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During lockdown my friend Kirsty set up the wonderful Boozy Book Club; pairing books with bespoke cocktails and thoughtfully curated gifts and packaging them up in a beautiful box, recipients would meet on-line at the end of the month to discuss the book with the author! We both adored The Midnight Library and wanted it to be in the box, but knew it would be a tricky mission to persuade Matt. But we did, and it truly was a team effort - thank you Sarah E for the introduction and to Matt's wife Andrea, for being so kind and saying yes.Matt was, as expected, an amazing guest. The Midnight Library is his 20th book, and he talked us through the process, the characters, and the dreaded editing. He spoke about the good in reframing uncertainty (this was recorded during the 3rd lockdown so particularly poignant), discussed some of his favourite books and quotes, and talked about chatting to us again when his book The Christmasaurus launched (must follow that up!). Matt made us laugh, brought joy to a pretty joyless time, and helped us raise £500 for his nominated Charity Papyrus.I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.http://www.matthaig.com/https://www.theboozybookclub.co.uk/

I was initially going to chat to Dr Terrina on the Menopause but after reading about her areas of specialism, and realising I'd been to see her earlier this year for a mole check, I decided there was lots more to chat about! So in this episode we cover skin health and the importance of checking your moles, we talk about Well-Women Health checks, a comprehensive full body MOT, and then on to the Menopause and HRT. I wish Dr Terrina had been the first person I'd seen when I went to the docs about the peri-menopause, cool and calm and brimming with knowledge and good advice, my path would have been a little clearer. I'm delighted to help impart that knowledge to you and hope you enjoy!Dr Terrina practices out of Cosmedicare at Edinburgh Park.

In February 2019 Leighanne's wife Gill was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma. For the next 14 months Gill was relatively stable as she received treatment, and the pair lived life to the full, ticking off much of Gill's bucket list wishes. In April 2020 her tablets stopped working, and she passed away in May 2020. In this emotional conversation Leighanne and I discuss life after loss, the importance of knowing your own body, of making every day count and of raising awareness of melanoma, "not just skin cancer". It sounds like a really sad episode, and it is in parts, but there is humour and lightness and fun, a reflection of the woman we are discussing; this episode is dedicated to the memory of Gillian Baird-Sangster.

After almost a full year of eating and drinking like it's Christmas, I decided enough was enough, and that I had to salvage something from 2020, and end on a healthy(ish) high. With motivation and will-power low, I knew I needed a pro to help me - and you don't get much more pro than Amanda Hamilton! Four best selling books and a t.v career dedicated to feeding the nation healthy grub, I loved listening to Amanda's advice, a no nonsense approach that gave me a firm kick up the bum. If you want to know where to find me, it's likely I'm in the kitchen making slaw! Want to eat better, feel better and take control? Have a listen! This episode is kindly sponsored by Edinburgh Cycle Hire, who are sponsored by Just Eat. With over 110 bike stations across Edinburgh it's never been easier to get on your bike! Discover Edinburgh for less with our exclusive link https://edinburghcyclehire.com/buy/egg which gets you a 4 month pass for just £10, a saving of £40! You must redeem by end Dec 2020! Edinburgh Cycle Hire is on a mission to help Edinburgh become carbon neutral by 2030.

Hannah Buchan - Speaking once again to my pal, and Business/Life/everythinginbetween coach Hannah Buchan, to discuss the power of a morning routine and when put together with journaling and powerful visualisation can change your life. https://www.hannahbuchancoaching.com Recommended reading Hal Elrod: The Miracle Morning

Angie Cameron - It was our shared experiences of Grief that brought Angie and I together last year, when she spoke, so bloody brilliantly, at our Grief event. Angie is no stranger to grief, has suffered more than most, but all I ever see is warmth, compassion and a bright smile. When I decided to give more space to talks on Co-ercive control, it was Angie I turned to, having heard her speak on this subject too. We veered off to talk about sweet almond oil and masturbation, bringing light and humour to a serious subject.Angie is an Accredited Psychotherapist and Managing Director at Direction https://www.direction.org.uk/

An open, honest and empowering conversation with Journalist, Host and Founder of the very brilliant The Flock, a digital space for women, Jen Crichton. Discussing the pandemic effect on Jen's business pipeline and how it led to the acceleration of her digital dream, we talk too about women's health and in particular the endometriosis and adenomyosis diagnosis that led to Jen's recent hysterectomy. Go read and support https://flockmag.com/ @join.the.flock

With calls to divorce lawyers increasing significantly over the last few months, I knew it was time to chat all things Divorce, to help empower those going through it, thinking about it, even those who are in healthy relationships but who want to safeguard their future. Danielle is a Senior Associate at law firm Anderson Strathern, I met her a long time ago and knew that she'd be the perfect person to cover this subject, with no judgement and lots of empathy. There is some really really helpful advice in this episode which I hope will educate, empower and support. Danielle.Edgar@andersonstrathern.co.uk

If you think you know all there is to know about lasering then think again! In days gone by lasering was just another means of removing unwanted hair. But in the last 10 years, lasering technology has advanced in more ways than you can imagine, and Amanda has more experience than most. Purchasing her first laser in 1999, Amanda has continued to invest in the most advanced laser technology, and I was blown away to learn of the many areas of female health that can now be improved with this technology; bladder and incontinence problems, pelvic floor relaxation problems caused by childbirth or menopause and painful intercourse to name just a few! I was excited to hear Amanda talk, knowing that this conversation will help many women who are currently suffering in silence. Amanda can be found at Cosmedicare clinics in Edinburgh and Glasgow.www.cosmedicare.uk @cosmedicare_uk

Great to catch up with Nutritionist Michaella to discuss all things nutrition and to learn more about how our diet can affect anxiety and sleep, two areas that I really wanted to focus on. I love Michaella's scientific yet balanced approach, and this episode is a hugely empowering one as it's a real lesson not just in nutrition, but in hormones and the nervous system too. I have no doubt you'll find this conversation impactful and informative, a must listen! @michaellamazzoninutrition https://www.michaellamazzoninutrition.com/ Huge thanks to our partners Coulters for sponsoring this episode. If you're based in Edinburgh and looking to sell your home, you won't find better service or a friendlier team. For a valuation email egg@coultersproperty.com or visit https://www.coultersproperty.co.uk/

Jenyfer Beardsley - Back talking about the F Word!I was blown away by the response when I asked members of the EGG Facebook group how they felt about their savings & pensions and now know that many women, like me, having been putting this stuff off, fearing the unknown, scared about lack of knowledge, the best places to invest, if it's too late to start. It's not! And this episode will go some way into helping you work out the best first steps when it comes to Pensions and Investments specifically. It's an informative, easy to understand, introduction and I promise you once you listen, and take action, and begin to formulate a plan, you will feel calmer, more empowered, and the F word might even begin to excite you. Jen B aka Miss Moneyjenny can be found www.jenybeardsley.co.uk Books recommended by girls in the community; True Wealth by Diana Chambers Girls Best Friend is her Money (PB): The Motley Fool Women's Investment Guide by Jasmine Birtles and Jane Mack Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker And you can subscribe to receive regular updates from the Good Housekeeping "Financially Fabulous" series.

Although we've covered the subject of Fertility several times over the past few years, we've never considered what it's like for those women who come to the end of their journey without a child, and if indeed there's any support out there. I stumbled upon the Instagram account @anotherhood_stories a few weeks ago, a space, and place, for Women without Children, set up by Laura and Kadi. So I dropped them a message! Our recording coincided with International Childless Week and was enlightening and emotional. We talk about Laura & Kadi's journeys, their old and new friendships, how we can help educate not just each other, but our children too. We talk about why it's time to end the stigma. We may not have children but we are full of life, we are creative, strong, passionate, wonderful wild women who are more than worthy of what we bring to the world. Indeed they are. www.anotherhood.org @anotherhood_stories

Gill Baird MBA - Gill has an awesome story, it's one that I really love. Expelled from school and leaving with no qualifications, Gill entered the business world early and began hustling. Fiercely ambitious, and with great vision and determination, her story is one of highs and lows - I love that Gill talks so openly about her failures. But there haven't been many of those lately. Gaining an MBA and later becoming Scotland's first female owner of a cosmetic surgery company, Gill has gained the respect of Scotland's most successful consultants and next year, will open a self-funded hospital. Gill is a no holds barred Glasgow girl and her open and honest account of her life so far is funny, emotional and inspiring. https://cosmedicare.uk/If you enjoy this episode please do leave a rating or review. For any queries relating to sponsorship please contact info@weareegg.co.uk Please follow us @eggcommunity

I was delighted to be joined by Jenny Urquhart for this episode, a fan of the brand for a long time I was keen to hear Jenny's story; taking over as Chairman from her father last year, it sure has been a baptism of fire! But Jenny is cool and calm and a great example of the qualities and values that will serve you, your business and your employees, well in a time of crisis. Championing sustainability long before anyone else, Johnstons are a traditional company making high quality, stylish and innovative garments that will last a lifetime. Jenny has some great tips for leaders running teams and businesses and great insights into the way we will shop in future. www.johnstonsofelgin.com @johnstonsofelgin

Dr Laura Williams - An amazing guest, I connected with Laura after she contacted me to tell me about the tragic, and very sudden loss of her husband a couple of years ago. A Clinical Psychologist used to supporting others with traumatic life events, Laura realised that dealing with her own grief was something different entirely. We talk about the ways to cope, the different forms of grief as well as post traumatic growth. I really enjoyed this episode, I hope you find it interesting and helpful. You can find Dr Laura here: https://drlaurawilliams.com/contact/ For Grief Counselling also http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/ Huge thanks to our Coulters for sponsoring this episode! https://www.coultersproperty.co.uk/

And by F word I mean Finance! A subject I've wanted to talk about for a long time, but simultaneously too scared to shine a light on something that I have been fearfully neglecting. But it's time to educate myself and empower you, I know I'm not alone when it comes to anxiety over pensions and protections and investments. But it's time to make a start, and I'm delighted to welcome Jen Beardsley who's going to help us all. Jen has been in Finance for over 20 years and has helped many women take control and future plan. An ambassador for Insuring Women's Futures, Jen gives advice in a gentle, non-judgmental way, and is very reassuring - it's never too late to start planning, so let's start right now with this Introduction to Finance conversation! https://www.jenybeardsley.co.uk/

An event we've held live several times in Edinburgh, I was determined to do an on-line event to support all the new and pregnant Mums who were having to go through lockdown, with less emotional and physical support. At a time when you are supposed to be feeling grateful and joyful, it is often the case that this is just not happening. In this event we talk about postnatal depression and anxiety, birth trauma and breast-feeding, about the huge expectations we put on ourselves as new Mums. We were joined by an amazing panel and I'm including all the signposting and support that we discussed during the event. 1. The booklet Katalin mentioned around Mood disorders and medication; https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/pat127.pdf 2. Nobody Told Me by Holly NcNish: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=nobody+told+me+hollie+mcnish&adgrpid=58645484088&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6PD3BRDPARIsAN8pHuG0HWHUi5RSXNkwKNjEgodtb3aQjTKiwj4ygQSk1AbKXoB7MA6SivMaAvITEALw_wcB&hvadid=259134841588&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007392&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4501385865232383074&hvtargid=kwd-331533588474&hydadcr=18715_1817511&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_54dcipoxus_e 3. Why Post Natal Depression Matters; https://www.pinterandmartin.com/why-postnatal-depression-matters 4. The Breastfeeding Network: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/ 5. Perinatal Mental Health Services - A Directory of Support near you, put together by Inspiring Scotland: https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/perinatal-mental-health-services/ 6. Bliss, for support with babies born premature or sick: https://www.bliss.org.uk/about-us/about-bliss 7. Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/ 8. LATNEM: https://www.facebook.com/letsalltalknortheastmums/ 9. EGG Mums - please join and feel free to share your experience: https://www.facebook.com/groups/726329031532286/?epa=SEARCH_BOX 10. Laleche league for breastfeeding support. Free phone consultation around the clockhttps://www.laleche.org.uk 11. This is a fabulous book about self-care in the first few weeks after childbirth. This was really vital in my understanding of RESTING after birth the second time round (Katalin)https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26240610-the-first-forty-days Our panel: Sarah Wheatley - https://birthandbeyond.com/ Lauren Knight & Tricia Murray - https://www.juno.uk.com/ https://www.juno.uk.com/useful-telephone-helplines/ Clare Thompson - https://maternalmentalhealthscotland.org.uk/and Clare's story: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/real-life-stories/clares-story/ Katalin Thomann - katalinaaa@hotmail.com

A conversation that I'd be looking forward to for a long time! Having read a lot about Julie and her journey with the CSC, and having listened to her talk on the first episode of Holly Tucker's brilliant Conversations of Inspiration, I knew that Julie would be a fabulous guest - and she was! Recorded over Zoom during lockdown, Julie was endearing, open, honest and very funny - I warmed to her immediately. Starting the business with her Mum back in 2008, it's been one hell of a ride for Julie, making millions of beautiful bags doesn't come without its challenges. But Julie owns, and talks about, her mistakes, something that we should all do more of. Some brilliant advice for business owners, and just a great conversation, I could have talked to Julie all day. I hope you love listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed recording it!https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/ @camsatchelco

Ocean Advocate, Activist and Vet, Cal is on a mission to connect people to the natural world and raise awareness of ocean plastic. A world record holder, Cal's Land's End to John O'Groats SUP adventure is recorded in her emotional documentary Vitamin Sea. "The antidote to overwhelm is action" and no-one has inspired me more to take action. This episode is dedicated to Sarah.@cal_majorcalmajor.com

So delighted to welcome my pal Danni back to the podcast. I was looking for some light-hearted Glasgow banter, something that could cheer us all up, and Danni delivered just that. Talking with honesty about body image, an update on her journey to single motherhood, she shared a very humorous excerpt from her 21 year old diary - as did I! Turns out we were both anxious, just about different things, it was very amusing and a great reminder of how far we've come (well more Danni than me to be fair). I'm delighted that Danni's great work on body positivity continues and that her new podcast Chachi Chats is now live. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did! @chachipowerproject.Chachi Chats; https://open.spotify.com/show/0K1PSmPC1e6R2MnU3ENzdB