Happy Growing: Recent Episodes
Verena Berndt
Happy Growing is now in English! The former German podcast Happy Growing is all about spirituality and about becoming the person you wish to be - and you probably already are. It's about your ways of thinking, your habits, faith, beliefs and balance. Verena shares her spiritual journey from living with depression to living a fulfilled life abroad, a life full of lessons and growth.
Since August 2021, Happy Growing has been a big part of my life and there hasn’t been one week without a new episode. I have taken you on travels, recorded in closets in AirBnBs and somehow always had ideas and time that I wanted to share with you. Not to mention all the incredible guests & stories I got to learn about & share on Happy Growing.
I have been saying for a while how my life has been changing. In a way, it’s been changing drastically since I’ve started this podcast. But since last summer, more things have become clearer & clearer. I have found back to my dreams & been working towards them ever since.
With everything happening at the moment, I have decided to discontinue weekly episodes of Happy Growing. I don’t know when the next episode will find its way to you, but I know that it will.
There is so much happening in 2024 & I know that I will be telling you about it all. I can’t wait to see what I will be sharing with you first. I am so excited for 2024 & for this life!
Thank you for always being here & supporting me. It means the world.
All my love,
Verena
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Verena's Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Sometimes, your life turns out differently than planned. And that can be for many reasons. It might be that something unexpected happened, that you realised you actually want your life to be different, that your plans were dependent on another person and your relationship with them ended, or so much more.
No matter if your life changes for the positive or negative, you deserve to grieve the life you thought you might live. You deserve time to let go, say goodbye, or sometimes out your plans on hold and knowing that what you want will happen eventually, you just have to hold on a little while longer.
In this week’s episode, I talk about my current process of change and grieving a life I thought I would have. This episode is as personal and relatable as it is hopeful and full of encouragement and empowerment. Everything happens in its own time.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
I don’t know about you, but for me, not following my dreams and fitting into society’s expectations and ideals instead, means living a life of unfulfillment.
This week, I talk about the internal conflict of following a life you want to life or doing it the way you should be. And the confusion of finding out what dreams and goals are really yours, and which you have been made to believe by others.
You learn how to find your right path in life and how you can embrace your freedom as an act of self-love and to support others.
If you were on your d3athbed, what would you regret doing/not doing?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Happy Valentine’s Day, lovely people. If you celebrate it or not, today and the past few weeks have been all about love.
As we know, the most important love in your life is the one you have for yourself. It’s about the connection and relationship with yourself. As I’ve shared with you before, I went through a journey of finding back to myself and learning to love myself again last year. So, I put together all the amazing things that helped me along my journey of finding back to myself and that I know can support you, too. And there are quite a few that came to my mind.
This episode is as much a love-letter to you than it is to myself. Always remember your worth and what you are capable of.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
The love-at-first-sight-happy-ever-after-loves, don’t we know them all? Or at least from film and books? Or maybe even from our grandparents, the older generation? But what is the reality of a love like this now?
Our fast-paced modern society seems to be applying all-present overconsumption, capitalism and an unrealistic want for a perfect life driven my social media to the reality of modern love. Modern love is seeing too many options, ghosting, being indecisive, unclear about who we are and what we want and about ending things as soon as they appear slightly inconvenient.
But can this be changed? How could you find the fight partner for you? How can we bring romance back and build a partnership that stays?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Opening up is one of the strongest and bravest things you can do. It’s something that you can be incredibly proud of.
Though, many of us are finding it difficult to open up, and that can be for many different reasons. Maybe you haven’t learnt how to, maybe you were told not to talk about feelings or maybe you have had a negative experience being vulnerable with someone. No matter your reasons, it’s all human, normal and something that’s part of your journey.
This week’s episode is about vulnerability in our society, now and in different generations. I talk about my own experience with being told not to show certain emotions, and share ideas on starting your journey of being more vulnerable.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
It’s always about the next big move in life. It’s about the career progress, getting married, having babies, travelling to certain places and all the materialistic wishes becoming reality. But none of this is ever something on its own. There is so much more.
If you think back in time, how many first kisses, great meals, good conversation, laughs and cries and even smiles come to your mind? I’m sure there are many. And weirdly, sometimes we don’t even know why something has stuck with us and grown into such a special memory.
This episode focusses on all the seemingly small beauties of life. How they can bring you more joy and excitement for the future, and how they can even help you feel more grateful and positive about the present moment.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
With a lot of personal growth that’s been happening over the past couple of months, I’ve had a lot of understandings and insights surrounding myself that I felt I wanted to share with my past-self. And with you.
I’ve done an episode giving myself advice before, in December 2021 (Ep. 20). A lot has changed since then and at the same time, I feel like I’m getting closer to a version of me I used to be.
This episode is full of personal talk, emotional support, important reminders and proof that we are in this together. We’re all doing life together and I know that much of this episode will speak to you very directly (and kindly).
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Many of us see January as a rather depressing month. It’s still dark and cold, but the holidays have just passed and there isn’t much to look forward to. We have to adjust to the new year and there might even be pressures put on us by the capitalistic stream of ways to ‘better’ ourselves for the new year.
But there are many ways of making this month, and the following colder months, much more enjoyable, fun and a beautiful start to creating a year with many things you have never done before. It’s all about perspective and what you create.
Let’s romanticise January, let’s be the main character, let’s get cosy, slow down and experience new things. Let’s start the year the special way.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
At the beginning of a new year we are always bombarded with new ways and products and subscriptions and plans to make ourselves ‘better’. But most of it creates stress and pressure and is far off from actually improving our lives.
There are really only very few things that make your life better, and non have anything to do with trying to make you ‘better’ - because you are already amazing and unique just the way you are.
In this first episode of 2024, I talke about your most important goals to work on this year and all of them come from my own experience and personal growth. Happy New Year and always remember to show yourself love!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Reflecting on the year that has just been is one of the most important and beautiful things you can do. And doing it myself for this episode has proven this all over again.
Happy Growing’s last episode of the year is all about my personal experience of 2023. You’ll hear about my journey with my physical health, ups and downs, cultural and travel adventures and the things I’m most grateful for this year. This year has been a lot about personal growth, which has been a very different and mature change, that hopefully inspires you too
Thank you so much for being here this year. Thank you for listening every week, for reaching out and for supporting Happy Growing. It means the world to me. I wish you the very best start into the new year 2024 and remember to be gentle with yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Merry happy everything! It’s Christmas Day, and it’s the third Christmas-Special Q&A for Happy Growing. Thank you all for sending in your questions and for being here and supporting Happy Growing!
This Q&A answers many personal questions from my life in London, babies, moving plans, new projects, non-monogamy and much more.
I’m sending you lots of love for those last few days of 2023 & courage to create the life you wish for!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Winter and the holiday season can be overwhelming times for many. The reasons for overwhelm, stress or loneliness depend on you and your individual situation. But just as there are many reasons that can make this time challenging, there are also many ways you can support yourself through this season.
And even better: you might not only be supported, but actually learn to embrace and use this season of slowness, comfort, love and connection. Not just connection with others, but connection with yourself.
This week’s episode is all about protecting yourself and your energy during the holidays, and ultimately building a stronger relationship with yourself and understanding for your wishes and needs.
I’m sending you lots of love, hugs and strength for this time of the year. May you celebrate yourself and the love for yourself over everything else.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Let’s have arguments, messy flats that don’t fit a certain aesthetic, let’s have laundry drying in out bedrooms & cutlery that doesn’t match. Let’s be real, let’s change & do it with emotions. Let’s share our worries, be scared, grow & let life move & flow.
This week’s episode is about the beauty of embracing real life. What even does it mean when we talk about ‘real life’? How has Social Media influenced our realities, authenticities & individualities?
