The Plus Side Podcast

Hi everyone, thanks for coming along to listen to the show! I'd like to introduce you to my wonderful friend Alice Clarkson, who I have been lucky enough to 'virtually meet' on Instagram  - and who approached me about being a guest on The Plus Side Podcast. Of course, when she told me about her situation, I was extremely humbled by her offer to share something so intimate on this platform.  But I also knew that her message of speaking up and seeking help would resonate with so many of us - particularly towards men, who are 'typically' less open to doing so. In fact, according to suicide prevention charity The Calm Zone, 75% of all suicides in the UK are male... Sit with that.  Alice's story of losing her Dad to suicide is nothing less than tragic - but it's the way she has dealt (and continues to deal) with the situation with such strength and resilience that makes this conversation so eye openingly life affirming.  With therapy, which she accessed through suicide bereavement charity Cruse,  Alice has been able to deal with the trauma of losing her Dad under such unforeseen and horrendous circumstances head on. And now, two years on, she has been able to find peace with the situation; respecting her Dad's decision (although there are still no 'answers' what led him to it) - just as he always respected hers. As Alice so beautifully put, ‘it doesn’t get easier, but it does get lighter.’  This episode is going to be about finding that light through reaching out for help, talking, and building up the strength to carry on even after the biggest of life traumas. Thanks for listening. HELPLINES: Papyrus Samaritans Mind NSPCA SAMH The Calm Zone

Hey m'loves - welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! In this episode I'm chatting to the wonderful Lily Parker, creator of highly coveted cushion brand, Zebra Knits. Lily's quirky creations, AKA 'knitted knots' - have proven to be a huge hit with the nation's home makers over lockdown - and it's pretty easy to see why. Of course, there is absolutely nothing cooler to put on your bed - but you can quite literally ~feel~ Lily's passion for the product just by scrolling through her vibrant feed which is bursting with eclectic prints, shapes colours. She finds joy in getting to know her customers and taking time to reply to messages: yet another reason why shopping small is the way forward. And considering she only launched at the back end of last year, I think it's safe to say that Lily has one hell of a bright future ahead of her in the creative world. The journey that led to the success of Zebra Knits was no mean feat, however. With the reality money struggles and several job rejections after Uni, Lily found herself in a job with a commercial brand that - whilst well established - didn't allow her to express herself creatively, or share her fun ideas for designs that really 'push the boundaries'. Following on from a Covid enforced redundancy, Lily finally decided to launch her own brand... And here we are! We're talking all about the valuable lessons Lily learned from her 'set backs', the amazing support she has found in the female creative community and also - how she came about that knot shape. I hope you enjoy! FOLLOW LILY: Instagram: @zebraknits Website: https://www.zebraknits.com/

Now then, now then - it’s lovely to have you here listening to The Plus Side Podcast! \r\nSo far in this series we have covered some pretty big topics: mental health, social pressures, female empowerment, overcoming Covid and starting a business in lockdown, to name a few. All very important, very deep conversations to open.\r\nBut for this episode? Well, I thought I’d throw something ~fun~ in to the mix, whilst delving in to the trials and tribulations of modern dating and socialising - situations we all inevitably find ourselves in from time to time.\r\nAnd who better to join me for the discussion than my marvellous and extremely relatable pal, Sophie Donovan? Soph is a journalist living in London who also happens to currently be working on the Dear Deidre advice column for The Sun. As I’m sure you can imagine, she receives a daily influx of dilemmas from readers who could all use an extra bit of light shed on their personal matters.\r\nWe asked the great people of Instagram to send in their own situ’s to be covered in the episode, and they sure as hell delivered… From online dating hacks and ways to avoid the classic 'ex stalking' - to easing back in to having an actual social life again (what even is a social life?)\r\nSo sit back, grab a bev, and listen as we cover the good, the bad and the just plain awkward brought to us by the joys of modern mingling.\r\nEnjoy!\r\nKEEP UPDATED: @theplussidepod\r\n

