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In this powerful and honest episode of You Look Happier, Ellie is joined by Becky Ball, who spent 14 years battling an addiction to heroin and crack cocaine. Becky’s story began when she was spiked with heroin, believing she was taking cannabis resin. What followed was years of addiction, prison, and the painful reality of trying to access the help she desperately needed, only to be refused rehab. Everything began to change when Becky discovered she was about to become a nan. In this episode, Becky opens up about the devastating impact of addiction, the barriers she faced when trying to get help, and the long, difficult journey of finding recovery. She also shares how she has transformed her own experiences into a purpose, now working as a housing supervisor supporting complex women experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness and addiction. This is a conversation about the reality of addiction, the importance of access to support, and what can happen when someone who has experienced some of life's darkest moments finds a way forward. **Because recovery isn't always a straight line, and sometimes the person who has been through the most can become the person who helps others find their way out.** If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that support is available and you don't have to face it alone. #YouLookHappier #AddictionRecovery #HeroinAddiction #CrackCocaine #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rich Prendegast opens up about his addiction to alcohol and cocaine, the impact it had on his family and the road to recovery. Rich shares how close he came to homelessness, how his behaviour pushed away the people closest to him, and the moment his dad broke down and told him he wanted to enjoy the last few years of his life without worrying about him. Even after hearing that, Rich still wasn't ready to stop. He talks honestly about relapse, family, shame, the consequences of addiction and what finally helped him turn things around. Recovery isn't a straight road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What started as one of the hardest moments of Taylor’s life eventually became the beginning of something that would give him a voice, confidence and a place to be completely himself. Taylor, host of The Waffle Shop Podcast, opens up about the devastating phone call that changed everything: his mum’s back surgery had gone wrong, she was on life support, and suddenly he was facing the possibility that she might not survive. At the same time, he found himself having to step up, fight for his mum and look after his little sister. But something unexpected came from that experience. Taylor began speaking openly about how he was feeling, finding confidence in sharing his story and eventually creating The Waffle Shop Podcast. In this episode, we talk about family, fear, responsibility, finding your voice, and how sometimes the moments that break us can also shape the person we become. This is the story behind the waffle. 🧇❤️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ellie is joined by Jordanna AKA TINKS! Jordanna opens up about growing up in Coventry, losing the man she loved, becoming a mum, and navigating life while her child’s dad is still in prison. Tinks talks openly about Coventry, what she believes is failing the people who live there, the changes she wants to see, and why she’s determined to use her voice to fight for the community that raised her. She has been through pain, and now uses it to motivate her. She wants a better community for her daughter to grow up in, and she is not going to stop until she gets there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode, Ellie is joined by Joe Fulton - Founder of 'Get Fruity' A Coventry lad, dad and entrepreneur, Joe joins me to talk about growing up with the belief that he couldn’t learn...and how he eventually decided to teach himself. He felt that if he got things wrong he would be punished, so he masked 'the fear of trying' but turning to humour and misbehaving in school as a distraction. Now the founder of Get Fruity, Joe opens up about the experiences that made him realise he wanted more from his life, some of the bad decisions he made, and how he started to pick up books to educate himself. This is the story of the man behind the brand, a really likeable guy and it was a pleasure to sit down with him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the You Look Happier Podcast, Ellie sits down with Dean, an Army veteran and dad who shares his raw and powerful journey of living alongside Bipolar Disorder. After being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, attempting suicide twice, and experiencing the intense highs of hypermania alongside crippling depressive episodes, Dean opens up about the battles inside his head. We talk about what bipolar really feels like, the reality of being sectioned, the impact mental illness had on his family, and how finally receiving a diagnosis helped him begin to understand himself. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide, bipolar disorder, mental illness and being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. If these topics may be distressing, please listen with care. Dean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dean_online_performance_coach/ Bipolar UK: https://www.bipolaruk.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of You Look Happier, Karl Orman shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and broken relationships to three years of sobriety and a life he never thought was possible for him. Karl speaks openly about the devastating impact addiction had on every area of his life, he is open, raw and honest about some of the rock-bottom moments that forced him to confront the reality of his situation, and the turning point that led him to rehab (https://www.thedynamoproject.co.uk/). He reflects on the challenges of recovery, rebuilding trust with loved ones, and learning how to become the man he always knew he could be. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the life-changing power of recovery. Whether you have experienced addiction yourself, supported someone through it, or simply love hearing stories of transformation, Karl's journey is a reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, change is always possible. Content warning: This episode contains discussions around addiction, homelessness, and mental health that some listeners may find upsetting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would life look like if you couldn't eat? In this powerful episode of You Look Happier, I sit down with Steph McNaney, who has been living with gastroparesis and intestinal failure and has not eaten food for nearly three years. Steph shares the reality of living with a life-altering invisible illness, the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, the physical and emotional impact of losing something most of us take for granted, and how she has navigated grief, resilience and hope throughout her journey. We talk openly about chronic illness, identity, mental health, relationships, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life doesn't go as planned. This is an honest, inspiring and eye-opening conversation that will leave you with a new perspective on the everyday things many of us take for granted. ⚠️ This episode contains discussions around chronic illness, medical treatment and mental health. https://www.instagram.com/thenogutsallglorystory/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the You Look Happier Podcast, I’m joined by Ria Burgoine, founder of Mamas Mindfulness. 🤍 Ria runs a range of luxury parenting groups, including stay and play sessions, baby massage, music and movement classes, and supportive spaces for mums to connect and feel less alone in motherhood. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Ria shares her experience of being diagnosed with both ADHD and autism at the age of 40. We talk about what led her to seek a diagnosis, how it has helped her better understand herself, the challenges she faces day-to-day, and how ADHD and autism impact her life, relationships, parenting, and business. Ria also opens up about the medication she has been prescribed, her experience of navigating treatment, and what life looks like now with a greater understanding of how her brain works. Links: https://www.instagram.com/mamasmindfulness/ https://www.problemshared.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, illness, and the emotional impact of a life-changing diagnosis. At just 31 years old, Niamh's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer. As a mum to two young children, she suddenly found herself facing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, losing her hair, and navigating the uncertainty that comes with a diagnosis no one ever expects to hear. In this powerful and emotional episode of You Look Happier, Niamh shares the reality of life during treatment, the fears she faced, the impact cancer had on her family, and how she found the strength to keep moving forward during the darkest moments of her life. Niamh's honesty and determination will inspire anyone facing their own challenges and remind us all of the importance of appreciating the life we have. Links: https://breastcancernow.org -  The UK's leading breast cancer charity, funding research and providing support services, helplines, groups, and information for patients and families. https://coppafeel.org – A breast cancer awareness charity focused on encouraging people, especially younger adults, to check their chests regularly and spot symptoms early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful returning episode, Rachael Carroll opens up about hitting rock bottom, battling addiction, losing herself completely and the moment she realised something had to change. Since first appearing on the podcast, Rachael’s life has transformed. She is now sober, has lost 8 stone, rebuilt her confidence and completed her very first full marathon! Trigger warning: this episode contains conversations around addiction, mental health and difficult life experiences. This episode of You Look Happier is sponsored by La Pooch Parlour Dog Grooming. https://www.instagram.com/lapoochparlour_coventry/ Links: Go Fund Me Page: https://gofund.me/fcd8fac07 https://www.instagram.com/rachealcarroll?igsh=ZHJlMDhuejI2MTNi&utm_source=qr https://www.tiktok.com/@rachealrebuilt?_r=1&_t=ZN-96TJjbHwS18 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of You Look Happier, Ellie is joined by professional boxer Brad Goldsmith for a raw and honest conversation about sacrifice, pressure, and what it really takes to chase a dream. Brad opens up about making the life-changing decision to walk away from his apprenticeship to give boxing absolutely everything, despite the uncertainty that came with it. We talk about the fear of taking risks, the mindset needed to keep going when things get tough, and the reality behind life as a fighter outside of the ring. This episode is proudly sponsored by The Boxing Lab - Coventry https://www.instagram.com/the_boxing_lab_/ https://www.theboxinglab.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around prison, trauma, mental health, and difficult life experiences that some listeners may find distressing. In this powerful episode of You Look Happier, I’m joined by Danneka Fivey, who opens up about her time in prison and the reality of what that experience was truly like. Danneka shares the moments that led her there, the emotional impact it had on her, and what it feels like to hit rock bottom. This isn’t just a story about prison, it’s about what happened to Danneka afterwards. We talk about how she made the decision to change, how she got her head down, educated herself, and rebuilt her life from the inside out. From prison to becoming a qualified personal trainer, her story is one of resilience, discipline, and transformation. This is a raw, honest conversation about accountability, growth, and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future! If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve gone too far to come back from — this episode is for you. Links - https://www.instagram.com/fivestarfitness2/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of You Look Happier, Saffron Baker opens up about the parts of her life she’s never been able to talk about before. From navigating a difficult childhood to becoming a young mum, Saffron shares the reality behind her journey...including the heartbreak of losing her own mum, becoming a young mum to two boys, this included raising a son with additional needs, and the strength it’s taken to fight for the support he deserves! Saff is now a content creator with a bunch of loyal followers dedicated to her, and she is learning that it is OK to talk!! Her journey learning how to open up, has helped her in understanding who she is, so her coming onto the podcast was a real milestone for her. This is a raw and honest conversation about grief, resilience, and what it really means to keep going when life doesn’t get easier. For the first time, Saffron shares her story...and why she’s finally ready to speak about it. Links: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@itssaffb?_r=1&_t=ZN-95X7K4sTZry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itssaffb?igsh=MWN4MjVmMW9kaTF6Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Youtube - https://youtube.com/@itssaffb?si=_yC7oM038rOGY5lp Website - www.itssaffb.co.uk ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around grief, trauma, neurodivergent parenting and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, Jordan Black reduces Ellie to tears by opening up about his not only his traumatic childhood, but his time in the army, and the unimaginable loss of his beautiful baby daughter, Aurora. Through heartbreak and grief, he has found a way to turn his pain into purpose, running for charity and keeping her memory alive with every step. He shares about some of his darkest times, and the strength he has somehow found to carry on. A true inspiration, and an honour to have on the podcast. This episode is proudly sponsored by Face Therapy - https://www.instagram.com/facetherapy_ ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around grief, trauma, domestic violence, baby loss, and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.