Dare To Be Brave with Joy Foster
Redundancy. Maternity leave. Perimenopause. Menopause. Illness. Caring for ageing parents.
Sound familiar?
If you're a woman in midlife, chances are you've faced one - or several - of these life transitions. And somewhere along the way, you may have pressed pause on your career… your confidence… or even your sense of direction.
But what if this chapter isn’t the end of your story—what if it’s the moment you learn to be brave?
Dare To Be Brave with Joy Foster is a powerful solo podcast that blends real-life insight with the neuroscience of courage, confidence, and change.
Each episode unpacks what’s really happening in your brain when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to move forward—and shows you how to work with your brain, not against it.
You’ll learn how to:
- Rebuild confidence after a setback
- Take action even when fear is loud
- Break free from overthinking and self-doubt
- Navigate change with clarity and resilience
- Redefine success on your own terms
Whether you're returning to work, starting something new, or simply trying to figure out what’s next, this podcast will give you the tools - and the courage - to move forward.
Because bravery isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build.
And this is where it begins.
Dare To Be Brave with Joy Foster
E268｜How to break free from trauma with Philippa Smethurst
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*This podcast episode discusses trauma, which some listeners may find triggering.
In 1989, tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, and the world watched in horror as a brutal moment in history unfolded.
But for Philippa Smethurst, who was teaching in China at the time, the impact was more than headline – it was witnessed firsthand in the tear-streaked faces of her students, mourning friends and loved ones lost to the violence.
Without realising it, Philippa became a lightning rod for their trauma.
Decades later, as a psychotherapist, she continues to help people unpack the hidden wounds they carry. Because trauma isn’t just a moment in time – it’s something that can linger in our bodies, shaping the way we react, trust, and navigate the world.
In our latest Career Interrupted podcast episode, Philippa shares powerful insights from her 30 years of experience, breaking down the ways trauma manifests – from fight, flight, freeze, and dissociation to trust issues and brain hijacking.
What to listen out for:
[01:28] Witnessing a watershed moment in history.
[05:50] Dealing with micro traumas.
[10:53] The trauma thermometer.
[14:46] Develop a noticing brain.
[19:38] The stale gingerbread man.
[26:50] Treat yourself as if you matter.
What you’ll take away from this episode:
✔️ How to recognise trauma responses in yourself and others
✔️ The lessons that can come out of dealing with trauma
✔️ Practical steps to build resilience and reclaim control
Plus, Philippa shows off her fun visual tools to help you understand trauma in a whole new way (say hello to the ‘stale gingerbread man’!!!) You’ll want to tune in for that alone!
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