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Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Anna Brand — founder of B. with Anna Brand, brand strategist, podcaster, dog lover and self-confessed non-linear thinker — for a warm, funny and refreshingly honest conversation about branding, confidence, late-diagnosed ADHD, and the courage it takes to finally own who you are. From spending most of her life believing she was "the stupid one" to going back to university at 30 as a single mum, Anna shares how becoming a mother, starting a business, and stepping in front of a camera she found terrifying reshaped her sense of what she's capable of. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 Leading your brand, not just running your business  Why so many founders have spent years "just running a business" without ever owning what they stand for. 🌵 "I'm obsessed with how branding changes you"  Anna reflects on why branding isn't really about logos for her, but about the confidence and self-belief she never had — and how helping others find theirs became her purpose. 🌵 The turning point: becoming a mum  How the birth of her son shifted everything, sparking a decision to go back to uni as a mature student, start a business, and stop hiding. 🌵 You don't have to be Elton John to lead  Debunking the myth that leadership means being an extrovert, a "tech bro", or the perfect Instagram woman. 🌵 Imposter syndrome and cutting the "BS"  Why speaking from lived experience and real client feedback quiets the self-doubt, and how honesty is the antidote to feeling like a fraud. 🌵 The "invisible phenomenon"  Ashleigh and Anna unpack why so many women aged 40–60 feel invisible under the weight of caring responsibilities and mental load — and why their dreams deserve attention too. 🌵 Doing it scared, and doing it together  Anna admits being on camera was the most terrifying thing she could imagine — and shares how surrounding herself with the right people helped her do it anyway, to prove to others that they can too. 🌵 Just start, and stop comparing  On finding your own way to show up (notes or no notes, pen in hand or not), letting your style evolve, and why the only real advice for starting a podcast is to begin. 🌵 ADHD, labels and self-understanding  An honest, nuanced exchange on late diagnosis — why Anna still doesn't see ADHD as a superpower, why Ashleigh is learning to shed labels, and how easy it is to over-identify with them. 🌵 Owning your difference  Why shared "brand values" are really just shared experiences, why honesty always outperforms performance, and how thinking in a non-linear way became Anna's point of difference. Chapters 00:00 "I Spent Most of My Life Thinking I Was Stupid"  02:10 Meet Anna Brand: Helping Founders Lead, Not Just Run  02:58 Why Your Brand Evolves as You Do  05:14 Feeling Different: Anger, Loneliness and a Restless Mind  06:06 The Turning Point: Becoming a Mum  08:21 Ashleigh's "Ideal Guest" and the Heart of Nurture Your Zest  09:52 Back to Uni at 30 as a Single Mum  14:19 AI, Change and the Rise of Personal Brand  17:12 You Don't Have to Be Elton John to Lead  18:00 Imposter Syndrome and Cutting the "BS"  20:00 The "Invisible Phenomenon" for Women 40–60  22:35 Facing the Camera: Doing It Scared, Together  26:58 Finding Your Own Way to Show Up (and Just Starting)  31:56 ADHD, Labels and "The Stupid One"  35:27 Shared Values, Honesty and Owning Your Difference  40:28 One Word to Nurture Your Zest Links & Resources Visit Anna Brand’s Website: annabrandcreative.com Tune in to Anna's Podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChb6FfRRnH5hzL18Dkb_F5w Connect with Anna Brand on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anna-brand Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to:  💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Kim McDermottroe, an exceptionally talented Teesside-based creative director, costume and puppet designer, illustrator, and TEDx speaker, for a deeply moving exploration of the neurodivergent imagination. Carving out a thriving 23-year creative career from her home town of Billingham, Kim lives and breathes the tactile world of character design. In this beautifully raw conversation, Kim brings her studio creations directly into the hot seat, introducing us to stop-motion puppets born out of lockdown isolation. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The Executive "Waiting Zone" Exploring that heavy state of mental paralysis where a single afternoon appointment can consume an entire day's productivity. 🌵 Carving a Creative Career in Teesside Why Kim proudly chose to stay a "smoggy" and invest her talents locally, contributing to Middlesbrough and Redcar parades, regional festivals, and the changing cultural narrative of the North East. 🌵 From Sketchbook to Stop-Motion Reality The artistic journey behind her studio characters, including "Lockie" (the anthropomorphic lockdown Easter hare with a permanent plague mask) and how an Arts Council DYCP grant transformed her creative practice. 🌵 Owning Your "A-Game" Moving past the car-side tears and post-meeting shame spirals of blurting out eccentric thoughts (like spotting imaginary penguins on roofs) to embrace them as the core source of your ideas. 🌵 Living with Pareidolia & Sensory Processing How Kim hyper-focuses on faces in ordinary objects like cactuses or bus railings, and why certain spoken English and French words physically feel too unbearable to pronounce.🌵 A Late Diagnosis as a Cozy Blanket The profound relief of discovering her autism seven years ago, transitioning from feeling like her brain was actively trying to sabotage her to understanding it was always doing its best Chapters 00:00 Pre-Appointment Paralysis: Navigating the Executive "Waiting Zone" 03:58 Proud Smoggy: Carving a 23-Year Creative Career in Teesside 06:10 Subconscious Proclamations & Teaching Puppet Making in Primary School 08:36 The Unique Cake Analogy: Harnessing Your Unique Selling Point 09:57 Riverside Festivals & Rewriting the Narrative of Growing Up in Middlesbrough 13:08 Finding Inspiration in Guillermo del Toro, Jim Henson, and Character Design 16:54 Meet the Studio Puppets: The Anatomy of Lockie, Toadstool, and Piper 22:52 Paperwork Accountability: Securing an Arts Council England DYCP Grant 25:22 Why Stop-Motion Animation Needs 3D Tactile Familiarity 27:34 Swapping the Red Circle for Green: Access Needs are Not Preferences 31:00 The Reality of Meeting Anxiety: Processing "Penguins on the Roofs" 35:04 Support Systems for Autistic Meltdowns and decision Fatigue 45:36 Opening Doors for Neurodivergent Freelancers Without a Body of Work 47:58 Live Spoken Word Performance: "My Salvaged Skin" 50:29 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: Creativity Follow Kim McDermottroe on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/greenerlavelle/ ⁠ Visit Kim’s Website:⁠ https://greenerlavelle.co.uk/ ⁠ Watch Kim’s Full TEDx Teesside Talk:⁠ https://youtu.be/4SoM0vbQ774?si=lWfzzFRgNxcm1BBu ⁠ Read "Simple Tips. Smart Ideas." by Erica Wolf-Murray: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Smart-Ideas-Erica-Wolfe-Murray/dp/1911195980  Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King:⁠ Ashleigh King on LinkedIn⁠ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Liza Knight, founder of Mint Business Club, tea enthusiast, and "semi-feral entrepreneur", for a conversation that is as refreshing as a well-brewed cup of Lapsang Souchong. With 22 years of experience as a tea merchant and a deep expertise in business coaching, Liza brings a uniquely grounded perspective on what it really takes to run a sustainable business without losing your soul. From her personal journey with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD to the radical act of "dating yourself" and setting unapologetic boundaries, Liza shares why the most profitable thing you can be is yourself.  Together, Ashleigh and Liza explore the "shame spiral," the power of hormones in business, and why sometimes, the most revolutionary thing you can do is be "inconvenient." Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The "Semi-Feral" Philosophy  Why being fully yourself, without apology or sacrifice for others' comfort, is the key to both happiness and business success. 🌵 Beans, Spoons, and Sparkles  Liza’s signature mixing-desk framework for checking in with your physical, mental, and emotional energy before tackling your to-do list. 🌵 Eradicating the "Shame Spiral"  How curiosity and iteration can help business owners move past failure without getting stuck under a duvet. 🌵 Neurodivergence & The Menopause  The reality of late diagnosis for women and why "resource management" becomes critical when the brain you showed up with is struggling to cope. 🌵 Clear is Kind  The importance of boundaries, clear communication, and why saying "no" actually makes the people around you feel safer. 🌵 Authentic Branding vs. Over-Sharing  Finding the "forks" - the tiny, relatable moments that connect you to your audience without having to trauma-dump or sacrifice your privacy. This episode is for anyone navigating: The challenges of late-diagnosed neurodivergence Burnout and the transition from startup to sustainability The complexities of running a business while managing perimenopause The desire to build a business that is truly aligned with their values Anyone ready to stop "masking" and start thriving Liza reminds us that you can only work with the brain you showed up with on the day, and that the ultimate mission is to "coalesce" all the threads of your life into one beautiful, cohesive weaving. Chapters 00:00 The Skill of Sustainable Business vs. The Startup Sprint 02:11 Introducing Mint Business Club and 22 Years of Tea 05:03 Tea as Self-Medication: L-Theanine, Focus, and Mood 10:24 Addressing "Misaligned Behaviors" and the Secondary Benefits of Scrolling 14:46 Selling What They Want, Giving What They Need: The Ethics of Coaching 17:15 The Vital Role of Supervision and Being Well-Resourced 20:22 Coaching from the Scar, Not the Wound 22:33 Personal Brand vs. Privacy: Finding Your "Fork" 28:13 Menopause, Neurodivergence, and the "Brain You Showed Up With" 31:57 Why "Feral" is a Boundary: Learn More and Do Better 39:20 Escaping the Shame Spiral Through Iteration 42:30 Beans, Spoons, and Sparkles: The Energy Mixing Desk 46:14 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: Coalesce Links & Resources Visit Mint Business Club:  mintbusinessclub.co.uk Shop Tea Enthusiasts:  tea-enthusiasts.com Follow Liza on LinkedIn:  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lizaknight Read "The Good Girl Deprogramming" by Michelle Minnikin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Girl-Deprogramming-Unleash-Within-ebook/dp/B0CN41ND8M Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Samantha Castro, creative video producer, Founder and President of Newcastle Film Club, and former Flamingo Heights team member, for an inspiring conversation about gumption, global moves, and the power of grassroots community. From growing up in a high-achieving Air Force family in Texas to navigating the rigours of UK spousal visas, Sam shares how she turned her "producer brain" into a tool for both personal and community growth.  Together, Ashleigh and Sam explore the reality of creative burnout, the "nerve-wracking" leap of going full-time on a passion project, and why the secret to nurturing your zest often lies in simply pressing record. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The "Texan" Work Ethic  How a childhood of perfect attendance and competitive band/basketball shaped Sam's "show up come hell or high water" approach to her career. 🌵 The Visa Journey  The hidden anxieties and mountains of paperwork involved in building a life across continents, and the relief of finally securing "indefinite leave to remain". 🌵 If You Build It, They Will Come Recognising a gap in the North East creative scene and founding Newcastle Film Club to help local filmmakers "Collaborate, Create, and Repeat". 🌵 Leadership and Trust  The evolution of a creative leader: learning when to delegate to volunteers and how to maintain high standards without overstepping. 🌵 Backing Yourself  The "now or never" moment of leaving a stable role to focus entirely on a social enterprise and finding viability in passion. 🌵 Creating vs. Consuming  Escaping the algorithm-induced "burnout loop" by getting offline, doing crafts, and finishing personal projects for the sake of joy. This episode is for anyone navigating: The transition from a side hustle to a full-time passion Moving to a new country and finding your "tribe" Overcoming creative burnout and "consumption fatigue" Building grassroots communities or social enterprises Learning to be a compassionate yet effective leader Chapters 00:00 The "Gumption" to Create What You Want to See 02:47 Growing Up in Texas: Air Force, Sports, and Straight As 05:53 The Power of Showing Up: 12 Years of Perfect Attendance 11:10 Falling in Love with Media and the Move to the UK 17:57 The Reality of Spousal Visas and Lingering Anxiety 22:43 Founding Newcastle Film Club: Filling the Gap 27:06 From Lockdown to RTS Nominations and 95k Views 34:25 Creative Leadership: Delegating and Managing Volunteers 37:03 The Conversation: "Ash, I Need to Go All In" 42:53 The Fear of Pressing "Publish" 47:57 Escaping the Loop: Create More, Consume Less 49:09 Tips for Overcoming Creative Burnout 52:59 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: Honesty Links & Resources Visit Newcastle Film Club: https://www.newcastlefilmclub.co.uk/ Follow Sam’s YouTube Journey: https://www.youtube.com/@SamanthaJoe Sam’s Dinosaur Bullet Journal Video: https://youtu.be/OzRtrJtQlXk?si=23AzVLlAXSdODIWd Connect with Samantha Castro on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacastro1/ Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩  If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Charlotte Nichols — founder of the award-winning PR agency Harvey & Hugo and host of the PRsonal podcast — for an incredibly raw, honest, and empowering conversation about business, motherhood, and the courage to "rise" after life shatters your plans. In this 17th year of her entrepreneurial journey, Charlotte pulls back the curtain on the "accidental" start of her agency during a recession and the identity shifts that come with becoming a mother and navigating a devastating divorce. Together, Ashleigh and Charlotte explore why "character matters more than credentials," the power of sitting with your own pain, and how to maintain your "spark" when the world feels heavy. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The "Accidental" Entrepreneur How Charlotte turned a "burning desire" and a love for sports marketing into a thriving 17-year PR agency. 🌵 PRsonal Branding & Eradicating Shame The story behind the PRsonal podcast and why opening up about miscarriages and "human" struggles is vital in a business setting. 🌵 Matressence & The Identity Shift The honest reality of how motherhood and divorce impact creative foresight, and the "sleep when the baby sleeps" vs. "work when the baby sleeps" struggle. 🌵 Building a "Cushion of Protection" Why modern PR is shifting toward brand stewardship and protecting your identity in an age of AI and "fake news". 🌵 The Power of the Glow Up Rediscovering self-worth, the radical act of cutting your hair to "shed a layer," and the importance of dating yourself. 