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Have you ever felt like you know exactly what you need to do... but you just can't seem to move forward? Maybe you've tried changing your mindset, finding more motivation or becoming more disciplined, yet you keep falling back into the same patterns. What if you're not actually stuck? What if your nervous system is simply trying to protect you? In this episode, I explore why feeling stuck is often less about a lack of motivation and more about the protective responses that have been keeping you safe for years. Together we'll look at why anxiety, overthinking, procrastination, people-pleasing and control aren't personality flaws—they're intelligent protective strategies. I also share why I believe the deepest pain of feeling stuck isn't that you're standing still. It's that parts of who you truly are are no longer being expressed. In this episode you'll discover: Why mindset alone often isn't enough to create lasting change. How your nervous system influences your ability to move forward. The link between protective parts and feeling stuck. Why authentic self-expression is the opposite of stuckness. A simple three-step practice: State. Befriend. Express. Journal Reflection When do I feel most like myself? What gets in the way of that expression? What is one small way I can express more of who I am this week? Join Me Live If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to invite you to my free online workshop: The Real Reason You Feel Stuck, Reactive & At Capacity Together we'll explore why your patterns keep repeating, what's really happening in your nervous system, and how to begin building the capacity to respond differently. Register here: https://www.simonedenny.me/realreason Connect With Simone: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need to hear this today. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

Most of us live as though we have time. Time to start the thing. Time to rest. Time to repair the relationship. Time to prioritise our health. Time to create the life we dream about. But what if the awareness that our time is finite wasn't depressing, but liberating? In this episode, I explore the Buddhist teaching of impermanence and how contemplating our own mortality can help us wake up to what truly matters. Rather than creating fear, impermanence can become a powerful teacher, helping us appreciate life more deeply, let go of what no longer serves us, and fully participate in the life we already have. We explore: • Why we take so much of life for granted • The Buddhist perspective on death and impermanence • How attachment creates suffering • The identities we cling to and why they may be ready to evolve • What loss can teach us about presence • How remembering life's fragility can help us live more courageously • Questions to help you reflect on what truly matters • A guided meditation on impermanence and living fully As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us: "The trouble is, you think you have time." My invitation for you is simple: If not now, when? Mentioned in this episode If you've been feeling stuck, reactive, overwhelmed or constantly at capacity, I invite you to join my free workshop: The Real Reason You Feel Stuck, Reactive and At Capacity Discover why the answer isn't more effort, discipline or another mindset strategy — and how your nervous system may be shaping far more of your life than you realise. 👉 Register here: https://www.simonedenny.me/realreason Reflection Questions • What am I postponing as though I have unlimited time? • What am I taking for granted? • What identity or role am I holding onto that may be ready to evolve? • If I remembered that life is impermanent, how would I want to live? • How would I want to love? • What would I want to create? Thank you for listening. May this episode help you slow down, notice more, and fully participate in this one precious life. Connect With Simone: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

Are you feeling flat, unmotivated or like your old drive has simply disappeared? You're not alone and it's not laziness, weakness or a lack of discipline. In this episode, Simone shares the four real reasons so many people are quietly quitting right now - at work, in relationships and in life itself. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory and a decade of coaching people to find purpose, she explores what's actually happening beneath the surface when we check out, shut down, or just can't seem to care anymore. If you've been wondering why the old approaches - the mindset shifts, the motivation tactics, the pushing through - are no longer working, this episode will give you a completely different lens. Join the upcoming working here: www.simonedenny.me/realreason In this episode, Simone covers: • Why quiet quitting is not a motivation problem — it's a nervous system response • The three nervous system states and how they show up in your daily life • Why so many high-functioning people are flipping into shutdown without realising it • The four losses driving disengagement right now — regulation, capacity, meaning and certainty • What you can actually do to come back to yourself Resources mentioned: Free Live Workshop - The Real Reason You Feel Stuck, Reactive and At Capacity Join Simone for a free live online session exploring why so many people can't move forward right now and what actually helps. 📅 Tuesday 14 July | 8pm NZT | 6pm Sydney 🔗 www.simonedenny.me/realreason Connect With Simone: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

There’s a pattern I see in so many women I work with - and one I know well in myself. We say yes when we’re already full. We go above and beyond what’s needed. We hold everything together for everyone else. And most of the time, we don’t even recognise we’re doing it. In this episode, I explore the pattern of over-delivering - why it’s so common, what drives it beneath the surface, and the cost it has on our energy, our relationships, and our sense of self. This isn’t about doing less or becoming less generous. It’s about noticing where over-delivering has become the norm… and gently beginning to shift back into balance. If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or slightly disconnected from yourself, this episode will help you understand why — and where to begin. In this episode, I explore: • What over-delivering actually is (and why it often goes unnoticed) • The link between over-delivering, people pleasing, and perfectionism • How we tie our worth to what we do and produce • The emotional and physical cost from resentment to burnout • Signs you may be in over-delivering patterns in your life • Simple ways to begin shifting the pattern Your invitation If this episode resonates, it may be a sign it's time to deliver to yourself. Slow Unfolding is a three-day retreat on Waiheke Island for women who are ready to step out of over-delivering and reconnect with themselves in a more grounded, supported way. You can explore it here: 👉 www.simonedenny.me/slowunfolding Connect With Simone: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

In this episode, Simone explores the psychological and neurological experience of identity transition in midlife — the space between who you have been and who you are becoming. Many people reach a point where familiar roles, ambitions, and motivations no longer feel aligned. Drive shifts. Ambition softens. Output slows. The structures that once defined success begin to feel heavy or outdated. This episode examines that transition through two lenses: • The concept of the liminal space — the threshold between identities • The neurological changes of midlife, particularly during menopause As oestrogen fluctuates and declines, it affects the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning and executive function) and influences dopamine signalling (which drives motivation and reward). When these systems recalibrate, the reward response to striving, caregiving and high performance can change. Cognitive stamina may feel different. Long-term goal orientation may shift. When reward, stress and identity networks reorganise simultaneously, it can create a profound sense of being in-between. Simone also explores: • Midlife as transformation rather than crisis • The discomfort of letting go of an established identity • Why the brain resists identity change • The contraction phase that often precedes growth • Practical ways to navigate transitional seasons without forcing premature clarity Reflection Questions • What currently brings energy and engagement? • Where is your motivation naturally shifting? • What aspects of your identity feel outdated? This episode is for anyone experiencing a recalibration of ambition, purpose or self-definition — and seeking a grounded framework for understanding the transition. Connect With Simone: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

In this episode, Simone explores how living by our shoulds and shouldn’ts quietly shapes the way we experience our lives - especially in midlife. She names the cultural moment we’re in: uncertainty, saturation, post-pandemic fatigue, and a nervous system that’s often hovering between fight, flight and freeze. From there, she unpacks how gripping tightly to what feels “safe” - our money, our work, our roles, our identities - can keep us stuck, even when we’re not truly happy. And how, in those moments, the inner dialogue of “I should…” and “I shouldn’t…” gets louder and more controlling. Simone invites you to question where your rules really come from, and whether they still feel true for who you are now. In this episode, we explore: • The collective freeze so many are feeling right now and why it’s not a personal failing but a nervous system response • The difference between healthy shoulds (aligned with your values and integrity) and pressure shoulds that keep you performing and people-pleasing • Where our shoulds come from: family expectations, school conditioning, gender roles, corporate culture, religion, social media and childhood survival strategies • How shouldn’ts act as inner suppressors - keeping you from being “too much,” “too selfish,” “too emotional,” or “too greedy” • The liberating side of menopause and midlife as estrogen (the “hormone of compliance”) drops and you start to care less about fitting in and more about being true to yourself • A personal story from Simone’s last-minute trip to Bali for a tea ceremony training and what happened when she chose her inner knowing over all the “I shouldn’t…” voices • A guided somatic practice to feel how shoulds and shouldn’ts land in your body, and to use your body as a compass for what’s really true • A simple but powerful language upgrade to move from: – “I should” → “I choose to” / “It matters to me to…” – “I shouldn’t” → “What if I allowed myself to want this? / What might open up if I said yes? / I choose to say no to this.” – “I have to” → “I’m committed to / I get to” – “I can’t / I don’t have time” → “It’s not my priority right now.” Simone also shares a special 3-session 1:1 offering for women who are ready to loosen the grip, let outdated rules fall away, and step into the new year making choices from alignment rather than obligation. Connect with her directly if that feels like a “yes” in your body. Connect With Simone: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

