Glimmer Hunters

In this episode, Emily and Renee dive into the art of letting glimmers land. From octopus documentaries to unexpected museum moments in LA, they unpack how glimmers can shift from fleeting sparks to lingering sensations—if we let them. Together, they reflect on how recognising and holding onto glimmers (even for a few seconds longer) can help recalibrate the nervous system, offer hope during stress, and act as small but powerful re...

In this episode, Emily and Renee explore how glimmers aren’t just feel-good moments—they’re also signposts for living a life that feels more aligned. Together, they unpack how small moments of calm, joy, or resonance can act as inner nudges pointing us toward what feels true. Whether it’s walking into a room and feeling energised, noticing where you feel most connected, or simply recognising the ‘yes’ in your body—this episode offe...

In Part 2 of our fascinating chat with Professor Selena Bartlett—neuroscientist, brain and child mental health advocate, and author of Being Seen—we explore the practical science behind stress, resilience, and how small daily shifts can literally rewire your brain.

We cover everything from brain scans and dopamine to the powerful role of community, movement, and being truly seen. You’ll hear reflections on parenting in a screen-satu...

In this episode, Emily and Renee are joined by Professor Selena Bartlett—neuroscientist, child mental health advocate, and host of the Thriving Minds and Being Seen podcast—for a fascinating deep dive into how we can literally rewire our brains for joy. Drawing on her research in neuroplasticity, Professor Bartlett shares the science behind how our emotional responses are shaped, how triggers take root, and how simple, consistent p...

In this warm and curious episode, Emily and Renee dive into the idea of secondary glimmers—those tiny sparks of joy we feel through someone else’s experience. Drawing on the science of emotional contagion and mirror neurons, they explore how positive energy, like laughter, love, and even the smell of fresh sourdough, can ripple from one nervous system to another.You’ll also hear real glimmers sent in from listeners, including waggi...

In this episode, Emily and Renee are joined by the wildly wise and wickedly funny Jacqui Lewis—meditation teacher, leadership coach, and founder of The Broadplace—to unravel the murky world of toxic positivity in wellness. From her days juggling high-pressure roles in design, hospitality and PR, to running retreats that don’t promise to “fix your trauma in three days,” Jacqui brings a refreshingly real perspective to personal growt...

This week, Emily and Renee sit down with clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett to explore how negativity bias shapes our thoughts, emotions, and nervous system. Together, they unpack why our brains are wired to prioritise threat, how this impacts our daily wellbeing, and the small but powerful ways glimmers can help restore balance. This episode blends psychological insight with lived experience—and offers gentle, practical strateg...

In this episode, Emily and Renee give a heartwarming peek into their personal glimmer collections! Emily bravely shares a bittersweet yet beautiful glimmer connected to her late father, finding comfort in memories sparked by a meaningful song and a surprising moment with his old bike frame. Renee brings the laughs with her quirky appreciation for toddler tantrums. We also explore the smallest glimmers, like the pure satisfaction of...

Welcome back to the Glimmer Hunters podcast! In part two with the incredible Deb Dana, the "godmother of Glimmers," we got a sneak peek into her book, Glimmers Journal, designed to help us intentionally find and savour those tiny moments of okayness. Deb shared her personal story of creating the journal and emphasised the power of "see, stop, appreciate" to register Glimmers. We learned about crafting intentions that resonate with ...

Join the Glimmer Hunters as they welcome Deb Dana, the clinician who coined the term "glimmers." This insightful episode takes a deep dive into the science behind these tiny moments of joy and safety, explaining how they act as sparks of ventral energy rooted in polyvagal theory. Discover how glimmers are detected by our neuroception as subtle cues of safety, offering the nervous system repeated opportunities to build capacity for ...

In this episode, Renee and Emily explore why glimmers feel more important than ever. From a laughing baby at Christmas to a well-earned three-shot coffee, they share recent glimmers and dive into how these moments can help us cope in a world that often feels too much.They chat about evolutionary mismatch, nervous system regulation, and the rise of glimmers in a fast-paced, modern world. Plus, they share their own go-to coping glimm...

It's here! In this first episode, hosts Renée Ballard and Emily McGrorey introduce themselves, share the story of their 14-year friendship, and explain what led them to create this podcast. From surviving corporate chaos to discovering the science and magic of "glimmers," they discuss how small moments of joy and connection can transform everyday life. Tune in as they set the stage for an exciting journey of exploration, storytelli...