The Happier Life Project

Escaping the Body Image Trap in the Age of Ozempic with Lucie Vallée

In a culture obsessed with transformation, women are facing new pressures to constantly “optimize” their bodies. From the resurgence of fuller-bodied celebrities to the sudden wave of Ozempic-fueled weight loss, the body image landscape is shifting, and not always for the better. We're witnessing a new wave of beauty standards that is confusing, exhausting, and often harmful.
Gabby Sanderson is joined by body image therapist Lucie Vallée to unpack the complex forces shaping how we see ourselves. Lucie works primarily with women, to help dismantle toxic patterns around food, appearance, and self-worth; drawing from her own experience of recovering from a decade-long eating disorder marked by obsessive control over her body. 
Lucie's healing journey transformed her life, and today she is passionate about guiding others on the same path of acceptance and self-discovery. She shares this message not only through her therapy practice, but also through Instagram, where her thoughtful posts and reflections reach women navigating similar struggles every day.
In this episode of the Happier Life Project Gabby and Lucie explore:
The concept of body surveillance and why it’s so damaging
How triggers operate, and how to protect ourselves from them
The cultural hierarchy of body types and its impact on self-connection
The long-term effects of body image trauma
The rise of weight-loss drugs and cosmetic "tweakments", and what they reveal about celebrity and beauty culture
Why self-objectification still flies under the radar
And how even well-meaning comments about someone’s appearance can do more harm than good
This is a raw, honest, and deeply relevant conversation for anyone navigating their own body image journey, supporting someone else, or simply trying to make sense of the world we live in. Listen now, because understanding the pressure is the first step to breaking free from it.
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 Lucie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucievalleebodyimage/
 

Bonus: Self-Image, Connection & More Ways to Soothe with Nahid de Belgeonne

In this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re sharing extra insights from Gabby’s conversation with Nahid de Belgeonne, author of our October Book of the Month, 'Soothe: The Book Your Nervous System Has Been Longing For'. (If you haven’t listened to the full episode yet, now’s a great time to catch up!) 'Soothe', is a fantastic read filled with easy to follow exercises to release held stress, restore calm, and bring the body back into balance by working directly with the nervous system.
Nahid is a somatic movement coach, breath and yoga teacher, and nervous system strategist for high-achieving women. She developed 'The Human Method', a radical relearning system using somatic movement, breathwork, and restorative practices. Nahid later created 'The Soothe Programme', a 12-week somatic re-patterning experience designed to help women in particular remember safety at a cellular level.
In this bonus episode, Gabby and Nahid continue their conversation by exploring the role of connection in supporting the nervous system. They also look at how self-image impacts wellbeing, and Nahid offers some simple, actionable ways to be kinder to ourselves every day.Tune in for practical, gentle strategies to nurture your nervous system, bring more calm into your life, and create a deeper sense of self-compassion, connection and balance.
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 Nahid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanmethoduk/
Nahid’s Website: https://www.thehumanmethod.co.uk/
 

Soothe Your Nervous System & Restore Balance with Nahid de Belgeonne

Ever felt wired, restless, or unable to switch off; yet not sure how to calm yourself down? In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we explore what it really means to self-soothe and support the nervous system with guest Nahid de Belgeonne; somatic movement coach, breath and yoga teacher, and widely known as “the nervous system whisperer.”
With over two decades of experience, Nahid has developed 'The Human Method' and 'The Soothe Programme', helping high-achieving women reconnect with a sense of safety on a cellular level. She’s also the author of 'Soothe: The Book Your Nervous System Has Been Longing For', The Happier Life Project’s very first Book of the Month (for October)!
In this episode, Nahid shares why true wellness begins in the body’s innate wisdom rather than the mind, the role of micro rests to counterbalance daily stress, and why she encourages moving emotions through the body instead of sitting in them. Nahid also discusses, with host Gabby Sanderson, why modern gyms can overstimulate the nervous system and cultivate an unhealthy rather than healthy culture. Alongside, Nahid offers some suggestions for different movements to help process different emotions, plus suggests some sneaky techniques for taking restorative min-breaks during the workday, without anyone noticing.
Tune in to learn simple, science-backed ways to soothe your system, release held stress, and find a calmer, more balanced rhythm in your life.
(*And keep an eye out for Friday’s bonus episode with more from Nahid!)
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 Nahid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanmethoduk/
Nahid’s Website: https://www.thehumanmethod.co.uk/
 

