The Pepetoe Podcast

In this Pepetoe episode, we’re diving into something painfully human and way more common than we admit: the deep-rooted yearning to be liked.I talk through my own experience of growing up as the “overachiever,” the person who built her entire sense of worth on grades, goals, and gold stars, and how that made the idea of someone disliking me feel like a personal catastrophe. From school drama to friendship fallouts, from rumours I still don’t have answers for to that sinking feeling of being left out of something everyone else seems to know… we’re unpacking all of it.This episode explores why not being liked stings so much, the psychology behind belonging, and the messy truth about external validation. I also talk through the way criticism shapes our identity, how uncertainty fuels anxiety, and why we start believing what others say about us before we believe ourselves.But more importantly, we get into the real heart of it: learning to exist without needing permission. Learning to be someone you actually believe in. Understanding that your character isn’t up for community vote, and your worth isn’t determined by who claps for you and who doesn’t.If you’ve ever felt crushed by someone’s opinion, confused by friendship drift, or desperate to figure out what you “did wrong,” this episode is for you. It’s raw, it’s reflective, it’s very Pepetoe, and it’s a reminder that you don’t need to be universally liked to be deeply valuable.

Breakups are messy, emotional, and sometimes isolating. It’s easy to want to retreat, cancel plans, and sit with the sadness — and that’s valid. But it’s also important to remember: you’re allowed good days too.In this episode, I talk about why continuing to socialise after a breakup matters for your mental health, your growth, and your sense of self. From leaning on friends to showing up for yourself even when it’s hard, I share personal experiences and reflections on how balance, connection, and small joys can help you heal.This episode isn’t about pretending everything’s fine — it’s about navigating heartbreak honestly, giving yourself permission to feel, and remembering that healing comes in waves. Some days will suck, some days will surprise you, and both are part of the process.

In this episode, I’m talking about something I never thought I’d have to unpack publicly: what it feels like when someone you thought was your closest friend completely lets you down during the hardest moment of your life.This isn’t about blaming or bashing anyone — it’s about sitting with the shock, the disappointment, and the realisation that the people you expect to hold you up sometimes disappear… or worse, talk about you instead of talking to you. I’m sharing the emotional side of friendship fallout: the awkwardness, the distance, the rumours, the assumptions, and the heartbreak of realising someone who should have been your safe place wasn’t there at all.We’re getting into boundaries, honesty, feeling alone, why some friendships don’t survive certain seasons, and how to protect your peace when people’s silence hurts more than the original situation ever did.If you’ve ever felt let down or blindsided by someone you loved like a sister — this episode is for you ❤️IG - ellieoverfield_TikTok - elenaoverfieldBlog - www.pepetoe.net

This episode is about owning your mistakes – the kind that hurt people, cost you relationships, and left you questioning who you are – and still choosing to heal anyway.I talk about what it really means to sit with regret, take accountability, and still allow yourself moments of joy. Healing on your own isn’t about pretending you didn’t mess up; it’s about forgiving yourself enough to grow from it.Because you can hold guilt and grace at the same time. You can be the person who hurt someone and the person learning to be better.If you’ve ever felt like your mistakes define you, this one’s for you 🤍Blog: www.pepetoe.netTikTok: @elenaoverfieldInstagram: @ellieoverfield_

Today I'm sharing a big update with you all on my recovery journey. A full circle moment. Going back to the hobbies I used to enjoy, the passions that used to excite me, before my ED took over. I'm learning that I can go back to those things, because my eating disorder doesn't get to take that away from me anymore. From playing hockey again, to writing, to dancing in the landing. Those things I couldn't do for so long because I couldn't. An eating disorder takes away not only your health or freedom to eat what you want, but also your sparkle, your passions, your creativty – your hobbies. I'm doing this not only for the person I am now, but for that girl who couldn't for so many years, and for the girl before who had those joys ripped away from her so suddenly.This is your sign to reclaim your life. Take back what's yours. Forgive yourself for allowing that ED to take over (because it's not your fault). Start living life again for YOU.Notes:IG - @ellieoverfield_Blog - pepetoe.netKeywords:rediscovering old hobbies, learning to play again, reconnecting with your younger self, eating disorder recovery journey, childhood passions rediscovered, finding joy in recovery, nostalgic hobbies, returning to writing, returning to sports after recovery, full circle healing, hobbies and mental health, healing through play, recovery and self discovery, hockey and writing journey, reconnecting with childhood self, hobbies lost and found, recovery growth story, honoring your inner child, creativity in recovery, embracing nostalgia, personal growth through hobbies, coming back to yourself, hobbies after eating disorder, recovery reflections blog, healing old wounds, self expression in recovery, life after eating disorder, playful healing, remembering who you were, recovery blog inspiration