🌵 Glimmers in the Mundane Using swimming, nature, and gratitude journaling to find peace when your mind is "constantly near full". This episode is for anyone navigating: The challenges of being a female founder in a corporate world Scaling a business through lean and fertile years The emotional landscape of divorce and single parenting Brand building and crisis communications in a digital age Reclaiming your value after feelings of "worthlessness" Chapters 00:00 The Reality of Devastation and Feeling Like a Failure04:03 17 Years of Entrepreneurship: Taking Stock08:50 Starting a Business in a Recession with "Nothing to Lose"12:13 Being a Young Female Leader on Corporate Boards17:40 "Challenge Normal": The Value of Creativity21:08 Motherhood, Anxiety, and the Shift in Business Energy23:26 Dealing with a Full Mind: Swimming, Nature, and Silence29:27 2024: Devastation, Worthlessness, and Crying Every Day33:30 Reframing Pain: Option B and Reimagining Your Future38:17 PRsonal Podcast: Eradicating Shame in Business42:40 AI, Brand Custodians, and Crisis Communications50:32 The Glow Up: Cutting Hair and Shedding Layers54:25 Learning to Love Yourself and "Dating Yourself"56:40 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: Rise Links & Resources Visit Harvey & Hugo: harveyandhugo.com Tune in to The PRsonal Podcast:  https://www.youtube.com@HarveyandhugoPR Connect with Charlotte Nichols on LinkedIn:  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charlottenicholsharveyandhugo Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩  If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected]  www.flamingoheights.co.uk

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Kenny Primrose, teacher, writer, and host of The Examined Life podcast, for a thoughtful and deeply resonant conversation about wisdom, curiosity, and what it really means to live well in a world of constant noise. From the audacity of writing letters to David Attenborough and Gordon Brown to find "the right questions," to navigating the flighty impulses of an undiagnosed ADHD mind, Kenny shares how leaning into discomfort has reshaped his purpose. Together, Ashleigh and Kenny explore the power of storytelling, the dopamine hit of "time bending," and the redemptive nature of facing the things we usually run away from. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The power of a good question  How asking the right things can be more redemptive and life-giving than having all the answers. 🌵 Living deliberately in a changing world  Stepping back to notice "the water we’re swimming in" and how clear writing leads to clear thinking. 🌵 Shy bairns get nowt  The "audacity" of reaching out to dream guests and why interesting people are often just waiting for a compelling reason to say yes. 🌵 ADHD, dopamine, and "time bending"  Navigating time blindness, the rush of a deadline, and finding natural ways to regulate a restless mind through exercise and presence. 🌵 Facing the dark to find the light  Kenny’s journey into a podcast season focused on death, dying, and grief, and why we must sit with sadness to truly grow. 🌵 Validation vs. Value  Why your happiness shouldn't depend on external likes, and the Disney-inspired wisdom of being "enough" regardless of the win. This episode is for anyone navigating: The search for deeper meaning and wisdomLiving with (or suspecting) neurodivergenceCreative burnout and the "last 10%" of a projectThe challenge of staying present when you want to "outrun your problems"A desire to bridge divides through better dialogue Chapters 00:00 "If you're not enough without winning..."03:05 Teaching, Philosophy, and the "Good Life"06:02 The Origin of The Examined Life09:39 Reaching out to David Attenborough & Gordon Brown12:15 Living Generously in a Polarised World17:17 The Integrity of Guesting & Podcasting Values23:23 Using Substack for Long-Form Writing & Support30:31 Owning Creativity as a "Slow Learner"34:33 The November Pattern: Moving, Travel, and ADHD39:00 Time Blindness and the Adrenaline Rush of Deadlines43:24 Running Towards the Hard Realities of Grief48:35 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: Alignment Links & Resources  Visit The Examined Life Website https://examined-life.com/ Subscribe to Kenny’s Substack  https://kennyprimrose.substack.com/  Connect with Kenny Primrose on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-primrose-4058341b Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩  If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected]  www.flamingoheights.co.uk

In this insightful and empowering episode of Nurture Your Zest, host Ashleigh King sits down with business exit strategist and operations expert Laurie Stirling to unpack what it really takes to build a business that doesn’t rely on you to survive. From her early beginnings in Australia to building and exiting a 14-year business, Laurie shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention and redefining what success looks like on your own terms. With honesty, clarity and a refreshingly practical approach, Laurie dives into the systems, mindset shifts and strategic thinking required to scale sustainably. Key topics discussed: 🌵 From survival to strategy  Laurie shares her journey growing up in challenging circumstances, the pivotal moment that shaped her relationship with money, and how that experience fuels her mission to help others build financial independence through business. 🌵 Why you are not the problem in your business  Many founders believe they are the bottleneck, but Laurie explains why it’s almost always a system issue, and how shifting this mindset can unlock growth and reduce overwhelm. 🌵 The 5 business bottlenecks every founder faces  From brand awareness to cash flow, Laurie breaks down the five key stages where businesses get stuck — and how understanding your bottleneck can transform your results. 