We talk about all this & more in this week’s episode of Happy Growing. Especially during winter & around holiday times it’s important to remember that your life is just right the way it is. And the more open we are with each other, the more real connections we build & the more we feel like we are belonging & part of a community.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Social Media and content everywhere shows you how best to look after yourself. How to journal, get your nails done, move your body, what to drink and eat, how much to sleep and how to think. And to be honest, I think it’s great to have so much inspiration and motivation around. But, all those things require a lot of energy and can feel like things to tick-off on one of many to-do lists.
Whatever happened to watching TV, laying around and eating takeout or snacks? Because I think we should bring it back. I think, we should claim doing-nothing and declare it one of the most important wellness tools.
Because the most important thing in life is balance. And doing nothing as part of a balanced lifestyle is exactly what we all need from time to time. And if it’s a day or a whole weekend of laying in bed and watching shows, then let it be. Let’s all do a lot more of nothing and really lean into the messages our body sends us when we crave slowness, relaxation and just want to let go.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Over are the times of always being in school-classes with others, always being around people your own age, studying together all week and being able to relax on the weekends. At least that’s what school looked like for many people.
In adulthood, we have our weekly schedules and want to make sure we work, live a healthy life, look after ourselves, keep the house and laundry clean, have all our life-admin sorted and of course, look after pets and children. There is a lot to do everyday, so where is the time to socialise?
And even for those of us who are regularly around others, we might still feel lonely. There might be a lack of connection or changes happening that distance us from each other. All of this is normal. But how can you make sure to support yourself and put changes in place to make deeper or new connections, if that’s what you wish to have in life?
We talk about this and much more in this week’s episode. But most importantly, this episode is here to remind you that you are never alone with your experiences and that you are in charge of your life.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Your experience of happiness is uniquely yours & no definition or logical explanation could ever live up to it. But why is happiness so unique? Why is it important? And how can you work towards your own happiness?
In this week’s episode, I talk about my own experience with happiness and episodes of being unhappy. We talk about the importance of contentment & fulfilment & why happiness shouldn’t be the massive ‘highs’ in contrast to a life with many ‘lows’.
You’ll learn keypoints to following your own happiness & I’m sharing tasks & exercise to support you on your journey.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
I’m currently going through a lot of change and much of it is actually being brought to life and happening next year. A lot had to happen for me to get to where I am now, and things are never going to stop changing - and that’s okay. That’s normal. And that’s also exciting.
In this week’s episode, I’m giving you a little bit of a life update, and also talk about the importance (and enjoyment!) of not having life figured out. Because mine certainly isn’t all clear and certain, and how boring would it be, if it was?
Topics:
What my life has been like
Personal changes
Why I don’t have life figured out
Why not having things figured out it great!
Aren’t ‘life’ and ‘change’ the same thing?
The beauty of life
What I’ve been prioritising
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
This week’s episode is a very personal reminder for how great you are. For all the effort, love, care and energy you put into your daily life. You are so great at doing life.
And sometimes, things might not seem right. Something might feel like it’s missing or there might be a sense of lack, but that’s okay. In this episode, we are talking about how you can tackle feelings of confusion or unhappiness in your current situation. There is especially one thing, that we keep going back to in this week’s episode. And I know how important this one thing is, because I’ve been reminded of it in my own life very recently.
Topics:
Why you’re great at doing life
Something I’ve been going through
One thing to always support yourself
Comparison is the thief of joy
Status and materialistics don’t bring fulfillment
TW: There are brief mentions of abuse is this episode. Please look after yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
This theory from the 90s is most likely something, you have at least heard about over the years. But what is it really about? What are the Five Love Languages and how do they work? Are they actually benefitting relationships? And how can you find out you own?
The answers to these and many more questions are in this week’s episode. And of course, I also talk about my own experience and past relationships.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
In this week’s episode of Spooky-Season, which is also our last spooky episode, I’m joined by my close friend Becci. We talk all things supernatural, ghosts, vampires, aliens, personal beliefs & scary experiences.
We share unbelievable stories & you find out a very dark family secret of mine… that I wasn’t even sure I should share publicly!
Recording this episode brought me so much joy, but also left me questioning a lot of my beliefs around the supernatural & who really lives among us & why. I hope you have as much fun listening to it as we had recording it.
Thank you so much for listening to this month’s spooky specials & for your support! From next week, Happy Growing will go back to its non-spooky content.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
The story of The Beauty & the Beast is actually about Stockholm syndrome? Neverland is meant to be heaven & Peter Pan the guiding angel for dead children? Hansel & Gretel is based on real events?
We have all heard many different stories about the fairy tales we have grown up with. Supposed truths of the magical worlds we adored, but have probably never given much thought - I mean, we don’t want to ruin our childhood memories, right?
But this week’s Spooky-Season Special of Happy Growing goes deep into the intentions & realities behind our childhood tales. You will find out the origins of your favourites tales, learn about their original versions & whether they are based on real events.
And such dark stories for children are actually part of something called Black or Poisonous Pedagogy. A dark, manipulative & partly violent approach in child-raising and teaching. But what does Dark Pedagogy really mean? And how are such scary & violent stories supposed to support children? We are discussing this & much more at the end of this week’s episode.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Welcome to our second episode of this month’s Spooky-Season. In this week’s episode, I will be telling you about Serial Killers & even more about one in particular. One, who has worked as a nurse, in an environment, where people should be helped & supported. But it is also an environment in which it is common for people to pass away & so unusual deaths don’t always get noticed immediately.
Niels Högel is a sad & horrifying exception of how a nurse should care for their patients. He is a killer from the region Lower Saxony in the North of Germany, who is responsible for ending hundreds of his patients’ lives between 2000 & 2005. Sadly, he could have been stopped & many people could have been saved. But why wasn’t he? And why did he do, what he did?
And why do Serial Killers kill? What goes on in the minds of people who again & again take people’s lives? It is trauma? Are they all psychopaths?
Answers to these & many more questions will be part of today’s episode. Answers, that will give us more clarity & hopefully give us an understanding to be able to spot the signs of someone who hurts others & to find the words & the courage to speak up when necessary - because that’s what didn’t happen in Högel’s case.
TW: This episode contains topic that can be disturbing, triggering, upsetting & includes visual descriptions of violence, blood, murder & death. Please look after yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
This week’s episode is different to anything that I have shared on this podcast so far. In celebration of October & autumn, we are fully embracing Spooky-Season with very different episodes throughout this month. But that doesn’t only mean that we are talking about unbelievable, scary, mind-blowing stories… we are also diving deeper into the psychology behind True Crime, murders, the supernatural & more.
This week’s story is a story that was never fully solved & many people have different opinions on it. A story that is well-known in the United States & even had children singing rhymes about these horrible events. This case has had massive influence on the culture & fascination around True Crime. It’s been portrayed & discussed in media, literature, film & TV. The more I learnt about this story, the more I wanted to know. But sadly, there’ll never be clear answers to all our questions.
This episode is about Lizzie Borden & the gruesome events that ended the lives of her father & step-mother, Andrew Borden & Abby Borden. This very true tale will take us on a journey through a complicated family life in 1892, Fall River, Massachusetts.
Following this story, you’ll find more clarity around True Crime’s origins & most importantly, why we are so fascinated with it & why especially women seem to be so interested.
TW: This episode contains topic that can be disturbing, triggering, upsetting & includes visual descriptions of violence, blood, murder & death. Please look after yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
I’m currently visiting my parents in Germany & I’ve been so excited leading up to it, that this week’s episode is all about the meaning of home.
‘Home’ is a very personal & individual experience. It isn’t just a place or people, it is a feeling. We all have different associations with what Home means to us & just as everything in life, this can change.
I talk about the definition of Home, why it is so individual, why some of us don’t have an association with home (or not a positive one), & what being at home looks like to me.
This episode also includes a little bit of a life update & what’s I’ve got going on whilst I’m at home…. Little hint: there’s love, a wedding & animals.
Topics:
Life update
Definition of Home
Not experiencing Home as something positive
What we associate with ‘Home’
What ‘Home’ means to me
What my time at home looks like
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
I know 10000% that you have a show, film or book that you watch or read again & again. And probably have been for the past 5, 10 or 15 years? Right? I knew it.
That’s because it brings you comfort. But why does it bring you comfort? This is exactly what this week’s episode is about, including my personal favourite show: Gilmore Girls.
What are my associations with Gilmore Girls? What makes this show so special? Why is autumn the perfect season for it? This episode is definitely for my Gilmore Girls lovers, but also for those of you who love comfort & want to learn more about their own comforting habits.
If you love Gilmore Girls, please reach out & tell me why you love it so much & what it means to you.
Topics:
Comfort through the seasons
Why we re-watch our favourite shows & films
Triggering positive sensations & thoughts
My story with Gilmore Girls
How a show, film, book or music can help you cope
Living in Stars Hollow
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
If this isn’t a topic that needs to be discussed openly more often, then I don’t know what is!
The amount of times I hear from people about their experience of making friends & meeting new people in their 20s are countless. Not to mention my own experiences (though, it’s definitely mentioned in this episode!).
We have moved into adulthood, still adjusting to change within & around us, everyone is on their own journey & there are so many opportunities & confusions around us. We don’t even know ourselves well enough, how are we supposed to know & befriend new people? (Despite this being exactly what we need!)
All this & more is talked about in this week’s episode. As always, let us know your thoughts & experience. We are all different, but also so often the same!
Topics:
My own experience
When C0vid came along
Why friendships change when we move into adulthood
Comparison: countryside & city life
HOW to make friends in your 20s
Taking action
Looking after yourself
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
Getting to know yourself all over again, & again & again. How’s does that sound? Maybe slightly overwhelming, definitely very unfamiliar. And if I told you that you are changing so much throughout your life, that it’s necessary to get to know yourself again and again - How does that sound?
Finding it unfamiliar that you have to get to know yourself all the time is definitely normal. But it is also incredibly exciting! If you are consciously working on it or not, you are changing & you will be many different people throughout your life (if you haven’t already been many different versions of yourself!).
Every day is new, every day is almost like a new life & you can be whoever & whatever you want to be! It’s all about perspective, perspective changes everything. Knowing how much potential & how much life is within you is the most amazing & inspiring thing there is. And you GET TO get to know yourself, this beautiful being that you are. And you GET TO spend the rest of your life with yourself.
That’s why you check in on yourself, reflect, do what makes you feel good & get to know yourself all over again, & again.
Topics:
Change is the only constant
Self-reflection
Unconscious & conscious change
Changing perspective
Preventing unwanted habits
Getting lost in day-to-day life
Your roots are not who you are
Your core-you
What hasn’t been dealt with will show up again & again
Following your intuition
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
I was recently in a situation where I turned down a job to follow my heart. My rational mind was screaming at me to decide differently, but I knew THIS feeling in my heart would never fully stop until I followed it. Until I kept following the things that truly bring me joy, no matter the outcome.
This episode is to remind you of all your endless opportunities in life, the options, the ways to make it possible, and that your life is YOURS only.
Topics:
Either follow your heart or suppress THIS feeling
My own experience
How to remind yourself of your dreams
Taking change into account
It’s never too late!
There’s always a reason
Knowing > regretting
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Photography & Design: @eva_poglajen
We are slowly moving into the direction where mental health support is being seen as something that many people can benefit from, and as something that is being more and more openly talked about - although I believe there is still a long way to go.
Therapy isn’t affordable for everyone and support looks different in almost every country of the world. An additional barrier is asking for help and talking openly about one’s feelings, which is a skill that many of us have had to learn actively in their lives - often even in adulthood. And that’s okay.
No matter where you are in your life, how you feel about yourself, your dreams, your work, your relationship with others - you can benefit from therapy in so many ways. This episode is to encourage you and give you even more strength to reach out, and to reassure you that asking for help and seeking mental health support is an act of self-love and will bring you closer to who you are.
Topics:
Why I started therapy again
My own experience
It’s great that therapists listen to you for money!
No one is without issues
Prevention
Why we can all benefit from therapy
Asking for help
Self-love
Getting to know yourself again
Ways to get help
Do you want to speak to someone?
Samaritans: Call 116 123
Or email Jo@samaritans.org (may take a few days)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast.com
Artwork: @fempowerart
Have I ever done dr*gs? What’s my biggest regret? Do I want kids? Do I have an 0nlyfans account? I answer these and many other of your questions in this personal episode - and it’s extra special and personal because it is my Birthday today!
This week’s episode I’m absolutely beaming and that’s because, well, it is my Birthday - but also because I’m having so much fun answering all your questions (including some existential worries as I’m now officially in my late 20s).
I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always, let me know what you can relate to and any other questions you might have. Thank you for being here and for supporting Happy Growing! All my love, Verena x
Topics:
D*ck pics
Existential worries
My toxic traits
Children and future plans
Lots of reflections and stories
Personal favourites and recommendations
& so much more!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
I spent two weeks in Trinidad & Tobago and had the absolute best time! Sharing about one’s travels and recommendations is always super fun, but it’s even more so important when it comes to all the vegan food suggestions and experiences.
This episode isn’t only about vegan food (although quite a bit), but also about all my super fun and exciting experiences in both - Trinidad and Tobago! I talk about how I experienced differences in culture, climate, nature and so much more.
I enjoyed recording this episode so so much, and you can expect secret little travels tips and stories about me hiking to waterfalls, swimming and snorkelling in the oceans and cancelled flights.
Topics:
Food culture
I’m a spoilt brat lol
Cows and dogs everywhere
Flying as a vegan
Being scared and doing it anyway
Learning through experience
The importance of travelling for growth
Crime rates, cat-calling & what to look out for
Travel & food suggestions
Adjust to a place and don’t try and have the place adjust to you!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Happy 2nd Anniversary to Happy Growing Podcast! On the 3rd August 2021, I uploaded our very first episode. Since then, there has been an episode every single Wednesday for the past 2 years.
2 years is a long time and a lot has happened for me since I first started this podcast. I went to school again, changed jobs, have travelled a lot, changed many things in my life and have especially grown more and more into adulthood.
This week’s episode is a completely unprepared chat about all the personal things happening in my life. I talk about future plans as much as the areas in my life that I have turned around and developed. I share what causes me confusion, the idea of being in your late 20s, big life changes that might be happening soon and a lot more.
Thank you so much to all of you - no matter if you’ve been around from the beginning or just recently discovered Happy Growing. I am grateful for you and can’t wait to see how we are going to grow as a community.
Topics:
How my life has changed in the past 2 years
The beginnings of Happy Growing
What I have learnt
My current situation & future plans
Being an ‘adult’
My travels
Am I staying in London?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
This week’s episode is about my coming-out, about my experience in Christian churches and communities, about my belief and faith, about gender roles, about sexualising myself in queer relationships, and about heteronormativity.
As with everything in this podcast, I hope for people to find something to relate to, to feel like they belong, like they are part of a community and knowing that there are people out there with similar experiences.
This is by far the most raw, honest and vulnerable episode I have ever recorded and shared. It means so much to me to have recorded it and to be able to put it out into the world for people to connect to. It feels so good to have a community of listeners who I know are supportive and grateful for this kind of content.
We are all growing together - that’s why it’s Happy Growing!
Topics:
Coming out to my parents
Growing up in Christian communities
Differentiating between Church and believing in God
My struggles with my sexuality
Being a feminine-presenting, queer person
Confusion through common gender roles and ideas of my future
Sexualising myself (within my sexuality) / the Male Gaze
Heteronormativity
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Growing up, I was exposed to rather ‘traditional’ jobs and career paths. Based on that, I got an idea of what I can see myself doing as an adult, how I want to make my money, how I want to use my time and schedule my day to day life.
I am grateful for this experience, but I wonder what it would have been like if I had been exposed to a more diverse world of careers and lifestyles. Would I have found it overwhelming and pressuring, or more so inspiring and motivating?
The change of outlook on work and money certainly has its pros and cons, and I see, understand and value both sides to it. What I don’t like seeing is the pressure that people put themselves under of having to create something for themselves, like their own business, despite possibly having a great ‘normal’ job - just because it isn’t seen as ‘enough’ anymore to do something within the ‘norm’, even if one has accomplished years of studying and built a career.
I see the line between this kind of change being an inspiration and it being a reason to worry and potentially even question your life and work as very thin. And although questioning your choices is good and healthy, it isn’t good when one minimises their achievements just because those aren’t ‘I am a business owner’ or ‘300k Followers on Social Media’.
I would love for you to share your thoughts and experience on this - as always!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Over the past 10 ish years, I have had my fair share of relationship and dating experience. As with everything, I got to learn so much about myself, what I need, what I want, where I see myself in the future. And I also got to learn a lot about my needs and wishes in a romantic relationship.
What is really important to me, and in romantic relationships in general? How do you build a healthy partnership? What about roles? What about s3x and intimacy? What does it mean to fight and to argue, and how do you do it right and respectfully?
So many things have come up for me when I was reflecting on my relationship experience, and there is so much I feel is important to share with others. This episode is very personal and was super fun to record. Please note that everything in this episode is based on my experience and on what I feel is healthy. I am not a relationship expert, nor do I want to tell you how to live out your partnership.
What I am going to tell and I am sure about is that you are going to enjoy this episode. Maybe even more than I did recording it!
Topics:
Communication > everything else
Mind-reading & assuming
Kissing & telling
Boundaries
Protecting each other’s energies
‘Trauma dumping’ onto your partner
What’s better than s3x
Ask them!
Roles in relationships
Being attentive
Know what you want from your relationship!
Communicate your priorities
Have friends!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Recently, I went back home to Germany to visit my family. While I was there, I had quite a lot of thoughts coming up. What if I was to live here again? What would I do? How would I spend my time? What would be different?
In this week’s episode, I do a lot of reflecting on my move to the UK almost five years ago, differences between London and my hometown, some of my life choices and future plans.
Ultimately, I remind you and myself of how free our choices can really be, how we flow and grow in this life, and how quickly you can change your whole life… for example, when you move to another country.
Topics:
Where I come from and my first year in London
Differences between London and Germany
Overwhelm, overwhelm, overwhelm
Opportunities and diversities
Slow living
Finding back to your core
My decisions and future plans
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this week’s episode, I am joined by Katherine from Holistically Here . Katherine’s work and journey is deeply authentic, raw and spiritual and I am so grateful to have had this conversation with her, and to be able to share it with you. I truly know that Katherine’s words and this interview are meant to be shared, and how much you will be taking away from this episode.
Katherine’s amazing online and support space, Holistically Here, helps others on their health and spiritual journey. Through sessions, but also through social media, does Katherine bring a way of life into this world that heals, grounds and really shows people how to come back to who they are. She does this with professionalism, but most importantly by embodying everything she believes in.
Katherine began Holistically Here at the start of the year but has spent much of her life exploring and delving into the holistic space. She specialises in emotional empowerment and bridging the gap between health, authenticity and creation but is also an expert in physical nutrition and performance as well as helping people meet their health goals. She has studied with a wide range of teachers, as well as receiving her certificate from the world leading IIN in New York.
Topics:
Who is Katherine?
Katherine’s health & spiritual journey
Connection between physical & mental health
First steps to changing your health & life
Noticing changes through your health journey
Going through & moving out of challenges at a young age
Inner success > external validation
Meditation, meditation, meditation!
The energetics of food
Feminine energy & hormones in a hustle society
Embodying your beliefs
Connect with Katherine!
Instagram: @holisticallyhere
Website: http://holisticallyhere.com/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
The 100th episode of Happy Growing! Can you believe that for the past 100 weeks, there’s been a new episode very single week? I am so happy, proud and grateful for this podcast and for everyone listening and reaching out. Thank you!
For me, this podcast is a great example of why consistency is everything and so much more important than motivation. It’s about setting yourself a goal, sticking to something, following through with it, doing something for yourself - and for yourself only.
It can be difficult to stick to something when you are ‘only’ doing it for yourself. We are so used to doing something because we ‘have to’ or because of outside validation, such as grades in school or praise at work. But there is nothing better than creating something for yourself, sticking to it, and being able to look back at it and seeing what you have created just for yourself.
Topics:
Doing something whether or not you feel like it
Consistency = creating habits
How to build new habits
How I managed to publish weekly episodes for 100 weeks
A call to overthink the habits you have already
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Over the past year, I have changed a lot internally and externally. My appearance has changed, my body has changed and my mind and my body are working a lot more hand in hand, and supportive of each other.
But what has happened? Why have I lost so much weight? How do I feel about my body changing? Am I healthy?
This week’s episode is probably one of the most personal episode I have ever recorded and publicly shared. I discuss my mental and physical health, and answer some of your questions that have come through on Social Media over the past few weeks.
I can only share episodes like this because of you - because of this amazing community, who support me so much and send me nothing but positive feedback, encouragement, you share your own thoughts and experience with me and you give this podcast so so much. Thank you!
Triggerwarning: Please note that this episode discusses weight loss, eating, body sizes and health issues. Please look after yourself.
Topics:
Why I don’t share my weight
How my body has changed over the past years
Health issues & negative doctor experience
My views on BMI & body positivity
Loving yourself & health > weight
My views & experience on complimenting someone’s weight loss/-gain
A season of experimenting with my body aka. home
Men giving me their opinion on my body (rage!)
Sharing this while it’s still new to me
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
My mind has been going wild lately, and overloading me with realisations about why I do things the way I do, about why I want and don’t want certain things in life, and bringing my awareness to the endless amount of opportunities I have in life, and the playground that life really is.
Do I want to have children? How do I see my role in a relationship? How do I see myself? I share many personal thoughts and experience in this week’s episode, really making it another journal-entry episode.
And the main takeaway from this episode is clearly: You are not who you think you are. An inspiration and motivation for you to take the leap of faith, get out of your comfort-zone, get to know yourself better and become even more excited about life itself.
Topics:
Recent realisations & new awareness
Rethinking your life
My view on gender roles in partnership
Changing your definition of yourself
Do I wanna be a mum?
Realising your freedom
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
In the past couple of months, self-care has become even more important to me. It is something that I schedule in, that I prioritise and that I crave and look for. Many things have become habits, and those support me on a day-to-day basis.
We want self-care to be a habit, and the more we do something, the easier it becomes for us to really be present and notice the benefits of the love and care we provide for ourselves. And of course, the more love and care we can give to the people around us.
This week’s episode is all about the ways I support myself and show myself love, and what this can look like realistically and practically in my own life - and how you can create this for yourself!
Topics:
Why self-care has become even more important to me
How I move my body & why
Recent Yoga experience
Insight in my self-care routine & how I establish it
Healthy living tips & tricks
Building a foundation
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
This week’s meditation supports you in bringing your focus to what you wish to create, and in taking down those protective walls surrounding your heart that you’ve built up in the past.
It helps you in opening your heart back up, in understanding why you don’t have anything to loose or to fear when you love truly, in letting go of trying to protect your heart & in attracting your dream partner into your life.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Today’s episode is all about what beauty is, why it hasn’t anything to do with who we are - but at the same time, it has everything to do with who we are.
I share my own experience, my opinions, differences in times and cultures, and why your energy is so important for your appearance and for how others perceive you.
Topics:
Life update from Germany
I’m not funny lol
What I’ve had done
Altering your avatar
Separation between who you are and what you look like
How your inner world affects your appearance & vice versa
Comparison
The importance & beauty of one’s energy
Beauty trends, times & cultures
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
This meditation supports you in truly connecting with your Higher Self, in giving you strength, more awareness, confidence, trust & a stronger bond with your intuition. You will leave this meditation feeling even more sure about your path, and really (re)evaluating the next steps on your journey.
Please listen to this meditation while you are in a safe and quiet space.
