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As we close out the first half of the year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on what’s changed—and what it’s taught me. Six months ago, I was living in Ireland, planning a very different kind of move. Since then, I’ve made some of the biggest decisions of my life—including moving to France on my own. It’s something I always wanted to do, but hadn’t acted on until now. This episode is a look at what it’s really like to start fresh in a new place, face unexpected challenges, and rebuild routines when everything around you shifts. I talk about: Learning to trust your gut (and the cost when you don’t) Building resilience in a year that didn’t go to plan Losing structure, regaining momentum, and showing up anyway Creating systems that help me stay grounded, focused, and honest Why it’s never too late to do something new—and how this move reminded me of that This is the last episode before the podcast takes its usual summer break. We’ll be back in September with Episode 200, and some exciting things to come. In the meantime, feel free to comment your own mid-year reflections or what you’re planning for the second half of 2025—I’d love to hear where you’re at. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode explores the uncomfortable but deeply honest process of realising you want more—when everything on the surface looks fine. I talk about what it means to live in that quiet space between “not bad” and “not enough,” and how hard it can be to admit you're ready for something different. Whether it's a shift in your work, relationships, routine, or identity, there's a real fear in acknowledging you’ve outgrown what used to fit. This isn’t about blowing everything up or throwing shade on your past self. It’s about learning to listen when your inner voice gets louder—and recognising that desire isn’t selfish, it’s information. I unpack: The guilt of wanting more when nothing is technically “wrong” The stories we tell ourselves about what we should be happy with Why dissatisfaction isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth The subtle signs you’re ready to shift (even if you’re scared to) How I’ve personally navigated this space and what I’m still figuring out If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more—but couldn’t explain why—this episode will help you feel less alone in that. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag ⁠⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever feel like visibility should be exciting—but instead it makes you want to run? In this episode, I’m diving into what it really feels like to be seen—and why it can trigger so much discomfort, even when it’s what we want. I talk about the subtle ways we keep ourselves small, how fear of attention can sabotage our growth, and the mindset shifts that helped me stop flinching when the spotlight hit. Whether you're showing up online, taking on new opportunities, or just trying to stop hiding—you’re not alone. In this episode: – Why visibility feels scary (even when you asked for it) – The quiet ways we hide our progress – How taking up space builds real self-trust – What’s helped me stop ghosting my goals – A challenge for anyone ready to stop playing small If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: ⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠ Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag ⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This solo episode is all about self-trust — what it actually means, how we lose it without realising, and what it feels like to build it back. If you’ve ever felt like you can show up for everyone except yourself… or like your goals always seem to come last on your to-do list, this one’s for you. We’re not talking about hustle or motivation here. We’re talking about becoming someone you can rely on — someone who keeps their word, even when no one else is watching. In this episode I cover: Why we break promises to ourselves (and how that chips away at confidence) What self-trust really looks like in everyday life The shift that happens when you start following through How to show yourself grace without abandoning your goals Simple ways to start rebuilding trust, one small step at a time This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about proving to yourself, day by day, that you’ve got your own back. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: ⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠ Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag ⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that’s been showing up in my own life lately — the middle bit. That weird, quiet, slightly awkward phase where you’ve started the work, but the big results haven’t arrived yet. You're not struggling, but you're not buzzing either. You're showing up, but it doesn’t feel exciting. Sound familiar? This is the episode I needed myself this week — a reminder that growth isn’t always loud, and that progress often hides in the days that feel slow or uncertain. What I cover: Why the “middle” of any journey feels the hardest How to recognise progress that doesn’t feel like progress The difference between a plateau and quiet integration Why slowing down doesn’t mean starting over What I’m learning about consistency that doesn’t rely on hype How to stay connected to your goals when momentum feels low You’re not off track — you’re just on a hill. And hills feel harder… but they still move you forward. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: ⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠ Find me on Instagram: ⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag ⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo episode, I’m following up on Episode 191 (When Progress Feels Like Panic) with a deeper dive into the dips that come after growth — and how easy it is to mistake them for failure. This week, I hit one of those dips myself. After a run of feeling good and showing up consistently, I found myself shutting down — and falling into familiar patterns. But this time, I responded differently. This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why does it feel like I’m back here again?” even though they know they’ve grown. We’ll talk about: How momentum really works (spoiler: it’s not linear) Why old patterns show up when you’re tired, stressed, or stretched The difference between rest and avoidance Why “I should be over this” is a lie How to recognise progress even in the middle of a setback The one thing I’m doing differently this time around You’re not back at the start — you’re facing something familiar with stronger awareness. And that’s what growth actually looks like. If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: ⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠ Find me on Instagram: ⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag ⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I’m getting into the real reason your training isn’t consistent—and it’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated. It’s because you’re not planning it like you plan everything else in your life. You schedule work, appointments, social plans—so why do you expect your workouts to just happen? We’ll cover: Why motivation fades and clarity keeps you going How to figure out what your body actually needs The difference between training for a purpose vs training out of guilt How to stop wasting time on workouts that don’t serve you What planning your training really looks like (without overcomplicating it) When getting help is the fastest way to stop spinning your wheels If you’ve been stuck in a loop of starting, stopping, and second-guessing—this is for you. Work with me: www.chrissyhawkins.com Find me on Instagram: @stronginthesaddle_ Got questions? DM me or drop a voice note—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share it with someone who needs to stop waiting for motivation. Leave a quick rating or review—it helps get this message in front of more people. Tag @stronginthesaddle_ in your stories so I can say thanks. Resources + Links:If you found this episode useful… Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo episode, I dive into the realities of overthinking — and how waiting for the "perfect" plan or moment can leave you stuck doing nothing at all. I talk about: How I wasn’t even an over-planner — I just avoided planning altogether, but convinced myself I'd made progress The challenges of being an introvert in a media course full of extroverts, and the jealousy I felt seeing others so clear on their paths Working in a jewellers, eventually studying to become a PT, and how long it took me to make the leap into the fitness world Realising I’m not a professional planner — I’m a professional overthinker How even perfectly laid plans (like my trip through France) can still go wrong — and why that's okay The importance of learning by doing, and seeing setbacks as feedback, not failure Taking opportunities even when you don’t feel ready, because that's the only way to grow Finding little ways to get out of your own head — even if it’s having full-blown conversations with yourself Creating routines and rituals that help you take action, without overwhelming yourself with a huge list of “non-negotiables” Why if you wait for the perfect time, you'll just end up watching life pass you by — so you might as well go for it I'd love to hear what you’re working towards — drop a comment and let me know! Links + Mentions: Connect on Instagram → ⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this solo episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been unpacking privately for a long time—my relationship with stress, and how it shows up when life starts to change. You’ll hear about the pattern I’ve noticed in myself: how I sometimes retreat after making bold moves, even when they’re exactly what I wanted. I talk through how I used to bury stress, what happened when that stopped working, and the questions I ask myself now when I start to feel overwhelmed or blocked. Whether you’re in a season of growth, burnout, or somewhere in between—this episode is here to remind you: you’re not behind, and you’re not alone. What I cover: Why we pull back after stepping outside our comfort zone The stress response no one talks about How I process overwhelm and check in with what I really need The difference between resting and avoiding Simple steps to move forward without bulldozing yourself Links + Mentions: Connect on Instagram → @stronginthesaddle_ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today I’m joined by Mark Jason Fanning — racing pundit, content creator, and all-round racing enthusiast. If you’ve ever found yourself caught up in the buzz of a raceday or just love hearing from someone who truly lives and breathes the sport, this one’s for you. We chat about: How Mark first got into racing — from skipping school to hiding in ditches just to catch a glimpse of the action at Thurles Working with bookies on racedays to earn a few quid and fuel the passion How the general interest in racing has changed over the years, even around big events like Cheltenham The shift in tech from the Bebo days to building a brand and showing up online now The challenges of putting yourself out there and how to handle both constructive feedback and the not-so-constructive Plans for the year ahead, including setting up a little home studio for content creation Tackling racing’s bad reputation — and why we need more stories that highlight the real care and love for the horses Why good news doesn’t travel as fast as bad news, and what needs to change Going to Cheltenham for the first time (despite working in racing for years) and how it lived up to the hype Mark also flips the script at the end and shares the best advice he would give someone starting out We also take a moment to reflect on the tragic passing of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, and the impact it had on the racing community — a sobering reminder of the risks in the sport and the strength of the people within it. Where to find Mark:Instagram – @markjason86YouTube – MJF Sports If you are interested in working with me you can find me : Equestrian Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

It’s been a while since I’ve done a solo episode – and even more mad that I’m recording this one from France 🇫🇷 In this episode, I’m giving a bit of a life update and chatting through everything from why I moved, to how I got here (with my guinea pig, Spud, in tow), and what I’ve learned along the way. Here’s what I cover: Why I finally made the move to France – something I’d dreamed of for years but had nearly written off How a big breakup led me to therapy, which completely changed my life Wanting to run away at first… then realising I actually wanted to move for me Travelling the hard way (because of course I did), including a very unplanned “well-planned” journey Having just 10 days to rethink everything and settling on Perpignan The emotional toll of putting yourself first when you’re not used to doing it Bringing Spud across countries while my amazing parents carried the suitcase Learning to settle into a new place, without speaking the language The reality of social anxiety when you don’t have the words Choosing to have a beginner’s mindset when it comes to speaking French The joy of making your own schedule and not having to adjust for anyone else A little challenge for you to try putting yourself first — or spend some time alone and see how it feels And a reminder: just be yourself, and stop worrying about what anyone else thinks Whether you’re thinking about a big change, working on yourself, or just curious about life abroad — this one’s a personal one, and I hope you enjoy it. If you are interested in working with me you can find me : Equestrian Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today I’m chatting with Dillon Ryan, better known as @dillon_equi on Instagram. Dillon’s an equestrian influencer now, but he only started riding in 2020 — and what a journey it’s been since. Growing up in a small village in North County Dublin, Dillon always felt drawn to horses trotting by, but it wasn’t until the world shut down during COVID and his work in the airline industry paused that he decided to finally give riding a go. We talk about: The nerves of starting lessons as an adult Knowing instantly he was in the right place Discovering that horses all have their own personalities Leasing one horse… then another… until a friend suggested, “Why don’t you just get your own?” The process of finding his first horse, Duffy, with support from more experienced horsey friends The emotional moment of bringing Duffy home The heartbreaking decision to let Duffy go and thinking he might never own a horse again Meeting Elvis, his current horse — and realising the difference between owning a 14-year-old versus a 5-year-old! Going back to basics, building trust, and learning together The importance of setting your ego aside and getting help when you need it Celebrating the little wins that come with producing a young horse His plans for the year ahead with Elvis And some great advice for anyone starting out in the equestrian world This is a brilliant, down-to-earth chat about coming into the equestrian world as an adult, building confidence, and embracing the ups and downs that come with horse ownership. Where to find Dillon:Instagram – @dillon_equi

Today, I’m chatting with Lorraine Cribben, better known as @edthedun on Instagram. Lorraine is a veterinary nurse, an equine photographer, and an equestrian influencer who has built a strong community around her journey with her horse, Ed. We talk about: How she got into equine photography and how balancing two jobs doesn’t feel like work when you love what you doSetting up her Instagram page just after she got Ed and being surprised by how quickly it took offThe surreal feeling of being recognised as “someone from Instagram”Then, we dive into Ed—how Lorraine nearly missed out on him but, thanks to a bit of fate, he ended up being hers. She shares: What it was like bringing him home for the first timeThe different things they’ve tried together, including giving polo a goWhy he’s currently on holidays and the challenges of winter ridingThe process of bringing a horse back to fitness after a breakWe also chat about the importance of having a solid support system—whether you’re competing or just riding for fun. Lorraine shares her plans for both Ed’s future and her Instagram page, including an exciting giveaway coming up soon! To follow along with Lorraine and Ed, check out @edthedun on Instagram. If you are interested in working with me you can find me : Equestrian Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you hate the gym? This might be diet cultures fault. Today, I’m chatting with Maggie Lawlor, owner of Simple Strength Gym in Leixlip, who specialises in non-diet fitness for women. Maggie first got into gym-based training as a runner trying to avoid injuries, but over the years, her passion grew. She eventually became a coach, left her job as a nurse, and took the leap to open her own gym. We talk about: Making the move from nursing to coaching and how she gradually built her client base before going all inHer first pregnancy and how it led her deep into research on strength training for womenThe pressure on women to “bounce back” after pregnancy and why that mindset needs to changeThe physical benefits of strength training before and after birthHow experienced lifters sometimes struggle to adjust intensity during pregnancyListening to your body and why rest is not a sign of weaknessThe grip of diet culture on women and the fear of losing fitness or gaining weight instead of focusing on growing a humanWhy every woman should see a pelvic floor physio postpartumRunning a marathon while breastfeeding (!?)The dangers of comparing yourself to celebrities or athletes with completely different circumstancesWe then dive into Maggie’s approach at Simple Strength Gym: Why so many people think they hate gyms when really, they just hate the association with punishment and guiltHow she reassures new clients—no weigh-ins, no unrealistic expectations, just movement that feels goodThe health benefits of exercise we all take for granted until they’re goneWhy smaller studio gyms can be a better fit for people nervous about startingThe importance of paying attention to the content you consume and how it shapes your self-imageThe sneaky ways diet culture hides in fitness challenges—if it looks like a diet, it probably isWhy true healthy habits aren’t flashy, but they actually workHow fitness should be simple—if someone overcomplicates it, that’s a red flagAccepting that some days will be better than others and that doesn’t make you a failureMaggie finishes with some brilliant advice to leave you thinking. To find out more or work with Maggie, you can find her at: @simple.strength.leixlip https://www.simplestrengthleixlip.com/ If you are interested in working with me you can find me : Equestrian Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are you living life on Default? In today’s episode, I chat with Molly Smyth, the creator and host of The Healing Gals Podcast. Molly also hosts women’s circles and workshops, where she brings women together to support each other and help them heal. Molly’s own healing journey began when she discovered her long-term partner had been cheating on her, shattering her world. This difficult experience led her to a path of healing, and now she’s passionate about helping other women on their own journeys. We dive into topics like: Conditioning: How women are conditioned to feel “less than” so they can be sold more and more products to try to make them feel worthy. Compliments and Body Image: We discuss how well-intentioned compliments about someone's appearance may have a negative impact, and how it's important to be mindful of how we talk about others' bodies. Curating Your Environment: How carefully choosing your social media feed and the conversations you're a part of can affect your self-esteem and how you feel about yourself. Worthy Without Effort: Molly shares why you don’t have to change anything about yourself to be worthy. It's okay if others choose things like makeup, diets, or cosmetic surgery—just make sure it's something you truly want, not something you feel pressured into. Not a Trend: We talk about how our bodies are not trends, and how the pressure to keep changing them to fit ever-changing standards is damaging. We also explore Molly’s previous relationship, how she was manipulated, and how she allowed it to happen because she was in such a vulnerable state. Boundaries: Molly talks about the importance of setting boundaries—not to change others, but to protect your own well-being and create space for relationships with people who respect you. Resentment and Relationships: We discuss how running yourself ragged in relationships can breed resentment, which can ultimately kill the connection. The Patriarchy: How hating the patriarchy doesn’t mean hating men and how both women and men are affected by it. Insidious Influence: We talk about how patriarchy sneaks into our lives, through advertising, and the ways we unknowingly act in our own homes. Molly finishes with the best piece of advice on taking care of your inner child and why it’s so crucial for our well-being. You can find Molly and the podcast on Instagram: @healinggalspodcast If you are interested in working with me you can find me : Equestrian Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@stronginthesaddle_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Equestrian Tiktok: @ stronginthesaddle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Happy Hips for horseriding PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Supple Shoulders for the Saddle PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chrissyhawkins.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