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Thriving not Surviving

Thriving not Surviving

By: Helen Valentino
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Thriving, Not Surviving is a podcast for anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges and wondered, Is there more to life than just getting by? Hosted by Helen Valentino, this show dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the incredible power of transformation. Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of people who have not only overcome adversity but found ways to truly thrive.

Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or just need a dose of motivation, this podcast is your companion on the journey to a more fulfilling life. Because you deserve more than survival—you deserve to thrive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Valentino Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Ep 51 Hamish’s Story - Sobriety, Masculinity & Thriving

    Ep 51 Hamish’s Story - Sobriety, Masculinity & Thriving
    Feb 25 2026
    KEYWORDS: addiction recovery, sobriety, thriving not surviving, men’s mental health, masculinity, rehab, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, boundaries, shadow work, plant medicine, trauma healing, grief, community support, personal growth, emotional wellbeing, recovery journey, Brave Man Project, resilience, self-worthSUMMARY: In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster Hamish Niven, who shares his raw journey from addiction, loss, and self-destruction to sobriety, self-awareness, and purpose.Hamish opens up about the insidious drinking culture of the TV industry, reckless behaviours driven by unprocessed grief, and the moment he finally asked for help. He speaks candidly about rehab, losing almost everything, and the fear of becoming “dry but miserable” — a turning point that led him to actively choose thriving over mere survival.Together, Helen and Hamish explore addiction, shame, masculinity, AA, plant medicines, boundaries, shadow work, and why men desperately need safe spaces to feel, speak, and heal. Hamish also shares a sneak preview of his upcoming Brave Man Project, a movement designed to support men in reclaiming emotional sovereignty, authenticity, and purpose.This episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins when we choose ourselves — and that thriving is possible, even after everything falls apart.TAKEAWAYS • Addiction can begin subtly and disguise itself as success and social belonging• Highly functioning addiction often hides deep grief, shame, and unresolved trauma• Asking for help is one of the bravest acts a man can take• Recovery only truly works when you choose it for yourself• Losing everything can become the gateway to reclaiming your life• Thriving is an active choice — not just the absence of addiction• Men are deeply harmed by emotional suppression and lack of safe spaces• Community, honesty, and boundaries are essential for healing• Shadow work and feeling emotions are unavoidable on the path to growth• What other people think of you is none of your businessSOUNDBITES • “I didn’t want to be sober and miserable — that scared me more than addiction.”• “I chose life in a moment of clarity.”• “Thriving is easier than walking on eggshells.”• “Men aren’t broken — they’re unseen.”• “What other people think of you is none of your business.”• “You can’t heal without feeling — and men are taught not to feel.”Connect with HamishHAMISH NIVEN GUIDE | MENTOR | PODCAST HOST📥 hamish@TheBraveManProject.com📱 0044 7908 524 482🖥 TheBraveManProject.com🎤 Podcast: The Brave Man Projecthttps://hamishniven.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishniven/https://www.tiktok.com/@hamish.nivenhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheBraveManProjecthttps://www.instagram.com/hamishniven/https://www.facebook.com/hamishnivenConnect with HelenIPHM Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF – the £10 I get will go to my charity “The Forward Trust”Website: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr
  • Ep 50 Cliff’s Story – Late Bloomers, RSD & Learning to Survive

