Psychologically Speaking with Leila Ainge

Designer and illustrator Darren Scotland, founder of Ace of Place, joins psychologist Leila Ainge to talk about creative ambition, belonging, and the self-doubt that often comes with growth.Darren’s 2026 goal is to grow his business from a solo studio into a collaborative creative brand — one that celebrates homes, buildings, and the stories that make them meaningful. Together, he and Leila unpack what it means to balance ambition with authenticity, to manage fear of failure, and to build systems strong enough to hold a bigger vision.This conversation explores:How our sense of place shapes identity and purposeWhy flexibility and structure are both essential for creative growthThe inner voice that whispers “Who do you think you are?” legitimacy, belonging, and self-belief in businessIf you’ve ever tried to scale a business, start a creative project, or make your work feel real in the eyes of others, Darren’s story will resonate.🎧 Listen for practical insight, honest reflection, and a reminder that success isn’t just built — it’s believed.

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge talks with Rebecca Slater, who’s setting a powerful goal for 2026: to write her first book.Together they explore what it really takes to move from wanting to doing — overcoming procrastination, creating time, and building habits that last. Rebecca shares how shifting her mindset, using community support, and redefining success are helping her take the first steps toward authorship.This episode looks closely at the psychology of writing goals, the myth of the “perfect time,” and how accountability and self-compassion can turn creative aspirations into action.Plus, stay tuned for a sneak preview of next week’s guest, Darren Scotland, who shares his big ambition for 2026Key ThemesGoal setting and mindset shiftsOvercoming procrastinationTime management Writing habits and creative disciplineAccountability and community supportwww.leilaainge.co.uk

In this first conversation of The Goal Experiments, psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge speaks with yoga teacher Jen Vaughan about the tension between giving and receiving, authenticity and marketing, nurture and profit.Together, they unpack what happens when care is your craft: how to claim space, ask for fair payment, and show up as your whole self without feeling like you’ve lost something in the process.We follow Jen as she sets her first 2026 “goal-resolution”:Claim space and set clearer boundariesAsk for testimonials and feedbackExperiment with authentic marketing that reflects who she really isIf you’ve ever found it uncomfortable to be paid for the work you love, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate look at the psychology behind self-worth and the art of being visible.Key themesThe psychology of pricing and self-worthFeminine identity in business and creative workAuthentic marketing vs. performanceBalancing nurture with ambitionSetting goals that feel true to youCall to ActionLeila’s goal for 2026 is to double the number of listeners who tune in each week.Share this episode with two friends or colleagues and ask them:“What’s your goal for 2026?”www.leilaainge.co.uk/coaching

In this episode, psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge explores the quiet tension many women experience in business — the space between ambition and the pressure to be “good.” Drawing on findings from Good Girl Economics, her research collaboration with Nicky Denson-Elliott, Leila examines why conversations about profit, visibility, and ambition can feel uncomfortable for women, even in supportive entrepreneurial spaces.Listeners will hear how gendered expectations and internalised narratives shape pricing decisions, confidence, and self-presentation — and why women often soften their ambition in order to belong. Leila highlights the gap between what women say they value and how they behave in practice, revealing how context, impression management, and identity dynamics influence those choices.This episode explores:The cultural scripts that link likability with being underpaidWhy “being nice” can quietly undermine business growthHow impression management and belonging shape what women say (and don’t say) about moneyThe emotional labour of performing goodness in businessHow psychological safety influences conversations about profit and successAnd as a bonus, listeners also get a first sneak preview of the two goal-setters joining Leila for Season 4 of Psychologically Speaking, where she follows real people working towards their 2026 goalsreferences and links Mazzei, L. A. (2003). Inhabited Silences: In Pursuit of a Muffled Subtext. Qualitative Inquiry, 9(3), 355–368.Morison, T., & Macleod, C. (2014). When veiled silences speak: reflexivity, trouble and repair as methodological tools for interpreting the unspoken in discourse-based data. Qualitative Research: QR, 14(6), 694–711www.leilaainge.co.uk/research

Welcome to my favourite field, yes.. you heard that right. In this episode I'm talking about the suprising benefits of noticing a tree, field or bit of nature near to you.

What’s the real difference between joy, fulfilment, and striving? In this episode, psychologist Leila Ainge explores the psychology behind our endless chase for more—and why true joy often hides in life’s quieter moments. Drawing on research into hedonic adaptation and flow, Leila unpacks how to tell the difference between healthy ambition and the anxiety of overstriving. You’ll learn how to savour success, sustain motivation, and find balance between progress and peace.Plus—Leila shares exciting news about Season 4 of Psychologically Speaking and a live Joy Experiment you can join to put the science of joy into action.

What does it really mean to be seen? In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, I sit down with Karen Staniland- Platt, a Manchester-based photographer and writer who’s passionate about capturing women as they truly are.We talk about what happens when women step in front of the camera: the nerves, the joy, the shift in self-image that can follow. Our conversation ranges from the pressures of social media filters to the liberation of candid photography, and why authenticity is such a powerful antidote to perfection.Karen also shares the story behind the Passion and Purpose Club, a community she created to bring women together during the isolation of COVID a space that’s grown into a source of connection, courage, and inspiration.This episode is about more than photos. It’s about women reclaiming visibility, finding freedom in aging, and choosing to show up as ourselves even when the world is telling us otherwise.What you’ll hear in this episode:How photography can help women be seen and celebrated authenticallyWhy Karen built the Passion and Purpose Club and how it continues to empower womenThe double-edged impact of social media on self-imageHow candid shots can unlock genuine joy and self-acceptanceWhy visibility matters so much for women in life and businessThe unexpected freedom that comes with aging and self-reflectionThe role of community in breaking isolation and boosting confidenceKaren is a photographer working exclusively with women across the UK who are following their passions, be it running their own business, a cause or a creative pursuit. A fierce feminist, she loves to challenge both how we show up in the world and how we as women are viewed in it, and uses photography to empower women to embrace who they truly are. In 2021 she founded a community for women called the Passion & Purpose Club that brings women together to inspire each other and get fresh photos on a monthly basis, increasing their visibility together. Clubs are now operating across the North of England and London with more to come. Find out more at www.withpassionandpurpose.co.uk

Leila and Hannah explore the themes of joy, productivity, and marketing strategies. They discuss the importance of celebrating small wins, the awkwardness of creating B-roll content, and the psychological aspects of anticipation and joy. Hannah shares her journey of developing a 10-minute marketing approach, emphasizing the power of timers and gamification in overcoming procrastination. The discussion also touches on the significance of nostalgia in marketing and the impact of seasonality on business strategies. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of finding joy in both personal and professional endeavors.Hannah Isted is the founder of HI Communications, supporting small business owners with their marketing.She is the author of The Best 90 Days Ever, an Amazon bestselling book and marketing membership. It shares a quick, daily prompt that shows businesses how to promote what they do in just 10 minutes a day and make it simple, easy and fun. She has worked with hundreds of small business owners, helping them to increase their online presence through her membership, courses and workshops. In her email newsletter and podcast The Best Marketing Podcast Ever, she shares marketing advice to help product and service businesses get out of their own way and consistently promote themselves. Find her on Instagram @hicommunications_ or her website www.hicommunications.co.uk.

Wow, There's a big debate around being a generalist vs niching down, but this conversation with Katie proves that it takes specialist knowledge about specific industries and types of organisations to be a generalist in HR. I loved this chat so much. Katie Elliott is a CIPD qualified HR consultant and the founder of HR Katie. She has spent more than a decade working in HR, starting in recruitment before moving into a generalist role where she gained experience in every aspect of people management, from onboarding and supporting managers with complex issues to leading projects for senior teams.In 2021, Katie set up her own consultancy after realising her passion for working with start-ups and small businesses. Through HR Katie, she now helps founders and business owners feel confident about their responsibilities as employers and create workplaces where people are happy, supported and able to thrive.Katie’s approach is hands on and human, with a focus on values led culture and practical HR that makes sense in the real world.For more information, head to www.leilaainge.co.uk or https://www.hrkatie.co.uk/

In this short episode, I’m taking you with me, literally, on a run. 🏃‍♀️I share some reflections on mindset, what it really takes to do hard things, and how I’ve been finding my way back to the joy of running after losing it for a while.If you’ve ever felt stuck, slowed down, or unsure how to keep going, this one’s for you. Think of it as a moving conversation, part psychology, part personal update, and hopefully a gentle nudge for your own goals too.Listen now and run, walk, or sit with me for under ten minutes.

Ever feel like the imposter experiences are stealing your joy? In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge unpacks the link between imposter phenomenon (known as syndrome) and joy, and why feelings of being a fraud can leave us drained instead of delighted. Drawing on psychology research and coaching practice, she explores the role of self-promotion, comparison, and community support, and shares practical, psychology-backed strategies you can use to fuel momentum. This episode ends with a feminist call to action: let’s stop letting the imposter run the show and start reclaiming joy togetherTakeaways Imposter experiences are contextual and can be influenced by our environment.The imposter cycle includes over-preparing, over-achieving, and feeling relief instead of joy.Self-promotion can be challenging for women due to societal expectations and fear of backlash.Peer comparison often leads to negative emotions like envy and irritation.Communities can transform peer relationships into supportive connections.Reframing comparison can turn threats into sources of inspiration.Joy should be viewed as a fuel for motivation, not a reward to be earned.Turning envy into curiosity can help mitigate negative feelings.Supporting other women's successes can create a safer environment for all.Recognizing and celebrating joy is essential for personal growth and empowerment.

Hello, in this episode you are getting a joyful mixed bag including the latest research on autistic joy, what we can take from two pictures in the National Portrait gallery. Leila delves into the concept of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and exploring its complexities. She discusses various psychological theories of joy, including the broaden and build theory, flow theory, and self-determination theory, while also highlighting the limitations of these theories, particularly in relation to neurodivergent experiences. Ainge introduces a new perspective on autistic joy, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that allow autistic individuals to thrive. The episode also reflects on the emotional weight of joy, using art as a lens to explore how joy coexists with responsibilities and challenges. There are coaching prompts at the end of the episode. To access all of the podcast resources visit www.leilaainge.co.uk/joy

In this conversation, Leila and Lisa explore the themes of joy, personal spaces, and the impact of nature on wellbeing. They discuss the importance of creating environments that spark joy, the connection between nature and mental health, and the significance of community and connection in both personal and professional lives. Lisa shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to interior design and mentoring, emphasizing the value of slowing down to appreciate life's moments. Lisa Honiball started her career in the corporate world, spending 10 years at Microsoft before a health scare prompted her to re-assess and re-train. She ran her own design practice – and has over 14 years’ experience working on residential and commercial projects.. Five years ago, she pivoted again - this time to support other designers through mentoring, coaching, and her online membership, Interior Design Insiders. Lisa’s mission is to help interior designers build businesses that support them financially, practically, and creatively - without the burnout. She encourages a shift toward a calmer, more sustainable way of doing business—rooted in clarity, collaboration, and joy.http://www.interiordesigninsiders.com/http://www.leilaainge.co.uk

In this opening episode of The Joy Experiments, Leila Ainge speaks with brand strategist Ange Friesen about the messy, beautiful process of chasing joy in the middle of change. From swapping city life in London for a countryside Airbnb (complete with cows and no coffee machine) to redefining work, routine, and identity, this conversation explores how joy doesn’t always look how we expect — and why that’s the point.Brand strategy is about the soul of who we are.Ideas want to come into the world and need to be nurtured.Lifestyle changes can lead to unexpected joy and creativity.Boredom can enhance creativity by allowing space for new ideas.Rituals and routines are essential for grounding and joy.The importance of a supportive environment for personal growth.Mindfulness is key in navigating life changes.Finding joy in small daily rituals can enhance overall happiness.Place and attachment significantly influence our identities.Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth.https://www.beautifuluseful.co/https://www.leilaainge.co.uk

Welcome to Season 3 of Psychologically Speaking, hosted by psychologist and researcher Leila Ainge. This season, we explore joy not as a feeling to define, but as an experience that moves us, connects us, and shapes how we live and work. In this short teaser episode, Leila shares the story behind choosing joy as her word of the year, the psychology of positive emotions, and why joy matters more than ever in a world that often dismisses it as a distraction.We’ll explore:The science behind joy, including Broaden-and-Build TheoryHow joy supports identity, motivation, and social connectionReal stories, guest interviews, and solo episodes that dig into joy’s role in creativity, leadership, and everyday lifeIf you're curious about the psychology of joy, identity, and the subtle ways we shape our lives this season is for you.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to get weekly episodes on joy, work, creativity, and human behaviour.

