Shows
Angry At The Right ThingsBeyond the SmileA beautiful conversation between Bronwyn and MaryLayo from Beyond the Smile podcast about anger and resentment. The good, bad and the ugly about anger -- including it's multifaceted wisdom, when we start to listen to it.
2025-06-1141 min
Beyond the SmileNavigating Anger: Understanding Its Role in Mental & Physical HealthThe conversation between MaryLayo and Bronwyn Schweigert offers an exploration of anger as a misunderstood and often vilified emotion. Bronwyn highlights that rather than viewing anger as an adversary, it should be celebrated as an integral part of the human experience, one that can provide valuable insights into our lives and relationships. Throughout the episode, Bronwyn dissects the common misconceptions surrounding anger, particularly the belief that expressing it is synonymous with aggression or loss of control. By sharing her personal struggles with anger and its repercussions on her mental health, Bronwyn illustrates the importance of healing one’s...
2025-06-1039 minBeyond the SmileCross-Cultural Mental Health: Insights from an Occupational PhysicianShownotesIn this thought-provoking episode, MaryLayo engages in a profound dialogue with Dr. David Aku, an esteemed occupational physician from Ghana. Their conversation reveals contrasts and enlightening parallels between the cultural narratives of Ghana and the UK.Dr. Aku articulates how societal attitudes towards mental health are gradually evolving in Ghana, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted many to confront their emotional struggles. He poignantly reflects on his own experience of fostering a healthier approach to grief and managing mental wellbeing. Dr. Aku proposes that integrating community support structures with...
2025-03-1834 minBeyond the SmileEvictions: The Trauma of Losing A HomeSummaryEviction is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on mental health and personal development, as discussed by MaryLayo and her guest, Jo Sama. Both share their personal stories of eviction, reflecting on how these experiences shaped their childhoods and influenced their journeys into adulthood. The conversation highlights the suddenness and urgency of being forced from their homes, along with the feelings of shame and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy while navigating the upheaval. Jo articulates the complexities of coping with such events, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the...
2024-11-1232 minBeyond the SmileLife After Loss: How Ronke Joseph Found Strength After Losing a LegSummaryRonke Joseph shares her profound journey of recovery following a life-altering accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg. On January 13, 2015, a car struck Ronke while she was on her way to work, leading to a series of surgeries and a challenging road to healing. Throughout her experience, Ronke emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and the strength found in faith, which provided her with peace during her most difficult moments. She discusses the emotional and psychological hurdles she faced, including the need for support, while also highlighting the significance of being kind...
2024-10-0844 minBeyond the SmileDomestic Abuse & Faith: Supporting SurvivorsDomestic Abuse & Faith: Supporting SurvivorsToday's episode is on domestic abuse and Marylayo is talking to guest, Brandie Opone, who has a passion for empowering others. Brandie leads a vibrant women's ministry group in her local church and serves on the board of her local community to champion positive change.Discussion covers:Shining a Light: Using Your Gifts to Make a DifferenceBalancing Submission and Control in RelationshipsThe Impact of Domestic Abuse on Mental Health and WellbeingRebuilding Lives: Advice for Survivors of Domestic AbuseRecognising the Signs: Supporting Those Experiencing Domestic AbuseResources and Support for Survivors...
2024-09-1036 minBeyond the SmileBattling through Trauma: Ricky's JourneyBattling through TraumaMaryLayo talks with Ricky Sluder, a Life & Relationship Coach, who shares about his journey surviving childhood abuse, neglect and loss. Ricky shares about what helped him to receive inner healing and develop his relationship with God.MaryLayo’s spiritual wellness tip is: meditate on Revelations 3:20. For more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found the discussion helpful.#BeyondTheSmile #Trauma #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #ChristianFaith #ChildAbuseMarylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Revelation 3:20.For dealing with mental health re...
2024-08-1342 minBeyond the SmileLiving with ChildlessnessLiving with Childlessness In this episode, MaryLayo talks to couple – Daniele & Tina Fiandaca, about their journey navigating through childlessness, and the impact this has had on their mental health. Daniele and Tina share about the hopes and dreams they had for a family, their experience of miscarriage, IVF treatment and grief, and their feelings about shame and societal pressure.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if...
