Together We Pause Episode 19: Midlife Career Pivots, Reinvention & Following Your Gut during Menopause

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to make a big career change? In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen open up about their own journeys of reinvention, the pivots they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Before diving in, Helen shares the hilarious story of the Jellycat Experience in Paris—complete with sprinting up six escalators in a luxury department store just to secure a spot in the queue. From sweaty chaos to magical teddies, it’s proof of what we’ll do for our kids (and how brilliant branding can be!).

Then the conversation shifts to career transitions:

• Helen’s journey from wellness coach to batch cooking expert, and the bravery it took to “burn it all down” and start fresh.
• Faye’s leap from a corporate job into wedding photography—and the doubts, judgments, and freedom that came with it.
• The value of transferable skills, following your gut, and ignoring the naysayers.
• Why reinvention isn’t failure—it’s growth. From weddings to wellness, batch cooking to business coaching, both share how each chapter has shaped who they are today.

This episode is an honest, funny, and uplifting reminder that you’re never stuck. Whether you’re itching to try something new, scared of leaving stability, or just curious about what else is possible—Faye and Helen show that pivoting isn’t reckless, it’s courageous.

Highlights:
✨ The Jellycat Experience in Paris – branding genius and parental chaos
✨ Helen’s multiple career reinventions (weddings, wellness, batch cooking & beyond)
✨ Faye’s leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship
✨ How to trust your gut when logic says otherwise
✨ Why success can mean lifestyle, freedom, and joy—not just money
✨ Practical ways to explore a pivot (without burning everything to the ground)

In this episode of Together We Pause, Faye and Helen have a wide-ranging conversation over a cuppa, exploring the fascinating worlds of holistic wellness, breath work, hypnotherapy, and the growing impact of AI-generated content.

They kick off by discussing a viral AI-generated Orca video circulating on Instagram, exploring how fake news is evolving in the digital age — from shocking wildlife content to medical misinformation. Faye and Helen reflect on the implications of AI-generated images and videos, and how we navigate truth in a world where even realistic content can be fabricated.

The conversation then takes a turn towards holistic wellness, where Faye shares her personal experiences and practices that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being:

• Rolfing: A bodywork technique that manipulates connective tissue to realign the body and release tension.
• Breath Work & Wim Hof Method: How controlled breathing and cold exposure awaken the parasympathetic nervous system, boost energy, and foster mental clarity.
• Hypnotherapy: Faye discusses how hypnotherapy helped her navigate hospital environments, manage anxiety, and stay present during her daughter’s operation.
• Reiki & Reflexology: Exploring energetic healing and reflexology as tools for relaxation, balance, and stress relief.
• Everyday holistic practices: From journaling, meditative walks, and baths to facials and simple self-care rituals, holistic wellness can be as simple or as immersive as you choose.

Faye also reflects on her background growing up in Glastonbury and how her curiosity for both “woo-woo” and pragmatic approaches has shaped her exploration of holistic health.

Throughout the episode, Faye and Helen emphasise that holistic wellness is highly personal — it’s about discovering what makes you feel balanced, supported, and energised. Whether you’re new to alternative therapies or looking for ways to complement modern medicine, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and practical tips.

Resources & Links:

• Join the waitlist for Faye’s new community launching later this year
• Subscribe to Together We Pause on your favourite podcast platform

Topics Covered:
AI fake news | Holistic wellness | Breath work | Wim Hof Method | Rolfing | Reiki | Hypnotherapy | Reflexology | Journaling | Mind-body balance | Self-care

Together We Pause Episode 17: “Diet Culture, Weight Loss Jabs, and the Rise of Ozempic”

Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode, Faye and Helen dive into the complicated world of diet culture and the growing trend of weight loss jabs like Ozempic. From celebrity influence to the everyday impact on women, they unpack the emotional, social, and physical implications of these so-called “miracle” drugs. Alongside personal stories of dieting, fitness, and body image, they explore the broader questions: is using medication for weight loss cheating, or can it be a valid tool in someone’s health journey?

Episode Highlights:

• The Rise of Ozempic and Weight Loss Jabs:
  A look at how drugs originally developed for diabetes are now being used as quick weight-loss solutions, fuelled by celebrity culture and social media.
• The Emotional Impact of Diet Culture:
  Faye and Helen reflect on the pressures of body image, the shame attached to dieting, and the noise surrounding diet culture for women of all ages.
• Is It Cheating?
  The hosts debate whether taking a jab is a shortcut or simply another option in the complex landscape of weight management.
• Personal Diet and Fitness Journeys:
  Stories of Slimming World, keto, and fitness routines highlight the realities of losing weight in slower, more sustainable ways compared to medical interventions.
• The Bigger Picture:
  Why regulation, support, and compassion matter when it comes to body image, eating habits, and making informed choices about health.

Key Takeaways:

• Diet culture remains loud and pervasive, but body positivity is also on the rise.
• Weight loss jabs like Ozempic may work for some, but they raise important questions about safety, sustainability, and emotional impact.
• Sustainable lifestyle changes, habits, and self-compassion remain powerful tools for long-term health.
• Everyone’s journey with weight and body image is unique — there is no single “right” path.

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• Join the Conversation: Leave a review or comment to share your experiences and thoughts on diet culture and weight loss trends.