As women we are often guilty of allowing that strong inner critic to stop us from taking the next step in our career. Fear of failure, of rejection, and sometimes even fear of success, can play havoc with our confidence. Social media expert Jess Audsley is here to bring you conversations with women who’ve overcome these barriers, and paved their own way in a world built by men for men. The title of this podcast is inspired by Glennon Doyle, who says: Every life is an unprecedented experiment ...
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From falling off treadmills to getting a lifelong injury from an amusement arcade horse, the lives of Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland are filled with a comedy of errors that will make you feel a lot happier about your own misdemeanors. Rather than never telling a living soul about the time Caroline accidentally created a murder scene at a teddy bear's picnic or the time Annabelle ended up naked on a wakeboard, they decided to tell anyone who'd listen. The pair met whilst working as pr ...
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Welcome to Smashing The Ceiling, the show where we showcase the lives of women with interesting, unusual and inspiring careers, those who have achieved amazing things, some who've got a really cool or unusual job, and some who've just had a fascinating life. Each week I sit down with one amazing human to dig a little deeper into the HOW of it all - how did they get where they are, how they picked themselves up when things didn’t go right, and how their mentors, motivations and mistakes have ...
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Annabelle Buckland - on audio obsessions and an adult diagnosis of ADHD
51:31
51:31
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My guest today is a woman I met a couple of years ago whilst wearing a delicious pair of sequinned dungarees and accepting an award at the International Women’s Podcast Awards. Her name is Annabelle Buckland, and she’s an radio host, podcast producer and general audio whizzo. She also has ADHD. We’ve discussed a lot of things on this podcast over t…
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Jia Wertz - from Forbes and fashion to film-making and fighting for freedom
43:54
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My guest today has gone from shy wallflower to recipient of international film awards and a column in Forbes. Jia Wertz is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, activist and writer, who, like many of our guests, has had a working life with some unexpected twists and turns. Jia had a super successful career in the fashion industry when she first hea…
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Samantha Baines, Part 2 - on starring in Magic Mike Live with Channing Tatum and accidentally writing a children's book
41:01
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This is Part Two of my chat with Sam Baines, my first guest for Season 6 of the podcast, and a woman that I’ve know for a few years after she was shortlisted at the inaugural International Women’s Podcast Awards back in 2021. It’s fitting that she’s first this season, because she’s been the first woman to do a few other things too. Sam is an award-…
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Samantha Baines, Part 1 - on life as a comedian, becoming a deaf activist and the secret bit of Heathrow airport
42:25
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We're back for Season 6! My first guest is a woman that I’ve know for a few years after she was shortlisted at the inaugural International Women’s Podcast Awards back in 2021. Her name is Samantha Baines, and it’s fitting that she’s first this season, because she’s been the first woman to do a few other things too. Sam is an award-winning comedian,…
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We’ve been away for a little while, but we are back! I’m Naomi Mellor, and I’m delighted to let you know that there’s a new season of Smashing The Ceiling just around the corner, with all sorts of delights awaiting you. In this podcast we chat to women with unusual, interesting and inspiring careers, and we’re kicking off Season 6 with comedian, au…
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Justine Nagaur - on holistic care, spiritual healing and recovering from chronic pain
38:59
38:59
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If you’re into meditation and healing, you may know what a Tibetan sound bowl is. If not, you’ve got a treat in store, as we’ll be digging deep into the world of holistic health in this episode. My guest today is Justine Nagaur, a spiritual healer, teacher, mentor, and creator of bespoke crystal malas. I met Justine a couple of years ago, and she’s…
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Caroline Kremer - on healing injuries, unexpected circumstances, and career re-invention
50:41
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How often do you think about your own breathing? I bet you are right now. How fast do you breathe? How deeply? Most of the time it’s completely unconscious. We just do it, and we rarely consider how we breathe unless we’re exercising and out of breath, or ill and out of breath, as many of us have been during the pandemic.It’s only when our capacity…
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Dot Zacharias - on sleep deprivation, life at a tech startup and the power of yoga Nidra
48:44
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This week, we’re talking, amongst other things, about sleep. My guest today is Dot Zacharias, COO and co-founder of Nourish, a wellbeing app designed for busy mums to find a little calm in their lives, which aims to protect maternal mental health and provide support. But that description doesn’tquite cover Dot’s career. After starting her working l…
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Sinéad McGrath - on endometriosis advocacy, becoming a golf influencer and women in the law
30:44
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My guest this week is endometriosis advocate, golf influencer and brilliant lawyer Sinéad McGrath - as you might imagine, the subjects we covered in this conversation are many and varied. Sinéad sits on the Executive Committee of the Junior Lawyers' Division at The Law Society, and after saying ‘no’ for many years, she started playing golf a couple…
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Catie Friend - on unexpected career challenges, solo travel and life in the mountains
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My first guest of 2022 is Catie Friend, who says of her adventures that she “will always be a completer rather than a competer”. Given the challenges she’s completed, which include the world’s toughest ski mountaineering race and the half Marathon des Sables, and the things she’s done in her career, completing any of them would be considered a stro…
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009 Leila Ainge: Business Psychology and staying curious
1:19:54
1:19:54
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This is a meaty discussion starting from the beginning of Leila’s career, from her last-minute decision to change her plans of becoming a teacher in favour of a Business and IT course. Wangling her way onto a graduate program in her first job after completing her HND Leila went on to carve out a niche for herself as the go-to person for liaising wi…
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008 Hannah Russell: Listening to your gut and great audio
58:23
58:23
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Founder of Mags Creative, a podcast production and promotion agency, Hannah works with brands and individuals to tell their story in audio. Hannah reflects on how starting a business seemed completely achievable due to her entrepreneurial family background and what makes her sister the best business partner. In this episode: Learning from business …
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S02 EP31: At least you didn't...set fire to a dinner party...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
26:32
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The penultimate episode of the series packs a lot of punches. Faking injuries. Sitting in baskets. Setting fire to dinner parties. What more could you want? It's basically another episode to make you feel better about your own life.By Under the mast
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007 Viktoria Elman: Female networks and being fearless of failure
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Jess chats with VoiceHER co-founder Viktoria, who eloquently discusses the psychology mindset that guided her career and helped her to become a relatable leader that is unafraid of failure. On a mission to discover who she was as a person and find real meaning in life she changed her career perspective. Recognising the privilege and opportunities a…
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S02 EP30: At least you didn't... borrow accessories from a fashionista... with Caroline Verdon Annabelle Buckland
8:24
8:24
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No Caroline this week! She's under the weather, and surviving only on mashed potato and the glory of some good news in the shape of a delicious new podcast award... Annabelle has been unintentionally harassing more unsuspecting members of the public, but surely can't be the only one this has happened to...? Can you put a smile on Caroline's swollen…
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006 Jess shares her career story with Rachael Vaughan-Jones
1:01:39
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Prepare to be inspired by the self-truths of another fantastic unprecedented female pioneer as this week, Jess talks us through her own career. From the early years in marketing and PR jobs, to a career break in interior design and finally the toxic workplace and long-standing mistreatment which propelled her into finding fulfilment as an entrepren…
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S0 EP29: At least you didn't...invent a questionnaire to snare a man...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
23:41
23:41
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Another deep dive into Caroline and Annabelle's sad little lives. This week, terrible dating schemes, awkward dances and anatomically incorrect graffiti.By Under the mast
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005 Vendela Lilliestråle: Business & Dreams, and unconscious gender bias
59:32
59:32
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Before launching Business & Dreams, Vendela Lilliestråle and Camilla Lundin started boutique investment firm Qalora Capital with Camilla straight out of university to help start-ups with venture capital and both were recently named in Forbes’ 30 under 30 in Europe. Through the Business & Dreams network, Vendela sees the common struggles women in bu…
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S02 EP28: At least you didn't have an unfortunate collision with a cockatiel...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
20:51
20:51
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This episode involves underwear, cockatiels and meeting the parents. What a delightful combination.By Under the mast
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Siobhan Daniels - from nursing to broadcast journalism to pro-age campaigning, and life in a campervan
49:27
49:27
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Siobhan Daniels grew up in a care home as one of eight children amongst the elderly people her family looked after. She's subsequently had an incredibly varied and colourful life, first working as a nurse in the NHS before joining the BBC as a trainee in broadcast journalism. Siobhan spent 30 years as a presenter, reporter and producer at the BBC, …
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004 Khaleelah Jones: What to bring to the table
57:16
57:16
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Khaleelah Jones is the founder and owner of award-winning boutique marketing agency for start-ups and small business’, Careful Feet Digital. She is also the co-CEO of Ada's List - an email community for those who broadly identify as women in tech. Originally from the US and now based in the UK, Khaleelah shares her entrepreneurial journey with Jess…
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S2 EP27: At least you didn't...need a topical cream for a second date...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
24:17
24:17
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There is nothing less romantic on a second date than having to give your partner a topical cream for a microscopic bug that could be burrowing in his skin. Trust us. Caroline has been there. However awkward your dates have been, this date is pretty up there in the list of PLEASE GROUND SWALLOW ME UP moments! Also on this episode find out why Annabe…
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S02 EP26: At least you didn't...try to be a domestic goddess...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Bucklane
26:29
26:29
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Well lets see. This episode covers A LOT. Sexting, unrequited love, coach trips, generally weird behaviours and also massive gigantic swollen faces. If you are after a podcast that will make you feel grateful for your own life then this is it. Because thank your lucky stars you aren't Caroline or Annabelle.…
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Vicki Prais - on international human rights and a lifetime of advocating for others
38:24
38:24
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When you think about human rights, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it's the treatment of prisoners overseas, or working conditions and pay in a place of employment, or freedom of speech, or the right of an individual to live freely and safely in whatever manner they choose? Maybe it's a multitude of other things, because the subjec…
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003 Christina Clark: Fostering healthy culture & human connection in the workplace.
57:03
57:03
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As well as specialising in work culture consultancy and leadership coaching, Christina Clark is also a certified civil, commercial and workplace mediator. She discusses how whether you are an employee or a leader, work culture is something everyone needs to be aware of. In particular, the post-pandemic landscape has meant companies now more than ev…
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S02 EP25: At least you didn't...underestimate your own girth...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
24:35
24:35
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Another episode that will make you feel great about your own life because at least you're not Caroline or Annabelle! Their lives are just a succession of embarrassing stories and awkward situations that are equal parts horrific and hilarious. This week, at least you didn't...underestimate your own girth...harass the wrong person...or introduce your…
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002 Lucy Cox: Knowing what you’re capable of
1:21:43
1:21:43
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Business coach Lucy Cox has helped hundreds of start-ups gain the confidence and skills to move forward with their businesses. Lucy and her sister Lerryn run Equinox Business together, both being huge advocates for women’s enterprise, female empowerment and the body positivity movement. Lucy talks Jess through her journey, discovering a love for bu…
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001 Tiwalola Ogunlesi: Positive mindsets and being unstoppable
48:10
48:10
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Tiwalola is a globally recognised and qualified life coach, international speaker, Positive Psychology Specialist and Master Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner. Born and raised in Nigeria, Tiwalola talks to Jess about her experience of being raised by strong, unstoppable women, yet still struggled with a negative mindset in her early years. Inspired by …
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S02 EP24: At least you didn't...forget you had a child...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
18:58
18:58
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Having a rough time? Need to feel like you have a better handle on life? Think of this episode as free therapy! Not only will it make you realise you're actually doing just fine but you'll also become very grateful for being exactly who you are, and not being Caroline and Annabelle This episode covers everything from incidents with heat packs, to k…
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Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa - on the power of imagination, and teen entrepreneurship
32:26
32:26
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To open Season 4, I’ve got two guests with me with this week, and if you’re looking for inspiring women in your life, then these two are it. Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa are sisters from Northampton, England and they’re 13 and 12 years old respectively. Nothing unusual there. What is unusual is that both Kirsten and Aiyven are published authors and bus…
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S02 EP23: At least you didn't...kill a teacher...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland.
20:13
20:13
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Yes that's right. Kill a teacher. Apparently "the story isn't that bad" and "it could have happened to anyone" and "we won't get sued". Fingers crossed! We also discuss Caroline's postman and how breastfeeding and expressing left her (and him) pretty red faced. Plus Caroline learns a tough lesson about balancing weights. And about brakes on a buggy…
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S02 EP22: At least you didn't...show a copper your boobie dumplings...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
26:23
26:23
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Showing a police officer your breasticles? CHECK. Making a fool of your self infront of a celeb? CHECK. Revealing your families darkest secret live on the radio? CHECK. This episode has it all! This episode is sponsored by Lixir Drinks, to get yourself 15% off of their delicious tonic waters, head to www.lixirdrinks.co.uk and use the discount code …
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S02 EP21: At least you didn't...end up naked in a hotel lobby...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
27:37
27:37
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If something bad is going to happen, it's going to happen to Caroline and Annabelle. In this episode find out what happened when Caroline mimed a flute solo, when Annabelle put coffee before her education and why Caroline got kicked out of a press conference. Also hear from Jane Buckley about exactly how she ended up naked in a hotel corridor! This…
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S02 EP20: At least you didn't...have a Royal wild wee...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
26:46
26:46
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Caroline isn't great with a wild wee at the best of times but sometimes nature calls. It's just unfortunate when it calls around soon to be royalty. Annabelle attempts running again but ends up with a rather awkward dog poo situation And Caroline got on her soapbox and had a right old rant...at the wrong person. Packed with more funny and embarrasi…
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S02 EP19: At least you didn't...take practice kissing incredibly seriously...with Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland
26:38
26:38
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We are back! Welcome to series 2! On this episode you'll find stories about idolising Mick Hucknell, problems with trying to look cool on the bus and a tale about exactly why we should all drink responsibly. Our guest this week is Sarah from Newcastle whose story made us HOWL with laughter. It's safe to say we'll never look at our cuppa in the same…
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At least you didn't...series 2 - THE TRAILER!
2:28
2:28
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We're only coming back with a second series! I KNOW! Who'd have thought that Caroline Verdon and Annabelle Buckland's lives would be THAT disastrous that they could make two entire series out of their embarrassing stories! This series will definitely make you laugh and feel very grateful that you're not them! New series launches Tuesday 14th Septem…
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Tigz Rice - on burlesque, boudoir and her unique photography career
42:06
42:06
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To many people, the world of burlesque may seem distant, mysterious and unknown. You might have heard of Dita von Teese, but how much do you know about the art of it, the glamour, and the people, who are, by all accounts, a brilliant bunch of welcoming human beings? My guest today is Tigz Rice, who combines her career as a burlesque and boudoir pho…
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