Together We Pause

Midlife Career Pivots, Reinvention & Following Your Gut during Menopause

Together We Pause Episode 19: Midlife Career Pivots, Reinvention & Following Your Gut during Menopause Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to make a big career change? In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen open up about their own journeys of reinvention, the pivots they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Before diving in, Helen shares the hilarious story of the Jellycat Experience in Paris—complete with sprinting up six escalators in a luxury department store just to secure a spot in the queue. From sweaty chaos to magical teddies, it’s proof of what we’ll do for our kids (and how brilliant branding can be!). Then the conversation shifts to career transitions: * Helen’s journey from wellness coach to batch cooking expert, and the bravery it took to “burn it all down” and start fresh. * Faye’s leap from a corporate job into wedding photography—and the doubts, judgments, and freedom that came with it. * The value of transferable skills, following your gut, and ignoring the naysayers. * Why reinvention isn’t failure—it’s growth. From weddings to wellness, batch cooking to business coaching, both share how each chapter has shaped who they are today. This episode is an honest, funny, and uplifting reminder that you’re never stuck. Whether you’re itching to try something new, scared of leaving stability, or just curious about what else is possible—Faye and Helen show that pivoting isn’t reckless, it’s courageous. Highlights: ✨ The Jellycat Experience in Paris – branding genius and parental chaos ✨ Helen’s multiple career reinventions (weddings, wellness, batch cooking & beyond) ✨ Faye’s leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship ✨ How to trust your gut when logic says otherwise ✨ Why success can mean lifestyle, freedom, and joy—not just money ✨ Practical ways to explore a pivot (without burning everything to the ground)

Exploring Holistic Wellness, Breath Work & Navigating AI Fake News

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen have a wide-ranging conversation over a cuppa, exploring the fascinating worlds of holistic wellness, breath work, hypnotherapy, and the growing impact of AI-generated content. They kick off by discussing a viral AI-generated Orca video circulating on Instagram, exploring how fake news is evolving in the digital age — from shocking wildlife content to medical misinformation. Faye and Helen reflect on the implications of AI-generated images and videos, and how we navigate truth in a world where even realistic content can be fabricated. The conversation then takes a turn towards holistic wellness, where Faye shares her personal experiences and practices that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being: * Rolfing: A bodywork technique that manipulates connective tissue to realign the body and release tension. * Breath Work & Wim Hof Method: How controlled breathing and cold exposure awaken the parasympathetic nervous system, boost energy, and foster mental clarity. * Hypnotherapy: Faye discusses how hypnotherapy helped her navigate hospital environments, manage anxiety, and stay present during her daughter’s operation. * Reiki & Reflexology: Exploring energetic healing and reflexology as tools for relaxation, balance, and stress relief. * Everyday holistic practices: From journaling, meditative walks, and baths to facials and simple self-care rituals, holistic wellness can be as simple or as immersive as you choose. Faye also reflects on her background growing up in Glastonbury and how her curiosity for both “woo-woo” and pragmatic approaches has shaped her exploration of holistic health. Throughout the episode, Faye and Helen emphasise that holistic wellness is highly personal — it’s about discovering what makes you feel balanced, supported, and energised. Whether you’re new to alternative therapies or looking for ways to complement modern medicine, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and practical tips. Resources & Links: * Join the waitlist for Faye’s new community launching later this year * Subscribe to Together We Pause on your favourite podcast platform Topics Covered: AI fake news | Holistic wellness | Breath work | Wim Hof Method | Rolfing | Reiki | Hypnotherapy | Reflexology | Journaling | Mind-body balance | Self-care

Diet Culture, Weight Loss Jabs, and the Rise of Ozempic

Together We Pause Episode 17: “Diet Culture, Weight Loss Jabs, and the Rise of Ozempic” Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode, Faye and Helen dive into the complicated world of diet culture and the growing trend of weight loss jabs like Ozempic. From celebrity influence to the everyday impact on women, they unpack the emotional, social, and physical implications of these so-called “miracle” drugs. Alongside personal stories of dieting, fitness, and body image, they explore the broader questions: is using medication for weight loss cheating, or can it be a valid tool in someone’s health journey? Episode Highlights: * The Rise of Ozempic and Weight Loss Jabs: A look at how drugs originally developed for diabetes are now being used as quick weight-loss solutions, fuelled by celebrity culture and social media. * The Emotional Impact of Diet Culture: Faye and Helen reflect on the pressures of body image, the shame attached to dieting, and the noise surrounding diet culture for women of all ages. * Is It Cheating? The hosts debate whether taking a jab is a shortcut or simply another option in the complex landscape of weight management. * Personal Diet and Fitness Journeys: Stories of Slimming World, keto, and fitness routines highlight the realities of losing weight in slower, more sustainable ways compared to medical interventions. * The Bigger Picture: Why regulation, support, and compassion matter when it comes to body image, eating habits, and making informed choices about health. Key Takeaways: * Diet culture remains loud and pervasive, but body positivity is also on the rise. * Weight loss jabs like Ozempic may work for some, but they raise important questions about safety, sustainability, and emotional impact. * Sustainable lifestyle changes, habits, and self-compassion remain powerful tools for long-term health. * Everyone’s journey with weight and body image is unique — there is no single “right” path. Connect with Us: * Like, Subscribe, and Share: If this conversation resonated with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend. * Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause [https://www.instagram.com/togetherwepause?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment to share your experiences and thoughts on diet culture and weight loss trends.

