The Sensitive Professionals Podcast

So many of us have learned to survive by staying in our heads – analysing, planning, staying one step ahead. But what gets lost when thinking feels safer than feeling?In this episode, I’m joined by Katarina Hunter – a somatic practitioner and embodiment teacher – for a conversation about sensitivity, stress, and the survival patterns that keep us disconnected from our own bodies. We explore how fawning, over-functioning and chronic self-reliance can pull us out of ourselves – and how small, resourced shifts can start to bring us home.Katarina shares her own journey through burnout, anxiety, and chronic health issues, and why healing didn’t begin with doing more, but with noticing more. From nervous system overload to self-care as performance, we explore what it really means to feel safe in your own skin again.What we talk about in this episode:How fawning and people-pleasing show up in the nervous systemThe “attic of the mind” – why we disconnect, and what it costs usWhy trauma isn’t always dramatic – and what subtle erosion looks likeHow sensitive people can start to build capacity for discomfortSmall, everyday ways to gently reconnect with your body More about Katarina:You can learn more about Katarina’s work or connect with her here:Website: https://www.katarinahunter.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarinahunterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katarina_hunter_healingWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Design thinking invites us to open things up and explore possibilities, then come back to what matters most. What if sensitivity works in much the same way?In this episode, I talk with Joe Knowland, a furniture designer and former art fabricator, whose career has spanned classrooms, international galleries, and industrial workshops.Joe brings a maker’s mindset to emotional processing, and a deeply human approach to systems thinking. We unpack how the sensitivity that once overwhelmed him is now central to his way of working – and how thoughtful design processes can help us move through emotional fog without losing ourselves in it.Joe shares practical ideas, personal insights, and a refreshingly down-to-earth way of thinking about change, whether that’s in your job, your life, or your own inner world.What we talk about in this episode: ·     How design frameworks mirror the sensitive experience·     The power of divergent thinking (and knowing when to stop)·     Why overwhelm isn’t a failure: just a stage in the process·     Applying design thinking to emotional stuckness·     The joy of spirals over circles – and why moving helps Resources mentioned in this episode: ·     The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris·     Emotional Design by Don Norman·     Rethinking Sitting by Peter OpsvikWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when we stop trying to separate who we are from how we work and instead start getting curious about both?In this episode, I’m joined by Franck Brown – neurodiversity coach, workplace trainer, and founder of Conscious Clarity – for a reflective, practical, and fun conversation about sensitivity, ADHD, dyspraxia, and why embracing our emotional wiring might just change everything.Franck brings a unique lens to this topic, blending lived experience with professional insight. He works with future leaders, change makers and teams to build more inclusive workplaces that actually work for real humans.What we talk about in this episode:Why sensitivity and neurodiversity are related – but not the sameFranck’s journey to understanding his ADHD and dyspraxia diagnosis (and how it shaped his work)The emotional toll of “armouring up” in high-pressure workplacesWhat it really means to work with your energy, not against itTools to understand your own emotional patterns – and how to communicate them better More about Franck:You can learn more about Franck’s work via his website and LinkedIn:·     Work with Franck: www.consciousclarity.co.uk/get-in-touch·     Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franckbrown·     Follow Conscious Clarity: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-clarityFranck also hosts the Conscious Curiosity podcast which you can check out here: https://www.consciousclarity.co.uk/podcasts/conscious-curiosityWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if nutrition wasn’t about rules or restrictions but about tuning into what you really need?In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Boyle, a nutritionist with a background in corporate HR and finance, to explore how food can become a mirror for your inner world. We talk about nourishment not just as fuel, but as a doorway to emotional care, nervous system regulation, and more sustainable self-connection.Originally from Ireland and now based in Switzerland, Andrew blends his analytical past with a deeply human approach to health. He helps clients tune into their daily routines, stress patterns, and emotional rhythms through the seemingly simple act of paying attention to what – and how – they eat.What we talk about in this episode:Why nutrition is rarely just about foodHow slowing down your meals can support digestion, mood and nervous system healthWhat it means to build balance and pleasure into your approach to nourishmentThe emotional side of food habits, especially for busy, sensitive peopleWhy a gentle, personalised approach often works better than strict plansMore about Andrew:You can learn more about Andrew’s work via his website and LinkedIn:·     Website: realfoodnutrition.net·     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-boyle-44b33b4Andrew also offers video consultations, making his calm, thoughtful approach accessible no matter where you’re based.Want to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: This episode includes a brief mention of attempted suicide during the first few minutes of the conversation. We don’t go into much detail, and it isn’t something we return to. If you’d prefer to skip this part, you can jump ahead to [05:11] in the episode.Intuition. It’s a word we hear all the time but what do we actually mean by it? And how might it actually serve us, not just in our personal lives, but in the professional spaces where facts and figures tend to take the lead?In this episode, I’m joined by Veronica Drake, intuitive and spiritual mentor, for a grounded, compassionate conversation about the link between sensitivity and intuition. We explore what it means to reconnect with your inner knowing – especially when it’s felt tangled, cloudy, or hard to trust.Veronica has a gift for taking the mystery out of intuition without losing the magic. Her approach is honest, warm and refreshingly practical.What we talk about in this episode:Why intuition isn’t just a gift – it’s something we’re all wired withHow sensitivity can help us feel into intuition more clearlyThe difference between fear, conditioning and true inner knowingPractical ways to reconnect with your intuition (no fancy tools required)What it means to lead with curiosity, choice and grounded self-trust More about Veronica:You can learn more about Veronica’s work through:Website: https://veronicadrake.comInstagram: @thebackporchprophetVeronica is also the founder of The Back Porch Prophet – a warm and welcoming community focused on making intuition practical and accessible for everyday life.Want to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the parts of us we try hardest to hide are the very ones that hold the key to healing?In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Jarvis, founder of the Dark Water Institute, to talk about the emotional landscapes we’re often taught to fear – grief, shame, fear, uncertainty – and why these so-called "dark" feelings might actually be worth staying with, not fixing.Rebecca brings years of experience in trauma, crisis care, and healing. Her work invites people into emotional depth with compassion – not to transform darkness into light, but to make room for what’s real.What we talk about in this episode:Redefining darkness: why it doesn’t need to be feared or fixedThe role of self-trust in moving through discomfortHow sensitivity offers a different kind of wisdom in the healing processLetting go of emotional performance and building true connectionWhat it looks like to build capacity for discomfort – one small step at a timeMore about Rebecca:You can learn more about Rebecca’s work via her website and LinkedIn:Website: darkwaterinstitute.comLinkedIn: Rebecca JarvisRebecca also offers virtual "Lily Pad Sessions" – short, grounding sessions for those looking to explore trust, healing, and support in a gentler way.Want to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Season Two wraps up, I’m taking a quiet moment to reflect, say thank you, and share what’s next. No guest today – just me, looking back at what this season has held and what I hope it’s offered. If you’ve been listening, sharing, or simply thinking alongside me – thank you! Season Three is already in motion, and I can’t wait to bring you along.Want to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the part of you that’s panicking about the meeting... just wants to help? IFS invites us to listen differently and lead ourselves with more care, not control.In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Arianna Smith, IFS Certified Therapist, copywriter and queer, witchy soul who blends the clinical with the creative. We explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can support sensitive professionals in speaking up, calming down, and staying grounded – even in tricky work moments.Together, we dive into:How IFS helps us relate to our inner world with more compassionThe subtle shift from being “taken over” by a part to speaking for itWhy sensitive humans often have strong protectors – and what they’re protectingPractical ways to unblend in the middle of work stressHow self-trust builds when you stop trying to fix yourselfThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt like your reactions come out of nowhere – or you’re constantly managing the chaos inside.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some things hit harder than they “should”? And why do they stick around, even when we get them?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Emily Armstrong, coach and educator in personal and professional development, to explore the emotional imprinting that shapes us – especially when we’re sensitive.Together, we unpack:What subconscious imprinting really is (and why it matters)How emotional patterns get laid down – and why they’re so stickyWhy sensitive people feel these imprints more deeplyWhat it means to evolve energy, not just release itSimple starting points for shifting lifelong habits in a grounded wayThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt like your emotions were too much, too fast, or too deeply embedded to change.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your life looked fine from the outside – but quietly left you feeling flat, disconnected, or not quite like yourself?And what if the “problem” wasn’t you, but the version of you that’s been performing to survive?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Oliver Jenkin, somatic practitioner, to explore how we learn to perform in structured environments – and how to return to the parts of us we’ve left behind.Together, we dive into:The subtle, habitual ways we start performing in lifeWhy saying “no” can feel like freefall – and why that’s a good thingThe signs you’ve disconnected from your real selfSomatic practices to come back to your body and alivenessThe role of creative refuelling in breaking the cycleThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right – but still don’t feel like yourself.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if that sinking feeling at work isn’t self-doubt, but your body telling you this isn’t it?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Ella Schwarz, transformative coach, EFT tapping practitioner, and rebel with a cause, to explore how sensitivity can be the compass guiding your career – if you let it.Together, we dive into:How intuition and sensitivity shape Ella’s life and career choicesWhat it means to work with your energy instead of pushing throughWhy some environments really aren’t made for us – and that’s okayHow to discern between fear and misalignmentThe power of self-permission, pacing, and designing your day your wayThis is one for you if you’ve ever walked into a role and felt the loud no in your body – even when everything on paper said “yes”.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the person you assumed was the toughest in the room was also the most sensitive? As the saying goes – don’t judge a book by its cover – but let’s be honest, we still do.In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Kirk, senior risk and control manager at Monzo and former Royal Marine Commando, to explore how sensitivity intersects with leadership, resilience, and identity in high-pressure environments.Together, we dive into:What it’s like to be sensitive in the military – and what happens when you leaveThe assumptions that shape how others treat us at workLearning how to ask for what you need – especially when it comes to feedbackThe difference between surviving and thriving in the workplaceWhy your values should lead your job search (not the other way around)This is one for you if you’ve ever felt the need to toughen up to fit in and are wondering if there’s another way.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if a career pivot didn’t mean starting from scratch, but sculpting something more you?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Val Nelson, career and business coach for introverts and highly sensitive people, to explore how sensitivity shapes the way we think about success, burnout, and career change.Together, we dive into:·     The difference between introversion and high sensitivity – and why it matters·     How burnout often signals deeper misalignment·     Redefining success in ways that actually nourish us·     The power of “bridge jobs” and other energy-buying strategies·     Practical first steps for a thoughtful, sensitive career shiftThis is one for you if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this really it?” or secretly feared you were just ‘too much’ for the world of work.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the word that once boxed you in could become a bridge instead? And what if sensitivity isn’t just who you are—but how you live?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Leah Tarleton, registered dietitian, holistic health coach and founder of The Nourished Sensitive, to explore how sensitivity, language and identity intertwine.Together, we dive into:How Leah defines sensitivity as “sacred responsiveness”The role of language in shaping identity and self-connectionWhy words can be powerful and imperfectThe risk of sensitivity becoming a limiting labelCreating belonging through stories, not checklistsThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt both liberated and boxed in by the word “sensitive.”💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the trait that gives leaders an edge is the one that comes most naturally to you?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Sinéad Rafferty, career and leadership coach, educator and advocate for highly sensitive people and empaths, to explore how sensitivity and empathy can transform the way we lead.Together, we dive into:Why sensitivity can be a powerful leadership strengthThe real meaning of empathic leadership and why it matters now more than everThe double-edged sword of labels and how they shape our work livesThe challenges of leading while sensitive (and how to set boundaries that protect your energy)How leaders—sensitive or not—can bring more emotional intelligence into their everyday styleThis is one for you if you’ve ever wondered whether you have to toughen up to lead, or if there’s a different way to lead that’s actually more you.