" "Your voice today becomes their voice tomorrow." "Our kids learn by what you do, not our words." "Better to be ourself, not our better self." "Can we allow ourselves to be that messy human that we are?" Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Lounge: Unpacking Joy’s Insights 01:40 – Hot Wars, Cold Wars, and Family Conflict 05:15 – The 3 Parent Traps Driving Household Tension 10:10 – Device Warfare: Why Reactions Stem from Fear 15:10 – 3 Simple Steps to Stop Yelling and Start Tending 18:15 – Why Aiming for a 10/10 Parent Rating Fails Us 21:00 – The Burden of Proving You’re a Good Parent 25:30 – Modeling Self-Compassion for Our Children 30:30 – The Bonsai Tree: Respecting Your Child’s Nature 33:00 – Be Yourself, Not Your "Better" Self TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FrmtYb3WSe4UJ6E0e17jV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/4-1-joy-huang-why-your-inner-voice-matters-more-than/id6783327960?i=1000779587789 HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE INTERVIEW What if the greatest gift you could give your child isn't academic success, but the way you talk to yourself when things go wrong? In this episode, we sit down with Joy Huang, founding lead trainer at Hailan Family Wellbeing in China, to explore how self-compassion can completely redefine family dynamics. From heated screen-time arguments to the heavy burden of trying to be a "perfect" parent, Joy shares gentle, practical insights on shifting from fear-based reactions to calm, wise responses. We discuss why children absorb our daily habits far more than our advice, how to quiet the harsh inner critic, and why embracing being "good enough" offers families room to breathe, repair, and flourish. Whether you're navigating daily household stresses or struggling with parental guilt, this conversation is an encouraging reminder that loving yourself is where true family transformation begins. 5 Key Takeaways Modeling Over Instruction: Children absorb how adults treat themselves during moments of stress far more than verbal advice. The "Good Enough" Standard: Releasing the pressure of 100% perfection allows parents to respond from wisdom rather than guilt or fear. Internal Dialogue Drives Reactions: Pausing to listen to inner anxiety or anger helps prevent harsh outbursts during family conflicts. Immediate Relationship Repair: Acknowledging lost temper on the same day models healthy accountability and emotional regulation. Ripple Effect of Compassion: Cultivating self-care in one caregiver can positively impact dynamics across multiple generations. 5 Direct Quotes "You’re going to love yourself before you can truly love your children." "We don’t need to be in a better self. We need to be better at being ourselves." "All parents who love their children will feel the way you are in your situation." "You are a human being with limitations... but make sure that in all situations, you tried your best." "It’s about being willing to return, repair, and reconnect." Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – The Power of Your Inner Voice 03:15 – Understanding Cultural Expectations & Parental Pressure 07:53 – Community-Based Peer Support & Connection 16:30 – De-escalating Screen Time Battles 21:40 – Moving From Reaction to Wise Communication 29:15 – Embracing the 60% "Good Enough" Parent 33:20 – How Repairing After Conflict Teaches Children 47:45 – Practical Mindfulness Exercises for Kids 01:01:35 – 3 Steps to Cultivate Everyday Self-Compassion TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

THE MEDITATION In this gentle episode, Kathryn introduces a soothing meditation practice inspired by veteran teacher James Baraz and an ancient teaching from 12th-century Tibetan master Noguma. Noguma reminds us that the goodness we search for is often overlooked simply because it is too close, too deep, too simple, or too good to accept.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Goodness Is Already Present: True joy doesn't require traveling far or overcomplicating things; it often lives in the immediate sensations and small details of our daily lives. Savor Small Moments: The most profound senses of ease and warmth often come from unassuming, everyday experiences like a warm drink, a kind conversation, or a gentle touch. Somatic Anchoring: Allowing positive feelings to settle into the body as a physical sensation (rather than just an intellectual thought) deepens our capacity to feel grounded and content. BEST MOMENTS "The goodness we are looking for is so close, we cannot see it. So deep, we cannot fathom it. So simple, we cannot believe it. And so good, we cannot accept it." "The most profound joy often arrives in the smallest packages." "Allow yourself to be... someone who has enough, who is enough, who is sitting right in the middle of something good." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/46OGKW54FiUEvkkA6muNBm?si=86797becfba14a76  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/3-1-james-baraz-awakening-joy-in-children-kindness/id6783327960?i=1000778463857 LINK TO THE CONVERSATION Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fITpzqDY7j9P3d5srnsg3?si=187635ebdc974b78  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/3-2-perfect-parenting-is-a-myth-heres-how-to-begin/id6783327960?i=1000778786170  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION  Ever feel like you’re constantly giving your parenting a pass or fail test? Grab a cuppa and join us in the lounge as we unpack our recent conversation with mindfulness teacher James Baraz. We’re ditching the impossible pressure of perfectionism, exploring the quiet radicalism of simple kindness, and discovering why our mistakes might actually be our greatest teaching moments. From the joyful art of “joy spotting” to taking a much-needed parent time-out, this chat is a warm hug and a gentle invitation to lean back, take a breath, and give yourself some well-deserved grace.