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Welcome to the ’Create Your Kindspace’ podcast, with me your host Caroline Laurenson. Create Your Kindspace is all about wellbeing and the different ways in which we care for ourselves and those around us. We’re here to offer companionship and practical tips to brighten your day. We’ll delve into the concept of kind spaces, chatting with an inspiring mix of people from across tech, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Let’s learn together and sprinkle some much needed kindness in the world. So, take a pause, relax, and let’s start the journey.
Episodes
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Stories that Shape Us with Caroline Laurenson
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
It's not every day that you get the opportunity to share your story and do it on a day as meaningful as International Women's Day. Our life experiences have such a profound way of shaping our future selves and not always in the way that you might expect. There will be amazing people in your life that have gone through things and overcome things that you could never even imagine. I was honoured to share my story and also hear the stories of other brave inspirational women, but in all our stories what came out was how much our own mother's have influenced the women we have become. So this is my story...
Timestamps:
00:01:20 It’s Halloween 1989
00:02:02 The Chaos of Family Life
00:03:32 Leaving Home at 16
00:04:05 My Career as a Chemical Engineer
00:05:01 The Interesting Thing About Fear
00:06:12 Working with Your Other Half
00:07:34 Labels Don’t Define Us
00:09:19 Stories that Shape Us
00:09:53 Finding Kindspace
00:10:27 Honouring My Mum
Links:
TL Tech Website: https://www.tltechsmart.com/
Kindspace Website: https://www.createyourkindspace.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-laurenson/
Transcript:
https://createyourkindspace.com/stories-that-shape-us-with-caroline-laurenson/
As the podcast series continues, I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Understand Brain Health, Sleep and Nutrition with Dr. Clara Doran
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Imagine you’ve just become a mum for the first time, but you’re struggling with your health. Appointment after appointment, test after test, you finally get the news you have Multiple Sclerosis. My guest, Dr Clara Doran, opens up about her diagnosis and experience of living with a long-term health condition. She also shares how writing about her feelings and the challenges of becoming the patient instead of the doctor and how has led to her forthcoming memoir, Dr Interrupted. I can’t wait to find out more, so let’s dive in.
Timestamps:
00:02:16 Pursuing Medicine and General Practice
00:03:38 The AccelerateHer Programme's Impact
00:06:13 Doing Scary Things & Funny First Times
00:08:19 Discovering Brain Health and Founding Noggin
00:13:25 Living with Multiple Sclerosis
00:16:41 Sleeping and Newborns
00:19:00 Prioritising Sleep for Brain Health
00:27:51 Nutrition Tips for Better Sleep
00:36:20 The Journey of Writing a Memoir
00:47:03 Creating Kind Spaces through Writing
00:49:54 Looking Ahead: Children's Brain Health Product
Links:
Website: https://nogginbrain.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NogginTheBrainPeople/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nogginthebrainpeople/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-clara-doran-mbbs-mrcgp-81667958/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nogginbrain/
X: https://twitter.com/NogginPeople
Curtis Brown Writing Courses: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/creative-writing-courses
Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay: https://amzn.to/3J5k4gA
The Psychology Mum - A Toolkit for Your Emotions: 45 ways to feel better https://amzn.to/49qZ8Ls
Transcript:
https://createyourkindspace.com/understand-brain-health-sleep-and-nutrition-with-dr-clara-doran/
Outro:
I think there’s nothing more powerful than when someone takes a life experience and uses that to help others. Dr Clara is one of the most courageous, intelligent and kind people I’ve ever had the honour of meeting. I’m very excited for the book launch and I hope you’ll all get behind her to help broaden the reach of her amazing work helping others through difficult diagnoses and educating us about the importance of brain health.
As the podcast series continues, I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Darren Crombie Bridges the Gap to Support Unpaid Carers
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Would you believe it if I told you that unpaid carers do the equivalent of 162 billion pounds of work every year? But despite the vital role that unpaid carers provide, support is significantly lacking and the limited support that there is, can be so hard to navigate. My guest today has made it his mission to bridge this gap. Darren Crombie founded Bridgit Care and his resourcefulness and ability to adapt to the changing technology landscape shines through in our discussion. Keep listening for this fascinating insight into how human-centric tech can empower carers and communities.
Timestamps:
00:02:17 Darren's journey from management consulting to founding Bridgit Care
00:04:49 Why support for unpaid carers matters
00:05:47 Putting lived experience at the heart of Bridgit Care
00:12:34 How Bridgit Care identifies, supports, and connects carers
00:15:54 Partnering with charities and councils to enhance existing carer services
00:17:14 Using WhatsApp and AI personas to provide tailored support and advice
00:25:02 The role of AI in health and social care
00:28:03 Expanding the model to support other communities in need
00:31:08 Pivoting from hardware to software
00:33:43 A day in the life of Darren at Bridgit Care
00:37:35 How does Darren create his kind space?
00:40:49 Where to find out more about Bridgit Care
00:43:07 Supporting other social entrepreneurs
Links:
Website: https://bridgit.care/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgitcare
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgitcare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgitcare
X: https://twitter.com/BridgitCare
Aster Foundation: https://www.aster.co.uk/foundation
Barclay Eagle Labs Health Tech: https://labs.uk.barclays/our-industries/healthtech/
Codebase Techscaler Start-up Support: https://www.techscaler.co.uk/
Transcript:
https://createyourkindspace.com/darren-crombie-bridges-the-gap-to-support-unpaid-carers/
If you’d like to be a guest on the show or collaborate on content, I would love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message me on social media @createyourkindspace
It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Dr Jill Williams Helps Us to Find Light After Burnout
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
In this episode, with the help of the amazing Dr Jill William’s, we delve into the topic of burnout. There are many aspects to burnout. Contrary to popular belief, burnout is not working too hard. It’s about chronic stress and our bodies response to that stress. Often, it’s external factors, which are difficult to influence or resolve. Jill does such a great job of explaining the warning signs for burnout and the simple steps we can take to uptrain our brain to be more resilient to these pressures. And most importantly, make it out the other side.
Timestamps:
00:02:41 Jill’s journey, working in retail to lecturing at university
00:05:57 Experiencing burnout firsthand
00:10:01 Common warning signs
00:12:16 Burnout is multifaceted
00:14:06 Importance of confiding in a trusted coworker
00:15:45 Coming out of burnout with a new perspective
00:17:49 The stages of burnout
00:18:35 Self-employed and entrepreneurs
00:20:06 Jill’s road to recovery
00:20:50 That feeling of disconnect
00:21:38 The importance of taking time out
00:23:52 Peer support is a protective factor
00:25:34 Strategies for prevention
00:26:36 Doing the “opposites”
00:27:22 Societal factors, talking about our life outside work
00:31:50 Creativity and giving your brain space
00:37:50 The concept of rust-out
00:39:30 The uptrained brain
00:42:10 How to approach blocks and negative thinking
00:44:46 Unhelpful behaviours and risk factors
00:45:47 People pleasing
00:47:05 Putting a recovery plan together
00:52:18 Caregiver Burnout
00:55:43 How Jill creates her kind space
00:59:07 How to get in touch with Jill
00:59:37 Organisational changes are needed
Links:
Jill’s blog about her burnout experience; https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/post/if-a-psychologist-can-burn-out-my-personal-story-of-burnout
Uptrained Brain course & Book a discovery call with Jill: https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/uptrainedbrain
Free Recovery from Burnout Guide: https://www.rethinktherapyconwy.com/blog/categories/burnout-work-related-stress
Nick Petrie resources: https://www.nicholaspetrie.com/blog-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUptrainedBrain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jill-williams-92a907255/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptrainedbrain/
X: https://twitter.com/UptrainedBrain
Transcript:
https://createyourkindspace.com/dr-jill-williams-helps-us-to-find-light-after-burnout/
If you’d like to be a guest on the show or collaborate on content, I would love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message me on social media @createyourkindspace
It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Let’s kick off 2024 with special guest… me!
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Friday Jan 05, 2024
Hi, it's Caroline here. This episode will be a little bit different. There's no guest. It's just me having a bit of a reflection.
There are many reasons for doing a look back, both for the podcast and for the year that's just passed. I thought this would be a good opportunity for you to get to know me a bit and learn a bit more about Kindspace and its origins. I also really wanted to have a quiet Christmas without any pressure to create or have to do any work.
Ah, but isn't it funny, you know, when you give yourself some downtime, just be bored and potter around and that's actually when you can be your most creative. I don't know if anyone else finds that but certainly my brain. seems to come alive with ideas. And I'm like, no, do nothing. Watch Netflix. So I hope you were able to switch off over the festive period and are feeling recharged and ready for 2024.
Timestamps:
00:00:40 Introduction to this slightly different episode
00:01:45 Did you miss our Tech the Halls bonus episode?
00:03:04 How did Kindspace come to be?
00:08:27 Why did I decide to start the podcast?
00:12:21 Who have we had on the show so far?
00:22:06 How do I feel about the podcast for the year ahead?
00:25:06 Do you have a word of the year for 2024?
Links:
Website: https://www.createyourkindspace.com/
Transcript:
https://createyourkindspace.com/lets-kick-off-2024-with-special-guest-me/
If you’d like to be a guest on the show or collaborate on content, I would love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message me on social media @createyourkindspace
It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Tech the Halls Festive Bonus Episode
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
If you caught the last episode you will have heard that as part of an event series we've been running in December, we'd decided to go with the theme of Tech the Halls. We've had a great time with students coming along to shadow the set-up for the venue, school pupils helped us to create smart home prototypes, we've had people from the third sector along to learn about the ways that smart homes can support wellbeing and healthy ageing, we did a lunch and learn all about the energy efficiency and environmental side of smart homes and on the last day, we went to town with festive light displays and a workshop where people could create their own programmable LED light wreath for the holiday season.
So here it is, as promised, Tech the Halls, written and performed by me Caroline Laurenson. I hope that you have the most amazing Christmas, and know that I am here for you, Kindspace is here for you and we will see you in the New Year. Enjoy!
