Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, mentorship, healing, documentary, cinematography, social change, grief, community support

Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino engages in a deep conversation with Ben Cole, an actor, filmmaker, and mentor. They explore Ben's journey from a challenging childhood, through the struggles of acting, to his eventual reinvention as a cinematographer and documentary filmmaker. The discussion delves into themes of trauma, healing, mentorship, and the importance of community support. Ben shares his insights on grief, self-discovery, and the role of elders in guiding the younger generation. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic change in society to better support those in need.

Takeaways

• Thriving means having tools and support to navigate life’s challenges

• Early trauma can shape identity, but it does not have to define the future

• Reinvention can be a powerful act of self-trust and healing

• Mentorship plays a vital role in growth, recovery and self-discovery

• Grief is an ongoing practice that many people are never taught

• Listening and presence can be profoundly healing for others

• Community support has the power to change lives

• Documentary filmmaking can be a vehicle for healing and social awareness

• Society needs systemic change in how it supports those who have suffered

• Awareness is the foundation of personal transformation

Sound Bites

"I had to reinvent myself."

"Hurt people hurt people."

"The real me was just awareness."

Connect with Ben

Website: bencolecinematographysite.com

A Band of Brothers

Boarding School film: Boarding on Insantity

R-evolution film promo:

1 Giant Leap

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords

thriving, surviving, resilience, discipline, boxing, recovery, addiction, mindset, coaching, personal growth, accountability, small steps, 1 percent better, purpose

Summary In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Bennie White, a coach, boxer, entrepreneur and podcaster, who shares his powerful journey from poverty, instability and addiction to discipline, purpose and service. Bennie reflects on growing up without safety, leaving home at 14, surviving on the streets, and numbing pain through alcohol and drugs. Everything changed when he found boxing, which gave him structure, belonging and a new way to face life. Together they explore discipline over motivation, the power of small daily steps, accountability, morning routines, and the philosophy of becoming 1 percent better every day. This episode is a reminder that it doesn’t matter where you start, only that you start.

Takeaways

• Discipline outlasts motivation

• Small daily actions build lasting change

• Accountability helps habits stick

• Structure and community can be life-changing

• Setbacks are lessons, not failures

• Being present matters more than perfection

• Anyone can change their life, one step at a time

Soundbites

• If I can do it, so can you

• I never lose, I either win or learn

• Discipline will take you further than motivation

• One step at a time, one round at a time

• It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters that you start

• Be 1 percent better every single day

Film Mentioned – Creed with Silvester Stallone

Connect with Bennie - Online Fitness and Lifestyle Coach

Bennie White - YouTube

IG: iambenniewhite

Tik Tok: iambenniewhite

LinkedIn: Bennie White

Face book: bennie_whitevip

Tel: +44 742 337 5924

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords / Themes

Thriving not surviving, soul cartography, spirituality, neurodiversity, healing, personal growth, storytelling, self-advocacy, creative expression, relationships, adversity, wisdom, community, meaning and purpose

Episode Summary

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by writer and soul cartographer Caroline Carey for a deeply human conversation about neurodiversity, adversity, and the lifelong journey of understanding the soul.

Caroline shares her experiences of childhood trauma, challenges with authority, and the healing power of writing and storytelling. Together, Helen and Caroline explore the dualities of light and dark, the role of ego, and how facing pain can become a doorway to profound personal growth.

This episode weaves together themes of self-advocacy, creative expression, intergenerational wisdom, and the importance of community, reminding us that thriving is not about avoiding hardship – but about finding meaning, purpose, and connection through it.

Key Takeaways

• Thriving means living fully, even in the presence of challenge

• Neurodiversity can bring both struggle and deep insight

• Writing and storytelling are powerful tools for healing

• Adversity often carries profound life lessons

• Self-advocacy is essential for growth and wellbeing

• Embracing both light and shadow supports true evolution

• Community and intergenerational connection matter deeply

• Finding meaning and purpose helps us thrive, not just survive

Soundbites

• “I was always fascinated with the soul.”

