⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around prison, trauma, mental health, and difficult life experiences that some listeners may find distressing.

In this powerful episode of You Look Happier, I’m joined by Danneka Fivey, who opens up about her time in prison and the reality of what that experience was truly like.

Danneka shares the moments that led her there, the emotional impact it had on her, and what it feels like to hit rock bottom. This isn’t just a story about prison, it’s about what happened to Danneka afterwards.

We talk about how she made the decision to change, how she got her head down, educated herself, and rebuilt her life from the inside out. From prison to becoming a qualified personal trainer, her story is one of resilience, discipline, and transformation.

This is a raw, honest conversation about accountability, growth, and proving that your past doesn’t have to define your future!

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve gone too far to come back from — this episode is for you.

Links - https://www.instagram.com/fivestarfitness2/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of You Look Happier, Saffron Baker opens up about the parts of her life she’s never been able to talk about before.

From navigating a difficult childhood to becoming a young mum, Saffron shares the reality behind her journey...including the heartbreak of losing her own mum, becoming a young mum to two boys, this included raising a son with additional needs, and the strength it’s taken to fight for the support he deserves! Saff is now a content creator with a bunch of loyal followers dedicated to her, and she is learning that it is OK to talk!! Her journey learning how to open up, has helped her in understanding who she is, so her coming onto the podcast was a real milestone for her.

This is a raw and honest conversation about grief, resilience, and what it really means to keep going when life doesn’t get easier.

For the first time, Saffron shares her story...and why she’s finally ready to speak about it.

Links:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@itssaffb?_r=1&_t=ZN-95X7K4sTZry

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itssaffb?igsh=MWN4MjVmMW9kaTF6Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@itssaffb?si=_yC7oM038rOGY5lp

Website - www.itssaffb.co.uk

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around grief, trauma, neurodivergent parenting and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, Jordan Black reduces Ellie to tears by opening up about his not only his traumatic childhood, but his time in the army, and the unimaginable loss of his beautiful baby daughter, Aurora.

Through heartbreak and grief, he has found a way to turn his pain into purpose, running for charity and keeping her memory alive with every step. He shares about some of his darkest times, and the strength he has somehow found to carry on.

A true inspiration, and an honour to have on the podcast.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Face Therapy - https://www.instagram.com/facetherapy_

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around grief, trauma, domestic violence, baby loss, and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on You Look Happier, Ellie is joined by the incredible team behind Operation Neptune — four ex-military lads taking on an extraordinary challenge: rowing from Southampton to France in a four-man boat!!!!

Driven by grit, camaraderie, and a powerful sense of purpose, they’re pushing their limits on open water to raise awareness and funds for Hallie’s Hideaway Charity.

In this episode, they share what inspired the mission, the realities of preparing for such a demanding journey, and the mental resilience it takes to face the unknown miles ahead.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/operationneptune2/

https://www.justgiving.com/page/operation-neptune-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

https://www.hallieshideaway.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forever Intertwined – Kiah’s Story

In this episode, Ellie is joined by Kiah Matthews for one of the most powerful and personal conversations on You Look Happier so far.

Kiah recently lost her mum in December after a lifetime of living with SMA. This is a story about a bond so deep, so spiritual, and so intertwined that even death cannot break it.

Kiah shares what it was like growing up alongside a mother whose strength defined her, how their lives were completely woven together, and what it means to navigate grief when you lose not just a parent, but your safest place and closest soul.

They talk about anticipatory grief, unconditional love, resilience, and carrying someone’s strength forward when they’re no longer physically here.

Kiah also opens up about running her own aesthetics business while privately navigating heartbreak, and how she continues to show up for others while learning to live with loss herself.

This episode is raw, honest and deeply moving...a reminder that some bonds are forever intertwined.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around grief, trauma, and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Revive Coventry - https://www.revivecoventry.co.uk/

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/bykiah_beautyaesthetics/

https://www.tiktok.com/@littlehandsbigwheels?_r=1&_t=ZN-94OBWgxERoE

If you are grieving, loving someone through illness, or learning how to be strong after loss, this conversation is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ellie is joined by Jess, who shares her experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018 and how it’s shaped both her life and her business. She speaks honestly about the challenges that come with it — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — and how she’s learned to manage it while building something she’s proud of.

Now running her own Pilates studio 'Balance Wellbeing Studio' and she talks about embracing her diagnosis rather than fighting it, and what balance really means to her.

An open, real conversation about mental health, resilience and creating success on your own terms.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health disorders and emotional distress which some viewers may find upsetting. Please listen with care.

Jess's Links:

https://www.instagram.com/balancewellbeingstudio/

https://www.instagram.com/balance_withjess/

This episode is sponsored by Dai Roberts - Carpets & Flooring

https://www.instagram.com/dairoberts_carpets__flooring/

https://www.facebook.com/dairobertsflooring

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Anna Lewis shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food and movement after years of disordered eating. She reflects on how exercise once came from a place of control and punishment, and how she slowly learned to reconnect with her body through care, trust, and intention.

Anna opens up about what recovery has really looked like behind the scenes, the unlearning that came with it, and how she has managed to form healthier coping mechanisms and has channelled her focus into what has now became a successful business!

This episode is an honest conversation about rebuilding self-trust, redefining movement, and creating a healthier, more compassionate relationship with your body.

Content note: This episode discusses eating disorder recovery in a non-graphic, supportive way.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Lawrence Plumbing and heating. They're based in Coventry and they are a full bathroom renovation specialist. All plumbing heating and tiling jobs are undertaken by this team and they're that good I even got my own bathroom transformed by them. Give them a follow by searching https://www.instagram.com/lawrence.plumbing.heating/ on social media!

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/annalewislifestyle/

https://www.instagram.com/core.reformerpilates/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the You Look Happier Podcast, Ellie sits down with Erin, who has lived with severe eczema since she was just six months old.

Erin shares her deeply personal journey, opening up about the struggles, pain, and tough times that have come with growing up with a chronic, visible condition.

She reflects on how it impacted her confidence, mental health, and sense of self, while also sharing the lessons she learned along the way.

Through resilience and self-acceptance, Erin has developed a remarkably positive mindset and confidence, learning to live alongside eczema rather than letting it define her!

This is an honest, inspiring conversation about strength, growth, and finding happiness on your own terms.

This Episode is proudly sponsored by Sketch - Semi Permanent Make Up Artistry

https://www.instagram.com/sketch_clinic_/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.