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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
Apr 26, 2020
Apr 26, 2020
33 min
Episode 23
How easy is it to lose yourself when life suddenly changes?
For Lewis, moving away from home for work seemed like an exciting new chapter.
But living alone in the fast-paced city of London brought challenges he hadn't expected.
Back home in Sunderland, Lewis had always been active, but long working days, convenience food, takeaways and a few cans of beer quickly became part of his routine. Healthy cooking felt overwhelming, and before long his weight had increased significantly.
Everything changed when he returned home.
Encouraged by his mum, Lewis decided to join Slimming World. With the support of his local group, he began making small, sustainable changes that completely transformed his life.
Then came another challenge.
Work relocated Lewis once again—this time to a remote part of Northern Ireland, where every meal was prepared for him in a hotel restaurant. For many people, that could have derailed all their hard work.
Instead, Lewis made one healthy choice after another.
By the end of his journey, he had lost an incredible 10 stone 1½lb.
What I love about Lewis's story is that it's about so much more than weight loss. It's about learning to believe in yourself, making decisions that support your future and proving that no matter where life takes you, you can still stay true to your goals.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Lewis's incredible 10 stone 1½lb weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 Moving away from home and falling into unhealthy habits
🦋 How takeaways and convenience food affected his health
🦋 The encouragement from his mum that changed everything
🦋 Staying on track while living in hotels for work
🦋 Building confidence and creating a healthier lifestyle
🦋 Why small choices really do add up to life-changing results
🔗 Connect with Lewis
Follow Lewis's journey on Instagram:
📸 @lew_health_blog
⭐ 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.
Apr 19, 2020
Apr 19, 2020
27 min
Episode 22
Have you ever known exactly what you needed to do... but struggled to put it into practice?
Ashli certainly had.
Having previously worked as a Slimming World Consultant, Ashli already understood the principles of healthy eating. But like so many of us, knowing what to do and consistently doing it are two very different things.
Once she committed to herself, everything began to change.
Ashli went on to reduce her dress size from a UK size 16 to a size 8, but what stands out most during our conversation isn't the weight she lost—it's the confidence she gained.
Food has always been something Ashli genuinely enjoys, and one of the things I love about her story is how she shows that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. Through sharing colourful, delicious meals on Instagram, she not only kept herself motivated but inspired thousands of other people along the way.
Another lovely part of Ashli's story is that she reached her target weight before getting engaged.
There was no pressure to lose weight for her wedding. Instead, she was able to enjoy every moment of planning her big day, including choosing a wedding dress because she loved it—not because it was the only one that fitted.
Recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ashli's positivity, warmth and enthusiasm shine throughout this conversation.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Ashli's journey from a UK size 16 to a size 8
🦋 Why knowing what to do isn't always the hardest part
🦋 Rediscovering Slimming World after trying fad diets
🦋 How Instagram became part of her weight loss journey
🦋 Creating simple, delicious meals the whole family can enjoy
🦋 Reaching her target weight before planning her wedding
🦋 Finding confidence both inside and out
🔗 Connect with Ashli
Follow Ashli's journey on Instagram:
📸 @ashli_sw
⭐ 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.
Apr 12, 2020
Apr 12, 2020
35 min
Episode 21
How different would life feel if you finally believed in yourself?
When Jessica first joined Slimming World, she had a simple goal in mind—to lose just half a stone.
She never imagined that one small decision would completely transform her life.
Several stones later, Jessica had gone from a UK size 22 to a size 10–12, but the biggest change wasn't what she saw in the mirror. It was how she felt.
For the first time in years, shopping became exciting instead of daunting. Choosing a wedding dress was no longer about finding something that fitted—it was about choosing the dress she truly loved.
As a mum, Jessica also talks honestly about wanting to be the best role model she could be for her daughter, Felicity. Today, healthy eating and fitness are simply part of family life, and she hopes those habits will inspire her daughter for years to come.
This episode was recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, at a time when many engaged couples were facing uncertainty around their wedding plans. Yet despite everything happening around her, Jessica's positivity, gratitude and resilience shine throughout our conversation.
I think you'll come away from this episode with a smile on your face.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Jessica's incredible transformation from a UK size 22 to a size 10–12
🦋 Joining Slimming World to lose half a stone—and achieving so much more
🦋 How healthy habits became part of everyday life
🦋 Building confidence through weight loss and fitness
🦋 Shopping for her dream wedding dress with confidence
🦋 Becoming a healthy role model for her daughter, Felicity
🦋 Staying positive during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic
🔗 Connect with Jessica
Follow Jessica's journey on Instagram:
📸 @jess.abrahams_sw
⭐ 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.
Apr 6, 2020
Apr 6, 2020
31 min
Episode 20
What if the hardest journey wasn't losing weight... but finally having the courage to be yourself?
This is one of the most memorable conversations I've ever had on Slimming Stories.
Andie Darlington is my first transgender guest, and although this episode begins with weight loss, it's really a story about courage, acceptance and living authentically.
For years, Andie lived a life that never truly reflected who she was. Like many people, she spent years wondering "What if?" Eventually, she reached a point where she knew she didn't want to look back with regret. She wanted to live as her true self.
Alongside this deeply personal journey, Andie also found incredible support through Slimming World. It became far more than a place to lose weight—it became a community where she found friendship, encouragement and acceptance.
One of the most remarkable parts of Andie's story is that she won both Man of the Year and later Woman of the Year within Slimming World, something that beautifully reflects the different chapters of her life.
Recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, this conversation reminds us how powerful kindness can be. Whether you're listening because you're on your own weight loss journey, because you want to understand the transgender experience, or simply because you enjoy hearing stories of resilience, I hope Andie's honesty stays with you long after the episode ends.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Andie's inspiring Slimming World journey
🦋 Becoming my first transgender guest on Slimming Stories
🦋 Winning both Man of the Year and Woman of the Year
🦋 Transitioning and finding the courage to live authentically
🦋 The importance of kindness, acceptance and community
🦋 Why life is too short to keep asking "What if?"
🔗 Connect with Andie
Follow Andie's journey on Instagram:
📸 @andiedarlington
⭐ 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.
Mar 30, 2020
Mar 30, 2020
44 min
Episode 19
What would you do if your doctor told you your life could be cut short because of your weight?
It's the kind of conversation none of us ever wants to have.
For Davey, that conversation became the turning point that changed everything.
At just 30 years old, Davey weighed 28 stone. His health was deteriorating rapidly, and he had developed sleep apnoea, leaving him exhausted and dependent on oxygen support at home. During a visit to his GP, he was given devastating news—if his weight continued to increase, his life expectancy could be dramatically reduced.
Seeing the heartbreak on his mum's face was the moment everything changed.
Davey joined Slimming World and went on to lose an incredible 16½ stone.
But like so many real-life journeys, this wasn't a fairy tale with a perfect ending. After losing his beloved mum, grief threatened to pull him back towards old habits. In this episode, Davey speaks honestly about loss, resilience and finding the strength to begin again.
I think that's what makes this conversation so powerful.
It reminds us that weight loss isn't about being perfect. It's about continuing to move forwards, even when life becomes incredibly difficult.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Davey's remarkable 16½ stone weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 Living with sleep apnoea and serious health concerns
🦋 The GP appointment that became his wake-up call
🦋 Coping with grief after losing his mum
🦋 Why setbacks don't have to define your future
🦋 Finding hope, resilience and a reason to keep going
🔗 Connect with Davey
Follow Davey's journey on Instagram:
📸 @itsdaveysworld
⭐ 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.
Mar 22, 2020
Mar 22, 2020
47 min
Episode 18
What if the very challenge you're facing today became the reason you inspire someone else tomorrow?
When Amy first joined Slimming World, she had one goal in mind—to lose 100lb.
Following the breakdown of a relationship, she knew she wanted to make positive changes, not only for her health but for her future too. What she didn't realise was that her own weight loss journey would eventually lead her to help hundreds of other people begin theirs.
After experiencing the support, encouragement and friendships she found through Slimming World, Amy decided to train as a Slimming World Consultant.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made.
