Agony Aunties on the Struggle to Maintain Friendships in Adulthood
The Agony Aunties respond to a listener question about the difficulties of making, keeping, and spending time with friends, emphasising the importance of deep friendships in their life. They mention the challenges posed by frequent moves and busy schedules, particularly in the context of having children and seeking affordable, spacious homes. The speaker acknowledges that many people share this experience and struggle to maintain close connections with their supportive friends due to these factors.
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15:06
Athina and Doris on Facing Anorexia Together and Finding Hope
In this episode, Julia welcomes mother-daughter duo Doris and Athina to share their personal journey through Athina's struggle with anorexia. They describe how Athina developed the disorder during her teenage years amidst family and societal turmoil, leading to severe health issues and hospitalisation. They discuss the physical and psychological battles they faced, including the shame and denial associated with the illness and the relentless daily struggles of recovery. Doris highlights the importance of trusting parental instincts and maintaining a united front against the disorder, while Athina shares her journey toward acceptance, recovery, and ultimately, living a fuller life. The conversation emphasises the significance of early intervention, the power of professional support, and the enduring impact of family dynamics on recovery.
Support links for carers and advice:
New Maudsley Carers: https://newmaudsleycarers-kent.co.uk/about-us/
Beat Charity: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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1:04:54
Agony Aunties on Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
In this episode, the Agony Aunties dive into a listener’s question about imposter syndrome. We open up about our own experiences of feeling undeserving or underqualified - even when the facts say otherwise - and unpack why so many of us carry these doubts. We explore how imposter syndrome often acts as a protective mechanism, and how reframing it can help shift the narrative.
From recognising emotional patterns to using stress reappraisal as a tool, we discuss ways to build self-trust, sit with discomfort, and see it as a sign of growth. This one’s all about giving yourself credit - even when your inner critic’s the loudest voice in the room.
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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11:52
Mariella Frostrup on Speaking Up for Women at Every Age
In this compelling and candid conversation, Julia sits down with her close friend Mariella Frostrup – renowned author, broadcaster, journalist and tireless campaigner – for a wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion on life, loss, and the pursuit of equity.
Mariella reflects on her remarkable career path, from the world of music PR to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in journalism and broadcasting. She opens up about the early trauma of losing her father, the resilience forged in childhood, and the enduring impact it’s had on her outlook.
Mariella shares what drives her advocacy for women’s rights – particularly around menopause and midlife. As the UK government’s menopause ambassador, she’s on a mission to tackle workplace inequality and challenge long-standing stigma around women's health.
This episode is a celebration of fighting spirit, friendship, and the power of using your voice – not just for yourself, but for the generations of women who follow.
00:50 Early Life and Formative Experiences
02:25 Challenges and Resilience
08:45 Fighting for Women's Rights
21:16 Menopause and Advocacy
25:10 The Norm of Curvy Career Paths
25:46 Menopause and Workplace Discrimination
26:34 Campaigning Challenges and Strategies
27:23 Personal Reflections on Campaigning
35:09 The Importance of Menopause Awareness
41:29 Personal Growth and Overcoming Adversity
45:06 Parenting and Childhood Reflections
Find Mariella:
Website: https://www.mariellafrostrup.com
Instagram: @mfrostrup
Buy her book 'Cracking the Menopause': https://amzn.eu/d/ftcAjjL
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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1:08:22
Agony Aunties on Feeling Like the Forgotten Sibling
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's question about feeling less valued than their younger half-brother by their stepmother. The listener shares experiences of unequal treatment and seeks advice on addressing these feelings without causing more tension. They discuss the challenges of adult children living at home, navigating complex family dynamics, and offer practical communication strategies. The episode emphasises the importance of being self-reflective and seeking supportive conversations both within and outside the family.
Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.
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Bestselling author and psychotherapist, Julia Samuel, invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about some of life’s biggest challenges.
Therapy Works is full of therapeutic conversations which may contain difficult emotions but those that can paradoxically bring light, in all its form.
Listeners will hear what the guests have learnt, failed to learn and how they have grown through their experience. At the end of each episode, Julia reflects on her session with her two psychotherapist daughters who will share their thoughts on the conversation. You’ll quickly discover that not all therapists agree on everything!
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New Zealand