It's been a MONTH since I last chatted to you guys... and a lot has been happening. Some highs, and some lows, but all in all we're getting there! Here's a little "updates" podcast, explaining to you guys what's been going on in my life, from my recovery journey and getting the help I need, to spending more time with family and friends, and looking forward to the annual "September refresh" (which I'm sorry I'm starting it now... I NEED autumn to come sooner, as I am currently sat here sweating my ass off in a matching trackies set because I want the autumn air and cosy season nowww!!)As always hit me up on my social if you want a chat or to recommend me some episode ideas!Instagram: @pepetoebyelenaBlog: www.pepetoe.netEmail: elena@socialmediabyel.comAlways here if you need <3Pepetoe (Elena) xox

In this episode, I’m diving into the messy, uncomfortable, but necessary topic of accountability. I talk about why it’s so hard for some of us to own up to our mistakes—especially when shame, fear, or ego gets in the way—and why real growth only happens when we stop deflecting and start getting honest with ourselves.I also explore what it looks like when someone else messes up—maybe a partner, a friend, a family member—and you're the one left hurt. Do you shut down? Do you help them through it? And what happens when you start feeling responsible for their actions, too?This is a vulnerable, real conversation about self-responsibility, emotional maturity, and letting go of accountability that doesn’t belong to you. Whether you struggle to say “I was wrong,” or you’re tired of carrying the emotional weight for others, this episode is for you.Let’s talk about how to own our part—and leave the rest.

In this episode, I’m sitting down to talk about two things that have followed me for years: the pressure to “glow up” every summer and the toxic side of hustle culture that nearly burned me out in my early career.As I start a brand new job in a brand new city, I’m choosing something radical – a new mindset. One that doesn’t revolve around self-critique, reinvention, or chasing someone else’s idea of success. I’m done trying to look different, act different, or work myself into the ground just to feel worthy.From toxic routines disguised as “wellness” to jobs that expected me to give everything and still feel like it wasn’t enough — I’m unlearning it all. In this episode, we unpack how social media sells us the lie that we need to transform constantly, and how work isn’t your identity, no matter how much hustle culture says it is.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by summer body pressure, entering a new season of life, or just trying to figure out who you are without the noise — this one’s for you. You don’t need to glow up. You don’t need to prove anything. You just need to be.🧠 Come for the honesty. Stay for the permission to slow down.Blog: www.pepetoe.netInstagram: www.instagram.com/pepetoebyelenaTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@elenaoverfield

In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately — the highs, the scary bits, and everything in between. I’ve officially left my job (!!) and for the first time in forever, I’ve given myself permission to just be. A whole month off work to chill, reset, and figure out what I actually enjoy doing when I’m not stuck in grind mode.We talk about what it’s like to let go of structure, explore spontaneity, and unlearn the pressure to "recover perfectly" now that I finally have the time. Spoiler: recovery isn’t a productivity project, and rest isn’t something you have to earn. I also share how I’ve been swapping workouts for joy-based movement, trying new sports, and shifting the way I relate to rest and purpose.If you’ve ever felt scared to slow down or unsure of who you are without your routine, this one’s for you.🎧 Come for the life updates, stay for the honesty.

In this episode, I’m speaking honestly about something that’s been weighing heavy lately — the reality of mental health struggles in the workplace. From the pressure to always perform to the fear of not being “enough,” it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos of trying to keep up. I share my personal experiences of burnout, what it feels like when your job starts to impact your self-worth, and the hard but necessary lesson of learning to let go of what you can’t control. If you’ve ever sat at your desk with tears in your eyes or felt like you’re just one more task away from breaking — this one’s for you. You’re not alone, and you never have to be.Links:Blog - www.pepetoe.netIG - @pepetoebyelenaTikTok - @elenaoverfield

For the perfectionists, the overthinkers, the ones who always need a plan — this episode is for you.We're talking about what it really means to trust yourself, especially when you're in a season of uncertainty. Not knowing your next step doesn't mean you're failing. Wanting to rest doesn’t mean you’ve lost ambition. This month, we're ditching the pressure to glow-up, hustle, or fix ourselves — and instead choosing softness, stillness, and self-belief.Expect real talk, gentle affirmations, and the reminder you might need right now: you're not behind. You're exactly where you're meant to be.Socials:Insta - @pepetoebyelenaBlog - pepetoe.netTikTok - @elenaoverfieldAlso... a very exciting new podcast is coming out SOOOON! Head over to the Insta @fuckedupfridayspodcast for more!

