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. 

Date broadcast: 27th August 2024

Episode 14: Journey to Holistic Healing

In this episode Jo shares with us how a miscarriage at 6 months led her to reevaluate her life and become a holistic healer helping women through miscarriage and onto their next pregnancy and also older women who have rather lost their way. She has a great book recommendation and she shares some great learning how change is inevitable and trust in the process. Listen on!!

Emotional Wellbeing Intuitive Coach & Holistic Therapist Jo has been working in the field of complementary therapies since 1997. She made the decision to cross over from the corporate world after she experienced a miscarriage at 24 weeks which changed her life and her direction.

After taking a diploma in Aromatherapy at The Tisserand Institute she went on to train in multiple therapies, including Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Hypnosis, Wellbeing Coaching, Mindfulness & Meditation, Vitali Chi,  The Energy Alignment Method (EAM) and Sound Healing Tuning Forks and INIGMA Healing Certification.

She runs Holistic Healing Wellbeing Retreats in Turkey, France and Ibiza.

Jo offers a unique blend of transformation and joy which is bespoke to each person. She draws on her different modalities depending on what is required at the time, as no one size fits all.

Jo is the author of “Life after Miscarriage - Your Guide to Healing from Pregnancy Loss” and the Owner of “Essences by Jo” a range of Aromatherapy Body and Bath Blends.

Jo runs a membership group called The Cherish Circle, where women come together weekly on a Monday at 7.30 pm to take time for themselves, with guided meditation and breathing exercises.

Jo holds professional membership of The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and is a regular speaker at networking events including Women In Business Network and SisterSnog. She is a member of f:entrepreneur Top 100 2019 and winner of Janey Loves Gold Award and Highly Commended Award in the Voice Category at the Mpower Awards.

She is a silver winner for Essences by Jo, in the Best Product Category at the Best Business Women Awards 2023 and a silver winner in helping Families and Children at the BBWA’s 20

To connect with Jo:

https://jotocher.com/ https://jotocher.com/oracle-cards/

https://jotocher.com/cherish-circle/

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 13th August 2024

In this episode Yvonne shares her decision to leave a well paid corporate job to seek greater purpose outside not initially knowing what she was going to do. Her story is one of going from extreme stress to the joy of running her own business as a coach and she also gives us some tips about managing procrastination which we all suffer from to some extent!

Yvonne Pritchard is a “Fabulous” coach, who coaches and mentors women to;

• Remove doubt
• Be more confident
• Discover their identity
• Fall in love with themselves
• And to be Fabulous.

I know what it feels like to be less than Fabulous.  I didn’t know who I was, what my purpose was and I had lost my confidence, my mojo and my sparkle. People didn’t know this as I hid it well, and this was exhausting. I was putting on a mask and pretending to be happy, in control and confident, I was not. This took it toll on me and I ended up being diagnosed with depression. Fast forward to now and I am 100% in love with myself, I know who I am, what I stand for, I am happy, confident, and in control of my life, and when curve balls come, I know how to deal with them.

She is  walking, talking proof that you can be the person you want to be, but you need to invest time and money into yourself to make these changes. And I hope we’ll hear her story

She is an NLP Master Coach, A Time Line Therapy Master coach and a Hypnosis Master. Over the past 5 years she has coached over 200 people to be fabulous and to lead the life they deserve.

To connect with Yvonne:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/beeleevinyou (for my free Facebook group)

www.beeleev.co.uk/female-fabulous-home for more information about the membership community.

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. 

I’m always amazed how things happen in people’s lives and lead to incredible transformations. In this episode bereavement, grief & loss specialist and author, Sharon Rosenbloom, powerfully describes how her emotions after the tragic death of her husband, Simon, aged 41. She describes how it has helped her find her true purpose in life to help others navigate their own bereavement journeys. She also describes how she healed herself from a chocolate addiction and, through that learning helps others recover too. Finally she is a very proud author of “Widowed with Kids”

Sharon sadly lost her husband 22 years ago now when she was 39 and Simon was 41.Theyhad 2 young children of 5 and 7. Their 5 year old, now 28, has complex special needs. He has autism, dyspraxia, ADHD, learning difficulties , speech impairments and has a developmental age of about 6 or 7. Life was obviously challenging for Sharon with Oliver before Simon died When she saw Sophie, her daughter, climb into bed with Simon after he died, she just broke down and thought why me. However she can now see that losing Simon has been a gift so she can support others who are grieving. She is a psychotherapeutic counsellor specialising in bereavement grief and loss, a hypnotherapist, a life coach, a naturopath and author of “Widowed with Kids”. She was also a chocoholic and feed every emotion she felt with chocolate. Her naive brain thought addictions were drugs and alcohol but she discovered that sugar is a bigger addiction. You can live without drugs and alcohol but you can't live without food. When we went into the pandemic Sharon said she would rather die than give up chocolate. Everyone was queuing at the supermarket for toilet paper and pasta. she queued for over 2 hours one day for chocolate

She describes both of these experiences in much more detail in the podcast .

Website: www.sharonrosenbloom.com

If you are suffering from fear and we can have a free discovery call to see how I can support you https://www.amazon.co.uk/Widowed-Kids-until-rediscover-yourself/dp/1913501108 

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.

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 30th July 2024

In this episode Laura tells us how she moved from being a weight loss coach to helping women with Hormone Havoc as she, herself, was diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), a little known condition, but one which affects 1 in 20 women. She also goes on to tell us how she helps female business owners with her Get **it Done Club

Laura Teare-Jones is a hormone and mindset coach, podcaster, foerce PMDD and women’s health advocate, and champion for women in business.

To connect with Laura:

Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/getitdoneclub/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauratearejones/ Website - lauratearejones.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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 16th July 2024

In this episode Alison shares her story from publishing to mindfulness via many years spent in India and hope she has come to help people living worth long term pain and ill health. Ans she also shares news of what’ next for her

Alison is a mindfulness practitioner with a special interest in supporting those living with long-term pain and ill health. Working with them to cultivate the resilience and skills necessary to live well whatever the circumstances. Alison has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years, running clinics in the UK and India. When she's not working you might find her out running, or in the gym. She loves to cook, get outside, and travel with her husband Martin.

To connect with Alison:

www.mindinsight.online

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-bale-mindfulness/

https://www.facebook.com/mindinsightonline

https://www.instagram.com/mindinsightonline?igsh=dXRmNmd5emVhb3pr

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 2nd July 2024

In this episode Rosie tells us all about her passion for networking and how she came to be the owner of 3 businesses! She also shares her learning on her journey and two great books

Rosie loves creating an environment where others can thrive, and she do it in all parts of her life, including her businesses. Her passion for helping people succeed and making a positive impact carries through all that she is and all that she does, and she do it in 3 businesses, but always "The Rosie Way!"

*WIBN - Women in Business Network* Networking for women who want to build strong, supportive relationships from which referrals & business flow.  She loves being able to facilitate the introduction of businesses that form synergies, create opportunities and possibilities, and ultimately grow. And she loves doing that the WIBN way through  the building of strong foundation relationships first.

*Digital Coach* She know what it's like to feel that tech is so complicated, and that you'll never get to grips with it, or that it runs your life and controls you, and not the other way around. She helps take away the fear and overwhelm of using digital technology and gives you the confidence & competence to thrive in today's digital world.

*Of Paths and Paddles* Her mission with Of Paths and Paddles is to break down the barriers to women enjoying the outdoors.   Women-only adventures in the outdoors, for laughter - the best medicine, for health - mental and physical - for companionship and for fun. To de-stress, relax and recharge.

To connect with Rosie:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingWomansDigitalCoach

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-diver-adventurer/

Digital Coach - https://digitalcoach.org.uk/

WIBN - https://wibn.co.uk/page/Rosie_Diver

To contact Rosie:

Rosie@digitalcoach.org.uk

07747614434

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 18th June 2024

In this episode Starr tells her story of her journey from becoming sober 35 years ago to becoming a pole dancer at 72, and how it has approved her quality of life and her osteoporosis. Her goal is to continue as long as she is able to and has the desire and to inspire women to become more active

Starr started pole dancing at 72 1/2 when she read an article in her local newspaper about a 62 year old pole dancing Pastor. It was on her bucket list. She is now 75 ½ and hasperformed in Los Angeles California clubs 3 times along with magazine and newspaper articles. She recognises that she will never be a great pole dancer but her goal is to inspire women of all ages. She believes that age is just a number.

To follow Starr on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starr.wise

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.

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 4th June 2024

In this episode Cath shares her story of her realisation that, as a primary school teacher, with all the pressures that go alongside it, she was missing out on seeing her son grow up as she was never fully present in her life. She talks about learning to become a mindfulness teacher and how she has grown an award winning business. She also shares about why mindfulness and meditation is so important to balance out the stresses that are part and parcel of 21st century life and finding joy in our daily life

Cath Downes is an award winning mindfulness and meditation mentor and founder of Find Your Calm.

It wasn’t until she left a teaching career of 18 years that she realised she’d never really switched off from work and been fully present in her life!

Cath realised that she had missed out on time with her son and stepchildren. She had been there physically, but was often distracted and not quite there, mentally and emotionally.

Through developing a daily mindfulness practice, she felt she got her life back. She learnt how to bring herself to the present moment, slowing the pace so her mind could be where she was.

The simple changes Cath made had such a big impact that she wanted to share what she’d learnt with as many other people as possible.

Cath qualified as a mindfulness teacher and meditation leader in 2020. Since then, she’s run numerous courses, including her Mindfulness for Men group programme. She also works with clients on a one to one basis, helping them to become more calm, more connected and more happy in life.

How you can contact Cath:

https://www.findyourcalm.org.uk/

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 21st May 2024

In this episode Sarah talks about how she has developed a business from being a family photographer and hiding behind the camera and her transformation to being a mentor and helping other women be more visible.

She realised she had to do something or get a job which she didn’t want to do and get more joy from her business. Her answer was to get out of her own way so that she could be a role model for her two daughters and show them how business can be done and help so many more women as I know she now does

Sarah’s bio:

Sarah is a branding and visibility mentor for business owners who absolutely love what you do, but don’t love shouting about it!  Sarah helps you to better understand the unique value that you offer, and build your confidence in communicating this with your potential customers in ways that feel right for you. By helping you to embrace and harness everything that makes you unique, Sarah enables you to connect with the right people, just by being true to yourself.   Sarah can support you with 1-1 or group mentoring, offers brand photography, and hosts a membership community to support and bring together like minded business people who are working to grow your visibility.

How you can contact Sarah:

To find out more about Sarah's membership Visibly You:

https://www.visiblyyou.co.uk/infopage

To join Sarah's facebook group Be the Face of Your Brand:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bethefaceofyourbrand

To connect with Sarah:

https://www.instagram.com/sarahwhitebranding https://www.facebook.com/sarahwhitebranding https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwhitebranding/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahwhitebranding

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 7th May 2024

In this episode Michelle shares her story from being the owner of a successful product business and how she moved to Kent with her family to live her dream life by the sea. After a freak accident she describes how she suffered physically and mentally and contemplated taking her own life. To share what stopped her would definitely be a spoiler so listen and find out and it led her to discovering her true purpose and becoming the female business mentor. It’s a powerful story

Michelle is an award winning business mentor who specializes in resilience and helping women to succeed. With a wealth of personal and professional experiences, Michelle brings a unique perspective, facing numerous obstacles throughout her own journey, Michelle is passionate about helping women overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

With a down to earth approach, sharing her own difficulties along the way, Michelle has achieved success with both private clients and mentoring for Small Business Britain, Lloyds Bank & Amazon Accelerator.

Regularly contributing as a business expert in publications for the BBC & Image Magazine, Michelle is passionate about helping women thrive.   

How you can contact Michelle

Website: https://thefemalebusinessmentor.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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 23rd April 2024

In this episode Sandra shares her story from becoming a single mum and wanting to provide for her children, studying law and ultimately setting up her own law firm. It took breaking her ankle for her to discover her purpose of creating more women in business role models to inspire others. We also talk about what she’s learnt along the way and books. The one she specifically talks about is Bold as Brass by Hilary Devey

Sandra Garlick MBE, creates women in business role models.

Sandra is a speaker, author, and business mentor, and the founder of Woman Who. Sandra’s mission is to create more women in business role models to inspire others. 

Sandra has established a women in business network that empowers, celebrates, and educates aspiring and established female entrepreneurs. Through the Woman Who Achieves Awards, the Woman Who Achieves Academy, and Speaker Bootcamps, she provides a platform for women to showcase their successes and gain visibility. 

Sandra believes that everyone is unique and has the ability to inspire others whatever their ability or disability. She simply creates the opportunities for women to pursue and realise their entrepreneurial dreams.

Sandra was awarded her MBE in the New Year's Honours List 2020 for her outstanding contributions to women in business. 

How you can contact Sandra

Website: https://womanwho.co.uk

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

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 9th April 2024

In this episode Dawn Owen,  the Zero BS Coach, shares her story of how coaching helped her recover from the depression that followed the grief associated with her cancer diagnosis and her mother’s death from cancer. She gives some fantastic advice from her own journey and shares what’s next for her in her business.

Dawn Owen is a Zero BS Coach with over 10 years’ experience in the coaching space.

She helps you achieve your next 'Best Month Ever' in your business and live the life you want,  and deserve!

Dawn believes that you can have all the strategy in the world, but it’s your thoughts, feelings and actions that really deliver your results – and there is no way round that!

She works very differently to most coaches, she strategises your brain and your business

She not only works at a neurological level, but also somatically and energetically to really create bespoke sessions that work for you and what you need at any given time.

Out of work – she’s a mom of 2, a doggy momma, wife, daughter – all of the things!

Loves overpriced stationary, a kitchen disco, and cake. Lots of cake!

How you can contact Dawn

https://linktr.ee/dawneowen

To join Dawn’s High Vibe Tribe Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/4863213780412332

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 26th March 2024

In this episode Beverley Densham,  Mindfulness Pilates Teacher, shares her story of how chronic back pain led her to learn about pilates and how it helped her so much she went on to teach others. She shares some of the results she has had and you will hear ne describe how it has given me body confidence. She also talks about her Stress to Calm series of books for lawyers, nurses and teachers

Beverley Densham is a Mindfulness Pilates Teacher of over 25 years & Author. She graduated from the University of Brighton with a Degree in Sports Science and became a Pilates teacher. Two near death experiences, and divorce guided her to heal and inspire others with her mindfulness Pilates zoom studio with meditation, mindset, journaling and positive affirmations. She created a Mindfulness Pilates Podcast and is the Author of the Stress to Calm Series for lawyers, nurses and teachers and also teaches stress management for better mental health and wellbeing.

How you can contact Beverley:

Website: http://www.beverleydensham.com/

Stress to Calm series on Amazon:-

Stress to calm for Lawyers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stress-Calm-7-Minutes-Lawyers/dp/0857162527/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1240JY1OUSVQ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M8F2-R8TYd2DyNYheA33WcGWbQBrgPN66iNDDvGD_dzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.slCBjDhf2FQA_brgDqOofot4C2jdtKtSaeqoBVhExSc&dib_tag=se&keywords=stress+to+calm+in+7+minutes+for+lawyers&qid=1708527208&sprefix=stress+to+calm%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1

Stress to Calm for Nurses:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stress-Calm-7-Minutes-Nurses/dp/085716256X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1240JY1OUSVQ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kJCXNEDY8SNNFWeiyp4VsMGWbQBrgPN66iNDDvGD_dzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.dE0An8D4iIuE6s1p7WvOdPWOvnpmbcoRzrM15Oopurg&dib_tag=se&keywords=stress+to+calm+in+7+minutes+for+nurses&qid=1708527331&sprefix=stress+to+calm%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1

Stress to Calm for Teachers:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stress-Calm-7-Minutes-Teachers/dp/0857162543/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R0QTRGU3V36V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.G0vxAFH7_5uT02pt8gZ8nv3ooKGEcE5IGdlVThkItQFo8gVKlu0cFzbvnTbkvb1qjfCx80QllRdbwC3dJSA-GZkdXRjPoZIBikoAAZ0xfZY.fCTLMGxSauyZfZV_fsKki17kRljSruh5rEpufWkHMfk&dib_tag=se&keywords=stress+to+calm+in+7+minutes+for+teachers&qid=1708527398&sprefix=stress+to+calm+for+%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

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 29: Journey to the Unlikely Guru

Date broadcast: 25th March 2025

This is my story from leaving the NHS through burnout and my journey through self employment, saying yes to opportunities and not letting age being an obstacle.

Ann Girling, also known as the Unlikely Guru, is on a mission to empower women with the knowledge they need and inspire them to action so that they can become healthier and more happier versions of themselves. She does this through her Arbonne business, recommending products and a business opportunity that have been key to her own personal transformation from 50 year old burnt out health visitor to 75 year old business woman loving life

She worked in the NHS for 30 years and left feeling totally disillusioned and burnt out. Since then her work has been varied and she did train as a coach with the Coaches Training Institute and set up a business On The Threshold working with women who were looking for change after experiencing a significant life event. At that time she also wrote her first book “Journey to Chocolate” in which she shares her life experiences and the research around them with coaching exercises for the reader.

She started her Arbonne business in 2011 after the birth of her grandson, Jacob, to create the income to be able to visit her family in the States. And this year she is launching her own podcast Tales of Transformation and is starting work on her second book. In addition she is growing her Facebook group The Unlikely Guru where she is growing a community of women who want to live better for longer and her goal this year is to grow it to 2000 members

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.

Hosted by Ann Girling

Date broadcast: 12th March 2024

In this episode Danielle Abramov,  The Heath Homeopath, shares her story of how, being a Mum to triplets, led her to becoming a homeopath, her adventures in the Gambia and how Nux Vomica is a cure for hangovers! She also fascinatingly describes how homeopathy works

Danielle Abramov - Heath Homeopath- Restoring Health Naturally

She is committed to homeopathy because it treats the person as a whole without the side effects of conventional medicine. I believe that true healing is synonymous with liberation (freedom from whatever ails you). 

