You Keep Me Sane

Episode Overview: In this deeply personal episode, Aileen opens up about her experiences as a single parent, raising her daughter Amelia for over a decade. She shares both the rewarding and the challenging aspects of single motherhood, offering insight into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that often go unseen. Julie and Aileen also discuss how building a supportive community, embrac...

Episode Overview In this episode of Sanity Check , Aileen and Julie reflect on their decision to take a break from alcohol. Sharing their personal experiences and challenges, they explore how alcohol affects them differently now, especially in the context of perimenopause. They discuss the cultural pressures around drinking, how alcohol impacts their energy, sleep, and mental health, and how stepp...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie dive into the sometimes tricky but essential topic of boundaries. Prompted by a listener email reflecting on struggles with self-worth and boundary-setting, they explore why boundaries are so important for protecting your energy, maintaining healthy relationships, and fostering self-respect. Both Aileen and Julie share persona...

Episode Overview:  In this short Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into the powerful message of self-worth delivered by Demi Moore in her acceptance speech for her first acting award at the age of 62. Inspired by Moore's journey of resilience and self-belief, they explore the concept of being enough just as we are, and how we often get caught up in unrealistic standards and comparisons. Tog...

Episode Overview In this episode, Aileen and Julie discuss why women often feel the need to apologise for ageing, unpacking societal pressures and how our self-worth is tied to our appearance. They explore how to shift the narrative around ageing, embracing the wisdom and experience that come with it. Key Discussion Points The Ageing Double Standard: Why society praises ageing men but sidelines ag...

Episode Overview In this quick Sanity Check , Aileen and Julie delve into one of the most relatable struggles we all face: procrastination. From the fear of failure to the pull of perfectionism, they discuss the many reasons we avoid tasks and share practical tips on how to break free from the cycle of procrastination. Key Discussion Points Why Procrastination Happens: Fear of failure, fear of suc...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie share an honest, relatable conversation about anxiety—how it manifests, how it affects their lives, and the tools they’ve found to navigate through it. From childhood experiences and lifelong struggles to the surprising onset of anxiety in peri-menopause, they open up about their personal journeys and offer practical strategie...

Episode Summary In this episode, Aileen and Julie explore the powerful, often difficult process of growth through adversity. Reflecting on their own life experiences—from heartbreak to major transitions—they discuss how challenging moments have fundamentally shaped who they are. Together, they ask whether personal growth always requires hardship and consider ways we can foster self-development eve...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie explore the idea of purpose—not as a grand, singular mission, but as discovering your “spark.” They share personal stories and practical insights to help you identify the small, meaningful moments that bring joy and fulfilment, encouraging a more present and intentional approach to life. Key Discussion Points Challenging Tradi...

Episode Overview Happy New Year! In this special episode, Aileen and Julie introduce Sanity Check , a short weekly segment offering quick insights alongside their regular episodes. They explore the idea of being addicted to not feeling okay—a mindset where struggle and chaos feel normal—and share how they plan to break free from this cycle in 2025. Key Discussion Points Reframing Resolutions: Shif...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie delve into holding patterns—the habits or beliefs that keep us stuck in life. These cycles, often rooted in fear or indecision, can prevent growth and change. Inspired by a heartfelt letter from a listener, Sue, they reflect on personal experiences and offer insights on recognising and breaking free from these patterns. Throug...

Episode Overview In this Christmas Day episode, Julie and Aileen hold space for every kind of Christmas—joyful, bittersweet, or quiet. They reflect on family traditions, the challenges the holiday can bring, and the importance of creating moments of connection and meaning, however the day unfolds. Key Discussion Points The Complexity of Christmas The holiday can bring joy but also amplify feelings...

Episode Overview In this festive sanity check, Aileen and Julie reflect on the chaos of the pre-Christmas period. From endless to-do lists and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday, they share their personal experiences and remind us that good enough truly is good enough. Key Discussion Points The Holiday Juggle: Why the week before Christmas feels overwhelming and how 80% of peop...

Episode Overview In this heartfelt episode, Aileen and Julie delve into the challenging but vital topic of self-worth in children. How do we help our kids feel worthy and enough when many of us struggle with self-worth ourselves? Inspired by a listener's letter, they explore what self-worth truly is, why it’s essential for kids, and how we can teach it while still learning it ourselves. Key D...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie delve into the exhausting and often invisible reality of this life stage, the mental load and the chaos it can create in our lives. With the added pressures of the holiday season, they share honest reflections on the relentless demands of caregiving, managing households, and balancing work, all while navigating emotional and m...

Episode Overview In this episode, we dive into peri-menopause—something so many of us face, yet rarely talk about. Aileen and Julie share their personal experiences with everything from brain fog and sleepless nights to unexpected symptoms like anxiety and allergies, offering honesty, insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Key Discussion Points Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room - How...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , we explore the art of listening and its impact on connection, growth, and health. Inspired by listener feedback, we discuss what it takes to be a good listener and how real listening strengthens relationships, helps us feel understood, and supports mental and physical well-being. Key Discussion Points Why Listening Matters: How truly listening...

Episode Overview: In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie unpack the impact of judgement—how it shapes our choices, fuels fear, and feeds the inner critic. Through personal stories and honest reflection, they explore how to move beyond judgement and into self-acceptance. Key Discussion Points: The Power of Judgement: How it influences self-worth and holds us back. Fear of Being Judg...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Aileen and Julie dive into the all-too-familiar experience of fear, exploring a quote that struck a chord: “All you have to do is show up. Be late. Be scared. Be confused. Just be there. You'll figure out the rest as you go.” They open up about how fear has shaped their journey—from launching the podcast to navigating personal and professional challenges. Whe...

Episode Summary: In this special introductory episode, Aileen and Julie share the story behind their chance meeting, the evolution of their friendship, and the inspiration behind You Keep Me Sane. From a serendipitous encounter in Greenwich Park to years of daily WhatsApp messages that became an anchor for both of them, they reflect on the challenges they’ve faced, the support they’ve shared, and...

Episode Overview In this episode of You Keep Me Sane , Julie and Aileen dive into the topic of self-worth, exploring what it means, how we lose touch with it, and how to rebuild it from within. They share personal stories and insights into why self-worth is crucial for living authentically and setting healthy standards for oneself. Key Discussion Points What is Self-Worth? Understanding self-worth...

Episode Overview: In this heartfelt episode of You Keep Me Sane , Aileen and Julie explore the often elusive concept of success. They delve into how societal definitions can overshadow personal aspirations and how we can redefine success on our own terms. Key Discussion Points: What Success Means to Us: Aileen and Julie share their personal journey with the definitions of success, highlighting how...