Tech the Halls
Tech the halls with LED lights, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Tis the season joyous and bright, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Turn on the fairy lights at a word, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Ask Alexa for music preferred, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
See the smart home support your needs, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Automate the heating degrees, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Stock up now, don't delay, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Let me show you tech's array, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
As the old year closes in, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Await the new year to begin, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Sing we now of tech with glee, Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Smarter homes for you and me! Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Discover the Healing Power of Singing with Xann Schwinn
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
So, here’s a funny story for you. When I was at school, the big rumour that went round was that I had a record contract. I have literally no idea where this came from, however if it had of been true it really would have been a dream come true. Singing has always been a big part of me, but sensible Caroline decided to become an engineer as this seemed like a more reliable way to make a living. My guest today has not only devoted her career to music but made the leap into entrepreneurship to create a digital platform that allows others to harness the benefits of singing.
Timestamps:
00:02:28 Meet Xann
00:04:26 Biiah – a new way to promote workplace wellbeing
00:13:07 The holistic benefits of singing
00:16:49 Overcoming barriers, the "good voice" myth
00:19:47 Practical tips for using your voice
00:25:38 Scientific research into the benefits of singing
00:26:55 Gender stereotypes mean men are missing out
00:30:38 You don’t need to be able to read music
00:36:14 Circle singing and improvisation
00:38:28 The magic of music at Christmas
00:41:52 Local singing opportunities
00:44:13 How Xann looks after her wellbeing
00:51:20 Where to find out more about Biiah
Links:
Website: https://biiah.com/
Email: xann@biiah.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xann-schwinn/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/biiah-official/
Articles: https://biiah.com/resource-hub/ and https://biiah.com/2022/08/24/singing-for-wellness/
For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast
I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace
It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Holly Clark on Turning Personal Tragedy into Purpose
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Losing a loved one is never easy. My guest today turned her grief, after losing her brother to suicide, into a profound personal mission. Devoting her career to suicide prevention and mental health training and campaigning for more support in these areas, particularly for those most vulnerable in our society.
In this emotional yet hopeful discussion, Holly shares her own journey, the misconceptions that fuel stigma, and the simple steps we can take to look out for those around us. Keep listening to find out how we can create the kind of spaces, where speaking up saves lives.
Timestamps:
00:03:08 Holly's Journey to Suicide Prevention Work
00:07:55 Creating the Space to Talk About Suicide
00:13:14 A Baton of Hope - Raising Awareness
00:21:52 Money Worries and Mental Health
00:28:47 Some of the Myths and How to Spot the Signs
00:36:04 Support in Schools and for Young People
00:38:03 Journaling for Mental Health
00:43:38 The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business
00:48:04 What’s Coming Up for Blooming Mind?
00:49:48 Self-Care and Working Through Trauma
00:53:42 Links to Connect with Holly and Support Resources
Links:
Website: Blooming Mind – Check out Holly’s training for mental health and suicide first aid.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloomingmindUK/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingminduk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyclarkbloomingmind/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloomingminduk
Sunrise Scribbler – Holly’s journal to help you on your journey to better mental health.
Samaritans – Available 24/7. Reach out at 116, 123. They're there for everyone, not just those in a crisis.
Shout – A discreet text service for those times when you might not want to vocalise your feelings. Simply text to 25852, and a trained professional will offer their support.
Hub of Hope – This comprehensive tool can be accessed either via an app or on your desktop at hubofhope.co.uk. Just input your postcode, and discover the local support services available near you, catering to a wide range of needs.
A Local Information Service for Scotland ALISS – Helping you to find services, groups and activities for health and wellbeing across Scotland. Works on your desktop at aliss.org or your Alexa smart speaker, just say “Alexa, enable My Scottish Community” to get started.
For money advice check out:
Money and Pensions Service – talk money week
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website – a literal goldmine of advice for all things money
Money and Mental Health Policy Institute - Also headed up by Martin, this is where you can get involved in vital research that will help to ensure that people with financial worries are properly supported.
Baton for Hope – This baton relay tours around the country, get involved and raise awareness about suicide.
For the full transcript of this episode see: https://createyourkindspace.com/podcast
I encourage you to get in touch and share your stories and tips, I’d love to hear from you! Pop me an email at caroline@tltechsmart.com or message on social media @createyourkindspace
It would also mean a lot to me if you could rate and review this podcast as it helps other people to discover our content.
Start creating your kind space today!
What is Kindspace and why does it matter?
Kindspace is a holistic wellbeing support tool on the Amazon Alexa smart speakers, designed to empower people to better manage their self-care and help alleviate issues such as stress, anxiety and loneliness.
• A daily check-in that builds a picture of your wellbeing.
• Personalised tips and a large library of advice across different wellbeing topics.
• Interactive wellness activities such as journaling, affirmations, poetry, short stories and breathing exercises.
Mental ill health disproportionally affects people who are unpaid carers, older people, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.
• Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the UK provide unpaid care.
• More than 1 in 4 sandwich carers of children and older relatives report symptoms of mental ill health.
• A lack of support can have a significant impact on carers’ lives, with 78% of carers saying that missing out on support resulted in them suffering from increased stress and anxiety.
• 1 in 4 adults in the UK report feeling lonely “always”, “often” or “some of the time”.