This week on The Pepetoe Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Synead — a true ray of light in the fitness and mental health space!We talk about what it really means to balance gym life, mental wellbeing, a full-time job, and a busy social calendar, all while learning to love your body along the way. Synead opens up about her own journey, the pressures of being online, and how she stays grounded in a world that’s always telling us to do more.It’s a warm, honest, and inspiring chat full of heart, humour, and so many reminders that you’re doing better than you think.Whether you're deep in your fitness journey, struggling with self-worth, or just need a boost — this one’s for you 💛Synead’s Socials:Insta – @synead_gymTikTok – @synead_xxRate & review as always!!! 💕

Winter's out, the sun's in, and it's officially time to thrive girlies!☺️ April's bringing fresh energy, longer days, and the perfect chance to hit reset on your goals. In this episode we're diving into the idea of April Theory - why this month feels like a magical start, how to harness that spring momentum, and the small shifts that'll have you absolutely smashing life 💕Get ready to shake off the winter slump and move into a new season with hope, motivation and peace ❤️Links:Blog: www.pepetoe.netSMM Website: www.socialmediabyel.comGuest episode pending next week! - Look out for this episode sharing with you guys VERY VERY soooooon!!www.instagram.com/synead_gym

Your 20s are a whirlwind—trying to build a career, maintain friendships, have a social life, explore hobbies, and somehow still find time to rest. It’s the decade of opportunity but also of burnout, where balancing work, relationships, and personal growth feels like a never-ending tightrope walk.In this episode, we break down the realities of juggling it all. How do you manage your social battery when everyone seems to be constantly making plans? Is it okay to put your career first? How do you avoid feeling like you're falling behind? We’ll unpack the pressures, the expectations, and the small mindset shifts that make it all feel a little more manageable.Whether you're struggling to keep up or just need reassurance that you’re doing fine, this episode is your reminder that balance looks different for everyone—and that’s okay.

A new series: Life in Your 20s 🎉I feel a little hypocritical, as I admit I'm only 21, but nonetheless I still think I've got some things to say!Today I'm bringing you everything about friendships, particularly those we make in our 20s. The trend of "never be the coffee date friend" is showing up again and again on my FYP (not sure if it's a little niche, but you'll get the idea!). Follow me on IG: @pepetoebyelena and subscribe (free!) to my blog www.pepetoe.net ❤️❤️❤️

In this episode, we dive into the concept of independence—what it really means and how it evolves at different stages of life. From moving out for university to landing your first job and traveling solo, we explore the highs and lows of making it on your own. Is independence just about financial freedom, or does it go deeper into emotional resilience and decision-making?Blog | www.pepetoe.netInsta | @pepetoebyelenaTikTok | @pepetoebyelena

Lately, life has felt… heavy. Between navigating a breakup, feeling completely burnt out, and struggling with the pressure tokeep going, I’ve had to take a step back and really ask myself—what do I actually need right now? In this episode, I’m getting real about slowing down, sitting with discomfort, and the messy reality of healing. I’ll also open up about my struggles with rest, the fear of relapse, and why I’m learning (the hard way) that recovery isn’t just aboutdoing more—sometimes, it’s about doing less. If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted, or just a little lost, this one’s for you 💛

January has felt like the longest month EVER! I'm back today to put all that shit aside and focus on what truly matters: me. Going into a new month is always good - a clean, fresh start. Let's help each other through these times, and work on coming back stronger. Remember the only thing you can control is YOU - your emotions, your reactions, and your words. Hold onto that, and let go of the need to control everything else. Blog: www.pepetoe.net Business Enquiries: www.socialmediabyel.com Collabs: elena@socialmediabyel.com / pepetoebyelena@outlook.com BEAT UK JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ellie-overfieldhttps://www.justgiving.com/page/ellie-overfield

Happy New Year! It's a brand new year, and time to buckle down and get things done... and what I mean by this isn't your to do list, but rather working on yourself. And the first thing I'm going to be working on, and I hope you do too, is finding your independence. Whether you're introverted or extroverted, we can all do with a little more independence. Firstly, focus on your confidence - both internally with self-worth, and also externally and your effect on other people. Be confident, because who cares?! Show people what you're made of, and go out into the New Year smashing your goals and becoming the person you're dreaming of. FYI, new blogs out every other day at www.pepetoe.net where I talk about more things like this! Follow me on Instagram @ pepetoebyelena Signing off now as we begin the crunch at work... Elena xx

2024 has been a… different year. but all for good reasons. from dealing with quite a few relapses, to having the biggest comeback yet in my professional life, it’s been a whirlwind! here’s a little summary of everything i’ve learned:🔅never be afraid to stand up for yourself🔅self-care is the most productive thing you can do🔅exercise should be a form of self-care, not a punishment🔅learn to say let go of things that no longer serve you🔅you have to put the work in; manifesting won’t get you there alone🔅spending time with friends and family is the most magical feeling🔅relationships can be hard; you have to put the work in there too🔅saying no and implementing boundaries is the most powerful move you can do🔅you are enough the way you are - never change for anybody ❤️