Soul to Soul with Gillian McMichael

Are you exhausted, running on empty and still telling yourself to just keep going?

After 27 years in global executive leadership, Angela Johnston was used to pushing through. Then Long COVID forced her to stop - and completely rethink the way she approached work, energy, wellbeing and her own body.

In this episode of Soul to Soul with Gillian McMichael, Angela shares what recovery taught her about burnout prevention, nervous-system support, energy management and sustainable leadership - and why working harder isn’t always resilience.

They explore:

• Why pushing through can eventually work...

What becomes possible when you slow down enough to actually hear yourself?

In this episode of Soul to Soul, Gillian is joined by Verena Seipp, an ICF-certified Transformational Coach for Holistic Wellbeing, for a conversation about presence, purpose, healing and creating enough stillness to reconnect with yourself.

After twelve years working in advertising, Verena reached a point where she knew she no longer wanted to give her energy to the life she was living. She stepped away from her career, travelled for almost a year and, for the first time, gave herself permission not to...

What happens when the life you’ve worked hard to build no longer feels like your own?

In this episode of Soul to Soul, Gillian is joined by consultant, strategist and coach Sue Hunter for a conversation about success, identity, self-trust and having the courage to recognise when something in your life needs to change.

After more than 25 years working across law, financial services, leadership and management, Sue found herself questioning a life that looked successful from the outside but no longer felt right on the inside.
What followed was a gradual process of un...

What happens when talking is no longer enough?

In this episode of Soul to Soul, Gillian is joined by transformational coach Judith Stephen for a grounded conversation about healing, energy work and the different ways we can reconnect with ourselves.

Judith shares her journey from theatre and television into transformational coaching, and how her own experiences gradually led her towards Reiki, somatic practices and energetic work.

Together, they explore what it means to call yourself a healer, why emotions and experiences can sometimes feel held within the body, the importance of doing your...

Welcome back to the season finale of the Full Circle Podcast with your host, Gillian McMichael. 

Over the past nine episodes, we’ve explored powerful themes like self-awareness, imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and learning to love ourselves through change.

In this final episode, we’re diving into a topic that impacts so many of us - procrastination and burnout.

You’ll learn:

Welcome back to the Full Circle Podcast. In this episode, we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools for personal growth: setting healthy boundaries.

Boundaries are essential for protecting your time, energy, and mental wellbeing - yet so many of us struggle to set them, enforce them, or even understand why they matter. Whether you’ve found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no, or you’ve felt drained by relationships that push past your limits, this episode is for you.

Join Gillian as she breaks...

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to break you.

In this heartfelt episode, Gillian explores how to cultivate self-love and compassion during times of transition. Whether you’re facing a career shift, a relationship change, or an inner transformation, change can feel overwhelming, triggering fear, resistance, and self-doubt.

But change is also an invitation - a chance to grow into the most authentic version of yourself. Through practical tools and reflective exercises, Gillian shows you how to honour your emotions, strengthen self-trust, and embrace transformation with grace.

What You’ll Learn in Thi...

In a world full of noise, how do you reconnect with your OWN truth?

In this deeply reflective episode, Gillian explores the power of your inner voice - that quiet inner wisdom that guides, nudges, and knows what’s best for you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by external opinions, trapped in overthinking, or unsure of how to make aligned decisions, this episode will help you come home to yourself.

Learn how to distinguish your inner voice from fear or ego, how to strengthen your intuition, and how to r...

We’ve all been there - excited to start something new, full of motivation, only to watch it fade after a few days or weeks. So what really keeps us moving toward our goals when that initial spark dies out?

In this episode of The Full Circle Podcast, Gillian explores the powerful balance between motivation and discipline, and why understanding the difference between the two is essential for long-term transformation. You’ll learn how to stay committed even when life gets messy, energy runs low, or progress feels slow.

From...

What if the key to real transformation isn’t doing more — but honouring what matters most?

In this episode of The Full Circle Podcast, Gillian explores the non-negotiables that form the foundation of lasting personal growth. These are the habits, behaviours, values, and boundaries that keep you anchored, even when life gets chaotic.

From identifying what truly supports your wellbeing, to learning how to implement these priorities with consistency, flexibility, and self-respect — this episode is a masterclass in intentional living.

If you’re ready to stop drifting and start living in alignment with your val...

We all know goal setting is important, but are you setting goals that are truly aligned with the life you want to create?