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if stress isn’t the problem—but how we see it is?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Bianca Paige Smith, stress management coach, movement facilitator, and deep-listening advocate, to explore how we can shift our perception of stress—and reclaim our power in the process.Together, we dive into:Why stress isn’t the enemy—it’s a survival mechanismThe subtle (and surprising) ways stress shows up in the bodyHow perception shapes our experience of stress more than the stressor itselfWays to recognise your personal stress patterns without judgmentThe difference between surviving and thriving—and how to build toward the latterThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt trapped by stress, or found yourself saying, “I just need to push through.” (Spoiler: You don’t.)💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the problem isn’t you trying to fit in—but the spaces you’re trying to fit into?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Paula Gregorowicz, founder of The Paula G Company, coach, author, and advocate for redefining work-life balance. Paula’s work is grounded in more than 30 years of experience spanning corporate America, entrepreneurship, and spiritual coaching, with a core belief that productivity is often overrated, and that true growth comes from alignment, not exhaustion.Together, we dive into:The difference between fitting in and belonging—and why it matters more than you think.How sensitivity can be a powerful guide to finding spaces where you truly belong.The courage to redefine your career path when it’s no longer working for you.Practical ways to protect your sensitivity in environments that prize loudness over depth.Navigating the messy middle of transformation—when you’re still in it but not yet out.This is one for you if you’ve ever wondered if there’s a space where you could bring your full, sensitive self to work—and be celebrated for it.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder if your body is waving warning signs long before burnout hits? What if learning to listen to those whispers could transform how you manage stress?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Claire Dew, Integrative Health, Nutrition, and Life Coach, and mind-body practitioner. Claire’s journey through burnout led her to uncover the deep connection between our body's signals and our emotional resilience. Now, she empowers others to harness body intelligence to prevent burnout and build cognitive, emotional, and physical resilience.Together, we dive into:Why burnout isn’t just about doing too much—it’s about not listening enough.The power of ‘body intelligence’ and why tuning in early matters.How emotional overwhelm shows up in the body, even before you realise it.Practical ways to recognise your own ‘stress whispers’ before they become shouts.The role of rituals and grounding practices in maintaining resilience.This is one for you if you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the emotional weight of the world and want a way to lighten the load—without sacrificing your sensitivity.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if workplaces didn’t just praise sensitive traits like empathy and emotional intelligence—but actually built their cultures around them?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Taylor Elyse Morrison, founder, facilitator, and lifelong learner, to explore how sensitivity can be a powerful force for inclusive and emotionally intelligent workplaces.Together, we dive into:Why sensitivity is a strength in professional environmentsHow to use curiosity and intuition to navigate workplace dynamicsThe underrated power of asking good questionsBuilding collaborative relationships as a sensitive personMaking feedback feel safer, clearer, and more actionableThis is one for you if you’ve ever wondered how to protect your energy and make an impact at work.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your deepest feelings were actually pointing you toward your next bold move? And what if being “too sensitive” was your secret advantage, not your downfall?In this episode of The Sensitive Professionals Podcast, I’m joined by Becky Symes, brand and website designer and vision strategist, to explore how embracing our sensitivity can be the very thing that unlocks clarity, creativity, and impact.Together, we dive into:The hidden cost of emotional suppression—and how to break the cycleWhy context matters when it comes to how we experience and express sensitivityHow sensitivity influences our patterns of behaviour (and how to work with—not against—them)The power of rituals and structure for the highly sensitiveBecky's three-step approach to transforming emotion into aligned actionThis is one for you if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your feelings or unsure whether your deep inner world can have a place in your outer work.💬 Continue the conversation in The Sensitive Diaries on LinkedInWant to get in touch? Email me at hello@practicalfeeling.com© Teresa Beehan. Everything shared here is for information and reflection – not professional advice. Please use your judgement before taking action based on anything you hear. We accept no responsibility for any decisions made in connection with the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.