by Fiona likes to blog | Nov 10, 2021 | PODCAST
What is Patriarchy Stress Disorder?
That’s probably a question you’ve never asked yourself because I’m guessing you’ve never even heard of it. I hadn’t until I stumbled across the book by Dr Valerie Rein.
Having struggled with depression, anxiety and chronic pain for almost a decade, I’ve always felt like I am a person who needs to be fixed. I’ve always seen my mental illness, my physical pain, even my body in general, as things that are inherently wrong. Things that don’t fit into what society expects me to me.
When I read Patriarchy Stress Disorder (over a matter of days) I literally cried. This science-backed approach to explain WHY women feel so unworthy and scared made me feel so seen, so comforted, and gave me hope for the future.
Here is an excerpt from Dr Valerie Rein’s website:
All of the hard work, success, and achievement aren’t actually satisfying…You know you’re here for more. You might have tried therapy, coaching, self-help books, retreats, and personal development programs… You’ve made progress. But you’re still not where you want to be.
You’ve got tons of insight… but the way you FEEL doesn’t change at the core. Leaving you wondering: What’s wrong with me? And the answer is — Nothing. You’re brilliant. If you could have figured it out — you would have figured it out long ago. The problem is misdiagnosed.
It’s not you, It’s Patriarchy Stress Disorder.
In this episode of the Out of Office podcast I chat to Dr Valerie Rein to find out:
- What is Patriarchy Stress Disorder?
- Why do we as women, constantly feel unsafe?
- How is this impacting our confidence and relationships?
- How can we prioritise pleasure?
- And so much more…
Learn more about Dr Valerie Rein
Patriarchy Stress Disorder: The Invisible Inner Barrier to Women’s Happiness and Fulfillment – Buy now
Follow Dr Valerie on Instagram
Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss – Buy now
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by Fiona likes to blog | Jul 12, 2021 | Freelance, PODCAST
There are some cracking podcasts for freelancers available online nowadays, but there are sooooo many! How do you know which ones to listen to first? Some are just sales tools and boring self-promotion for marketers or coaches, and others are genuinely helpful with golden tips and amazing advice.
So which are the best podcasts for freelancers? If you’re new to freelancing it’s always super helpful to hear how other people started out, and if you’ve been a freelancer for years it’s nice to know you’re not alone!
Here are my top 5 podcasts for freelancers:
I know, I know! I’m a tad biased, but I think my own podcast about freelance life is pretty bloody awesome. So I’m putting it on this list in case you’ve not had a chance to listen yet! I started the Out of Office Podcast as an accompaniment to my book. You’ll find that I share a lot of my own freelance journey which resonates with lots of freelancers. And I know the podcast and the book have helped a large number of people make the leap from employed to fulltime freelancing!
Since I started recording, I’ve had tonnes of DMs from total strangers telling me how it’s inspired break free from the corporate shackles or to set up as a freelancer on the side. I don’t shy away from difficult topics, like depression and anxiety, and I think you’ll find the tips I share helpful.
Obviously I had to include this as the ultimate of freelancer podcasts, by the multi-hyphenate queen herself, Emma Gannon. This podcast is so good! Emma covers so many topics and speaks to some truly phenomenal humans on Ctrl Alt Delete, from Elizabeth Day and Dawn O’Porter to Joe Lycett and Gillian Anderson.
I love the breadth of her chats with brilliant people covering work, wellbeing & creativity, starting with some questions about work or whatever they might be promoting and then meandering into a whole other – often unexpected – world!
This one is an essential listen for business owners and creatives, with gorgeous deep dive conversations going into the realms of why we do what we do, and the highs and lows on the journey! Ruth Poundwhite interviews the likes of Ravideep Kaur, me, Rabya Lomas and Ray Dodd about our creative lives, and the philosophies and inspiration behind our businesses.
I love hearing how other freelancers fit everything in and use their freedom to create the kind of lives they want. It’s inspiring to know that there IS another way! The way that she focuses on how we’re all connected with each other as humans living life and doing business in a creative way is life-affirming. One to listen to when you’re craving deeper conversations.
Marketing pro Alice Benham hosts this podcast for freelancers and I love it! She speaks with such honesty and openness about her own journey, the highs and lows of running a business, as well as interviewing a variety of freelancers from different industries.
It shines a light on the unspoken parts of being a business owner. Be a fly on the wall for her chats with fellow entrepreneurs and go behind the scenes where they confess their mishaps (I know it’s always reassuring to hear these!). It’s fun, easy to listen to and will give you hope for your business or freelancing life!
This is one I love to listen to when I’m out and about or feeling like I need a sense of community! It’s a podcast for female business owners who want “to work FOR themselves not BY themselves”!
She speaks with lots of women about all things entrepreneurship. The shenanigans that come with running your own business are covered in her chats and of course the trials and tribulations of working from home! It’s given me some great tips about how to stay motivated and on task!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my 5 best podcasts for freelancers and that they give you some listening inspiration!
If you have any podcasts you love that I’ve missed leave a comment below. I’m always on the lookout for new listens! And if you get a chance to have a listen to these, let me know and don’t forget to leave these awesome podcasters reviews! Every little helps and all that, eh?!
You can find me hanging out on Instagram here. Come and say hello! And don’t forget to take a peek at my FREE resources for freelancers.
And if you haven’t nabbed a copy of my book, Out of Office, yet it’s an absolute must for freelancers – especially if you’re new to it all!
by Fiona likes to blog | Apr 29, 2021 | Freelance, PODCAST
April’s a big old month for the Out of Office podcast. My airwaves-generated baby, my child, turned one on 16th April. It’s been an entire year since I started the podcast. And we’re still in a pandemic. But let’s focus on the former, more celebratory news, shall we?
I started Out of Office with the aim of supporting not just people already on their freelance journeys, but particularly the freelance life contemplators, or the ‘I’m-pretty-sure-freelance-is-a-pipe-dream’ dreamers. I want to demystify the freelance life, offer no-BS advice and share both the highs – and lows – that come with hitting out of office for good, so you’re prepared to make your business a success.
So, in keeping with that purpose, here’s the no-BS advice on how to live your best freelance life:
Has the pandemic impacted your mental health? Is that a silly question?
Pandemic life has well and truly impacted my mental health over the last 12 months, so I’ve shared what I’ve been doing to manage the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety recently.
If you need urgent support call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 24 anytime or for less urgent support email jo@samaritains.org and they will respond within 24 hours.
LISTEN HERE
What do you do as a freelancer when you fall out of love with the freelance life? When it feels like s*** is hitting the fan, it can be, honestly, terrifying. But I’m here to show you it’s possible to get back on track and fall back in love with the freelance life again.
I’ve had periods in my life as a freelancer where I’ve felt a bit stuck and I’ve questioned if I was really on the right path. Last year, when I lost my biggest client, I was forced to reevaluate what I wanted out of my business and it changed my entire approach.
Over on the podcast, I share five things that helped me fall back in love with my business again.
LISTEN HERE
Blogging is what started my freelance career so I felt it only made sense to share my thoughts on how it can help you in your business journey.
You can use your blog as a place to talk about subjects that you’re scared to post about on social media as well as a tool to demonstrate your abilities as a freelancer.
Catch the attention of a prospective client on your irresistible blog and they’re sold.
LISTEN HERE
On the most recent episode of the Out of Office podcast, I share tried and tested ways to grow your platform online to boost your freelance business. Get ready to create content that attracts more clients!
Here’s to another 12 months of Out of Office being in our lives!
LISTEN HERE
Pick up my book – Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss
by Fiona likes to blog | May 22, 2020 | PODCAST
In this episode, I want to talk about confidence.
I’m recording this from my living room, I’m on my own, and that’s what most days look like for me as a freelancer, I write for a living whilst sat in front of a computer screen.
So you might be fooled into thinking that my job doesn’t require the same level of confidence as, say, a group fitness instructor who has to learn a routine and then perform it in front of an audience without making any mistakes.
But every freelancer needs to have confidence in both themselves and the work that they do, because it’s a fundamental part of making your business a success.
And when I talk about confidence I don’t just mean the ability to talk in front of a crowd, or pitch your services to a client, or do Zumba class without tripping over… I mean inner confidence in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
by Fiona likes to blog | Apr 29, 2020 | PODCAST
I wanted this episode of Out of Office to really speak to people who are feeling a bit lost. Because I think we’re all been there right? We’ve all been in those types of jobs where you’re constantly watching the clock from 9.01am, you’ve eaten your lunch by 10am just out of pure boredom, and maybe the work you’re doing is unfulfilling or you just don’t give a shit about the stuff you’re responsible for. I felt like that quite honestly, most of my life until I was thirty years old.
I won’t go into too much depth about my history here but basically, I was always creative as a child. Writing stories, drawing, drama club. Singing and acting. Playing the piano. I loved music and ended up studying music at university. Then reality hit and I realised that working in the music industry just wasn’t a passion of mine so I graduated uni and took a promotion at the cafe I had been working in when I was a student. I then spent the next 5 or 6 years in various management roles in the catering industry. I didn’t hate my life but I was very unhappy, anxious and stressed for the majority of my working day and my life in general.
This episode delves into why I went freelance and how you can figure out what passions you might be able to follow in self-employment. I’ve also got Ali from The Positive Planner sharing her thoughts on the power of journaling when it comes to figuring out your career path.
SHOW NOTES
Thanks again to Dinghy for sponsoring this episode and definitely check out their insurance services which are specifically designed for freelancers.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and leave a review saying how much you love me. I like getting compliments ok?
My book comes out Oct 1st 2020, eBook available June 17th
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