Episode Summary: In this episode of The Reinvention Diaries, hosts Michelle and Nicola welcome Tana MacPherson-Smith—coach, therapist, trainer, motivational speaker, and author of the Monkey Wisdom books. Tana shares her powerful story of accidental reinvention, from her career as a teacher to her journey through trauma, mental health challenges, and ultimately, transformation into a passionate advocate for children’s mental health and prevention.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Tana’s background as a teacher and her transition to mental health advocacy.
• The pivotal moment that changed her life: a mental health crisis and recovery.
• The concept of “Monkey Wisdom” and how childhood experiences shape our beliefs and emotional resilience.
• The importance of prevention in mental health, starting from conception.
• Intergenerational trauma and the impact of early life experiences.
• Tana’s personal battles with anxiety, ADHD, and overcoming limiting beliefs.
• Advice for those facing unplanned life changes and how to find new purpose.
• The power of human connection, kindness, and meaningful conversations with strangers.
• Tana’s ongoing mission to educate parents, teachers, and children about emotional health.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Every single thing that we do around kids, whoever you are, is recorded and has a response on them.”
• “If I can do something with all of that and change lives for other people, then that’s what I’ve got to do.”
• “It’s about finding something in your heart that really interests you—that’s a really good starting point.”

Guest Info:

• Website: taramcpherson.com
• LinkedIn: Tana MacPherson-Smith
• Facebook: Clear Minds

Hosts:

• Michelle Wright (LinkedIn: Michelle Wright)
• www.mrsstylewright.com
• Nicola Auckland (LinkedIn: Nicola Auckland)
• www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Contact & Socials:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.uk
• Instagram: @reinventiondiariespodcast

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Reach out to Tana or the hosts via the links above if you’d like to connect or share your own story of reinvention.