She love my work and take a friendly and practical approach. I enjoy getting to know patients, working with them towards improving their health and offering a real alternative to or support for conventional treatment.

Originally from Canada, having also lived in Belgium and Israel, I am fluent in English, French and Hebrew, I’ve lived in London since 1984, setting up home and homeopathy practice in leafy Hampstead Garden Suburb, Northwest London.

She consult in person and online. 

She is a proud mother of triplets, lover of travel and love to connect people as well as restore their health

How you can contact Danielle

Website: www.theheathhomeopath.co.uk, 

Instagram: @daniellehomeopath 

Mobile: 07866 767 285

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. 

Hosted by Ann Girling

Released: 08.03.2024 (recorded on 13.02.24)

In this episode Heather Waring, Transformational Coach, shares her journey from burn out to finding her true self through the power of walking

Heather is a transformational coach, walk expert, author & speaker. She is the Founder of 1 Million Women Walking, a global community now over 8000 women strong, supporting her mission to impact the lives of 1 million women through the simple activity of walking. She creates space for women to rediscover and reconnect with their true self and reignite that spark and essence that has got lost along life's path. She uses walking as her vehicle for delivering self-care, coaching, nurturing and transformation to women who still have so much life to live.

How you can connect with Heather and buy her book; If you want to have a signed copy then buy it through her website

Website - https://1millionwomenwalking.com/  Facebook - One Million Women Walking Community -https://www.facebook.com/groups/onemillionwomenwalking  My book - https://1millionwomenwalking.com/how-walking-saved-my-life/ Camino Experiences 2024 - https://1millionwomenwalking.com/the-camino-experience/ Social media Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heatherywaring/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherwaring/  Facebook - profile - https://www.facebook.com/heather.waring1 

Heather also recommended the book “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for listening and do connect with me:

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. 

Welcome to the Tales of Transformation podcast where I chat to women who share their transformational journeys and  what they have learnt along the way.

Hosted by Ann Girling, the Unlikely Guru, whose mission is to empower women with knowledge and inspire them to action so that they can become the healthiest and most vibrant versions of themselves. We can all learn and be inspired by their achievements and they are evidence of what’s possible when we discover what it is we really want to do and go for it!

There’ll be episodes every couple of weeks, so make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on any of these fabulous women’s stories

Don’t forget to come and join my growing Facebook community of women who want to live better for longer

The Unlikely Guru

Episode 28: Journey to becoming a Life & Therapuetic Coach

Date broadcast: 11th March 2025

In this episode we hear about Naomi’s decision to leave her corporate role in Human Resources because of ill health. She suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome and it was through her diagnosis and recovery that led her to want to help her clients on their wellness journey. She also talks about how she uses enneagram, a personality profiling tool in her work and how that has helped her personally. All I can say is listen to what she has to say, what she’s learnt and her tips for all of us who might want change in their lives

Naomi Dake is a Wellbeing, Leadership and Organisation Development Specialist and enjoys partnering with teams and organisations in improving their overall culture and leadership capability and effectiveness.

Naomi is also a qualified and experienced Life and Therapeutic Coach who supports people to develop or change areas of their life and/or wellbeing. She does this through creating a warm, friendly, safe and accepting space, to enable individual clients to explore and enact sustainable shifts, which lead to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life for them.

In support of both her leadership and coaching practice, Naomi works as an accredited Enneagram (personality profiling) and Strengthscope (strengths profiling) practitioner, which she uses when appropriate with people and teams, as insightful tools to facilitate greater self-discovery and growth, through a positive, strengths-based approach to development.

Naomi’s professional career began in HR around 25 years ago and she has since worked across a breadth of industries and sectors, including two market leading consultancy firms, before moving into running her own business full time.

She lives in Cheshire with her husband and much-loved ginger cat, enjoying the balance of rural village life!

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1. To connect with Naomi:
2. Website: https://lifeunlymmited.co.uk/
3. Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-dake-3a0ba549

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 27: Journey to becoming the TropicPianistGamer

Date broadcast: 25th February 2025

In this episode we hear how Jen overcame a lifetime of crippling anxiety to be able to play her piano in public. She documents her journey in her best selling book “Tales of an Anxiety Warrior. She also describes how her love of gaming led to bullying at work and how she decided enough was enough and so her three businesses were brought together in her TropicPianistGamer brand. It was a fascinating call

Jen is known as the Tropic Pianist Gamer, a multi-passionate creative, best selling author and podcaster. She lives on Anglesey with her husband and her Neurodiverse 7 year old. She’d been suffering with anxiety since the age of 13, but was only diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder at 27. After discovering there was a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of lockdown, she was able to grow, becoming a best selling author and established podcaster, but most notably, an alternative piano tutor that makes a difference. Her mission is to make music accessible to all!

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To connect with Jen:

• Website: https://tropicpianistgamer.co.uk
• Book: https://amzn.to/3PH7RAM
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NlQqp8e9sKZLQfbkYFwiN

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 26: Journey from Pharmacist to CEO

Date broadcast: 11th February 2025

In this episode for a start you’ll hear Ann stuck for words! Gulshen shares her journey from being a pharmacist to the founder & CEO of Strike Back Self Defence, the world’s largest women’s self-defence organisation. As a pharmacist particularly as a 5’0” petite woman and experiencing various assaults she decided to find out about self defence classes and found Krav Maga. Finding that there were no women only classes in her area she trained to become an instructor, she set up her business, teaches instructors and, as her legacy, she wants every community globally to have an instructor. She believes that this way women will be empowered to keep themselves safe rather than waiting for others to do it for them

Gulshen a mum of two boys from Solihull West Midlands, is the founder and CEO of Strike Back Self Defence, the world’s largest women’s self-defence organization. With a passion for empowering women, she has now dedicated her career to equipping women globally with life-saving, easy-to-learn self-defence skills. Her own experience of violence whilst working as a pharmacist sent her searching for a way to keep herself safe. As a petite 5’0” woman she began to learn Krav Maga thirteen years ago and instantly knew this could change other women’s lives too. She worked relentlessly to qualify as an instructor and seven years later Strike Back was born. Under her leadership, Strike Back has become a global force for empowerment, helping women protect themselves from violence and threats of violence instilling confidence, resilience, and safety in women and girls worldwide.

To connect with Gulshen:

 www.facebook.com/strikebackselfdefence 

www.instagram.com/strikebackdefence www.strikebackselfdefence.com

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 25: Journey to Human Design

Date broadcast: 28th January 2025

In this episode we hear about Jacqueline’s rollercoaster of many years and then how she found herself listening to her intuition which led her to start making choices, starting with deciding to go to a different park with her children and leaving her first husband. She describes how she was drawn to Quantum Human Design which, as she says, is now “her thing” and how she decided to use the Tinder Dating App to have some fun and ended up finding her soulmate and life partner, Bruce

Jacqueline Kent is a Glass half-full kinda girl and resilient survivor of real life curveballs, spanning 3 challenging decades. Her real life rollercoaster from the age of 16, from teen pregnancy to depression, bereavement, diagnosis of her son’s disability – and that was just the first few years, in 2018 she published her memoirs, Onward and Upward. It was at this point she began to realise how much power there was in the story of her transformative journey. Her life skills acquired during that time blend with her passion for Quantum Human Design. She uses this to inspire female creatives & manifesting generators to stop shrinking and start shining. Winning an award in May 2024 ‘for being herself’, and a twice published author, she’s excited to share some of her story with you today

To connect with Jacqueline:

Get your free chart https://jacquelinekent.co.uk/free-human-design-chart

jacquelinekent.co.uk

Free facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jkcfreegroup

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 24: Journey to Becoming Creator of a Global Movement

Date broadcast: 14th January 2025

I wanted to write that Wendy is a Disruptor because that’s what she is! She is challenging stereotypes of older women, in particular older female business owners and has instigated a global movement, Refirement, to challenge this and to recognise how much this group of women contribute to economies around the world.. we could have talked for way longer than we did! And we did have time to hear about her other love, crime writing.

Wendy has more than 30 years experience working with women business owners in all sectors helping them create business strategy that achieves growth and success.   

She helps mature women become more agile in business and less risk averse, learning how to turn their talents into a commercial advantage. 

“My purpose in life is simple: to see older female business owners everywhere flourish so we are recognised as making a significant contribution to the engine house of our economy. Age is a number and it should not limit our aspirations, contribution or ambitions.”

She recently founded the Refirement UK movement which is dedicated to redefining retirement for women in the 21st Century, challenging negative stereotypes and freeing women to live their lives with purpose and continue to make a contribution.

Wendy has published 5 business books and numerous articles translating business theory into business practice. She holds a master’s degree in education and professional development, a range of professional qualifications and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Wendy is also an author of espionage novels and publishes the Daniel Grant ‘Secrets” series under the pseudonym of Wendy Charlton.

To connect with Wendy:

Wendy Garcarz 07973 780054

www.wendygarcarz.com

www.refirement.uk

wendy@wendygarcarz.com

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3q5rBjx

LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2ZYNaHV

mailto:wendy@wendygarcarz.com

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: 31st December 

Episode 23: Journey to Becoming a Solicitor & Author

There’s so much in this episode we talk about .. how Estella balances being a family law solicitor, being the mother of 4 year old twins, being a children’s author and having lots of fun in her VW camper van.

Estella Newbold-Brown is a partner and head of family law at the South London law firm, Amphlett Lissimore, and has been guiding and supporting people through their separations for over 18 years. Her specialism is divorce – the financial aspects of divorce, unmarried couples separating, and children work. 

 In 2024, Estella was an expert contributor to Sarah Wayne’s book, Sperm Not Included - the UK’s most comprehensive baby-making manual for sperm-free couples.

 Alongside her work as a family law solicitor, Estella has written three children’s books, the second one being specifically aimed towards family lawyers to provide as a resource for their clients and for parents who are separating to buy and read to their children.   ‘Isla and Quinn – The Sunflowers’ has been written from the perspective of not only a family lawyer, but also, Estella is a teenager of divorce, so understands the emotions that a child would feel.

 Estella is a mum of 4 years old twins and a proud VW Campervan owner..

Links for Estella’s books:

The Story of the Little Penguin https://amzn.eu/d/2aIUVzv

Isla and Quinn – The Sunflowers https://amzn.eu/d/cLBvuLt

Isla and Quinn – The Adventures with Agile Popi https://amzn.eu/d/96EQRBH

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 38: Journey THROUGH Academia

Date broadcast: 29th July 2025

I met Sandra some years ago through a networking group and we have had many fascinating conversations. And time goes by and I was intrigued to learn her current work around grief and how it relates to women’s experiences in the workplace. I’m not even going to try and write notes about what she said, all I would say is listen because grief impacts every single one of us.

Her book recommendations were “The Grieving Brain” by Mary-Frances O’Connor and “The Long Run” by Stacey d’Erasmo.

As for her tip? If you feel there is something you want to do, it doesn’t matter about your age or anything else, just go and do it

Sandra Hunter is an empowerment coach, educator, and founder of empowerHER. With 19+ years in academia, she champions cross-generational, intercultural leadership for women. Her work blends story-healing, mentorship, and strategic coaching to develop confidence, inclusion, and professional transformation—helping women lead with clarity, purpose, and power.

You can find out more about Sandra and her work here:

https://www.empowerhertorise.com/

And the link to her events: https://www.griefhouse.org/event-details/art-as-release-grounding-in-the-senses

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 37: Journey from Cuckoo Clock to Content Alchemy

Date broadcast: 15th July 2025

Cath and I both received awards at the same event and I was struck by the amazing colourful dress she was wearing! We got to know each other and noiw she’s on my podcast talking about her business. This is someone who at the age of 3 wanted to be a cuckoo clock! She soon knew she wanted to be a writer but was told by her careers teacher that she would not be able to make money at writing. And that is exactly what she is doing .. she makes money in her business writing for others and also writes fiction in her spare time.

Her tips were to never be too busy for opportunities. It was saying yes to an opportunity that she nearly said she was too busy for that started her off building her business. And secondly know the value of your time. Her books: “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal and “getting Things Done the Art of Stress Free Productivity” by David Allen

Cate founded Creative Words in 2017, having spent over 20 years as a management consulting, specialising in change management, communications and people engagement.

She describes what she does as ‘Content Alchemy’ – creating content gold by transforming what people have to offer. She is a writer, trainer, coach and consultant to her clients, helping them express themselves in a way that truly expresses who they are.

She works with businesses of all sizes, creating content ranging from leaflets and short profiles, through to books and online membership services and everything in between.

She is proud to say she is a crazy-cat lady – though it is the cat, Lola, who is the crazy one. You’ll often find Lola video-bombing zoom sessions and walking across the keyboard.

You can find out more about Cate and her work here:

Website: https://www.creativewords.cc/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-words-content-alchemy/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDBbiQFzrolr_s3h0waRcoQ(Edited)

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 36: Journey from Corporate Sales to Sports Massage Therapy

Date broadcast: 1st July 2025

I met Nikki on an online networking group and, like so many people, knew she would have a good story. She shares how she damaged her back whilst in her corporate sales role and became aware how poor the support in her workplace and the workplace generally was back then. So she decided to go it alone, learnt sports massage therapy, which she delivers in people’s homes and works with employers on their health and wellbeing programmes.

The key learnings for her were to “back yourself” .. we should all do more of that in all walks of life .. be prepared to get out of your comfort zone and just ask! I love all of those and she recommends 2 business books: Daniel Priestly’s “Key person of Influence” and Donald Miller’s “How to Build a Story Brand”. She also shares her personal care strategies .. breath work, meditation and sound baths so listen in!

Nikki Roy is the Founding Director of Body Mechanics, a company that helps people to enjoy active, pain free lives. There are three parts to Body Mechanics - Mobile Home Massage, Employee Health and Wellbeing and a new service launching later this year - watch this space!

After swapping a corporate sales career for sports massage therapy following a back injury in 2011, Nikki carved out a new path, one that now sees her working with individuals to improve their wellbeing, as well as with businesses to incorporate health and wellbeing as part of their business strategy. 

In short, Nikki is a biz owner. Cat mum. Loves travel, red wine and finding the humour. Fighting to tame the frizz. On a new journey of connection and discovery. 

You can find out more about Nikki and her work here:

Body Mechanics Home Massage

https://homemassage.bodymechanics.co.uk

Body Mechanics Employee Health and Wellbeing

https://www.bodymechanics.co.uk

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 35: Journey from Biochemist to Clinical Hypnotherapy

Date broadcast: Tuesday 17th June 2025

I  met Linda some time ago and was always fascinated by her journey from biochemist to hypnotherapy and I also love how so much of her story mirrors my own. She shares how she came to be doing hypnotherapy and the difference it’s making in the lives of so many people and I think it will resonate with many of you.

Her fascination with all things healing started by her listening to that little spark that many of us are aware of and ignore. She knew there was something else for her. So her tip is to not ignore that spark, we only get one life and each of us has our own individual purpose, and there is so much fulfilment in realising that purpose. Go for it!

And her books? Fiction was Margaret Atwood’s particularly “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Oryx and Crake” which will add to my holiday reading and Dr David Hamilton particularly “The Joy of Actually Giving a F…k”

Linda’s bio:

'As a clinical hypnotherapist, Linda loves being a catalyst for positive change for individuals, helping them to move towards thriving as how they want to be.  Linda works with adults, children and young people and is also a Senior Lecturer in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at CPHT Manchester. 

A Biochemist and a Quality professional with a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 30 years Linda wanted  to be helping people directly.   Having a fascination for science and especially how our brains work, the transition to the client focused profession of hypnotherapy with its basis in neuroscience was a natural fit!’

You can find out more about Linda and her work here:

Website

         www.coda-hypnotherapy.co.uk

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 34: Journey to Business Award Strategist

Date broadcast: Tuesday 3rd June 2025

It’s not often I speak to someone with such an unusual business. There’s plenty of business awards out there but not many people who can help you with the process and actually winning. Emma, mother of two children, aged 7 and 9, shares how she chose the world of self employment to give her flexibility around raising them. It has taken her a few years to create this business which she launched last year. The book she recommended was “Maybe I don’t belong here” by David Harewood. And her advice? If an opportunity comes your aware assess it first but, if the only thing that stands in your way is fear, go for it, because these are usually the best!

Emma Hewitt is a Business Awards Adviser,  working with small business owners to build award strategies to boost  visibility, credibility and opportunities. She helps clients to reflect and recognise their achievements, find awards that meet their business goals and write award-winning entries. Emma has been self-employed for 9 years, as a franchisee, then supporting small businesses on a freelance basis (including running an annual business award for 5 years). Combined with a background in higher education, she has almost 20 years experience of managing, assessing and advising on university scholarships and business awards.

To find out more about Emma’s work here:

https://welcome.emmahewitt.co.uk/home

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 33: Journey from Therapy to Therapist and Queen of Happiness

Date broadcast: 20th May 2025

In this episode we hear how Jo experienced therapy following the death of her biological father. It had such a profound impact on her life she trained in therapy herself and then found the Happiness Club to help as many people as possible grow in mental and emotional resilience. This is a business that she has franchised. We discuss our experience of self employment and growing businesses and also the importance of experiencing contrasting emotions ie you can’t experience joy without pain, love without hate. Listen out for her analogy of the buffet table. And the book recommendation this episode was “Living Untethered” by Michael A Singer

Jo’s bio:

Jo Robinson-Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and mindfulness practitioner who runs The Happiness Club, an app based support service for mental and emotional wellbeing. She is mum to two beautiful teenage daughters, one gorgeous cat and one very naughty dog. She lives in Merseyside but hails from Somerset originally.

To find out more about Jo’s work here:

www.thehappinessclub.co.uk

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 43: All Good Things Come to an End

Date broadcast: 7th October 2025

In this episode Ann shares how, after a stressful year following the death of her mother, she has made the difficult decision to make this episode of the podcast the last. She talks about her realisation of time passing, how you can never get it back and urges us all to be more mindful of that and most of all to make sure we all make time for our own self care and introduces the idea of creating our own self care bundles. And finally send her love to you all and gratitude for the over 40 women who gave their time to appear on the show

Please stay in touch either through joining my group or through any of the other links on LinkTree below:

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 42: Journey to Becoming an Environ-mentor

Date broadcast: 23rd September 2025

In this episode we hear how Lyn’s passion for the environment began as a teenager but grew into the business she now has as a result of having children and her concerns about their future. Listening to this will give you some great tips but also how she can help you live a more sustainable life. Her book recommendation is “Wilding” by Isabella Tree, the story of one of the first rewilding projects before it became a thing. I could say more but, honestly, the best thing you can do is listen to this and discover how one woman is making a significant difference in the world in a very gentle, non judgmental way

Lyn set up ECO for ALL with the sole purpose of supporting anyone who would like to live more sustainably but is stuck on the next steps.

She is passionate about making eco-friendly living as easy and affordable as possible so created her RAMP up your Sustainability program to share Realistic, Affordable, Manageable and Practical ways we can make small changes to everyday habits. As a working mum of 2 busy kids, Lyn is acutely aware that reducing the overwhelm around this important subject is vital so her program is a supportive and flexible space to learn how to do your bit.

Having been conscious of how her family lives for many years, Lyn is able to advise on trusted brands, recycling tips and how being more eco-friendly has positive impact on our health.

Lyn also runs educational workshops for purpose led businesses - she shares eco-lifestyle tips for employees to make around the home - leaving them feeling more empowered and aligned with the companies ethos. It's also an important way of reducing eco-anxiety and will create a healthier home by reducing toxins so will actively benefit the wellbeing of their employees.

You can connect with Lyn here:

https://eco-for-all.co.uk/services/#group

https://eco-for-all.co.uk/corporate/

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 41: Journey to Becoming a Coach for Bakers

Date broadcast: 9th September 2025

In this episode Jenny shares how she became a 6 figure baker including how she came to make a cake for Charles’ and Camilla’s first wedding anniversary and then had a change of direction when she decided to become a coach but specifically to help bakers build great businesses and get paid their worth. She is about to launch her membership group on Facebook, Sweet as Success.

Her two key learnings from her journey were the importance of having a mentor and coach in your life and saying yes to opportunities and then figuring it out which I am a great subscriber to.

As for books she chose four: “Let Them” by Mel Robbins, “Rise, Sister, Rice by Rebecca Campbell, “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and “Infinite Receiving” by Sue Ashworth

After 25 years in the cake industry, making a royal cake, winning awards, and even popping up on TV, Jenny built and sold her six-figure cake business and trained as a coach. Now, she’s on a mission: to help cake makers build confident, profitable businesses (without losing their sanity or love for baking). Jenny’s not your average coach. She's your biggest cheerleader, business BFF, and the one who makes growing your business actually fun. With her proven strategies and real talk, she supports and empowers bakers around the world. Her membership, Sweet As Success Club, is the go-to place for bakers to level up their business knowledge and technical skills, all while being part of a no-drama, cheer-each-other-on kind of community.

You can connect with Jenny here:

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 40: Journey to Becoming a Natural Beauty Consultant and Entrepreneur

Date broadcast: 26th August 2025

I met Esther via Woman Who, a networking group and so much more for women and I’ve heard her speak. I’ve always found her totally inspirational and so I was delighted when she accepted my invitation to come on my podcast. I wanted to know how a Mum of 5 and owner of at least 3 businesses and a podcast host could do it all. And, when we spoke she had just come in from her allotment! She shares how she came to found her beauty brand Deroiste Natural Beauty and it’s a personal story like so many. 

Her two key learnings from her journey were that help comes from where it’s least expected and the need to build resilience. And her book? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It can help us all by encouraging us to build habits that serve us for life. It’s a great read and I would recommend it too

And her final piece of advice was to live life on your terms and Esther certainly is.

Esther Roche is a mum of five, entrepreneur, and founder of Deroiste Natural Beauty, an award-winning inclusive skincare brand inspired by her family’s struggles with sensitive skin. She also leads South West Dental Nurse Training, with over 20 years in dental-related roles. As host of The Mum CEO Podcast and a mentor, Esther shares her journey of resilience, motherhood, and building purpose-led businesses that empower others to thrive.

You can connect with Esther here:

To connect with Esther: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/esther-roche-9729ba91 Mentoring: Esther Roche Consulting - https://www.deroistenaturalbeauty.com/deroiste-s-a/esther-roche-consulting/ Website Deroiste Natural Beauty: https://www.deroistenaturalbeauty.com/shop/

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: 12th August 2025

I was intrigued by Debbie’s journey which started the moment a teacher told her she would never be any good at maths. She takes us through how a life of work and bringing up two children alone prevented her grieving for her Dad. Finding herself on a retreat in the middle of Wales was the turning point for her and from there she developed herself into the Midlife Mystic Mentor.

She shared two powerful learnings:-

“Your voice is sacred and powerful, trust it”

“Worth is not granted, it’s claimed”

There were three book recommendations:-

“Excuse me – your life is waiting” – Lynn Grabhorn

“The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz

“The Celestine Prophecy” – James Redfield

Debbie is a Midlife Mystic Mentor guiding women through the sacred threshold of midlife, I help you awaken your intuition, reclaim your voice, and embody your spiritual power. Through deep mentorship, ritual, and soul connection, I support your transformation from who you’ve been into who you truly are. This is your time to rise - wild, wise, and fully expressed.

You can get Debbie’s freebie here:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkyzaxMno/ihUxYkwHzY8OwXsNOX-qRw/view?utm_content=DAGkyzaxMno&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h799545346c

      And you can follow her here: Insta and tiktok - @midlifemysticmentor

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: 02/06/2026

Episode 7: Talking about Ageing Well

Books: Ikigai – Hector Garcia & Francesc Morales, The Changing Mind – Daniel Levitin & The Complete Guide to the Menopause -  Dr Annice Mukherjee

In this episode Ann discusses stress: why it happens, what is happening to our bodies and how damaging it can be. She shares her own story of her experiences of stress but goes on to describe the insidious nature of it in 21st century life. We need to learn to better care for ourselves. It is not a case of having a spa day every so often, more a case of scheduling self care activities into our daily lives. She gives us some tips, sharing the kinds of things she has learnt helps her and are now a part of her routine. The important thing to remember is that we need to care for ourselves so we can better care for others.

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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: 19.05.2026

Episode 6: Dani Devren

In this episode Ann’s guest is Dani Devren, Soul-Aligned Mentor and Rebellious Cheerleader for Joyful Living.  For a start don’t you love Dani’s title. When I read that I was sure we were in for something very special. I would encourage you to listen to her because I was so fascinated listening to everything Dani was saying I didn’t write down much to go in these notes. There were two main themes I picked up; the first was the importance of showing up as our authentic selves whether in real life or on social media. But first you have to develop self awareness so that you get to know who you really are. And the other thing that really resonated with me was listen to what your body is telling you. It rang true for me as I know there are times when I should just walk away from my desk and see to me. I’m sure it applies to us all. Just listen to this thought provoking and highly entertaining episode

Dani aka The Soul-Aligned Mentor and Rebellious Cheerleader for Joyful Living. Psychology Informed mentorship for Mind, Body & Soul evolution.Supporting women to prioritise self - whilst building personal brands that feel like home.Come and play through intimate experiences, social media monthly workshops, luxury day retreats and the Mastermind for the Spiritually Curious : The Awakening.

You can connect with Dani here: Make friends with Dani here & drop her a DM to say you’ve found her here!

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dani.devren/

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

Website/Next Retreat:

https://www.danidevren.co.uk/soul-aligned-day-retreat

Save 10% off my next Soul-Aligned Day Retreat in June by quoting ANN GIRLING when enquiring :

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV74qHBjUHR/

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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: 05.05.2026

Episode 5: Stress and How We Can Help Ourselves

In this episode Ann discusses stress: why it happens, what is happening to our bodies and how damaging it can be. She shares her own story of her experiences of stress but goes on to describe the insidious nature of it in 21st century life. We need to learn to better care for ourselves. It is not a case of having a spa day every so often, more a case of scheduling self care activities into our daily lives. She gives us some tips, sharing the kinds of things she has learnt helps her and are now a part of her routine. The important thing to remember is that we need to care for ourselves so we can better care for others.

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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: 21.04.2026

Episode 4: Cath Downes

In this episode Ann’s guest is Cath Downes, Mindfulness Teacher.  We talk about how Cath left teaching, which she loved, particularly because she recognised the low level stress she was living with. She learnt how calm came to her from being in the present moment and trained to become a mindfulness teacher. She gives suggestions of how we can implement mindfulness practices into the tiniest of pockets of time in her day. And she shares a mindfulness practice on the call.

After 18 years in teaching, Cath reached a point many people can relate to—feeling constantly busy, yet disconnected from the life happening around her. Balancing a demanding career with family life, she realised she had been physically present but often mentally elsewhere, caught in the ongoing juggle of responsibilities. That realisation led her to mindfulness. By developing a simple daily practice and making small, intentional changes, she began to reconnect with herself and the present moment. The impact was so significant that she felt called to share what she had learned with others. Now a qualified mindfulness teacher and certified meditation leader, Cath works with individuals who want to reduce stress, gain clarity, and feel more calm and content in their everyday lives. Her approach is practical and personal, focusing on small, sustainable shifts rather than adding more to already full schedules. Through personalised offers like “Micro Mindfulness,” she helps clients build gentle, effective practices into their daily routines—whether that’s breathwork, movement, journaling, or mindful moments woven into everyday habits. She believes that lasting change comes from simple, consistent awareness—helping people slow down, tune in, and feel more present in their lives.

You can connect with Cath here:-

             Website link: www.findyourcalm.org.uk (being updated tomorrow!)

             Email: cath@findyourcalm.org.uk   

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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: 07.04.2026

Episode 3: All about Ann’s Transformation Framework of Selfcare

In this episode Ann shares how, having experienced her own personal transformation, she wanted to pay it forward to others. She describes how she developed her Transformation Framework, her take on selfcare, health and wellbeing. As she shares each aspect, she gives one tip. And at the end she just says if all you do is one thing then that is enough because it’s one step forward. In future episodes she and her guests will go into these topics in more detail

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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: 24.03.2026

Episode 2: Jo Raghvani Business Coach & Property Investor

In this episode Ann’s guest is Jo Ragvhani Business Coach and Property Investor.  She talks about how she left her corporate career in which she worked long hours and partied long hours for the sake of her health. She entered the world of property investing but found herself, like many other female business owners moving from one hamster wheel to another. She describes how over the years her ongoing personal development has helped her manage herself through the roller coaster ride of building a business and the emotional turmoil of a marriage breakdown. She recommends two books in particular: “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers and ’13 Things that Succesful People Don’t Do” by Amy Morin. This journey has led her to where she is now and has just launched her business as The Couples Business Coach working with couples running a business together whether they be actual couples, two friends, two family members etc. Finally she finishes sharing her strategies to manage her selfcare, health and wellbeing.

Jo’s Bio: Jo is a fabulous aunt to 5 gorgeous nieces and nephews, a big Formula 1 fan, a shoe lover and a devourer of afternoon teas! She also happens to be a property investor and well respected business coach & mentor.

After 20 years as a city girl, 13 years ago Jo decided to start building a property portfolio. She jumped into the world of entrepreneurship and business ownership, and proudly wears the cloak of success and the scars that that come with it!

Her passion for coaching and mentoring others was sparked around 6 years ago, and Jo now helps both UK and internationally based investors to start and scale up their own property businesses. She brings her own very real lived experiences and health and wellbeing challenges and how she has navigated all of this to her unique coaching style

You can connect with Jo here:-

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-raghvani-thecouplesbusinesscoach/

To connect with me and join my group:

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

For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit

https://unlikelyguru.uk

And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide

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.