    Ep 50 Cliff’s Story – Late Bloomers, RSD & Learning to Survive
    Feb 18 2026
    Content note: This episode includes honest discussion of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges. Listener discretion advised and please take care while listening.Keywords ADHD, Autism, Mental Health, Hypnotherapy, Cacao Ceremony, Neurodiversity, Support Networks, Parenting, Community, Personal GrowthSummary In this milestone Episode 50 of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster and late-diagnosed ADHDer Cliff Kilmister for an honest, compassionate conversation about neurodiversity, mental health, and survival. Cliff shares his personal journey through anxiety, suicidal ideation, late diagnosis, and parenting an autistic/ADHD daughter, alongside powerful insights into masking, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), stimming, and the impact of workplace and school environments on neurodivergent nervous systems. Together, Helen and Cliff explore healing tools including hypnotherapy, cacao ceremony, intuition, and compassionate leadership — offering hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating neurodiversity, whether as a parent, professional, or late-diagnosed adult.Support: If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available. In the UK, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.Takeaways · Cliff's journey with ADHD and autism has shaped his understanding of mental health.· Support networks are crucial for navigating challenges related to neurodiversity.· Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and overcoming anxiety.· Late diagnosis of ADHD and autism can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.· Masking behaviours can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health.· Creating supportive work environments is essential for neurodiverse individuals.· Cacao ceremonies can provide profound experiences of relaxation and insight.· Stimming is a natural self-regulation technique for many neurodiverse individuals.· Reading challenges often stem from a lack of interest or engagement in the material.· Community and collaboration are key to supporting neurodiverse individuals.Sound Bites· "You have to work through it."· "It's all about learning."· "It's all about the client."Resources Mentioned in EpisodeHow to ADHD – Jessica McCabeScattered Minds – Gabor MateConnect with CliffIG: cliff_kilmister08FB: Cliff KilmisterLI: linkedin.com/in/cliff-kilmister-420a07bbYouTube: Cliff Kilmister - YouTubeWebsites: helpanxiety.org & autismadhdsupport.orgEva’s you tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYTConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep 49: Paula’s Story – Receiving, Resilience & the Wisdom of Bees

    Ep 49: Paula’s Story – Receiving, Resilience & the Wisdom of Bees
    Feb 11 2026
    Keywords thriving, surviving, community, beekeeping, personal growth, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, healing, spirituality, success, trauma, art, healing, portraits, health challenges, business success, personal turmoil, women in business, grief, motherhood, resilience, beekeeping, spirituality, community, self-worth, personal growth, bees, mindfulness, connection, organic food, mental healthSummary In this deeply moving episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino is joined by Paula Carnell – spiritual beekeeper, author, healer and truth-teller – whose life has been shaped by profound loss, chronic illness, courage and soul-led calling.Paula shares her extraordinary journey through Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, years of being bed- and wheelchair-bound, near-death moments, divorce, grief and reinvention. From building a six-figure creative business to giving everything up after being called by the bees to a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Paula reflects on what thriving really means when life strips everything away.Together, Helen and Paula explore receiving vs striving, community vs isolation, feminine wisdom, worthiness, healing through nature, and the bees as teachers of presence, connection and frequency. This conversation is an invitation to redefine success, soften into trust, and remember that simply being alive is enough.Raw, expansive and full of soul medicine, this episode is for anyone navigating illness, change, loss, burnout or a deeper calling – and wondering how to thrive on the other side.The conversation also touches on themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the interconnectedness of all beings, particularly through the lens of beekeeping and sustainability.Takeaways• Paula’s journey has been a profound rollercoaster of challenge, loss, and transformation.• The call of the bees sparked a life-changing path rooted in purpose and deep listening.• Thriving is deeply personal and often redefined through community, simplicity, and support.• Returning “home” after profound experiences can feel disorientating and alien.• Living simply can bring a powerful sense of enough.• Community plays a vital role in healing, resilience, and true thriving.• Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome shapes every aspect of life and identity.• Art, creativity, and portrait-making have been central to healing and self-expression.• Health challenges can lead to unexpected discoveries and new beginnings.• Navigating grief, motherhood, love, and business requires immense resilience — especially for women.• When living feels harder than dying, a radical shift can awaken a deeper will to live.• There is always a gift in adversity, even when it takes time to see it.• Food, environment, and community are foundational to health and wellbeing.Connect with PaulaTEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI4LCGMM-gAWebsite: https://paulacarnell.comPodcast: 'Creating a Buzz about Health' available on all major podcast platforms. https://paulacarnell.com/podcasts Community: https://www.skool.com/spiritual-beekeeping/about?ref=4982f003fc5c47d9b4889348b95092b1Buy my books: https://books.by/paula-carnellMinerals I recommend: https://simplynaturals.co.uk/?ref=4HhtBRrgInstagram: https://instagram.com/paula.carnell?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-carnell-3016421?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appConnect with HelenWebsite: InspiredHealing.co.ukIG: helens_inspired_healingLinkedIn: Helen on LinkedInFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.ukNB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios🎨 Cover art: Dave ChampagneFor full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 49 mins
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