The Rest Repair Recover Podcast

In this calming episode, Caroline takes you on a guided journey through the healing power of breath work. Discover how a few simple breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and support your body’s natural healing process. Caroline shares practical ways to integrate breathwork into your daily life. Whether you’re lying in bed, relaxing on the sofa, or even making a cup of tea. You’ll learn how to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” side of your body) to encourage deep, restorative relaxation. Caroline also introduces playful methods to soften the jaw and diaphragm, helping you breathe more deeply and release tension. This episode focuses on mindfulness, as Caroline gently guides you to connect with your body’s breath, notice its rhythm, and nurture your breathing muscles for greater calm and balance. Perfect for anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, or simply looking for a few moments of peace in a busy day. Tune in and let your breath be your guide to a more centered, peaceful you.

In this warm and practical episode, I sat down with the brilliant Kevin Leivers from The Naked Pharmacy to explore what really happens in our bodies when a new virus hits, and how we can best support ourselves, both physically and emotionally, through reinfection. If you’ve ever felt that familiar panic at the first sign of a cold, Covid, or anything viral, this conversation is for you. Together, we unpick myths around the immune system (spoiler: it’s not just about what’s in your blood!) and dig into why nurturing the gut, nasal passages, and even your mouth can create a powerful line of defence. Kevin shares genuinely helpful advice for prevention, such as how to choose the right nasal spray and why switching up your toothpaste could make a huge difference. When it comes to recovery, we talk all things vitamin C and zinc (the natural way!), olive leaf extract for viruses, and the underappreciated wonders of black garlic for bacterial infections and lung health. We also cover the essentials of vitamin D, the role of quercetin, and even dispel some confusion about electrolytes, with straightforward tips for making your own at home, minus the nasties. Whether you’re feeling run down, hunting for ways to build resilience, or simply want to be prepared for the next wave of sniffles, this episode is packed with down-to-earth, science-backed advice to help you get back to yourself, quicker and kinder. Listen in for practical tools, a dash of myth-busting, and a big dose of reassurance for the road ahead.

In this open and practical conversation, I was joined by Kevin Leivers from The Naked Pharmacy to unravel the complex world of hormones for women aged 40 and over especially those navigating chronic illness or the after-effects of viruses like Covid. Our female community know all too well that, alongside the challenges of midlife, our hormones can become truly unsettled. While many are having huge success with HRT, others find it doesn’t work for them or their bodies simply can’t tolerate it. We dive into what might be going on, and Kevin offers insight into how natural approaches and targeted supplements can support hormonal balance, either alongside HRT or as an alternative. We talk about everything from phytoestrogens, magnesium and saffron for stress, to the importance of reading supplement labels carefully, and the science behind ingredients like ashwagandha, red clover, and fenugreek. We also discuss why managing sugar and fat intake becomes even more essential, the links between hormones and skin, and why self-nurturing is a non-negotiable at this stage of life. Kevin shares expert advice on how to approach symptoms as they arise breaking through anxiety, insomnia, hot flushes, and even late onset acne with evidence-based solutions. We explore working effectively with the medical system, how to get the right blood tests, and the importance of listening to your own body and trusting your instincts. If you’re struggling with hormone disruption, overwhelmed by supplement claims, or just want to feel more empowered on your menopause journey, this episode will give you reassurance, options, and a huge dose of hope. With warmth and clarity, we aim to give you tools to navigate this transformative time whether you’re a fan of HRT, keen on natural support, or simply looking for answers.

In this warm and deeply uplifting conversation, I sat down with Angela from British Columbia to explore her recovery story and the transformational journey she experienced after Long Covid. Angela describes, with remarkable honesty and insight, the many twists and turns of her illness, beginning with crushing fatigue and anxiety, followed by a bewildering “advent calendar” of symptoms, and culminating in life-altering neurological changes and POTS. Like many, Angela sought medical answers and was told to “rest” without really understanding what that meant, all while trying to maintain her fast-paced, caring role as a mental health clinician and mum. She shares what it was truly like at her worst unable to walk, relying on her family, and finding herself rolling around the garden just to be close to nature. But Angela also talks about finding hope: the chance connections with community, the power of self-compassion, the unexpected comfort in cold water therapy, and crucially learning how to really rest, let go of old habits, and nurture all the frightened and hurting parts of herself. We chat about the ups and downs of recovery, the challenge of pacing, and how joy, laughter, nature, and genuine self-care slowly but surely became key to rebuilding not just health, but a whole new relationship with herself and her family. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your own recovery, this episode is full of practical wisdom, inspiration, and gentle reassurance that healing is possible. Angela’s story is a reminder that everything changes and that, even in the darkest moments, there are green shoots just waiting to grow.

