Shows
The Yoga, Bellies & Babies PodcastConscious relaxation as the path to a happy and healthy life with Frances Robertson-RitchieThis week’s episode features Frances Robertson-Richie. Frances is a mum of three, a yoga teacher and hypnotherapist.Frances also had a career in the fashion industry in central London, working in a high-stress and high-pressure environment until she had a health scare which made her re-evaluate her life and take new measures, leading her to where she is today.Her vision now is very clear. She sees Yoga as something that can shared in a simple and accessible way. Free of jargon and dogma. A place where someone who may have been intimidated by th...
2022-10-071h 04
The Explored Life: More Than YogaThe Meditation Sessions Mini Series 3The last in this mini series of meditation sessions and the last in this season of The Explored Life: More Than Yoga. In this episode I share another of the Meditation + Mindset sessions that we use to start our week in the Happy Healthy Membership. As before, the first section is where we journal to practice gratitude, kindness and joy. I then share how we can set intentions for our day, week, or larger life goals. In the Happy Healthy membership we get together twice a week to practice being at home in the present...
2021-04-1929 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaThe Meditation Sessions Mini Series 2Over the next few weeks I will be sharing Meditation sessions from the Happy Healthy Membership. There are so many pre-conceived ideas about what Meditation is and how it should look - I aim to de-bunk these straight away. No lotus position, no confusing language or ideas. I'm not sure what it says about me but I need things to be super simple to be able to take them on board. Over the next few weeks these sessions will cover different techniques and methods. Give them a try and see what works best...
2021-04-0929 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaThe Meditation Sessions Mini Series 1Over the next few weeks I will be sharing Meditation sessions from the Happy Healthy Membership. There are so many pre-conceived ideas about what Meditation is and how it should look - I aim to de-bunk these straight away. No lotus position, no confusing language or ideas. I'm not sure what it says about me but I need things to be super simple to be able to take them on board. Over the next few weeks these sessions will cover different techniques and methods. Give them a try and see what works best...
2021-04-0231 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaSupporting Your Pelvic Health with The Body Doula - Emilie RowellIn this week's episode I am talking to Emilie Rowell, otherwise known as The Body Doula about how we can support our pelvic health. Emilie helps women by teaching them about the functionality and biomechanics of their bodies. The way that we move and the quality of that movement all feeds into the picture. Listen for Emilie top tips for supporting your pelvic health - especially if you find yourself sitting for long periods of time. You can find Emilie over on her website * You can get a FREE...
2021-03-2621 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaSupporting Those Affected By a Loved One's Alcohol or Drug Use with Victoria SeedToday I am talking to specialist in addiction and dependancy, Victoria Seed. Victoria has spent the last 16 years working with those suffering from addiction and now supports women who are affected by a loved ones drug or alcohol use. I was stunned by the statistic that one in ten adults are affected by somebody else's drug and alcohol use. In a society where drinking alcohol is normalised it is interesting to hear Victoria's perspective of not just addictive behaviour but how we consume alcohol in our everyday lives. Victoria has a fab free and friendly...
2021-03-1945 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaCreating a Flexible Business to Suit Your Lifestyle with Sarah CookeIn this episode I talk to Sarah Cooke about how she found a way to build a business that supports her and lights her up, while still working around her family and the lifestyle she wants to lead. Having overcome sports injury, corporate burnout and post-natal depression she went on to create a successful business as a massage therapist, online retailer and now helps and mentors other women in the Health and Wellbeing industry to create a flexible business to suit their needs. You can join Sarah's free Facebook group - https://www.f...
2021-03-1222 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHealing Narcissistic Trauma with Caroline StrawsonCaroline Strawson is a multi-award winning Trauma Informed therapist and coach specialising in healing narcissistic trauma. She helps her clients to move from complex post-traumatic stress disorder to post-traumatic growth. Listen to hear how her own story of recovery from narcissistic abuse and trauma led her to help others olive a more joyful and connected life free from the past. You can find out more about the work Caroline does at https://www.carolinestrawson.com * You can get a FREE copy of my shorter Guided Relaxation recording here. And j...
2021-03-0538 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaWhat is EFT and How Does it Work with Alice BradshawAlice Bradshaw helps women with anxiety, however that manifests - whether sleep issues, poor digestion, panic attacks, relationship struggles, comfort eating, and the rest. Her passion is to explore how we can deepen and accelerate our spiritual growth with tools like yoga and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). EFT balances the body's energy system through the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine and empowers you to heal on all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In this episode, find out how EFT can help to support our wellbeing PLUS Alice shares a wonderfully simple technique that we can...
2021-02-2620 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaCreating Balanced + Sustainable Healthy Eating Habits with Pip AugustPip has worked within the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. After starting her career as a Nurse, she decided to turn her focus to health promotion and qualified as a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach in 1998. In 2001 she gained a first class degree in Sport and Exercise Science, and then went on to develop her skills completing further courses in Nutrition, Cardiac Rehab and G.P referral. In 2018 Philippa completed an MSc. in Nutritional Science. In this episode Pip shares her top tips for creating balanced and sustainable healthy eating habits. As well...
2021-02-1933 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaDiscussing the Divine Feminine with Cherie BurtonToday I am joined by Cherie Burton who shares her story of how she came to help women to re-discover themselves. With her own personal experience of dealing with depression, mental illness and grief she has created a range of resources to help women to access emotional wellness. She explains what the divine feminine is and how it can help us to remember that we are whole. Access Cherie's free healing kit here. * You can get a FREE copy of my shorter Guided Relaxation recording here. And j...
2021-02-1231 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHow to bring some plant-based magic to your healthy eating at home with Dr LegumesIf you are local to Folkestone and you haven’t been to Dr Legumes yet you are seriously missing out. Lee and Jim have created an oasis, serving imaginative, artistic, healthy, plant-based dishes. Refusing to be defined by any particular labels and instead driven by their values of health, community, sharing and sustainability – they are more than just a restaurant. In this episode we talk about their inspiration for the restaurant and the food that they cook. Their enthusiasm is infectious! Listen for their top tips for bringing some of their Dr. Legumes magic to your home cook...
2021-02-0524 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHow To Get Healthier Happier Joints using Kinstretch with Emma EptonYou might have noticed how, over recent years Yoga has started to maybe look a little bit different, and that maybe there's more emphasis on taking care of our joints, and more influence from mobility practices. Today, I'm really looking forward to speaking to Emma Epton, a fellow yoga teacher who trained me on the Yoga Reloaded programme that she co-founded. Emma is going to introduce us to Kinstretch, a movement system that develops maximum body control flexibility and usable ranges of motion. Listen to find out how Kinstretch can support our yoga...
2021-01-2925 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaSupporting Your Financial Wellbeing with Catherine MorganToday's episode is all about how we can support our financial wellbeing and I am super-excited to be taking to Catherine Morgan. Catherine is an award winning financial coach helping women to reduce financial anxiety and increase financial empowerment and resilience. Listen for insight into how our financial wellbeing starts with our self-worth. Plus Catherine's top tips for improving your money mindset. Resources: Take Catherine's quiz to find out your money personality Join Catherine's free Facebook community You can join Catherine's Money Circle Membership using my affiliate l...
2021-01-2240 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaTechniques For Managing Overwhelm in LockdownWith the announcement of a third lockdown I wanted to share with you some techniques that I use to manage overwhelm and connect with calm in challenging times. Join me for this practical workshop where I share: How and why meditation can build resilience How we can use the breath to regulate the nervous system. Introduce you to different meditation techniques to give you an option that works for you. Let go of what you think meditation should look like. Perhaps you have tried meditation before and found it hard. Maybe you thought you were...
2021-01-1534 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaRelaxing New Year Yoga Nidra - You Are EnoughLet's start this New Year with the realisation that we are enough just as we are. We aren't broken and we don't need to be fixed. I want to share this recording with you - it is a Relaxing Yoga Nidra practice that I shared with my meditation membership on Sunday evening. Perhaps today you might get the chance to take half an hour to sit or lie somewhere comfortable (and safe) and listen. * You can get a FREE copy of my shorter Guided Relaxation recording here. And join my H...
2021-01-0830 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHealing Your Gut for Healthier Skin with Dr Julie Greenberg, NDIn my last episode of 2020, I talk to Dr. Julie Greenberg, a Naturopathic doctor based in California who specialises in helping people with chronic skin conditions. She uses her naturopathic training to address the root cause of dermatological disease by addressing inflammation due to gut microbiome dysfunction as well as a disrupted skin barrier. Listen for her top tips on improving the health of your skin, by healing your gut. Find out more about Julie's work here: https://www.integrativedermatologycenter.com https://www.learnskin.com/series/naturopathic-and-integrative-dermatology-series *
2020-12-1835 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaRestoring Balance: The Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu with Eve PearsonIn this episode I talk with Eve Pearson about the ancient art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, a Japanese bodywork treatment that works with the body's energy. Eve explains what you can expect from a treatment and I talk about my experience of the practice as client trying it for the first time. Listen to the end where Eve shares a wonderful technique for restoring balance that you can practice at home. You can contact Eve to book a session by telephoning: 01227 831593 * If you need some time out...
2020-12-1122 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaTips To Reduce Plastic Use with Emma YeldingIf you have seen any of the documentaries by David Attenborough about the climate crisis, or seen the images of the plastic that is in the ocean and on the beaches, then you've probably have already started to think about how you can start to reduce the amount of waste that you consume. But it can feel really daunting, can't it? It can feel like it's almost impossible, especially when you're buying from the supermarkets and everything is wrapped in plastic unnecessarily. So, I was over the moon when I found out about a local store and...
2020-12-0427 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaClient Stories with Anna Ware - Is Yoga Right For Me?Anna started coming along to my classes around a year ago but really began to feel the benefits of Yoga as a habit when she started attending the online session. As a director of a charity the convenience, accountability and support of the online classes have helped her to feel calmer and more grounded. In this episode we talk about how it can sometimes take a while to realise that Yoga is for you - especially if you aren't naturally flexible. Perhaps like Anna, as a beginner you have felt intimidated walking into...
2020-11-2725 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaYoga Physics - An Ethical and Sustainable Aproach with Alexandria CrowAlexandria Crow joins me in in a frank and open discussion about how Yoga can be approached in a way that is more ethical and sustainable. The discussion raises the following: -How can we free ourselves from the constraints of the modern traditional pose technique. -How we can move away from how we teach the Yoga to what we are teaching. -How this translates into a Yoga class setting in a way that is accessible and inclusive to everyone. -How we can address the difficult issues of pain, injury...
2020-11-2039 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaClient Stories with Charlotte Guy - How Can Meditation Help YouCharlotte joined my meditation membership 5 months ago and she sums up the benefits of meditation far better than I ever could. I talk to her in this episode to get a sense of how meditation can help you. Listen to find out how Charlotte found meditation and her journey to feeling the benefits in her life. How regular practice in a group has helped her to: Quieten her busy mind Sleep better Made her feel calmer and more grounded Charlotte speaks candidly about the ways that we can find meditation difficult when we...
2020-11-1319 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaThe Best Yoga Pose For Persistant PainSpoiler alert - unfortunately there is no specific Yoga pose which will fix persistent pain. However there are many ways that we can support our recovery. Our bodies are amazingly strong and resilient. Today I am talking to Yoga teacher Hannah Stewart about the complex subject of pain. You may have listened to the episode I recorded with Hannah way back in August about her modern , functional approach to Yoga and movement. So many people arrive at a Yoga class because they are suffering from persistent pain of some kind. It is important to understand...
2020-11-0630 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaFacing Your Fears with Sally LisleSally Lisle was the guide on the Snowdon trip I went on recently. She skillfully led us off the beaten track and to the summit and dealt with my fear of heights with ease. She has obviously had lots of experience of facing fear as a climber and mountaineer. Sally found her love of the outdoors at 9 years old when a few days feeling fully immersed in the wilderness convinced her that she could do absolutely anything. She has spent the last 22 years working toward making as many other people feel like this as possible! She is...
2020-10-3033 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHow to Manage Stress and Anxiety - 4 simple toolsThis new normal is not normal is it? It doesn't matter what we tell ourselves, everything is shifting and changing around us and that can create a sense of worry, of stress and anxiety. I recorded this session back at the very start of lockdown but it still feels very relevant right now. We need tools to help us to navigate through these challenging times. To build resilience and help us to come back to the present moment, the here and now, rather than trying to constantly predict what is going to happen in the future.
2020-10-2343 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaThe power of relaxation - 2 simple techniques to help you quickly relaxDo you feel tired all of the time? Do you want to know how to get more energy? Listen to this episode to find out just how powerful the practice of relaxation is. I share 2 quick and simple techniques to help you drop into a calmer, more relaxed state in under 10 mins. Because these tools are so simple they are often overlooked: Breathing techniques Dropping into the present moment Moving awareness out of the mind and into the body The reason we don't use these simple tools regularly is because we...
2020-10-1622 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaHow can I help my children to be calmerIn this episode of the podcast I have invited my 10 year old twin daughters to tell me about their favourite tools for staying calm and relaxed. We know ourselves how useful it is to be able to manage the stress response. I believe that one of the most useful skills we can share with our children is how they can down-regulate their nervous system. But you cant force this stuff on children, as I have well found out when trying to get my kids to do yoga. Children learn from watching what we...
2020-10-0914 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaMoving Beyond Unresolved Trauma with Jo Miller Somatic TherapistYou might remember me talking to the lovely Jo back on episode 9 about the work that she does with sound therapy. Jo and I have collaborated on events in the past where she has played the harp and the crystal healing bowls to guide us into a deep relaxation and sound meditation. Today Jo is talking to us about the work that she does as a somatic therapist, helping her clients to move beyond unresolved trauma. We talk about how trauma isn't necessarily one huge event, such as a car crash, but can accumulate over time. Jo...
2020-10-0234 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaSupporting our teenagers wellbeing with Vivienne HillThis weeks podcast episode is particularly relevant for me right now since my son has just turned 13. To be honest, he has been acting like a teenager for a while now. I was only just recently reminiscing that I couldn't remember the last time that he had held my hand - that became unacceptable long ago. I have heard the saying that you are only as happy as your least happy child before and it really rings true for me. As parents our happiness is so closely tied into the happiness of our children. The teenage years...
2020-09-2500 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaCreating Strong Habits with Strength and Nutrition Coach Pennie VarvaridesPennie Varvarides is a strength and nutrition coach helping womxn find their strength inside and outside of the gym. She works to build a solid foundation in training through intentional practice in training and nutrition that spills over into an intentional life. Pennie helps clients build strong habits from the ground up. Find her on instagram @superpennie. I have become more and more aware over the last year or so about how important strength is for our health, especially for us women, especially as we get older. When I first started my Yoga teacher training I was...
2020-09-1800 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaMoving from a place of fear to empowerment. Supporting women through birth and beyond with Claudine MassonMoving from a place of Fear to Empowerment. How Claudine Masson helps women through the birth of their baby and beyond using relaxation, visualisation and the power of the breath. Claudine set up My Little Pickle during lockdown when she finally had the space to pursue her calling to help women through their pregnancy and give them the best possible chance of a positive birth experience. Her antenatal classes combine Hypnobirthing, mindfulness, neuroscience and sports psychology to empower women to move women from a place of fear to a place of empowerment.
2020-09-1100 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaTaking Positive Action with Emily Ghassempour co-founder of Books For ChangeI can't wait to catch up with Emily to talk to her about Books For Change, the initiative that she and her friend set up in response to the BLM movement. How many of us watched the protests unfold via the media, not know what to do to take positive action for change? This simple yet powerful idea is an inspiration for anyone wanting to make a positive difference to our communities. www.booksforchange.co.uk * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE...
2020-09-0400 minThe Explored Life: More Than YogaFollowing Your Passion - with Kate Butcher supporting Mums in businessDid you know that 50% of people dream of starting their own business, are you one of them? Have you always dreamed of following your passion and starting your own business? As a mum, sometimes it makes more sense to create a business that you can work around the family - rather than your family having to fit around your work. "It makes you re-assess what your priorities are and whether you are getting enjoyment out of what you are doing when you are away from your children. It makes you re-think wh...
2020-08-2800 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaHow Sound Therapy Can Support Your Wellbeing with Jo MillerThere is something really interesting about the affect of sound on the body and the mind and how we can use sound to down regulate the nervous system. Today, I am chatting with Jo Miller, a sound therapist about the work that she does to support the wellbeing of her clients. * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d60b8e/happy-healthy-free-guided-relaxation
2020-08-1900 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaNatural Plant-based skincare with Claire Gray of Ermana SkincareWhen we think about being healthy, we often think more about what we put into our bodies than what we put on them. I am constantly on the look out for skincare that does not contain harmful products such as parabens, and phthalates. Today I am talking to Claire Gray, who has created Ermana skincare, a natural, plant based, luxury skincare brand, at affordable prices. Claire has kindly offered to give listeners to the podcast 10% discount when they use the code YogaCH10. * And if you need some time out f...
2020-08-1800 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaNavigating a career change and following your passion as a busy mum with Rachel JamesIf you haven't come across Rachel's oasis of a plant shop, @potandvessel in Folkestone yet you are missing out! I am really looking forward to catching up with her to talk about navigating a career change and following your passion. Building a business will always have its own unique challenges however the benefits of having a creative outlet, and a purpose can be really rewarding. * If you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d...
2020-08-1700 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaManaging Menopause with Emma Dunn-BeechingEmma is a wealth of knowledge about all things menopause and runs an amazingly supportive community over on Facebook at @thehappybrandofem. She will be joining me today, and as well as covering the more common aspects of menopause such as hot flushes and lack of sleep she will talk about the lesser known symptoms such as pain sensitivity. As a woman, you are going to want to listen to get Emma's top tips on managing menopause. * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of...
2020-08-1600 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaCreative Writing As Self-Care with Kerry RyanTaking Kerry's creative writing course, Write Like A Grrrl was a big step for me. I hadn't written ANYTHING since school and had lived with the internal notion that I was not a "creative" person. I have this hunch that not having a creative outlet can have a negative impact on our mental health. Or to put it another way, exploring creativity supports our overall wellbeing. The biggest block and misconception that myself, and most people have is that in order to do something creative, you should be good at it. Kerry's 6-week writing course turned that...
2020-08-1500 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaFinding Your Authentic Voice with Sarah ThurstanIn this episode I am chatting with Sarah Thurstan about her new book, Personal Presence: How Speakers Authentically Engage. Sarah has been coming to my classes for a while and I have always enjoyed her observations about Yoga during our brief chats. When I found out that she had written a book I was eager to find out all about it. I was intrigued to find out the similarities between the work that she does and the practices we use in Yoga. Listen for Sarah's expert tips on increasing your confidence and finding your authentic v...
2020-08-1400 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaMeditation and Mindful Eating with Chelvi MailvagananChelvi is a meditation teacher and mindful eating coach and today we are chatting about how meditation can help us to manage stress during these challenging times. Along with the work that she does to help people to overcome binge eating. * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d60b8e/happy-healthy-free-guided-relaxation
2020-08-1300 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaCalm Mamas - The Importance Of Self-Care For Stressed Out Mums with Gemma CapocciGemma Cappoci created Calm Mamas, a directory of wellbeing resources for stressed out, busy Mums. We talk about the parenting journey, and how it can effect our mental health. The importance of taking time for yourself as a mum, and asking for help when you need it. Self-care isn't selfish and it's not a luxury! * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d60b8e/happy-healthy-free-guided-relaxation
2020-08-1100 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaYoga Reloaded: A modern science based approach. Making yoga safer, individual and more functional with Hannah Stewart.Have you tried Yoga classes and found that it just doesn’t seem to work for you and your body? Today I am talking to Hannah Stewart, she has developed a Yoga teacher training: Yoga Reloaded with a fresh, science based approach to the movement practice. * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d60b8e/happy-healthy-free-guided-relaxation
2020-08-1100 min
The Explored Life: More Than YogaThe Explored Life: More Than Yoga Podcast - IntroductionIntroducing this brand new Yoga podcast for women looking to take charge of their health and wellbeing. My name is Frances Robertson-Ritchie and in this episode I will introduce you to my story, how I changed my life to make my mental and physical health a priority and how this podcast will help you on your journey to a happier, healthier life. * And if you need some time out for yourself, you can get a copy of my FREE guided relaxation recording here https://mailchi.mp/289c96d60b8e/happy-healthy-free-guided-relaxation
2020-08-1100 min