The Real Mark Darcy: From Burnout to Belonging

The Real Mark Darcy: From Burnout to Belonging

In this deeply honest episode of How to Belong, Naomi Lloyd sits down with wellbeing coach and founder of New Forest Wellbeing, Mark Darcy, to explore burnout, belonging, childhood survival, and what it means to finally come home to yourself. Mark shares the extraordinary experiences that shaped him — from surviving a devastating childhood house fire and growing up around addiction, to developing a high-achieving survival mindset that eventually led to burnout and a mental health crisis that nearly cost him his life. Together, Naomi and Mark explore: surviving instability and trauma in childhood how survival mode can turn into hyper-performance burnout, identity, and losing connection with yourself ADHD, hyper-focus, and understanding your brain differently nature, nervous system regulation, and slowing down the power of being truly listened to and Mark’s philosophy of living in thirds: earning, serving, and learning This conversation is rooted in a shared belief that sits at the heart of How to Belong — that belonging isn’t something we find externally, but something we return to when we reconnect with ourselves, our stories, and our voice. It’s also a reminder of why I do this work — through photography, storytelling, and capturing people in their most honest chapters of life. I help people see themselves clearly again, whether that’s through personal branding, family photography, or life chapter storytelling. Alongside this, I also create Captured Memories — audio-photo memory films that preserve a loved one’s voice, stories, and photographs. Through a guided interview in the comfort of home, we gently explore a life lived, turning memories into a beautifully narrated legacy film for families to keep forever. Because whether it’s an image or a voice, I believe we all deserve to feel seen, heard, and anchored in our own story. About Mark Darcy To find out more about Mark’s work with New Forest Wellbeing, visit: https://www.markdarcy.co.uk/new-forest-wellbeing Connect with Naomi Lloyd Photography & storytelling: https://www.naomilloyd.co.uk Captured Memories: https://www.naomilloyd.co.uk (Captured Memories section)

Mastering Habits for Wellbeing and Belonging with Kat Thorne

Discover how small habits can transform your mental health, relationships, and overall sense of belonging. Kat Thorne shares her inspiring journey from burnout to balance, highlighting practical strategies and mindset shifts to prioritize self-care and authenticity. In this episode: Kat’s personal story of burnout and the severe health impact in 2016 The power of small, consistent habit changes to rebuild a fulfilling life How social media and technology influence mental overload and habits Practical morning routines like movement and journaling to boost energy The importance of setting boundaries and saying no for mental clarity The role of self-compassion and self-acceptance in belonging Building confidence through habit mastery and self-awareness Inspiring examples like “kitchen dance parties” for connection Strategies to navigate challenging relationships and self-limiting beliefs Visioning future self and aligning habits to live purposefully Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Exploring belonging through habits and voice 00:31 - Kat’s background as a positive habits expert and her personal story 02:00 - Reflection on professional photos and authentic connection 04:38 - Recalling the health crisis of 2016 and its impact 05:58 - Recognizing the toll of mental overload and overconsumption 07:01 - The moment of awakening: near heart attack and burnout 08:26 - The importance of caring for the body and brain as vital assets 09:48 - The transformative power of habits and mental health resilience 11:14 - How societal norms and beliefs shape our habits and self-worth 12:52 - The impact of phone addiction and social media on mental wellbeing 14:01 - Practical strategies: reducing notifications, mindful phone use 16:16 - Habitual routines that foster presence and belonging, like starting a day outdoors 17:32 - The danger of multitasking and superficial engagement 19:03 - Overcoming addiction to technology and reclaiming your attention 22:30 - The importance of intentional habits for mental clarity and energy 35:35 - Habits to improve relationships and inner confidence 36:00 - Easy movement routines for energy and self-love 40:27 - Creative habits like “kitchen dance parties” for connection 43:00 - Journaling as a tool to clear thoughts and build self-awareness 45:10 - The importance of setting boundaries and choosing aligned relationships 52:00 - Being brave in making decisive, authentic life choices 55:26 - Living habits as a reflection of future self’s values and identity 58:09 - How to connect with Kat for coaching, talks, and corporate workshops About the Host: Naomi Lloyd Subscribe to How to Belong for more stories about finding, losing, and rediscovering belonging in every chapter of life. Alongside hosting this podcast, I help people explore belonging through photography—whether that’s powerful headshots, personal rebranding, or family portrait shoots. I also create Audio/Photo Memory Films for your loved ones, turning family photographs into spoken legacies. Captured Memories helps families preserve the voices, reflections, and photographs of their loved ones. Through a guided audio-video session, we create a unique cinematic keepsake that captures significant life moments, memories, and reflections. Find out more at: www.naomilloyd.co.uk Captured Memory Films: Resources & Links: Kat Thorne - Website & Programs The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters Journaling for Mental Clarity Positive Habits for Performance Program Connect with Kat Thorne: LinkedIn Instagram Book a coaching session or corporate workshop This episode offers practical insights into creating sustainable habits that support your mental health, deepen your sense of belonging, and enhance your relationships. Take small steps today to craft a more authentic and fulfilled life.