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Model, Don't Just Tell: Children learn how to treat themselves by watching how we treat ourselves, not from our lectures. Drop the Measuring Stick: Constantly grading your parenting leads to unnecessary burnout and disappointment. Practice Joy Spotting: Actively looking for simple moments of delight trains the brain to build stronger pathways for positivity. Normalize Mistakes: Singing or acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes teaches children self-compassion and repair. When in Doubt, Relax: Taking brief timeouts to recharge makes us far more resourced for our families. BEST MOMENTS "Children don't learn how to treat themselves from what we tell them. They learn from what they see us do." "Make sure your happiness is not at the expense of somebody else's suffering." "When in doubt, relax." "Our children are sobering and profound mirrors for our parenting." "Are you giving life a pass or fail test in everything you do?" CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to the Lounge 01:57 – The Only Classroom Rule You Need 05:46 – Rockstars, Hippies, and Teaching 09:02 – Children as Our Profound Mirrors 11:50 – Everyone Makes Mistakes 14:05 – The Power of the Parent Time-Out 17:16 – The Art of Joy Spotting 23:02 – When in Doubt, Relax 28:51 – Put Down the Parenting Measuring Stick TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/46OGKW54FiUEvkkA6muNBm?si=635936f4fa504119  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/3-2-perfect-parenting-is-a-myth-heres-how-to-begin/id6783327960?i=1000778786170  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/   

THE INTERVIEW  Ever noticed how children naturally sparkle when someone simply notices what’s good in them? In a world that endlessly pressures parents and children to do more, be more, and achieve more, finding genuine ease can feel completely out of reach. James Baraz - author of Awakening Joy and co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center - joins this comforting, insightful conversation on how looking for intrinsic goodness alters the way children see themselves. From classroom lessons in 1960s Queens to simple daily practices like ‘joy spotting’ and setting heart-centred intentions, James shows how self-compassion forms the bedrock of thoughtful parenting. Instead of striving for perfection, discover how modeling our own humanness, admitting mistakes, and taking essential breathers creates space for children to flourish. Tune in for a gentle reminder that kindness always begins within.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Focusing on Goodness: Looking for intrinsic worth in children naturally brings out their confidence and resilience. Growth Through Mistakes: Normalising parental mistakes models healthy risk-taking and self-compassion for children. Practicing Self-Kindness: True patience with children starts by cultivating forgiveness and care toward oneself. Intentional Simplicity: Pausing daily busyness allows space for genuine presence and creative inner exploration. Savoring Positivity: Taking fifteen seconds to truly register moments of joy re-wires the brain for greater well-being. BEST MOMENTS “Make sure that your happiness is not at the expense of somebody else's suffering.” “If you are looking through the lens of love and goodness, you will see it more.” “When a parent is willing to learn and make mistakes, what a great model that is for a child.” “Parenting is a very sobering and profound mirror for what's going on in you.” “It's the time you spend with your rose that makes your rose so special.” CHAPTERS 00:00 – Finding Goodness in a World Driven by Achievement 06:45 – The Single Golden Classroom Rule 12:20 – Parenting as a Mirror for Self-Awareness 19:24 – Embracing Mistakes and the Growth Mindset 25:25 – Starting with Kindness Toward Yourself 31:15 – Setting Simple Intentions at Home 37:06 – The Mental Freedom of Letting Go 46:50 – Joy Spotting and Taking in the Good 57:44 – The Four Faults of Awareness 01:03:28 – Kindness as a Daily Practice TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/   

In this meditation pod, Kathryn Lovewell introduces a gentle, grounding exercise led by Liz, inspired by a recent conversation with behavioral specialist Andy Baker. This episode focuses on recognising the familiar, sometimes critical inner voices like the "I should have" or "I'm not good enough" scripts and meeting them with warmth and curiosity rather than judgment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Trust Over Calm: The opposite of anxiety isn't necessarily calm; it is trust. We can offer ourselves the trust to explore our internal scripts with curiosity instead of judgment. Embrace the Wandering Mind: It is completely natural for the mind to be busy during meditation. You can simply let your thoughts drift in and out like clouds across an open sky without needing to follow them. Recognising Inner