2024-07-161h 00Beyond the SmileRecovering from Stroke: Angie's StorySummaryIn this episode, guest, Angie Read, shares with MaryLayo her journey of surviving two unexpected strokes at age 46 and 47, and the impact this had on her mental health.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Proverbs 4:20-22, before inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found Angie's story helpful.For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#BeyondTheSmile #MaryLayoTalks #StrokeSurvivor #MentalHealthAwareness...
2024-06-0427 minBeyond the SmileStarting Counselling - Genis' StoryStarting Counselling: Genis' StoryIn this episode MaryLayo and guest, Genis Fernandes, discuss seeking help, finding a counsellor and highlight some of the frustrations and benefits they experienced on their journey.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Philippians 4:13, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you enjoyed the conversation about finding a counsellor.Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation...
2024-04-1628 minBeyond the SmileResilience After Brain InjuryResilience After Brain InjuryIn this episode, Marylayo talks with guest, Greg Ward. Greg shares his personal story of recovery following a brain haemorrhage that occurred when he was just 14 years old; and reflects on how after many years he's only now more comfortable discussing his challenges openly. Discussion points(00:00:01) MaryLayo and Greg Ward on Brain Injury Recovery(00:08:17) Journey from Zero to Academic Achievement(00:17:13) Overcoming Trauma with Support and Work(00:19:47) Career Reflections After 50(00:21:44) Reflective Shifts due to COVID(00:23:41) Advice for Similar Challenges(00:28:46) Spiritual Wellness TipTake a moment to delve into what...
2024-03-1929 minBeyond the SmileFinding Your CareerSummaryIn this episode of "Beyond the Smile" with host MaryLayo, we delve into the intricacies of finding not just a job, but a fulfilling career that aligns with one's interests and talents. Career and talent strategist Stephen Shortt, CEO of Career Fit, unpacks the importance of job satisfaction and how it contributes to overall happiness and good mental health.Listeners will explore the idea of passion versus enjoyment in career choice, the growing phenomenon of career burnout, and the evolving landscape of jobs that may not even exist yet. Stephen Short emphasises the value...
2024-02-0642 minBeyond the SmileMy Brother is Special: Autism InsightsIn this episode, Marylayo is with guest, Richard (Junior) Asomaning, who shares his experience of having a brother diagnosed with autism. Discussion points include:What are some of the signs/traits of Autism? How did your brother come to be diagnosed with autism?Did you ever feel overlooked in your family due to the focus on your brother’s needs?Were there specific challenges you faced growing up that you attribute to having a sibling with autism? How did you deal with them?As you’ve both grown older, in what ways has your relationship with your b...
2024-01-2332 minBeyond the SmilePerfectly ImperfectPerfectionismIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Dr Tom Curran, a world-leading expert on perfectionism. We talk about perfectionism and share our own personal experiences. Questions included:What led you to focus on perfectionism?What's perfectionism and how does it develop and impact on someone's mental health?What misconceptions about perfectionism should be debunked?How could someone know where they sit on the perfectionist spectrum?What role does society play in fostering or challenging perfectionist tendencies? What interesting research findings have you found about perfectionism?How can someone overcome the ch...
2024-01-0929 minBeyond the SmileBereavement Insights: Clearing the HomeHow do you go about clearing the house, and personal belongings, when someone dies? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Dr Chris Davis, and we share our experiences of clearing the home following the passing of a loved one. Discussion includes:The emotional and practical challenges faced during the process of grieving and clearing the house.The role of friends and family.Navigating through the house clearing process - deciding what belongings to keep or part with when grieving. Tips and advice for those grieving and clearing the house.Bible scripture to supp...
2023-12-2648 minBeyond the SmileShamed GriefGrief with ShameIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Professor Dale Larson, an award winning author and clinical psychologist, about the feeling of shame some can have when grieving and how they can overcome the challenges based on evidence-based findings. Discussion includes:What comes under the bracket of ‘shameful grief’?How cultural and societal norms impact the perception of shame when grieving?How can someone face and unburden their secrets?What are the healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with secrets?What tips and advice would you give to someone who is...
2023-12-1221 minBeyond the SmileThe Fashionably Late Bride 2Happily Ever AfterWhat are the odds of finding true love after 40? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, guest Vinnie Garrett shares her thoughts about romance and dating, potential partners, sustaining a marriage and incorporating God into life.Discussion points include:Thoughts on first and second-time marriages?During your journey to getting married what helped your mental health and spiritual health?What are the misconceptions that people can have about singleness and even marriage?What advice do you have for individuals who are still single and struggling with feelings of loneliness or even societal...
