In this episode, Paolo and Paul sit down with the incredible Paris Bartholomew, a UK-based psychologist, lecturer, and care experience advocate whose story of survival, healing, and purpose will stay with you long after listening.

Paris shares her journey from a childhood marked by trauma and abuse to becoming a voice for change in the care system. She reflects on her early years, the fierce women writers who shaped her, and how storytelling and education became her refuge.

The conversation explores trauma, memory, forgiveness, and the power of therapy—especially for care-experienced people. Paris opens up about the painful process of reading her care files, confronting her mother’s mental illness, understanding the roots of her pain, and ultimately learning to forgive.

Toni Morrison’s words set the tone: “She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order."

By the end, Paris shows us what it means to truly gather the pieces - and shine on.

Connect with Paris:
Website https://parisbartholomew.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parismotivates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survive_grow_inspire__/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-bartholomew-b01852a1/

Thank you to our sponsors Bibb Egan and Bet Enabling for supporting the show and helping us bring these important stories to light. https://bibbegan.co.uk/

Credits:
Produced by Simon Wady
Recorded at Podcast Room, Great Portland Street
Theme music by Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band

Thank you for listening.

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May we all shine on.