Lea Turner: You Don’t Have to Proofread Who You Are

In this powerful episode of How to Belong, Naomi Lloyd sits down with Lea Turner—a trailblazer who’s redefined what it means to belong by building a community where “square pegs fit perfectly.” From shaking up LinkedIn with her unapologetic honesty to founding The HoLT, an inclusive space for small business owners, Lea shares what it really means to show up as your full self—especially when you don’t fit the mould. Lea opens up about losing her father at a young age, and how that grief—and the legacy of strength he left behind—has shaped her path. It’s a story of turning pain into purpose, difference into power, and visibility into a tool for lifting others up. Together, Naomi and Lea explore self-belief behind the scenes, creating true community, and what it takes to stop editing yourself to fit in. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong or that it’s “too late” to start again, this is your invitation to stop proofreading who you are—and start owning it. Key Topics Covered: Lea’s journey from outsider to community leader Grief and legacy: how losing her father shaped her mission Building The HoLT: a no-BS, burnout-free space for entrepreneurs Facing stereotypes, criticism, and loneliness with authenticity The messy reality of self-belief and resilience Practical advice for showing up as your true self Connect with Lea Turner: Website: leaturner.co.uk Subscribe to How to Belong for more stories about finding, losing, and rediscovering belonging in every chapter of life. Alongside hosting this podcast, I help people explore belonging through photography—whether that’s powerful headshots, dating profile images, personal rebranding, or family lifestyle shoots. Find out more at www.naomilloyd.co.uk

Friendship, Chosen Family & the Grief of Letting Go — with Alex Alexander

What does it really mean to belong? In this powerful episode of How to Belong, I’m joined by Alex Alexander — connection advocate, speaker, and host of the Friendship IRL podcast — for an honest conversation about the role friendship plays in our survival, identity, and healing. Alex knows, deeply, that we aren’t meant to do life alone. Through her own story — shaped by childhood loneliness and a longing for support — she built the kind of chosen family she always needed. And now, she helps others do the same. Together, we explore the real heart of friendship: not just the joy of being seen, but the pain of letting go. Not just the celebration of connection, but the grief when friendships shift, fade, or end. This is a conversation about creating your village — and holding space for the seasons when it unravels. In This Episode: Why friendship is a form of survival How chosen family helps us feel grounded, safe, and like we belong The quiet heartbreak of friendship breakups and slow fades Navigating static seasons — when friendships stop growing but still matter How to move through the grief of changing relationships without blame or shame What it means to build connection with intention, and why it’s never too late to begin again Why It Matters: We often talk about romantic love or family as our main support systems. But friendship — deep, intentional friendship — can be just as life-giving. And when those friendships change or end, we feel it in our bones. Alex reminds us that connection is not a luxury. It’s what gets us through. And belonging isn’t about being surrounded by people all the time — it’s about knowing who will show up, and who we are when we’re with them. About Alex: Alex Alexander is the host of Friendship IRL, a podcast and platform that explores the messiness and magic of adult friendship. She helps people build and sustain meaningful relationships, offering tools for connection rooted in compassion, realism, and deep care. Links & Resources: Listen to Friendship IRL : https://alexalexander.com/friendship-irl-podcast-home/ Learn more about Alex’s work → https://alexalexander.com Follow Naomi Lloyd, host of How to Belong, for more conversations, insights, and reflections on the messy, beautiful business of finding your place in the world. Visit www.naomielloyd.com for books and podcast Explore Naomi’s photography work at www.naomilloyd.co.uk

Nashville, Dollywood & the Coat That Sparked Unexpected Connection

This is my very first solo episode of How to Belong—a short one, but I hope it resonates. After years of dreaming and planning, my husband and I finally took our magical music road trip through the American South: New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and Dollywood. But the moment that stayed with me the most? It wasn’t on the itinerary. It was a coat—a bold, 1970s Joe Browns jacket that reminded me of Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colours. Strangers stopped me to talk about it. It sparked little moments of connection everywhere we went. And somehow, it brought me full circle back to a childhood story I shared in the very first episode of this podcast. In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be bold, be visible, and how sometimes, the things we wear (and the way we show up) open doors to belonging we never expected. Featuring: – A magical music road trip from New Orleans to Dollywood – What my vintage coat taught me about confidence and connection – Why showing up fully as yourself matters – And a little Dolly wisdom, of course