Along the way, Amy challenged herself even further by joining fellow members to climb Mount Snowdon—proving that the things we once believed were impossible often become possible when we begin believing in ourselves.
I love Amy's story because it reminds us that weight loss isn't just about changing your own life. Sometimes it gives you the confidence to help change someone else's too.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Amy's inspiring 100lb weight loss journey with Slimming World
🦋 Finding strength after the breakdown of a relationship
🦋 Becoming a Slimming World Consultant
🦋 Climbing Mount Snowdon with fellow Slimming World members
🦋 The importance of support, friendship and community
🦋 Why your own journey could inspire someone else to begin theirs
🔗 Connect with Amy
Follow Amy's weight loss journey on Instagram:
📸 @aimsterlouise_sw
⭐ 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.
Mar 18, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
37 min
Episode 17
Have you ever stopped and asked yourself one simple question… What do I really want?
It sounds like such an easy question, yet for many of us it's one of the hardest to answer.
This week's episode is a little different from my usual Slimming Stories conversations.
I'm introducing you to another wonderful podcaster who has encouraged and inspired me throughout my own podcast journey—Nicole Rivera, host of Stop Writing Alone.
Nicole's podcast is all about creativity, writing, overcoming self-doubt and building the confidence to pursue the work that matters most to you.
In the episode I'm sharing, Nicole reflects on a question Oprah Winfrey once described as one of the most important questions we can answer in our lifetime:
"What do I want?"
It's a conversation that goes far beyond writing. Whether your dream is to lose weight, change career, write a book, start a business or simply build a happier life, I think you'll find yourself reflecting on that question too.
One of the greatest gifts podcasting has given me is meeting people like Nicole—people who encourage others to believe that their voice matters.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Why I'm introducing you to Nicole Rivera
🦋 The powerful question: "What do I want?"
🦋 Letting go of the "shoulds" that hold us back
🦋 Creativity, confidence and finding your own voice
🦋 Why surrounding yourself with encouraging people matters
🦋 How podcasting has connected me with inspiring women from around the world
🔗 Connect with Nicole Rivera
If you'd like to hear more from Nicole, here are the resources mentioned in this episode:
🌐 Stop Writing Alone
https://stopwritingalone.com/
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stopwritingalone/
📘 Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/stopwritingalone/
👥 Stop Writing Alone Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2205774733034348/
📧 Join Nicole's email list
https://mailchi.mp/ff8df93e57dc/penpals
▶️ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpPlp1EVzQhDFPdGp5w2KoQ
☕ Support the podcast
https://ko-fi.com/stopwritingalone
Resources mentioned
• Ever After Spring Writing Retreat
https://mailchi.mp/898c01af51e2/everafter2020
• DIY MFA Podcast – Jessica Abel Interview
https://diymfa.com/podcast/episode-293-jessica-abel
• Jessica Abel – The "Shoulds" Blog Post
https://jessicaabel.com/what-happens-when-you-let-your-demons-run-loose/
• Stop Writing Alone Episode 57 – Jenna Britton
https://stopwritingalone.com/2020/02/13/episode-57-jenna-britton-talks-personal-essays-podcasts-and-newsletters/
💜 A Little Shout-Out
One of the lovely things about podcasting is the friendships you make along the way.
Nicole's Mastermind group includes some fantastic women whose encouragement has helped each other grow creative businesses and podcasts.
Take a look at their work too:
• Kim A. Flodin – https://www.howinthehellpodcast.com/
• Lisa Murray – https://ihavedreamsdammit.com/
• Johanna Jaquez-Peralta – https://www.instagram.com/latina_livin_keto/
• Emma Isaacs – https://www.instagram.com/emmaisaacsdesign/
⭐ 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.
Mar 15, 2020
Mar 15, 2020
33 min
Episode 16
Words can leave scars that last far longer than we ever imagine.
For Ruth, years of bullying about her weight didn't end when she left school.
The comments followed her through college, university and even into her working life, gradually chipping away at her confidence and shaping the way she felt about herself.
Like so many people, Ruth tried diet after diet, only to find herself stuck in the same cycle of losing weight, regaining it and wondering if anything would ever truly change.
Then she found Slimming World.
What followed wasn't just an incredible weight loss of 7 stone 5lb. It was the beginning of a completely different relationship with food, with herself and with the voice in her head that had spent years believing what other people had said.
One of the things I admire most about Ruth is her honesty. She doesn't pretend the journey was easy, and she openly shares how she faced the emotional side of weight loss alongside the physical changes.
If you've ever struggled with confidence because of hurtful comments from others, I hope Ruth's story reminds you that your past doesn't have to define your future.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Ruth's inspiring 7 stone 5lb weight loss with Slimming World
🦋 Living with bullying throughout school, university and adulthood
🦋 Breaking free from years of emotional eating
🦋 Finding a healthier relationship with food
🦋 Building confidence one step at a time
🦋 Learning to quieten the critical voices from the past
🔗 Connect with Ruth
Follow Ruth's weight loss journey on Instagram:
📸 @ruthlouise_sw
⭐ 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
Mar 11, 2020
Mar 11, 2020
21 min
Episode 15
Every now and then, someone comes into your life who quietly changes the direction you're heading.
This episode is a little different from my usual Slimming Stories interviews.
March is International Women's Day, and I wanted to use this episode to celebrate someone who has had a huge impact on my own podcast journey.
When I first started podcasting, I had so many doubts. Like many new podcasters, I questioned whether I was good enough, whether anyone would listen and whether I should keep going at all.
Then I met Kim Flodin through a podcast mastermind group.
Kim has been one of my biggest cheerleaders from the very beginning. Her encouragement, kindness and belief in me helped me keep showing up, even when self-doubt crept in. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you before you're able to believe in yourself.
Rather than interviewing Kim, I wanted to introduce you to her wonderful podcast, How in the HELL Did I Get Here?
It's a podcast filled with true stories, family memories and moments that will have you laughing out loud. If you've ever enjoyed sitting around the table listening to family stories that become funnier every time they're told, I think you'll really enjoy it.
The episode I've chosen to share is called Our Lives Flashed Before Our Eyes During the Avalanche... of Bubbles, and it's exactly the sort of light-hearted, feel-good story we all need from time to time.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy International Women's Day—and Kim, thank you for believing in me.
🦋 In this episode...
🦋 Celebrating International Women's Day
🦋 Why I wanted to introduce you to Kim Flodin
🦋 How a podcast mastermind group changed my own journey
🦋 The importance of encouraging other women
🦋 A funny family story from Kim's podcast, How in the HELL Did I Get Here?
🦋 Why laughter really can be the best medicine
⭐ 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.
Mar 8, 2020
Mar 8, 2020
33 min
Episode 14
How much is your weight affecting your health before you decide something has to change?
For Gareth, the answer became impossible to ignore.
As his weight increased, so did the impact it was having on his everyday life. Simple things became harder, he constantly felt exhausted and sleep apnoea meant he rarely woke feeling rested. It wasn't just affecting Gareth—it was affecting his family too.
Being permanently tired meant missing out on precious moments with his young daughter and worrying about staying alert at work.
Something had to change.
A visit to his GP became the turning point, leading Gareth to join Slimming World. What he discovered wasn't just a healthy eating plan, but a community of people who understood exactly what he was going through.
One step at a time, Gareth began taking back control of his health, his confidence and his future.
I love Gareth's story because it's a reminder that weight loss isn't simply about looking different. Sometimes it's about getting your energy back, improving your health and being able to enjoy the people you love.
In this episode...
🦋 Gareth's journey with Slimming World
🦋 Living with sleep apnoea and constant exhaustion
🦋 How losing weight improved both his health and quality of life
🦋 The importance of support and community
🦋 Finding motivation through family
🦋 Why it's never too late to make a positive change
⭐ 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 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
You can follow Gareth’s slimming journey on Instagram @gazgriffin86
Slimming Stories podcast is produced by Claire Oldham - West and you can follow Slimming Stories on Instagram @sw_slimmingstories_podcast
Slimming Stories is also a Facebook Group.
If you would like to appear as a guest on the show please DM me on Instagram.