Loneliness in relationships and self-worth can shape how we connect with others, even when we are not physically alone.

In this episode of Alone and Rising, Mari Williams speaks with Cara Cunniff about her experience of feeling deeply alone while surrounded by other military spouses during her husband’s deployment to Iraq.

Cara shares how this period of isolation led her to reflect on emotional connection, identity and what it really means to feel seen and understood. She speaks about the role of self-worth, the impact of small acts of kindness and how learning to be with yourself can change how you relate to others.

Drawing on her experiences living internationally and her background in the military, Cara offers a grounded perspective on how emotions shape connection, behaviour and the way we experience life.

She also reflects on resilience through endurance challenges, and how both physical and emotional experiences can shape personal growth.

This is a thoughtful conversation about loneliness, relationships and finding connection from within.

You can connect with Cara on LinkedIn

Adoption, childhood trauma and identity can shape how we see ourselves, our relationships and our place in the world.

In this episode of Alone and Rising, Peter Snellgrove shares his journey of adoption, reflecting on a difficult childhood marked by abuse and neglect, and how these early experiences influenced his sense of self.

Leaving home at 17, Peter later discovered more about his heritage and reconnected with family, offering new perspective on his past. He speaks about the importance of self-acceptance, the role of friendship and the process of making peace with your story.

Music has played a significant part in his life, providing comfort and connection during difficult times, alongside a passion for exploring new sounds and expression.

This is a personal conversation about identity, resilience and learning to understand yourself beyond early experiences.

You can find out more about Mari: www.mari-williams.com

Connect with Mari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariwilliams/

Loneliness, identity and learning how to be happy alone are deeply connected to our experiences, relationships and sense of self.

In this episode of Alone and Rising, Mari Williams speaks with Suzette Shahmoon about her journey through loneliness and how she came to feel at ease within herself.

Suzette shares her experiences of growing up feeling different as the only Jewish girl in her community, navigating new environments and cultures, and the challenges of marrying young and supporting a partner diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

She reflects on how these experiences shaped her understanding of identity, connection and what it means to be alone without feeling isolated.

With nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist, and now completing a PhD in neuropsychology at UCL, Suzette brings both personal and professional insight into how we relate to ourselves and others, particularly in the context of chronic illness.

This is a thoughtful conversation about belonging, resilience and discovering who you are beyond circumstance.

You can find Suzette here:
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hand-baggage-only/id1678716203

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzette-shahmoon-52a9952a/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuzetteShahmoon

Find out more about Mari: www.mari-williams.com

Connect with Mari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariwilliams/