Beyond the Smile

Living with Childlessness In this episode, MaryLayo talks to couple – Daniele & Tina Fiandaca, about their journey navigating through childlessness, and the impact this has had on their mental health. Daniele and Tina share about the hopes and dreams they had for a family, their experience of miscarriage, IVF treatment and grief, and their feelings about shame and societal pressure. Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found the discussion helpful. For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. #MaryLayoTalks #BeyondTheSmile #Childless #InfertilityJourney #MentalHealth #EmbracingChildlessness #ChildlessGrief #Miscarriage Guest details: Daniele Fiandaca is founder of Token Man Consulting, an inclusion and diversity consultancy which specialises in engaging senior leaders and men with I&D and inspiring them to become inclusive leaders and agents of change. Clients include BNP Paribas, Channel 4, Colt, Hitachi Vantara, Merlin Entertainments, Monster Energy, Nestlé and Ogilvy. He is also co-founder of Masculinity in the Workplace, the only I&D event that is designed specifically to engage men. He is also an executive coach, author and agent of change - he was recently named one of the Top 50 Trailblazers in Gender Equality in the UK. Tina Fiandaca balances her career as a part-time People and Culture Director with her passion for volunteer work. She dedicates her time to counselling at Childline and assisting as a Wardrobe Assistant at Smart Works. She lives in London, and embraces the city's diverse offerings. When she's not working or volunteering, you can find her watching movies, singing with the Some Voices choir, and dancing at daytime discos. External Resources: Tina's blog: a Journey of Infertility and ChildlessnessDaniele's LinkedIn post: Do You Have Children?'Grief: A Study of Human Emotional Experience' lecture - Jody DayMaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Summary In this episode, guest, Angie Read, shares with MaryLayo her journey of surviving two unexpected strokes at age 46 and 47, and the impact this had on her mental health. Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Proverbs 4:20-22, before inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found Angie's story helpful. For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. #BeyondTheSmile #MaryLayoTalks #StrokeSurvivor #MentalHealthAwareness #InvisibleScars Guest details: Angie Read is an author and devoted mother of three who had a massive stroke followed by a more minor one. Afterwards, she was plagued by post-stroke anxiety and post-stroke depression. Today, Angie is sharing her story—and the tips and tools that helped her survive—to help as many fellow stroke survivors as possible. Angie's books include: Invisible Scars, Mental Health Hacks, Identity Crisis & Rise. Guest's website: https://legacycoachingforher.com/ Guest's social media: You Tube, Facebook & LinkedIn. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on Bible scripture Proverbs 4:20-22. For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Starting Counselling: Genis' Story In this episode MaryLayo and guest, Genis Fernandes, discuss seeking help, finding a counsellor and highlight some of the frustrations and benefits they experienced on their journey. Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Philippians 4:13, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you enjoyed the conversation about finding a counsellor. Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. Questions include: Guest details: Genis Fernandes works as a Research Programme Lead and also serves as a volunteer for a mental health charity. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Philippians 4:13. External resources: Body and Soul Charity The Caravan Listening Place Samaritans For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. #BeyondTheSmile #StartingCounselling #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #GettingHelp #HavingTherapy

Resilience After Brain Injury In this episode, Marylayo talks with guest, Greg Ward. Greg shares his personal story of recovery following a brain haemorrhage that occurred when he was just 14 years old; and reflects on how after many years he's only now more comfortable discussing his challenges openly. Discussion points Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture: Joshua 1:9. For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Summary In this episode of "Beyond the Smile" with host MaryLayo, we delve into the intricacies of finding not just a job, but a fulfilling career that aligns with one's interests and talents. Career and talent strategist Stephen Shortt, CEO of Career Fit, unpacks the importance of job satisfaction and how it contributes to overall happiness and good mental health. Listeners will explore the idea of passion versus enjoyment in career choice, the growing phenomenon of career burnout, and the evolving landscape of jobs that may not even exist yet. Stephen Short emphasises the value of career guidance in schools and how parental expectations can shape—and sometimes limit—a child's career aspirations. The episode also discusses how individuals can navigate career transitions, whether early in their work life or in their later years. It reassures those at career crossroads that happiness in their profession is not just attainable but deserved. Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Psalm 37, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Take a moment and delve into what may be 'beyond the smile'. Remember to follow, like and share if you enjoyed the discussion on the critical relationship between career satisfaction and overall life satisfaction. For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. #BeyondTheSmilePodcast #FindYourCareerPath #PassionVersusEnjoyment #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #SpiritualHealth Timestamps (00:00:01) Introduction to Mental Health and Spiritual Well-being (00:00:45) Aligning Career with Interests (00:04:01) The Cost of Misaligned Career Choices (00:14:11) Career Guidance in Irish Schools (00:16:31) Teen Readiness for Career Choices (00:18:32) Future of Work Discussion in Schools (00:24:49) Multiple Career Changes in a Lifetime (00:26:01) Insights from the eBook 'Your Next Career' (00:30:09) Transforming Passion into Career (00:33:47) Identifying a Career Focus (00:36:01) Biannual Career Trends Update (00:38:30) Advice for Career Crossroads (00:41:52) Spiritual Wellness Tip: Psalm Chapter 37 Guest details: As a Career & Talent Strategist, Stephen is deeply committed to helping individuals and organisations in devising and achieving their career aspirations through a blend of career counselling, talent assessment, and strategic planning. His work with ETC Consult, CareerFit, Talent Select, Successful Succession, Delta Events and Distributed Training is centred around helping to match the right people with the right careers. Stephen’s upcoming books, “Your Future Career” and “Your Next Career,” are further examples of his commitment to helping others at different stages of their career journeys. “Your Future Career” is geared towards students and young professionals, while “Your Next Career” offers guidance for those seeking to change or enhance their career paths. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tips: Open My Heart

In this episode, Marylayo is with guest, Richard (Junior) Asomaning, who shares his experience of having a brother diagnosed with autism. Discussion points include: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Deuteronomy 31:8. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Perfectionism In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Dr Tom Curran, a world-leading expert on perfectionism. We talk about perfectionism and share our own personal experiences. Questions included: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Thomas Curran is a chartered psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. He has written on perfectionism and related topics for TIME magazine and the Harvard Business Review. His work has been featured in publications such as the New Scientist and the Times of London, and covered by many international publications including the Guardian, Economist, Telegraph, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Ariana Huffington's 'Thrive Global' campaign. In 2018, he gave a TEDMED talk entitled 'Our Dangerous Obsession with Perfectionism is Getting Worse' and in 2023 he published his debut book, ‘The Perfection Trap.’ Guest's website: https://www.thomascurran.co.uk/ MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Dear God Related resources: Also check out podcasts Episode 4: Not now...Later! & Episode 10 Still Procrastinating? Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

How do you go about clearing the house, and personal belongings, when someone dies? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Dr Chris Davis, and we share our experiences of clearing the home following the passing of a loved one. Discussion includes: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Psalm 34:18. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Grief with Shame In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Professor Dale Larson, an award winning author and clinical psychologist, about the feeling of shame some can have when grieving and how they can overcome the challenges based on evidence-based findings. Discussion includes: Take a moment. Delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' and listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Professor Dale Larson is an award winning author and clinical psychologist. He is the J. Thomas and Kathleen L. McCarthy Professor of Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University, a Fellow in three Divisions of the American Psychological Association (Counseling, Health, and Humanistic Psychology) and Member of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. Larson, D. G., & Chastain, R. L. (1990). Self-concealment: Conceptualization, measurement, and health implications. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 9(4), 439-455.Larson, D. G., Chastain, R. L., Hoyt, W. T., & Ayzenberg, R. (2015). Self-concealment: Integrative review and working model. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 34(8), 705-729. Guest's website Related resources: Check out Episode 7: Losing Keven Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tips: Romans 8:1 & 1 John 1:9. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Happily Ever After What are the odds of finding true love after 40? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, guest Vinnie Garrett shares her thoughts about romance and dating, potential partners, sustaining a marriage and incorporating God into life. Discussion points include: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the book of Ruth, i.e., Chapters 1-4, in the bible. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

The Fashionably Late Bride: Finding love later in life What are the odds of finding true love after 40? In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, guest Vinnie Garrett shares about the ups and downs of single life and dating into her late forties. Vinnie shares about her life as a bachelorette, quest to find a husband, her preparation for marriage and how God mysteriously played a part in her journey to walking down the aisle and getting married. Discussion points include: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scriptures Joel 2:25-26, Lamentations 3:25 & Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

All Work and No Play - Insights on Burnout In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest Dr Karen Michell. Karen, an occupational health nurse with experience in academia, shares her experience of going through burnout, both as a worker and a boss, and how it impacted her mental health. The conversation and questions include: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Karen is a wife and mother with two grandsons. She is also an occupational health nurse practitioner with over 25 years’ international experience spanning occupational health, safety, research, and education. Her professional experience is underpinned by a strong academic and research background which extended into occupational safety and health (OSH) consultancy in pharmaceutical, construction, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Karen's a Fellow of the Academy of Nursing in South Africa in recognition of her contribution to research and practice in occupational health nursing. She is an accomplished international author and presenter on multiple occupational safety and health related subjects. MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Colossians 1:11. Related resources: Also check out podcasts Episode 1: Running on Empty & Episode 8: Helping the Helper. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Going through a Brain Tumour In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Mildred Talabi, about her experience when she discovered she had a brain tumour and the impact this had on her mental health and spiritual wellbeing during the recovery process. The conversation includes: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Mildred Talabi trained as a Journalist and worked in the media, before transitioning into Public Relations and then Communications. Along the way, Mildred started several businesses, authored four books, and had the privilege of speaking to and training many audiences across different countries. Today, Mildred specialises in working with female leaders and women in business to build powerful and authentic personal brands through being visible on LinkedIn. Guest's website MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tips: No Longer Slaves Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist professional advice and support if needed.

