Today, we tackle the complex topic of toxic positivity, especially as it relates to cancer survivors. I break down how well-meaning advice like “stay positive” can sometimes feel more like a burden than support.

We explore the cultural obsession with always staying upbeat and how it might dismiss the very real emotions of grief, anger, and fear that survivors experience.

Together, we unpack whether positivity truly aids healing or if it simply piles on additional pressure.

You’ll hear strategies for navigating those tricky conversations and setting boundaries with well-meaning but misguided loved ones. We’ll also cover ways to process emotions healthily—whether through mindfulness, journaling, or connecting with others who understand the journey.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of toxic positivity or wondered how to balance authenticity with resilience, this one’s for you. Let’s rewrite the rules on how we support ourselves and others in tough times.

Here are the highlights:

(1:41) Defining Toxic Positivity and Its Cultural Obsession

(3:01) The Myth of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) in Healing

(4:29) The Role of Emotions in Healing and the Pressure to Stay Positive

(9:23) Strategies for Navigating Toxic Positivity

(11:19) Balancing Positivity and Emotional Honesty

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

Are supplements a necessary part of staying healthy, or can we get everything we need from food?

In this episode, my 100th episode, I unpack the booming supplement industry and the role it plays in modern wellness. I’ll share my own journey with supplements—what I take, why I take them, and how they fit into my broader wellness plan.

From vitamin D to magnesium, I’ll highlight the benefits, the risks, and the importance of getting the basics right before making any changes.

Whether you’re feeling a bit off or simply curious about optimising your health, this episode is all about making small, actionable changes to feel your best.

(1:29) Reasons for the Boom in Supplement Industry

(3:33) Impact of Modern Lifestyles and Aging on Nutrition

(4:58) Importance of Proper Supplement Dosage

(7:32) Benefits of Magnesium and Collagen Supplements

(9:00) Developing a Personal Wellness Plan

(10:17) Balancing Supplements with a Good Diet

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If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

In this episode, I’m talking about something that’s close to my heart: the importance of avoiding toxins in our personal care products.

Think about it—between morning showers, skincare routines, and all those everyday products, we could be layering on dozens, even hundreds, of chemicals without a second thought. I’m here to unpack what that exposure means for our health, share some common culprits hiding in these products, and offer a few practical tips to help you make safer choices without turning your life upside down.

We’ll chat about which ingredients to look out for and how to find alternatives that protect rather than harm. For me, it’s not just about “clean beauty,” but about taking back control and actively supporting our well-being, especially if you’ve been through a health challenge. I’ve even got a handy guide on the top toxins to avoid to help you get started.

Here are the highlights:

(0:46) Importance of Avoiding Toxins in Personal Care Products

(2:46) Common Toxins in Personal Care Products

(10:18) Alternatives and DIY Solutions

(11:54) Promoting Ethical and Natural Brands

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

This week, I’m exploring the idea of the “winter arc” and how it’s reshaping my outlook on the colder, darker months.

If, like me, you've ever felt that winter is just something to endure, I’ve got some fresh ways to think about this season as a time for rest, reflection, and growth. From embracing cosy self-care rituals to finding community and staying active in surprising ways, we’ll chat about how to make winter work for you instead of fighting against it.

I'll also share some tips for keeping your energy levels up and boosting your immune system, plus how to enjoy moments of stillness without guilt.

Winter doesn’t have to feel isolating or dreary—with the right mindset, it can be an enriching part of our lives. Let’s make this season one to remember, not just survive!

Here are the highlights:

(1:17) The Importance of Seasons and Nature

(3:03) Creating a Cosy and Restful Environment

(4:35) Maintaining Physical and Emotional Health

(7:41) Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder

(10:36) Daily Habits to Improve Mood

(12:25) Self-Care Rituals in Winter

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

This week, I’m tackling a serious issue that’s close to my heart: the support available for employees dealing with cancer treatment and recovery.

I share my own experiences, highlighting both the positive and negative ways companies handle this issue. It's clear that with one in two people likely to face a cancer diagnosis, organisations need to do better.

Many companies don’t have tailored policies or proper training for managers, which leads to inconsistent support for employees.

We need to advocate for better adjustments and understanding in the workplace so that cancer survivors can successfully reintegrate without feeling like they’re struggling alone.

Here are the highlights:

(1:17) My personal cancer journey and company support.

(3:33) Client experience with company cancer support.

(9:15) Challenges in managerial support.

(14:17) How companies can improve their support during staff illness.

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

In this week’s episode, I'm chatting about something really close to my heart—finding your tribe after a cancer diagnosis. Whether it’s people who understand your journey or those you can support, finding a community is so important, especially when the treatment ends, and the support seems to drift away.

I share my recent inspiring lunch with Lisa, a 19-year cancer survivor, and how she reminded me of the power of connection. We also talk about joining support groups—online or local—and how these communities can lift you up, provide comfort, and help you feel less alone. But it’s not just about finding people to help you—sometimes, you’ll be the one providing support.

This episode explores how offering your own experience and advice can give you a sense of purpose and how you can protect your energy while doing it. We touch on the importance of choosing a positive circle of people, because let’s be honest, none of us need more negativity!

So, let’s dive into how building your tribe can help you stay strong, hopeful, and ready to embrace your future.

Here are the highlights:

(1:59) The Role of Support Groups Post-Treatment

(4:54) Pros and Cons of Joining Support Groups

(7:10) Maintaining Positive Energy and Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People

(7:26) Balancing Self-Care and Helping Others

(10:13) The Importance of Community and Connection

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

Coming back from a sunny holiday in Cyprus to chilly, wet Manchester has reminded me just how much the change in seasons can affect us.

This week, I’m talking all about soothing yourself—how we can nurture and take care of ourselves as we head into autumn.

I used to struggle with the darker, colder days, but now I’m embracing them as a time for self-care. From comforting soups and turmeric lattes to a simple walk in nature, there are so many small ways to soothe and uplift ourselves.

Plus, I’ve got a few gems from Venus Williams’ new book Strive, where she talks about the art of soothing, which really resonated with me. So, if you’re feeling a bit out of sorts or need some inspiration for how to nurture yourself during this time of year, this episode is for you!

Here are the highlights:

(3:11) Seasonal Eating and Self-Care Practices

(6:02) The Power of Massage and the 54321 Technique

(8:22) Letting Go and Decluttering

(10:39) Connecting with Nature and Self-Care

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.

In this episode, I’m addressing a topic that affects so many of us after cancer—living in fear. Fear of recurrence, fear of never feeling the same again, and fear of what the future holds. I’ve experienced it first-hand, and I’ve worked with others who have felt this deep anxiety after treatment ends.

Today, I’m sharing my story, along with practical tips to help you manage that fear and start reclaiming your confidence, joy, and peace.

I’ll break down five tips that can help you shift your mindset, reduce stress, and focus on living your best life post-cancer.

Whether you’re dealing with fear of the unknown, struggling to feel like yourself again, or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers hope and strategies for moving forward.

Here are the highlights:

(3:12) Understanding the Natural Response to Fear

(6:07) Fears After Cancer

(8:54) How You Can Overcome These Fears

(12:07) Setting Small, Achievable Goals

(14:21) The Power of Community and Support

If you like Confidence After Cancer, please continue to listen and give it a follow wherever you get your podcasts. Remember also to share with your friends and family, as it will really help this show help as many people as possible.