Now then, now then - it’s lovely to have you here listening to The Plus Side Podcast! \r\nSo far in this series we have covered some pretty big topics: mental health, social pressures, female empowerment, overcoming Covid and starting a business in lockdown, to name a few. All very, very important conversations to open.\r\nBut for this episode? Well, I thought I’d throw something ~fun~ in to the mix, whilst delving in to the trials and tribulations of modern dating and socialising - situations we all inevitably find ourselves in from time to time.\r\nAnd who better to join me for the discussion than my marvellous and extremely relatable pal, Sophie Donovan? Soph is a journalist living in London who also happens to currently be working on the Dear Deidre advice column for The Sun. As I’m sure you can imagine, she receives a daily influx of dilemmas from readers who could all use an extra bit of light shed on their personal matters.\r\nWe asked the great people of Instagram to send in their own situ’s to be covered in the episode, and they sure as hell delivered… From online dating hacks and ways to avoid the classic 'ex stalking' - to easing back in to having an actual social life again.\r\nSo sit back, grab a bev, and listen as we cover the good, the bad and the just plain awkward brought to us by the joys of modern mingling.\r\nEnjoy!\r\nKEEP UPDATED: @theplussidepod\r\n

Welcome back to another episode of series 2 of The Plus Side Podcast - which celebrates female empowerment with women who each hold an inspiring story of their own.\r\n\r\nToday I'm joined by Abi Haywood - the incredible talent and all round powerhouse behind cult ceramic brand, @BigJugsAbi. Abi sells her highly sought after pieces on Instagram, with each swoon worthy drop selling out in a matter of minutes.\r\n\r\nLooking at her quickly growing following of over 18k followers on Instagram brimming with close watching admirers who all want a piece of the pictures, it's hard to believe that just 6 months ago Abi had no idea where or what she was going to do.\r\n\r\nThis conversation celebrates resilience and determination to overcome the lockdown challenges, embracing the opportunity to start something new, and a mind blowing achievement which can only continue to grow. \r\nWe’re about to get a glimpse of Abi’s at times extremely challenging journey, her daily grind in the ceramic studio, how she gained her cult following on social media and also about her new found appreciation for balancing rest and slowing down. I hope you enjoy!\r\n\r\nKeep updated on Instagram! @theplussidepod\r\n\r\n\r\n

You know a skincare product is good when every single ingredient is listed on the front bottle. And tbh, it’s no wonder the plant oil based collection By Sarah London has gone on to win multiple industry awards (this facial oil taking top spot for 4 years running) - living up to the brand slogan, ‘Real beauty has nothing to hide’. It’s the simple transparency yet expertly curated formulas that the beauty world clearly needs more of.\r\n\r\nIt was never in Sarah’s career path to start her own brand, but when her sister Lauren’s skin became extremely sensitive whilst recovering from leukaemia - Sarah started to create her own formulas to help regenerate Lauren’s skin. To no surprise it worked, and from kitchen table to nation wide success - the duo have taken the clean beauty world by storm.\r\n\r\nElevating The Plus Side to a whole new inspiring level of a ‘squiggly line’ journey - I’m thrilled to be talking to Sarah in the newest episode of the podcast about her thriving career, emotional challenges, and of course - all things skincare. Enjoy!\r\n\r\nFOLLOW SARAH!\r\nWebsite: https://bysarahlondon.com/\r\nInstagram: @bysarahlondon\r\n\r\nKEEP UPDATED!\r\nInstagram: @theplussidepod\r\n\r\n\r\n

