#358 - ACADEMIC MEETS AUTHENTIC: DREAM LIFE LESSONS FROM A LIFELONG LEARNER with Dr Anna York-Weaving

Hi there,

I'm so excited to share this week's episode — it’s a good one!

This time, I’m joined by the incredibly inspiring Dr. Anna York-Weaving, a Cambridge PhD scientist, academic coach, podcaster, and fellow lifelong learner.

Anna's passion for learning and growth is contagious, and I just knew I had to bring her on to share her real-life experience and wisdom with our community.

In this insightful conversation, Anna shares her journey from growing up in Ukraine to earning a scholarship to study in the UK — eventually achieving her childhood dream of studying at Cambridge.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing [is it ever?!]

She opens up about her early struggles at university, how she overcame failure, and the pivotal moment she decided to transform not just her results but her entire approach to learning.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

1. How to learn smarter, not harder — and why reviewing information matters more than cramming it in.

2. The power of visualisation and writing down your dreams — with a surprising story involving one of my books!

3. Why setbacks are not failures but stepping stones to your future strengths.

4. How to build habits like morning rituals that support your dream life (even with toddlers in tow!).

It's an episode full of practical strategies, inspiring mindset shifts, and warm encouragement.

If you're feeling a little stuck or unsure of your next step, Anna’s story will give you a beautiful nudge forward.

Tune in — and let’s keep dreaming big, together.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful weekend …and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Kristina 💛

Dream Life & kikki.K Founder

SHOW NOTES:

• Join our wonderful retreat to reconnect to you, and learn how you can run your own solitude retreats for yourself.
• Join my Platinum Coaching Program (NEW Member Trial offer - save $200!) - where in May our focus is on Manifesting Your Dream Life - and turning vision into reality. Our Monthly Habit: Daily guided meditation. Commit daily to visualise your dream life and attract abundance.. Learn more here.
• Links for Anna:
  • York-Weaving Education
  • Academic Coaching for Parents Podcast 
  • LinkedIn 
  • Youtube
• Join my virtual book club GROW for May where we meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from great books. This May we're reading: 

  The DOSE Effect: Small Habits to Boost Your Brain Chemistry, by TJ Power. Today’s fast-paced world leaves many of us struggling with extreme emotional highs and lows caused by chemical imbalances in our brains, brought on by the pressures of modern life and constant digital connectivity. Neuroscientist TJ Power shares how you can reset and balance your brain chemistry with simple, everyday habits to lead a happier, healthier, and more producti