This recently released episode is jam-packed with information ranging from women and strength training to perimenopause, menopause, the menstrual cycle and more. Bartlett’s thirst for information about a topic that impacts the opposite gender surprised me (I’m just being honest). Slowly, it seems the tide is turning away from ignoring the complexity of the female body. And people like Dr Stacy Sims are at the forefront of such research dedicated to women. 

As someone who is on the verge of perimenopause (it may have even started without me knowing), it’s scary what lies ahead. It appears many changes are inevitable. I was also pleased to hear that I haven’t been throwing money down the drain by taking creatine. The information about the hypothalamus and how it impacts women has also made me think twice about my strength training routine and recovery.

How To Seduce Anyone, Build Confidence & Become Powerful – Robert Greene

The episode title may sound sinister, but this was a fascinating discussion about power dynamics. I also listened to Greene on Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown podcast. What I like about Greene’s work is that it focuses on human nature and the reality that we all operate in this world (whether we realise it or not or are honest about it or not) with this underlying agenda: what’s in it for me?

Greene’s recounting of having a stroke is also fascinating listening. Elsewhere, I have seen Greene supporting the notion that given most of life is entirely outside of our control, it’s best to apply the perspective that everything is happening for us.

I Was Lying In A Little Pool Of Blood! The Huffington Post, A $1 Billion ‘Flop’! – Arianna Huffington

This episode may just be my favourite! I wrote for The Huffington Post once upon a time, and what I loved most about this episode is how frank Huffington is about success later in life. This episode speaks to me as someone who is nearing 40 and hasn’t quite achieved what I hoped to. I still have time, but I need reassurance in moments of doubt (don’t we all?). I also didn’t know much about Huffington’s back story and origins before listening to this, which are equally as fascinating as her business life.

I also enjoy Huffington’s honesty and recent focus on sleep and burnout after her encounter at the height of her success. She reminds us that if we don’t have balance and an effective self-care plan in place, life can be taken from us in a moment. And there is no point in business success without our health.

This Weird Trick Reduces Anxiety & Fixed My Childhood Trauma! – Martha Beck

I’ve heard Beck speak mainly to Oprah, but her teachings fascinate me each time. This episode is focused on anxiety and the new book she’s written (Beyond Anxiety), which is all about how creativity disarms anxiety. Let’s face it, who doesn’t have anxiety these days? Obviously, we encounter anxiety on a spectrum. What I like about Beck’s story is that she has overcome so much trauma and challenges to be where she is in life now. I feel so hopeful when people speak their truth. I also quite enjoyed learning about the phrase ‘counter culture,‘ which describes where I find myself in life as a 37 year old who’s single and without children.

“Strong Thigh Muscles = More Friends”, This Is Why You Can’t Make Friends! – Simon Sinek

The episode title may throw you off here, but (spoiler alert) it’s related to people with friends walking more. Apologies if I have mucked that connection up, but that is my recollection as I write. I feel this podcast speaks to where many people find themselves in 2025 and beyond. We’re more connected thanks to technology but somehow also more disconnected from quality relationships and communities than ever before. As you get older, it’s easy to drift away from past friends as you go your separate ways. In my case, I’ve realised so many friendships were situational. As soon as whatever we had in common was no longer in the picture, those relationships disappeared over time.

If you like this episode, Sinek has been on The Diary Of A CEO multiple times. And if you are feeling lonely as you read this, I highly recommend Oprah’s recent podcast on loneliness with Vivek Murthy. You are not alone. We are not alone.

“Lost, Alone and I Wanted to Take My Life” – Stephen Fry

The title is dramatic, but it reminds us that things can change for the better. The main reason I included this episode is because I listened to it a fair while back but one piece of Fry’s advice has stuck with me since: It’s important to have the ability to have difficult but necessary conversations. As someone who avoids confrontation like the plague, this struck a chord because from personal experience, not feeling confident enough to say what needs to be said at certain moments has led me down a few problematic rabbit holes. These days, I journal or write out potentially tricky conversations ahead wherever I can. They don’t always go to plan, but at least I have some words to lead with and circle back to as needed.

The Childhood Lie That’s Ruining All Of Our Lives – Gabor Maté

These next two episodes are influenced by my interest in traumatology as an Embodied Processing Practitioner. Embodied processing is a body-based approach to working with trauma.

The more I listen to experts, the more I see the links between health, trauma and past childhood experiences. Trauma is part of the human experience, but there is obviously a spectrum. I love Maté’s work and his willingness to speak to what he saw as a physician and its impact on people. I also thought it was brave to admit that interviewing Prince Harry was a mistake.

The Body Trauma Expert: This Eye Movement Trick Can Fix Your Trauma! The Body Keeps The Score! – Bessel van der Kolk 

I found the audio on this episode a bit tough to keep up with at times but there are so many takeaways. Again, this episode touches on the loss of community and connection. And van der Kolk’s blunt opinion about Donald Trump was both refreshing and alarming at the same time.

The episode title refers to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I have never done personally but there is evidence to prove its effectiveness. I found the discussion around psychedelics quite fascinating as well, in addition to van der Kolk’s pointedness regarding how broken the modern healthcare system is.

The Untold Story Of Becoming A Global Superstar At 22 – Lewis Capaldi

If you’ve watched the Netflix documentary about Capaldi and his mental health, you’ll have some background before listening to this conversation. Capaldi’s voice is obviously extraordinary but each time I hear him speak, he seems like an ordinary guy you might meet down at the pub. Fame doesn’t seem to have changed him. I am always so fascinated to learn about stars who have serious mental health challenges that have the ability to impact their performance. If I had the courage to get on stage and sing in front of thousands of people, I’d feel invincible but as humans, it seems we all have our vulnerabilities and sore spots.

From Football Legend To Building A Business Empire – Gary Neville

I am not a soccer (or football) fan and don’t really know anything about the sport (besides the Matildas being brilliant). The most fascinating aspects of this conversation to me are the comments about Sir Alex Ferguson’s mindset and the culture he created. The story about the charity balls has never left me because sometimes it’s the little things we do for others that makes all the difference or has the ability to create the most pain.

If you want to delve further with using writing as a well-being tool with 1-on-1 support, explore my Soulful Steps Pilot Program. I have 2 places left as 1 is already gone. A 50% discount is available for a limited time only and you can secure your spot in 2024 for a 2025 start if you wish to. You are welcome to reach out with any questions you may have. I’m happy to schedule a Zoom call to see if we are a good fit: info@sarahcannata.com

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