You know a skincare product is good when every single ingredient is listed on the front bottle. And tbh, it’s no wonder the plant oil based collection By Sarah London has gone on to win multiple industry awards (this facial oil taking top spot for 4 years running) - living up to the brand slogan, ‘Real beauty has nothing to hide’. It’s the simple transparency yet expertly curated formulas that the beauty world clearly needs more of.\r\n\r\nIt was never in Sarah’s career path to start her own brand, but when her sister Lauren’s skin became extremely sensitive whilst recovering from leukaemia - Sarah started to create her own formulas to help regenerate Lauren’s skin. To no surprise it worked, and from kitchen table to nation wide success - the duo have taken the clean beauty world by storm.\r\n\r\nElevating The Plus Side to a whole new inspiring level of a ‘squiggly line’ journey - I’m thrilled to be talking to Sarah in the newest episode of the podcast about her thriving career, emotional challenges, and of course - all things skincare. Enjoy!\r\n\r\nFOLLOW SARAH!\r\nWebsite: https://bysarahlondon.com/\r\nInstagram: @bysarahlondon\r\n\r\nKEEP UPDATED!\r\nInstagram: @theplussidepod\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hello you lovely lot - and welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! I'm thrilled to be sharing a new series of 'easy listening' episodes with you to bring provide some much needed earphone positivity to your day. As I've taken a step back to listen, observe and learn - I have found myself being constantly moved and inspired by the stories told by women who have found solace in taking charge of their life - either independently, or with the wholesome support of other like-minded women. And I can't think of a better way to start the series than with a woman who has a particularly special place in my heart, Kat Atkinson. At 32, whilst many of her friends are settling down and starting families, Kat has taken the fashion world by storm - and is now a fashion marketing lecturer at Leeds Beckett Uni as well as a content creator on her save-worthy Instagram @wearsitatkat. After contracting Covid last year and being unfortunate enough to end up in hospital as a result - Kat has *finally* come out of the other side. In this episode, we talk about the unexpected positives from the corona coaster, challenging the 'social norms' as a single thirty something year old, and trusting your own timings. Cheers to that *clinks canned G+T whilst sat in Christmas pyjamas on a Saturday night* Enjoy! Follow Kat: @wearsitatkat Keep updated: @theplussidepod

Hi all, welcome to The Plus Side Podcast - a lifestyle and culture show that focuses on highlighting the silver linings amongst the modern day clouds. Good to have you here! For this episode, I'm pretty damn proud to be talking to youth worker and all round wonderful human being, Anthea. I ''met'' Anthea on Instagram after having many a chat about everything; from the importance of speaking up (and calling out) about race - to the ironic accuracy of trashy star sign accounts. What, you haven't fallen in to that hole, too? I've really appreciated Anthea opening up about her own life as a muslim woman in a mainly white populated town and her passion for actively using her voice to open important dialogues surrounding racism. It's certainly helped me to understand more from different perspectives - so when she mentioned she'd love to come on the podcast to talk more about this, we got straight to it. Anthea's positive outlook gives an important  insight in to her Bangladeshi background, the role models that inspire her (Nadiya Hussain, we salute you!) , the empowerment she has gained from her experiences - and everything in between. If you want to hear from a fresh perspective about what can be done to keep the uncomfortable conversations happening, ways to continue including more diversity in our lives and the joy of being 'unapologetically Muslim', then this is well worth a listen. Follow Anthea: https://twitter.com/__Anthea KEEP UPDATED! @theplussidepod

Hi all, welcome to The Plus Side Podcast - a lifestyle and culture show that focuses on highlighting the silver linings amongst the modern day clouds. For this episode I am absolutely delighted to be talking to youth worker and all round top lass, Anthea. I ''met'' Anthea on Instagram after having many an open discussion about everything from the importance of speaking up (and calling out) about race - to the ironic accuracy of trashy star sign accounts. What, you haven't fallen in to that hole, too? We found we had a lot in common (she's just 3 days younger than me and is also a Northern soul) and whenever I've had a shit day, she's been there to talk. I've also really appreciated her opening up about her own life and views on dismantling racism, something she feels extremely passionate about, and it's helped me to understand more from different perspectives. So when she mentioned she'd love to come on the podcast to give people an insight into her faith (Anthea is a practising Muslim)  and what she loves about it - we got straight to it. Anthea's positive outlook gives a beautiful insight in to her Bangladeshi background, her career in youth work, what it was like growing up in the UK (in a mostly white city) and everything in between. Hear from a Muslim woman's perspective about what can be done to keep the conversations going, ways to continue embracing diversity and how Anthea has learned to feel comfortable in the things that make her happy... Completely unapologetically. Follow Anthea: www.twitter.com/__anthea KEEP UPDATED! @theplussidepod

Welcome to The Plus Side Podcast - first of 2021! It's been a long ass year - anyone else ready for a break? *cries into wine* In this episode I'm talking to the brilliant illustrator, podcast host and founder of The HA Society, Dani Sheriff. When Dani started training as an athlete, her passion for sports was overtaken by the aesthetic of how she looked - and soon enough she was not only on a tough exercise regime, but also restricting her diet to 1700 calories a day. Basically, eating just enough for a child and running on a constant energy deficit. The consequence? No period. Also known as hypothlamic amennorhea. It all changed when Dani decided to reverse the damage done (because the great thing here is that it is reversible, proving just how resilient our bodies are) by going all in with her recovery. Now she is pregnant, has a healthy cycle and has created a growing community for women all over the world who are struggling with HA. The group offers support through open and honest conversations about the various struggles faced when recovering from HA - as well as weekly calls to give bring some solidarity to what is a very lonely situation to find yourself in. As a fellow HA sufferer, I can certainly vouch for that. So what does period recovery entail? All will be discussed in the episode - from the obvious challenges to the huge life changing benefits that come from it. I hope you enjoy your listen! FOLLOW DANI Instagram: @danisheriff // @theHApodcast KEEP UPDATED! @theplussidepod

Welcome to The Plus Side Podcast - first of 2021! It's been a long ass year - anyone else ready for a break? *cries into wine* In this episode I'm talking to the brilliant illustrator, podcast host and founder of The HA Society, Dani Sheriff. When Dani started training as an athlete, her passion for sports was overtaken by the aesthetic of how she looked - and soon enough she was not only on a tough exercise regime, but also restricting her diet to 1700 calories a day. Basically, eating just enough for a child and running on a constant energy deficit. The consequence? No period. Also known as hypothlamic amennorhea. It all changed when Dani decided to reverse the damage done (because the great thing here is that it is reversible, proving just how resilient our bodies are) by going all in with her recovery. Now she is pregnant, has a healthy cycle and has created a growing community for women all over the world who are struggling with HA. The group offers support through open and honest conversations about the various struggles faced when recovering from HA - as well as weekly calls to give bring some solidarity to what is a very lonely situation to find yourself in. As a fellow HA sufferer, I can certainly vouch for that. So what does period recovery entail? All will be discussed in the episode - from the obvious challenges to the huge life changing benefits that come from it. I hope you enjoy your listen! FOLLOW DANI Instagram: @danisheriff // @theHApodcast KEEP UPDATED! @theplussidepod

Wey aye, pet - welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! For this episode I am THRILLED to be joined by the wonderful Erin Rutherford - a thriving Youtuber who shares her passion for things food and wellness on her Instagram, one square of creamy mushrooms and chai spiced apple cake at a time. Since lockdown has given her more time to dedicate to her blog, her audience has boomed in the recent months with an influx of raving new followers who also can't get enough of her culinary skills, all served up with a wholesome side of that  Northern charm. She's found a community that has given her a huge sense of solidarity in the loneliest times; whilst now being able to pursue a career in content creation along the way. Silver linings, eh? But as we all probably know, being an influencer can present a smorgasbord of challenges - particularly when it comes to  diet. How does social media impact our everyday food choices - and similarly - how do those choices impact those who follow us? In this conversation, we're navigating through the mental obstacles of the wellness industry; from getting trapped in the trendy fads* (yawn) to finally finding a balance that actually feels really fucking good - thank you very much. From there, hear about our fail safe ways to avoid burnout in modern life, as well as our fondness for body butters and the humble tinned sardine (ykwyk). Enjoy your listen! * If you are currently feeling anxious and overwhelmed around food, or if you constantly find yourself comparing your meals to others online, or looking for permission to do so - then it's time to reach out for some help. There are some great helplines and charities to help you on your way - if you're in the UK then BEAT Eating Disorders is a good place to start. Talk to your friends and family, and don't be afraid to be honest with them - but also yourself. You deserve to live a full life, and that can only be done when you are enjoying every aspect of it without fear - particularly when it comes to food. FOLLOW ERIN Instagram: @erin.appetit Youtube: Erin Rutherford KEEP UPDATED! Instagram: @theplussidepod

Hiya pals, welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! *jazz hands* This weeks episode with feel-good powerhouse Sam Mason is something I think we can all relate to on some level. Sam is a mum of 2, a highly demanded hairstylist and  a social media strategist who has worked on a number of campaigns relating to a topic very close to her own heart: body neutrality. From a young age Sam's body has been insensitively open for discussion - and it's only from piecing together the lovely parts of her that make Sam Sam, that she has realised what matters in life. And let me tell you, it's got absolutely fuck all to do with your dress size. As we delve in to the dark side of diet culture and dismantle the dangerous ways it can trap us in to it's cave of calorie counting and body shaming, we also get on to some great positives; like how going through the vicious cycle has led us to a place of embracing our own individuality... and finding a bloody beautiful sense of confidence in that. So plug in your headphones, get out for a walk (or, you know, stay on the sofa with a mince pie) and enjoy your listen. As we head in to the festive season, it might be just what you need to hear... FOLLOW SAM Instagram: @samsocialstylist KEEP UPDATED! Instagram: @theplussidepod

Hiya pals, welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! *jazz hands* This weeks episode with feel-good powerhouse Sam Mason is something I think we can all relate to on some level. Sam is a mum of 2, a highly demanded hairstylist and  a social media strategist who has worked on a number of campaigns relating to a topic very close to her own heart: body neutrality. From a young age Sam's body has been insensitively open for discussion - and it's only from piecing together the lovely parts of her that make Sam Sam, that she has realised what matters in life. And let me tell you, it's got absolutely fuck all to do with your dress size. As we delve in to the dark side of diet culture and dismantle the dangerous ways it can trap us in to it's cave of calorie counting and body shaming, we also get on to some great positives; like how going through the vicious cycle has led us to a place of embracing our own individuality... and finding a bloody beautiful sense of confidence in that. So plug in your headphones, get out for a walk (or, you know, stay on the sofa with a mince pie) and enjoy your listen. As we head in to the festive season, it might be just what you need to hear... FOLLOW SAM Instagram: @samsocialstylist KEEP UPDATED! Instagram: @theplussidepod

Allow me to introduce you to the always sunny Lucy Hitchcock - an entrepreneur, e-commerce strategist and the founder of digital marketing consultancy business, Sassy Digital. Oh, and just to throw another name in to the mix: Lucy also started Partner In Wine, a slick insulated wine bottle brand born out of one of the many frustrations of lockdown. Just a casual 'side hustle' that has already turned out to be a raging success - noOoooO big deal. With the curve ball events of 2020 and the rising demand for business' to embrace the digital world like never before, it's safe to say that Lucy has been more or less non-stop for the last 9 (?) months. We've all had the time to be on our phones a lot more, and the virtual shift in communication to keep in touch with our loved ones has meant we now rely on social media for feeling 'connected'. Whilst it certainly has it's flaws (self comparison, I'm looking at you), there is also many a positive about social media, too. And so I wanted to pick Lucy's brains about how we can use our phones and social platforms positively, as opposed to a dark place you visit when you're feeling - well - a bit shit. From how to save and share legit information on important matters and things you can do to make your social media a sunnier destination for all your escapism needs, to sourcing and supporting small businesses - we're covering it all. And don't worry - there's plenty of talk about wine and pasta - because #BaLaNcE. Enjoy the episode! FOLLOW LUCY: Instagram: @lucyhitchcock_ // @PartnerInWineUK // @SassyDigital KEEP UPDATED! Instagram: @theplussidepod // @sophbradshaw

Allow me to introduce you to the always sunny Lucy Hitchcock - an entrepreneur, e-commerce strategist and the founder of digital marketing consultancy business, Sassy Digital. Oh, and just to throw another name in to the mix: Lucy also started Partner In Wine, a slick insulated wine bottle brand born out of one of the many frustrations of lockdown. Just a casual 'side hustle' that has already turned out to be a raging success - noOoooO big deal. With the curve ball events of 2020 and the rising demand for business' to embrace the digital world like never before, it's safe to say that Lucy has been more or less non-stop for the last 9 (?) months. We've all had the time to be on our phones a lot more, and the virtual shift in communication to keep in touch with our loved ones has meant we now rely on social media for feeling 'connected'. Whilst it certainly has it's flaws (self comparison, I'm looking at you), there is also many a positive about social media, too. And so I wanted to pick Lucy's brains about how we can use our phones and social platforms positively, as opposed to a dark place you visit when you're feeling - well - a bit shit. From how to save and share legit information on important matters and things you can do to make your social media a sunnier destination for all your escapism needs, to sourcing and supporting small businesses - we're covering it all. And don't worry - there's plenty of talk about wine and pasta - because #BaLaNcE. Enjoy the episode! FOLLOW LUCY: Instagram: @lucyhitchcock_ // @PartnerInWineUK // @SassyDigital KEEP UPDATED! Instagram: @theplussidepod // @sophbradshaw

Welcome back to The Plus Side Podcast! Today I'm talking to entertainment writer, hopeless romantic and self proclaimed party girl, Bonnie McLaren.  She is also one of my closest friends - after meeting at a music festival last year, we have been *virtually* joined at the hip ever since. I'm still sure our phone calls during lockdown are what got me through; her energy, wicked sense of humour and light hearted optimism is completely infectious. Fun fact: Lewis Capaldi showed her his tinder matches once, and a love island star picked her hinge profile. So I think it's safe to say that she has the awesome job interviewing the big names. She also has a wardrobe to rival Gaga's. She quite literally sparkles. Yet despite the celebrity approved dating app bio complete with knock out photos, the perfect match for Bonnie is yet to be found... Her dating journey over the last 8 months has been eventful, to say the least. Whilst many of us spent our nights drinking wine from a cup facing yet another dilemma of what to watch next on Netflix, Bonnie was making excellent use of her best clothes and embracing the online dating scene like never before. Video calls, phone calls, back to back Whatsapp'ing, you name it - Bonnie was on it. From an 3 month completely online relationship that abruptly ended as soon as lockdown lifted, to an unplanned physical meeting with a guy Bonnie travelled 300 miles for, we find out which of the two felt more 'real' - despite the different ways of coming about. From eating a whole bag of cheese in front of a man with whom you she got 'absolutely trashed with', to waking up knickerless in a compromising position after a late night video call - we cover it all. With lockdown 2.0 looming, I think we could all do with a laugh - and Bonnie, as always, serves up the hilarities as she nurses a hangover, with a microwaved tea in hand. Enjoy!

For this episode I'm talking to the brilliant Henna Ramzan, a Northern soul living in Oxford with a love for cats, brioche and 'swaggy' thrifted finds. Therefore, she is exactly the sort of person we all need our lives. Henna is an essayist, sharing her pieces about all things mental health on her website Henna Writes - making for a refreshingly witty read to reassure you that are definitely *not* the only one. As a diagnosed OCD, anxiety and depression sufferer - Henna has experienced her fair share of challenges; but also many a personal victory to share and her completely relatable outlook on mental health is something to be admired. Listen to hear us dig deep in to self care acts that go far beyond a face mask, how to look after yourself during those bad mental health days and what we've learned during the the weirdest, most culture shifting year yet. Hope this serves up the laughs and that you can take something positive from this... You might even find you end up picking up her infectious Northern twang, just like I did (lol). FOLLOW HENNA: Instagram: @hennawrites www.hennawrites.co.uk FOR PODCAST UPDATES: Instagram: @theplussidepod Enjoy, pals!

For this episode I'm talking to the brilliant Henna Ramzan, a Northern soul living in Oxford with a love for cats, brioche and 'swaggy' thrifted finds. Therefore, she is exactly the sort of person we all need our lives. Henna is an essayist, sharing her pieces about all things mental health on her website Henna Writes - making for a refreshingly witty read to reassure you that are definitely *not* the only one. As a diagnosed OCD, anxiety and depression sufferer - Henna has experienced her fair share of challenges; but also many a personal victory to share and her completely relatable outlook on mental health is something to be admired. Listen to hear us dig deep in to self care acts that go far beyond a face mask, how to look after yourself during those bad mental health days and what we've learned during the the weirdest, most culture shifting year yet. Hope this serves up the laughs and that you can take something positive from this... You might even find you end up picking up her infectious Northern twang, just like I did (lol). FOLLOW HENNA: Instagram: @hennawrites www.hennawrites.co.uk FOR PODCAST UPDATES: Instagram: @theplussidepod Enjoy, pals!