To DIAGNOSE or not to DIAGNOSE

In this episode, Pollie Rafferty discusses how her daughter receiving a diagnosis of autism led her to realise she was showing similar symptoms. Pollie shares her journey with great courage and authenticity.

She relates how it can be valuable to receive a diagnosis in later life, making sense of many things. She also shares about her vulnerability as a young adult.

Pollie is a wonderful story-teller, and loves using this approach to support and inspire young people.

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From Pain to Power: Wenke Langhof-Gold on Healing, Femininity and Inner Sovereignty

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and deeply revealing episode of Golden Threads, author Wenke Langhof-Gold joins LizaMarie Wilson to share her personal healing journey from stage 4 endometriosis - a condition she was told she would have to endure until menopause. Wenke’s story is one of deep inner transformation. She navigated years of pain, misdiagnosis, and emotional overwhelm before reclaiming her health through natural methods and inner awareness.

Together, Wenke and Liza Wilson explore profound themes including feminine power, self-healing and the importance of listening to our bodies. They reflect on how illness can be an expression of deeper truths - inviting us to heal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

“Once you dare to be you, your light will shine brightly and illuminate the path for others around you.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Wenke’s endometriosis journey began and the years it took to receive a proper diagnosis
• The emotional and spiritual components of chronic illness, and how trauma can manifest in the body
• Why healing required her to unravel childhood conditioning and limiting beliefs
• The critical role of inner awareness and instinct in restoring well-being
• How Wenke found healing through The Budwig Protocol - a German cancer treatment adapted to her condition
• Insights on motherhood, femininity, and the strength it takes to reclaim your voice
• Why true healing often begins when we start trusting ourselves and shedding what no longer serves us
• A message of hope for women ready to step into their sovereignty, strength, and authentic power

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing is possible - and that your truth holds the key.

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Wisdom Gained from a Wheelchair and a Three-Year-Old – with Paramjit Oberoi

Episode Summary:

In this moving episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, host Sue Williams speaks with contributor Paramjit Oberoi, whose powerful chapter Wisdom Gained from a Wheelchair and a Three-Year-Old weaves together love, loss, legacy and the fierce determination of a mother’s heart.

Sue opens by sharing that it was a simple, heartfelt conversation in Paramjit’s conservatory that inspired the Golden Threads book itself - making Paramjit the spark behind this entire project.

Paramjit shares the emotional journey of her daughter Sheenam, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington’s Disease (JHD) the day after her father's funeral. That devastating moment became the beginning of a new mission: to fight for her daughter’s quality of life, to follow her heart, and ultimately, to help others. We follow the journey to Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment, the birth of the Sheenam’s Wish charity, making an impact on scientific research and the web of human connection that evolved around Sheenam.

“What is your heart telling you?” Paramjit Oberoi’s father

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The heartbreak of a devastating diagnosis
• The powerful healing journey to Kerala, and the connections formed there
• How an unfulfilled wish led to the creation of the charity Sheenam’s Wish
• The ripple effect of love: raising awareness, impacting science, and inspiring change
• The importance of carer wellbeing, community support and asking for help
• What it means to turn grief into purpose and challenge into legacy

"She can't talk, but by God can she make a difference." Paramjit Oberoi

Episode Highlights:

0:30 - The conservatory conversation that birthed Golden Threads

3:59 - A double loss: her father’s death and Sheenam’s JHD diagnosis

4:41 - Determination and the search for healing

5:17 - A guiding question: What is your heart telling you?

6:22 - Deep connections and compassion in Kerala

8:05 - The web of love and community around Sheenam

9:14 - A wish that sparked a charity: Sheenam’s Wish

11:15 - Goals and impact of the charity

14:33 - Raising awareness and contributing to scientific research

17:22 - Holding onto hope

18:04 - The Huntington’s Disease Heroes book and navigating anticipatory grief

19:58 - Choosing to make a difference

20:55 - Carers need care too: the case for self-compassion

23:00 - Paramjit’s hard-won wisdom: Reach out. Ask for help. Put yourself in the picture.

If this conversation resonated with you…

Subscribe to The Golden Threads Podcast, leave a review and share it with someone who is caring for a loved one, navigating grief, or working to make a difference against the odds.

