The Happier Life Project

The Consent Conversation: Boundaries, Desire, Pressure & People Pleasing with Dr Nina Burrowes

Content warning: This episode contains potentially distressing content on the subject of sexual consent and blurred boundaries. Although this has been handled sensitively and compassionately, listeners who feel triggered by this content may wish to skip this episode or listen at a time when they feel ready.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby sits down with Dr. Nina Burrowes;  psychologist, author, activist, and founder of The Consent Collective and Safe Workplace Culture. With years of experience working with offenders, survivors, universities, and organisations, Nina brings a calm, grounded voice to one of the most misunderstood topics: consent.
Consent is often framed as a simple moral choice, a “good” or “bad” behaviour. But as Nina explains, consent is not a virtue. It’s a skill. A skill we can learn, practise, and get better at. And when we do, our interactions become clearer, kinder, more connected, and more enjoyable.
In this conversation, Nina explains why consent is so much more complex than a straightforward “yes” or “no,” and why misunderstandings remain so common. From the pressures students face at university, to the influence of desire, people-pleasing, and uncertainty in new relationships, Nina unpacks the many reasons we sometimes agree to things that don’t feel right, and why only we can be the true experts of our own bodies.
With the festive season approaching, Gabby and Dr Nina also look at how alcohol, office parties, and blurred social settings can distort boundaries and complicate communication. Nina helps make sense of inappropriate behaviour in workplace environments, why harassment persists, and how we can stay connected to ourselves when situations feel murky or uncomfortable.
Ultimately, this episode is about embracing consent as a form of communication, understanding our own signals, expressing our needs with confidence, and creating environments where people feel respected and empowered. Whether you’re navigating dating, university life, or the upcoming Christmas party season, this is a compassionate, practical guide to recognising your boundaries, honouring them, and supporting others to do the same.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
The Consent Collective: https://www.consentcollective.com/
Safe Workplace Culture: https://www.safeworkplaceculture.com/
Free self-help resource: The courage to be me

Bonus: What It Means to SELF CARE & Embracing the Seasons of Change with Chlo Hodgkinson

In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby Sanderson talks with Chlo Hodgkinson from My Possible Self about something we all need, but often neglect: self-care.
Just like the year moves through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our emotions move in seasons too. Some phases energise us, others slow us down. Some feel expansive, others like shedding old layers. And too often, we judge ourselves for not feeling the same all year round.
With the holiday season approaching, stress and emotions can feel heightened. Gabby and Chlo explore why honouring these inner seasons isn’t just self-care, it’s essential for our wellbeing. They share practical advice and relatable reflections on how self-care has helped them get through tough times and navigate change.
From National Self-Care Week and gratitude practices, to reflecting on the year and preparing for the holidays, this conversation offers guidance on listening to your needs and caring for yourself in a sustainable, gentle way... no matter what season you’re in.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/To follow Chlo Hodgkinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlohodgkinson/
 

Living with Headaches & Migraine and Finding Relief with Dr Katy Munro

Headaches and migraine are often dismissed as minor annoyances, but for millions of people, they are debilitating conditions that affect every aspect of life. In this episode of The Happier Life Project, Gabby Sanderson sits down with Dr Katy Munro, Senior Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, to explore the complex world of headaches and migraine.
Dr Munro explains what headaches and migraine really are, how they differ, and why migraine is far more than just a severe headache. She sheds light on the multiple symptoms of migraine, the stigma that often surrounds it, and the challenges sufferers face in daily life. The conversation then dives into the connection between migraine and mental health, exploring why conditions such as anxiety and depression are common among those living with migraine.
Gabby and Dr Munro discuss practical strategies for managing migraine, including identifying triggers, making lifestyle adjustments around sleep, diet, and stress, and seeking appropriate medical care. Dr Munro emphasizes how education and awareness, for both patients and healthcare providers, can transform the experience of living with migraine and improve quality of life. She also shares how the National Migraine Centre offers support, resources, and consultations for migraine sufferers.
Dr Munro was an NHS GP and now works as Senior Headache Specialist at the National Migraine Centre, a charity offering consultations on a prepay or voluntary donation basis. She co-founded and hosts the Heads Up podcast and is the author of Managing Your Migraine (Penguin Life Expert Series). A migraine sufferer herself, Dr Munro is passionate about raising awareness and improving care for those living with this debilitating condition.
Tune in to gain expert guidance, insights and practical advice for anyone living with migraine or supporting someone who is.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow the National Migraine Centre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/national_migraine_centre/
To follow Dr Katy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migrainedoc/
National Migraine Centre Website: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/
Head’s Up podcast: https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/
Dr Katy Munro’s book: Managing Your Migraine

Bonus: Yoga Without Borders - Changing Futures One Breath at a Time with Gopala Amir Yaffa

This bonus edition of The Happier Life Project shines a spotlight on a remarkable collaboration bringing yoga, education, and empowerment to children in India. Host Gabby Sanderson welcomes Gopala Amir Yaffa, the visionary behind Rainbow Yoga, whose journey from Hindu monk to father and global yoga educator has inspired communities across more than 40 countries.
Gopala’s approach to yoga is playful, social, and deeply connected, rooted in the belief that love and human connection are the most powerful agents of change. Partnering with Yoga Gives Back and Edu-GIRLS, he is helping transform yoga into a tool for resilience, confidence, and joy for underprivileged children in the birthplace of yoga.
Listeners will hear the impact of teaching yoga to young people, how this partnership is reshaping lives, and the global support making it possible. In a special announcement, Gopala shares that our very own host and yogi Gabby will join the project in February 2026, living and teaching at the school in India.An inspiring episode that celebrates the heart, magic, and transformative power of yoga in building brighter futures.
To support the cause, follow Gabby’s journey and make a donation: https://gofund.me/b1321cd12
 
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Rainbow Kids on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowkidsyoga/
Rainbow Kids website: https://www.rainbowyogatraining.com/
Yoga Gives Back Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogagivesback/
Yoga Gives Back website: https://yogagivesback.org/
EDU Girls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edugirls/
EDU Girls website: https://edugirls.org/
 
This project is made possible through a partnership between three incredible organizations, each bringing something unique:
Rainbow Kids YogaRainbow Kids Yoga makes yoga fun, creative, and interactive for children, teens, and families. They also offer comprehensive teacher training programs for individuals who want to teach yoga to children. Gabby is a graduate of their TTC.Yoga Gives BackYoga Gives Back is a global nonprofit that mobilizes the yoga community to support women and children in India through education, microloans, and empowerment programs. They transform the gratitude that yoga inspires into direct action, uplifting lives and creating opportunities for those who need it most.Edu-GIRLSEdu-GIRLS provides free, high-quality education for underprivileged girls in India, from preschool to university. They believe every girl deserves access to education and the chance to shape her own future.
Together, these organizations form the foundation of Yoga Without Borders; blending yoga, education, and empowerment into one life-changing experience.

From Compulsion to Creativity, Connection & Calm with Liz Atkin

This powerful episode of The Happier Life Project explores the healing potential of creativity and self-expression with artist, educator, and mental health advocate Liz Atkin — a woman who has transformed her experience of Compulsive Skin Picking and anxiety into extraordinary works of art, compassion, and connection.
Liz’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Once a dancer, she discovered drawing as a way to self-soothe during her daily commute — a practice that soon became both her therapy and her calling. Through her project #CompulsiveCharcoal, Liz has gifted over 18,000 free charcoal drawings to commuters around the world — from London and New York to Singapore and Cologne — sparking conversations about mental health in the most unexpected places.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held permanently in the Wellcome Collection, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, Derby Museum, and the Bethlem Gallery Collection. Liz also teaches in schools, hospitals, hospices, prisons, and universities, and is an ambassador for The Big Draw, the world’s largest drawing festival celebrating creativity for health and wellbeing.
In this episode, Liz shares her compelling story — from the moment she first realised she was a skin picker to how it affected her quality of life and emotional wellbeing. She also talks about the coping strategies she tried, what led her to begin drawing on public transport to self-soothe, and the birth of her global initiative, #CompulsiveCharcoal. Host Gabby asks Liz about the emotional reality of living with a compulsion, her international work teaching art in schools, hospitals, and prisons, and why creativity is essential for mental health and wellbeing.
A moving and inspiring listen about turning pain into purpose — and how creativity can become one of the most powerful tools for healing and human connection.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Liz Atkin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_atkin/
To check out Liz’s art and information on exhibitions:  www.lizatkin.com  

Bonus: Nighttime Relaxation Meditation from Perfect Pose Yoga with Ria Humphreys

This episode features a calming guided meditation led by the lovely Ria from Perfect Pose Yoga, as featured on the My Possible Self App. This session is designed to help you gently transition from the busyness of the day into a peaceful night’s rest. Whether you're winding down before bed or already tucked in, this meditation invites you to lie down, breathe deeply, and let go.
Ria is a seasoned yoga teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s passionate about sharing the empowering magic of yoga and helping others become their most vibrant selves. Her warm, inclusive approach creates a welcoming space for all, and her sessions are known for their friendly, community feel.When she’s not guiding yoga, Ria enjoys exploring her love of crystals, adventuring with her son Jack, and pampering her four beloved cats.
Settle in, press play, and let Ria guide you into deep relaxation and restful sleep.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Ria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfect_pose_yoga
Perfect Pose Yoga website: https://www.perfectposeyoga.com/
 

How Detachment Transforms Love, Life & Self-Worth with Sabrina Bendory

This episode dives into the concept of detachment, learning how to let go, stop overthinking, and stop settling for less in relationships. Sabrina Bendory, author of 'Detached: How to Let Go, Heal, and Become Irresistible,' joins Gabby to share her approach to reclaiming self-worth and embracing emotional freedom.
Sabrina’s work as a relationship coach, writer, and influencer focuses on helping people stop chasing love and start attracting it by building confidence, regulating emotions, and reconnecting with their own values. Drawing on psychological insights and practical tools, she explains that detachment is not about indifference or game-playing, but about creating a grounded, authentic sense of self that no longer relies on external validation.
Throughout the conversation, Gabby and Sabrina examine how fear and self-doubt influence attachment, the stories we tell ourselves, and the ways letting go can lead to deeper self-trust, clarity, and magnetic authenticity. Gabby shares why she chose Detached as the November Book of the Month, describing how it helped her uncover personal insecurities, reframe negative self-talk, and recognize that much of her anxiety was in her own mind.
Gabby and Sabrina unpack the psychology behind attachment and how it influences our romantic decisions, revealing how a shift toward self-acceptance can transform not only our relationships but also our overall well-being. They explore the energetic dynamics of connection - how clinginess can be felt on a visceral level and why it often pushes others away. Plus, Sabrina shares powerful insights from her book Detached, a must-read for anyone ready to stop settling and start thriving.
Sabrina Bendory is a globally recognized expert in dating and relationships. As co-founder of A New Mode, she has guided millions of people with relatable, insightful advice and continues to share her expertise through Thought Catalog, TikTok, Instagram, and private coaching. Sabrina’s work has also been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, and The New York Post. Her previous best-selling book, 'You’re Overthinking It,' and her latest release, 'Detached,' provide readers with transformative strategies for emotional resilience, self-trust, and authentic confidence. 
Whether you're single, dating, or in a relationship, this episode offers practical tools and empowering perspectives to help you build self-assurance, navigate fear, and show up as the most grounded, confident version of yourself.
 
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Sabrina Bendory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinabendory/
Sabrina’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sabrinabendory
Sabrina’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SabrinaBendory
Sabrina’s website: https://sabrinabendory.com/
Join Sabrina’s inner circle group coaching membership: https://sabrinabendory.com/membership-info
Detachment course: https://sabrinabendory.com/detachment-blueprint-info
You Will Be Ok course: https://sabrinabendory.com/you-will-be-ok-8-week-course
You Will Be Ok podcast: https://www.inlet.fm/you-will-be-ok
 

How To Talk To Kids About Food with Dr Anna Colton

In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes back Dr Anna Colton, a leading clinical psychologist specialising in adolescence and eating disorders, to explore her book How To Talk To Kids About Food.
With over 20 years of experience - from Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Tavistock Clinic to her thriving private practice - Dr Anna brings deep expertise and compassion to a topic that affects every family: how our words, habits, and attitudes around food shape a child’s relationship with eating and their body.
Together, Gabby and Dr Anna discuss why it’s so important to be neutral about food and avoid placing it in a hierarchy, such as treating sugar as a prize or reward. They talk about the realities of fussy and picky eating, what parents can do when they have their own complicated relationship with food, and how to protect children from absorbing those patterns. Dr Anna also shares valuable insights into the signs that may suggest a child is developing an unhealthy attitude toward food or their body, and why it matters that children look forward to sitting down at the table, not just to eat, but to connect, share, and bond.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr Anna also advises TV productions on contributor welfare, supports young performers in West End shows such as Matilda, and collaborates with BBC Bitesize on campaigns around mental health, body image, and social media.
This conversation is essential listening for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone who wants to help the next generation build a healthy, happy relationship with food and with themselves.
Listen now and learn how to turn everyday mealtimes into opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection.
*This interview was recorded earlier in the year.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Dr Anna Colton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_food_psychologist/
Dr Anna's website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/

Rewriting the Life Scripts That Shape—and Sabotage—You with Dr Anna Colton

What if the way you see yourself; your worth, your relationships, your fears, even your achievements, was being quietly directed by a story you didn’t even write?
Life scripts are unconscious, childhood-rooted narratives that shape how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world. Formed through early interactions with caregivers, these internal “stories” often emerge as coping mechanisms in response to challenging circumstances. While they may have helped us navigate childhood, they can become limiting patterns in adulthood, affecting our confidence, relationships, and mental health in ways we may not even realise.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, clinical psychologist Dr Anna Colton joins host Gabby Sanderson to explore how these invisible narratives take hold, how societal pressures like diet culture reinforce them, and how to begin rewriting the ones that no longer serve us.
With over 20 years of experience, and specialising in adolescence and eating disorders, Dr Colton has worked across the NHS; including Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Tavistock Clinic, and The Priory, and now runs a thriving private practice. She supports a diverse range of clients, from barristers and young people, to West End performers, consulting on productions such as Matilda, to help children and adults manage stage fright, perfectionism, and anxiety. Anna is also the author of ‘How To Talk To Children About Food’, a shame-free guide to improving children's relationship with food.
The conversation explores how early conditioning can lead to people-pleasing, anxiety, and low self-worth, and why genuine confidence must be rewritten and built on internal validation, rather than external approval. Dr. Colton shares practical strategies for managing performance anxiety and offers insights into using curiosity and compassion to gently rewrite long-standing inner narratives.
Join us to discover how understanding the roots of your beliefs can lead to a more genuine, kind, and self-compassionate way of living.
*This interview was recorded earlier in the year.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/
To follow Dr Anna Colton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_food_psychologist/
Dr Anna's website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/
 

Bonus: Lessons from a UN Goodwill Ambassador on Peace, Purpose & Personal Resilience with Aliza Ayaz

October 24th marks United Nations Day; a celebration of global cooperation, peace, and human rights. But beyond politics and policy, what can an international organization built to unite nations teach us about creating peace within ourselves?
In this special bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes Aliza Ayaz an international climate activist, business and sustainability consultant, and the world’s youngest United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Together, they explore how global values like empathy, cooperation, and resilience can help us live happier, calmer, and more connected lives.
From growing up across London, Pakistan, and Dubai to addressing world leaders at the UN, Aliza shares how her diverse cultural experiences shaped her worldview, and how activism, while powerful, can test one’s mental health and resilience. She opens up about burnout, faith, gender equality, and what it truly means to pursue peace; both globally and personally.
As the founder of the Climate Action Society (CAS) at University College London, Aliza pioneered a youth-led initiative that successfully mobilized students in environmental and policy-driven solutions which helped inspire the UK Parliament’s climate emergency declaration.Gabby asks Aliza what sparked her decision to create the Climate Action Society, what drives and motivates her to keep going in the face of global challenges, and what the role of a UN Goodwill Ambassador truly entails.
They discuss why youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and radical cooperation are key to meaningful change, and how shifting our values from competition to compassion might just be the secret to a happier world.Tune in to discover how compassion, cooperation, determination and youth-led action can shape not just our world, but our inner lives.
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcastTo follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself/To follow Aliza on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alizaayaz_/
Aliza’s website: https://www.alizaayaz.com/
To watch Aliza’s Tedx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP55O_NhgHU
To learn more about UN Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/un-day