Women of Steel with Miriam Grace

In this Season Special, Miriam talks to her partner, Finn, about mental health, the kindness of strangers, how the natural world can bring us healing and improved wellbeing, as well as the concept of 'appropriate rescue'.She goes into the background of why a garden rescue was important and significant to Finn when she was facing burnout, and explores the idea that sometimes survival is about connection and community.Mental Health • Burnout • Nature • Gardens • Appropriate Rescue • THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERSMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicky lives in Derbyshire with her husband and they have two grown up children. Their stillborn daughter Kim is the reason for Nicky’s passion for remembrance photography. A keen photographer since her teens, she ran a successful part-time photography business once the children were at school; now retired, she will never give up taking photographs.She previously volunteered for Sands, a bereavement support charity, and is determined to see Remembrance Photography offered as a choice to parents as widely as possible across the UK.Nicky accepted the Cherished Keepsake award on behalf of RMB in 2016 at The Butterfly Awards - an evening dedicated to recognition of achievements in baby loss - and was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2019 Butterfly Awards. In 2024, Nicky was presented with a Special Recognition award by The Guild of Photographers for her work with RMB. “Break the taboo, talk about it, everyone knows someone who has suffered a loss, its more common than everyone thinks and it’s a topic we need to get more comfortable with because it is a reality affecting more families every single day.”How can listeners help RMB?Raising awareness – like/share/comment on socials; funds – small charity solely dependent upon donations/fundraising with rising costsEmail: nicky@remembermybaby.org.ukWebsite: remembermybaby.org.ukFacebook: @remembermybabyInstagram: @remembermybaby/SANDS is a national organisation in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support.Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caron Kirkham is passionate about young people and being a climate activist.She is committed to keeping fit and eating healthily. In November 2006 she cycled across Rajastan from Agra to Jaipur over 5 days.caronkirkham@mail.comCaron has many roles:Freelance Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor.Associate Trainer for MHFA England and British Safety Council.https://ckmentalhealthtraining.weebly.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caron-kirkham-3b108331/****Podcasting with other MHFA InstructorsPodcasts with Heartfelt Mindshttps://open.spotify.com/show/2krus3yYK61Cbb17GEci8o****Director of Compassionate Voices****Founder of Wishing Well Shining Bright****Lead Campaigner for the Green PartyThe next election for the local council is in 2026.North Tyneside Green Party contact details07943 333 287contact@northtyneside.greenparty.org.ukwww.northtyneside.greenparty.org.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/northtynesidegreenparty****Co-facilitator of an in person Action for Happiness Group****Wellbeing Walk Leader****Repair Café Jeweller****Greenpeace Speaker****Caron references: The Art of Being Brilliant, Andy CopeMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walking the path with uncertainty when life gets lifey!Helen Samson Mullen is the co-creator and co-host of The Autoimmune Campfire podcast.Helen was juggling caring for elderly parents, parenting and menopause when a "final straw" situation pushed her over the edge into autoimmune disease. How her diagnosis affected her, how she struggled and how she discovered the opportunities to grow within this challenge are the topic in this episode. Born and raised in the NE of England, she now lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Helen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the end of 2018. Helen has degree in physiological sciences, a PhD and post-doc in gastrointestinal research years of medical and clinical research and is a professional certified coach. She co-hosts The Autoimmune Campfire with Nona Jordan who has MS.What would you add to our Women of Steel Booklist?I had to pick, it would be The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.I love Isabel Allende novels and just read Radiant Rebellion by Karen Walrond that is fabulous.Find Helen on Linkedin and listen to her PODCAST on substackLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/helen-samson-mullen-phd-pcc/Website: helensamsonmullen.comThe Autoimmune Campfire Podcast on substackMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Season Special, Miriam talks to her partner, Finn, about mental health, the kindness of strangers, how the natural world can bring us healing and improved wellbeing, as well as the concept of appropriate rescue.She goes into the background of why a garden rescue was important and significant to Finn when she was facing burnout, and explores