Do not listen while you are driving or walking.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
This week, I’m sharing my current thoughts and feelings about life, change, growth and many recent realisations with you.
And one of them is certainly that I am the one who had stopped myself from working towards something or trying out new things, and that there were many ideas that hadn’t even crossed my mind.
This week’s episode is about really stepping into, feeling, embodying the freedom of life and its potential. It’s about living this eternal abundance that surrounds us and is given to us, using it and owning it. It’s about life as your playground, and following joy and contentment.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
External situations and experiences can trigger us to react in ways that we don’t want to react in, and this can be frustrating for ourselves, the situation we are in and the people around us.
This meditation is for you, if you finally want to let go of triggers, if you want to heal old wounds, if you don’t want to carry past situations and memories into the present anymore, and if you want to be even more connected to love and trust in your life and within yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Wellbeing Coach & Lightning Process Practitioner Rosalyn Dunne. Ros is an incredibly genuine, caring and kind person, and I’m so grateful to have had her on Happy Growing.
She is amazing at her work in supporting others to heal and change their health, not only because she knows exactly what she is doing, but also because she has had a challenging, life-changing journey herself.
In our interview, Ros shares her journey of having experienced CFS/ME, how it changed her life, what routes she took to try and get support, and how she eventually learnt to heal herself. She talks about the power of the mind-body connection and how learning about it brought her to finally understanding her own experience in her body, and how rewiring her brain can change her whole life around.
Rosalyn is a qualified Lightning Process Practitioner, and also trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) and Life Coaching. She trained under Dr. Phil Parker, who is also the creator of the Lightning Process.
Connect with Rosalyn!
Instagram: @rosalyn.dunne.wellbeing https://instagram.com/rosalyn.dunne.wellbeing?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Website: https://www.rosalyndunne.co.uk/?fbclid=PAAab2RZnjRhrRW5GE5nd8b30efqcO94lekDtWh0KnfljbxCUX_ak9_HtIXmM
Dr. Phil Parker:
Instagram: @drphilparker https://instagram.com/drphilparker?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Website: https://www.philparker.org/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
I don’t know about you, but I personally used to (and still do sometimes) struggle with putting pressure on myself. Pressure to have achieved certain goals at a certain age, pressure to plan and get ahead, pressure to get to something as quickly as possible.. because once I hit 30, I can’t do it anymore. But why?
The more I spoke about this openly, the more ridiculous it sounded. But why did I have these thoughts? Where did this pressure come from? Why do we feel like our 20s are THE time, and from then onwards we have to have achieved it all and everything figured out?
This episode is very personal, like one of the ones from ‘back in the day’ - a proper journal entry episode of me sharing it all with you. But this episode is also a lesson on shifting your thinking, and reanalysing your beliefs and thinking patterns, as well and why we have created certain beliefs and coping strategies.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Connecting to who you are is the most important thing you can do. Not just once, but over and over again. The relationship you have with yourself, the real you, is foundation for everything in life.
This mantra meditation really supports you in (re)connecting with your inner you, your truth, and with experiencing and practicing focus.
This meditation is a coming-home, a journey inwards, an experience just for you, for who you are, a gift to yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
There’s no such thing, if you want to stay connected to yourself. Wanting to fit in can tell you many things about you, but also about others. Often, it’s a sign of the season you are in, and the beliefs you have about yourself, others and the world around you.
But how best to deal with wanting to fit in? What about rejections? What about disconnecting from yourself? And most importantly, what about the beautiful differences that make you YOU?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Let’s say you have finally made the decision to make a change, to work towards something, to follow your dreams. It might have not been the easiest decision to make, maybe because you don’t like change very much, maybe for other reasons.
You are now finally at the point of telling your loved ones, but… their responses aren’t what you had hoped for. Where are the joyful hugs? Where are the proud words, and encouraging speeches? And then there are also some people, who actually aren’t very nice about it at all. But you care so much about what the people in your life think, so what now?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Do you remember this time when you’re working towards something, and everything was about this one thing? All your time, energy, focus was about reaching this achievement? Do you remember the happiness and joy you felt when you finally got there? The celebration? And then… it was all done, achieved, and you looked for the next thing to bring you happiness.
It’s amazing to work towards your goals and dreams, but often we put everything into those achievements and think they bring us the life and the version of us we’ve always wanted. Spending our time working and waiting to reach happiness.
But what about life in between those massive achievements, what about life itself?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Do you ever feel like something’s a bit off? You’re not really sure what it is, but the easiest way for you to describe it is by saying that ‘you’ve lost yourself’?
Feeling and thinking like this is rather common, and an exciting part of life that opens up new learnings and seasons of life. And today’s episode gives you important, thought-provoking insights to take with you on this journey of questioning and searching.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
How are you getting on with organisation? Does life feel a little bit on top of you? Whether organisation is your thing, or THE thing that keeps you up at night - today’s episode gives you the advice and inspiration needed to have your life together, and create more time for yourself.
Verena loves organisation, always has and always will, and shares her top habits of creating an environment that brings more structure, safety and peace into your life.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
This very personal episode isn’t just a story-time into Verena’s upbringing, but also a love letter to both: country- and city-living. It’s about all the sides and aspects and beauties of embracing different lifestyles, in different places in the world.
And if you are considering moving, if you are not sure whether living in the countryside or in the city is right for you, then this episode definitely gives you all the insides and all the perspectives to keep in mind, and help you with your decision.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
We always see on the outside what we believe in on the inside.
This meditation is going to help you in seeing the negative beliefs around money that you carry with you, especially those that you might not be aware of. You are finally going to know where your thoughts around money come from, you will be able to let them go and make more space and find more strength for new, positive, uplifting and motivating beliefs around money. So money can flow into your life even easier.
I hope this meditation helps you in allowing more money to come into your inner world, and therefore also flow to you on the outside.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
How often have you gossiped in the past week? Where do you draw a line, when it comes to talking about friends or family members? And what even is gossip exactly?
We all gossip, it’s normal. It’s a large part of how we entertain ourselves, and it’s almost inevitable not to gossip with reality TV and social media nowadays. But is gossip really good for you? And what does it do to the people around you?
This, and much more is covered in today’s episode. Verena explores all things gossip and most importantly: how NOT to gossip!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Do you ever feel like you just don’t know what you want anymore? Have you ever had this feeling of ‘what am I even doing’? If you have ever experienced feelings and thoughts close to what I am describing, then please know that you are not alone!
We disconnect from ourselves by doing day to day life, by doing our routine. There’s so much that we simply do automatically, and don’t even question anymore. And all of a sudden, the plans we have had or the intentions and goals we have set for ourselves seem to have disappeared, or you ask yourself if they are even still what you want for yourself.
There are many things you can do to reconnect with yourself, and really find out what you want and how you can work towards it. In this episode, Verena shares her Top 10 ways of supporting herself, and why those things can help you too in coming back to who you are and where you want to go.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
TikTok: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
What makes you feel at peace? What makes you feel good? What are your habits, and which are and aren’t benefitting you - are you aware?
In this week’s episode, Verena talks about how you can create your own peace, what that means and why it’s so important. This episode is all about habits, boundaries, tolerance, motivation and individuality.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Do you know what you want? Do you remember what you wanted to keep your focus on? How do you keep track of the things you are working towards?
Life gets busy, things change, your mind gets occupied with so much else - so it’s normal to forget and lose focus. And that doesn’t mean something isn’t important to you. So how can you make sure to keep your dreams right in front of you?
In this episode, Verena talks about why it’s so important to have ways of reminding yourself of your goals and dreams, and how to do it.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Each emotions only lasts 90 seconds. After 90 seconds, the emotion has been chemically flushed out of your body. If you then continue to feel this way, that’s up to your thoughts. So we have thoughts that re-trigger the same emotion, which starts the whole 90 seconds process again, and again.
And sometimes, we go through times in our life, during which it seems like this process never stops. Sometimes, we find it difficult to detach ourselves from our emotions, and view our feelings and thoughts with more clarity and kindness. That’s okay, that’s normal.
This episode supports you in times like these. Verena shares her own experience and useful techniques and thought-processes to help yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
The new year can bring upon a lot of outside pressure. Pressure to change, establish new habits, do things differently. And although all of those things are important, you can put these in place in your own time and pace, and at any time throughout the year.
But the most important aspect and start to anything is that you know and trust yourself - that you know what amazing things you can do, and how uniquely incredible you truly are.
This meditation supports you in (re-)connecting to yourself and the beauty within you, so you find clarity around your goals, dreams and the next steps in your life.
Supporting journal prompts:
1. What are my intentions for 2023?
2. What advice has my future self given me?
3. How will I put this advice into practice?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
A lot has happened this year, and this shall not stay unmentioned. Happy Growing basically started out as Verena’s personal journal, and this episode definitely throws us back to one of those journal entries. Verena talks about big personal life changes, a year full of travelling and building her business. And some immense and significant learnings showed themselves through all that was happening.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Merry happy everything, and welcome to this most personal episode of Happy Growing ever. In this episode, Verena answers all your anonymous questions around her personal life, relationships, future plans and her business. Tune in to hear some funny life-stories, and to get to know Verena better (or actually, to get to know her A LOT better).
Have the best holidays!
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Let’s imagine… well, let’s imagine anything you wanted. What would you do? Everything was once created, so why can’t you create you ideal life? And I really mean this question: Why can’t you? What is holding you back and why? And actually, if you were to look back, haven’t you done and created so much already?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
We are told we have to do something in order to deserve rest, breaks and holidays. We say: 'I should have done more', even when we are tired. Luckily, younger generations are more and more prioritising rest and mental health. But when you are told something for so long, it can be difficult to get it out of your head. So how can you support yourself in taking time for yourself and making yourself a priority, whilst feeling good and proud about listening to your body?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
No matter if you celebrate, what you celebrate and how you celebrate - the holiday season can be overwhelming. There can be social and financial pressure, the energy from the people around you and lack of time for yourself. So how can you prepare yourself for the holidays, and support yourself with as much kindness and patience as possible? Spoiler alert: You are awesome.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
Why do you struggle saying no? Let's talk about values, priorities and boundaries.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this episode, Verena reflects on the changes in the online world and its negative effects on our mental health. But there are ways to turn things around, and they lay within you. You'll learn how to protect your health from social media, and Verena explores the intentions behind people who engage with content in a negative and hateful way.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this solo episode, Verena shares why it is so important to just do instead of worrying and overthinking. This episode is about how you create predications, why experience is so powerful and how you can embrace the light and dark within and around you.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this guest episode, intuitive tarot reader and transformational coach Molly Dooner shares her own healing and spiritual journey. Molly talks about overcoming trauma, the light and the dark side of spirituality, how her art influences her work as a coach and about feminism, equality and being human, unapologetically.
As an intuitive healer, Molly connects with her clients and people around her on the deepest, most rawest level and explains how every interaction and connection is so much more than just talking. It's a way of healing each other, growing together and creating an energy that spreads so much further than we could imagine.
Book mentioned: Louise Hay - You can heal your life
Molly's Instagram: https://instagram.com/mollyelizabethdooner?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Molly's website: https://mollydooner.com/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this meditation, you get to connect to your heart deeply and honestly. You get to ask yourself the right questions around love, relationships and why you might have held back from letting people into your heart.
Please listen to this while you are in a safe and quiet space. Do not listen while you are driving or walking.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this episode, artist and entrepreneur Karan Pathak shares his journey of growing his business and growing within himself. In his teenage years, Karan started out as an artist and developed his art into work and value for others.
Verena and Karan talk about the process of becoming self-employed, work-life-balance, values and about doing your own thing. What is it like to do something that nobody else does? What mindset do you need to stay on track and follow your path? Find out more in this episode.
Karan's Instagram: https://instagram.com/karan_path?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
We are Uelzen Instagram: https://instagram.com/we.are.uelzen?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Pathak Brothers' Multimedia Agency Instagram: https://instagram.com/pathakbrothers_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Pathak Brothers' Multimedia Agency Website: https://pathak-brothers.de/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this amazing guest episode, clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist Bilge Kıvrak (MSc) explains what happens in our brain when we experience trauma and how EMDR can support us. Verena and Bilge talk about EMDR as part of general mental healthcare, and mental health stigmatisation in healthcare and society. Bilge shares her experience in the UK and in Turkey, and how mental health support can be improved and stigmatisation changed. This episode highlights what is really important for patients, clients and therapists in order to create change, and for patients to see themselves as the source of love and safety they need.
Bilge's Instagram: https://instagram.com/psk_bilgekivrak?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Bilge's Practice: https://www.smyrnapsikoloji.com/
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
We are so used to going against our bodies. But as you know, everything your body does has a meaning. Your body is constantly speaking to you. So what can you do?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
We all experience this: another day in this room, with those people, having the same argument. But there are a few questions to ask yourself.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
New environments and new people can't only change who you are, but make you question everything you thought you'd know. But when does this change start and what really comes from you and what have you been taught to believe and do?
Podcast: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
An episode about the journey of growth, distancing yourself from your thoughts and emotions and knowing that you'll always get back up.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Once you make space for change and something comes along that you weren't expecting - what do you do? This episode goes into why change happens and what we can learn from it, even if what we are experiencing is something very unfamiliar.
Podcast: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
This episode supports you with letting go of fears and worries. Please listen to this while you are in a safe and quiet space. Do not listen while you are driving or walking.
Journal prompts to support you:
- Write down your intention for today (or tomorrow).
- How am I going to create space for my new, inner friend?
- How is my life going to be different with my new companion on my side?
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this really special episode, Charlotte Williams shares her healing journey with anxiety. In a deep, honest and authentic conversation with Verena, she opens up about her experiences in the past 13 years, what supports her and how she has realised the strengths and superpowers that have grown out of her journey back to herself. This episode is full of raw openness about mental health, psychosomatic symptoms, personal growth, perseverance, mental strength and a beautiful adventure to healing others.
Book 'Yang Shang - The Art of Chinese Self-Healing' by Katie Brindle
Charlotte's Instagram: @healthyfuturecharlotteuk
Message her the word TRUST if you are interested in her e-guide.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Inspired by Michael A. Singer's teachings, this is a deeply spiritual episode, inviting you to look at who you are from a different perspective. Through this perspective, you will be able to create more distance to your thoughts, feelings, experiences and memories, and give them space to shift and change.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
We have all been hurt by someone at some point in our lives. But hurt people hurt people and we want to break this cycle. Verena explains what steps you can take to move forward, accept and give yourself what you need to heal.
Instagram: @happygrowingpodcast
Verena: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
TW: This episode discusses topics such as feeling down, depression and having suicidal thoughts. Please look after yourself.
Sometimes, we feel really shitty. And that's okay. It's normal to feel this way, it's normal to get help and there's hope.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Can you believe it's been a year? A year of weekly episodes and us chatting and connecting. Thank you so much for being here, for sharing this journey and for growing together.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In this episode, Verena explores the groundwork of healthy and lasting relationships - romantic and platonic. It can be beautiful to have established a relationship in which everything seems predictable, because you know each other so well. But do you really know each other so well? What about change? Because we all change, always.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
What comes to your mind, when someone tells you they work as a life coach? This episode explores regulations, different styles and techniques, the real shitty life coaches and Verena's own experiences and work.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
1:1 Coaching Journey with Verena:
http://subscribepage.io/coachingjourney
We women know each other, without knowing each other. We have this magical connection and we hurt each other because we were wounded by wounded women (and those were wounded by wounded women too). It's important that we move into our magical connection, and out of toxic gossip-culture and comparison.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Date Yourself-Workshop:
subscribepage.io/dateyourselfworkshop
Disclaimer: If this episode triggers you, then you know you have to work on your money-mindset.
How come you have money for some things, but for others you don't? Verena explores different mindsets and beliefs around money, and how you can change them. You don't have to create abundance, but you have to stop creating scarcity.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Date Yourself-Workshop:
subscribepage.io/dateyourselfworkshop
This episode is a reminder to ask for what you need. Sometimes, you might think you don't need help or you are afraid to ask - but needing help is great! It means you are looking out for yourself and speaking up. Be proud of yourself!
Free Self-Love Meditation:
subscribepage.io/freeselflovemeditation
Coaching Container Waitlist:
subscribepage.io/jointhewaitlist
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Have you ever really wanted something and got so excited working towards it, but then eventually you felt it was all not necessary anymore and you changed your mind? Or have you ever just forgotten about your dreams? Verena explains the reason behind this happening, and how you can work through it.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
You spend so much time of your life working, so why do something that doesn't bring you joy? In this Episode, Verena talks about her own experience and the steps you can take to create your dream life. Especially THE first step!
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Have you ever felt lonely and texted your ex or checked in with your favourite dating app? Well, let's unravel that.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Verena shares how she loves herself, and how she creates space for even more flexibility and freedom in her day to day life. She talks about how you can love yourself even more and what that might look like for you. And Verena might end up talking about throuples in this episode.. who knows.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
This week's episode is about Verena's current offerings, so head over to her Instagram to check out more. It's also about the beauty in life which happens so often through gratitude. Why is gratitude so important? And how can you practice being more grateful?
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
This episode is partly about Verena's jet lag, but also about the wonders of making space around and within you. It's about how you can clear your space, potential unfamiliarities along your journey and why clearing space is so important.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
This episode is about Verena's travel journey through California, why imperfection is so beautiful and important and why your self-care is YOURS. Verena talks about the importance of listening to your intuition in order to do what feels good for you, and why you can do what YOU want and not what seems 'right'.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Ever met someone who you have things in common with that you just can't believe? And have you ever had this happen to you at the other side of the world?
The people around you are there for a reason and at exactly the right time.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Trigger warning: The subjects of bodyweight, eating and eating disorders are discussed in this episode. Please look after yourself and think twice if you feel you are in the right headspace to listen to it.
In this episode, Verena talks about how she has learnt to love her own body and challenges along the way. She speaks about how she feels social media impacts young people, a wounded connection between women and how beauty standards are changing (or in the process of change).
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Thinking about sex? Well, that is what many people think when they hear the word 'pleasure'. In this episode, Verena definitely talks about physical intimacy, but there is so much more to pleasure. And what does it mean to live your life led by it?
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Trigger warning: The subjects of depression and self-harm are mentioned in this episode. Please look after yourself and think twice if you feel you are in the right headspace to listen to it.
In this episode Verena shares some of her experience with depression as a teenager and after she had moved to London - but more importantly, why such seemingly negative times make her more thankful for life than ever.
Self-Realisation Centre: https://lakeshrine.org
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Verena talks about when, how and why she turned vegan, and shares her views and experience with perfectionism in the vegan community.
You might also hear some stories about vegan food options in London and Los Angeles, and about the very first and very disgusting soy milk Verena had in the German countryside.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
A quick, exciting life update - the title says it all! You can create everything you want in life, sending you love.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Hello friends! This episode is a reminder and motivator that you are free to create the life you want. Verena shares her journey of first dreaming of moving to London, to making it become a goal and turning it into reality. Everything you can dream of you can turn into reality. When you think about, everything was once a thought and actions brought it to life.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
This episodes supports you in exploring those areas in life, that are present for you. Verena shares some tools and ideas on how you can identify your priorities and change the amount of time you spend on certain aspects of your life.
How you spend your time is precious and some tipps and tricks can help you make sure you give enough time to joy, love, friendship and all those magical aspects, too.
My amazing coach: https://www.instagram.com/iamhannahharmon/
The planner I use: https://www.instagram.com/girlgottachange/
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fermpowerart
Your life is in your hands and it is up to you how you live it and how you deal with things you are not in charge of. You are creating your life, you are an artist.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Happy Growing is now in English - and here comes the first English episode for you. In this episode Verena reintroduces herself. It's also all about disconnections and blockages due to being overly motivated, and how letting your mind wander is the real deal.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge erzählt Verena davon, wie sich ihr Denken in den letzten Jahre verändert hat. Es geht darum, radikale Verantwortung für dein Leben zu übernehmen, um Positivität und Money-Mindset.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Wundervolle Neuigkeiten: Stichpunkt 'Selbstständigkeit'! :-)
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Als menstruierende Person erlebst du mit jedem Zyklus so viele Phasen und Veränderungen. In welcher Phase deines Zyklus du steckst beeinflusst nicht nur deine Stimmung, sondern auch deine Energie, Kreativität, deine Bedürfnisse, deinen Sextrieb und vieles mehr.
In dieser Folge teilt Verena ihre Erfahrungen mit hormonellen Verhütungsmitteln und wie sie ihren Zyklus verfolgt und sich selbst dadurch besser versteht.
Buch: Natürlich und sicher - Das Praxisbuch: Familienplanung mit Sensiplan: https://www.amazon.de/Natürlich-sicher-Praxisbuch-Familienplanung-Sensiplan/dp/3432106920
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Diese ist die bisher persönlichste Folge von Happy Growing. Über ihr Leben hinweg erklärt Verena ihre Gedanken zum Kinder haben. Von ihren Erfahrungen als Jugendliche bis hin zur Arbeit als Nanny in London erzählt sie euch, was ihre Entscheidungen bezüglich Kindern beeinflusst hat und welche Meinung sie momentan vertritt.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Wolltest du etwas schonmal so sehr, aber die Angst, dass es nicht klappen könnte, hat dich zurück gehalten? Viele haben das bereits erlebt, aber die Frage ist: Was ist die Alternative?
Verena erzählt von ihren Ängsten und warum und wie sie sich gegen diese entschieden hat.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Mit wem du deine Zeit verbringst, beeinflusst nicht nur deine Sprache und deine Gewohnheiten, sondern auch deine Gedanken und Ziele. In dieser Folge reflektiert Verena die Unterschiede zwischen London und ihrem Heimatort, und wie jeweilige Orte sie beeinflusst haben.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge erzählt Verena, wie es war, wieder in Deutschland zu sein. Nachdem sie zwei Jahre nicht dort gewesen war, hat sich für sie viel verändert - und sie selbst hat sich auch verändert. Möchte sie dort jetzt wieder leben?
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: fempowerart
Hast du eine Verbindung zu deinem Bauchgefühl? Und wie nennst du es?
Dein Körper hat so viele Wege, mit dir zu kommunizieren - und deine Intuition ist einer der kraftvollsten. Dein Bauchgefühl weiss genau, was richtig für dich ist. Es liegt an dir, deinem Körper zuzuhören und zu vertrauen.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In der letzten Folge für dieses Jahr reflektiert Verena 'Vorsätze fürs neue Jahr', warum diese helfen können aber vor allem auch, warum du diese gut hinterfragen solltest.
Danke dir für deine Unterstützung in diesem Jahr und habe einen magischen Start ins Jahr 2022! :-)
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Diese Folge ist einfach ein kleines Dankeschön für deinen Support und deine lieben Nachrichten immer. In dieser Fragen- und Antworten-Folge erfährst du mehr über Happy Growing und Verena. Habe super schöne Feiertage! :-)
Verena's Lieblingspodcasts:
- Happy, Holy & Confident
- Weird Crimes
- Mord auf Ex
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge reflektiert Verena einige Erlebnisse ihrer Vergangenheit und kommt zu Ratschlägen, die sie ihrem 16 jährigen Ich gegeben hätte. Dabei geht es um Dinge wie die Wichtigkeit einer eigenen Meinung, Prioritäten und darum, deine Werte zu kennen und danach zu leben.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge geht es um kleine 'Glücksschübe' und wie du diese beeinflussen und kreieren kannst. Verena redet außerdem davon, wie wichtig es sein kann, Glücklich-sein als Droge zu sehen und zu nutzen. Es geht um die Erfahrung des 'High-seins' durch das Gefühl von Glück, Freude und Spaß.
Es steckt so viel Magie im alltäglichen Leben und du kannst dich ganz alleine auf aufregende Hochs begeben!
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge geht es darum, wie du neue Perspektiven erlangen kannst und warum diese so wichtig sind. Außerdem geht es darum, Neues in Betracht zu ziehen und wie dieses Teil des Kreises 'Neues erleben - Veränderung von Sichtweisen - Neues in Betracht ziehen' ist.
Dazu redet Verena davon, wie der Umzug nach London ihre Sichtweisen und ihr Leben verändert haben und warum sie dafür so dankbar ist.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge geht es um die Wichtigkeit von Sprache und wie diese dein Denken beeinflusst. Es geht darum, deine Sprache zu hinterfragen, um gelernte und alte sprachliche Angewohnheiten zu erkennen und somit mehr Klarheit in das zu bringen, was du eigentlich glaubst und vielleicht lieber anders sagen möchtest.
Dazu redet Verena auch von der Kontrolle, die du über dich selbst hast und durch Sprache oft abgibst.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Wo du herkommst, was du erlebt hast, was dir passiert hast ist Teil von dir - aber ist nicht, wer du bist. Es ist ein Puzzle Teil deines Lebens, aber es ist nicht dein Leben.
In dieser Folge geht es darum, dass du jeden neuen Moment und jeden neuen Tag neu gestalten kannst. Deine Geschichte sagt nichts über deine Zukunft aus und du kannst sein, wer du sein möchtest. Alles was du dir wünschst und ersehnst ist bereits in dir.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Ein bisschen Kopfschmerzen, Rückenschmerzen oder Müdigkeit - dein Körper redet zu dir und weiss ganz genau, was du brauchst. In dieser Folge geht es darum, deinem Körper zuzuhören und zu reflektieren, wie du dich wirklich fühlst.
Die Nachrichten, die dir dein Körper sendet, sind so wichtig und möchten gehört und hinterfragt werden. Schenke deinem Körper die Aufmerksamkeit, die er sich wünscht.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Du lieber Mensch, diese Folge ist direkt an deine Kreativität gerichtet. Alle Gefühle und auch Probleme die du hast sind mit all deinen Sinnen verbunden. Was du siehst, hörst und fühlst wenn du in einer Situation bist oder darüber nachdenkst ist ausschlaggebend für negative und positive Emotionen, die du damit verbindest.
Aber was, wenn du was du siehst, hörst und fühlst ändern kannst? Was, wenn du deinen imaginären Farbpinsel nehmen und deine Gefühle neu gestalten kannst?
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Um an einer Mission oder einem Ziel zu arbeiten gibt es die sogenannte 'Disney Strategie'. Denn Walt Disney sagte über sich selbst, dass es drei unterschiedliche Versionen von ihm gibt: den Realist, den Kritiker und den Träumer. In der Strategie begibst du dich physisch in genannte Positionen und betrachtest deine Mission aus verschiedenen Blickwinkeln.
In dieser Folge redet Verena über ihre Erfahrungen mit dieser Strategie und warum die Position des Träumers/der Träumerin so stark und wundervoll ist. Dazu betrachtet Verena die Wichtigkeit der Meta-Position, und wie augenöffnend es sein kann, wenn du eine Situation von 'außen' betrachtest.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge erzählt Verena davon, wie sie sich selbst verloren hat, nachdem sie nach London gezogen ist. Davon ausgehend geht es darum, warum es so wichtig ist, dich selbst zu verlieren um dich selbst wieder zu finden oder besser kennenzulernen. Höhen und Tiefen spielen Hand in Hand.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge geht es darum, wie wichtig es ist, positiv zu dir selbst zu sprechen. Verena erzählt von dem Prozess, etwas Neues zu lernen und wie wertvoll es ist, Schüler*in zu sein. Sich selbst dabei mal anzuzweifeln ist völlig okay und verständlich, aber gleichzeitig ist es wichtig dir bewusst zu machen, dass du als 'du' schon genug bist. Du bist einzigartig, du bist wundervoll. Und niemand kann dich ersetzen.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Diese Folge soll dich daran erinnern, welche Freiheiten du tatsächlich hast und warum du diese so oft vergisst. Verena redet über das Narrativ "aus dem Hamsterrad ausbrechen" und über den Individualismus, der heute immer mehr gelebt wird.
Falls du schon immer mal etwas "anders" machen wolltest, es dir aber schwer fällt, dann kann dich diese Folge dabei hoffentlich unterstützen.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Dein Körper verändert sich mal mehr und mal weniger. Besonders in den letzten eineinhalb Jahren ist viel passiert, und solch starke Veränderungen wirken sich auch auf den Körper aus. Das zeigt aber wiederum, welche Arbeit dein Körper leistet.
In dieser Folge erzählt Verena von ihrer Einstellung gegenüber Gewichtszunahme und -abnahme, und warum es so wichtig ist, deinem Körper Aufmerksamkeit zu schenken und ihm zuzuhören.
In dieser Folge werden Gewicht und Diäten diskutiert. Bitte passe auf dich auf, falls diese Themen unangenehm für dich sind.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Kennst du das, wenn du durch Social Media scrollst und dich plötzlich total unwohl fühlst? Oder wenn du in einer Unterhaltung mit Bekannten auf einmal merkst, dass du genau das haben möchtest, wovon diese dir erzählen? Neid ist etwas wirklich unschönes, aber du kannst so viel mehr daraus machen.
Verena erzählt dir in dieser Folge, warum du neidisch bist und wie du es schaffst, Neid zu überwinden. Die Gründe für deinen Neid verraten dir so viel mehr über dich selbst, als du vielleicht denkst.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Gehst du manchmal mit den lieben Menschen in deinem Leben viel netter um als mit dir selbst? Damit wärst du auf jeden Fall nicht alleine. In dieser Folge redet Verena darüber, wie du dich selbst 'daten' kannst und warum es so wichtig ist Zeit mit dir selbst zu verbringen und dich selbst besser kennenzulernen.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Deine Wünsche werden zu Zielen und du verlierst deinen Fokus nicht. Deinen Fokus nicht zu verlieren ist dabei so wichtig, weil Ziele und Pläne im Alltag genauso untergehen können, wie neue Gewohnheiten. Verena erzählt, wie du am besten daran arbeiten kannst und welche Erfahrungen sie gemacht hat.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Selbstliebe kann ganz unterschiedliche Formen annehmen. Verena erzählt dir, warum es so wichtig ist, sich bewusst um sich selbst zu kümmern und welche Erfahrungen sie gemacht hat.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Hast Du Angst davor, Entscheidungen zu treffen? Machst Du dir Sorgen, welchen Einfluss deine Entscheidungen haben und wie sie sich entwickeln?
In dieser Folge erzählt Verena von ihren eigenen Erfahrungen und warum Du keine Angst zu haben brauchst.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge erzählt Dir Verena von dem universellen Gesetz der Anziehung und warum es dabei nicht nur darum geht, Ziele und Wünsche aufzuschreiben, zu denken und auszusprechen. Es geht darum, seine Wünsche und Ziele zu leben.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
Du hast Zeit für Dich, Spaß mit Freunden oder bist auf Reisen und alles sollte sich so schön anfühlen. Stattdessen machst Du dir Sorgen, bist unruhig oder ängstlich. Ist Dir das schonmal passiert?
In dieser Folge lernst Du, wie Du im Hier und Jetzt glücklich sein kannst und solche negativen Gefühle und Gedanken überwinden kannst.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart
In dieser Folge lernst Du, worum es bei Happy Growing geht und wer Verena ist. Verena redet auch darüber, warum sie diesen Podcast Happy Growing und nicht Growing Happy genannt hat.
Instagram: @verenaberndt_
Artwork: @fempowerart