Managing Stress in Midlife: Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries

Together We Pause Episode 16: "Managing Stress in Midlife: Building Resilience and Setting Boundaries" Episode Summary: In this candid episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen unpack the topic of stress — what it feels like, how it shows up in daily life, and why resilience plays such an important role in managing it. From dental fears and grief to juggling multiple responsibilities, they explore the many ways stress manifests and how different people experience it. The conversation highlights the blurred lines between stress and anxiety, the role of boundaries, and the importance of finding coping strategies that work for you. Episode Highlights: When Stress Hits Close to Home: Faye opens up about how grief and big life changes have contributed to her stress over the past year, including physical effects like teeth grinding that led to her needing dental treatment. Defining Stress vs. Anxiety: Helen reflects on the difference between stress and anxiety in her own life, and the two discuss how symptoms often overlap, making it hard to separate one from the other. Boundaries and Balance: They share the role boundaries play in reducing stress, from learning to say “not now” to prioritising what truly matters — and how grief and major life events can shrink those boundaries. Resilience in Midlife: Faye and Helen explore how resilience builds over time through difficult decisions, entrepreneurial challenges, and personal struggles — and why resilience can make us better able to cope with stress in the future. Different Perspectives on Stress: They discuss how what feels stressful to one person may not affect another in the same way, and why it’s important not to judge others’ experiences. Key Takeaways: * Stress Is Individual: Everyone experiences stress differently, and what feels overwhelming to one person may not to another. * Resilience Builds Over Time: Facing difficult situations and decisions can make us stronger and more capable in the future. * Boundaries Matter: Learning when to say no — or at least “not right now” — is vital in managing stress levels. * Self-Care Helps: Simple practices like walking, taking a bath, or stepping out of your usual environment can reduce stress and restore balance. * Seek Support if Needed: If stress feels unmanageable, reaching out for professional help can make a big difference. Connect with Us: * Like, Subscribe, and Share: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend. * Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause [https://www.instagram.com/togetherwepause?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — how do you manage stress in your life?

Midlife Fitness: Finding Joy in Movement, Strength & Health

Together We Pause Episode 15: "Midlife Fitness: Finding Joy in Movement, Strength & Health | Together We Pause Podcast" Episode Summary: In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen explore their personal journeys with fitness — from the awkward days of PE at school to discovering new ways to enjoy movement in midlife. They reflect on how childhood experiences shaped their attitudes to exercise, how the reasons for working out shift over time, and why finding joy in movement is far more important than chasing calories. With plenty of honesty (and laughs), they talk about walking, paddle, gym workouts, and the importance of doing what feels good for your body. Episode Highlights: Early Experiences with Fitness: Helen shares how being picked last in PE left her feeling disconnected from fitness, while Faye recalls the opposite — captaining school sports teams and thriving in competition. Evolving Attitudes Toward Exercise: Both hosts discuss how their relationship with fitness changed as they grew older, moving from exercise as punishment or weight control to exercising for health, joy, and mental wellbeing. Discovering What Works in Midlife: Faye talks about the challenge and fun of trying padel, while Helen celebrates walking as her go-to form of movement. They also reflect on why women in midlife should embrace strength training for bone density and long-term health. Breaking the Rules of Fitness: From club-style workouts with glow sticks to joining local walking groups, they highlight how fitness doesn’t have to look like traditional sport. The key is finding movement that feels good and works for you. Key Takeaways: * Do What You Love: Exercise doesn’t need to be punishment — find movement that genuinely makes you happy. * Fitness in Midlife Matters: Strength training, walking, and joyful movement all play a role in maintaining health as our bodies change. * Redefine Success: Forget being “good at sport” — success is moving in ways that work for your lifestyle and body. * It’s Never Too Late: Whether it’s padel, pilates, or just a brisk walk, midlife is the perfect time to try something new. Connect with Us: * Like, Subscribe, and Share: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend. * Follow us on Instagram: Together We Pause [https://www.instagram.com/togetherwepause?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment — what’s your favourite way to move your body?