🌵 Stepping into the CEO role  Using the powerful “captain of the ship” analogy, Laurie explains why founders must move beyond doing everything themselves and instead focus on vision, strategy and direction. 🌵 Systems, delegation and scaling sustainably  If systems feel overwhelming, this episode offers practical, accessible ways to start — including how to document processes, delegate effectively and build a team that complements your strengths. 🌵 Building a business that can run without you  Laurie shares how she transitioned from running a business to helping others step back, scale up, and even prepare for exit — creating freedom, flexibility and long-term value. 🌵 Entrepreneurship, identity and mindset  From fear of visibility to capacity challenges, this conversation explores the internal blocks that hold founders back — and how to “lock in” and take action anyway. Chapters 00:00 From leads to systems02:05 Laurie’s journey: from Australia to entrepreneurship05:56 Building a business from scratch (before social media)09:52 Financial independence and the drive behind Laurie’s work11:42 Adapting to change: technology, AI and staying ahead12:57 The role of a founder: captain vs operator16:32 Understanding business bottlenecks17:56 The 5 bottlenecks explained23:14 Using data to make smarter business decisions25:07 When systems feel overwhelming27:12 Strengths, weaknesses and building the right team29:44 Customer personas vs real paying clients31:23 Letting go: delegation, control and leadership mindset34:02 Simple ways to start building systems37:06 From bookkeeping to business exit strategist42:25 Creating scalable impact and extracting IP45:17 The power of collaboration and learning in community47:15 Life beyond business: creativity and balance48:16 Laurie’s “one word” to Nurture Your Zest Links & Resources Visit Laurie Stirling’s Website https://www.lauriestirling.com/ Connect with Laurie Stirling on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lauriestirling Laurie’s Bottleneck Quiz https://bottlenecks.scoreapp.com Check Out Laurie’s Art Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ladylaurieartist Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠ ⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode of Nurture Your Zest, host Ashleigh King sits down with neurodiversity advocate and community builder Holly Knight, founder of Learn, Grow, Thrive. Known for her unmistakable neon green hair and equally bright energy, Holly shares her deeply personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity, learning to unmask, and building spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered. With honesty, humour and refreshing bluntness, Holly reflects on the realities of growing up neurodivergent, navigating burnout, masking, social expectations and the pressure to “have life figured out” in your twenties. She also shares the powerful story behind Learn, Grow, Thrive,  the programme she created to support neurodiverse young people aged 16–25 to find their passions, build confidence and explore meaningful opportunities beyond traditional pathways. This episode is a celebration of authenticity, individuality and the courage it takes to show up in the world exactly as you are. Key topics discussed: 🌵 Neurodiversity and self-acceptanceHolly shares how discovering her ADHD and autism helped her better understand herself and why masking throughout school left her exhausted. She reflects on the journey of unmasking and why embracing her “neon green energy” became a powerful act of self-acceptance. 🌵 The power of authenticity and unmaskingFrom being told she is “too blunt” to learning how authenticity builds stronger relationships, Holly explores the importance of showing up as your true self, even when it challenges social norms. 🌵 Learn, Grow, ThriveHolly explains how her experience of feeling unsupported as a young neurodivergent person inspired her to create Learn, Grow, Thrive, a project helping young people aged 16–25 discover their passions, develop skills and access opportunities often overlooked in traditional systems. 🌵 Navigating burnout and boundariesHolly opens up about ADHD burnout, the challenge of saying “yes” to everything that feels exciting, and the importance of setting boundaries, pacing yourself and learning when to rest. 🌵 Finding purpose in your twentiesThe conversation explores the pressure many young people feel to achieve life milestones early, and why Holly believes your twenties should be about exploration, curiosity and discovering what truly matters to you. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Vibrancy: The Power of Colour and Identity02:33 Navigating Chaos: Finding Order in the Unpredictable05:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Unmasking and Authenticity09:52 The Challenges of Neurodiversity: Burnout and Boundaries11:21 Supporting Young Minds: Learn, Grow, Thrive and Other Projects15:03 Holly’s Kryptonite17:11 Chaos, Structure and Being Blunt23:02 Navigating Modern Dating and Communication Challenges26:40 Friendship Dynamics and Neurodiversity30:32 The Pressure of Adulthood and Societal Expectations37:20 Finding Purpose and Creating Impact43:15 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care Links & Resources Learn More About Learn, Grow, Thrive celebratedifference.co.uk/tag/learn-grow-thrive/ Connect with Holly Knight on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/holly-knight Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠ ⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

CONTENT TRIGGER WARNING: Listener and viewer discretion is advised.  Sensitive topics covered in this episode include: Murder, violent crime, loss and bereavement, grief and trauma, mental health challenges, and financial stress. If you find this topic upsetting and need any additional support, we’ve included some helpful resources below: www.samaritans.org mind.org.uk www.informationnow.org.uk/article/bereavement/ www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/ - In this special International Women’s Day 2026 episode of Nurture Your Zest, Ashleigh King steps into the guest seat for a deeply personal and powerful conversation with Charlotte Nichols, founder of Harvey and Hugo and host of the PRsonal Podcast. For the first time, Ashleigh swaps interviewer for interviewee, opening up about grief, trauma, entrepreneurship, money mindset, self-worth, and what it truly means to build a business rooted in purpose. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares how the murder of her best friend at 21 reshaped her relationship with storytelling, how trauma can quietly influence leadership and identity, and how reclaiming her voice through podcasting became an act of healing. This episode is a celebration of women’s resilience, creativity and courage, and a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness, but a superpower. Key topics discussed: 🌵 Personal grief and growth Ashleigh reflects on losing her best friend Joe to murder while studying journalism, and how that trauma caused her to step away from her dream career. She shares how grief resurfaces unexpectedly, how trauma responses show up in everyday life, and how storytelling can both heal and re-trigger. 🌵 Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio Ashleigh shares the story behind Flamingo Heights, the bright, light-filled podcast studio she built after being made redundant and pivoting during COVID. 🌵 Vulnerability as a superpower Ashleigh explores how smiling through trauma can be a coping mechanism, and how vulnerability, when handled responsibly, can unlock courage in others. 🌵 Resilience, money mindset & entrepreneurial reality This episode also moves into the very real pressures of running a creative business. 🌵 Community and support Ashleigh shares why she believes holding space for others is a gift — and why she’s learning to receive as much as she gives. - Links & Resources Visit Harvey and Hugo harveyandhugo.com Tune in to The PRSonal Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@HarveyandhugoPR Watch Ashleigh’s PRSonal Podcast Episode https://youtu.be/9kUK2-RX_6g?si=5winv2deLEE_TwkF Connect with Charlotte Nichols on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charlottenicholsharveyandhugo Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠ ⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Paul King – Co-Founder of Flow Software Solutions, host of The Modern Compliance Podcast, surveying software specialist, family man, and passionate champion of underdog businesses, for a grounded, energising and deeply practical conversation about entrepreneurship, community, industry change, and doing work that truly matters. From solving “hair on fire” report-writing chaos in the surveying industry to protecting staff culture with unapologetic boundaries, Paul shares what it really takes to bootstrap a SaaS company, uplift clients, and build something sustainable without outside investment. Together, Ashleigh and Paul explore time, family, mould health, recurring revenue, leadership, podcasting, and what it means to grow a business without losing your values. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 The real problem Flow solves Giving surveyors their evenings back – reclaiming time for tea with their families instead of writing reports at 10pm. 🌵 David vs Goliath in business Why supporting small surveying firms matters, and how software can level the playing field against large corporate monopolies. 🌵 Bootstrapping vs outside investment Building Flow Software Solutions from scratch, learning from failure, pivoting hard, and growing to 350+ clients without investors. 🌵 Mould, health & hidden risk The reality of damp buildings, changing legislation, Awaab’s Law, and why indoor air quality is more important than we think. 🌵 Boundaries & culture The “two strikes rule,” protecting staff from toxic clients, and why revenue should never come at the cost of values. 🌵 Recurring revenue & employee incentives How a SaaS bonus structure aligns the whole team – and why sharing growth builds loyalty and momentum. 🌵 Working with family Building a company with his brother and sister, the power of trust, and why familiarity can be a strength, not nepotism. 🌵 Podcasting as growth Stepping into discomfort, finding confidence in public speaking, and using curiosity as a bridge to connection. 🌵 Fatherhood & perspective How becoming a dad reshaped Paul’s relationship with work, safety, and legacy. 🌵 Community over competition Why referrals, partnerships, and uplifting others create long-term business resilience. - Paul reminds us that good software gives people their time back, that values matter more than vanity metrics, and that business growth should feel human. - Links & Resources Flow Mobile Surveying Website https://www.flowmobile.app/ Flow Mobile Surveying’s Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@flowmobilesurveying The Modern Compliance Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wCiStPR0XLEutMgZcn5jc Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flowmobilesurveying Connect with Flow Mobile Surveying on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/flow-software-solutions/posts/?feedView=all Connect with Paul King on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulking1/ Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠ ⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Reverend Zoe Heming - ordained minister, Canon for Mission at Newcastle Cathedral, disability advocate, and bold female leader, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about faith, AI, intuition, disability, and the urgent need for community in a divided world. From asking “Are we making AI God?” to exploring what it means to lead vulnerably as a disabled woman in the Church, Zoe brings wisdom, courage, and curiosity to every topic. Together, Ashleigh and Zoe dance through big questions about spirituality in the digital age, social justice, identity, inclusion, and what it really means to live in community. Themes of this conversation: 🌵 Are we creating a new God in AI?  Exploring technology, spirituality, confirmation bias, and the responsibility we carry in an age of large language models 🌵 Faith, tradition & reason   Why zooming out matters, and how history, scripture, and curiosity help us navigate cultural polarisation 🌵 Intuition & female leadership  Trusting your instinct in a world that has historically silenced women 🌵 Disability as a gift (even when you didn’t ask for it)  Zoe’s journey into chronic pain, wheelchair use, and what vulnerability teaches us about leadership 🌵 Mary vs Martha energy   Presence, productivity, neurodiversity, and why listening might be more radical than doing 🌵 Community over individualism   Why “humans can’t save ourselves” and why thriving requires shared narrative, shared responsibility, and shared humanity 🌵 Inclusion without curation   Holding space for diverse experiences without weaponising identity - This episode is for anyone navigating: Faith in a modern world AI and spirituality Female leadership ADHD and neurodiversity Disability and identity Social justice and inclusion  Or simply the longing for deeper community Zoe reminds us that our limitations may be gifts, that curiosity is a spiritual practice, and that we are most alive in relationship with others. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone who’s wrestling with big questions about faith, identity, technology, or belonging. - Chapters: 00:00 Exploring Community and Connection  02:44 Navigating Social Justice and Faith  06:14 The Role of AI in Modern Society  12:09 Intuition and Female Leadership  12:50 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion  16:09 The Importance of Listening and Presence  27:04 Navigating Life's Challenges and Disabilities  30:10 The Intersection of Faith and Disability  31:39 Embracing Limitations as Gifts  35:34 Vulnerability in Leadership and Community  38:52 Personal Identity Beyond Labels  42:54 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Diverse Experiences  45:54 The Importance of Listening and Learning  50:04 Nurturing Joy and Connection - Important Links & Resources Newcastle Cathedral Website https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/ Connect with Zoe on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/revdzoe/?hl=en Learn More About the Newcastle Cathedral Team https://newcastlecathedral.org.uk/learn/about-us/meet-the-team/ Connect with Your Host, Ashleigh King https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/ If you liked this episode, you may also like this one: https://youtu.be/fydAMoBNTxg?si=HqZP-isUTLcWbh6g This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 f you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to:  💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠ ⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

That's right, Nurture Your Zest is BACK! 🌵 Season 4 of Nurture Your Zest is on its way, and we’re bringing you a fresh lineup of thoughtful, inspiring, and beautifully honest conversations. This season, we’re sitting down with creative minds, purpose-led founders, and community builders who are doing things their own way. Embracing growth, navigating change, and building lives and businesses that nurture their zest. If you love honest chats, curious minds, and stories that leave you feeling fired up (and slightly obsessed), you’re in the right place. This season, we’re exploring what it really looks like to: 🌵 Build something meaningful  🌵 Embrace difference and turn it into your superpower 🌵 Lead, create, and grow in ways that feel aligned, not forced 🌵 Ask bigger questions about success, purpose, and community 🌵 ... and how to Nurture Your Zest, of course!  Season 4 launches Wednesday 19th February 2026, hosted by Ashleigh King 🎙️ - 🎧 Need to catch up? Tune in to previous seasons below: https://youtu.be/61qFbb0RWfc?si=fC5Z1PbDw0QwjGjw Why not connect with us on socials? Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nurtureyourzest/?__d=1%2F LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/company/nurtureyourzest Nurture Your Zest is recorded and produced at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio 🦩 https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk/

