S2 E6 Moons and Wounds

S2 E8 Valued by a pound sign; the imbalance in a woman's role

In this honest and wide-ranging episode, Ali and Laura reflect on chaotic weeks, the mental load of modern motherhood, and the invisible labour that still falls disproportionately on women, whether they're single, married, working, or at home. ⚠️ A note from Ali & Laura: This episode reflects our own personal experiences and opinions only. We know this doesn't apply to every household, there are so many different family dynamics and circumstances. The conversation is intended to shine a light on the high expectations placed on women and the impact that has on mental wellbeing. Not a generalisation, just an honest chat. Key Takeaways 1. Recovery matters more than perfection in the moment. When chaos hits, it's okay if you couldn't use your tools or cope "correctly." What matters is finding recovery afterwards, a walk, a book, sitting in the sun. 2. Sitting still is not laziness. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what your nervous system needs. Recognising the difference between genuine rest and avoidance is a skill worth developing. 3. The mental load is real, and it's still mostly on women. From school emails to bike ability letters to apps for attendance, behaviour, and grades, the admin of parenting lands disproportionately on mums, even in two-parent households. 4. "I'm married and I feel like a single mom" is more common than anyone talks about. The breadwinner assumption, that the higher earner's time is worth more, quietly sacrifices the other partner's career and mental health. 5. Approx 15% of teenagers live with a single mum doing it all alone. FACT CHECK- According to the Office of National Statistics 22-25% of children live with a single parent. See more here [https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/familiesandhouseholds/2024]. 6. Career gaps hurt women more. Women who take time out for children face CV gaps, halted career progression, and reduced pension entitlements, and these are rarely factored in when relationships break down. 7. It's not hats off to one type of mum, it's a personal choice. Whether you work or stay home, every woman is doing her best in the circumstances she's in. The system makes it hard either way. 8. Communication is everything in a partnership. When the understanding, compassion, and conversation break down, so does the relationship. People * Ange (the Ice Warrior) [https://www.instagram.com/ice_warrior1/] — breathwork coach and wellness practitioner working with one of the hosts on nervous system recovery * Dan Grove — author of Strong Enough to Fall [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Enough-Fall-Vulnerability-Masculinity/dp/1838341439?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE], a book about balancing vulnerability with modern masculinity. Highly recommended for anyone with a man in their life who is struggling. 📖 * Colleen Hoover [https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=colleen+hoover+books&i=stripbooks&crid=U2NU6HZTRIP0&sprefix=coleen+hoover%2Cstripbooks%2C105&ref=nb_sb_ss_mvt-t11-ranker_1_13] — fiction author mentioned as a bedtime reading pick Tools, Books & Resources * 📖 Strong Enough to Fall by Dan Grove — on vulnerability and modern masculinity. See link above. * Breathwork — mentioned as a powerful nervous system regulation tool (even if you forget to use it in the moment!) * Oracle/Affirmation Cards — pulled at the end of the episode. Card drawn: Joy and Contentment If you need support please use the links below; Mind Charity UK https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ Samaritians UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Other support is available and if you would like to be signposted to other tools please email is at intwominds25@gmail.com and we will do our best to help. Follow us at @intwomindsuk on social media