• “Acceptance is very much at the root of the work.”

• “The spark of light is who we truly are.”

• “I wouldn’t wish my childhood on my worst enemy.”

• “We don’t have to do everything by ourselves.”

• “Storytelling is so important.”

• “We need meaning and purpose in our life.”

• “Let’s be kind to ourselves.”

Connect with Caroline

FB: (20+) Facebook

IG: (5) Instagram

Website: Carolines Books - Middle Earth Medicine Ways – books and more

Linked in: Caroline Carey

Connect with Helen

🔗 Helen on LinkedIn

🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

📷 IG: @helens_inspired_healing

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary - In this solo episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino shares the morning gratitude practice that anchors her through times of grief, transition and change.

This living, one-take offering weaves together reflection, drumming (which sadly you can’t really hear ☹), chant, and gratitude for the natural world. The practice moves through connection with Mother Earth, the elements, the cycles of nature, the body, ancestors and spiritual allies, always returning to presence and the gift of the now.

This episode is not a guide to follow word for word, but an invitation to listen, feel, and create a practice that is uniquely your own. A gentle reminder that gratitude is not about bypassing pain, but about remembering our resilience, connection and capacity to thrive.

In this episode you’ll experience:

• A spoken reflection on thriving, grief and resilience

• Chant woven into a lived gratitude practice

• Connection with nature, the elements and the cycles of life

• An invitation to create a morning (or evening) practice that feels authentic to you

Keywords

thriving, surviving, gratitude, morning practice, cacao, drumming, nature, elements, shamanic practice, unity consciousness, ancestors, divine allies, healing, presence

Takeaways

· Thriving means having tools and support during tough times.

· Gratitude is essential for thriving, especially in challenges.

· Morning practices can anchor us and set a positive tone for the day.

· Connecting with nature helps us appreciate life's beauty and cycles.

· The elements of earth, air, fire, and water are vital to our existence.

· Space and unity consciousness connect us all and remind us of our shared experiences.

· Miracles happen every day; we just need to be aware of them.

· Calling in divine allies can provide guidance and support in our lives.

· Gratitude can heal and transform our perspectives on life.

· The present moment is a gift, and we’d be wise to cherish it.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & what thriving really means

01:10 Why this solo episode came to be

03:10 Morning practice: meditation, cacao & gratitude

05:30 Drumming and ceremonial gratitude

07:00 Honouring Mother Earth & the four directions

10:40 The cycles of nature & the seasons

13:00 The elements: earth, air, fire, water & ether

17:30 Unity consciousness & presence

21:00 Angels, ancestors & spiritual allies

25:30 Gratitude for the body, nature beings & animals

29:30 Divine feminine & divine masculine

34:00 Closing reflections & invitation

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords thriving, surviving, trauma, resilience, personal growth, Buddhism, storytelling, adventure, cultural experiences, empowerment

Takeaways

· Thriving means having the tools and community for support.

· Mary Gold's childhood was marked by dysfunction and challenges.

· Traveling abroad shaped Mary Gold's perspective on life.

· Surviving a traumatic experience in Somalia led to personal growth.

· Cultural differences in Senegal presented unique challenges.

· Mary Gold found solace in writing and poetry during tough times.

· Buddhism provided a framework for resilience and personal empowerment.

· Chanting became a powerful tool for Mary Gold's transformation.

· Humour and storytelling are essential in coping with life's challenges.

· Mary Gold's life experiences highlight the importance of community and support.

Summary In this episode of 'Thriving Not Surviving', host Helen Valentino speaks with Mary Gold, who shares her extraordinary life story filled with challenges, adventures, and resilience. From a difficult childhood in a dysfunctional family to her travels across the globe, including traumatic experiences in Somalia and cultural challenges in Senegal, Mary Gold's journey is one of survival and empowerment. She discusses how writing, poetry, and Buddhism have played significant roles in her healing process, emphasizing the importance of community and support in thriving through life's adversities. With humour and insight, Mary Gold inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys of growth and resilience.

Sound Bites

· "Surviving trauma led to personal growth."

· "I found solace in writing and poetry."

· "Buddhism provided a framework for resilience."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving and Surviving

01:19 Mary Gold's Challenging Childhood

05:28 Adventures Abroad and Life Lessons

09:04 Surviving Trauma in Somalia

13:34 Cultural Experiences and Love in Senegal

17:09 Health Struggles and Resilience

21:33 Reflections on Trauma and Writing

30:37 Finding Thriving After Trauma

31:39 Cultural Transitions and Personal Challenges

33:03 Resilience Through Writing and Buddhism

33:53 Discovering Buddhism: A Life-Changing Encounter

37:54 The Power of Chanting and Its Meaning

42:14 Transformative Effects of Buddhist Practice

45:56 The Importance of Personal Responsibility

49:15 Finding Joy in Life's Journey

50:02 Humorous Anecdotes from a Colourful Past

Resources

Chant - Nam‑myōhō‑renge‑kyō (also seen written “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo”)

“Nam” (or sometimes “Namu”) means a dedication/obeisance.

“Myōhō-renge-kyō” refers to the title of the Lotus Sutra and means something like “the wonderful law of cause and effect of the lotus flower sutra”

Soka Gakkai International UK https://sgi-uk.org/

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keywords

Obesity, depression, bariatric surgery, gastric band, gastric bypass, metabolic surgery, eating disorders, addiction transfer, sobriety parallels, mental health, body image, keeping weight off, Kio Method, transformation, resilience

Summary

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with actress, podcaster and weight-loss mentor Mel Harris about her extraordinary journey from severe obesity, depression and eating disorders to lasting transformation. Mel shares how childhood low self-esteem, people pleasing and isolation led to compulsive eating, bulimia and a suicide attempt in her 20s. After years of trying every diet and therapy, she chose bariatric surgery — first a gastric band that later failed, and then a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — and ultimately lost almost 15 stone. But the real work, she says, was not just losing the weight, it was learning how to keep it off for life. Mel talks about the grief of being “the fat friend,” working as an actress only getting bigger-body roles, the moment she couldn’t play with her nephews and finally asked for help, and how she now supports others through her Kio (Keep It Off) Method. This conversation also explores the parallels between food addiction and alcohol recovery, the lack of long-term support after surgery, and why relapse into old patterns is normal — but not inevitable.

Takeaways

• Obesity is often rooted in early low self-worth, people pleasing and not feeling “good enough.”

• Depression and disordered eating frequently go hand in hand.

• Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not a magic fix — aftercare matters.

• A failed or slipped gastric band can be converted to a gastric bypass.

• Weight-loss surgery patients often experience addiction transfer (e.g. to alcohol).

• The “honeymoon period” after surgery ends — that’s when most people need support.

• Keeping weight off requires conscious habits, self-talk and awareness of trigger foods.

• 76% of people who lose a large amount of weight regain it without long-term strategies.

• Mel created the Kio Method (Keep It Off) to help people maintain results for life.

• We are all works in progress — long-term mental health support is valid.

Sound Bites

“I was just two pounds short of 25 stone and I couldn’t even play with my nephews — that was my catalyst.”

"The surgery helped me lose the weight. The mindset helped me keep it off.”

"People think the hard bit is losing it — it isn’t. The hard bit is keeping it off.”

“I heard myself say, ‘Go back to bed with a packet of biscuits’ — and I chose not to.”

“Obesity is now classed as a disease because at a certain point your body can’t do it alone.”

“I don’t want people to go through what I went through — that’s why I created the Kio Method.”

Connect with Mel

KIO Method - https://kiomethod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiomethod/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiomethod

Instagram: Kiomethod

YouTube: KIO- Keep it Off - YouTube

TikTok URL: https://www.tiktok.com/@kiomethod

Podcast: KIO Keep it off !

Connect with Helen

Website: www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.