Episode Overview

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie respond to a heartfelt listener letter asking a powerful question: Why is self-compassion so hard, even when we know it's important?

They explore how deeply ingrained beliefs—from childhood conditioning to societal pressure—can make kindness toward ourselves feel indulgent or even weak. But what if self-compassion is actually the bravest, most radical thing ...

Episode Overview:

In this Sanity Check episode, we take a closer look at the push and pull between busyness and perceived laziness. Following the response to our episode on exhaustion as a status symbol, we explore the idea of productivity—how we define it, how we tie our worth to it, and how we can start shifting the way we measure a 'good day.'

Key Discussion Points:

• The Productivity Trap: Why so many of us feel like w...

Episode Overview:

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie dive deep into the weight of guilt—how we carry it, why we feel it, and whether it’s even the right word for what we’re experiencing. They explore how guilt is often misplaced, ingrained in us from childhood, and tied to expectations that may not even be ours. Is it actually guilt, or is it just sadness, regret, or feeling bad? And how do we begin to let it go?

K...

Episode Overview

In this episode of Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a frustrating yet deeply relatable topic—the stubborn menopausal middle. They share their personal experiences of how their bodies have completely changed the rules, making it harder than ever to maintain weight or fit into the clothes they’ve always worn. While they’ve done a lot of work on body image and self-worth, the disconnect between how they feel me...

Episode Overview 

Have you ever felt like certain people expect more from you than they do from others? Maybe your family still sees you as the one who always shows up, or your friends assume you’ll always make the effort, even when life has changed. In this episode, we unpack the hidden weight of expectations—where they come from, how they get reinforced, and why it’s so difficult to shift them.

We also explore how expectations play...

Episode Overview

Have you ever felt like the things that used to bring you joy just… don’t anymore? Like you’re going through the motions, but the spark is gone? That’s anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure from things that once made you happy. In this episode, we dive into what anhedonia really is, why it happens, and how to gently invite joy back into your life.

We also discuss the work of Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist who h...

Episode Overview

Have you ever noticed how certain people or places make you feel like you're stepping back in time—right into an old version of yourself? Maybe it's when you're visiting family, reconnecting with old friends, or stepping into familiar social dynamics that no longer feel aligned with who you are today.

In this episode, we explore why it can be so difficult to let go of outdated versions of ours...

Episode Overview

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, perimenopause throws in a few more surprises—rashes and breathlessness! In this Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into these lesser-known symptoms, sharing their own experiences, frustrations, and what they’ve found helps (or doesn’t). If you’ve ever wondered why your skin suddenly erupts into chaos or why you’re out of breath just existing, you’re not alone!

Key Discussion ...

Episode Overview

Routine health checks can be a major source of anxiety, especially for women. Mammograms, pap smears, and other screenings come with emotional weight, discomfort, and sometimes even fear. In this episode, we dive into the reality of health anxiety and the barriers preventing many women from getting their regular breast exams.

We’re joined by Naomi Cosman, Global Head of Marketing & Investor Relations at Koning Co...

Episode Overview

In this episode of Sanity Check, Julie opens up about her recent struggles with anxiety—how it’s been creeping back in despite years of managing it well. She and Aileen discuss the common triggers that can bring anxiety back, the signs to watch for, and practical steps to stop it from spiraling. They also share personal experiences, tools, and small but impactful strategies to calm the nervous system and regain bala...

Episode Overview

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie take a deep dive into the concept of addiction—not just in the traditional sense of substance abuse but in the broader context of human behavior. Drawing inspiration from Gabor Maté’s work, they explore addiction as a response to pain rather than a failure of willpower. From sugar and shopping to busyness and technology, they examine the ways addiction manifests ...

Episode Overview

Hair loss is often seen as a men’s issue, but for many women, it’s a deeply emotional experience tied to identity, confidence, and self-worth. In this short but important Sanity Check, Aileen opens up about her personal experience with hair loss, the impact it had on her self-image, and the surprising encounter that gave her hope. Julie and Aileen discuss why hair loss isn't just about vanity, the role of perim...

Episode Overview:

In this episode of You Keep Me Sane, we dive into the deep and sometimes painful journey of authenticity—what it really means, why we often lose it, and how we can reclaim it. From childhood innocence to the pressures of adulthood, we explore how the need for approval can lead us to abandon parts of ourselves just to fit in.

We also reflect on our own experiences—when we’ve conformed, when we’ve resisted, and when w...

Episode Overview:

In this Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a topic that hits hard: the feeling of having lost the fun, playful side of yourself. Whether it comes from a partner, a friend, or even your own kids, hearing "you're not fun anymore" can sting deeply. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional toll of mental load, and how societal expectations often strip women—especially mothers—of their spont...

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Comparison creeps in when we least expect it—whether through social media, a friend’s success, or watching others seemingly have it all. It can leave us feeling like we’re falling short, and when it turns into jealousy, it’s even harder to navigate.

In this episode, we unpack the roots of comparison and jealousy, how they shape our self-worth, and what we can do to break free. We share personal experiences, explore ...

Episode Overview

This week’s Sanity Check lands on International Women’s Day, and we’re diving into a conversation that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—the immense power of women in the economy. Despite the progress we’ve made, studies show it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s five generations away. Simply put, change isn’t happening fast enough.

In this episode, we explore the real impact of women’s fina...

Episode Overview

Most of us left school with little to no financial education. We learned about trigonometry and algebra, but no one taught us how to budget, manage debt, or invest. In this episode, we’re diving into the financial lessons we wish we’d learned earlier, why money isn’t something to fear or avoid, and how we can better prepare the next generation for financial independence.

It’s never too late to get on top of your fina...

Episode Overview

In this Sanity Check episode, we explore a term that resonates deeply with many women: an overdeveloped sense of duty. Julie shares how she first heard this phrase in her early twenties, and it stuck with her. Over the years, she began to recognise how it played out in her life—compulsively taking on responsibility, stepping in to fix things, and helping others without question. Aileen and Julie discuss where this d...

Episode Overview
Why does happiness feel like something we’re always chasing but never quite reaching? In this episode, we dive into why happiness feels so elusive and how we can redefine it in a way that feels more fulfilling. Drawing from personal experiences, Russ Harris’ The Happiness Trap, and Dr. Judith Joseph’s 5 Vs for mental health, we explore how meaning, connection, and small sparks of joy can reshape the way we thin...