In this episode, I’m joined by Pilates instructor Shauni Paulley, who opens up about the leap that changed everything - from navigating divorce and financial hardship to rebuilding her entire life and career from scratch. What began as a hobby became the catalyst for a complete transformation, leading her from coasting through a job she hated to thriving in a role she loves.

As we walk, Shauni shares the truth behind becoming self-employed, the reality of imposter syndrome, the pressure to always say 'yes' and the surprising joy of finding work that actually fits who you are. We talk about ambition, happiness, burnout, boundaries and the courage it takes to build a life that finally feels like your own.

You’ll hear moments of honesty, humour (including a near-attack from a gang of swans), and beautifully human reflections on the journey from survival mode to genuine fulfilment. This is a conversation about taking risks, choosing yourself and discovering who you are on the other side of loss.

About Walk and Talk for the Soul

A series of unscripted, human conversations exploring identity, healing, and the parts of ourselves we often keep hidden. Each episode begins with a single question card designed to open something real.

This series is inspired by the community Walk & Talk for the Soul in North Dorset - gentle, grounding walks created to bring people together and make it easier to talk openly about mental health. These community walks support The Brave and Determined Company (The BAD Co.), a charity funding access to early-intervention, life-saving counselling for individuals across England.

Support the mission:

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/1644553ce

The BAD Co. Website: https://www.badco.uk/

Connect with Shauni

Instagram: @shaunipaulley

Connect with Emma

Website: https://www.emmathompsontherapy.com/

Instagram: @emmathompsontherapy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by my husband Zac for an open, thoughtful conversation about love, fatherhood, identity and the way becoming a parent reshapes your entire world. We explore why quality time is his strongest love language, how parenting has taught him to 'get out of his own way', and the surprising lessons that come from watching children grow - fast.

Zac talks about intentional parenting, helping our children build internal validation rather than seeking approval and the overwhelm of raising kids in a world of screens and constant noise. We also dive into purpose, ideal lifestyles and the quiet wisdom that comes from looking back at your twenties with the perspective of a parent.

A grounded, honest episode for anyone navigating parenthood, partnership, or the emotional work of raising (and becoming) a well-rounded human.

About Walk and Talk for the Soul

A series of unscripted, human conversations exploring identity, healing, and the parts of ourselves we often keep hidden. Each episode begins with a single question card designed to open something real.

This series is inspired by the community Walk & Talk for the Soul in North Dorset - gentle, grounding walks created to bring people together and make it easier to talk openly about mental health. These community walks support The Brave and Determined Company (The BAD Co.), a charity funding access to early-intervention, life-saving counselling for individuals across England.

Support the mission:

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/1644553ce

The BAD Co. Website: https://www.badco.uk/

Connect with Zac

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Instagram: @zac.thompsonwham

Connect with Emma

Website: https://www.emmathompsontherapy.com/

Instagram: @emmathompsontherapy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.