Bonus: Navigating Trauma in Relationships with Dr. Aimie Apigian

Welcome to this bonus episode of The Happier Life Project with host Gabby Sanderson.We’re following on from Tuesday’s main episode with Dr. Aimie Apigian, and today we’re diving even deeper. This bonus conversation explores the powerful connection between relationships and trauma; how to support someone close to us who is struggling, and the vital inner work we need to do when their trauma responses trigger our own.
Dr. Aimie is a double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, and founder of the Mind-Body-Biology Institute. She’s changing the way we understand trauma by showing us that it isn’t just stored in the mind—it’s stored in the body at a cellular level.
Her brand-new book, The Biology of Trauma (with a foreword by Dr. Gabor Maté), has just been released. This conversation was recorded shortly before publication, so you’ll hear Dr. Aimie sharing her insights right as the book was about to launch. If you haven’t already, make sure you go back and listen to Tuesday’s episode too as it’s packed with even more tools and insights.
As a practical takeaway, Dr. Aimie has also shared her 5-Day Nervous System Reset, a resource with five somatic exercises (worth $99) designed to calm and reset your body for those who purchase the book: http://biologyoftrauma.com/book
Whether you’re on your own healing journey or walking alongside someone else on theirs, this bonus episode offers practical tools and compassionate insights to help you navigate those challenges.
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/
For all links Dr Aimie Apigian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aimie-apigian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigian
Website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/
Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/
Book: http://biologyoftrauma.com/book
 
 

The Trauma Response: Why Your Body Holds Fear & Keeps You Stuck with Dr. Aimie Apigian

Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all; it exists on a spectrum, from quiet emotional wounds to experiences that reshape an entire life. Living through it is hard enough, but revisiting or reliving it can feel even more overwhelming. Joining host Gabby Sanderson is Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, founder of The Mind-Body-Biology Institute, and author of the groundbreaking new book The Biology of Trauma, with a foreword by renowned expert in trauma and addiction Dr. Gabor Maté.
In this conversation, Dr. Aimie shares her journey into understanding trauma, revealing how it’s not only stored in our minds but also in our cells, and why this matters for both mental and physical health. Dr. Aimie explains the crucial differences between stress and trauma, and why time does not heal trauma, but can worsen its effects. She also explores the role of numbing and self-protection, and highlights the importance of creating safety in healing.
The Biology of Trauma is a groundbreaking book that explores the science of how the body experiences trauma, why it holds on, and what it needs for healing. This empowering episode offers fresh insights and practical steps drawn from the book to help navigate trauma responses and move towards a healthier, more authentic life.
Make sure to tune in on Friday for the next bonus episode, where Dr. Aimie dives deeper into how trauma shapes our relationships and what we can do about it.
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/
For all links Dr Aimie Apigian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aimie-apigian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigian
Website: https://biologyoftrauma.com/
Podcast: https://biologyoftrauma.com/biology-of-trauma-podcast/
 

Bonus: Handling the "Back To" Scaries with Chlo Hodgkinson

Welcome to the very first bonus episode of The Happier Life Project! From now on, alongside our regular Tuesday deep-dive episodes with expert guests, we’ll be dropping shorter, lighter episodes every Friday. These bonus episodes will explore a wider range of topics, share extra content from the main shows, introduce meditations we’re loving, or even offer a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of My Possible Self.
The idea? To help you head into the weekend feeling good.
In this first Friday edition, we’re tackling the back-to-scaries, that mix of excitement and nerves when starting something new or returning after a break. Whether you’re heading off to college or university, beginning a new job, returning after the summer holidays, or even picking up a brand-new hobby, those flutters of anxiety can sometimes overshadow the excitement and bring on feelings of dread.
But you’re not alone. Gabby and fellow My Possible Selfer Chlo Hodgkinson are here to share support, encouragement, and insights to help you calm the nerves, ease the transition, and find a little more joy in the journey ahead.
So, join us for this uplifting first bonus episode and discover how to turn the back-to-scaries into a fresh start you can actually look forward to.
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 Gabby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiogabby/
To follow Chlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chlohodgkinson/

Befriend All Your Parts & Align Your Mind with Britt Frank

Welcome to a brand-new season of The Happier Life Project! Gabby Sanderson is back with fresh conversations designed to bring you practical tools, insights, and inspiration for living a happier life.
To kick things off, our The Happier Life Project host is joined by friend of the show Britt Frank; author, speaker, and licensed neuropsychotherapist. Britt’s the author of The Science of Stuck, The Getting Unstuck Workbook, and her latest book, Align Your Mind which will be the main theme of the episode. 
In this conversation Britt unpacks the powerful concept of aligning your mind, which means bringing your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and inner parts into harmony so they work together rather than against each other. Gabby and Britt explore what happens when different parts of you are pulling in opposite directions, and how to stop fighting yourself and start moving forward. They also dive into what’s going on when other people’s parts are driving their behavior, and why that can so easily trigger our own. 
Along the way, Britt explains how shadow work can bring clarity to the parts of ourselves we tend to keep hidden, and how the quiet magic of micro-yeses; those small intentional steps, can lead to lasting transformation.
Tune in and learn how to quit the mental tug-of-war, align your mind, and start creating real change today.
This season, you’ll get the usual deep-dive episodes every Tuesday, plus look out for our new bonus episodes every Friday! Quick hits of advice, fresh perspectives, and extra content from the my Possible Self team to carry you into the weekend feeling good.
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/
For all things Britt Frank visit: https://www.brittfrank.com/
To follow Britt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittfrank/

Pour Decisions (Replay): Breaking Free from Unhealthy Drinking Patterns with Amanda E. White

Let’s get curious about our drinking habits! In this episode of The Happier Life Project we are looking at the role alcohol plays in our life; as a comforter, socializing tool, way to relax, blow off steam, or avoid uncomfortable emotions.
Guest Amanda E. White is a licensed therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram account @therapyforwomen Amanda also hosts the podcast “Recovered-ish” and is author of the book “Not Drinking Tonight” and its corresponding workbook.Not Drinking Tonight isn’t a manuscript to help you stop drinking. Not Drinking Tonight is the first book to help you address the root issues that cause you to reach for a drink, while helping you unpack your relationship with alcohol.
Chatting to host Gabby Sanderson, Amanda discusses why you don’t need to hit rock bottom - or label yourself an alcoholic - to review your relationship with booze and make some positive changes to your drinking habits. Amanda also chats with Gabby about some of the most common reasons people turn to the bottle, and why it often tends to be more about the ritual leading up to taking that first sip, such as popping the cork when the girls come over, or kicking back after a long day and pouring yourself a glass, or switching on the match and opening a can, that is the most satisfying part.
Amanda also touches upon the effect alcohol plays on our mental health and addresses the myth that a glass of something a day is actually good for us (spoiler alert, research has since dispelled). Gabby and Amanda talk about the pros and cons of taking part in dry (or damp) January and Amanda explains how by removing alcohol, we have the opportunity to build a life we don’t want to escape from.
Amanda is the founder of the group therapy practice, Therapy for Women Center, based in Philadelphia serving clients across the US. She has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Washington Post, Shape, Women’s Health Magazine, and more.
*Note this episode is a repeat broadcast
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: @mypossibleself
For all things Amanda E White visit: amandaewhite.com
To follow Amanda on Instagram: @therapyforwomen

Heal Childhood Wounds (Replay): Breaking Family Patterns to Transform Your Relationships with Vienna Pharaon