the idea that sometimes survival is about connection and community.This episode contains NO SPOILERS re the the TV show which has not aired yet, but in a follow up show the full recording, with the edited cuts replaced and restored will be available. Mental Health • Burnout • Nature • Gardens • Appropriate Rescue • THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning this episode contains reference to suicidal feelings and loss of a petDawn Brown is the owner of Dogland UK and Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care and Luxury Doggy Hotel. A dog saved Dawn’s life. From humble beginnings in Sheffield, through many difficulties, Dawn has found her way forward and created a unique business where she adds happiness and improved wellbeing to dogs lives and also to the wellbeing of her staff.Miriam and Dawn talk about their mental health, our dogs, pet bereavement and also about dogs’ mental health and how we can give back.Dawn Brown has studied dog behaviour, dog grooming and other dog related courses. Designed around the dogs desires to be free and to play in a safe secure environment monitored by trained loving staff. Dawn and her staff at Rose Cottage strive daily to provide each and every dog with the love and care they all need.Dogland UKPhone: 01246 938111 Mobile: 07809 895348Email: info@doglanduk.co.ukRose Cottage, Crow Lane,Chesterfield, S41 7UEdoglanduk.co.ukMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie Wilby is an award-winning comedian, podcaster, speaker and journalist.She regularly appears on radio and TV commentating on sexuality, dating and love and was dubbed ‘the Queen of Breakups’ by BBC Radio 4 following the success of her podcast The Breakup Monologues.She has extensively explored heartbreak in her podcast, in her hugely successful comedy shows, and in her first book, Is Monogamy Dead? which was shortlisted for the Diva Literary Awards and longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize.Part memoir, part investigation, The Breakup Monologues takes on the big questions about our life-changing separations in the modern age of ghosting, breadcrumbing and conscious uncoupling.This episode explores women's sexuality in general and lesbian sexuality in particular. Rosie Wilby and Miriam Grace know their subjects very well. Rosie through research, writing and personal experience and Miriam through working as a therapist over decades with those in relationships, and latterly in specialist work with dozens of later in life lesbians. The pair don't hold themselves back from topics of monogamy, lesbian bed-death, the urge to merge, falling in love, heartbreak and the differences in heterosexual and lesbian relationships. Topics not often discussed, Rosie and Miriam offer a serious yet kindly discussion to birth many discussions for listeners interested in developing and furthering support for women in relationships. Rather than judging or pathologising, understanding and reflection is valued.Is Monogamy Dead? Rosie Wilbyhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1786154536/The Break-up Monologues Rosie Wilbyhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1472982282/Publications include The Guardian, Sunday Times, and New Statesman,Festivals include Glastonbury and Latitude.Podcast: podfollow.com/breakupmonologuesX: @rosiewilbyInsta / Threads: @breakupmonologuesBluesky: rosiewilby.bsky.socialTikTok: @rosiewilbyauthorMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michaela Johnson lives and works near Washington DC. In 2021 she undertook thesis research into lesbian representation on TV for her Masters Degree at John Hopkins University.Miriam and Michaela discuss TV shows, coming out and “the sea of confusion” caused by invisibility, lack of role models, stereotypes, tropes and the production of shows through the lens of the male gaze.From Dead To FemmeGLADD StatisticsGLAAD, an American organization focused on tackling tough issues to shape the (LGBT) narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.https://assets.glaad.org/m/114d72edf8a779a6/original/GLAAD-2022-23-Where-We-Are-on-TV.pdfSome of the shows referred to:Pretty Little LiarsGleeGreys AnatomyStation 19Jane the VirginOne Day At A TimeThe L WordOrange Is The New BlackSteven UniverseReunion BBC SeriesSet in SheffieldAnd also mentioned in the written thesisWill and GraceCoronation StreetMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cari Hunter lives in the northwest of England with her wife, their cats, and a field full of sheep. She works full-time as a paramedic and dreams up stories in her spare time.Cari enjoys long windswept muddy walks in her beloved Peak District. In the summer she can usually be found sitting in the garden with her feet up, scribbling in her writing pad. Although she doesn’t like to boast, she will admit that she makes a very fine Bakewell Tart. No Good Reason, the first in the Dark Peak series, won a 2015 Rainbow Award for Best Mystery and was a finalist in the 2016 Lambda and Goldie Awards. Its sequel, Cold to the Touch, won a Goldie for Best Mystery. A Quiet Death, the final book in the series, was a finalist in the 2018 Lambda and Goldie Awards. She has since won Goldies for Alias, Breathe, and Unbreakable. In 2024, she won the Lambda Award for LGBTQ+ Mystery for A Calculated Risk, the first book in the DI Jo Shaw series.Email carihunter@rocketmail.comBook release – The Stolen Girl, June 1st via Bold Strokes website and wide release June 10th. Available paperback, e-book, and audio with Nicola Victoria Vincent narrating.Website carihunter.wordpress.comFacebook page @cari.hunter.9Instagram @cari.hunterThreads @cari.hunterMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loneliness is often described as the second pandemic. The mental health impact can be seen throughout society. People’s personalities and needs may be different but all of us need connection with others. The challenging political times require strategies to manage our nervous systems and central to these strategies are the benefits of groups, friendships and networks.In this episode Miriam Grace and long time friend, Imogen Ragone, talk about friendship, connection and oxytocin. Miriam welcomes Imogen back to the UK from the US and they discuss their co-regulation during Imogen's visit and through their friendship of 55 years. With their considerable experience in using neuroscience to inform their practices with traumatised clients and students, Miriam and Imogen look at how shame keeps us from acknowledging we need others, and how overcoming this can regulate us emotionally and bring physical and mental health benefits.Imogen's website: https://imogenragone.comOn Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CalmConfidentControlhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyintelligencecommunityOn LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogenragoneFoundations of Regulation Course for women dealing with chronic stress or trauma:https://imogenragone.com/foundations-of-regulationMonthly Half-Hour Guided Constructive Rest Sessions: https://imogenragone.com/constructive-rest-for-stress-reliefMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miriam speaks to Grace Quantock about her work as a therapist, author and speaker encouraging others to to live well with chronic illness without burn out or blame. Grace is an award-winning psychotherapeutic counsellor, speaker and author of Living Well With Chronic Illness: Write your own road map to healing in tough times (Orion Spring, 2024). Awards include a Future Young Leader of Wales Award & multiple award winner of Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Grace has been nominated for Britain’s Top Real Role Model, Entrepreneur Wales Awards.Grace has been featured in Marie Claire Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Hay Festival, Positive News, Gala Darling, TEDxAylesbury, The Guardian, The Independent, The Metro, The Daily Mirror, The Sun and The Times of London. Miranda Hart on BBC Woman’s HourHashtags#chronicillness#cfs#cfsme#disability#psychotherapyGrace has a number of special offers available from her website: GraceQuantock.comEmail: grace@gracequantock.com Instagram: @grace_quantockTikTok: @grace_quantockTwitter/X: @grace_quantockYouTube: @gracequantockMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Elizabeth Jones is a ceramic artist based in Scotland and her creative practice centres on the vessel form. She builds clay vessels using coil-building techniques dating back to matriarchal Neolithic pottery cultures, and her work makes ongoing reference to the female ceramic record.She is currently developing large sculptural vessels, which balance inner volume and outer form, and look to achieve the stillness of a quiet holding or containing space.Her approach to clay focuses on its materiality; she explores its possibilities and resistances. Her intention is that the meditative focus of making, the union of energy and calm, is somehow retained in the work.Her vessels are smoke-fired with sustainably sourced wood shavings, and as a result they acquire rich and varied surfaces, suggestive of light and dark.Ruth’s affinity with clay has been lifelong. After studying in the Midlands in the 1980s, she established studios firstly in Derby and then in rural Southwest Scotland where she continues to live and work.You can follow Ruth on:Website: ruthelizabethjones.comFacebook: @ruthelizabethjonesceramicsInstagram: @ruth_elizabeth_jonesSign Up for Ruth’s newsletter to hear about upcoming exhibitions and events.Upcoming EventsHag. Knowledge, Power & Alchemy Through Craft March - June 2025York Ceramics Fair March 2025Potfest by the Lake, Compton VerneyJune 2025Potfest in the Park, Hutton-in-the-Forest July 2025Other informationThe Great Pottery ThrowdownMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germaine Hypher is an award winning poet, a mother, a writer and craftivist.Germaine has been chronically ill for decades, and is largely bed-bound.During a childhood, where she was often too unwell to attend school, Germaine has been reliant on carers over many decades, Germaine has been able to return to a sense of meaning and purpose through her poetry, writing and crafting.Her new book CRAFTING A PATH THROUGH ILLNESS is available:- now for preorder in the UK from: Amazon and Waterstones- from all good booksellers from: April 17th 2025.Published by: Hammersmith PressYou can follow Germaine on:Website: www.germainehypher.weebly.comFacebook: Crafting A Path Through IllnessInstagram: @craftingapaththroughillnessBluesky: germainehypherMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of Miriam's talk with Alexander teacher and creator of Body Intelligence, Imogen Ragone. They talk about the inevitable stresses of caring for a parent with dementia and learn how Imogen was able to apply her learning to help her through devastating and incremental loss.Imogen helps women who are stressed, anxious, maybe even dealing with trauma, to better support their nervous system so they feel calmer and more at ease in themselves, and so they have a sense of more agency and feel more empowered in their lives.Imogen calls her work, “BodyIntelligence,” and it is based on the principles of the Alexander Technique, an evidence-based mind-body approach to using our whole selves – body and mind - consciously, efficiently, with freedom, ease and poise. She has over 18 years’ experience teaching this transformational work, and has developed her own unique approach focusing especially on an embodied mindfulness and self-care. In recent years her work has increasingly focused on supporting women, especially those in caregiving roles with friends or family members, and dealing with chronic stress and trauma.Imogen gives her clients concepts, tools, and mindful practices they can use immediately. These days she mostly works with small groups and much of this is done online via Zoom, though she does maintain a small private practice too.Imogen's website: https://imogenragone.comOn Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CalmConfidentControlhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyintelligencecommunityOn LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogenragoneFoundations of Regulation Course for women dealing with chronic stress or trauma:https://imogenragone.com/foundations-of-regulationMonthly Half-Hour Guided Constructive Rest Sessions: https://imogenragone.com/constructive-rest-for-stress-reliefMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Shimwell and Miriam Grace have both worked therapeutically in mental health for decades. In this episode Karen explains how her identity as a witch is in alignment with the post menopausal experience, aging, therapy, healing, death, and the every day magic of women especially those who hold space for others. Karen also describes the significance and personal experience of Well Dressing. a unique tradition practiced in Derbyshire villages around Sheffield. Karen currently manages projects to help individuals recover from addiction in community settings in and around Sheffield, the City of Steel, UK.Hera & Her Wayward DaughtersFacebook: facebook.com/groups/1035387933488436 “If you’re tired of endless images of women that don’t reflect your experience of ageing and you’re a woman that’s interested in an unflinching look at what ageing women might look like and how they’re represented in art, then this group is for you. There will be nudity and occasional strong language. Opinions may differ. Some people are waspish or stroppy. Enjoy.”More information about Well Dressing:youlgravewelldressers.co.uk/2025.htmlwelldressing.com/extra.phpMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miriam speaks to Lotte Mikkelsen, Laughter Coach and therapist. Lotte explains how laughter is not just her own therapy but is also her profession and how she helps people find the physical and emotional benefits of laughter practiced in Laughter Yoga sessions. In discussions of mood management and the difficulties in the winter season for some, Miriam and Lotte share some laugher and thoughts about emotional release. It might be hard to believe that even pretend laughter can improve mood, but if you feel better after listening, then do email Women of Steel or leave a review. All the links are below.Book List chosen by LotteRise and Shine by Kate and Toby Oliver – the book I would have written if they had not done it firstThe Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell – a great book for opening your mind to what is possibleStumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert – a bit of science and great thoughtsLottie Mikkelsen Laughter Ambassador and THE Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (UK)Laughter Coach & Therapist, Gibberish Advisor & Trainer, MISMAPhone: +44 (0) 7736341717Email: lotte@unitedmind.co.ukWebsite: www.unitedmind.co.ukFacebook: facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughterInstagram: instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryogaTiktok: tiktok.com/@laughteryogaMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Suzette Mullen talks to Miriam about her book, 'The Only Way Through is Out' and the importance and significance of women’s stories and writings. They discuss the process of coming out, the books that have helped them empathise with others, favourite authors and the life saving nature of community and connection.Suzette Mullen is a certified book coach, speaker, and the author of the coming-out and coming-of-age memoir The Only Way Through Is Out (University of Wisconsin Press, 2024), named one of February’s “most anticipated” releases by Lambda Literary. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, today.com, and Brevity, among other outlets. As a book coach, Suzette guides memoir and nonfiction writers to find their deeper stories and define their big ideas, and she particularly enjoys supporting LGBTQ+ writers. A graduate of Harvard Law School and Wellesley College, Suzette made a big leap personally and professionally at midlife and is working on her next memoir, appropriately titled After the Leap.Books and authors mentioned in the show are: Elizabeth Strout (an example is Lucy by the Sea); Butch Hijab Blues A Memoir by Lamya H; Milkman by Anna Burns; The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lefteri and The Only Way Through Is Out by Suzette Mullen.Suzette Mullen:Instagram: @urstoryfinderWebsite: https://www.yourstoryfinder.comWork with Suzette: https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/workwithsuzetteBooks: https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/booksMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander teacher and creator of Body Intelligence, Imogen Ragone and Miriam talk about the inevitable stresses of caring for a parent with dementia and learn how Imogen was able to apply her learning to help her through devastating and incremental loss.Imogen helps women who are stressed, anxious, maybe even dealing with trauma, to better support their nervous system so they feel calmer and more at ease in themselves, and so they have a sense of more agency and feel more empowered in their lives.Imogen calls her work, “BodyIntelligence,” and it is based on the principles of the Alexander Technique, an evidence-based mind-body approach to using our whole selves – body and mind - consciously, efficiently, with freedom, ease and poise. She has over 18 years’ experience teaching this transformational work, and has developed her own unique approach focusing especially on an embodied mindfulness and self-care. In recent years her work has increasingly focused on supporting women, especially those in caregiving roles with friends or family members, and dealing with chronic stress and trauma.Imogen gives her clients concepts, tools, and mindful practices they can use immediately. These days she mostly works with small groups and much of this is done online via Zoom, though she does maintain a small private practice too.Imogen's website: https://imogenragone.comOn Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CalmConfidentControlhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/bodyintelligencecommunityOn LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogenragoneFoundations of Regulation Course for women dealing with chronic stress or trauma:https://imogenragone.com/foundations-of-regulationMonthly Half-Hour Guided Constructive Rest Sessions: https://imogenragone.com/constructive-rest-for-stress-reliefMiriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miriam talks to Nelly Naylor, award winning wedding photographer specialising in LGBTQ+ weddings who is celebrating her 10 years in business. Together they explore how a diagnosis of ADHD can be like a second coming out. As well as weddings Nelly helps business professionals elevate their online presence with colourful expressive visuals.Nelly Naylor 07455912295 Nnphotography@outlook.com Instagram and Facebook: @nellynaylorphotography Instagram (Business branding): @nellynaylorphotography_Website: www.nellynaylor.comNelly's BBC appearance talking about her ADHD diagnosis journey:https://www.facebook.com/reel/851574726513203?mibextid=WC7FNe Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming soon, Women of Steel.Miriam Grace talks to remarkable women about their lives and challenges through the lens of her work as a psychotherapist. Recorded in Sheffield, the UK city of steel, Women of Steel uncovers lived experiences which challenge existing power structures and validate the voices of marginalised or disadvantage women. Compassionate, joyful, wise, honest, and irreverent, Miriam, and her guests, celebrate ways in which women endure, and the podcast focuses on the idea that shared stories become a community resource for us all to to deepen, to strengthen and to grow.Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience. Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue SkiesInstagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkiesEmail: miriam@blue-skies.org.ukPodcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk Instagram: @womenofsteelpodFacebook: @womenofsteelpodcastProduction by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.