Épisodes

  • S1 • #25 The Love Letter You Forgot To Write •

    S1 • #25 The Love Letter You Forgot To Write •
    Jun 24 2025

    We give kindness to others without thinking.But when it comes to ourselves? The words often stick.

    In today’s solo episode, Erica invites you to pause with a cup of tea and reflect on a deceptively simple question: When was the last time you told yourself you were proud of you?

    Not for what you’ve done.But for who you are.

    This episode explores how to soften your inner voice, build emotional resilience through self-kindness, and start a powerful monthly Tea Routine - writing a love letter to yourself.

    It might feel awkward.But it's quietly transformational.

    What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

    * Why we’re so good at encouraging others and so harsh on ourselves

    * The real cost of normalising self-criticism

    * Erica’s personal journey with writing self-love letters

    * A simple but powerful Tea Routine to reconnect with your worth

    * How to start your own “Kindness Archive”

    * A story from a day rave that sparked a shift in self-talk

    * The science behind self-compassion and how it rewires your brain

    * Why Brené Brown’s work on worthiness is a must-read

    This Week’s Tea Routine: While your tea brews, take three minutes to write yourself a love letter.

    Start with:“Dear me, I’m proud of you because…”Write without editing. Save it. Re-read it when your inner critic gets loud.

    Even once a month, this tiny act can shift something inside you.

    Resources Mentioned:

    * The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

    * Read more on Psychology Today

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    10 min
  • S1 • #24 Put Down Your Phone. Pick Up Your Life •

    S1 • #24 Put Down Your Phone. Pick Up Your Life •
    Jun 17 2025

    What if your phone isn’t just a tool but a tether? In this episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, Erica explores the invisible cost of constant connectivity. From the first scroll in the morning to the last swipe at night, our attention is being drained, along with our peace of mind. This episode is an invitation to pause, to unplug, and to reconnect with what really matters.

    What You’ll Learn

    • Why attention is your most precious life asset• The emotional and mental cost of constant connection• How digital distraction fuels anxiety, burnout and disconnection• The science behind short, screen-free breaks• How a simple tea routine can restore clarity, calm and presence

    Tea Routine Challenge

    This week, try a simple three-minute Tea Pause.Step away from your phone. Brew your tea.Sit quietly and ask yourself:What am I feeling?What do I need right now?Write down three specific things you’re grateful for from the past 24 hours.Repeat daily. Notice what shifts.

    Tea Truth from the Episode

    You don’t need to be available to everyone all the time. But you do need to be available to yourself some of the time.

    Key Insight

    Our devices offer connection. But too often they disconnect us from our own lives. When you reclaim your attention, you start to reclaim your joy, your presence, and your peace of mind.

    Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.– Melody Beattie

    Links & Resources

    * Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: National Library of Medicine

    * How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, Dr Alok Kanojia - tonnes of useful lessons and tools for everyone

    * Follow The Tea Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    9 min
  • S1 • #23 Tea Cup Conversation Ritual •

    S1 • #23 Tea Cup Conversation Ritual •
    Jun 10 2025
    In this solo episode, Erica explores something quietly slipping away from our modern lives: meaningful conversation.What This Episode Covers:* Why real connection is disappearing in a world full of emojis and voice notes.* Two top regrets of the dying and what they tell us about relationships.* The surprising science behind short conversations and why 8 minutes is all you need.* How to turn your tea break into a powerful moment of reconnection.* Erica’s own story of picking up the phone and why it mattered more than she realised.Key Takeaways:* “I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends” is one of the top 5 regrets of the dying.* Honest conversations elevate relationships - even if they’re hard.* The 8-minute catch-up call is a powerful Tea Routine: short enough to commit to, long enough to matter.* Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ … use your tea break to reach out today.* Science shows that even hearing someone’s voice builds emotional bonds far more than texting ever could.Tea Routine of the Week:The 8-Minute Catch-Up CallWhile your tea is brewing, call someone you’ve been meaning to call, even if it’s just to say "I've been thinking about you." Let go of the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ chat. Just connect.“These small acts are not small. They are really, really important.”Mentioned in This Episode:* Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware* The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger* Insights from Simon Sinek on meaningful connectionReflective Prompt:When you’re sipping your tea today, ask yourself:Who could I call, not someday, but today, to reconnect with what truly matters?Links & Resources* Bronnie Ware’s Book: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying* Dr. Robert Waldinger’s Book: The Good Life* Psychology Today aticle: Friendships…* Simon Sinek: 8 Min Catch-up* Follow The Tea Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon MusicWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    10 min
  • S1 • #22 Simon Erlanger, Isle of Harris Distillers •