None of us had a perfect childhood; we are all carrying around wounds and behaviours that don’t serve us. But what if we could break free from unhealthy family patterns to liberate the way we live and love? 
As children we observe and absorb everything around us. And we teach ourselves to behave in a way that helps to make us feel safe. But at what cost? Have we developed coping mechanisms and strategies to try to feel more worthy, prioritized, safe, like we belong? Could we have developed trust issues because we witnessed our parents keep secrets? Do we struggle with perfectionism because our caregivers rewarded our good behaviour and achievements, but punished or ignored us when we didn’t live up to their standards? 
When we start to unpack the significant impact and deep conditioning that our roots and origin wounds have on our relationship patterns - past and present - we start to recognise our triggers and coping mechanisms that might actually be doing more harm than good.But it doesn’t have to be that way, says licensed marriage and family therapist and author of the best selling book ‘The Origins of You’ Vienna Pharaon.
Vienna is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought-after relationship therapists. Vienna has practised therapy for more than fifteen years and is the creator of @mindfulMFT on Instagram where she is helping over 700K people around the world heal their childhood wounds.
Vienna shares the five major origin wounds that most struggle with; consciously or subconsciously. She also explains how the healing journey begins by exploring what we have learned as a child - how to relate to others, ourselves, and the world around us. Host Gabby and Vienna also talk about identifying triggers, which could be unresolved wounds trying to get our attention. And how we can shift our patterns and habits to create a new healthier path for ourselves.
*Note this episode is a repeat broadcast
To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: @mypossibleself
For more on Vienna Pharaon: https://viennapharaon.com/
To follow Vienna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmft/
 

Emotionally Equipped (Replay): Tools for Managing Strong Feelings with Dr Emma Hepburn

Emotions play a crucial role in our overall mental health, acting as both messengers and influencers of our psychological well-being. Positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and love can enhance mental resilience, foster strong social connections, and improve our ability to cope with stress. But on the flip side, the more challenging emotions such as sadness, anger, jealousy or anxiety, if persistent and unaddressed, can contribute to mental health issues and illness. 
Understanding and managing our emotions has a positive impact on our wellbeing. By recognizing and processing our emotions, we are better equipped to deal with life’s challenges, manage strong feelings, achieve better emotional balance, enhance our mental clarity, and improve our overall quality of life.
But how do we learn to manage our emotions more effectively? For many we can feel at the mercy of our feelings, unaware that by drawing from simple techniques from within, we can help mitigate their intensity and reduce overwhelm. 
This is where Dr Emma Hepburn comes in. An award winning clinical psychologist, lecturer, author and illustrator, Dr Emma has written and illustrated the books ‘A Toolkit For Happiness’, ‘A Toolkit For Modern Life’ and most recently ‘A Toolkit for Your Emotions - 45 Ways To Feel Better’. Dr Emma Hepburn is also one of the most well-known psychologists on Instagram as @thepsychologymum and has won numerous awards for her contribution to mental health awareness.
Dr Emma talks to The Happier Life Project host Gabby about how emotions are made and where they come from. She shares how emotional habits are created and what it means to be on the emotional roller coaster of life, with all of its loop the loops. Dr Emma also explains how our past history and experiences influence our brain and body to create an emotional response; and ways we can objectively step back to review if how we are feeling is more of an echo from the past, rather than an appropriate response to the present. 
Dr Emma reveals some of her favourite tools to manage more difficult emotions and suggests ways we might break emotional patterns that are not helpful to us. The expert psychologist also explains why we should never feel ashamed of our emotions and how we can positively influence others towards the feel good feelings too.
'A Toolkit for Your Emotions' helps readers to navigate and understand their emotions effectively. Taking a deep dive into how we feel, Dr Emma explains all the tools we need to intercept and redirect challenging emotions by offering practical strategies, exercises, and insights. Each topic is illustrated with Dr Emma's well-loved illustrations to make them accessible, meaningful and memorable. 
*Note this episode is a repeat broadcast
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 purchase 'A Toolkit For Your Emotions' on amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/aXJOfnI
To follow Dr Emma Hepburn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychologymum