Karen Shimwell and Miriam Grace have both worked therapeutically in mental health for decades. In this episode Karen explains how her identity as a witch is in alignment with the post menopausal experience, aging, therapy, healing, death, and the every day magic of women especially those who hold space for others. Karen also describes the significance and personal experience of Well Dressing. a unique tradition practiced in Derbyshire villages around Sheffield. Karen currently manages projects to help individuals recover from addiction in community settings in and around Sheffield, the City of Steel, UK.

Hera & Her Wayward Daughters

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1035387933488436

“If you’re tired of endless images of women that don’t reflect your experience of ageing and you’re a woman that’s interested in an unflinching look at what ageing women might look like and how they’re represented in art, then this group is for you. There will be nudity and occasional strong language. Opinions may differ. Some people are waspish or stroppy. Enjoy.”

More information about Well Dressing:

youlgravewelldressers.co.uk/2025.html

welldressing.com/extra.php

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience.

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: miriam@blue-skies.org.uk

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk

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

Miriam speaks to Lotte Mikkelsen, Laughter Coach and therapist. Lotte explains how laughter is not just her own therapy but is also her profession and how she helps people find the physical and emotional benefits of laughter practiced in Laughter Yoga sessions. In discussions of mood management and the difficulties in the winter season for some, Miriam and Lotte share some laugher and thoughts about emotional release. It might be hard to believe that even pretend laughter can improve mood, but if you feel better after listening, then do email Women of Steel or leave a review. All the links are below.

Book List chosen by Lotte

Rise and Shine by Kate and Toby Oliver – the book I would have written if they had not done it first

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell – a great book for opening your mind to what is possible

Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert – a bit of science and great thoughts

Lottie Mikkelsen Laughter Ambassador and THE Laughter Yoga Master Trainer (UK)

Laughter Coach & Therapist, Gibberish Advisor & Trainer, MISMA

Phone: +44 (0) 7736341717

Email: lotte@unitedmind.co.uk

Website: www.unitedmind.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughter

Instagram: instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryoga

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@laughteryoga

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience.

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: miriam@blue-skies.org.uk

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk

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

Author Suzette Mullen talks to Miriam about her book, 'The Only Way Through is Out' and the importance and significance of women’s stories and writings. They discuss the process of coming out, the books that have helped them empathise with others, favourite authors and the life saving nature of community and connection.

Suzette Mullen is a certified book coach, speaker, and the author of the coming-out and coming-of-age memoir The Only Way Through Is Out (University of Wisconsin Press, 2024), named one of February’s “most anticipated” releases by Lambda Literary. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, today.com, and Brevity, among other outlets. As a book coach, Suzette guides memoir and nonfiction writers to find their deeper stories and define their big ideas, and she particularly enjoys supporting LGBTQ+ writers. A graduate of Harvard Law School and Wellesley College, Suzette made a big leap personally and professionally at midlife and is working on her next memoir, appropriately titled After the Leap.

Books and authors mentioned in the show are: Elizabeth Strout (an example is Lucy by the Sea); Butch Hijab Blues A Memoir by Lamya H; Milkman by Anna Burns; The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christie Lefteri and The Only Way Through Is Out by Suzette Mullen.

Suzette Mullen:

Instagram: @urstoryfinder

Website: https://www.yourstoryfinder.com

Work with Suzette: https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/workwithsuzette

Books: https://www.yourstoryfinder.com/books

Miriam Grace is a psychotherapist and author with 35 years experience.

Website: www.blue-skies.org.uk

Facebook: Miriam Grace Therapist Blue Skies

Instagram: @MiriamGraceBlueSkies

Email: miriam@blue-skies.org.uk

Podcast website: womenofsteel.co.uk

Instagram: @womenofsteelpod

Facebook: @womenofsteelpodcast

Production by Tim Jones: webmill.co.uk

Music by Brynovsky: brynovsky.co.uk

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