Growing Up in the Dance World, Mental Health & Changing the Industry - with Kim Rogers

Growing Up in the Dance World, Mental Health & Changing the Industry - with Kim Rogers

In this episode of Beneath The Brand, Jess Keene is joined by Kim Rogers, founder of The Butterfly Mind, for a heartfelt conversation about life in the dance world. Both Jess and Kim grew up surrounded by dance, raised by mothers who ran dance schools. Although their childhood experiences were very different, they’ve both arrived at a similar place — driven by the same values, passions and desire to make a positive difference. They talk openly about family life, growing up inside dance studios, and how those early experiences shaped the people they are today. The conversation also dives into the more difficult realities within the dance industry, including eating disorders, body image pressures and the importance of protecting the mental wellbeing of young dancers. Jess and Kim share their views on how the industry must continue to evolve, encouraging leaders and teachers to set the example by promoting inclusivity for all body types and by developing the knowledge and training needed to properly support students. This is a thoughtful and honest discussion about the past, the present, and how the dance world can move forward in a healthier, more supportive direction. ⚠️ This episode includes discussion around eating disorders, body image and mental health within the dance industry. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are sensitive for you, please take care while listening.

Automation, AI & What’s Coming Next

In this episode, Jess sits down with Seb Brantigan, Co-Founder and COO of DBSS Digital Ltd, to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and automation. They discuss how Seb entered the industry, how automation is reshaping modern business, and why many organisations are still underusing its potential. The conversation also explores a bold question: could AI significantly improve systems like the NHS? Grounded, thought-provoking and forward-focused, this episode looks at what the future of artificial intelligence really means for business owners, leaders and society as a whole. 🔗 Connect with Seb: Website: https://dbssdigital.co.uk/ [https://dbssdigital.co.uk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S.J.Brantigan/ [https://www.facebook.com/S.J.Brantigan/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebbrantigan [https://www.instagram.com/sebbrantigan] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebbrantigan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebbrantigan/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTiYoYwu84uYF-Z9rXpYs_A/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTiYoYwu84uYF-Z9rXpYs_A/]

World’s Strongest Woman: Meg Robson-Austin on Drugs, Identity & Non-Traditional Love

In this episode, I sit down with Meg Robson-Austin for one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve ever had.Meg speaks openly about growing up in an unhappy home, lacking confidence and self-esteem, and finding feelings of happiness, excitement, and belonging not through family or “normal” life - but through drugs and the wrong crowd. She talks candidly about dangerous situations she found herself in, and the stark reality that it’s a surprise she didn’t end up seriously hurt or worse.A major part of this conversation also explores Meg’s relationship with her husband - from coming out as bisexual, to discovering a swinging lifestyle within the last six months, and how desire, trust, and honesty now show up in their marriage in ways most people never experience.What makes this conversation especially powerful is the contrast: Meg’s life experiences versus my own, a much more sheltered and privileged upbringing. It’s two completely different perspectives meeting with curiosity, respect, and honesty.⚠️ Content Warning:This episode includes discussion of drug use, risky environments, low self-esteem, adult relationships, sexuality, and non-traditional lifestyles. Listener discretion is advised.Follow Meg on Instagram - @megrtron_7878 [https://www.instagram.com/megrtron_7878/]

From Survival to Strength: Charlotte’s Story of Trauma, Healing & Building Better Business

In this deeply honest and courageous episode of Beneath The Brand, I’m joined by Charlotte Elliott, founder of Better Business and a Certified Online Business Manager® for founders in the fitness, health and wellness space. On the surface, Charlotte is building a fast-growing business and supporting ambitious founders behind the scenes. But beneath that, her story is one of survival, resilience, and relentless inner work. In this conversation, we talk about: • Her battle with an eating disorder and being hospitalised • Being sexually assaulted by someone close to her • Surviving an abusive relationship • Living with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts • The tools, mindset shifts, and support systems that help her keep moving forward We also explore how her wide and varied career path quietly prepared her for the business she built a year ago — and how her lived experience now shapes the way she works, leads, and supports others. Work with Charlotte If this conversation resonated and you’re a founder who feels like they’re holding everything together behind the scenes, Charlotte offers a free Operations Profits Audit — a 30-minute diagnostic to uncover where time, profit, and energy are leaking in your business. Find Charlotte on Instagram: @betterbusinessobm This episode is raw, emotional, and incredibly important. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions around eating disorders, sexual assault, abuse, mental health, and suicide. Please listen with care.

Who You Become After Loss - Faith, Identity & Life Beneath the Brand (with Kate Millar, Founder of Embrace Clinics)

In Part 2 of this conversation with Kate Millar, founder of Embrace Clinics, we go beneath the professional surface and into the experiences that shaped her as a person. We talk about Kate's upbringing, the impact of losing a close family member, faith, spirituality, and our beliefs. We explore identity beyond business, the role of grief in personal growth, and big questions about purpose, dreams, and life itself. This episode is honest, reflective, and deeply personal, a reminder that who we are is shaped just as much by what we’ve lived through as what we’ve built. ⚠️ Includes discussion of death and spiritual beliefs. 🎧 Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Connect with Kate on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/embrace_authenticageing/]