Have you ever felt dismissed, unseen, or misunderstood? In this episode, Ella unpacks the healing power of validation—the simple yet profound act of saying, “I see you. I hear you. You matter.” Through personal stories, spiritual insight, and psychology, we explore how validation stops the pain cycle, rebuilds connection, and helps us find wholeness without losing ourselves.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

This is a special episode because I’m joined by my life consultant, Rachel Hughes, for a rich conversation about the nervous system, trauma, and the journey of healing. Rachel has been a deeply influential voice in my own process—teaching me what it means to feel safe in my body and how to gently restore that sense of safety when it’s lost.

Together, we explore the importance of understanding triggers, cultivating self-compassion, and practicing emotional regulation in everyday life. This conversation highlights the power of creating safety in small, consistent ways—and the hope that emerges when we begin to truly heal.

Rachel created the course reclaimig you alongside Abi Stumvoll: https://justinandabi.com/courses/reclaimingyou/

Follow Rachel on instragram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhughesconsulting/

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper_

In this conversation, I coonect with my dearest friend, actress, author and poet Amy Leigh Wicks to explore Brene Brown's guidepost Cultivating creativity and letting go of comparison. The messy, beautiful intersection of creativity, comparison, and self-compassion. We talk about how comparison often creeps into everyday life more than our art, the painful gap between our ideal and actual selves, and how practices like parts therapy can help us embrace every part of who we are. This is a heartfelt invitation to confront vulnerability, stay present, and rediscover the playful joy that fuels authentic creative expression.

Key Takeaways

• Comparison often shows up in daily life rather than in art.
• Self-compassion is crucial for artists facing comparison.
• Creativity requires embracing all parts of oneself.
• The distance between ideal and actual self can be painful.
• Parts therapy helps in acknowledging different aspects of self.
• Comparison can act as a protector against vulnerability.
• Being present is essential for creativity to flourish.
• Artists must confront their pain to express themselves.
• Navigating uncertainty is part of the creative process.
• Finding joy in creativity is about learning to play.

Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyu

Book a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__

Check out Amy Leigh's website: https://amyleighwicks.com/

Follow Amy Leigh Wicks on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyleighwicks/