Did you know that 1 in 10 women relies on sleep aids regularly? It's a staggering statistic, but it's hardly surprising. In today's fast-paced world, where we juggle demanding careers, relationships, never-ending to-do lists, hormonal shifts, and mental health challenges, even a mere six hours of sleep can seem like an unattainable dream. What might surprise you, however, is the potential danger hidden within those seemingly harmless sleeping pills.

Today, I have the privilege of being joined by a remarkable guest on the podcast—a TEDex Speaker, the accomplished author of Stash: My Life in Hiding, and a fellow podcaster, Laura Cathcart Robbins. Laura's memoir takes us on a riveting journey through addiction and recovery. She opens up about her struggles, how she navigated a high-profile Hollywood marriage and divorce, all while facing the challenges of parenting in a world marked by privilege and racism.

Laura generously shares her perspective on the multiple rock-bottom...

Ingredients:

3 c instant or quick oats (unflavoured)

1 c chopped unsweetened dried fruit of choice (raisins, prunes, apricots, dates, cherries, or blueberries)

1/3 c chia seeds

1/3 c ground flax (flax meal)

2/3 c seeds or chopped nuts of choice (try pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds)

2/3 c maple flakes (the local bulk store will likely carry)

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (easy recipe on my blog, if you don't have or can't find!)

To make: Combine all ingredients well in a large airtight jar.

To make a single serving, cover 1/2 c mixture with 2/3c boiling water in a bowl. Stir, then cover and let sit 3 minutes. Add a splash more water if it’s too thick. Add milk or more fruit if desired and enjoy.

I got to guest host on This Naked Mind's popular podcast last month and the episode is now available to watch, above, or listen to, below.

Scott Pinyard, Head Coach of This Naked Mind, and I answered listener questions about how to deal with work stress and how to get back on track with healthy habits after a "blip" or "data point".

My advice around tools for coping with stress applies whether your drug of choice is alcohol, food, social media, or online shopping - so please have a listen even if you're happy with your relationship with alcohol, I think you'll learn a lot!

Watch the podcast interview, above, or listen, below!

Can you do Sarah and I a favour? If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a minute to visit iTunes and give it a quick review - it really helps us spread the word! 

October is World Menopause Awareness Month and the "Meno Whisperer", Dr. Sarah Baillie, is BACK!

In Part 2 of this conversation, host Wendy McCallum and Sarah really dig into why awareness around perimenopause and menopause is so low for most women, and what the incredible (but rarely-discussed!) gifts in this life transition can be if we just open ourselves up to them. They also discuss the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the range of options available to women for better hormonal and symptom management, and the most important first step in taking back some power -- slowing down and getting aware of what they are experiencing (physically, mentally and emotionally) and what they are doing (or not doing)...

 Watch the podcast interview, above, or listen, below!

By the way, if you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you'd take a minute to visit iTunes and give it a quick review - it really helps us spread the word! 

October is World Menopause Awareness Month and the "Meno Whisperer", Dr. Sarah Baillie, is BACK!

Host Wendy McCallum and Sarah really dig into why awareness around perimenopause and menopause is so low for most women, and what the incredible (but rarely-discussed!) gifts in this life transition can be if we just open ourselves up to them. They also discuss the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the range of options available to women for better hormonal and symptom management, and the most important first step in taking back some power -- slowing down and getting aware of what they are experiencing (physically, mentally and emotionally) and what they are doing (or not doing) to take meaningful care of themselves as they go...

Watch the podcast with video, above, or listen to audio-only, below! 

In this episode of Bite-Sized Balance, I interview Emily Lynn Paulson, writer, speaker, fellow Certified Naked Mind Coach, She Recovers Designated Coach, and a member of the long term recovery community.

The conversation gets spicy & deep on a few hot topics, including social media and women’s mental health, “grey area drinking”, “mommy wine culture”, the importance of mindfulness when it comes to alcohol and what “true freedom” from alcohol really looks like.

Sober since January 2, 2017, Emily has appeared on media outlets including The Doctors, Parade, Today Parents, and USA Today, discussing how to end the shame and stigma of mental health and substance abuse. 

Emily is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty & Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and a contributor in Addiction Diaries: Stories of Darkness, Hope, And All That Falls In...