In this Season 2 finale of Psychologically Speaking, Leila reflects on the space between intention and action the often messy, foggy middle that so many of us occupy quietly.She shares listener insights, one reader’s poetic take on language and liminality, and introduces the psychology of emotional granularity (via Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett) to help us name and navigate our emotional states with more clarity.Plus: practical tools for neurodivergent listeners, thoughts on joy as a breadcrumb—not a reward and a first look at Season 3: The Joy Experiments.If you’ve felt in-between lately… this one’s for you.

In this episode, I share a small but eye-opening story that begins with a single word: lacuna. What started as a moment of academic frustration turned into a reflection on the way we, as adults, often skim rather than fully engage — with words, ideas, and even our own decisions.I explore how our reading habits reflect something deeper: a psychological tendency to stay safe, to avoid uncertainty, and to hold ourselves back from fully stepping into new knowledge. Drawing on research around word retrieval, loss aversion, and socioemotional selectivity theory, I unpack what it means to sit in the space between knowing and doing – and why that space seems to grow as we get older.From my experience hosting Psych at the Mic for the British Psychological Society, to reading hilarious bedtime stories with my nine-year-old, I reflect on how curiosity, language, and even self-doubt shape the way we learn, lead, and show up in the world.This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by information, unsure whether they “know enough,” or stuck between intention and action. It’s also a quiet nudge to slow down, ask questions, and give ourselves permission to still be learners – even in the middle of our careers.Whether you're skimming, overthinking, or saying yes to too much (guilty!), there's something in here for you.www.leilaainge.co.uk

In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila Ainge delves into the theme of tiredness, exploring its various forms and the impact it has on our lives. She discusses the emotional, social, creative, spiritual, physical, and mental aspects of tiredness, emphasizing the importance of understanding these different types to prevent burnout. Leila also highlights the significance of making intentional decisions and the role of rest in maintaining a fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and psychological insights, she encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences with tiredness and to prioritize self-care and self-compassion.takeawaysTiredness can stem from various sources, not just physical exhaustion.Emotional tiredness often arises from holding space for others and people-pleasing.Social tiredness can be exacerbated by overstimulation and group dynamics.Creative tiredness is common among those in creative roles or entrepreneurship.Spiritual tiredness relates to a loss of meaning or connection to purpose.Physical tiredness is often linked to disrupted sleep and illness.Mental tiredness can result from decision fatigue and overthinking.Rest is essential for maintaining energy and preventing burnout.Self-compassion can help us face our tiredness without the need to fix it immediately.Making intentional decisions can help manage the mental load we carry.tiredness, human behavior, psychology, emotional exhaustion, mental fatigue, decision making, self-compassion, entrepreneurship, identity, rest

How our need for external validation fuels overworksummaryIn this episode of Psychologically Speaking, Leila explores the intricate relationship between human behavior and the use of lists. She delves into why we love lists, the psychological benefits they provide, and the potential pitfalls that can lead to overwhelm. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD when managing lists, the importance of structuring lists effectively, and the distinction between lists that serve to prove oneself versus those that promote genuine progress. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own to-do lists and consider how they can align their tasks with their true goals and values.takeawaysLists help us organize thoughts and create structure.Cognitive ease makes lists appealing for memory.Quick gratification from ticking off tasks is satisfying.Cultural conditioning influences our relationship with lists.Lists can simplify complexity and provide clarity.ADHD can complicate the effectiveness of lists.The serial position effect impacts memory of list items.To-do lists can become validation-seeking tools.Reflection on tasks can reveal true motivations.Balancing internal and external validation is crucial.

Episode Summary:In this episode of Psychologically Speaking, I reflect on a milestone moment delivering a leadership workshop on imposter phenomenon and the realization that I had already arrived. Inspired by Ilona Maher’s bold stance on owning success, I explore what it means to trust your expertise and step confidently into the spaces you’ve worked hard to enter.We also dive into Margaret Atwood’s poem The Moment, unpacking how metaphor shapes our understanding of confidence, leadership, and personal growth—essential insights for coaches, business leaders, and anyone navigating self-doubt.Plus, a sneak peek at my Adult Inset Day Easter webinar and a special shoutout to The Belonging Project Podcast with Fiorenza Rossini, where we had a brilliant conversation on success and belonging.