Want to read Paramjit’s full chapter?

Order your copy of Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life at goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #wisdom #self-care #womenofwisdom

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The Power of Presence: Jean Wolfe on Authentic Writing, Procrastination and Women’s Voices

Episode Summary:

In this thoughtful and creative episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, Sue Williams speaks with writer, poet, and marketing mentor Jean Wolfe, a contributor to Golden Threads - Women's Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life, and founder of Spark into Marketing. Jean’s mission is to help women - especially those over 50 - express themselves online with authenticity, confidence, and clarity.

Together, Sue and Jean explore the intersection between Jean’s work and Golden Threads: encouraging women to write and share their stories with heart, honesty, and purpose. Jean reflects on her own chapter, which begins with a playful moment with her grandson - and unfolds into a deeper reflection on the value of being fully present in our relationships, our creativity, and our lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why writing authentically matters more than ever - especially in the age of AI
• How Jean supports women over 50 in finding their distinctive voice online
• The story behind Jean’s chapter in Golden Threads, beginning with the simple joy of playing with her grandson
• The importance of presence, both in personal connection and in improvisation, creativity, and co-writing
• How her e-Book Distinctive Voice - the fearless guide to a wholehearted blog worth noticing", encourages women to blog with confidence, using natural metaphors and friendly language
• How Jean’s poetry offers reassurance and motivation for entrepreneurs - and why her humorous poem The Elephant in the Room helps tackle procrastination with a smile
• Why poetry and writing can be powerful acts of self-connection and resilience
• 
  

This episode is a gentle but powerful call to embrace your voice, let go of perfectionism, and show up as your true self - on the page and in life.

To discover Jean's books, writing support and resources:

Visit sparkintomarketing.com

Loved this conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman whose story deserves to be celebrated.

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Reflections in the Mirror – with Gillian Routledge

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, host Sue Williams speaks with contributor Gillian Routledge, who shares the story behind her deeply personal chapter Reflections in the Mirror. With honesty and gentle wisdom, Gillian reflects on how the challenges within her marriage became a mirror - revealing old patterns, buried truths and the opportunity to heal.

At the heart of this conversation is the realisation that our relationships often reflect who we are back to ourselves. Through this lens, Gillian shares how self-awareness, compassion and personal growth helped her shift out of reactive patterns and into a more conscious and loving way of being. She shares a powerful poem from her chapter, offering listeners a moving and thought-provoking look into how transformation begins with reflection.

From lived experience to professional calling, Gillian now guides others on their own path of healing as a relationship coach and creator of the Awaken to Love method.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How unconscious patterns can shape the way we relate to loved ones
• Why moments of friction in relationships are often invitations to grow
• How poetry became a mirror and a healing tool for Gillian
• The emotional turning points that led to her personal transformation
• Why reflection, self-responsibility and awareness are keys to deeper connection
• How Gillian now supports others through her Awaken to Love coaching approach.
• 
  

"The person in front of you is often your greatest teacher — and your clearest mirror."

If this episode gave you a moment of reflection…

Subscribe to The Golden Threads Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who is seeking more connection, compassion, and consciousness in their relationships.

Want to read Gillian’s full chapter?

Order your copy of Golden Threads: Women’s Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life at goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #relationships

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Sophia’s Golden Light: Donna Roberts on Healing, Ceremony & Spiritual Wisdom

Episode Summary:

In this deeply reflective episode of Golden Threads, collaborative author Donna Roberts shares the personal journey that inspired her chapter, The Golden Light - Sophia’s Journey. From a childhood in which she experienced sensitivity to unseen energies, to a transformative experience with shamans in the Amazon rainforest, Donna’s path has been one of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening.

A single parent and long-time civil servant, Donna’s story weaves together practical resilience with profound inner exploration. Through vivid storytelling, she invites listeners to journey with Sophia - a symbolic figure in her chapter - offering a gateway into our own imagination, interconnectedness, and deeper truths.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Donna’s heightened sensitivity to energy as a child shaped her perception of the world
• The variety of roles she has embraced - from checkout operator to Employment Coach and holistic therapist
• What led her to the Amazon Rainforest in December 2012 and the profound ceremonies she took part in with the Shipibo Shamans
• How her chapter was “birthed” and what it means to tell a story through symbolism, energy, and presence
• Why Sophia’s journey acts as a mirror for your own inner wisdom
• The importance of embracing synchronicity, imagination, and interconnectedness in your own healing
• How Donna sees life as a continual unfolding of spiritual teachings, always available to those who choose to listen

Donna invites you to listen with an open heart - and to enjoy the richness of your own journey.

Donna and her son collaborated to create a Mindfulness Meditation Colouring Book - Art Peace

She also offers Energy Healing Sessions on request - (Inner - Sense). Find out more about Donna at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

#goldenthreads #womenofwisdom #inner-sense #artpeace #energyhealing

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Episode summary:

In this episode of The Golden Threads Podcast Sue Williams speaks with Health & Wellness Coach Carole Donnelly, as she talks about becoming a very reluctant gardener to overcome burnout. She explores how we can nurture and look after ourselves better with a little bit of gardening and painting, and taking the time to really smell the roses. Carole takes us on a journey, focusing on why she wrote her chapter “The Reluctant Gardener” from the book Golden Threads.

Carole explains the backdrop to burn out - why she thought it was her job to save a City, to be there for numerous social entrepreneurs and support a taskforce, alongside a full-time job at the local university and running a community business. Busy doing things for others, Carole forgot about her own wellbeing. Eventually her body gave up on her and she was well and truly burnt out. She explains how simple tasks became too much for her - she couldn't even make a cup of tea at one stage. She wasn't sleeping well - on average 3 maybe 4 hours per night, if she was lucky. She recalls drinking too much wine, eating sugary snacks or ultra processed foods and how her body was broken. She wasn’t depressed; she was exhausted.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· What burn out is, and how to recognise it earlier

· Why some of us have a habit of doing too much

· What you can do for yourself to avoid burning out

· How good nutrition, good sleeping habits, connection and exercise is the key to ageing well

· Why a Health Coach could help you overcome or avoid burn out

· How we can make more informed and better choices to age well

· The simple steps and benefits of working with a Health Coach or your GP

· The benefits of journaling, including 3 key questions. .Focusing on love, gratitude, her love of sparkly gel pens and a beautiful book to write in.

· How we can enjoy life more and valuing the simple things.

Carole says, “She may always be a reluctant gardener, but she will never again be a reluctant participant in her self-care and wellbeing.”

To discover more and how you can work with Carole at Golden Years Coaching or find out more about her wellbeing programmes for the over 50's visit www.gyc.org.uk

#goldenthreads #wisdom #burn out #self-care

Connect with Golden Threads authors at: www.goldenthreadsbook.co.uk

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The Call to Adventure: Bally Binning on Purpose, Identity and Reclaiming Joy

Episode Summary:

In this uplifting and energising episode of The Golden Threads Podcast, co-hosts Sue Williams and LizaMarie Wilson speak with Bally Binning, author of the chapter Wisdom Woven Through Adventure from Golden Threads - Women's Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life. Bally shares her inspiring story of moving beyond the expectations that once confined her to create a life rich with colour, freedom, and personal growth.

Whether you're feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure where to begin, Bally offers empowering, actionable wisdom for reigniting your spark, reconnecting with your purpose, and stepping boldly into a more adventurous version of yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 01:52 - The Call to Adventure: Why so many of us lose our sense of play and possibility - and how to reclaim it at any age
• 02:45 - How to Find Your Spark: Identify what truly makes you smile, create a “bucket list” just for you, and start living with intention
• 04:49 - Breaking Free from Blind Spots and Expectations: Hear how Bally navigated cultural pressures and forged her own path with courage
• 07:15 - The Power of a New Identity: Learn how personal transformation begins by “trying on” a new version of yourself
• 10:40 - Future Pacing Your Life: Tap into a powerful coaching tool that brings clarity and urgency to your personal goals

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that life is an adventure waiting to happen. It's never too late to change direction, seek new experiences, and honour your inner calling.

Loved this conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman whose story deserves to be celebrated.

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