In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, I get to the root of why so many women feel this way and it’s simpler than you think. We’ve been taught to ignore our own needs for years, and eventually the body pushes back.

This episode explores how anxiety, stress and unhappiness are often signals, not problems to fix.

You’ll learn:

* Why you don’t know what you need

* How ignoring yourself leads to anxiety and overwhelm

* A simple way to start listening to yourself again

* How to feel safe when anxiety shows up

Two questions to take with you:

What do I need right now?How can I make myself feel safe?

—

If this resonated, share in the comments or get in touch.And if you’d like to be a guest in the next season, message me.

“I don’t understand why I feel so anxious all the time. You’d think at my age, with all the life I’ve lived, I’d feel more confident.”

If you’re in midlife and you’ve found yourself feeling a low-level anxiety that you can’t quite explain, this episode is for you.

So many women I speak to are perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal and quietly carrying this background hum of anxiety. Nothing dramatic. Nothing that stops them living their lives. But it’s there. A slight loss of confidence. Worry about things that never used to bother them. A feeling that something has shifted and they don’t quite understand why.

In this episode I talk about:

• The physical and hormonal changes that can contribute to anxiety• Why it isn’t “all in your head”• The way our minds can latch onto anxious thoughts and take us round in circles• Simple ways to sit with the feeling instead of fighting it• Why talking about it with other women matters far more than we realise

If this is something you’ve been experiencing, you’re not the only one.

And you don’t have to carry it on your own.

Not about the laundry or the to-do list, but that deeper unease. The sense that this can’t be all there is. That life has somehow become small, busy and centred around everyone else.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, Niamh talks honestly about the worrying night-time brain and what it’s really trying to tell you. About being grateful and still wanting more. About how so many women disappear into responsibility, service and busyness without realising it’s happening.

This isn’t about radical change or blowing your life up. It’s about listening to that quiet knowing, reclaiming yourself, and allowing one small want, one small dream, to matter again.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, I unpick the language we use in everyday conversation and in journaling, and the impact it can have on us.

I talk about common phrases like:

* “My anxiety” and how taking ownership of a temporary state can make it feel more permanent

* “Just” and the way we minimise ourselves and our actions without even noticing

* “I don’t mind” and how it can hand your power of choice over to someone else and build resentment over time

* “I’m fine” when you’re not, and how language can become a way of keeping the peace by making yourself acceptable

This is about noticing what your words are teaching your brain and your body about what you’re allowed to want, choose, and need.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, Niamh talks about why so many women feel unheard, unseen and quietly exhausted. Not because they are bad at communicating, but because they are carrying the mental, emotional and practical load for everyone else.

She shares a simple but uncomfortable truth. When you take responsibility for everyone’s planning, forgetting and fixing, people stop needing to listen. Alongside real examples from family life, this episode explores how changing what you carry changes how others show up.

This is about boundaries, not blame. Responsibility, not resentment. And what becomes possible when you stop being the unpaid manager of everyone else’s life

If that advice actually worked, you wouldn’t still be carrying this.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, Niamh responds to a question many women ask in private but rarely get a straight answer to:How do you tell the difference between grief, anger and resentment — and why won’t resentment shift, no matter how hard you try?

Drawing on her own experience after the breakdown of her marriage, Niamh explores why grief and anger are “clean” emotions, why resentment is different, and why being told to “move on” often does more harm than good. This episode isn’t about bypassing pain or forcing forgiveness. It’s about understanding what resentment is actually pointing to — and how it begins to fall away when grief and anger are allowed, not suppressed.

If you’ve ever felt judged for not being “over it” yet, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about anxiety as a signal rather than a flaw, how fighting it can keep you stuck, and what I learned when I finally stopped trying to make it go away and started listening instead. This is about responsibility, self-abandonment, and the quiet messages we ignore until our body speaks louder.

In this episode, I talk about how people-pleasing leads us to gaslight our own emotions, why denying how you feel creates anger and numbness, and what it costs to keep telling yourself you should be grateful instead of honest. This is about reclaiming your right to feel without judgement, justification, or shame.

In this episode, I explore how self-care is often used to avoid listening to what you actually need, why women struggle to receive rest and care without guilt, and what changes when self-love replaces self-management.

In this episode, I talk about self-abandonment, how it shows up in everyday decisions, why so many women stop trusting themselves, and the quiet cost of constantly asking for permission. This isn’t about self-care or confidence tricks. It’s about reclaiming your autonomy and learning to live from your own internal authority again.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, I explain why self-acceptance never worked for me, and why self-respect is the foundation that actually changes things.

Using body image and health as a clear, relatable example, I talk about how respect for yourself comes before confidence, self-worth, or self-love.Not through positive thinking or forcing acceptance, but through how you treat yourself, how you care for your body, and how willing you are to stop doing things that harm you.

This episode is for women who are tired of being told to “just love themselves” and want something more grounded, honest, and sustainable.

In this episode of The Unburdened Woman, I talk about emotional suppression, where it starts, and why so many women stay busy, numb, anxious, or overwhelmed rather than letting themselves feel.

This isn’t about over-analysing emotions or fixing yourself.It’s about safety, permission, and learning to sit with what’s already there without judgment.

If you were raised to keep a stiff upper lip, tiptoe around anger, or believe your feelings didn’t matter, this episode is for you.

Niamh explores where that inner critic comes from, why so many capable women see themselves as failures, and how self-love shows up as resilience, courage and the willingness to keep going even when things don’t work out. If you are tired of beating yourself up, expecting instant success, or feeling like you’re never quite enough, this episode invites you to start relating to yourself with more compassion and far less cruelty

In this episode we talk about what those yeses are really trying to get you…and why they will never finally make someone see you, appreciate you or reciprocate.

You’ll learn the three steps to reclaiming your time, your energy, and your self-respect:acknowledge your needs → voice them → fulfil them.

Because you deserve more than being the driver, the dishwasher, the fixer.You deserve relationships where love flows both ways.

They’re terrified of what success would demand of them: visibility, responsibility, accountability, and being truly seen.

In this episode, we explore why we hold ourselves back, why baby steps matter, and why fear of success is often stronger than fear of failure.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or full of ideas you never follow through on this one’s for you.

What’s one baby step you’ll take this week?

In this episode, we explore what happens when women spend years swallowing emotions, staying busy to avoid feeling, and losing themselves one quiet moment at a time.We talk about how silence can help you meet yourself again and how reclaiming your voice begins in the body, not the mind.

You’ll hear:

* Why busyness becomes an identity

* Why sitting in silence feels terrifying at first

* How women learn to silence themselves

* The path back to your own voice

* A question that could change everything

If you’ve spent a lifetime holding your tongue or shrinking yourself, this conversation is for you.

Listen now, and decide:What is the one thing you need to say today?

They break from the tiny, silent, relentless yeses they’ve whispered over the years when every part of them was screaming no.

In this episode, I talk about the real reason women burn out, shut down, lose themselves and feel like they’re coming apart at the seams and why saying one honest no might be the first step back to yourself.

We’ll explore where this conditioning comes from, why midlife turns up the volume on it, and how to start unlearning the patterns that have kept you small, quiet and exhausted.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, resentful, anxious, or stretched thin because you’ve always been the woman who says yes… this one is for you.

Natter with Niamh has grown into something deeper, more honest and far more aligned with the women I support. Today I’m naming that shift and stepping fully into what this space has become: The Unburdened Woman.

In this short episode, I talk about who the unburdened woman is at her core.She is strong, capable and resilient.She knows her worth.She refuses to shrink or dim herself to keep the peace.She says no when she needs to and yes when she means it.She lives her own life without guilt, resentment or apology.

Over the past two seasons we’ve heard stories from women who’ve walked through fire and rebuilt themselves. I’ve realised this podcast has never been about nattering. It’s about truth, transformation and giving women permission to step back into themselves.

Going forward you’ll still hear conversations, stories and solo episodes — but with a deeper intention. You’ll also find my poetry, reflections, journalling prompts and short meditations here, because all of it is part of this journey towards becoming unburdened.

Thank you for listening up to now. I hope you’ll stay for what comes next.This is where the real work begins

In this episode, Niamh explores the difference between true kindness and the kind that drains us. She shares her own experience of burnout and realisation that saying yes to everyone else was really saying no to herself.

It’s a reminder that kindness has to start with you — because you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup.

Most people would have gone home. She didn’t.

We talk about:

* The moment life forces you to choose who you want to be next

* Why “starting again” is not failure

* How pain (physical and emotional) can push you toward your purpose

* The mindset that gets you through when you don’t have a backup plan

This is a conversation about resilience without the inspirational clichés.It’s about the reality of carving out a life when nothing is guaranteed.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re rebuilding yourself from scratch, this one will land.You can find Bonnie here:

https://www.facebook.com/bonnieryckova/

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

https://bonnieryckova.com/

In this episode, I talk about how easily we put our own peace of mind at the bottom of the pile trying to make everyone else happy — and how to start doing Christmas your way.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence, peace, and remembering what’s truly important.You can find out more about the workshop I mentioned here: https://reikibyniamh.co.uk/unburden/

Together, we explore what true freedom means—beyond systems and material success—and how kindness, balance, and community connection can transform our everyday lives. We also dive into the importance of healing the masculine and feminine within ourselves, and how spirituality can become a gentle, grounded part of daily living.

A beautiful reminder that change begins one word, one act, and one smile at a time.

You can find and connect with Tania here:

https://taniateodor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tania.teodor.2024

In this episode, Niamh explores why so many of us hide behind strength, independence, and resilience — and how dropping the mask, even for a moment, can deepen connection, ease overwhelm, and remind us that we’re human too.

A gentle, honest reflection for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re okay when they’re not.

In this episode of Natter with Niamh, I share my own struggles with health anxiety — including why I still can’t have my blood pressure taken in a clinical setting — and why this worry often ramps up in midlife. I’ll talk about how hormones, life stage, and past experiences all play a role, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

From grounding before a test, to asking for results in ways that support you, to learning how to calm the mind so your body can do what it knows how to do — this episode is about managing the anxiety and looking after your health.

You’ll learn how to notice and name your worries, take small actions, and — most importantly — celebrate those wins with compassion and kindness. Trust isn’t built overnight, but step by step you can quiet the self-doubt and start trusting yourself again.

https://www.facebook.com/brianrkingmsw http://BrianCanHelp.com

https://www.facebook.com/brianrkingmsw http://BrianCanHelp.com

and on Substack

https://www.iannortoncoaching.com/

Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ijgnorton

In this episode of Natter with Niamh, I share how worry and anxiety used to crush my self-belief, and how catching the stories changed everything. I tell the story of the flat pack I was convinced I couldn’t build — and how proving myself wrong gave me a massive confidence boost.

If you’re tired of letting worry dictate what you can or can’t do, this episode will show you how to spot the lies, challenge them, and slowly rebuild your trust in yourself.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Peace Ravenwood, a self-described rebel and survivor, to explore how trauma can become a turning point towards growth and deeper connection. We talk about resilience, soul fragments, and what it really means to “walk yourself home” after hardship.

Peace shares her story of surviving years of trauma and finding healing through nature, plant medicine, and spiritual practices. I reflect on my own journey of ignoring intuition, staying strong on the outside while struggling inside, and discovering Reiki as the first step toward recovery.

This episode isn’t about reliving pain—it’s about hope, compassion, and the courage to choose a different path. We also explore reconnecting with nature, why resilience isn’t the whole story, and how small everyday acts of awareness can shape both personal healing and our shared future.

If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or disconnected, this episode offers both comfort and challenge: you are not alone, and change is possible.If you want to learn about Peace you can find her here:

http://peaceravenwood.co.uk

In this episode of Natter with Niamh, I talk about how worry activates the fight-or-flight response, why that cycle keeps spiralling, and the simple things you can do to calm yourself down in the moment. From grounding with touch, to breathing techniques, to pulling yourself back into the present — these are the tools that helped me, and they can help you too.

If you’ve ever pushed aside your creative spark, wondered what your purpose really is, or felt the weight of not being who you truly are—this episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you that your art is not frivolous. It’s necessary.You can find Raphy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/raphymendozaofficial and on Instagram @raphymendozaofficial

In this episode of Natter with Niamh, I share how worry hooked me for years, why it never actually solves anything, and the simple practice I now use to break the cycle. If you’re tired of circling the same anxious thoughts, this one’s for you.

From simple resets like a walk in nature, dancing to your favourite song, or even sitting with my cat, I explore practical ways to soften anxiety and regain perspective.

If you’ve ever felt caught up in the relentless boom, boom, boom of overwhelm, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, I explore:

* The joy and comfort of soup season

* Traditions — from Halloween to Christmas to family rituals — and how they connect us

* Why autumn and winter can feel isolating, and how sharing stories brings us closer

* The importance of feeling our emotions instead of repressing them

* How women stepping into their full power (and men embracing their emotions too) can create real change in the world

It’s reflective, a little rambling, and straight from the heart. If you’ve ever felt alone in your emotions, or if you simply love the cosiness of this season, this episode is for you.

Whether you're in a dark place or simply need a reminder that you have the power to turn things around, this one’s for you.Want to find out more about Nicole you can find her here:

nicoletuxbury.com/podcast

https://facebook.com/nictuxbury

https://instagram.com/nicole_tuxbury

https://youtube.com/@NicoleTuxbury

Tiktok: tuxbee01

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoletuxbury

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed for wanting a hug, afraid to ask for help, or stuck in the cycle of giving just to feel valued—this one’s for you. Plus, I’ll share the journal prompt that changed everything for me.

If you want to know more about Liz you can find her here:https://www.lizclifton.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-clifton https://m.facebook.com/LizCliftonCoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/lizclifton/

https://youtube.com/@take34u

https://twitter.com/LizCliftoncoachDisclaimer

In this conversation, both Liz and I speak about our personal experiences in past relationships—including how it felt to lose ourselves and what it took to heal. We do not label anyone as abusive, nor are we making accusations. This is a conversation about reclaiming identity, voice, and emotional safety. Our stories are shared from our own perspectives, with care and integrity, in the hope they support others on similar paths.If you want to work on yourself trust and putting yourself back on your list of priorities do join my FREE 7 Day Experience: https://reikibyniamh.co.uk/choose-you/

Let me know if you want a shorter version or something with a different tone (more poetic, more professional, more personal, etc.).You can find Sushmita here: https://www.facebook.com/thesushmitaj

https://www.instagram.com/thesushmitaj/

https://sushmitajain.com/podcast/

Simone shares stories from lockdown, tales of family resilience, and the accidental comedy of pink hair in a swimming pool. We talk about why making time for creativity—however small—can have a profound impact, and the powerful reminder that yes, we are all artists in our own way.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a daily practice or struggle with consistency, this one’s for you. Bring a cup of tea and settle in for a lovely, inspiring natter.You can find out more Simone at www.stainedglass-artists.co.uk or follow her on Instagram for her daily drawings at @simonekay22222

Let me know what you think—what have you always believed was a weakness, and how might that story be ready to shift?

They discuss Taylor Swift as a surprising symbol of resilience and business strength, reflect on the pressure to perform even when struggling internally, and share practical tools for managing anxiety, including the “what if” game and reframing negative thoughts.

Nicola’s vulnerable shares and Niamh’s grounding presence offer a warm, relatable, and empowering listen—especially for anyone navigating fear, self-doubt, or mental health challenges. The episode ends with a powerful conversation on changing the language around anxiety, reminding us that we are more than our struggles.

✨ What if it goes right? What if you enjoy it? What if you're braver than you think?You can find out more about Nicola and contact here through her Instagram profile here: http://www.instagram.com/private_practice_mentor

In this short, soulful episode of Matter with Niamh, I explore what courage really means—especially for women who feel lost, who were raised to put others first, or who struggle with anxiety, low mood, or the pressure to always "be strong."

We look at the everyday acts of bravery:

* Asking for help

* Admitting when we're wrong

* Allowing ourselves to rest

* Saying "no" without guilt

* Showing vulnerability in a world that tells us to toughen up

Whether you're in the process of rediscovering who you are or simply looking for a fresh, softer perspective on strength, this episode is a gentle reminder that honouring yourself is a radical, courageous act.

We talked about the impact of growing up with perfectionist parents and how feeling “not good enough” can stick with us for years, sometimes showing up as anger or self-doubt. Carl’s story about his own battles with bullying and trauma was raw and powerful, reminding us how vital it is to create spaces where emotions can be safely expressed rather than bottled up.

One of the most important threads throughout our chat was the need to acknowledge and express anger in healthy ways—whether as children or adults—and how suppressing emotions often does more harm than good. We also explored how crucial it is for kids to feel truly heard and valued, something that can make all the difference in their development and self-worth.

Carl also shared how fitness and self-care became a lifeline during his darkest times, helping him find balance and purpose. Our conversation ended on a hopeful note, with Carl encouraging everyone to take care of themselves and set boundaries, and me inviting you to join our new community where we can continue these important conversations and support each other.

If you want to connect with Carl you’ll find him on Facebook, TikTok and on his website www.angrysouls.co.uk

We talk about what happens when you don’t listen to your body, the expectations placed on women in business and life, and how surviving isn’t the same as living. Andrea opens up about caring for dying parents, escaping burnout, and slowly returning to herself—one act of self-kindness at a time.

This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t mean hustle, healing is messy and non-linear, and that it’s never too late to choose freedom.

Natter with Niamh – Solo Episode

We’re taught from a young age how to show we’re listening—eyes forward, hands still, mouths shut. But what does it actually mean to listen? Really listen? Not just to others, but to yourself?

In this episode of Natter with Niamh, I’m diving into what I’ve learned about listening—from classroom rules to active listening as a coach—and how the most powerful shift for me came when I turned that deep listening inward.

For years, I was great at hearing everyone else, holding space (even if I’m not a fan of that phrase!) and making others feel seen and safe to share. But I wasn’t doing the same for myself. I was ignoring, judging, and silencing my own needs and thoughts.

It wasn’t until I began journaling, meditating, and getting quiet that I started to really hear what I was saying to myself—and from there, everything changed. Healing began. The inner critic softened. And I began to uncover what I truly needed.

This episode is a gentle invitation to ask:Do you truly listen to yourself?And if not—can you begin?

💭 In this episode:

* The difference between listening and active listening

* How childhood and classroom experiences shape our understanding of being heard

* Why many of us are kind, compassionate listeners for others… but not for ourselves

* The power of journaling and meditation in learning to truly hear your inner voice

* How self-listening can lead to healing, clarity, and self-compassion

If you’re feeling unheard—even by yourself—or don’t know where to begin, I’m here. You don’t have to do it alone.

💌 Reach out if you'd like support, or just to share what came up for you in this episode. And if you enjoyed it, please do leave a comment or share with someone who might need to hear it.

Together, they share personal stories of career paths, navigating relationships in different cities, and the deep impact of community. Michelle reveals her inspiring journey of doing push-ups around the world — from Kilimanjaro to the Arctic — and how a personal quest for growth and resilience turned into a mission to spread positivity.

Other highlights include:

* The challenges and rewards of building friendships in new places

* The creation of a community platform to connect speakers and audiences

* Michelle’s powerful story of volunteering and its unexpected personal rewards

* The importance of maintaining your own passions and hobbies within relationships

* How cycling and fitness groups opened doors to new friendships and adventures

* Why stepping out of your comfort zone — even in small ways — leads to empowerment and growth

This episode is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, forge meaningful connections, and live life to the fullest.

Tune in for a boost of inspiration and practical encouragement to embrace more adventure and connection in your own life.

You can connect with Michelle here: Instagram: @mich_beaver or TikTok: @michbeaver1

specifically, the powerful and often unconscious stories we tell ourselves about who we are.Niamh shares a personal example of a limiting story she carried for years about not being creative and how, with time and exploration, she redefined creativity for herself.

You'll discover:

* How the stories we adopt from early experiences and relationships can limit us

* Why creativity isn't just about art — it's woven into everything we do

* How curiosity and openness can help you rewrite your internal narrative

* Simple reflections to help you identify and transform the stories holding you back

Join Niamh in exploring the powerful role of self-storytelling and take the first step toward changing the story you're living

Rebecca shares how her literary influences, including surrealist artist Nick Bantock, sparked her lifelong curiosity and creative approach. She and Niamh dive deep into the flexibility of traditional stories, the hidden knowledge they carry, and how reclaiming cultural tales strengthens personal and collective identity.

Together, they discuss:

* Why stories are vital tools for connection and understanding

* How personal narratives evolve and impact relationships

* The role of place and setting in deepening story resonance

* How everyday objects can unlock powerful memories

* The myth of the “lone hero” and its effects on self-worth

From Filipino folk tales to Irish mythology, this conversation reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling — and that sharing it can weave stronger bonds between us all.

Connect with Rebecca:

https://rebeccamabanglomayor.com/