2023-11-2828 minBeyond the SmileThe Fashionably Late BrideThe Fashionably Late Bride: Finding love later in lifeWhat are the odds of finding true love after 40? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, guest Vinnie Garrett shares about the ups and downs of single life and dating into her late forties. Vinnie shares about her life as a bachelorette, quest to find a husband, her preparation for marriage and how God mysteriously played a part in her journey to walking down the aisle and getting married.Discussion points include:What was dating and life like as a single person? What was your biggest...
2023-11-1424 minBeyond the SmileAll Work, No PlayAll Work and No Play - Insights on BurnoutIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest Dr Karen Michell. Karen, an occupational health nurse with experience in academia, shares her experience of going through burnout, both as a worker and a boss, and how it impacted her mental health.The conversation and questions include:What is burnout?What are the common signs of burnout?What burnout symptoms did you experience?What triggered the burnout?How did you come to realise you had burnout?How many times have you experienced burnout?What ke...
2023-10-3131 minBeyond the SmileBouncing Back from Brain TumourGoing through a Brain Tumour In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Mildred Talabi, about her experience when she discovered she had a brain tumour and the impact this had on her mental health and spiritual wellbeing during the recovery process. The conversation includes:Signs that led Mildred to realise that something wasn’t right and that she had brain tumour.Questioning and hearing from God about the illness. Mildred’s recovery process after surgery.Challenges and successes post operation.The different forms of support Mildred received from friends and family.How Mildred de...
2023-10-1748 minBeyond the SmileUnravelling Anxiety: the TreatmentsAnxiety TreatmentsIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I continue talking to psychotherapist, Suzi Williams, about anxiety. This time we focus more on the various treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and self-help tips, that can be applied to help improve our mental health and wellbeing. The conversation covers:The treatments used to explore anxiety and reframe our mindset. What CBT is and how it worksExposure therapyPsychodynamic therapyPsychoeducationHow to know if I have anxietySelf-help tips Bible verses for anxietyTake a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile...
2023-10-1014 minBeyond the SmileUnravelling Anxiety 2About Anxiety In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I'm with guest, Suzi Williams, a psychotherapist to talk about anxiety and our mental health and wellbeing. This is Part 2 of the Unravelling Anxiety series.The conversation covers:Exploring the root causes of anxiety How long can it take to overcome anxiety when being treated Various forms of support to deal with anxietyFaith and relationship with God when anxiousBible verses for anxiety Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation.Guest details:
2023-10-0312 minBeyond the SmileUnravelling AnxietyAbout Anxiety In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I'm with guest, Suzi Williams, a psychotherapist to talk about anxiety and mental health and wellbeing. This is Part 1 of the Unravelling Anxiety series.The conversation covers:What is fear, anxiety and depressionSigns and symptoms of anxietyWhat causes anxietyObsessions and compulsive behaviourHow to deal with anxietyRevisiting earlier life to explore the root causes of anxietyBible verse about anxiety Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation.Guest details:Suzi is...
2023-09-1917 minBeyond the SmileStill Procrastinating?Procrastination - The Time ThiefIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Deacon Joe Ferrari, who is also a professor of psychology, to hear his perspective about procrastination and why do some people still keep on procrastinating even though they want to stop!Conversation includes:What is procrastinating?What is not procrastination?Why do I procrastinate?Why is procrastination not taken seriously enough as an issue?How can I stop procrastinating?Bible verse for procrastination.Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in...
2023-09-0515 minBeyond the SmileLosing KevenA Mother's Journey Through GriefIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Barbara Legere, to talk about her experience of losing a child to suicide. We discuss how she managed to cope following the death of her son, Keven, and what’s kept her going. This covers:What was Keven like?How did he end his life?How did you deal with his death?What forms of support helped you with the grieving process?Did you find there was a stigma attached to suicide?Tell me about your book 'Keven’s Choice...
2023-08-2225 minBeyond the SmileHelping the HelperMental Health Insights for Healthcare workers and other CaregiversIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Professor Dale Larson, to discuss the mental health of caregivers, who are also known or include care workers, carers and healthcare workers. Professor Larson shares about experiences nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, and others such as the clergy can often struggle with in their role to help others, e.g., burnout, trauma, Covid, showing compassion and grief, and how they too can be helped. Questions included:How prevalent is burnout among first line healthcare workers?Wh...
2023-08-0831 minBeyond the SmileStanding up to GoliathWorkplace Bullying and Intimidation In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Jessy Gomes, about workplace intimidation and bullying. Jessy shares how her experience had an impact on mental health and she overcame the challenges. The conversation covers:Jessy’s personality, character and confident natureJessy’s experience of anxiety and loss of confidence at workWhat Jessy did to gain back her confidence What Jessy learned about herself The steps Jessy put in place to look after her wellbeing Tips friends and family can do to support those going through bullying or intimidation at wor...
2023-07-2523 minBeyond the SmileBaby BluesPost-Natal DepressionI’m with guest, Samantha Amakihe, about Postnatal depression and her experience soon after the birth of her child. We discuss what led to it and what helped the situation turn around. Questions include:Leading up to the birth of your child how were you feeling?After the birth of your child when did you realise that something wasn’t right? What were your symptoms of post natal depression?What support (if any) did you have?How did your friends and family try to you with post natal depression?How did you get t...
2023-07-1125 minBeyond the SmileDetached from RealityPsychosisIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Dr Keith Gaynor about Psychosis. Keith explains what can cause this mental disorder and how those experiencing psychosis may be supported.The conversation included:What’s psychosis?What are the signs and symptoms of psychosis?What can trigger psychosis?How can psychosis be treated?What drew you into specialising in Psychosis?How can a friend or family member support something with a history of psychosis?Bible scripture to meditate on and help spiritual wellbeing. Take a moment to delve into what may...
2023-06-2722 minBeyond the SmileNot now...Later!ProcrastinatingIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Edward Hagan who shares about his journey with procrastination and overcoming the challenges. The conversation and questions include:How would you describe procrastination?When did you realise procrastination was a problem?How did procrastination affect your wellbeing?Procrastinating as a child. Procrastinating as a student at university.Procrastinating at work.People pleasing, perfectionism and building confidence.What helped you to change and stop procrastinating?Tips on how to stop procrastinating.How faith and relationship with God played a role in overcoming procrastination.Bible ve...
2023-06-1316 minBeyond the SmileFake or For Real?Imposter SyndromeIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Belinda Rydings, to explore Imposter Syndrome. We discuss what can trigger imposter syndrome and how someone can overcome this feeling. Questions include:What is imposter syndrome?What can cause imposter syndrome? What can trigger imposter syndrome?How can imposter syndrome impact someone's life and wellbeing?How can a coach help?How can a friend or family member support someone that's struggling?What tips and advice would you give to someone who is experiencing imposter syndrome now?Bible scripture to build spiritual wellbeing.
2023-05-3014 minBeyond the SmileThree is not a CrowdFarmed Out - Privately FosteredIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Sami Folorunso, to talk about her atypical experience of being fostered. Sami's of Nigerian heritage, and she shares what life was like growing up with white British parents whilst having her Nigerian family very much in the picture. Questions included:What’s 'Farming'?What led you to being fostered privately?When fostered what was life like?Share one or more of your best childhood memories?How aware were you that you were different from other children's family set-up?Did you...
2023-05-1624 minBeyond the SmileRunning on EmptyRunning on EmptyIn today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Fola Oyeleye, to talk about his experience of burnout. We discuss what led to the burnout, what's changed to prevent it from happening again, and what helped to build up his spiritual life. The conversation includes:What is burnout?What are the signs and symptoms of burnout?How many times have you experienced burnout?What activities caused your burnout?How did you get to a better place and recover from burnout?What do you do differently to help you from burning ou...
2023-05-0222 minBeyond the SmileFinding MeMarylayo talks about what led her to 'find herself' and come out of her shell to focus on mental health issues.Connect with MaryLayo:LinkedInInstagram
2023-04-0702 minBeyond the SmileBeyond the Smile with MarylayoMaryLayo highlights what to expect from her show to combat the hard realities of life and its impact on mental health and spiritual wellbeing (biblical perspective). Upcoming guests will include researchers, practitioners and those with personal insight, discussing topics that include Burnout, Postnatal depression & Eviction.'Follow Show' to stay engaged.Connect with MaryLayo:LinkedInInstagram
2023-04-0500 min