Living Boldly: Lessons from a Women-Only Gym Owner

Feel The Fear, Do It Anyway: Overcoming Overthinking with Travel Counsellor Vikki Wells

CONTENT WARNING This episode contains conversation around difficult topics that some viewers/listeners may find distressing. Please read below for more detailed chapter descriptions and to make an informed decision on whether this episode is for you. If not, please take gentle care of yourself and I look forward to re-connecting with you next week. Specific subjects discussed include: Mental health, OCD, Anxiety, Motherhood, brief mention of Assault. If you're affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, you can find support via the following links... UK: https://www.helplines.org/helplines/ Worldwide: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help In this episode of Finding My User Manual, Tigz Rice chats with Vikki Wells, an independent travel counsellor and proud mum, about how overthinking has shaped her life, her journey from corporate security to entrepreneurial freedom, and embracing confidence at any age. Vikki shares personal stories and practical insights on overcoming fear, managing worry, and building a life that aligns with her true self. ABOUT VIKKI WELLS Vikki Wells is an Independent Travel Counsellor and the face behind Vacation with Vikki, where she helps busy families and hard-working professionals plan stress-free, memory-making holidays — without the overwhelm. Specialising in turning “we should really book that trip” into actual plane tickets, Vikki takes the chaos out of travel planning and transforms group chat dreams into beautifully curated and perfectly scheduled realities. Her approach blends practical expertise with genuine care, ensuring every detail is handled so her clients can focus on what really matters: making memories. A proud mum herself, Vikki understands the juggle of modern life - and the importance of carving out time to reconnect, reset, and explore. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a much-needed family escape, she’s passionate about creating travel experiences that feel effortless from start to finish.Website: https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/vikki.wells/ ABOUT TIGZ RICE Hello gorgeous! I’m an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. I’m also the host of the podcast Finding My User Manual, a podcast about learning how to be human, when no one gave you the user manual. Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRiceTigz Rice • London Empowerment Photographer • Legacy Building Luxury Boudoir, Personal Branding & Editorial Portraits • Available Worldwide PODCAST DISCLAIMER Finding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

Logo Designer James Barnard on Creativity, People Pleasing & Building Legacy as a Creative

In this podcast episode, award-winning logo designer James Barnard shares his journey from London to Australia, his insights on branding, the power of content creation, showing up online when you don't feel confident in front of the camera, and how to build legacy within a sustainable design business. Discover practical tips on SEO, social media, client relationships, and leaving a meaningful legacy in the creative industry. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to James Barnard 04:41 Navigating Life Without Drama 14:07 The Evolution of People-Pleasing 15:36 Do I need a Creative Niche? 18:30 Harnessing SEO for Brand Success 23:28 The Journey into Video Content Creation 29:03 The Importance of Being Visible 29:11 The Personal Touch in Freelancing 34:23 Creating Educational Content 40:08 Transitioning to Community Engagement 43:46 The Reality of Social Media Metrics 46:43 Finding Balance in Content Creation 50:01 Marketing as a Core Business Function 54:33 Defining Success Beyond Financials 59:27 Career Advice for New Graphic Designers ABOUT JAMES BARNARD James Barnard is an award-winning logo and visual identity designer, educator, and international speaker, as well as the founder of Barnard Design Co.. Passionate about creating logos with meaning, his portfolio spans everything from restaurants and events to retailers, local authorities, small businesses and agencies - reflecting both creative range and strategic thinking. With over 15 years in the design industry, his background includes roles at The Daily Telegraph, Bauer Media, and Hearst Magazines in the UK. In 2021, he relocated from London to the Gold Coast, Australia, where he now runs his studio. Having built an online audience of over a million people, and spoken at multiple design conferences around the world — including Adobe MAX — he now dedicates significant time alongside his client work to passing on his exceptional knowledge, raising the standard, and supporting the next generation of designers. He is also the host of Designerrrs™, a global design community powered by Adobe Express. Website: https://www.designerrrs.com & https://barnard.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/barnardco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barnardco Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/barnardco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrbarnard/ABOUT TIGZ RICE Hello gorgeous! I’m an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. I’m also the host of the podcast Finding My User Manual, a podcast about learning how to be human, when no one gave you the user manual.Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRice Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tigzriceTigz Rice • London Empowerment Photographer • Legacy Building Luxury Boudoir, Personal Branding & Editorial Portraits • Available WorldwidePODCAST DISCLAIMERFinding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

Mental Health Awareness Week: A Conversation with Filmmaker and Storyteller Joy Brett

CONTENT WARNING This episode contains conversation around difficult topics that some viewers/listeners may find distressing. Please read below for more detailed chapter descriptions and to make an informed decision on whether this episode is for you. If not, please take gentle care of yourself and I look forward to re-connecting with you next week. Specific subjects discussed include: Generalised conversation around Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, Brain Fog and Depression. If you're affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, you can find support via the following links... UK: https://www.helplines.org/helplines/ Worldwide: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help ABOUT THE EPISODE In this inspiring interview, Joy Brett shares her journey as a filmmaker, storyteller, and mental health advocate. Perfectly timed for Mental Health Awareness Week, Joy discusses her creative process, the importance of authenticity, and how her experiences with mental health shape her work and life. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Joy Brett and Her Journey 03:11 The Empathic Connection: Understanding Emotions 05:53 The Role of Animals in Emotional Well-being 09:03 Navigating Social Connections and Anxiety 11:50 Mental Health Awareness 18:05 The Impact of Therapy on Personal Growth 23:58 Sharing Mental Health Stories Online 26:38 Navigating Neurodivergence and Human Connection 29:13 Understanding Brain Fog and Its Impact 32:36 Managing Memory and Organization Strategies 36:23 The Burden and Gift of Empathy 39:32 Redefining Success in the Creative Industry 42:45 Passion Projects and Personal Fulfillment 51:20 The Importance of Mental Health AwarenessABOUT JOY BRETTJoy Brett is a filmmaker, storyteller, and the founder of Eureka Creative - a media agency dedicated to helping brands and thought leaders show up, level up, and share their unique stories. An award-winning director, Joy was recognised with the Mike Newell Award for Directing at the Visions Film Festival 2023, as well as the Creative Entrepreneurship Award at the Flare Enterprise Awards 2024. She is passionate about opening up conversations often left out of entrepreneurship - speaking candidly about living with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eureka_creative_ Youtube:   [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCCT3whPV9j_od6DHX-G0UrA]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCT3whPV9j_od6DHXG0UrA Website: https://www.eurekacreative.co.ukABOUT TIGZ RICE Hello gorgeous! I’m an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. I’m also the host of the podcast Finding My User Manual, a podcast about learning how to be human, when no one gave you the user manual.Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRiceTigz Rice • London Empowerment Photographer • Legacy Building Luxury Boudoir, Personal Branding & Editorial Portraits • Available WorldwidePODCAST DISCLAIMER Finding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

Creativity And The Power of Rejection: How to Build Confidence and Resilience

Liz Mosley shares her journey of self-discovery, the importance of rejection, and how understanding your unique mental model can empower your creative and personal life. Discover practical tips on handling rejection, building confidence, and embracing authenticity.CHAPTERS00:00 The Journey of Rejection and Self-Worth 10:05 Building Connections and Creative Expression 19:58 The Power of Rejection in Business 30:05 Confidence and Personal Growth Through Rejection 33:01 Reflections on Parenting and Self-Discovery 36:25 The Pressure of Modern Parenting 39:39 Taking Responsibility for Our Reactions 42:22 Coping with Catastrophizing 45:42 Finding Calm in Chaos 47:13 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance 51:40 The Impact of Online Presence 55:14 Words of Wisdom on Kindness to SelfABOUT LIZ MOSLEY Liz Mosley is a branding designer, podcast host, public speaker, and content creator who has built a multi-faceted creative business rooted in confidence, visibility, and raw honesty. Helping independent business owners feel more confident in how they show up in the world - whether through beautifully crafted visual identities or practical, accessible insights they can implement themselves - her work is grounded in the belief that creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s in the showing up, the trying of new things, and learning as you go. As a vocal advocate for reframing rejection and failure, Liz encourages other creatives to see them not as things to avoid, but as essential parts of both the creative process and the human experience. Liz is passionate about representation within the creative industries. As a middle-aged woman and mum, she is intentionally visible in a space where she rarely saw people like herself growing up — and is now helping to redefine what a creative career can look like at every stage of life.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizmmosleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizmmosleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-mosley/ABOUT TIGZ RICEHello gorgeous! I’m an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. I’m also the host of the podcast Finding My User Manual, a podcast about learning how to be human, when no one gave you the user manual.Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzriceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzriceFacebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRiceTigz Rice • London Empowerment Photographer • Legacy Building Luxury Boudoir, Personal Branding & Editorial Portraits • Available WorldwidePODCAST DISCLAIMERFinding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

If I Got Through That, I Can Get Through Anything: Cabaret Performer Chastity Belt - 013

Discover how cabaret performer, artist and actress Chastity Belt navigates the complexities of identity, body acceptance, and resilience through her journey from stage to real life. In this episode, we explore the importance of authentic self-expression and the power of supportive communities.CHAPTERS 00:00 - Chastity Belt's journey in performance 02:12 - Where stage persona and real identity meet 04:39 - The supportive community among UK cabaret hosts 05:49 - First page of her personal user manual: embracing change and drama 06:46 - Childhood personality and childhood experiences shaping confidence 08:10 - Breaking stereotypes around body image and societal labels 09:54 - Challenging traditional ideas of sensuality and glamour 11:08 - How societal roles influence young performers’ self-perception 13:50 - The impact of casting and industry pigeonholing 16:20 - Inclusivity in media and performance 19:17 - The importance of costume in performance 21:49 - The blending of stage persona with real self 23:08 - Feeling more confident and authentic as age progresses 25:11 - Inner child work via "Loving You Barbie" and costume design 27:36 - Challenging industry stereotypes of beauty, sexiness and glamour 30:48 - The significance of tailored costumes and feeling genuine on stage 33:02 - The importance of accepting physical limitations 36:19 - Changing attitudes toward high heels and comfort 38:16 - Expressing individuality through personal style 40:28 - The role of clothing in self-expression 43:34 - The importance of honesty and self-compassion 45:45 - Online discourse, society, and managing perceptions 48:11 - Moving beyond self-judgment 49:56 - Resilience through health challenges and shifting life's priorities 54:28 - How illness reshaped her understanding of support and purpose 57:44 - The power of patience, kindness, and self-acceptance in recovery 58:38 - Practical advice for self-awareness and slowing down 59:29 - Embracing imperfection and authenticity ABOUT CHASTITY BELT Chastity Belt is one of the UK’s most beloved performers. Commanding the spotlight as a host, cabaret artiste, chanteuse, west end actress - and not forgetting her off stage talents as an immersive theatre director - she has been captivating audiences across the country and beyond for nearly a decade. She also one of the co-founders of UnitedQueendom, a circus and variety show celebrating LGBTQ+ arts. Instagram: www.instagram.com/chastitybeltcabaret Website: www.chastitybeltcabaret.com United Queendom: https://www.unitedqueendomshow.comABOUT TIGZ RICEHello gorgeous! I’m an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. I’m also the host of the podcast Finding My User Manual, a podcast about learning how to be human, when no one gave you the user manual.Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzriceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzriceFacebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRiceTigz Rice • London Empowerment Photographer • Legacy Building Luxury Boudoir, Personal Branding & Editorial Portraits • Available WorldwidePODCAST DISCLAIMERFinding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.