Join your host Ashleigh King as she welcomes Mayira Thomas – poet, educator, speaker, and founder of Mayfly Coaching – for a heartfelt and profound conversation that spans identity, healing, emotional intelligence, and the power of truly being seen. Mayira brings a deeply rooted, cross-cultural perspective to her work.  Themes of this conversation: 🌵 Growing up between cultures, navigating assumptions and identity, and how these early experiences shaped Mayira’s mission to help others feel seen 🌵 The emotional weight young people often carry – from racism and cultural expectations to being silent caregivers – and why nurturing safe spaces is essential 🌵 Reframing how we see teenagers, especially boys, and giving them the tools to process emotion, build confidence, and ask for help 🌵 The importance of emotional self-leadership in adults – and how awareness, boundaries, and better communication create healthier homes and communities 🌵 Mayira’s creative and spiritual journey – from writing poetry and meditating in nature to embracing solitude, breathwork, and the beauty of slowing down 🌵 Why she believes creativity isn’t a luxury, but a survival tool – and how self-expression, not perfection, can lead us to personal freedom Connect with Mayira Thomas:   💻 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mayflycoaching/ ⁠📲 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-lord-cpc-authentic-action?originalSubdomain=uk ⁠This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 bookings⁠@flamingoheights.co.uk ⁠⁠www.flamingoheights.co.uk⁠

Join your host Ashleigh King as she chats to Christina Lord – coach, creative, breathwork facilitator, and soulful strategist who helps people reconnect with their true selves, navigate life’s messy middle, and reignite their inner spark. Themes of this conversation:  🌵 The power of energy and embodiment – how emotions are “energy in motion,” and why tuning into your body is the first step to transformation 🌵 Living through the dark night of the soul – from grief and burnout to quitting her job, ending a 16-year relationship, and travelling the world to rediscover herself 🌵 Learning to listen to the whispers – why ignoring the “niggles” can lead to crisis, and how compassionate curiosity can guide us back to alignment 🌵 Breaking up with ‘shoulds’ and people-pleasing – how Christina stopped abandoning herself and began building a life rooted in radical honesty, boundaries, and self-trust 🌵 Letting go to grow – navigating life’s endings and beginnings, and why change, grief, and heartbreak can be unexpected invitations to rise 🌵 Rediscovering creativity and softness – how reclaiming play, presence, and feeling deeply can help you find your way home to yourself 🌵 Why breath is everything – from coaching to breathwork, how reconnecting with the breath can shift your nervous system, your perspective, and your life Connect with Christina Lord:   💻 Website: https://www.authenticactioncoaching.com/ 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-lord-cpc-authentic-action?originalSubdomain=uk This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected]  www.flamingoheights.co.uk

🔞 Content trigger warning: Listener and viewer discretion is advised. Join your host Ashleigh King as she chats to Robert Little – coach, podcast host, former door-to-door salesman, and passionate advocate for community, connection, and living life with intention.Themes of this conversation:🌵 Embracing challenges – the importance of mental resilience for facing any challenge whether that be fasting during Ramadan to going alcohol-free for 661 days🌵Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, the struggles he faced at school, and how through raw determination, he found success through unconventional learning methods 🌵 Building deep community roots – from growing up in local social clubs to being a door-to-door sales man – and how those experiences fuel Robert’s mission to “smash life” 🌵 The impact of losing friends too young, and how grief motivated him to launch the ‘Smash Life Challenge’ and help others thrive 🌵 Why real conversations about mental health, alcohol, and technology are more important than ever – especially for men and younger generations 🌵 The power of routine, gratitude, nature, and “winning the morning” to reclaim your time, energy, and joy in life 🌵 Behind the scenes of launching his own podcast, The Big Red Show – and why Robert believes in doing things his way, with honesty, passion, and heartConnect with Robert Little: 💻 Website: https://smashlifechallenge.co.uk/ 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-little-73888b172/🎙️ Listen to ‘Big Red Show’: https://open.spotify.com/show/1siTKVdzw6DZdbkynjsID3If you like what you see please give us a like, comment and subscribe! It really helps us to grow our channel, and it’s a free way you can support us in bringing your more stories! 🎙️🫶This podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk