In this week's episode, Dr Connie Kerali interviews Dr Alison Smith, founder of Earth and Bloom, a coaching practice supporting doctors and healthcare professionals. Dr Alison shares her journey from a GP with over 20 years of experience to a coach who blends nature, creativity, and one-to-one facilitation. She discusses her challenging childhood, her initial struggles in medicine, and how coaching transformed her life, unlocking her creativity and aligning her values. Dr Alison and Dr Connie delve into the topics of shame and anxiety in the medical profession, highlighting the need for support and open dialogue. Dr Alison also talks about her current work, including one-on-one coaching and sister circles, emphasising the importance of nature and community in healing and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction to Dr Alison Smith

01:54 Dr Alison's Early Life and Influences

06:27 Journey into Medicine

10:17 Challenges and Realisations in Medical Career

13:08 Discovering Coaching and Personal Transformation

16:34 The Importance of Addressing Shame in Medicine

26:50 Current Work and Coaching Practice

28:55 The Power of Storytelling and Community

34:42 Closing Thoughts and Inspirations

DR ALISON SMITH

· Instagram: @Earth_and_Bloom

· Website: https://www.earthandbloom.uk

· LinkedIn: Dr Alison Smith

GET IN TOUCH

· Join the community:

o @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o Attend my FREE Shame Resilience workshop or sign up for my Born Worthy newsletter to get your weekly dose of empowerment.

o Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

In this episode of Speak Shame, we meet Kayleigh, a reproductive justice advocate, abortion storyteller, and program coordinator at Fund Texas Choice. Kayleigh discusses her personal journey from growing up in a military family and surviving domestic and sexual violence, to finding her calling in supporting Texans seeking out-of-state abortion care. She shares her own abortion experience, the ongoing struggles due to restrictive abortion laws, and the critical need for emotional and logistical support for individuals facing systemic barriers. Kayleigh highlights the transformative power of sharing abortion stories to dismantle stigma and offers insights for those seeking support or considering an abortion.

00:00 Introduction to Kayleigh

01:04 Kayleigh's Early Life and Challenges

02:43 College Years and Personal Struggles

04:18 Decision and Experience with Abortion

05:47 Support Systems and Advocacy

07:26 Current Work and Impact

09:29 Understanding Roe v Wade

12:21 Personal Connection and Advice

17:39 Resources and Final Thoughts

20:14 Closing Remarks and Inspirations

US BASED SUPPORT SERVICES

· We Testify; Instagram: @WeTestify

· Fund Texas Choice

· Frontera Fund

· Lilith Fund

· Texas Equal Access Fund

· Exhale Pro-Voice

UK BASED SUPPORT SERVICES

· British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)

· National Health Service (NHS) Abortion Support

GET IN TOUCH

· Join the community:

o @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o Attend my FREE Shame Resilience workshop

Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.

In this week’s episode, Dr Connie sits down with Annalie Howling, a highly qualified performance coach with over 20 years of experience working with business leaders, elite athletes, and members of the armed forces, including ex-UK Special Forces. Annalie discusses her journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming a sought-after speaker, author, and EMDR certified global practitioner. She shares her insights on how shame and her people-pleasing nature have impacted her life and work. Annalie also elaborates on her book ‘Unapologetic: Unshackle Your Shame. Reclaim Your Power,’ and her personal experiences, including her breakthrough moment during a training in San Francisco and the importance of community and vulnerability. She concludes with her latest ventures, including retreats in Lisbon and France, aimed at fostering genuine connections and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction to Annalie Howling

01:18 Annalie's Life Story

02:17 Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood

06:26 The Turning Point: Burnout and Recovery

07:07 The Journey to Becoming a Coach

12:24 The Good Girl Syndrome and People Pleasing

17:30 Understanding the Fawn Response

18:08 Connecting with Clients Through Shared Experiences

22:58 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Vulnerability

23:39 The Power of Sharing Stories

24:12 The Role of Shame in Relationships

24:46 Liberation Through Transparency

26:09 The Patriarchy and Shame

27:17 Cultural Narratives and Self-Sabotage

29:15 Supporting Each Other and Building Connections

31:27 Practical Advice for Overcoming Shame

36:35 Annalie's Work and Retreats

40:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

ANNALIE HOWLING

· Instagram: @AnnalieHowling

GET IN TOUCH

· Join the community:

o @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o Attend my FREE Shame Resilience workshop

o Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.