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Weight loss and fitness motivation showing that a great transformation is possible even when the going gets tough. Honest heartfelt conversations without the filter. I interview guests who share the whole weight loss story following a variety of weight loss plans such as Slimming World, Weight Watchers, Calories Counting & Keto.
Episodes
Jul 5, 2020
Jul 5, 2020
26 min
Episode 33
Becoming a parent changes everything... but sometimes it also changes the way you see yourself.
When Leah discovered she was expecting her first baby, she was overwhelmed with excitement.
Walking into her very first midwife appointment felt like a milestone. Everything suddenly became real. She was going to be a mum.
But alongside the excitement came an unexpected conversation.
Because of Leah's weight, her pregnancy was classed as high risk, and concerns were raised about both her health and the health of her unborn baby.
Thankfully, Leah went on to welcome a healthy baby boy into the world. Not long afterwards, she and her husband Andrew completed their family with the arrival of a second son.
Motherhood brought Leah so much happiness.
But as her boys became more active, she found herself facing a heartbreaking reality.
Weighing over 20 stone, she often watched from the sidelines while her husband, family and friends chased after her children in soft play centres and parks.
Leah didn't want to be the mum sitting down.
She wanted to be the mum joining in.
That realisation became the turning point that changed everything.
With the support of Slimming World, Leah went on to lose an incredible 10 stone, transforming not only her health but the memories she's now able to create with her family.
If you're a parent who has ever worried about missing out because of your weight, I think Leah's story will really resonate with you.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Leah's incredible 10 stone weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 The emotional reality of being classed as a high-risk pregnancy
🦋 Becoming a mum to two beautiful boys
🦋 Weighing over 20 stone and feeling left on the sidelines
🦋 Finding the motivation to change for her children
🦋 Creating lifelong memories by becoming a more active mum
🦋 Why it's never too late to rewrite your story
🔗 Connect with Leah
Follow Leah's journey on Instagram:
📸 @sw_the_dieting_mummy_bear
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
Jun 28, 2020
Jun 28, 2020
41 min
Episode 32 When was the last time you genuinely looked forward to exercising?
For many of us, fitness can feel like another item on the to-do list.
Something we know we should do, rather than something we actually enjoy.
For Mollie, that all changed when she discovered cheerleading.
Before then, shopping for clothes had become something she dreaded. The excitement she'd once felt had disappeared, replaced by oversized tops, leggings and avoiding changing rooms altogether.
As her weight increased to a UK size 18–20, Mollie found herself losing confidence and battling with food in a way that felt overwhelming.
Then she started university.
Joining the university cheerleading team brought back something she'd been missing for years.
Joy.
Having loved gymnastics and dance as a child, cheerleading felt like coming home. The energy, support and friendships gave Mollie a new focus, and alongside Slimming World's Food Optimising plan, the weight began to come off.
Today, Mollie has reduced her dress size from 20/18 to 12/14, enjoys shopping for clothes she once only dreamed of wearing and has completely transformed her relationship with exercise.
I love this conversation because it reminds us that finding the right form of movement can change everything. Exercise doesn't have to be something you endure—it can become something you genuinely love.
...And with your hands on your hips, a smile on your lips, spirit in your heart… we're ready to start!
I couldn't resist ending with a little cheerleading spirit!
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Mollie's inspiring journey from a size 20/18 to a size 12/14
🦋 How university helped her rediscover confidence
🦋 Falling in love with cheerleading
🦋 Why finding an exercise you enjoy makes all the difference
🦋 Losing weight with Slimming World's Food Optimising plan
🦋 Shopping for clothes with confidence again
🦋 Building a healthier relationship with food and fitness
🔗 Connect with Mollie
Follow Mollie's journey on Instagram:
📸 @sw_mollie_06
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
Jun 21, 2020
Jun 21, 2020
37 min
Episode 31
What if the people who love you saw something in you before you could see it yourself?
After becoming a mum, Amy knew she wanted to lose weight.
She also knew she wasn't convinced that Slimming World would work for her.
Thankfully, her family had other ideas.
Determined to help, they gently encouraged Amy through the doors of her local Slimming World group. Amy agreed—but only on one condition. She would give it two weeks, and if it didn't work, she wasn't coming back.
Then something unexpected happened.
The weight came off.
Still unsure, Amy agreed to stay for another month, convinced the weight loss would surely slow down.
It didn't.
Today, Amy has lost an incredible 4 stone 10lb, finding a way of eating that fits around family life, work and raising her young daughter.
But one of the biggest transformations wasn't on the scales.
During lockdown, Amy decided to challenge something she'd struggled with for years—her confidence.
She discovered a love of walking, first with her partner and daughter, then eventually by herself, finding peace in nature and learning to enjoy her own company.
