Thriving, Not Surviving is a podcast for anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges and wondered, Is there more to life than just getting by? Hosted by Helen Valentino, this show dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the incredible power of transformation. Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of people who have not only overcome adversity but found ways to truly thrive.
Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or just need a dose of motivation, this podcast is your companion on the journey to a more fulfilling life. Because you deserve more than survival—you deserve to thrive.
Discover shows related to Thriving not Surviving, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
There is no related content for this show.
No links shared by this podcast
Ep 6: Ben the Bee & the Spirit of Give!
Episode 6
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 50:11
Keywords Give Festival, spiritual experience, community, music, creativity, festival culture, intergenerational connection, Ben Taylor, Helen Valentino, thriving not surviving, festival, holistic healing, personal growth, unconditional love, kindness, creative expression, thriving, community, wellness, unique experiences
Summary In this episode of the Thriving Not Surviving podcast, host Helen Valentino interviews Ben Taylor, also known as Ben the Bee, about the Give Festival. They discuss the festival's unique spiritual essence, its origins, and how it has evolved over the years. Ben shares insights into the community aspect of the festival, the intergenerational connections it fosters, and the creative experiences it offers. The conversation highlights the importance of intention and connection in creating a memorable festival experience. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the enchanting atmosphere of a unique festival, emphasizing its holistic healing offerings, the importance of community, and the personal growth that comes from such experiences. They reflect on the journey of an actor, the significance of unconditional love, and the essence of kindness in fostering a thriving environment. The discussion highlights the transformative power of creative expression and the commitment to creating a welcoming space for all attendees.
Takeaways
The Give Festival is a unique spiritual experience.
Community and connection are at the heart of the festival.
The festival has evolved from its origins in the 80’s rave culture.
Intention plays a crucial role in the festival's atmosphere.
The festival fosters intergenerational connections.
Creativity is a core element of the Give Festival.
The festival is a labour of love for its organizers.
Participants often find themselves at the right time for the festival.
The festival aims to break down social barriers.
The festival experience is intimate and communal. The festival atmosphere is designed to be magical and inviting.
Holistic healing is a core component of the festival experience.
Creating a unique festival experience involves attention to detail and community involvement.
The journey of an actor can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
Thriving in life requires effort and a proactive mindset.
Unconditional love and acceptance are essential for personal development.
Kindness is a fundamental principle that fosters a supportive community.
Creative expression allows individuals to connect with their deeper selves.
The festival aims to provide a space for healing and transformation.
Personal experiences shape our understanding of love and community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thriving Not Surviving Podcast
In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino welcomes Gavin from Cacao Love for a heartfelt conversation on neurodiversity, self-acceptance, and the gentle power of cacao. Together, they explore the healing potential of plant medicines, the importance of community, and the journey toward self-discovery.
Gavin shares his personal story of living with autism, his late diagnosis, and how it shaped the way he navigates the world. With honesty and humour, he talks about how cacao transformed his life and how his deep love for this plant led to the creation of Cacao Love—a business built on sustainability, ethics, and connection.
The conversation expands into the cultural significance of cacao, the dark history of chocolate production, and the impact of climate change and disease on cacao crops. Gavin and Helen explore how cacao is helping indigenous communities reconnect with traditional ways of life and how the medicine can serve as a gentle, heart-opening entry into spirituality and healing.
They also reflect on the reverence needed when working with more intense plant medicines such as ayahuasca and mushrooms. Personal stories from both Gavin and Helen highlight the importance of preparation and integration—often overlooked but essential steps in the healing process. Their dialogue is a reminder that spiritual growth is not about shortcuts but deep, grounded work.
Themes of simplicity, intentional living, and honouring nature's cycles weave through the episode, as does a strong emphasis on the wisdom found in indigenous practices and the magic of everyday signs and synchronicities.
Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino interviews Sam Whitaker, who shares her profound journey from anxiety and a breakdown following her marriage's collapse to finding healing through yoga and spirituality. Sam discusses the importance of self-love, acceptance, and forgiveness in her healing process, as well as the challenges of losing contact with one of her children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the journey towards thriving rather than merely surviving. In this conversation, Sam Whitaker and Helen Valentino explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the journey of self-discovery. They discuss the significance of showing up, even when faced with adversity, and the layers of growth that come with life experiences. The conversation touches on conscious uncoupling, living in the present moment, and the power of spiritual teachings. They emphasize the importance of integrity, self-belief, and finding happiness within, while also addressing the societal misconceptions about wealth and success.
