How To Be An Icon

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Becca Barnes, a remarkable woman whose life was forever changed by two devastating diagnoses — first, her son’s rare genetic disorder, and later, her own battle with breast cancer.

Becca opens up with raw honesty about the moments that shattered her world and the journey that followed — one filled with fear, resilience, faith, and a love that refused to break. She shares how these challenges reshaped her outlook on life, deepened her compassion, and taught her to find beauty in even the hardest seasons.

With heartfelt honesty and wisdom and moments of quiet reflection, Becca reminds us that while we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond — and that true strength is often born in the darkest storms.

This is a conversation about facing the unthinkable, finding purpose in pain, and discovering just how strong we can be when life gives us no other choice.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about motherhood, courage, healing, and the incredible power of the human spirit.

Resources:

https://www.littlediscoverers.co.uk/

https://smith-magenis.org/

https://www.big-c.co.uk/

https://coppafeel.org/

You can connect with Becca on Instagram @beccabarness

** WARNING: SUICIDAL REFERENCES

Ashley Scot Hawkins thought he had found something real—a transatlantic connection with a woman in America who had a genuine profile and all the signs of authenticity. But beneath the surface of their online romance was a carefully orchestrated lie. The woman existed—but her intentions didn’t.

Manipulating Ashley’s empathy with fabricated stories of illness and hardship, she gained his trust—and ultimately, his financial support. What followed was a harsh awakening that left Ashley not only out of pocket, but emotionally broken. The experience took a heavy toll on his mental health, sparking a battle with anxiety, self-doubt, and isolation.

Now, Ashley is stepping forward to share the truth behind the manipulation, the financial betrayal, and the psychological scars left in the wake of it all. His story is a cautionary tale about trust in the digital age, but also one of resilience, recovery, and reclaiming dignity after being deceived by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

To get in touch with Ashley you can find him on Facebook - Ashley Scot Hawkins - or Instagram @ashes.toyotas

Samaritans: www.samaritans.org

Amy Wright is a passionate advocate for women’s health and a voice for those suffering in silence with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). After years of battling debilitating symptoms—ranging from extreme mood swings to physical symptoms —Amy was repeatedly dismissed and misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Despite being told it was “just PMS,” she knew something wasn’t right.

For half of every month, Amy didn’t even recognise herself—something would switch inside her, altering her thoughts, emotions, and sense of self in ways that felt terrifying and isolating.

Gaslit by GPs, Amy refused to be ignored any longer and took matters into her own hands. Her journey toward a diagnosis was filled with frustration, resilience, and eventually empowerment. In this episode, Amy opens up about the moment she found the strength to speak up, challenge the system, and demand real answers. She shares how a holistic approach to healing—focusing on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and emotional wellbeing—ultimately offered her more relief and balance than the pills doctors had once hastily prescribed.

Amy’s story is one of courage, self-advocacy, and hope—a must-listen for anyone navigating complex health challenges and seeking validation, support, and a more empowered path to healing.

For support and help around PMDD visit www.iapmd.org/

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges visit: https://giveusashout.org/

If you'd like to connect with Amy, you can find her on Instagram @amziox