I also love Amy's honesty on Instagram.
She shares the reality of life after having a baby, including posting photos of her stretch marks—something she never imagined she'd have the confidence to do. Her message is simple but incredibly powerful: our bodies deserve kindness, not criticism.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Losing 4 stone 10lb with Slimming World
🦋 Becoming a mum and wanting to prioritise her health
🦋 The family who refused to let her give up before she'd started
🦋 Discovering that healthy eating could fit around family life
🦋 Finding confidence through walking during lockdown
🦋 Learning to embrace her body after pregnancy
🦋 Why confidence grows one small step at a time
🔗 Connect with Amy
Follow Amy's journey on Instagram:
📸 @amy_sw_journeyx
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
Jun 14, 2020
Jun 14, 2020
40 min
Episode 30
Sometimes the most powerful question we can ask someone is simply... "Are you OK?"
For Steve, those three words may well have saved his life.
On the outside, life appeared to be improving.
After a serious health scare involving his heart, Steve had already lost 6 stone, discovered a love of running and was taking positive steps towards a healthier future.
But behind the scenes, his mental health was deteriorating.
Steve found himself battling suicidal thoughts and reaching one of the darkest periods of his life.
Thankfully, one friend noticed something wasn't right.
By asking one simple question and encouraging Steve to open up, that conversation became the beginning of a very different chapter.
With professional support, determination and incredible resilience, Steve not only rebuilt his mental health but went on to lose an astonishing 11 stone 11½lb with Slimming World. Today, he helps other people on their own journeys as a Slimming World Consultant.
This is one of the most honest and emotional conversations I've recorded.
If you're struggling right now, or if someone you love is, I hope Steve's story reminds you that no matter how dark life feels, there is hope and asking for help is one of the bravest things you can ever do.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Steve's incredible 11 stone 11½lb weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 Living with suicidal thoughts and finding hope again
🦋 The friend who simply asked, "Are you OK?"
🦋 Recovering after a serious heart health scare
🦋 Discovering running and rebuilding confidence
🦋 Becoming a Slimming World Consultant
🦋 Supporting the mental health charity Mind
🦋 Why asking for help is a sign of strength, never weakness
🔗 Connect with Steve
Follow Steve's journey on Instagram:
📸 @steve_achieve
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
Jun 7, 2020
Jun 7, 2020
48 min
Episode 29
Can you lose the weight… but still have to heal your relationship with yourself?
In Part 2 of my conversation with Hayley Grocock, we move beyond the physical changes and into something that affects so many of us—our mindset.
Twenty years after weight loss surgery, Hayley explains that while the operation changed her body, it didn't magically change the way she thought, felt or coped with life's challenges.
That's why I think this episode is so important.
So often we assume that reaching a target weight will solve everything. Hayley reminds us that lasting change also comes from looking after our mental health, challenging negative thought patterns and building habits that support us every single day.
We continue our conversation about weight loss surgery, healthy meal planning and why Slimming World became an important part of her long-term success. If you've ever wondered how someone can regain weight after bariatric surgery, Hayley explains it with honesty, compassion and absolutely no judgement.
More than anything, this episode is about hope.
Hayley speaks openly about the reality of living with anxiety and depression, the tools she uses to keep moving forwards and how running and exercise have become an essential part of protecting her mental wellbeing.
I genuinely believe this conversation will resonate with so many people.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Life 20 years after weight loss surgery
🦋 Why mindset still matters after losing weight
🦋 Understanding weight regain after bariatric surgery
🦋 Managing anxiety and depression alongside a weight loss journey
🦋 The role Slimming World played in long-term success
🦋 How exercise became part of Hayley's mental health toolkit
🦋 Learning that progress is about more than the number on the scales
🔗 Connect with Hayley
Follow Hayley's journey on Instagram:
📸 @hayleyrunlikely
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
May 31, 2020
May 31, 2020
35 min
Episode 28
Can losing weight really improve your mental health?
For Hayley Grocock, the answer isn't straightforward.
In this deeply honest conversation, Hayley opens up about living with anxiety and depression for more than 20 years and the different paths she's taken in search of better physical and mental health.
As CEO of a charity, mum to a young son and, at the time of recording, balancing the challenges of lockdown and home-schooling, Hayley knows what it's feels like to constantly juggle life's demands while trying not to lose yourself in the process.
One topic we discuss openly is the culture of the well-deserved "mummy wine" at the end of a stressful day—a habit many parents will recognise.
Hayley also becomes my first guest to talk about weight loss surgery, sharing her experience of undergoing a gastric bypass in 2008. Before recording this episode, I knew very little about bariatric surgery, and I found Hayley's honesty both fascinating and incredibly educational.
Doctors had encouraged Hayley to exercise for years to help manage her mental health, but at 19 stone, running was the last thing she wanted to do.
Fast forward to today, and she's completed the London Marathon.
Her story is proof that sometimes the things we resist the most become the very things that help us heal.
This is Part 1 of Hayley's remarkable journey.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Living with anxiety and depression for over 20 years
🦋 Hayley's experience of gastric bypass surgery
🦋 The emotional side of long-term weight loss
🦋 Balancing family life, home-schooling and leading a charity during lockdown
🦋 The truth behind "mummy wine" culture
🦋 Going from 19 stone to completing the London Marathon
🦋 Why running became such an important part of Hayley's wellbeing
🔗 Connect with Hayley
Follow Hayley's journey on Instagram:
📸 @hayleyrunlikely
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
May 24, 2020
May 24, 2020
38 min
Episode 27
What if the strongest person in the room wasn't the one throwing the punches... but the one who found the courage to change their life?
I'm so excited to share this episode because Doug Kramer is my first boxer to appear on Slimming Stories—and as a huge boxing fan, I couldn't wait to hear his story.
You might think this is an episode about fitness.
It isn't.
It's about transformation.
Before joining Slimming World, Doug weighed 28 stone. Shopping for clothes had become frustrating, often leaving him feeling like an outsider as friends browsed the latest fashions while he struggled to find anything in his size. At one point, 6XL T-shirts were among the few options available to him.
Today, life looks very different.
Doug has lost an incredible 11 stone, discovered a passion for boxing and completely transformed his health. He's become a fantastic role model for his family, with his children now enjoying boxing too.
One of my favourite moments in our conversation is when Doug talks about having a suit hanging in the wardrobe, ready for his upcoming wedding. After years of feeling limited by his weight, he now has the freedom to choose the clothes he wants to wear and the confidence to enjoy every moment of his future with his fiancée.
Doug is also refreshingly honest.
He talks about enjoying special occasions without guilt, learning to cook healthy meals he genuinely loves and creating a lifestyle that finally feels sustainable.
This episode is packed with motivation and proof that lasting change is possible.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Doug's incredible 11 stone weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 Life at 28 stone and deciding it was time for change
🦋 Discovering a love of boxing and fitness
🦋 Moving from 6XL clothing to enjoying shopping again
🦋 Becoming a healthier role model for his children
🦋 Preparing for his wedding with newfound confidence
🦋 Why healthy eating has become a way of life—not a diet
🔗 Connect with Doug
Follow Doug's journey on Instagram:
📸 @the_sw_journey_of_d_n_s
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
31 min
Episode 26
Imagine walking into a shop and seeing yourself on the front cover of a magazine.
For many Slimming World members, appearing in the magazine is something they dream about.
For Dominique Withers, that dream became reality.
As someone who's always loved reading weight loss magazines, I was genuinely excited to chat with Dominique after she appeared on the cover of Slimming World Magazine. Long before Instagram and Facebook, those magazines were where so many of us found inspiration, motivation and hope that lasting change really was possible.
In this episode, Dominique shares what it was like to become the face of one of Slimming World's biggest publications, as well as the incredible journey that led her there.
Although Dominique "only" dropped two dress sizes, her story is a brilliant reminder that success isn't measured by how much weight you've lost—it's about how much your life has changed.
Since transforming her health, Dominique has discovered a love of running, found an incredible online support network through Instagram and even used lockdown as an opportunity to raise money for the NHS by setting herself new fitness goals.
This conversation is packed with positivity and shows just how powerful encouragement and community can be.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Dominique's journey to the front cover of Slimming World Magazine
🦋 Why losing two dress sizes transformed her confidence
🦋 Behind the scenes of the Slimming World magazine photo shoot
🦋 Discovering a passion for running
🦋 How Instagram became a source of support and motivation
🦋 Using lockdown to set new goals and support the NHS
🦋 Why confidence isn't measured by the number on the scales
🔗 Connect with Dominique
Follow Dominique's journey on Instagram:
📸 @slimmingworld_dominique
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/contact
May 10, 2020
May 10, 2020
38 min
Episode 25
What if one conversation could save your life?
Matt knew he was overweight.
He knew it was affecting his health, his confidence and his future. But like so many people, he thought losing weight meant feeling hungry, deprived and miserable.
Then everything changed during what should have been a routine appointment with his GP.
There were no lectures. No judgement. No criticism.
Just an offer of help.
Matt was given 12 free sessions at Slimming World, and although he was about to head off on holiday, something told him this was the right time to say yes.
There was just one concern.
Matt wasn't sure the Slimming World scales would even register his weight.
While he was away, he contacted his future consultant, who gently reassured him that the scales went up to 40 stone.
At his very first weigh-in, Matt stepped onto the scales at over 33 stone.
It's a number he has never seen again.
Since then, Matt has gone on to lose an incredible 12 stone, completely transforming not only his health but also his relationship with food.
I love this conversation because it reminds us that asking for help isn't a weakness. Sometimes it's the very first step towards changing your life.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 The routine GP appointment that changed everything
🦋 Receiving 12 free Slimming World sessions
🦋 Weighing over 33 stone at his first group
🦋 Losing an incredible 12 stone
🦋 Learning that healthy eating doesn't have to mean deprivation
🦋 Taking control of emotional eating and unhealthy habits
🦋 Why one small decision can completely change your future
🔗 Connect with Matt
Follow Matt's incredible journey on Instagram:
📸 @fat_matt_to_fab_matt
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/contact
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
26 min
Episode 24
What if this time really was different?
If you've ever lost weight, put it back on and promised yourself, "This is the last time I'm starting again," then this episode is for you.
Welcome to another honest update from my Not-So-Secret Slimming Diary.
There's no pretending I've got everything worked out. I'm simply sharing my journey as it happens—the wins, the challenges and everything in between.
This month brought a couple of lovely surprises.
I received both Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month at Slimming World, and for the first time in a long time I started wondering whether this could finally be the end of my yo-yo dieting.
But the biggest surprise of all?
I gave up added sugar for Lent.
If you'd asked me beforehand whether I thought I could do it, I'd probably have laughed. My husband Martin certainly didn't think I'd manage it! Yet somehow, after my last chocolate bar on 25th February, something changed.
For the first time in years, I wasn't battling cravings.
It felt strange, exciting and, if I'm honest, a little unbelievable.
In this episode, I share what happened, how I felt and why this experience made me start looking at food in a completely different way.
If you've ever wondered whether freedom from sugar cravings is possible, I hope my story gives you a little encouragement.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 My latest Slimming World update during lockdown
🦋 Receiving both Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month
🦋 Giving up added sugar for Lent
🦋 Life after my last chocolate bar on 25th February
🦋 Why my sugar cravings completely disappeared
🦋 Could this finally be the end of my yo-yo dieting?
🦋 An honest look at what was happening behind the scales
⭐ Enjoying Slimming Stories?
If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you could follow, rate and review the show. Every follow, rating and review helps more people discover Slimming Stories and supports someone else who may need to hear these conversations.
💜 I'd Love to Hear From You
If you're listening to this episode, I'd love to hear what resonated with you.
Take a screenshot while you're listening, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag me:
🎙️ @slimmingstories_podcast
🤍 @claire.oldham.west.therapy
I genuinely love seeing where you're listening from, and I'll always do my best to reshare your stories.
If there's a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode, or someone you'd love me to interview, send me a message. Some of my favourite podcast episodes have started with a message from a listener.
🌿 Your Slimming Stories Toolkit
Thank you so much for tuning in.
My hope is that Slimming Stories becomes more than just a podcast. I hope it's somewhere you can come back to whenever you need a little encouragement, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not doing this on your own.
That's why I've created a collection of free resources to support you between episodes.
🎁 Free Weight Loss Mindset Download
A practical guide to help you stay focused, manage emotional eating and build healthier habits.
👉 https://www.claireoldhamwest.com/quick-and-easy-weight-loss-mindset
💫 Try My Free Hypnosis Session
I've unlocked the first three parts of my hypnosis course for you.
👉 bit.ly/FREE-Hypnosis
🍭 Sugar Craving Reset
If you're struggling with sugar cravings, emotional eating or food noise—whether you're following Slimming World, using Mounjaro, calorie counting or another approach—you can join the waitlist for my next Sugar Craving Reset.
👉 bit.ly/SugarCravingReset
💬 Could Therapy Help?
If you've ever found yourself asking:
• Why do I keep going back to food?
• Why can't I stop thinking about chocolate?
• Why do I keep self-sabotaging?
Therapy and hypnotherapy help you understand the emotional and subconscious patterns behind your eating habits, so healthier choices begin to feel more natural—not like a constant battle with willpower.
🎥 Watch Real Hypnotherapy Sessions
Curious about hypnotherapy? Watch real client sessions and discover how it works.
👉 bit.ly/ClaireOldhamWestHypnotherapy
📱 Follow Slimming Stories
🎵 TikTok – @slimmingstoriespodcast
📸 Instagram – @slimmingstories_podcast
💬 Facebook – Join the Slimming Stories community
💆♀️ Ready for Personal Support?
Book a free 30-minute consultation and find out whether therapy or hypnotherapy could help you.