Curveball The Podcast

🎙️ Episode 10: Christmas Pressure, Expectations & Entering the New Year

Why the Festive Season Isn’t Always the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
This week on Curveball, we’re talking all things Christmas — and not just the highlight-reel version. From feeling the pressure to be happy, spend money, show up for everyone, and have it all figured out, we’re getting real about why the festive season can feel overwhelming.
We open up about being single at Christmas, navigating family dynamics, being in a relationship for the first time during the holidays, and the emotional load that often comes with it all. We also unpack the pressure of gift-giving, overspending, comparison, and how to protect your energy without guilt.
This episode is about meeting yourself where you’re at, letting go of perfection, and finding ways to actually feel good — not just survive — through Christmas, while gently preparing yourself to step into the new year feeling grounded and aligned.

✨ What we cover:

✨ The pressure and expectations around Christmas
✨ Being single vs. in a relationship during the festive season
✨ Navigating family dynamics and emotional overload
✨ Overspending, gift guilt, and comparison culture
✨ How to protect your energy and set boundaries
✨ Letting go of “perfect” and finding joy where you are
✨ Entering the new year with clarity, kindness, and intention

✨ Timestamps:

01:51: Navigating First Christmases and Family Traditions

05:06: Managing Overstimulation and Setting Boundaries with Family

11:03: The Unique Challenges of Adult Gift-Giving and Christmas Loneliness

13:26: Escaping the Social Media Comparison Trap and Gift Pressure

19:49: Embracing Small Joys and Navigating Grief During Christmas

25:32: Overcoming Body Image Pressure for Festive Celebrations

💛 Follow Curveball:
Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
TikTok: curveballthepod
Facebook: Curveball Podcast
YouTube: @curveballthepodcast

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Everywhere you stream

💌 Join the community:

Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events.
💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
✨ Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode 9: Hormone Hell & Endometriosis

Why Women’s Hormones & Cycles Are So Complicated

This week on Curveball, we’re getting real about women’s hormones, menstrual cycles, and the painful reality of endometriosis. From mood swings to energy crashes, we’re sharing our own experiences navigating life while dealing with hormonal chaos.

We dive into the pressure women feel to keep performing, stay productive, and “just get through it,” even when their bodies are working against them. From crippling pain to stigma around menstrual health, this episode is honest, validating, and so needed. HAVE THE NHS AND WOMEN HEALTH FAILED US?

✨ What we cover:

✨ The reality of living with endometriosis
✨ Hormonal highs, lows, and mood swings
✨ How cycles impact mental health, energy, and daily life
✨ Breaking the silence on women’s health struggles
✨ Finding self-love, boundaries, and body positivity

✨ Timestamps:

00:00: Welcome and Diving Deep into Women's Hormones

02:01: Our Personal Journeys with Contraception and Hormonal Impact

04:59: Understanding Your Body: Navigating the Four Menstrual Cycle Phases

10:58: Unpacking Endometriosis: Understanding the Condition and Diagnosis Challenges

14:55: The Unexpected Link: Copper Coils and Endometriosis Experiences

20:4: Navigating Endometriosis Surgery: Personal Story and Recovery Insights

29:16: Debunking Myths: How Men's and Women's Hormones Differ

32:49: Optimising Hormonal Health with Supplements, Lifestyle, and Farewell

This episode is, as always, raw, honest, and deeply relatable. 💛

💛 Follow Curveball:

Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
TikTok: curveballthepod
Facebook: Curveball Podcast
YouTube: @curveballthepodcast

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Everywhere you stream

💌 Join the community:

Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events.

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
✨ Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Practical Exercises to Build Body Confidence (Part 2)

We’re back with Part 2 of our body confidence series, and this week our Soph Hughes, confidence expert, speaker, and author of a body confidence eBook course, dives deeper into the practical exercises you can use to strengthen your relationship with your body.

This episode is all about awareness, energy, and action. If you’ve been craving actionable exercises that actually shift how you think, feel, and show up, Sophie guides us through powerful practices you can start using today. From reframing negative self-talk to conducting personal energy audits, this conversation helps you tune into how your thoughts, habits, and environment impact your confidence — and how to consciously reset them.

✨ What we cover in this episode:

• Guided exercises to challenge and reframe negative self-talk
• Energy audits to help you identify what drains vs. fuels your confidence
• Techniques to reconnect with your body in a compassionate, empowering way
• Journaling prompts to shift your mindset and build inner confidence
• Daily rituals to help you feel more present, grounded, and at ease
• Sophie’s favourite, actually-works tools from her eBook course

✨ Timestamps:

04:04: Diving into Confidence Part 2: Understanding Your Presence and Energy

07:26: How We Sense Energy and the Art of Working a Room

10:49: Overcoming Overthinking, Phone Distractions, and Self-Doubt in Presence

14:23: Utilizing Micro-Signals to Enhance Your Presence and Confidence

18:08: Kayleigh's Personal Struggle with ADHD, Presence, and a Work Complaint

22:50: Conducting an Energy Audit: Cultivating Self-Awareness for Better Presence

26:40: The Fourth Pathway to Confidence: Embracing Action and Imposter Syndrome

28:34: Conquering Perfectionism and the Fear of Failure Through Action

30:47: Learning from Missed Opportunities and Conquering Public Speaking Fear

34:21; Practical Tools for Action: The 5-Second Rule and Reframing Failure

This episode is practical, uplifting, and full of tools you can return to anytime you need a confidence boost. 💛

💛 Follow Curveball:

Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
TikTok: curveballthepod
Facebook: Curveball Podcast
YouTube: @curveballthepodcast

🎧 Listen on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Everywhere you stream

💌 Join the community:
Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events.

✨ Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe to all Curveball channels!
💬 Love this episode? Leave us a review & share it!
📲 Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 www.curveballthepodcast.com

#curveballpodcast #bodyconfidence #selflove #mindsetshift #wellness #confidencecoach #bodypositivity #selfgrowth #empowerment
✨ Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ New Episode Out Now: Finding Your Body Confidence – Mindset Magic (Part 1)

This week on curveball, Sophie Hughes—confidence expert, speaker, and author of a body confidence eBook course—shares her insights on how to start loving and embracing your body exactly as it is. If you’ve ever struggled with self-criticism, negative body thoughts, or wanting to feel more confident in your own skin, this episode is for you.
We explore the foundations of body confidence, why self-love goes beyond appearances, and how to shift your mindset to feel empowered every day. Sophie also shares personal stories and key lessons from her eBook course, giving listeners practical tools to start building body positivity right away.

✨ What we cover in this episode:
How to challenge negative self-talk and body criticism
The power of mindset in cultivating self-love
Daily practices to boost confidence and feel more comfortable in your body
Sophie’s personal journey and key takeaways from her eBook course

✨ Timestamps:
00:01 — Welcome & Introduction to Body Confidence
03:42 — Sophie’s Personal Journey & Mindset Shifts
10:15 — Understanding Body Criticism & Negative Self-Talk
18:50 — Daily Practices to Build Confidence
27:30 — Key Takeaways & Actionable Steps to Start Loving Your Body

This episode is honest, empowering, and full of practical insights to help you feel more confident, grounded, and proud of the body you’re in. 💛

💛 Follow Curveball:

Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
TikTok: curveballthepodcast.co.uk
Facebook: Curveball Podcast
YouTube: @curveballthepodcast

🎧 Listen on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Everywhere you stream

💌 Join the community:

Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events.

✨ Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe to all Curveball channels!
💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review & share the episode!

📲 Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 www.curveballthepodcast.com

#curveballpodcast #bodyconfidence #selflove #curves #mindsetshift #empowerment #selfcare #wellness #confidencecoach #selfgrowth
✨ Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode 6: ADHD, Ambition & Exhaustion

This week, we’re unpacking the messy, emotional, and often overwhelming reality of living with ADHD while trying to stay ambitious, successful, and “on top of everything.” The burnout is real.

We dive into the pressure so many women feel to hustle, perform, stay organised, and keep pushing—even when their brains are working against them. From the constant cycle of hyperfocus → burnout, to the guilt, masking, and shame that often comes with ADHD, this episode is honest, validating, and deeply needed.

As two women juggling creative careers, deadlines, self-growth, and the expectation to “keep it all together,” we open up about how ADHD shapes our habits, our mental health, our work, and our self-worth.

We also explore the personal side:
✨ Why ADHD shows up differently in women
✨ The emotional exhaustion of trying to meet everyone’s expectations
✨ The burnout loop: doing everything → crashing → starting again
✨ The pressure to mask symptoms to appear organised or “put together”
✨ And how we’re learning to slow down, create boundaries, and find a rhythm that actually supports us

✨ Timestamps:

00:01 — Unpacking Burnout: Why Being Busy Isn't a Badge of Honor
06:26 —Your Rest Needs: Physical, Mental, Social
11:27 — Masking ADHD: Why Women Go Undiagnosed Until Adulthood
16:33 — Living with ADHD: Relationships, Patience, and Medication's Impact
26:30- Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Overcoming Life's Hardships

This episode is, as always, raw, honest, and so relatable. 💛

💛 Follow Curveball:
Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
TikTok: curveballthepodcast.co.uk
Facebook: Curveball Podcast
YouTube: @curveballthepodcast

🎧 Listen on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Everywhere you stream

💌 Join the community:
Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events.

Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
✨ Please dont forget to Follow, like and subscribe to all Curveball channels💥

💬 Love what you hear? Leave us a review and share the episode!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @curveballthepodcast
🌐 Learn more at: www.curveballthepodcast.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.