Episode Summary

Michelle and Nicola kick off the episode with a lighthearted catch-up about holidays, autumn weather, and the joys (and disasters) of caravanning. The conversation quickly turns to money—how we save, spend, and the mindsets we inherit and develop around finances.

Key Topics Discussed

• Holiday Recap: Stories from Wales, caravan mishaps, and the universe’s mysterious ways.
• Money Mindset:
  • Saving vs. spending habits
  • How upbringing shapes financial attitudes
  • Teaching kids about money
  • The importance of budgeting for both home and business
• Business Finances:
  • Knowing your numbers
  • Pricing services and overcoming the “ick” of quoting
  • The difference between a hobby and a business
  • Managing business accounts and tools (from spreadsheets to accounting software)
• Listener Question: Rachel asks, “What do you like most about doing a podcast?” The hosts reflect on the value of conversation, different perspectives, and the joy of Monday morning chats.
• Random Acts of Kindness & TV Recommendations:
  • A shoutout to "The Crowded Room" on Apple TV
  • The challenge of disconnecting from technology (no data experiment)
  • The importance of reviews and feedback

Notable Quotes

• “You have to keep an eye on your figures. You have to know your numbers.”
• “It’s interesting how different people are with money—some are savers, some are spenders, and some are a bit of both.”
• “Saying things out loud makes things clearer.”

Connect with Us

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Episode Summary

Michelle and Nicola discuss the challenges and psychology around money, pricing, and self-worth, especially for women in business. They share personal stories about setting prices, offering discounts, and the emotional hurdles of talking about money. The conversation covers:

• The discomfort of discussing prices with clients
• Techniques for confidently stating your rates
• The impact of childhood beliefs and family attitudes on money mindset
• The tendency to undervalue services, especially when starting out
• The importance of setting boundaries around discounts and "mates rates"
• How to calculate what to charge, including practical tips and the emotional side
• The value of services perceived as "luxuries" and how to communicate their worth
• The role of imposter syndrome in pricing decisions
• Bartering and job swaps as alternatives to monetary payment
• Listener engagement: requests for stories about money mindset, pricing strategies, and childhood money phrases

Fun Extras

• Stories about dog drying bags and furry slippers
• Lighthearted banter about autumn weather, household chores, and school memories

Listener Call to Action

• Share your experiences with money mindset and pricing
• Send in childhood money phrases you remember
• Contact: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk or DM on Instagram @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Welcome to another episode of The Reinvention Diaries, where Michelle and Nicola chat all things reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence.

In This Episode:

• Michelle and Nicola catch up on their weekends, from Oktoberfest-themed parties to shopping for garden slabs.
• The hosts discuss things everyone seems to love… but they just can’t get on board with! From Birkenstocks and matcha to festivals and Center Parcs, find out where they agree (and hilariously disagree).
• September resets: Why the start of the school year feels like a better “new year” than January, and how to harness that energy for a personal glow up.
• Goal setting tips: Breaking down big goals, the power of tick lists, and why it’s okay to set goals that work for you—whether that’s daily, monthly, or seasonally.
• The importance of routines, blocking time in your calendar, and making space for both planning and spontaneity.
• Wardrobe refreshes, shopping your own closet, and the joy of finding “new” clothes in storage.
• Random acts of kindness (or the lack thereof this week!) and life-changing little habits.
• Listener challenge: Can you do a headstand by the end of September? Michelle’s putting it out to the universe!

Get Involved:

• Share your random acts of kindness or life-changing tips with us! Email studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk or DM us on Instagram @thereinventiondiariespodcast.

Thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more honest, funny, and inspiring conversations about reinvention and confidence

• Hosts: Michelle & Nicola
• Theme: Conversations about reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence, especially for women.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of taking breaks—big and small—and how they help with creativity, productivity, and mental health.
• Personal stories about exhaustion, sleep routines, and the struggle to find healthy alternatives to caffeine.
• Skincare routines: Streamlining products, the appeal of natural ingredients, and the joy (or not) of self-care rituals.
• The value of changing scenery for work, including working holidays and writer’s retreats.
• How breaks can spark new ideas and help reconnect with loved ones.
• The Pomodoro Technique and other productivity hacks for managing overwhelm.
• Social media breaks: The benefits, challenges, and what you learn about your own habits.
• The transformative power of reformer Pilates and finding exercise routines that actually stick.
• Random acts of kindness and the little things that can make someone’s day.
• Listener engagement: Requests for stories about how listeners take breaks, relax, and recharge.

Contact & Community:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Listeners are encouraged to share their “confidence outfits” and stories about taking breaks.

Call to Action:

• Leave a five-star review and comment wherever you get your podcasts!

Confidence Clothes Swap: Reinvent Your Wardrobe – Show Notes

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola Guest: Deb Wiley

Episode Overview

Welcome to The Reinvention Diaries! In this episode, Michelle and Nicola talk with Deb Wiley about the power of wardrobe reinvention and how what you wear can transform your mindset and confidence.

Key Topics Discussed

• The concept of reinvention at any age, with inspiring stories of late bloomers.
• Deb’s journey: from corporate suits to charity shop finds, and how her wardrobe evolved through life’s ups and downs.
• The importance of aligning your wardrobe with your personality and professional goals.
• How clothing choices can influence both your own mindset and the impressions you make on others.
• The psychological phenomenon of "enclothed cognition"—how what you wear affects how you feel and how others perceive you.
• Practical tips for building a confidence-boosting wardrobe, including the role of color, accessories, and shopping strategies.
• The value of impartial advice when updating your style, and why it’s okay to step outside your comfort zone.

Guest Highlights

• Deb shares her experience working with Michelle to streamline her wardrobe and rediscover her personal style.
• Stories about dressing for different clients and situations, and how small changes (like a bold necklace or scarf) can make a big impact.
• The emotional side of wardrobe reinvention—how it can help rebuild confidence after major life changes.

Listener Challenge

Michelle and Nicola challenge listeners to share their own "confidence outfits"—the clothes or accessories that make you feel unstoppable.

• Post your outfit on Instagram and tag @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Or email your photo to studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk

Connect

• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk

The conversation continues with light banter about mornings, caffeine, and mushroom coffee, then transitions into discussions about family, social life, and personal routines.]

The main topic centers on burnout:

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout, especially for women.
• Personal stories about stressful jobs, health impacts, and the difficulty of noticing burnout while it's happening.
• Discussion of physical and emotional symptoms: fatigue, poor concentration, frequent illness, headaches, stomach issues, changes in appetite, cynicism, detachment, and more.
• The importance of understanding your own "normal" and noticing when things change.
• Strategies for coping: recognizing the problem, making a plan, journaling, getting out in nature, talking to friends or professionals, and finding relaxing activities.
• Emphasis on self-kindness, setting boundaries, and sometimes saying "no" to protect your well-being.

The episode wraps up with:

• Random acts of kindness (including saying no to a problematic client).
• Listener engagement: inviting stories and feedback via email or Instagram.
• A lighthearted close, mentioning the next episode will be recorded from France.

Contact info:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Thank you for listening!

The Reinvention Diaries – Episode: Clare Downham

About this episode: In this episode, Michelle and Nicola welcome Clare Downham, a transformational coach, mentor, author, speaker, podcaster, YouTuber, and part-time van lifer. Clare shares her journey from head teacher to burnout, and how she rebuilt her life and career to help others find calm, clarity, and confidence.

Key topics discussed:

• Clare’s background as a head teacher and her experience with burnout
• The pressures of high achievement and the impact on mental health
• Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship and coaching
• The “three principles” understanding of the mind and how it changed Clare’s life
• Recognizing and managing stress, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome
• The importance of listening to your body and slowing down
• Practical tips for dealing with negative thoughts and self-doubt
• The value of spending time with yourself and reducing distractions
• Clare’s book: “The Life Changing Magic of Learning to Be With Yourself”
• Random acts of kindness and the power of human connection

Highlights:

• Clare’s honest account of burnout and recovery
• Insights into how our thoughts shape our experience
• Tips for recognizing when you’re overwhelmed and how to pause
• The difference between being “calm” and being unproductive
• How to notice and challenge your inner critic
• The importance of self-compassion and understanding your own mind

Connect with Clare:

• Website: claredownham.com
• Book: “The Life Changing Magic of Learning to Be With Yourself” (available on Amazon)

Connect with the hosts:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the journey to self-acceptance!

The Reinvention Diaries – Episode Recap

Welcome to The Reinvention Diaries, a podcast where Michelle and Nicola chat about reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence. In this episode, the hosts catch up after a break, sharing stories from recent holidays, family parties, and life updates.

Highlights:

• Michelle’s trip to the North Yorkshire coast, including steampunk sightings in Whitby and the excitement of the Lionesses winning the World Cup.
• Nicola’s experience hosting three parties: her 16-year-old’s, 19-year-old’s, and her father-in-law’s 90th birthday.
• Reflections on sleep, caffeine, and the impact of lifestyle changes on well-being.
• A candid discussion about migraines, hormone disruptors in skincare, and the journey to more mindful product choices (including using the Yuka app).
• Adventures in reducing plastic use, filtering water, and switching to glass and metal containers.
• Michelle’s first experience with a flotation tank and thoughts on relaxation and sensory deprivation.
• Random acts of kindness (and “almost” acts of kindness) while out and about.
• TV recommendations, including “Below Deck,” “Peaky Blinders,” and “Mixtape.”
• Listener call-to-action: Email studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk or follow on Instagram @thereinventiondiariespodcast.

Key Takeaways:

• Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on health and happiness.
• It’s okay to abandon TV series that don’t hold your interest!
• Being kind (even by proxy) makes the world a little better.
• Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.

Tune in next week for more honest conversations and stories of reinvention!