Fighting For Answers – Mandi Potter's Journey Through Hair Loss, Cancer & Finding Strength Tell Her podcast

1:36:57

Some women hit breaking point and decide to shrink. Kate Baxendale hit hers and chose to expand. After decades in high-pressure leadership roles across the NHS, juggling responsibility for hundreds of lives and navigating the invisible weight of being “the strong one,” Kate found herself unravelling. Not all at once but slowly, subtly, almost imperceptibly. She didn’t fall apart in a dramatic collapse. She became quiet. Disconnected. Withdrawn. She started questioning herself. She stopped recognising the person staring back in the mirror. It was only when she stepped back and asked “What do I need?” that everything changed. In this powerful conversation with Sharni, Kate opens up about menopause, introversion, emotional exhaustion, and what happens when women stop pushing through and finally start listening to themselves. They talk about the danger of toxic positivity, the myth of resilience, and the cost of being the one who always holds it all together. But more than anything, this is a story about rediscovering yourself in the middle of a busy, beautiful, chaotic life and learning that you don’t have to choose between success and sanity. Whether you’re leading a team, holding a family together, or simply trying to stay afloat, this episode will remind you that it’s okay to rest, okay to retreat, and okay to be unapologetically you. Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps: [01:28] Setting Boundaries & Protecting Mental Health Kate discusses personal values and avoiding toxic environments. [04:04] The Struggles of Friendship & Social Media How social media impacts friendships and mental health. [07:09] Introversion & Work – Finding Balance Navigating leadership roles as an introvert. [11:02] Emotional Resilience – The Bucket Theory Managing emotional energy to prevent burnout. [14:22] Self-Forgiveness & Learning from Mistakes The role of mistakes in personal growth. [19:06] Shame vs. Growth – Overcoming Judgment How shame holds people back from progress. [24:44] The 1% Rule – Small Steps to Change Why small daily improvements matter. [29:55] Toxic Positivity – When Encouragement Hurts The fine line between support and forced optimism. [34:20] Menopause & Career – The Silent Struggle How menopause affects confidence at work. [41:19] Neurodivergence & Breaking Social Norms Focusing on strengths over limitations. [48:52] Social Media – Filters & Self-Worth The impact of beauty standards online. [55:00] Final Thoughts – Growth & Moving Forward Key takeaways on self-awareness and resilience. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com 🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton: https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp 🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=qr…

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Fighting for Answers – Mandi Potter's Journey Through Hair Loss, Cancer & Finding Strength 2:08:03

11 days ago2:08:03

2:08:03

Some battles you choose. Others come crashing into your life and force you to fight. Mandi’s story is one of resilience, determination, and never backing down when something doesn’t feel right. It started with what seemed like a minor health issue. hair loss linked to an underactive thyroid. But as she sought answers, she was met with dismissals, misdiagnoses, and a frustrating medical system that didn’t seem to be listening. Then came the biggest fight of her life. A tiny ulcer on her gum turned into something far more serious. As she pushed for answers, she faced misdiagnoses, delays, and a medical system that nearly failed her. What should have been caught early was brushed off, until Mandi refused to accept “no” for an answer. By the time she was finally diagnosed with stage four bone cancer of the jaw, it was nearly too late. This isn’t just a story about cancer. It’s about trusting your instincts, fighting for your health, and the emotional rollercoaster of losing and reclaiming confidence. From battling through hair loss to the life-changing moment she heard the words “stage four,” Mandi shares it all, raw, unfiltered, and deeply moving. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt dismissed, unheard, or powerless in their own health journey. It’s a reminder that you know your body better than anyone, and sometimes, the fight is the only way forward. Key moments include: ✔️ The emotional toll of hair loss and how it shattered Mandi’s confidence ✔️ The brutal reality of being dismissed by doctors and fighting for a diagnosis ✔️ How a simple ulcer turned into a stage four cancer battle ✔️ The life-changing impact of getting real answers from the right professionals ✔️ Why hair isn’t just about looks, it’s about identity and self-worth ✔️ The powerful lessons Mandi has learned about resilience, health, and hope 🎧 Listen now and hear Mandi’s incredible story of strength, survival, and finding herself again. Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps: [00:00] The First Signs – Hair Loss & Confidence Struggles How an underactive thyroid triggered severe hair loss and shattered Mandi’s self-esteem. [06:45] Searching for Solutions – The Expensive Gimmicks That Didn’t Work The treatments that promised results, the false hope, and the money wasted. [13:20] The Devastating Diagnosis – From a Tiny Ulcer to Stage Four Cancer The shocking journey of being dismissed for over a year before finally getting the truth. [19:55] When the Medical System Fails You – Fighting for Answers How Mandy refused to accept “it’s nothing” and pushed for the life-saving diagnosis. [27:10] The Emotional Toll – Losing Hair, Confidence & Facing the Unknown What it feels like to lose control of your body and how she fought to regain it. [34:30] The Turning Point – Finding the Right Help & Rebuilding Confidence How seeking out the right experts changed everything. [41:15] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect Mandy’s biggest takeaways and the message she wants every listener to hear. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com 🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton: https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp 🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=qr 🔗 Connect with Mandi Potter: https://www.instagram.com/mandis_bespoke_creations?igsh=anB1enJmbmJ0ZXk= Your voice matters. Your health matters. Trust yourself and fight for the answers you deserve. 🎧…

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From Hairdresser to Hair Detective – Victoria Scott on Trusting the Signs & Taking Control 1:00:19

18 days ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Hair loss isn’t just about aging or genetics. It can be one of the first warning signs that something deeper is happening in the body. Stress, hormonal imbalances, illness, and nutritional deficiencies can all trigger excessive shedding, yet many people dismiss it until it’s too late. The body prioritises vital functions first when it’s under pressure, hair growth is one of the first things to suffer. Ignoring these signs could mean missing a crucial opportunity to take control of both hair health and overall well-being. Victoria Scott understands this better than most. At 19 years old, she was training as a hairdresser, following the career path she thought she was meant to take. But her curiosity went beyond styling she wanted to understand why some clients experienced sudden thinning, breakage, or severe scalp conditions. Why did one person’s hair thrive while another’s deteriorated? And why were so many people being told that hair loss was just something they had to accept? One day, she picked up a magazine article that changed everything. It introduced her to trichology the science of hair and scalp health. She was fascinated, but at the time, pursuing this path felt out of reach. Training was expensive, niche, and not the typical route for someone in the hairdressing industry. Today, Victoria is one of the UK’s leading trichologists, working with clients to uncover the real reasons behind their hair loss and scalp conditions. Her work goes beyond hair she helps people regain confidence, take charge of their health, and separate fact from fiction in an industry full of misinformation. In this episode, Sharni and Victoria dive into the science, the emotional impact, and the common myths surrounding hair loss, including: How hair loss is often the first symptom of a deeper health issue The biggest mistakes people make when they first notice shedding Why quick-fix products don’t work and how to spot misleading advice How social media is spreading dangerous myths about hair health The emotional toll of hair loss and its impact on self-confidence Victoria’s journey from hairdresser to one of the UK’s most respected trichologists Hair is deeply connected to identity, confidence, and well-being. Understanding what it’s trying to tell you could be the key to preventing further loss and uncovering underlying health concerns. 🎧 Listen now and take control of your hair, health, and confidence. Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps: [00:00] The Magazine That Changed Everything [06:45] The Emotional Side of Hair Loss [13:20] Hair Loss 101: What’s Normal & When to Worry [19:55] When Hair Loss is a Warning Sign [27:10] The Social Media Misinformation Epidemic [34:30] The Science of Hair Growth & Recovery [41:15] Victoria’s Advice for Anyone Feeling Stuck [48:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com 🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton: https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp 🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=qr 🔗Connect with Victoria Scott: https://www.instagram.com/east_coast_trichology?igsh=d3VwYTJmeDVlYXhw Because sometimes, your hair is trying to tell you something and it’s time to start listening. 🎧…

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Lisa Daly’s Journey of Strength, Survival, and Purpose 1:33:14

25 days ago1:33:14

1:33:14

Some stories stay with you long after they’re told, and this is one of them. In this episode of The Tell Her Podcast, Lisa Daly shares her extraordinary journey of resilience, survival, and finding purpose through adversity. From overcoming breast cancer to navigating the heartbreaking loss of her parents, Lisa’s story is a testament to the power of strength, positivity, and human connection. She takes us through the deeply personal and emotional challenges she faced her battle with cancer, the trauma of workplace betrayal, and how she turned her pain into purpose as a palliative care nurse. Lisa’s journey is filled with heartfelt lessons, raw honesty, and a powerful message about choosing resilience, even in the darkest moments. ⚠️ A Note to Listeners: This episode discusses topics including cancer, loss, and mental health challenges. While deeply emotional, Lisa’s story is one of hope, purpose, and finding light even in the darkest of times. Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps: [00:00] When Life Changes Overnight Lisa reflects on the moment her life completely shifted, from a serious accident to cancer diagnoses in her family. [07:30] Facing Cancer – From Nurse to Patient Lisa shares what it’s like to go from caring for patients to being one, and how it changed her perspective. [14:45] The Emotional Toll of Career Betrayal How a devastating experience at work knocked Lisa’s confidence more than cancer—and what she learned from it. [22:20] Finding Strength in Community Why having the right support network can be the difference between giving up and fighting back. [30:10] Lessons from Palliative Care What working with end-of-life patients has taught Lisa about living fully and planning for the future. [38:00] The Power of Positivity (Without the Toxic BS) Lisa shares her real approach to staying positive even in the darkest moments. [48:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect How Lisa turned her struggles into purpose and where to follow her journey. How You Can Help: ✔️ Listen. ✔️ Share this episode. Someone out there needs to hear Lisa’s story. ✔️ Reach out. If you or someone you love is going through a similar struggle, know that you are not alone. 🎧 Listen now. Because every story deserves to be told. Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com 🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton: https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp 🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=qr 🔗 Connect with Lisa Daly: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.lddaly?igsh=MW5hd3NjMTM0bWQ2bw==…

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Turning Pain into Power: Rebecca Dickenson on Boundaries, Burnout & Brave Choices 1:09:37

5 weeks ago1:09:37

1:09:37

In this powerful episode of The Tell Her Podcast, host Sharni Knighton sits down with Rebecca Dickenson, an industry-leading hair professional and entrepreneur, to explore the emotional side of service-based careers, personal growth, and the power of human connection. Rebecca opens up about how hairdressing is more than just a job it’s about creating safe spaces, navigating vulnerability, and knowing when to protect your energy. She shares how her own experiences with burnout, toxic relationships, and life-changing decisions like cutting ties with her family led her to discover resilience and redefine success on her own terms. Whether you’re a beauty professional, entrepreneur, or someone seeking clarity in your personal life, this conversation offers actionable insights on setting boundaries, embracing change, and finding strength in vulnerability. Key Moments Include: ✔️The Emotional Side of Hairdressing: Why authentic connection matters for both clients and professionals. ✔️Setting Healthy Boundaries: How Rebecca protects her energy without compromising passion. ✔️Overcoming Burnout: Practical tips to maintain mental well-being while running a service-based business. ✔️Letting Go of Toxic Relationships: Why it’s okay to walk away from connections that no longer serve you. ✔️Mental Health in the Workplace: How to build a support network and reach out when you’re struggling. ✔️Personal Growth & Self-Belief: Turning self-doubt into confidence and embracing discomfort as part of success. Podcast Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 04:12 - More Than Just Hairdressing 10:35 - The Emotional Toll of Service-Based Careers 17:29 - Boundaries Are a Superpower 25:11 - Toxic Relationships & Letting Go 34:20 - Mental Health in the Workplace 42:45 - Finding Your Support Network 50:30 - Overcoming Self-Doubt & Embracing Confidence 1:02:18 - Social Media vs. Reality 1:10:42 - Lessons from Loss & Letting Go 1:17:53 - Closing Thoughts & Takeaways 1:20:00 - Outro Resources & Mentions: 🔗 Connect with Sharni Knighton: https://www.instagram.com/sharni_k_hair?igsh=eGU1YmwwcmdpNTVp 🔗 Hair loss Education From Sharni: https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com/ 🔗Connect with Tell Her Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tell_her_podcastigsh=Mnlpazd2NWl6OGhn&utm_source=qr 🔗 Connect with Rebecca Dickenson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bec_dickenson?igsh=MThlZGN5dnphMnFrYw== Loved this episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please leave a review, share it on social media, and tag us! Your support helps us bring more powerful conversations to life.…

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The Stories Women Need To Hear 1:28:31

6 weeks ago1:28:31