Have you ever gone to bed feeling full, not just from what you’ve eaten, but from everything you’ve taken in throughout the day? From the constant stimulation, the emotions you’ve absorbed, and the never-ending to-do list running through your mind? In this episode, Simone explores what it really means to digest your day, emotionally, mentally, and energetically. She shares how the things we consume (news, conversations, social media, responsibilities) leave imprints in our bodies and affect our sleep, mood, and overall sense of ease. You’ll learn four simple, science-backed and soulful ways to support your body and mind to “metabolise” life so you can unwind fully, rest deeply, and wake feeling lighter and more at peace. In this episode: 🧠 Why “downloading your brain” before bed can transform your sleep and calm your mind 🌙 How to prepare for sleep like a baby (and why overstimulation keeps you awake) 💗 What it means to metabolise your emotions — and why emotional constipation is real 🌿 Simple nervous-system regulation practices to weave through your day If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, restless, or unable to switch off, this conversation will help you reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm of digestion and release. ✨ Join the Reimagine Masterclass If this episode resonates, you’ll love Simone’s upcoming free live masterclass - Reimagine (October 14). Discover how to move beyond midlife confusion, self-doubt, and emotional reactivity so you can reimagine what’s possible for your next chapter. Reserve your free seat here → www.simonedenny.me/reimagine

“Never mistake movement for achievement.” — Tony Robbins We’ve all had those days where we’re flat out - emails, errands, perfecting our logo or website, even throwing on a load of washing - and it looks like productivity. But if the needle isn’t moving on what truly matters, it’s not progress… it’s fake productivity. In this episode, I unpack: - Why fake productivity is the most sophisticated form of procrastination - The subtle signs you’re in motion but not in progress - Five powerful steps to shift into real productivity that creates traction and results. If you’re ready to move past busyness and into meaningful action, this one’s for you. 👉 Resources mentioned: Space to Be — a free resource to pause, reset, and reconnect with clarity simonedenny.me/spacetobe 50 Ways to Regulate Your Emotions — practical tools to support emotional balance simonedenny.me/emotions 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to break free from fake productivity and focus on what really matters. Connect With Me: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Tag me so we can connect. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

When you hear the term men’s work, what comes to mind? A bootcamp for “toughening up”? A place to talk about feelings? Something mysterious that happens behind closed doors? In this episode, I sit down with Skott Taylor - facilitator, men's work leader, husband, father, and passionate advocate for creating safe spaces where men can be real, vulnerable, and deeply connected. Skott shares his journey from boarding a plane to California for a men’s emotional leadership retreat - not knowing what he was stepping into - to discovering a practice he now calls “CrossFit for your emotions.” Together, we explore: Why men’s work is different from “just work” How masks and armour keep us from our true selves The cost of staying in “fine” and living in the middle band of emotion Why vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s the doorway to connection The surprising reason showing up is the hardest (and most powerful) part This isn’t about fixing anyone. It’s about creating the space for men — and anyone identifying as a man — to step away from daily roles, connect without judgement, and flex the “emotional muscles” that often go unused. Whether you’re a man curious about what this work might look like, a partner who wants to understand it better, or simply someone interested in the deeper layers of human connection — this conversation will leave you rethinking what emotional strength really means. I mention this in the episode, but if you’re curious to explore more or take the next step, head to simonedenny.me/menswork for details, resources, and upcoming programs. Connect With Me: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Tag me so we can connect. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] www.simonedenny.me

One year ago, I never imagined I'd be someone who swims in the ocean year-round. I’ve always hated the cold — and yet, here I am, dipping into the sea every Friday morning at 7am, rain, wind or winter chill. It all started with a simple WhatsApp message to a few women on Waiheke Island… and now we’re a pod of more than 30 mermaids showing up every week. Some days there are just two of us, some days twenty. But there is always someone. This episode is about what it really takes to do the hard things — and how something uncomfortable, even unimaginable, can become a nourishing part of your life. I’m sharing 6 powerful insights that have helped me turn a cold plunge into a weekly ritual, and how you can apply the same principles to the hard thing you might be resisting — whether that’s starting a habit, making a change, or showing up for yourself in a new way. We’ll talk about: Why doing hard things in midlife feels different (and what to do about it) The surprising role of dopamine and cold exposure How to “joy stack” and make hard things feel easier Why starting small is a superpower (even 2 minutes counts!) The real magic of doing it with others How to find your deeper “why” to stay motivated This episode is for you if you’ve been putting something off, waiting to feel ready, or needing a spark to move through discomfort and into action. 🌊 Whether it’s a swim, a conversation, a creative leap or a career shift — this is your reminder that you can do hard things. And they don’t have to stay hard. Links & Resources: 🧡 Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonedennycoaching Learn more about my work, courses, and community: https://www.simonedenny.me 💌 Want weekly inspiration and tools for living with purpose? Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.simonedenny.me If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you’d share it with a friend or leave a quick review — it means so much and helps others find the podcast. Thanks for listening lovely, Simone

Why I Don’t Tell Clients to Quit Their Jobs and Follow Their Purpose This might surprise you—but I rarely tell my clients to quit their jobs in the name of purpose. Even though I guide women through life transitions and help them reconnect with their sense of purpose, I'm not in the business of promoting impulsive leaps. Why? Because purpose isn’t always about walking away—it’s about walking toward. In this episode, I share the deeper truth behind why staying—at least for a while—can be the most powerful move you make. We explore: ✨ Why quitting too soon can dysregulate your nervous system ✨ How financial pressure can smother your creativity ✨ The truth about bringing your patterns with you ✨ What to do instead if you feel that nudge for more I also offer simple next steps if you’re ready to begin your purpose journey without burning it all down. If you’ve been feeling the stirrings of something new—but aren’t quite sure what or how to begin—this episode will meet you right where you are. Resources & Links: → Ready to explore what’s next with 1:1 support? Book a free clarity call https://calendly.com/simonedenny/30min → Curious about my upcoming group retreats or programs? Join the Email List https://www.simonedenny.me/ → Prefer to read? Read the full blog post here https://www.simonedenny.me/blog/why-i-don-t-tell-clients-to-quit-their-jobs-and-follow-their-purpose 💛 Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Simply reply to this episode or reach out via email or Instagram. You're not alone in this season of change—and there are ways to move forward with grace, intention, and support. Connect With Me: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Tag me so we can connect. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] simonedenny.me

In this episode, I share my reflections on turning 50 and the five most important lessons I've learned along the way. Recording on the eve of my 50th birthday, I discuss how this milestone feels different - bringing joy rather than the emotional difficulty I've experienced with past birthdays. My word for the year is "receive," and I share how I celebrated with my soul tribe through a meaningful three-day gathering. My Five Life Lessons at 50: 1. Unlearning for Potential - We're born with all our potential already within us. Our work is to peel away the adaptations we created to feel loved and safe, returning to our essential self. 2. Growth Comes from Challenges as Much as Your Successes - Our struggles and "mud" become the foundation for our growth. As Thich Nhat Hanh says, "No mud, no lotus." 3. Space is Where All Wisdom Lies - By creating space in our busy lives, we connect with our innate wisdom. Our answers aren't found in external sources but within ourselves. 4. Become Your Own Best Friend - Through my IFS therapy work, I've learned what it truly means to have compassion for all parts of myself. When we understand why our parts exist, we can soften toward ourselves. 5. Connection is Our Lifeblood - Our relationships hold the most meaning in life. As the Maori proverb says, "What is the most important thing? The people, the people, the people." I'm still learning these lessons every day. I'd love to hear which ones resonate with you most! Share your thoughts or pass this episode along to someone who might need to hear it. Thank you for being part of my journey and this community. Connect With Me: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Tag me so we can connect. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] simonedenny.me

Episode: How to SLIP into Your Week with Intention and Ease In this episode, we explore a powerful framework for starting your week with clarity, focus, and alignment. Learn how to break free from the reactive Monday morning email trap and instead create a week that flows with purpose. What You'll Learn: Why most of us jump straight into "doing mode" on Mondays (and how it sabotages our week) The SLIP method for creating a week with intention: Space: Creating sacred time for clarity before diving into work Letting Go: Releasing what no longer serves you to make room for what matters Intention: Setting powerful intentions that ground your entire week Planning: A simple system to plan your week without overwhelm Key Takeaways: How to create a brief but powerful ritual to start your week (even if you're busy) Why focusing on just 3 key tasks per day leads to greater productivity The importance of balancing masculine (doing) and feminine (being) energies A simple master list technique that eliminates daily to-do list anxiety Connect With Me: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share on Instagram! Tag me so we can connect. facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected] simonedenny.me

Are you feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure about your next steps? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and discover how different parts of ourselves can block our path to clarity. Drawing from years of experience working with clients, Simone reveals the three most common internal parts that keep us from moving forward: The Overthinking Protector The Inner Judge The Confused/Don’t Know Part Learn why these parts aren't your enemies, but protective aspects trying to keep you safe in their own way. Understand how to work with them instead of against them to finally find the clarity you're seeking. 🎯 Episode Highlights: Why overthinking isn't ‘bad’ Why parts work is essential for clarity The surprising truth about self-doubt How confusion might actually be protecting you Practical ways to work with your parts instead of fighting them 💫 Free Workshop: Join Simone for her FREE Clarity Blueprint Workshop on February 19th Register: simonedenny.me/clarity 🔗 Connect with Simone: facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the subtle ways self-abandonment shows up in our lives and how it can leave us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. Self-abandonment occurs when we ignore our true needs in favour of pleasing others or meeting societal expectations, often leading to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and physical neglect. Key Patterns of Self-Abandonment: People-Pleasing: Prioritising others’ needs over your own. High Achievement: Masking deeper emotional needs with success. The "Strong One" Role: Avoiding vulnerability by appearing unshakable. Dissociation: Disconnecting from emotions as a survival mechanism. Suppressing Emotions: Avoiding feelings like anger or fear due to past conditioning. Neglecting Physical Needs: Ignoring rest, medical care, or body signals. Self-Criticism: Harsh internal dialogue rooted in past fear or rejection. These patterns can leave us feeling exhausted, unfulfilled, and disconnected from our authentic selves. Over time, this can lead to a loss of clarity and purpose. The Cost of Self-Abandonment: The emotional toll of ignoring our true needs is high—it leads to burnout, confusion, and a lack of fulfilment. Over time, we lose touch with our authentic selves. Solutions for Reclaiming Your Authentic Self: Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” and protect your emotional health. Reclaim Vulnerability: Embrace your true emotions and show up authentically. Nurture Your Body: Listen to your body’s needs and prioritize self-care. Release Self-Criticism: Challenge the internal critic and practice self-compassion. Heal Childhood Wounds: Address limiting beliefs learned in childhood that fuel self-abandonment. Healing from self-abandonment starts with self-awareness and small, intentional steps to reconnect with your true self. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or stuck, this episode will help you understand the root causes of these patterns and provide tools to start your journey toward healing and purpose. Come and co-create your 2025 with my 3-part workshop series - you can find out more here: www.simonedenny.me/intention Connect with me: facebook.com/simonedennycoaching instagram.com/simonedennycoaching [email protected]