Anxiety Treatments In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I continue talking to psychotherapist, Suzi Williams, about anxiety. This time we focus more on the various treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and self-help tips, that can be applied to help improve our mental health and wellbeing. The conversation covers: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Suzi is a Person-Centred psychotherapist passionate about self-discovery, self-development and personal growth. Guest's website MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scriptures Luke 12:24-26 & Philippians 4:6-77. Related resources: Also check out podcasts Episode 11: Unravelling Anxiety & Episode 12: Unravelling Anxiety Part 2. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

About Anxiety In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I'm with guest, Suzi Williams, a psychotherapist to talk about anxiety and our mental health and wellbeing. This is Part 2 of the Unravelling Anxiety series. The conversation covers: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Suzi is a Person-Centred psychotherapist passionate about self-discovery, self-development and personal growth. Guest's website MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture 1 Peter 5:7. Research links: No PanicAnxiety UKRethink Mental IllnessSamaritans Other mental health groups and services may exist depending on your location. Related resources: Check out podcasts Episode 11: Unravelling Anxiety & Episode 13: Unravelling Anxiety: The treatments. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist professional advice and support if needed.

About Anxiety In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I'm with guest, Suzi Williams, a psychotherapist to talk about anxiety and mental health and wellbeing. This is Part 1 of the Unravelling Anxiety series. The conversation covers: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Suzi is a Person-Centred psychotherapist passionate about self-discovery, self-development and personal growth. Guest's website MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Luke 12:24-26. Related resources: Check out podcasts Episode 12: Unravelling Anxiety 2 & Episode 13: Unravelling Anxiety: The treatments. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist professional advice and support if needed.

Procrastination - The Time Thief In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Deacon Joe Ferrari, who is also a professor of psychology, to hear his perspective about procrastination and why do some people still keep on procrastinating even though they want to stop! Conversation includes: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Deacon Joseph Ferrari is Professor of Psychology at DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois. Deacon Ferrari is author of the book “Still Procrastinating? The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done.” MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Hebrews 12:11. Related resources: Check out podcast Episode 4: Not now...Later! Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

A Mother's Journey Through Grief In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Barbara Legere, to talk about her experience of losing a child to suicide. We discuss how she managed to cope following the death of her son, Keven, and what’s kept her going. This covers: Take time out. Delve into what may lie beyond a smile and listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Barbara Legere is the author of 'Keven's Choice – A Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide' and 'Talk to Me I'm Grieving – Supportive Ways to Help Someone Through Grief'. Barbara is an advocate for harm reduction and ending the stigma towards substance abuse and mental health issues. Guest's website MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scriptures Psalm 34:18 and Matthew 5:4. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Mental Health Insights for Healthcare workers and other Caregivers In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Professor Dale Larson, to discuss the mental health of caregivers, who are also known or include care workers, carers and healthcare workers. Professor Larson shares about experiences nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, and others such as the clergy can often struggle with in their role to help others, e.g., burnout, trauma, Covid, showing compassion and grief, and how they too can be helped. Questions included: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Professor Dale Larson is an award winning author and clinical psychologist. He is the J. Thomas and Kathleen L. McCarthy Professor of Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University, a Fellow in three Divisions of the American Psychological Association (Counseling, Health, and Humanistic Psychology) and Member of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. Professor Larson is author of the book "The Helper's Journey - empathy, Compassion, and the Challenge of Caring". Guest's website Related resources: Check out Episode 1: Running on Empty & Episode 15: All Work, No Play also. MaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tips: Matthew 25:40, Psalm 23:1-4 & 1 Peter 5:7. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Workplace Bullying and Intimidation In today's episode of MaryLayo Talks, I’m with guest, Jessy Gomes, about workplace intimidation and bullying. Jessy shares how her experience had an impact on mental health and she overcame the challenges. The conversation covers: Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. Guest details: Jessy is a creative thinker, PhD researcher, a Global Health and Safety Leader in the Construction sector and a change maker. Jessy serves as an Occupational Safety and Health Strategist and women’s advocate on the profession. Her latest research is on Health and Safety strategies that are overcoming the plateaued statistics in the UK. TEDx talk: Your Job Does Not Define Your Worth Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Romans 8:28. Connect with MaryLayo: LinkedIn Instagram For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.