Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling – Details, episodes & analysis

Date broadcast: 06/05/2025

Episode 32: Journey from Music to Writing

In this episode we hear how German born Susanne developed her love of reading and story telling as a child and is now a full time writer. She is also a musician and wanted to be an opera singer but that was not to be. She married an American serviceman and now lives in Washington State in the North West of the US, writing, she’s a foodie and loves to explore the local countryside

Susanne Bacon is a bi-lingual, German-American author, journalist, and columnist with plenty of experience as an event creator, organizer, and manager as well as a business consultant, translator, and public speaker, singer, museum docent, sales associate, and craft instructor. All of these colorful chapters in her life and a very positive, hope-inspired attitude influence her topics and her style of writing.

Susanne Bacon was born in Stuttgart, Germany, She learned her ropes as a writer, first as a freelance journalist with a daily paper in her hometown, then with a trade magazine for which she would end up as the editor-in-chief for over a decade. During this time, she published two books of poetry and short stories in her German mother tongue.

Susanne emigrated to the U.S. in 2010, where she has been living with her husband in the South Puget Sound region in Washington State ever since.

In 2015, Susanne Bacon edited and translated her first, originally German novel, “Islands in the Storm”, a historical novel about the German occupation of the British Channel Islands in WW II. Immediately after its publication, she wrote and published her first American novel, “Delicate Dreams”, which would become the first in a series that she hadn’t even planned on. Her Suburban Times column “Home from Home”, comparing her former German life to her American experiences, turned into another book with the same title. In 2021, Susanne created an off-spin from her Wycliff series, a romantic mystery based on the character of a military spouse, while also writing some dystopian and alternate historical short stories. All in all, since 2015, Susanne Bacon has published 15 novels – the 16th is in the workings –, one book of short fiction, and two books of non-fiction; they can be found on Amazon in English and in German.

To connect with Susanne and buy her books:

https://susannebaconauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/susannebaconauthor

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Date broadcast: 22.04.2025

Episode 31: Journey from Midwifery to Relationship Coaching

In this episode we hear how Naomi moved from her career in midwifery to becoming a relationship coach, in part because of her own relationship breakdown and her love of helping others. We talk quite a lot about our relationships with ourselves and how we have the power and choice to change that which I turn can enhance our relationships. She is now in business with her life partner, Martin and we hear how their business has evolved

Naomi is a relationship coach who helps individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love and connection. With years of experience, Naomi, alongside her partner Martin, guides clients towards deeper self understanding, improved connection, and healthier relationships. Whether you're seeking to heal from past hurts, build stronger bonds with your partner, or simply cultivate more fulfilling connections in your life, Naomi offers compassionate support and practical tools to help you achieve your relationship goals.

To connect with Naomi:

www.just1to11itcoaching.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/share/18Q9KfDAjG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Date broadcast: 17th December

Episode 22: Journey to Becoming a Wild Woman

In this episode we hear how Jen transformed from civil servant to setting up her business, Lakeland Wellbeing and becoming a wild woman, empowerment coach and firewalk instructor. She describes her passion for helping women step into their own power and thus change the world. She is running various retreats and is now running them globally

Empowering women to change the world, Jen is a wild woman, empowerment coach & fire walking instructor. She supports women to step fully into their own feminine power, leaving behind self doubt, limiting beliefs and anything holding them them back in life. Do you ever feel anxious, procrastinate or even worse don’t take action because of your fears and limiting beliefs, even though you feel deeply and fiercely passionate about your cause? Jen’s wild & warrior woman retreats, empowerment coaching & fire walks, support you to shine your bright & beautiful light and make the changes you want to see in your life and the world! Once you walk across fire, you feel you can do anything!

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To connect with Jen:

https://www.facebook.com/lakelandwellbeing/ https://www.instagram.com/lakelandwellbeing/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-grange/ 

www.facebook.com/groups/moonsistersmagic/

https://youtube.com/@moonsisters_lwb

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Date broadcast: 3rd December 2024

In this episode we hear how Shelley’s love of books became a passion for writing from a young age. After her divorce sand becoming a holistic therapist she set herself 52 resolutions for the year and wrote a blog every week. That turned into her first book “How I Changed My Life in a Year” and now she has written 20 more books, the last due to be published or has probably been published when you hear this podcast. She also talks about how she loves to coach and mentor writer.

Shelley Wilson is a multi-genre author of over twenty titles and a writing mentor for women in business. She writes non-fiction self-help, young adult supernatural fiction, historical fiction, and romance. When she's not writing, Shelley can be found solo travelling in her VW camper called Snoopy.

To connect with Shelley: https://linktr.ee/ShelleyWilson72

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Episode 20: Journey from Nurse to Grief and Sudden Loss Recovery Coach

In this episode Julie shares how she left behind the nursing career she loved to become a coach and found herself working in the field of grief and sudden loss. We talk about the difference between coaching and counselling and we also talk about the importance of self care which is vital for us all but particularly working with human emotion. And, of course, books came into it as they nearly always do!

Julie is an experienced grief and sudden loss recovery coach specialising in helping people after bereavement, relationship breakdown and chronic illness. When life has changed forever. Prior to starting her coaching Julie spent 20 years in the NHS as a senior nurse and midwife, she also worked on various pioneering NHS community projects.

Since becoming a professional coach and mentor in 2006 she has developed a unique life recovery program helping many people to reach new fulfilling phases in their lives they hadn’t thought possible.

Julie is an author of popular unique personal growth gift books and is a well-known inspirational and motivational wellbeing conference speaker.

To connect with Julie:

Julie New - Grief Coach & Sudden Loss Recovery (@changes_forever_bereavement) • Instagram photos and videos

 Facebook

 Julie New - Grief coach & sudden loss recovery (@julienewcoach) / X

 (1) Julie New | LinkedIn

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Episode 19: Journey from Performer to Nutritionist

In this episode Sarah shares her story of how she moved from being a performer in productions like Starlight Express and We Will Rock You to becoming a nutritionist after having received so much help herself for her own health. Her passion for what she does has helped many other women living with auto immune conditions and helped women understand their bodies better as they age and progress through menopause

Sarah graduated from the College Of Naturopathic Medicine as a fully qualified Naturopathic Nutritionist over 10yrs ago after deciding her performing career was no longer fulfilling her in the same way it once did. Her passion for supporting women through the ageing process and particularly menopause started after witnessing her mum go through the menopause at just 32yrs old and become her own health advocate when mainstream medicine failed her

Sarah is the co-creator of the Thrive Nutrition and Wellbeing program, has her own private practice and is a top performing consultant for a wellness and beauty brand. She has written articles for Naturopathy magazine, Health & Wellbeing Magazine, and the Daily Mail. She has also had the pleasure of speaking at various wellness festivals and retreats as well as hosting her own Longevity retreat in Ibiza and nothing pleases her more than educating women on how to live in a healthy, happy body for life

To connect with Sarah:

https://www.instagram.com/sarahlawuk/profilecard/?igsh=ZnR0NTBkNHk0cDRs 

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlawuk?_t=8pDfHkGlHkm&_r=1

To book a call: https://link.madeformore.ai/widget/bookings/discoverycallsarah2

5 Steps to thriving through menopause: https://go.sarah-law.uk/steps-to-thrive-through-menopause

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Episode 18: Journey to becoming a Yoga Teacher

In this episode Vicki shares how a horrific hit & run accident left her with a life changing foot injury. Refusing to accept the doctor’s prognosis, she returned to her yoga practice and found it brought back her strength and flexibility. In 2017 she decided to become a yoga teacher and it has been her full time occupation since 2020. She shares her passion for giving it a go and how worth while it can be

Vicki Baumann aka YogaWithVickiB is a living example of the many benefits of yoga. After suffering a traumatic life-changing foot injury, following a hit and run accident in 2012 that resulted in two operations and 18 months of rehabilitation learning to walk again – it was her yoga practice that brought her back to fitness. 

It was in 2017 at aged 55 that she qualified as a yoga teacher.

Having taught yoga part-time whilst running a print business, Vicki made the decision to leave her 30+ career behind and focus solely on her yoga business. The timing of leaving her business career behind, could have been better! It was just two weeks before the pandemic lockdown! In one day she had transitioned her business from all in-person to Zoom classes – a decision that remains a positive one to this day. 

At the heart of her business is inviting women to start yoga. Encouraging those that have often put off starting for many years – even though they know it could be good for them. Those that find themselves saying “they are too old to start, they are not fit enough, strong enough, never been able to touch their toes, never had any balance” etc to just start. 

She teaches yoga beginners courses and group classes on Zoom which can be a real help to those who are worried about entering an in-person class. Students are comfortable in their own surroundings and led in a structured class where Vicki can guide and encourage them. 

As well as her online teachings, Vicki runs in-person workshops and ladies-only yoga & relaxation holidays.

Vicki ethos is to be kind to ourselves, not judge ourselves on what we can’t do yet..  And provide ourselves with some me-time to discover just how beneficial yoga can be. “When you are on your yoga mat, you are not thinking of anything else. It provides you space for meditation in motion”.

Vicki’s picture on the cover photo taken by Yolande de Fines

To connect with Vicki:

www.yogawithvickib.com

https://www.instagram.com/yogawithvickib/

https://www.facebook.com/YogaWithVickiB/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-baumann/

https://www.yogawithvickib.com/beginners-yoga-course

https://www.yogawithvickib.com/yoga-retreat-kalkan

https://www.yogawithvickib.com/french-retreat

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Episode 17: Journey to Wellness & Food Coaching

In this episode Marina shares her powerful story of developing autoimmune disease after the birth of her child. She has been in remission for some years now by changing the way she ate and she now helps her clients do the self same thing. We talk about how food can be an addiction in the same way as alcohol, cigarettes and drugs but we have to have food in our lives. It really is a fascinating listen!

Marina Antonova is a dedicated food coach who transformed her life from battling chronic illnesses and severe food dependencies to achieving food freedom and vibrant health. Through her personal journey, Marina discovered powerful techniques for consistently eating well and overcoming temptations from dysfunctional foods. This led her to create a coaching practice that helps others break free from relentless food cravings. Passionate about empowering individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Marina combines personalized strategies with compassionate support to guide her clients toward lasting wellness.

Tune in as Marina shares her inspiring story and practical tips for consistently eating well and resisting unhealthy food temptations to achieve a healthier, happier life.

To connect with Marina:

https://www.instagram.com/antohealthcoach?igsh=bng5ajRranNuNG9h&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/marinaantonova_v?igsh=N2U4Y3FnOTZtazM4&utm_source=qr

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-antonova-a2241a40?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Episode 16: Journey to Personal Branding

In this episode Sally shares her serendipitous journey from oncology nurse to being a personal branding specialist. We hear what personal branding is and why it’s important particularly for anyone making the transition from business to entrepreneurship. There’s a great book recommendation and, of course, information about how you can find out more about sally and how she works

Sally specialises in helping individuals  create memorable personal brands and bespoke business identities. Based in the picturesque Chester England, She is totally  passionate about transforming her clients brand and helping them  to skyrocket their business.

She talks about all things #unique, #business, #coaching, #confidence, and #personalbrand. Whether people are transitioning from a 'job' to entrepreneurship, seeking more clients, or aiming to shine on social media  - A well defined Personal Brand makes that happen

She brings a unique blend of experiences to the table, having worked as an oncology nurse specialist and personal stylist. Her journey involves bridging the gap between work and life balance. She loves  psychology-driven marketing for genuine audience connection, crafting systems for tech-phobes to convey themselves effortlessly, and elevating visibility – a key element for marketplace success.

 Plus, she is a certified Soul Plan Reader, adding an extra layer to enhancing clients personal brand and aligning it with their purpose.

To connect with Sally:

http://www.sallyinkster.com/

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. 

Date broadcast: 

Episode 15: Journey to the Food Freedom Fairy

In this episode Jenny shares her powerful story of how hospitalisation as a little girl led to her overeating and secret eating as comfort. She tried all kinds of things and in the end lost 40kg through meal replacements but, in her heart, knew there must be another way by healing women’s relationship with themselves and with food. Hence the Food Freedom Fairy Æ was born. We hear about her key learning on her journey and two great book recommendations for you.

Jenny McDonald, aka The Food Freedom Fairy®, empowers serial dieters and emotional eaters to eat cake without feeling guilty, release weight without dieting and most importantly heal their relationship with themselves.

Like many, Jenny struggled with food from an early age. Recognising her larger body was not accepted by society led to feelings of shame and guilt around food, secret eating and constant dieting.

In 2004 Jenny started to repair her relationship with food and lost over 40kg. She went on to work in the diet industry. Years later witnessing clients repeat the lose, gain cycle she knew there had to be another way.

Jenny is an award-winning, best-selling author of ‘The Book the Diet Industry Doesn’t Want You to Read’, speaker, coach, and energy alignment mentor with over 18 years of experience in weight loss.

Jenny is a certified and accredited Health and Life Coach trained in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and various energy healing modalities. She offers private coaching and a group membership programme for women who are ready to ditch the diet and lose weight for the last time!

To connect with Jenny:

All links: https://linktr.ee/_jennymc

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/ho7gXAt 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/605793686751503/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyMcDonald.Power

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jennymc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Dq0OHvSTh-FF9jaGKFNsQ?view_as=subscriber

Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7C16IU1baAUE98DpuNukmS?si=4te3lLBoQkmk_aTKjQg03w&nd=1&dlsi=911a5f474b5245d7

To connect with me and join my group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share

https://www.facebook.com/ann.girling/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngirling/

http://facebook.com/yourunlikelyguru

Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.