    S1 • #22 Simon Erlanger, Isle of Harris Distillers •
    Jun 3 2025
    What does it take to build something meaningful when the winds of change won’t stop blowing?This week’s guest, Simon Erlanger, has done it, not with slogans, but with stillness.Simon is the Managing Director of Isle of Harris Distillers, a purpose-driven spirits business on the edge of Scotland. Under his guidance, Harris Gin and now the Hearach Whisky have grown into more than drinks. They’re cultural icons, symbols of resilience, belonging, and regeneration.This conversation was recorded before the recent restructuring announcement, a result of current industry and economic challenges. It’s clear they remain steadfast in ensuring the distillery’s founding vision succeeds. It has also been heart-warming to see the love from their supporters - that speaks volumes.From Spirit to SoulIn this inspiring conversation, we explore:* How a whisky distillery became a force for community regeneration on the Isle of Harris.* Why values like patience, adaptability, and integrity aren’t soft skills, but core business strategies.* The unexpected power of stillness in leadership.* How the Harris culture of “belonging and resilience” is woven into every bottle and every decision.“We created the distillery to be for, with, and from Harris. We don’t just make spirits. We nurture belonging.” – Simon ErlangerPersonal ThreadsThis episode also carries personal meaning. Erica’s family roots are in Harris, and it was over a shared glass of Harris Gin at Christmas that the idea for eteaket’s Isle of Harris Gin Tea was born - with Simon’s full support.Tea Mind TakeawaySimon shares his own tea routine: a daily 3-minute tea break in the garden with a pot of eteaket tea. He also shares a mindfulness practice you can try while your tea brews:“Place your feet on the ground. Recall a proud moment. Anchor into it. Let that be your reset.”This small act of grounding, practiced daily, becomes a quiet strength. Like a willow, it bends but does not break.What You’ll Learn* Why slow brands win in fast markets.* The art of leading from values (and the courage it takes).* How to build emotional resonance into your work.* What “life takes time” really looks like inside an inspiring business.Why This Matters Now* Because the mission is the same, even during challenging times.* Because resilience doesn’t mean avoiding hardship.* Because you can build from love, even in loss.* And because sometimes the hardest season is where your values prove themselves.Episode Highlights* (02:00) Simon’s 40-year journey in the whisky world - from Johnny Walker to Glenmorangie to Harris.* (06:30) The romantic yet radical idea behind founding Isle of Harris Distillers.* (08:45) What makes the people of Harris unique and why that matters for business.* (13:00) How storytelling replaced marketing at Harris.* (24:00) Simon’s personal Tea Mind tea routine - and how it boosts clarity.* (40:00) Training the next generation of islanders: apprenticeships that change lives.* (48:00) The value of transparency, even when navigating difficult decisions.Episode Tea Routine: “Grounding Like a Willow”While your tea brews, try this:* Place both feet on the ground.* Close your eyes and recall one moment you're proud of.* Breathe deeply. Let your body feel that memory.* Visualise yourself like a willow tree: rooted, but flexible.A beautiful way to reset your energy before the next part of your day.Resources:Simon’s Links:Website: https://harrisdistillery.com/Instagram: @simonerlanger and @isleofharrisdistillersLinkedIn: Simon ErlangerWays to connect with me 💬DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/ Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica xThe Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    57 min
  • S1 • #21 From Plant Killer to Quiet Cultivator •

    S1 • #21 From Plant Killer to Quiet Cultivator •
    May 27 2025

    In this quietly reflective episode, I share a story about how I went from being the person known for killing every plant in sight to someone who now starts the day with tea, birdsong, and a gentle check-in with the garden. No, I haven’t become a gardening expert overnight, but I’ve found something better.

    This isn’t really a story about plants. It’s about noticing. About slowing down enough to see what’s growing (and what’s not). It’s about how one small morning habit can change the rhythm of your day, and maybe your mindset too.

    What You’ll Hear:

    * Why I used to avoid gardening altogether

    * The small, quiet shift that changed everything

    * How tea became a mindfulness practice (without the pressure)

    * The joy of noticing what needs care: in plants, and in yourself

    * An invitation to build your own simple tea routine

    Why It Matters:

    We often think transformation has to be big and bold. But sometimes, it starts with a kettle, a quiet moment, and a plant that somehow stayed alive.

    Do you have a ritual that helps you feel more grounded? What’s something small you’ve started to notice lately?

    Resources:

    * Functional Tea blends:

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    8 min
  • S1 • #20 Why Looking After Your Feet Is Better Than Meditation •

    S1 • #20 Why Looking After Your Feet Is Better Than Meditation •
    May 20 2025

    In this episode, we explore a surprising truth: your feet might be the key to mental clarity, not your meditation cushion. Drawing from personal experience, mindfulness teachings, and expert foot care guidance, Erica shares why paying attention to your feet can be more grounding than traditional meditation.

    Discover the hidden tension we hold in our feet, the power of walking meditation, and how small daily routines can unlock presence and ease. This is an invitation to reconnect with your body from the ground up.

    What You’ll Learn

    * Why feet are the most overlooked part of self-care

    * How neglecting your feet affects your whole body and mind

    * Erica’s personal story of back pain, law life, and barefoot recovery

    * How walking meditation can help you feel more grounded

    * A mindful Tea & Feet Routine you can do in 3–5 minutes

    * Practical tips for healthy feet

    * The importance of grounding and barefoot walking

    Try This Tea Mind Routine Tonight

    * Step one: Brew a calming herbal tea

    * Step two: While your tea steeps, journal your answers to these prompts:

    * What went well today?

    * What challenged me?

    * What am I grateful for?

    * What do I want to put down for the night?

    * Step three: Sip slowly. No screens. No distractions. Just presence.

    Resources:

    * NHS Foot Health Guide: nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls/keeping-well/looking-after-your-feet

    * Age UK Fitter Feet Tips: ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/fitter-feet

    * Headspace Walking Meditation Guide: headspace.com/meditation/walking-meditation

    * Mindful.org Walking Practice: mindful.org/daily-mindful-walking-practice

    * Functional Tea blends:

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    8 min
  • S1 • #19 Stop Scrolling. Start Sleeping •

    S1 • #19 Stop Scrolling. Start Sleeping •
    May 13 2025

    Most people scroll themselves to sleep. I used to be one of them.

    In this episode, I share how stress, overworking, and revenge bedtime procrastination can quietly sabotage your sleep and your peace of mind. I open up about a personal story involving late-night scrolling, forgotten online orders, and the moment I realised something had to change.

    You’ll learn how to use a simple three-step tea and journaling routine to wind down, clear your mind and sleep more deeply. Backed by research and rooted in mindfulness, this bedtime tea ritual is about more than rest. It’s about reclaiming your evenings and protecting your mornings.

    This isn’t about productivity. It’s about peace.

    What You’ll Learn

    * What revenge bedtime procrastination really is, and why it’s so common

    * How late-night scrolling disrupts your sleep cycles

    * Why writing things down at night can calm your nervous system

    * How herbal tea supports rest and relaxation

    * A 5-minute night-time ritual to help you sleep better and wake up clearer

    Try This Tea Mind Routine Tonight

    * Step one: Brew a calming herbal tea

    * Step two: While your tea steeps, journal your answers to these prompts:

    * What went well today?

    * What challenged me?

    * What am I grateful for?

    * What do I want to put down for the night?

    * Step three: Sip slowly. No screens. No distractions. Just presence.

    Resources:

    Revenge Bedtime Procrastination:

    Breaking Bad Sleep Habits:

    Featured tea: caffeine free herbal infusions like Perfect Peppermint, Big Red Rooibos and Lemon & Ginger.

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    7 min
  • S1 •#18 Pause, Breathe, Begin Again with Laura Thomas Co •

    S1 •#18 Pause, Breathe, Begin Again with Laura Thomas Co •
    May 6 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Laura Wilson, founder of Laura Thomas Co., to explore how slowing down, living naturally, and following your values can be a powerful form of resistance and renewal.

    In a world obsessed with speed, Laura Wilson is building something different… something slower, more intentional, and rooted in care.

    Laura is the founder and director of laura-thomas.com., a Scottish luxury lifestyle brand creating 100% natural products for the face, body, hair, and home - sustainably, ethically, and beautifully.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    * How a single lavender candle sparked a movement toward mindful, natural living

    * What New Zealand taught Laura about sustainability, simplicity, and slowness

    * Her bold leap from corporate lending to ethical entrepreneurship

    * The quiet power of scent, ritual, and daily tea breaks

    * The behind-the-scenes challenges of sustainable packaging and how consumers can make better choices

    * Her personal routines for pausing, rebalancing, and staying rooted amid the chaos

    * Why community, transparency, and beauty all matter in building a business and a life with soul.

    You’ll leave this conversation inspired to rethink your own daily rituals and empowered to live a little more slowly, naturally, and intentionally.

    If you want some help with that we’ve teamed up to provide the ultimate eteaket x Laura Thomas Co Collection Box…

    Laura’s Resources:

    Website: laura-thomas.com

    Instagram: @laurathomasco

    LinkedIn: Laura Wilson

    Ways to connect with me 💬

    DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

    Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

    The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theteamind.substack.com/subscribe
    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min