In this episode of The Full Circle Podcast, Gillian breaks down the difference between setting goals for the sake of achievement and setting goals that are rooted in purpose, identity, and long-term alignment.

You’ll learn how to move beyond vague intentions and create short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, supported by simple, sustainable routines. You'll also explore the power of identity-based goals and how visualising your fu...

You know who you want to become - but how do you get there?

In this inspiring and practical episode, Gillian guides you through building a personal roadmap to your best self. If you’ve been tuning into Season 9, you’ve already explored self-awareness and challenged imposter syndrome. Now, it’s time to turn that inner work into intentional action.

From crafting a clear vision to setting SMART goals and establishing meaningful routines, this episode offers the structure you need to create real, lasting transformation. Whether you’re feeling stuck or...

In this episode of The Full Circle Podcast, we take a deep and compassionate look at a mindset that quietly holds so many of us back: Imposter Syndrome.

Have you ever felt like you didn’t deserve your success? Like you’ve been faking it and any moment someone will find out? You're not alone. And more importantly - you are not a fraud.

Gillian explores the roots of imposter syndrome, the culture of perfectionism that fuels it, and how we can begin to rewrite the inner dialogue that tells us we’re not go...

Welcome to Season 9 of the Full Circle Podcast! This season is all about transformation - specifically, how to become the most authentic, aligned, and empowered version of yourself.

In this powerful opening episode, Gillian lays the foundation for deep personal growth by helping you explore one essential truth: You can’t become who you want to be without first understanding who you are today.

Through thought-provoking reflection, practical tools, and a story from her coaching practice, Gillian introduces the concept of the “identity gap” - the space between your curren...

Embark on a transformative journey as Host, Gillian McMichael shares her inspiring story from breakdown to breakthrough on The Full Circle Podcast. 

In a raw and candid conversation, Gillian delves into her personal struggle with loss, stress, and illness, revealing how she navigated the turbulent waters of adversity to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. 

This bonus episode is a testament to the power of self-care and the profound impact it can have on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

Tune in as Gillian explores the import...

This week on the Full Circle Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Lydia Thompson, a Women’s Rugby star, as we delve into her remarkable journey of personal setbacks, growth, and embracing uncertainty.

Lydia's path, from the exhilarating highs of international sports success to navigating the depths of self-doubt, strikes a chord with us all.

In our candid conversation, Lydia opens up about the challenges she faced, including shouldering the weight of 'complete blame' for England's World Cup final loss to New Zealand, and the invaluable lessons she learned from those experiences.

This week on the Full Circle Podcast I am joined by Tom Cowdale whose life experiences – from living with a hearing impairment to conquering Ironman Triathlons – have shaped his profound understanding of overcoming barriers and embracing challenges. 

Tom joins me to share his personal journey of transformation, from feeling sidelined to becoming a champion of mind-body resilience. 

Discover how one small gesture of support ignited a lifelong pursuit of health and wellbeing, leading Tom from the rugby sidelines to the global stage of athletic achievement.

Tom's story reminds u...

Dive into a captivating conversation with Eve Dixon, a powerhouse Global Transformation Director, as we explore the compelling topic of owning your neurodiversity in work and life.

With a background in commercial leadership and a passion for a people-centric approach, Eve's journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with ADHD at 45, while getting her sons assessed for neurodivergence.

In this enlightening episode on the Full Circle Podcast, Eve shares her inspiring story and insights on embracing neurodiversity as a catalyst for success. 

Discover how Eve's jour...

Embark on a transformative journey with Caspar Chittenden, the visionary Transformational Life Coach, as we delve into the profound journey to optimal wellbeing.

Optimal wellbeing encompasses all aspects of life, from career and relationships to mental and emotional fluidity, leading to a deep connection with oneself and an uncovering of our true essence.

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, Caspar shares insights from his decade-long experience in the health and wellness industry, emphasising that true wellbeing extends far beyond physical training.

Join us as we exp...

Elevate your leadership journey with Annie Rogers, Executive Coach and partner at Leadership Forum! 

Annie's dynamic energy and commitment to helping others thrive shine through as she guides professionals on a profound journey of self-discovery. 

In this conversation, we dive deep into the transformative impact of understanding oneself and unlocking true potential.

Discover Annie's unique approach that seamlessly integrates strategy and human performance, ensuring personal and team excellence. 

From exploring feedback to listening at a deeper level, Annie empowers you to take control of your...

Step into the world of Jen, a remarkable ADHD coach and founder of Think Space Coaching, as she unravels her journey of self-discovery after a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis.

As someone who has first-hand experience with how difficult and layered ADHD can be -  

Jen's mission is to help you uncover the essence of who you are, navigating the intricacies of ADHD without losing sight of your core identity.

Jen joins me to discuss why she chose the path of self-discovery through diagnosis and what ADHDers can do to n...

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, I welcome Ben de Pfeiffer-Key, a Founder, Consultant & Coach who has been on a profound journey of self-discovery and unmasking to live as his authentic self. 

As a gay man navigating the intricate intersections of ADHD and Autism, Ben has been faced with many uncertainties about his identity over the years.

Most notably - 

What defines him? 

What gets in his way of being his true self? 

And how can he bridge the gap between the two...

As Season 7 of the Full Circle Podcast comes to an end, I say a massive THANK YOU to all my guests, but also to you – the listeners – for tuning in every week.

In this wrap up, I share my reflections on Season 7 and what I learned from each incredible guest.

This has been an amazing few weeks and I am honoured that I get to share this space with you and bring you the transformational stories of incredible individuals. 

I cannot wait for season eight, but until then ple...

This week on The Full Circle Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with Karl Green whose journey through the world of performance, dance, and musical theatre has taken him to stages across the globe. 

Karl's story is one of transformation and evolution - 

He transitioned from being a seasoned performer to becoming the driving force behind "The Performance Coach London Ltd." 

As a performance coach, Karl draws upon his extensive background in the arts to help individuals from various fields reach their full potential.

This week on The Full Circle Podcast we dive into the fascinating world of cacao ceremonies and spiritual guidance with the remarkable Katherine Shenton, a seasoned cacao practitioner with a unique twist. 

With two decades of experience in global marketing for leading corporations, Katherine skillfully bridges the gap between the spiritual realm and the modern corporate world.

Katherine’s background in global marketing took her on a whirlwind adventure across industries, but it was her deep yearning for something more meaningful that led her to explore the world of cacao. 

In this inspiring episode of The Full Circle Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Jennillee, a woman whose life journey has taken her from the Philippines to the United Kingdom, and from feeling like an outsider to becoming a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar challenges.

Throughout her life, Jennillee grappled with the struggle to fit in and find her place in the world. Her journey was marked by moments of self-discovery and the painful realisation that sometimes, trying too hard to fit in can lead to losing touch with one's true s...

Dr Trudi Taylor, Executive Coach and founder of IslandB joins me on this episode of The Full Circle Podcast to discuss the vital importance of being heard. 

Throughout Trudi’s childhood and into early adulthood, she was faced with the reality that while people may have been listening to her, they weren’t understanding what she was trying to communicate – they weren’t HEARING her. This resulted in Trudi suppressing trauma, acting out of frustration, and being treated as “difficult” when all she needed was to be heard. 

Now, after delving deep into the ro...

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, I am joined by Megan Cooper, a Holistic Health Coach, EFT practitioner and space-holder based in Brighton, UK. In 2015, Megan made the brave decision to leave her corporate career in London and moved to Australia to teach yoga. While there, away from her family and friends, Megan was diagnosed with a hormone imbalance which prompted her to begin healing her body naturally, the success of which led her to study Holistic Health and Nutrition to help others do the same.

Megan continues to deepen the way she w...

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, I am joined by Julia Nicholson Harig. With a career spanning 25+ years and 6 countries, Julia is an ICF-certified Executive and Leadership Coach who works with leaders to own their voice and amplify their impact. She helps her clients develop the behaviours, relationships, and cognitive skills needed to identify their unique leadership style, overcome limiting beliefs, own their voice, build resilience and adaptability, and ultimately maximise their impact. 

Julia joins me to discuss the importance of communication, why understanding your values and emotions is essential to knowing yourself, an...

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, I am joined by Angela Wilkins-Green who, at the age of 42, felt her world begin to crumble when she confronted the unexpected onset of perimenopause. But what she thought was going to be the end of her life as she knew it, became the beginning of a transformative journey that uncovered her purpose.

Now, as a fully accredited ICF ACTP Personal Transformation Coach, Angela joins me to discuss how she overcame the challenges she faced and how she uses her lessons to empower her clients to embrace m...

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, I welcome Anne-Louise Harbutt, an Intuitive Spiritual Mentor and host of The Soul Living Podcast. Anne-Louise specialises in improving the lives of women by guiding them to connect with their true and higher selves. She has a profound connection with The Universe and she uses this to help her clients release emotions from their past and consciously create the life they have always wanted.  

