13 to 19 Podcast

People will try to shape you and affect you in all stages of your life but remember, YOU DECIDE what success is. Everyone's success and happiness looks different so focus on being the best version of yourself for you and not others. Also don't be so hard on yourself. Finding who you are is a long process with no final destination.

Hiding who you are really can take its toll on your mental and physical health. I know it can hurt but the labels people give you DO NOT MATTER. At the end of the day you should be happy with yourself, not hiding yourself to make others happy. My two incredible guests (Alex Santana and Char Bailey) talk about their experience hiding their sexuality and likes and the relief they felt when they were finally honest about who they are. 

Talk to someone! If you don't feel safe speaking to someone you know there are always amazing people ready to listen! Organisations like Samaritans, YoungMindUK and ChildLine to name a few. 

Growing up is confusing but if you're growing up with a disability sometimes your teenage years can feel even harder. I speak with disability campaigner Samantha Renke to discuss her memories of growing up and PROVE to you that your disability shouldn't hold you back! 

I know they tell you to ignore what people say (and of course you should because people's opinions of you don't mean ****) BUT, it is also important to talk to someone especially if it is constant. There is nothing wrong with you, we are all out here trying to grow and find who we are.

That first heartbreak is going to hurt like a mother fudger, I know. Don't let it shatter your confidence or self-worth, it is going to be ok! This episode I have two lovely ladies helping me dissect that first heartbreak and honestly, they're really funny! EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK!

Life can be unfair and we all start in different places. We can all face difficulties in our personal lives but it is so important to make the right choices. We all make mistakes but only you can decide the path you take. 

Rachel, founder of @ursafeuk, and I discuss boys and girls setting AND respecting boundaries. Slapping bums and boobs or any other part of the body isn't funny and you need to speak up. Your body, your rules. 

in this episode we talk about how mean girls can be to each other and that you do not have to put up with it! Seriously, why would you stay around people who make you feel rubbish? Free yourself!

I finally got some male perspective of teen struggles! EQUAL RIGHTS AND THAT.

School is one big bubble of pressure and although everyone's experience is different, we all have or will face pressure. It could be: fitting in, being liked, being pretty/handsome, being sexually active - to name a few!  SPOILER ALERT - follow your gut and remember its OK to say no and do your own thing!

Are there any students in your school who have come from another country? Maybe they can't speak English. How do you think that would feel? Have you done anything to make people feel more welcome? I speak to Cataleiah Grace about how it was adjusting to secondary school and the issues Non-British students can face.

My guest and I talk about feeling ugly during our teen years and share our embarrassing stories! It isn't all doom and gloom, we look back now and laugh! Everyone looked a bit dodgy during secondary school. HELLO! Your body is going through so many changes but that does not make you ugly. Feeling insecure about your looks and body is normal and something you can experience at any age. BUT YOU CANNOT LET IT DEFINE YOU. Everyone is a peng ting anyway.