Takeaways
Helen introduces the podcast's theme of thriving versus surviving.
Sam shares her experience with anxiety and panic attacks after her marriage breakdown.
Yoga became a crucial part of Sam's healing journey.
Sam emphasizes the importance of seeking help and trying different therapies.
The conversation touches on the impact of childhood experiences on adult life.
Sam discusses the grieving process of losing contact with her son.
Acceptance is a key theme in dealing with loss and grief.
Self-love and forgiveness are essential for healing.
The importance of recognizing one's part in conflicts and relationships is highlighted.
Sam encourages stepping out of comfort zones to thrive. Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth.
Showing up consistently can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Ep 3: Reclaiming Joy: Laura's Journey Through Cancer and Beyond
In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Laura Swan—shamanic practitioner, nurse, and breast cancer survivor—for a rich, soulful conversation about healing, nature, and reclaiming lost parts of ourselves. Laura shares her personal journey through illness, spiritual awakening, and the profound practices that helped her reconnect with joy, purpose, and community.
Together, Helen and Laura explore the transformative power of shamanic work such as soul retrieval, and how traditional wisdom—including indigenous and Celtic teachings—can support modern-day healing. They delve into topics like trauma integration, the role of psychedelics, the importance of weaving and cultural preservation, and how adversity often invites us to deepen our connection to nature, spirit, and self.
Themes of self-reflection, societal conditioning, and personal empowerment run through this episode, along with reflections on the healing power of presence, playfulness, and community. Laura offers insights into how both clinical and spiritual practices can coexist, and how healing isn’t about fixing but remembering who we truly are.
Takeaways:
Laura Swan is a shamanic practitioner and nurse who has overcome breast cancer.
Soul retrieval helps reclaim parts of ourselves lost to trauma.
Connection to nature is vital for spiritual and emotional well-being.
Living in the woods brought Helen a deep sense of peace and fulfilment.
Spirit often nudges us toward life-changing decisions.
Healing journeys are rarely linear but often transformative.
Community support plays a key role during times of challenge.
Ep 2: Thriving After Trauma: Eleanor’s Story
Episode 2
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 47:38
Keywords: narcissism, healing, relationships, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, support systems, personal growth, therapy, self-discovery, empowerment, healing, self-preservation, group therapy, fostering, forgiveness, compassion, transpersonal psychology, thriving, spirituality, mental health
Summary: In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino welcomes her best friend Eleanor, a psychotherapeutic counsellor, to share her journey of overcoming childhood adversity and navigating relationships marked by narcissistic traits. Eleanor discusses her challenging upbringing, the impact of her stepmother's behaviour, and her eventual decision to leave toxic relationships. The conversation delves into the complexities of narcissism, the importance of support systems, and the healing journey that follows. Eleanor offers insights and practical advice for those who may find themselves in similar situations, emphasizing the need for self-discovery and empowerment. In this conversation, Helen Valentino and Eleanor explore the themes of healing, self-preservation, and the importance of support systems in overcoming trauma. The conversation also delves into the concepts of forgiveness and compassion, emphasizing their roles in personal healing. Eleanor shares her journey into transpersonal psychology, highlighting the integration of spirituality in therapeutic practices. Finally, they reflect on the difference between thriving and merely surviving, underscoring the joy and purpose that can be found in everyday life.
Takeaways
· Eleanor's childhood was marked by her early loss of her mother and subsequent difficulties with a stepmother with strong narcissistic traits.
· She learned to suppress her feelings to please others, leading to difficulties in adult relationships.
· Leaving an emotionally abusive relationship was a long and challenging process for Eleanor.
· Healing involves recognizing and addressing childhood trauma and its effects on adult life.
· Narcissistic behavioursoften stem from deep-rooted insecurities and past traumas.
Summary In the inaugural episode of the Thriving Not Surviving podcast, Helen Valentino shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, and discovering her path to healing and self-acceptance. Through candid storytelling, she explores the impact of her experiences on her self-worth and relationships, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and community in her journey towards thriving. Helen's reflections on her past serve as a source of inspiration for listeners seeking to transform their own challenges into opportunities for growth. In this conversation, Helen Valentino shares her profound journey of healing and self-discovery, detailing her experiences with trauma, recovery, and spirituality. She discusses how helping others has been a pivotal part of her healing process, her time in the army, the challenges she faced in the corporate world, and her struggles with marriage and addiction. Helen emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the transformative power of shamanism in her life, ultimately leading her to a place of peace and empowerment.
Takeaways
The podcast aims to inspire people to thrive, not just survive.
Helen shares her personal experiences with childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects.
Spirituality has played a significant role in Helen's healing journey.
The importance of community and support in overcoming challenges is emphasized.
Helen's experiences highlight the complexities of family dynamics and their impact on self-worth.
Navigating adolescence was particularly challenging for Helen due to her undiagnosed ADHD.
Helen's journey into nursing was influenced by her desire to care for others.
Traveling opened new perspectives and opportunities for Helen.
The significance of self-acceptance and understanding one's worth is a recurring theme.
Helen believes that her past experiences have shaped her into a compassionate and empathetic person. Healing often comes from helping others.
Thriving Not Surviving - Trailer
Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 04:02
Launching on 16th April, Thriving Not Surviving my new podcast celebrating inspiring people who’ve moved beyond adversity — not just surviving life’s challenges, but truly thriving.
If you head to my Instagram (helens_inspired_healing) there is a short teaser video on my reels about what’s coming up in the first six episodes – but here’s a quick spoiler for you………… it’s full of raw (unedited) honesty, healing, hope and a fair bit of laughter too. From stories of overcoming trauma, breast cancer, and mental health struggles to thriving with neurodivergence - this podcast is about real people who’ve found a way to thrive and I am sure they will inspired you as they have me!!
✨ Highlights from first 6 Episodes include:
- My own journey from adversity to thriving
- A therapeutic deep dive into narcissistic relationships
- Healing after breast cancer through shamanism
- Mental health breakthroughs and spiritual awakenings
- Neurodivergent perspectives, plant medicine, and cacao wisdom
- Festival magic and so much more
Whether you’re in the thick of a challenge or on the other side looking for inspiration, these stories are here to inspire you as I have been inspired and to help you “Thrive not just Survive” xxx
Life is a continuous journey of layers and growth.
Conscious uncoupling can lead to healthier relationships.
Living in the present moment enhances our experiences.
Spiritual teachings can provide valuable insights at different life stages.
Integrity is key to avoiding self-sabotage.
True happiness comes from within, not external circumstances.
Thriving is possible even in the face of adversity.
Titles
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thriving Not Surviving, 02:30 Sam's Journey Through Anxiety and Breakdown, 06:32 The Role of Yoga and Spirituality in Healing, 11:42 Finding Acceptance in Loss and Grief, 19:45 Self-Love and Forgiveness as Healing Tools, 25:54 Taking Responsibility and Moving Forward, 31:55 Stepping into Thriving and Embracing Discomfort, 31:57 Embracing Discomfort for Growth, 32:55 The Importance of Showing Up, 34:47 Navigating Life's Layers of Growth, 35:42 Conscious Uncoupling and Self-Discovery, 38:09 Living in the Present Moment, 40:45 The Power of Now and Overcoming Anxiety, 41:50 Revisiting Spiritual Teachings, 43:42 Integrity and Self-Sabotage, 48:51 Thriving Beyond Survival, 52:51 Finding Happiness Within
· Gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists to manipulate their victims. · Support networks are crucial for those trying to escape toxic relationships.
· Books and resources can provide valuable insights and support for healing, Going no contact with toxic family members can lead to personal liberation and growth.
· Eleanor emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and empowerment in the healing journey. Forgiveness is freeing and essential for healing.
· Thriving means finding joy in everyday actions. Compassion starts with self-compassion. Healing is a journey, not a destination.
Titles
Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the daughters of narcissistic mothers Karyl McBride ISBN 1416551328
How To Divorce a Narcissist and succeed in the family court Diana Jordan ISBN 97817398159
The Body Keeps The Score –
The Narcissist Trap – The mindbending pull of the great pretenders – Dr Supriya McKenna ISBN 9781739493608
The Sweet Revenge of Blooming – Flavia Dragani ISBN 9788831344142