Anne-Louise joins me to discuss the transformational journey she took to discover and live her purpose, how she uses her gift to teach ot...

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Full Circle podcast. This season I'm joined by a remarkable group of 8 guests, each with their own story of growth and self-discovery. Together, we'll explore the essence of learning, appreciation, and self-expression - uncovering the paths that led them to their true selves.

You can expect honest, heartfelt discussions, as we delve into the transformative moments that have shaped my guests' lives. 

Along the way, we'll unravel new perspectives, foster understanding, and embrace the beauty of truth.

Join me every Monday for...

Host Gillian McMichael reflects on the sixth season of the Full Circle: Finding Your Way Home podcast. Drawing from the wisdom and stories of the season's guests, Gillian highlights her key learnings from each conversation. Tune in to gain valuable insights and be encouraged to prioritise your growth and self-improvement journey. Season seven of the podcast is coming soon. Until then, stay well and invite joy and curiosity into your life.

Notes

00:00 Gillian reflects on her conversation with Lucy about imposter syndrome

02:29 Gillian’s reflections on her chat...

Craving a sense of calm and balance in your life? The answer could be right at your doorstep. Join me in this enlightening conversation with Sam Wright, a Forest Therapy and Nature Connection Guide from Natural Edge Coaching. Sam's unique approach to coaching involves taking her clients into nature, where they can connect with themselves and the environment in a profound way. In this episode, we explore the benefits of nature connectedness, the importance of taking micro-moments throughout the day to connect with nature, and the power of simply being in the present moment. Whether you're feeling lost or...

In today's episode, I am joined by Beverley Fray, a transformational life and wellness coach who specializes in helping women achieve breakthroughs in their finances and overall well-being. During our conversation, Bev shares her transformational journey and the crucial steps you need to take to create a solid financial strategy. She also stresses the importance of being honest about your financial circumstances, recognizing the impact of deep-rooted beliefs on your relationship with money, and overcoming limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from financial success. Bev also emphasizes the importance of letting go of shame and guilt around...

This week I am joined by Denise Linay, a Personal Trainer, ICF-qualified wellness coach, and writer of the blog ’60 is the new 60’. In this episode, Denise shares her experience of overcoming several serious health scares including heart failure and two autoimmune conditions, all while maintaining her wellness routine at the age of 63. Denise discusses her determination and passion for staying fit, the importance of making health a priority, and trusting your intuition when it comes to your health and well-being. As someone who walks the walk, she also offers advice for anyone looking to focus on their fitness and reve...

Are you ready for an episode that will inspire you to take control of your personal brand and shape your future? I am joined in this episode by the brilliant Katie Baron – a London-based writer, brand strategist, trends forecaster, and futurist with extensive experience within the fashion, retail, and design industries.In this fascinating conversation, Katie shares how she helps clients shape their personal brand, sheds light on her job as a trend forecasting and her unique role in shaping the future, and some of the key cultural shifts and patterns she is currently seeing. This episode Is packed wi...

There has been a lot of progress when it comes to gender equality, but the truth is women still face obstacles when it comes to reaching executive positions. Join me as I chat with Dionne Aiken, the Chief Marketing Officer of a major global organisation, to talk about her journey as a successful female leader. Although in 2023 only nine women are leading FTSE 100 companies, Dionne has managed to break through the glass ceiling and reach the top of her industry.

In this episode, Dionne shares interesting insights on leadership, juggling family and professional life, and what it...

This week I am joined by joined by Shannon Houde, the founder of Walk of Life Coaching - the first international career development and talent advisory business focused on ESG, sustainability, international development, impact investing, diversity & inclusion, and corporate responsibility (CSR). Throughout the conversation, we delve into the importance of self-confidence, finding your true calling, and the unexpected benefit of having a professionally written CV. Shannon also provides practical tips for job seekers and emphasizes the power of setting intentions in achieving career goals. If you are looking to build a career that makes a difference to the world...

In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with the amazing Dr Mena Fombo (hon), a visionary based in Bristol who wears many hats as a founder, film director, facilitator, and global speaker. Mena is a highly respected advocate for equality and diversity, and the creator of Black Girl Convention, a movement dedicated to providing a sense of community for African and Caribbean women by promoting, shaping, and embracing the black girl experience.

In our enlightening conversation, Mena shares her journey from playing semi-professional American football to becoming a champion for racial justice and s...