You Keep Me Sane

Episode Overview: In this Sanity Check episode, Julie and Aileen dive into the hormonal chaos that hits when perimenopause and parenting teenagers collide. It's the messy middle no one warned us about—when your body feels like it’s breaking down just as your kids are ramping up. From brain fog to teen meltdowns, they share the raw, relatable truth about trying to hold it all together when eve...

 Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie respond to a heartfelt listener letter asking a powerful question: Why is self-compassion so hard, even when we know it's important? They explore how deeply ingrained beliefs—from childhood conditioning to societal pressure—can make kindness toward ourselves feel indulgent or even weak. But what if self-compassion is act...

Episode Overview: In this Sanity Check episode, we take a closer look at the push and pull between busyness and perceived laziness. Following the response to our episode on exhaustion as a status symbol, we explore the idea of productivity—how we define it, how we tie our worth to it, and how we can start shifting the way we measure a 'good day.' Key Discussion Points: The Productivity T...

Episode Overview: In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie dive deep into the weight of guilt—how we carry it, why we feel it, and whether it’s even the right word for what we’re experiencing. They explore how guilt is often misplaced, ingrained in us from childhood, and tied to expectations that may not even be ours. Is it actually guilt, or is it just sadness, regret, or feeling ba...

Episode Overview In this episode of Sanity Check , Aileen and Julie dive into a frustrating yet deeply relatable topic—the stubborn menopausal middle. They share their personal experiences of how their bodies have completely changed the rules, making it harder than ever to maintain weight or fit into the clothes they’ve always worn. While they’ve done a lot of work on body image and self-worth, th...

Episode Overview  Have you ever felt like certain people expect more from you than they do from others? Maybe your family still sees you as the one who always shows up, or your friends assume you’ll always make the effort, even when life has changed. In this episode, we unpack the hidden weight of expectations—where they come from, how they get reinforced, and why it’s so difficult to shift them....

Episode Overview Have you ever felt like the things that used to bring you joy just… don’t anymore? Like you’re going through the motions, but the spark is gone? That’s anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure from things that once made you happy. In this episode, we dive into what anhedonia really is, why it happens, and how to gently invite joy back into your life. We also discuss the work of Dr...

Episode Overview Ever feel like you become a past version of yourself around certain people or places? In this episode, we explore why we unconsciously shrink to fit old roles, especially with family or longtime friends. Inspired by a powerful listener letter, we talk about shifting identities, letting go of outdated labels, and the courage it takes to fully step into who you are now. Key Discussi...

Episode Overview Just when you think you’ve heard it all, perimenopause throws in a few more surprises—rashes and breathlessness! In this Sanity Check , Aileen and Julie dive into these lesser-known symptoms, sharing their own experiences, frustrations, and what they’ve found helps (or doesn’t). If you’ve ever wondered why your skin suddenly erupts into chaos or why you’re out of breath just exist...

Episode Overview Routine health checks can be a major source of anxiety, especially for women. Mammograms, pap smears, and other screenings come with emotional weight, discomfort, and sometimes even fear. In this episode, we dive into the reality of health anxiety and the barriers preventing many women from getting their regular breast exams. We’re joined by Naomi Cosman, Global Head of Marketing...

Episode Overview In this episode of Sanity Check , Julie opens up about her recent struggles with anxiety—how it’s been creeping back in despite years of managing it well. She and Aileen discuss the common triggers that can bring anxiety back, the signs to watch for, and practical steps to stop it from spiraling. They also share personal experiences, tools, and small but impactful strategies to ca...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie take a deep dive into the concept of addiction—not just in the traditional sense of substance abuse but in the broader context of human behavior. Drawing inspiration from Gabor Maté’s work, they explore addiction as a response to pain rather than a failure of willpower. From sugar and shopping to busyness and technology, they...

Episode Overview Hair loss is often seen as a men’s issue, but for many women, it’s a deeply emotional experience tied to identity, confidence, and self-worth. In this short but important Sanity Check, Aileen opens up about her personal experience with hair loss, the impact it had on her self-image, and the surprising encounter that gave her hope. Julie and Aileen discuss why hair loss isn't...

Episode Overview In this episode, we explore the journey back to authenticity—why we lose it, how we reclaim it, and what it costs us when we don’t. From childhood conditioning to the pressure to fit in, we unpack how the need for approval can disconnect us from who we really are. With insights from Gabor Maté and our own stories, we reflect on what it means to show up as your true self. Key Discu...

Episode Overview: In this Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that hits hard: the feeling of having lost the fun, playful side of yourself. Whether it comes from a partner, a friend, or even your own kids, hearing "you're not fun anymore" can sting deeply. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional toll of mental load, and how societal expectations often strip wom...

Episode Overview Comparison can sneak in through social media, friendships, or everyday moments—leaving us feeling like we’re not enough. In this episode, we explore the roots of comparison and jealousy, how they impact self-worth, and what we can do to shift our mindset. Through personal stories and practical tools, we look at how to move from comparison to connection. Key Discussion Points Compa...

Episode Overview This week’s Sanity Check lands on International Women’s Day, and we’re diving into a conversation that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the immense power of women in the economy. Despite the progress we’ve made, studies show it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s five generations away. Simply put, change isn’t happening fast enough. In this episode, we ex...

Episode Overview Most of us left school knowing algebra—not how to budget, manage debt, or invest. In this episode, we unpack the money lessons we wish we’d learned, how to shift our mindset around finances, and why it’s never too late to take control. Let’s break the silence around money and start making it work for us. Key Discussion Points Financial Gaps in School: Why we weren’t taught basic m...

Episode Overview In this Sanity Check episode, we explore a term that resonates deeply with many women: an overdeveloped sense of duty . Julie shares how she first heard this phrase in her early twenties, and it stuck with her. Over the years, she began to recognise how it played out in her life—compulsively taking on responsibility, stepping in to fix things, and helping others without question....

Episode Overview Why does happiness feel like something we’re always chasing but never quite reaching? In this episode, we dive into why happiness feels so elusive and how we can redefine it in a way that feels more fulfilling. Drawing from personal experiences, Russ Harris’ The Happiness Trap , and Dr. Judith Joseph’s 5 Vs for mental health, we explore how meaning, connection, and small sparks of...

Episode Overview In this week's Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into one of Brené Brown’s transformative quotes: “It takes courage to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.” They explore how society glorifies busyness and how deeply ingrained patterns of justifying our time can impact our well-being. Reflecting on their personal journeys, they discuss shif...

Episode Overview: In this deeply personal episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie dive into the complex topic of body image, exploring why size and shape continue to hold such power over our self-worth. They share candid stories from their own lives, reflecting on the lasting impact of societal expectations, family influences, and personal experiences with food, body shame, and self-accepta...

Episode Overview:  In this short Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie explore the unexpected joy and comfort pets bring to our lives. From the unconditional love of dogs and cats to the calming presence of a turtle, they dive into how pets enrich their families and create lasting memories. They share personal stories about their own pets and reflect on the valuable lessons they’ve learned, such as respo...

Episode Overview In this episode, we explore a thought-provoking quote by Carl Jung: "The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of its parents." We unpack what this means, how our unresolved struggles or unmet dreams can impact our children, and how we can foster self-awareness to break the cycle. Aileen and Julie reflect on their own experiences—how their upbringings sha...

Episode Overview: In this episode of Sanity Check , Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many women: how we can sometimes be our own worst critics, and how we must work towards lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down. They explore how societal pressures, insecurities, and unhealed wounds can fuel negative behaviour between women, and why it's crucial...