The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast

A new year doesn’t automatically create change - confidence does. In this episode, Karen talks about why confidence is essential for taking opportunities, breaking self-sabotage, and making better choices. She shares simple ways to understand where your confidence really sits, how fear holds you back, and how to rebuild trust in yourself using real-life experiences. A  grounded, encouraging episod...

On the podcast, Dr. Brigitte Bojkowsky shares with host Karen Bashford how surviving a traumatic attack shaped her path from flight attendant to brand identity strategist. Through their conversation, Dr. Bojkowsky explains how she now empowers others, especially women, to heal, reclaim their identity, and thrive through retreats and coaching. website: www.bridgetbrands.com   

In this episode, host Karen Bashford reflects on the challenges and growth of 2025, sharing personal stories and valuable lessons. She discusses gratitude, setting boundaries, and the creation of empowering tools like the "sloth or beaver" toolkit. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice to close the year and look forward to new beginnings.

In this deeply moving conversation, Karen is joined by Ryan Harland, mental health advocate and author of Riding the Storm. Ryan shares his experience of childhood sexual abuse, the long-term impact it had on his mental health, and the years of self-sabotage that followed. With honesty, compassion and courage, Ryan talks about shame, survival, forgiveness, and what it really takes to break destruc...

Christmas can be challenging as Karen Bashford knows only too well.  In this episode, she shares her personal experience of feeling isolated at family Christmas gatherings, underscores the importance of making choices for yourself rather than obligation, and encourages listeners to set boundaries and prioritise their own happiness.   https://karenbashford.com You always have a choice, but knowing...

In this inspiring conversation, Karen sits down with coach, mentor, and podcaster Sarah J Naylor, who shares her powerful journey from divorce, difficult relationships, and business collapse to deep personal growth, freedom, and a happier, more aligned life. Sarah talks openly about rebuilding from scratch, letting go of what no longer serves us, and trusting the unseen support that shows up when...

This week, Karen opens up about overwhelm, slowing down and what it really means to “step back” without giving up. She shares how learning to listen to her body, honour her energy and trust her intuition changed the way she works and lives. A gentle reminder that you don’t need to push, force or power through, sometimes the smallest pause gives you the biggest clarity. Tune in for an honest, relat...

In this episode, Karen talks with Brooke Bownes, known as the Breakthrough Queen, about her journey from a traumatic childhood and abusive relationships to creating a life she loves. Brooke shares how healing her inner child helped her finally break old patterns, trust herself again, and build real confidence. A raw and honest conversation about leaving fear behind, rebuilding your self-worth, and...

In this episode, Karen shares how learning to trust her intuition changed everything, from leaving fear and control behind to living with more ease, peace, and self-belief. She talks openly about how ignoring her inner voice once led to burnout and a breakdown, and how reconnecting with her intuition became her greatest form of healing. A gentle, heartfelt reminder that your intuition isn’t mystic...

Karen talks with Paula Rastrick, former sports rehab coach, about her powerful journey through perimenopause, trauma, and self-discovery. After a severe reaction to HRT, Paula began exploring how childhood experiences and stress shape women’s health. Together, they discuss why real healing means listening to your body, simplifying, and reclaiming your power — instead of chasing quick fixes. A raw,...

In this episode, Karen shares why transformation isn’t about fixing yourself it’s about remembering who you truly are. She talks about letting go of old stories, family expectations, and the need to please others so you can reconnect with your real self. Through her “Sloth to Beaver” analogy, Karen reminds us that growth means clearing what no longer serves you and rebuilding life in a way that fe...

In this episode, Karen chats with Dr Thomasz George, founder of Freya Health — a groundbreaking app that puts you in charge of your medical data. Imagine having all your records, from NHS visits to smartwatch data, in one secure place you can access anywhere in the world. Thomasz explains how Freya helps you share information safely with doctors, take part in research (and get paid for it), and ev...

In this episode, Karen Bashford opens up about a deeply personal few weeks caring for her elderly cat and the emotional exhaustion that followed. She reflects on how stress, fear, and overwhelm can lead to self-sabotage, loss of motivation, and even physical fatigue and how awareness, honesty, and self-compassion can bring us back to balance. Karen shares gentle reminders to recognise the warning...

In this inspiring episode, Karen talks with fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen about how our clothes affect how we think, feel, and show up in the world. Jennifer explains why colour impacts mood, how “dopamine dressing” lifts confidence, and why what we wear can even help us heal after trauma or loss. You’ll also hear about her simple “wardrobe zones” method—comfort, confidence, and identity—th...

Have you ever found yourself stuck overthinking a big decision? In this solo episode, Karen talks about why making choices can be so challenging and shares her five-step method for overcoming fear and uncertainty. She opens up about her own experiences of following her heart, making mistakes, and learning to listen to both logic and intuition. You’ll learn how to get clear on what you really want,...

Artist, designer, former teacher, and men’s mental health advocate Shaun Pritchard joins Karen to talk honestly about what many men carry but rarely say out loud. We dig into why male friendships fade, how creativity and nature can heal, and Shauns’s new men-only community, Forge, built to rebuild connection, accountability, and support. You will hear practical ways women and men can understand ea...

Keep putting things off, ghosting your goals, or talking yourself out of good relationships? In this episode, Karen explains what self-sabotage really looks like and why it shows up. She shares a simple four-step practice to stop the spiral: list what you want, rate your commitment 1–10, choose a “Power of Three” actions, and check what your body is telling you. Clear, practical, and compassionate...

Struggling with a wardrobe full of clothes but “nothing to wear”? Karen sits down with Suzanne Suthers, personal shopper and stylist, to talk about simple ways women can feel fabulous again. From finding colours that make you glow to choosing clothes that fit who you are now, Suzanne shares practical tips that boost confidence and style at any age.   Suzanne Suthers - Home

In this episode, Karen Bashford explores how childhood wounds, family dynamics, and unhealed patterns shape the stories we carry into adulthood. She reveals why so many women feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood, and how reviewing, reflecting, and rewriting your story can open space for self-love, healthier choices, and a life aligned with who you truly are. Listen now to discover how to empty t...

Can deep change happen fast? Karen talks with Clare, creator of The Walters Method, about body based tools that move you from low self worth and anxiety to calm, empowered action. Hear how felt sense work reveals root causes, why shifts can be immediate, and how Claire’s new diploma trains coaches and therapists to guide real transformation. Listen now, get practical steps, choose your empowered a...

In this episode of The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast, host Karen Bashford shares her deeply personal journey of breakdown, healing, and breakthrough. She explores how slowing down, surrendering, and questioning long-held beliefs can transform pain into peace. Karen also introduces the Sloth or Beaver Toolkit, a powerful self-discovery tool designed to help you uncover patterns, release old...

In this episode of The Empowered Women Life Leaders Podcast, host Karen Bashford sits down with Lottie Moore, a modern-day Celtic medicine woman and Grand Master Fire Walk Instructor. Lottie shares her journey from the mountains of Africa to the sacred landscapes of Ireland, revealing how indigenous plants, fire walking, and a deep relationship with the land can ignite transformation. Discover the...

In this uplifting solo episode, Karen Bashford shares how a spur-of-the-moment trip to Sicily turned into a powerful lesson in self-belief. From navigating foreign roads and unexpected challenges to climbing 84 stairs to her apartment, Karen reveals how trusting yourself—and taking things one step at a time—can transform fear into confidence. Full of real-life anecdotes, gentle humour, and inspiri...

In this inspiring episode, Karen Bashford speaks with Kay Reeve, a mentor, breast cancer survivor, and domestic abuse warrior. Kay opens up about her harrowing experiences of physical and emotional abuse, the trauma of sexual violation, and the long-term health consequences of suppressing her truth. With raw honesty and grace, she shares how she found the courage to escape, rebuild her life, and n...

What Is Your Body Really Telling You? In this deeply personal solo episode, host Karen Bashford explores the powerful connection between emotional trauma and physical illness. Drawing from her own life experiences, Karen shares how suppressed emotions—especially those tied to rejection, fear, and anger—can manifest in the body as everything from sprained ankles to autoimmune disease and migraines....