S2 E7 Higher Self and Intuition

In this episode, Ali and Laura dive into the concept of the higher self and intuition; what it means, how to connect with it, and how to trust it. Drawing from personal experience, therapy, Reiki, oracle cards, and moon work, they explore how tuning into your inner voice can guide you through life's challenges and help you find clarity amid noise. They share a live card reading using the Higher Self Reunion oracle card, walk through a guided three-card reading for listeners (A, B, and C), and close with a message from the Moonology Oracle Cards by Yasmin Boland. Whether you're a sceptic or a believer, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with yourself. Key takeaways 1. Your higher self is your purest self — the version of you before trauma, social conditioning, and expectations shaped you. Some call it intuition, soul, or gut instinct. 2. Intuition and mental illness can coexist — negative, intrusive thoughts are not your higher self. Ali shares her experience with OCD and how her therapist helped her distinguish between the two. 3. You already have all the answers within you — external coaches, therapists, and tools can help, but ultimately they teach you to access what's already inside. 4. Silence is essential to hear your inner guidance — social media noise, other people's opinions, and constant doing drown out your higher self. Even 5–10 minutes of quiet daily can make a significant difference. 5. Start small — press your hand to your heart and ask yourself a simple question (e.g., "What should I have for dinner?"). Go with the first answer. That's your intuition talking. 6. Trust yourself first — other people's guidance is filtered through their own wounds, agendas, and baggage. Nobody knows what's best for you like you do. 7. Journaling your evidence builds trust — write down the moments your intuition was right. The logical mind needs proof; give it proof. 8. Cutting the cord is about releasing energy from anything that's draining you — relationships, behaviours, situations, or addictions. It doesn't require drama; intention and meditation are enough. 9. Closing message (Moonology Oracle): "Meant to Be" — you're on the right track. Keep moving forward. The celestial realms are on your side Recommendations People / Practitioners * LOA Twins (Candice Matthew [https://www.instagram.com/thecandicematthew/] and Tesha Matthew [https://www.happylittlehumansofficial.org/teshamatthewcumbria]) — helped Alli connect with and name her higher self "Selena" through journaling and drawing exercises. Also featured on Ali's radio show. * Kyle Gray [https://www.kylegray.co.uk/] — creator of the Angel Guide Cards, including the Intuition and Downloads card pulled during the episode. * Yasmin Boland [https://www.yasminboland.com/] — author of the Moonology Oracle Cards used for the closing reading. Practices & Tools * Oracle Cards — specifically the Higher Self Reunion card and the Angel Guide Cards (Kyle Gray) [https://www.kylegray.co.uk/] and Moonology Oracle Cards (Yasmin Boland) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=yasmin+boland&i=stripbooks&crid=MKJ2PTPWCHCX&sprefix=yasmin+bolan%2Cstripbooks%2C120&ref=nb_sb_noss_2]. * Reiki — used for inner child healing, connecting with higher self, and pendulum work. Alli includes a section on connecting to your higher self in her Reiki course. See more with Ali [https://aliswift.co.uk/]. * Sound baths — referenced as a way to practice switching off and connecting inward. See here [https://www.instagram.com/soundhealinghearts/] Laura’s Sound Baths. Books Ali's "Toolbox" books [https://aliswift.co.uk/] (two books mentioned) — covering external and internal tools for wellbeing and mental health. If you need support please use the links below; Mind Charity UK https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ Samaritians UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Other support is available and if you would like to be signposted to other tools please email is at intwominds25@gmail.com and we will do our best to help. Follow us at @intwomindsuk on social media

S2 E6 Moons and Wounds

Laura and Ali get back to their recording studio (Laura’s garden office) for a deeply honest conversation about the Full Moon in Scorpio. What starts as a catch-up quickly goes deep, covering astrology, healing, self-worth, grief, and the wisdom hidden inside our most painful experiences. Key Takeaways * The Full Moon in Scorpio is a truth-teller. If things feel messy and emotionally chaotic, that's the point — clarity comes after the confusion. * You are not your wounds. You get to choose whether they make you or break you. * Start simple with the moon: just notice what sign the full and new moon are in, and see how it resonates. Don't overthink it. * The balsamic phase (3.5 days before the new moon) is one of the most overlooked parts of the cycle — use it to rest, retreat, and release. * Manifesting isn't luck. It requires journalling, honesty, difficult conversations, and doing the inner work. * When something from the past resurfaces, it's not a setback — it's another spotlight on your healing path. * Self-love isn't arrogant. Choosing to be in a relationship from a place of "I want you" rather than "I need you" is one of the most powerful shifts you can make. Tools & Practices Mentioned * Oracle cards — specifically the Wisdom in the Wound deck (read in full on this episode) * Birth chart / natal chart — understanding your houses and rising sign (mentioned: using an app or website to look up your chart) * Moon circles — full and new moon group meditations; discussion of potentially moving to a fixed monthly date to cover the full cycle * Journalling — a daily practice for emotional honesty and manifestation work * Vision board — specifically for the New Moon in Taurus (~17th May) for manifesting travel and dreams * Grounding practices — used in both personal wellbeing and corporate wellbeing talks If you need support please use the links below; Mind Charity UK https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ Samaritians UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Other support is available and if you would like to be signposted to other tools please email is at intwominds25@gmail.com and we will do our best to help. Follow us at @intwomindsuk on social media

S2 E5 Letting Go with Love: The Future of Inspire and Connect

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Ali and Laura pull oracle cards, dive deep into a neuro inclusion course Ali attended, and have a raw, unplanned conversation about the future of their joint venture, Inspire and Connect (I&C). They reflect on what success really means, why chasing other people's version of it can leave you hollow, and how to know when to let something go,  even something you love. Key Takeaways * You are one in 8 billion — your unique experiences, hardships, and wisdom make you irreplaceable. No one else has your diamond. * Equity over equality — meeting people where they are, rather than treating everyone the same, is how you truly show up for others. This applies in business, parenting, education, and leadership. * The education system is outdated — built on the industrial revolution model, it wasn't designed for neurodivergent or individually-minded people. Change starts with awareness. * Language matters in neurodivergency — "neuro minority" and "neuro majority" are emerging terms. Saying "we're all on the spectrum" actually undermines autistic people, the spectrum refers specifically to the autistic spectrum. * Know when to let go — I&C served a massive purpose for many people, but holding on to something out of guilt or financial obligation can block new things from coming in. Every season has its end. * Redefine your version of success — six and seven figures are noise if they don't align with what you actually need. Ask yourself: how much do I really need, and why? * Business partnerships require space and respect — Ali and Laura's relationship has thrived because they've given each other a voice, respected each other's strengths, and not competed or blamed. * Staying in your own lane — not comparing yourself to others, trusting the process, and being honest with yourself leads to real, grounded fulfilment. * The Stretch card — drawn during the episode, it proved perfectly apt: both hosts have stretched enormously in the past year, growing individually even as I&C quietly paused. People Mentioned * Lisa Johnson — business coach and educator. Connect here [https://www.facebook.com/lisa.manley.520]. * Kim Raine — mentioned as an educator and voice in the neurodivergency space whose work has influenced Ali. Connect here [https://www.facebook.com/kimbola1]. * Helen Daniel — referred to as their "beautiful unicorn," a speaker and educator in the neuro inclusion / neurodivergency space. Connect here [https://www.facebook.com/makingsensehelen]. If you need support please use the links below; Mind Charity UK https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ [https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/] Samaritians UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ [https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/] Other support is available and if you would like to be signposted to other tools please email is at intwominds25@gmail.com and we will do our best to help. Follow us at @intwomindsuk on social media

S2 Episode 4- Wine Wellness and Real Life

In this episode, Ali and Laura record for the first time from Ali's beautiful new home! The conversation flows freely across wellness, wine (alcoholic and otherwise!), perimenopause, nutrition, and the small daily choices that add up to big changes. They get real about the challenge of breaking habits formed in childhood, the pressure of feeding a family well on a budget, and why investing in your health is so important. Key Takeaways * The dopamine hit starts before the first sip, which means the ritual matters as much as what's in it. * Healthy eating has to be sustainable, not a quick fix.  * The 80/20 rule works, find the version that keeps you consistent without tipping into obsession or restriction. * Protein is the missing piece.  * Batch cooking is a non-negotiable for busy people. If you can't grab something healthy, you'll grab something terrible. * Inflammation and perimenopause are linked. Knee soreness, water retention, stiffness getting off the sofa,  these are signs worth paying attention to. * Scan before you buy. We think we're making healthy choices but the ingredients tell a different story.  Books, Apps & Tools We are not paid for recommendations but love shouting out about the things we love, the people that have helped and what works for us. Ivy App — Scans food barcodes and scores products 0–100 on how natural and unprocessed they are. A real eye-opener (toasting waffles scored ~30; linguini pasta scored 100!). More info here [https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ivy-processed-food-scanner/id6642701963]. Yuka — Similar food scanning app, also worth checking out. See more here [https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/yuka-food-cosmetic-scanner/id1092799236]. Elevate Collagen — Marine collagen with Vitamin C, taken specifically for joints and knees. Ali noticed a difference within 3 weeks (full benefits at 12 weeks). Here [https://elavate.com/products/multi-collagen-main?variant=50656462078291&tw_source=google&tw_adid=764149526301&tw_campaign=23802851701&tw_kwdid=kwd-840975252603&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23802851701&gbraid=0AAAAA9adJO_p48kimroSrN6sLhkX3x98Q&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2MbPBhCSARIsAP3jP9wY27dlQGFL0OnGNlhqxTYClnO7WjQN2KM473fbyEpDDneZXgkntWcaAtwdEALw_wcB] is more info. Creatine — Recommended for muscle recovery, energy, and joint support — particularly relevant during perimenopause. Lots of brands available but Laura uses Raw Sports version [https://www.rawsport.com/products/creatine-monohydrate-500g].  People Steven Bartlett / Diary of a CEO — Podcast episode specifically covering creatine and its benefits. Worth a listen if you want to go deeper on the supplement side of things. Find on Spotify, itunes and Youtube. Tonic Health — Content creator who breaks down food labelling, processed ingredients, and what's actually in your supermarket staples. Worth a follow here [https://www.tonichealth.co/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcAz3eE5JW0t8-Bi3HSgyHL_gNUYlkvFjZr-zNYNLhXG1EQGEu]. Laura's Personal Trainer Naomi— Works with Ali on both training and nutrition; uses a daily food photo check-in with personalised feedback on protein, balance, and choices. More info here. Recipes Mentioned Banana pancakes  Cottage cheese pancakes  Protein porridge  Chocolate cottage cheese mousse  Peanut butter bars  Three-bean chilli  Note: This episode's recording cut out two minutes before the end, and a second full episode recorded the same evening was lost due to microphone battery failure , gutting, but very on-brand. Stay tuned for the next one. Follow us at @intwomindsuk on social media