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This episode includes discussion of child abuse and trauma.

Child abuse is one of the most difficult and uncomfortable topics to talk about, yet it affects far more people than we realise. Many survivors carry the impact quietly for years, sometimes decades, without fully understanding how deeply it has shaped their lives.

In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of childhood abuse and its long-term psychological effects. From fear, shame, and silence to the way trauma shapes relationships, self-worth, and behaviour in adulthood, this is an honest and deeply personal conversation. We also challenge common misconceptions about abuse, including why children often don’t speak up and why it can remain hidden in plain sight.

In this episode I’m joined by:

• Dr Jonathan Marshall, clinical psychologist and former professor
• Dr Nina Stevens, clinical psychologist specialising in childhood trauma and family systems
• Simon J Littlewood, sharing his personal experience of abuse

Takeaways:

• Child abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect
• Abuse is often carried out by someone the child knows, not a stranger
• Fear, shame, and confusion are key reasons children do not speak up
• Trauma can affect relationships, self-esteem, and behaviour well into adulthood
• Many survivors struggle with guilt and feelings of worthlessness
• Healing is possible at any stage of life through support, therapy, and connection

Timestamps:

0:00:07 Introduction and trigger warning
0:01:44 Types of abuse and misconceptions
0:03:12 Why children stay silent
0:12:04 Long-term impact and family dynamics
0:19:44 Male survivors and silence
0:30:21 Repetition of trauma in adult relationships
0:41:19 Therapy, recovery, and support
0:53:05 Final advice and message

Conclusion:

What happened to you was not your fault. Survivors are not broken, and they are not alone. While trauma can have lasting effects, it does not have to define the rest of your life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a therapist, support group, or trusted person can be the first step towards healing.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:
https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts

⭐ Available on your favourite platforms:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

🔗 Stay Connected With Us
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/

🎬 Suggested videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA

#mentalhealth #trauma #childabuse #psychology #healing

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If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!

Few topics divide opinion as deeply as the MeToo movement.

What began as a necessary reckoning-giving voice to those who had been silenced—has also raised difficult, uncomfortable questions about truth, power, and what happens when allegations are tried in the court of public opinion.

In this episode of Ella Podcasts, Ella Sherman is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall, Simon J Littlewood, and Samir Kothari to explore the evolving landscape of harassment allegations, media narratives, and the tension between believing survivors and protecting due process.

This is a nuanced, thought-provoking conversation about justice, perception, and the complexity of human behaviour-where emotion, evidence, and public judgement don’t always align.

Together, we explore:
• How the MeToo movement has reshaped conversations around harassment and abuse
• Whether the pendulum has shifted too far—or is still correcting past injustice
• The role of social media in amplifying allegations and shaping public opinion
• How power, money, and status influence accountability
• The psychological complexity of memory, trauma, and delayed reporting
• The reality of false accusations—and how common they actually are
• The tension between “believe survivors” and the need for evidence-based judgement
• Why public narratives can overshadow more hidden, systemic forms of abuse
• How modern workplace dynamics, culture, and fear are changing relationships between men and women
• What balanced, fair systems might look like in a world of heightened sensitivity and scrutiny

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The MeToo movement has been critical in surfacing hidden abuse—but it also raises complex questions about fairness
• Trauma, memory, and reporting are not always linear or clear-cut
• False accusations are a real, though smaller, part of the wider conversation
• Public judgement can be swift—and lasting—even without full evidence
• Power dynamics shape both abuse and accountability
• Supporting victims and ensuring due process are not mutually exclusive—but require careful balance

This episode does not offer easy answers.
Instead, it invites you to sit with the complexity.

Because in a world of headlines and hot takes, the truth is rarely simple—and understanding requires more than taking sides.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:
https://www.youtube.com/@EllasPodcasts-z9v?sub_confirmation=1

🔗 Stay Connected With Us
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089

🎬 Suggested videos for you:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I

MeToo movement, sexual harassment, false accusations, workplace culture, power dynamics, social media impact, trauma psychology, public opinion, justice system, gender dynamics

#MeToo #Justice #WorkplaceCulture #PowerDynamics #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #GenderDebate #EllaPodcasts #TruthMatters

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If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!

Everyone wants to get paid what they’re worth and be recognised for their work. You’re told that if you perform well, stay loyal, and deliver results, the promotion or pay rise will follow.

But in reality… it often doesn’t.

In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we unpack why career progression isn’t just about performance. From workplace politics and perception to confidence and timing, this conversation looks at what actually drives promotions and salary increases, and why so many capable people get overlooked.

If you’ve ever felt like asking for a pay rise turns you into someone holding a begging bowl, you’re not alone. And more importantly, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Joining me are:
🔹 Ella Sherman – Host, Ella Podcasts
🔹 Dr Jonathan Marshall – Clinical Psychologist and former professor
🔹 Chris J Reed – LinkedIn expert and personal branding specialist
🔹 Aya Alimkulova – HR & Beyond podcast host and regional sales expert

Together, we bring honest perspectives, practical strategies, and a few uncomfortable truths into a conversation about how careers really work behind the scenes.

Together, we discuss:
• whether promotions are really about performance, or perception and politics
• why some average performers move up faster than high performers
• how visibility and personal branding impact your career progression
• how to ask for a pay rise without damaging your internal reputation
• why documenting your achievements throughout the year matters more than you think
• how to clearly communicate your value in a way that gets recognised
• when negotiating aggressively works and when it can backfire
• why having another offer can completely change the conversation
• what really happens with counteroffers and why they’re not always a win
• the reality of “quiet quitting” and how it affects your long-term career

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hard work alone does not guarantee career progression
• Promotions are influenced by visibility, perception, and internal politics
• If you don’t ask, you are unlikely to get a pay rise
• Confidence in negotiation comes from preparation and evidence
• You need to actively communicate your value, not assume it’s seen
• Counteroffers and aggressive negotiation can have hidden consequences
• Long-term career growth requires strategy, not just effort

Your company will always optimise for its own interests. The question is, are you doing the same for yours?

If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to move forward in your career, this episode will give you a more realistic lens, and practical ways to approach your next conversation.

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