Scripts: We all carry familiar internal narratives, such as "I should have" or "I am not good enough," which are often inherited from past figures, teachers, or cultural expectations. Curiosity Over Judgment: Acknowledging these inner scripts and the physical sensations they bring without judgment allows us to soften our emotional responses and keep from treating these stories as absolute facts. Shifting the Narrative: Transforming rigid, critical self-talk into softer, gentler preferences (like changing "I should" to "I would have liked to") creates immediate emotional breathing room and fosters profound self-kindness. QUOTES "The opposite of anxiety isn't calm. It's trust." "Perhaps the most generous thing we can offer ourselves is the trust to meet our scripts with curiosity rather than judgment." "Thoughts will drift in and drift out, like clouds moving through an open sky. You don't need to follow them." "Feel the difference. From 'I should,' which sits like a stone, to 'I would have liked,' which breathes, which leaves room, which acknowledges a preference without turning it into a verdict." "Awareness alone is enough. Just see it. Just to name it. Just to know that it is a story. And that you are not only your stories." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW & CONVERSATIONS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xPQKEwTz3BJIb4hsKlDRr?si=6ac0f0e1d69e43ad  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5s7TtyCgbe4gFVqam733Dk?si=4ae1a9b14b494d90  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/2-1-andy-baker-curiosity-beats-judgement-every-single-time/id6783327960?i=1000777473476  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/2-2-why-your-inner-critic-lies-negativity-bias-and/id6783327960?i=1000777473581  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com Kathryn Lovewell | LinkedIn Liz Walker | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of The Inner Voice Lab. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION Your inner critic isn't telling you the truth - it's just running an old script. In this reflective solo episode, Kathryn and Liz unpack the biggest ideas from their recent conversation with behaviour specialist Andy Baker, exploring how negativity bias, inherited beliefs and old family "scripts" quietly shape the way we see ourselves as parents. They dig into Andy's idea that we're wired to notice the snake, not the flower, and talk candidly about their own experiences of guilt, isolation and self-judgement in the early years of motherhood. Along the way, they explore the difference between reacting and responding, why behaviour is really communication, and how showing empathy to our future selves can change the way we parent today. Listeners will come away with practical ways to catch their inner critic in action, ideas for staying curious instead of judgemental with their children, and a gentle reminder that struggling doesn't mean failing. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent, this honest, warm conversation is for you. Press play and give yourself permission to lighten up. KEY TAKEAWAYS Notice when you're "looking for snakes" - our brains are wired with a negativity bias that makes us scan for threats and mistakes, so deliberately look for the good ("the flowers") in your child's behaviour rather than only clocking what's gone wrong. Get curious instead of judgemental when your child (or you) reacts strongly - ask "I wonder why that happened?" rather than jumping straight to fixing, correcting or assuming, since behaviour is communication, not a verdict on character. Practise empathy for your future self by setting things up the night before, whether that's prepping for tomorrow or simply pausing before reacting, so you're not leaving problems for a more stressed version of yourself to deal with. Watch for the "second arrow" - the extra suffering caused by berating yourself for struggling in the first place - and consciously choose not to pick it up when you're already having a hard day. Build genuine connection with other parents who can normalise the chaos; isolation amplifies self-doubt, while one honest conversation with someone in the same boat can be an enormous relief. QUOTES "I noticed the snake, not the flower." "Scripts aren't facts." "That second arrow is actually causing us way more suffering than necessary. We don't need to take the second arrow out - don't pick it up." "You don't have to believe every story your mind tells you. Sometimes the most compassionate thing we can do is pause, get curious and ask, is this actually true?" "If your future self could sit beside you right now, what would they thank you for?" TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xPQKEwTz3BJIb4hsKlDRr?si=1a9a53ebd370492b  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/2-1-andy-baker-curiosity-beats-judgement-every-single-time/id6783327960?i=1000777473476  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/   

THE INTERVIEW Why do so many parents end the day feeling like they're getting it wrong, even when they're trying their very best? In this conversation, Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker sit down with Andy Baker - bestselling author, behaviour specialist, and host of the Able to Care podcast - to unpack the invisible "scripts" that shape how we judge ourselves and our children. Andy shares how being the victim of violent crime at 16 sent him on a lifelong path into human psychology, and how that journey led him to a simple but powerful belief: understanding people starts with understanding ourselves. Listeners will learn why swapping judgement for curiosity changes everything, how the phrase "be good" often means nothing at all to a child, and why practising empathy for your future self can transform exhausted, reactive moments into calmer ones. This is a warm, honest, and genuinely practical conversation for any parent, carer, or educator ready to question the rules they didn't know they were following. Tune in for a conversation that might just change how you talk to yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS Catch "should" and "shouldn't" language in your own head and swap it for "it would have been nice if" - this simple shift turns a rigid rule into a preference and instantly reduces frustration toward others. Practice "empathy to your future self" by pausing before reacting and asking how you'll feel about this moment tomorrow, not just how you feel about it right now. Replace vague instructions like "be good" with specific, explicit expectations - a child (like an employee) can't meet a standard that was never actually defined. Treat difficult emotions as data rather than a problem to solve immediately - sadness, guilt, and anger are information about unmet expectations, not proof that something is wrong with you. Build deliberate play, fun, and rest into daily life rather than leaving it to chance, since role-modelling balance teaches children more than any lecture about balance ever could. QUOTES "The opposite to anxiety isn't calm, it's trust." "None of us would want to be judged by our worst moment of who we are as a person, and yet we do it to others all the time." "If you're not okay, they're not okay." "I was really on the surface showing the world I've got my shit together. Underneath, I was that person in the toilet crying." "You are wonderful just the way you are, but that doesn't mean there's not room for improvement." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/   

In this meditation episode, Liz introduces a gentle guided meditation led by Kathryn. Drawing inspiration from teen self-compassion researcher Dr. Karen Bluth, this episode shifts the focus away from the youth in your life and places it entirely on you. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, the most powerful tool we have is not a facade of perfection, but how we navigate our own moments of falling short.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The Power of Imperfection: You don't need to have everything figured out to be a great role model.  The Background Hum: Beneath our daily actions runs a quiet internal commentary that often judges, evaluates, and finds fault. Becoming aware of this voice is the first step toward changing it. The Self-Compassion Gap: There is often a stark contrast between the gentle way we speak to loved ones and the harsh way we speak to ourselves. Bridging this gap is where true self-compassion begins. A Shared Human Experience: Feeling inadequate, isolated, or overwhelmed is not a personal failure. It is a universal thread of the shared human condition. The Blueprint for the Next Generation: Children are incredibly observant; they absorb how we treat ourselves when things go wrong. The voice we use internally becomes the blueprint for their own inner dialogue. QUOTES "The most powerful thing that you can model is not having it all together. It’s knowing what to do when you don’t." "The gap between how we speak to the people we love and how we speak to ourselves is exactly where self-compassion begins." "You are a person who's trying... a human being in this world, this challenging world right now. And that's not nothing, that is actually quite a lot." "Sometimes we can experience feelings of not being enough, of being isolated, of struggling... These are not personal failures. They are the human experience." "The voices our children grow up with begin with the ones that they hear from us, including the ones that we use about ourselves." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW & CONVERSATIONS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EfvwLr0mnzbBtsWljkk0b?si=88433039d9ea4712  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1g6mcqMihKtcOOSrvWMtww?si=6481657865f34451  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-1-dr-karen-bluth-why-self-compassion-matters-more/id6783327960?i=1000777473058  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-2-how-self-compassion-helps-teens-cope-with-lifes/id6783327960?i=1000777473498  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com Kathryn Lovewell | LinkedIn Liz Walker | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of The Inner Voice Lab. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE CONVERSATION Your teenager doesn't need to get it right. They need to know how to be kind to themselves when they don't. In this debrief episode, Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker sit down to unpack the ideas that stayed with them after their conversation with Dr Karen Bluth, creator of Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens. They explore why self-compassion is so often misunderstood, why teenage pushback can actually be a healthy sign of growing independence, and what it really means to model self-compassion openly rather than privately. Along the way, they share honest personal stories - from burnt dinners to teenage heartbreak - that bring the research to life. Listeners will come away understanding why self-compassion is a learnable skill at any age, how modeling it benefits the whole family, and why reminding a teen "you matter" may be one of the most powerful things a parent can do. Grab a cuppa and join them in the lounge for this warm, reflective conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Recognise that self-compassion is a learnable skill, not an innate trait - it can be developed at any age, even well into adulthood. Model self-compassion out loud rather than privately, so teens can see and absorb the behaviour, since they learn far more from what they observe than what they're told. Treat teenage pushback and disagreement as a healthy sign of individuation, not a problem to fix or take personally. Practice compassionate listening during a teen's hard moments - sit beside them without trying to fix, minimise, or lighten the situation. Build a daily habit of noticing and naming the good, using it as an antidote to the negativity bias that teens (and adults) default to. QUOTES "Teens don't need to be perfect. They need the skills to support themselves when life gets hard.” "We motivate ourselves with kindness, not with a great big stick." "Everything that looks like struggle is actually healthy."  "Your young people are listening far less to what you tell them to do, and far more to how you speak to yourself." "Resilience isn't built through criticism. It's built through connection." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk LINK TO THE INTERVIEW  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7EfvwLr0mnzbBtsWljkk0b?si=3961673ce3894cc2  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1-1-dr-karen-bluth-why-self-compassion-matters-more/id6783327960?i=1000777473058  HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/  

THE INTERVIEW What if the biggest challenge facing today's teens isn't exams or peer pressure, but the voice inside their own head? In this conversation, Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker sit down with Dr Karen Bluth, researcher, author, and creator of Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens, to explore why adolescence can feel so overwhelming and what actually helps. Drawing on nearly two decades in the classroom and years of research, Karen unpacks why teenage pushback is a natural part of individuation, how parents can model self-compassion instead of self-criticism, and why one simple message - you matter - can change a young person's trajectory. Listeners will learn how self-compassion is a trainable skill at any age, why noticing joy and gratitude counteracts the teenage negativity bias, and practical first steps for supporting a struggling teen without needing clinical training. Tune in for an honest, research-backed conversation every parent, carer, and educator needs to hear. KEY TAKEAWAYS Recognise that teenage pushback and disagreement is a normal, healthy sign of individuation - not a problem to fix or take personally. Model self-compassion openly in front of your teen, since kids internalise the behaviour they observe far more than what they're told. Use the "doubt the doubt" reframe when self-criticism arises - question whether the critical voice is even accurate before believing it. Build a daily habit of noticing small moments of joy and gratitude, since teens (and adults) default to a strong negativity bias. Repeat one core message to your teen consistently: they matter, exactly as they are, even if they push the message away. QUOTES "What if the biggest challenge facing today's teens isn't exams or peer pressure? What if it's the voice inside their own head?" "There's nothing wrong with you. This is the human experience, and we all go through this." "In order to model self-compassion, you have to be actually doing it. You can't fake it." "Doubt the doubt." "They matter, that the world needs them, the world needs their unique voice." TAKE THE SELF-TALK QUIZ https://bit.ly/RKMSelfTalk HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ 

Raising Kind Minds asks: What sort of voice will your child grow up with? Because every word they say to themselves begins with what they hear from you. Hosted by Kathryn Lovewell and Liz Walker of Kind Mind Academy, this podcast helps parents, carers, and educators shape the inner voices of the next generation and strengthen their own along the way. When we nurture a child’s inner voice to be kind, we equip them with the skills to navigate and cope with friendship fires, playground dramas, teenage storms, exam pressures, social media influence, and all the challenges of modern life with confidence and calm. Each episode blends expert insights, real‑life stories, and practical mindfulness and self‑compassion tools to help adults learn and model healthy self‑talk, soothe their inner critic, and guide children to do the same. Grounded in evidence‑based methods from Mindful Self‑Compassion, positive psychology, and neuroscience, Raising Kind Minds is your invitation to think kinder, feel stronger, and raise children who are happy in their own skin. HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of The Inner Voice Lab. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. LINKS https://kindmindacademy.com/ https://theboosterway.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwalker8/