In this inspiring and heartfelt conversation, I sat down with Holly Johnson Underwood to explore her remarkable journey towards recovery from Long Covid. Holly has been a member of our Facebook group since just after it began in June 2020, and her experience has been extraordinary. In this episode, Holly bravely shares what it was like at her lowest point, housebound, using a wheelchair, and overwhelmed by the trauma of her illness. She opens up about the isolation, the struggle to cope with even the smallest of daily challenges, and the desperate searches for answers when everything seemed bleak. Together, we talk about the turning points in Holly’s journey: how a simple Zoom call sparked renewed hope, the power of acupuncture and therapy to address both mind and body, and the importance of tracking even the smallest steps forward. Holly discusses finding her own “missing piece” through diet, vagus nerve work, and treating underlying trauma, and shares the wisdom she’s gained about hope, tenacity, and the vital importance of mental health in recovery. For anyone who feels lost or stuck, Holly’s story is a testament to the power of patience, self-belief, and finding just enough hope to keep moving forwards. Her honesty and positivity will lift anyone navigating the darkest days of Long Covid. If you need a reason to keep swimming, let Holly’s journey remind you there truly can be light at the end of the tunnel.

In this warm and uplifting conversation, I sat down with the irrepressible Debbie Geraghty to hear her recovery story from Long Covid, and reflect on the crucial role of community, creativity, and kindness along the way. Debbie shares how her journey began in those uncertain early days of the pandemic, when even the classic Covid symptom of losing your sense of smell was seen as “an oddity" rather than the warning sign we all recognise now. She opens up about navigating months of debilitating post-viral fatigue, brain fog, and a baffling array of symptoms, and why the support of her GP made all the difference. We talk honestly about the challenges: the rollercoaster of symptoms, being isolated at home, and the struggle to be believed. But Debbie’s story is also full of hope and humour. She tells us about the global online community that uplifted her (and even her 96-year-old neighbour, Thelma, who became an unlikely internet sensation!), the joy of creative writing and photography, and the life-changing shift from focusing on illness to rediscovering connection and joy. Debbie also reflects on the importance of group support like Rest Repair Recover and why laughter, gentle movement, and being witnessed by others in a safe space can transform the recovery process. If you’re feeling lost or hopeless on your own journey, this episode is a gentle reminder: you’re not alone, there is a way through, and sometimes the smallest moments of kindness can help us find our way home. Let us know in the comments what this episode inspired you to do differently, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

In this candid and eye-opening conversation, I sat down with Dr Sarah Glynne, GP, menopause specialist and all-round font of knowledge, for a frank discussion about menopause, hormones and the impact of Long Covid. Together, we tackled the questions so many women have right now about hormone health at every age. We explored why menopause is only just being talked about openly, despite being a universal part of women’s lives, and how Sarah’s own journey, along with her husband’s work with Long Covid patients, reshaped her perspective on hormones. From the link between Long Covid and hormonal disruption to what actually happens when Covid throws your cycle off balance, we dug into why perimenopausal symptoms so often overlap with Long Covid. We also dismantled common HRT myths, especially those around breast cancer, and unpacked everything from plant oestrogen and testosterone’s role beyond libido, to the challenges facing women in their 20s and 30s, and the difference between natural and body-identical hormones. Whether you’re wondering if it’s “too early” for menopause, navigating baffling symptoms, or simply looking for clarity and reassurance, this episode delivers up-to-date insights, practical advice and myth-busting you can trust. Key takeaway: Knowledge is power, and it’s more than OK to ask for help and experiment with what works for your unique body. Tune in for expert clarity, compassionate support and the straight talk every woman deserves.

In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, I sat down with Matt Bromley to discuss his extraordinary journey from the depths of Long Covid in 2020 to a full and vibrant recovery, with a little help from the Rest Repair Recover programme. Matt was one of our earliest students and, as he shares so openly, his experience was both harrowing and life-changing. At his worst, Matt was housebound for months, unable to climb stairs or even read his children a bedtime story. He describes what it was like to watch life go on without him: family holidays missed, career put on hold, and the heartache of seeing others doing things he once loved. We talk about: The relentless uncertainty and isolation of those early months How Matt learned to surrender and pace himself, replacing “pushing through” with rest, acceptance, and kindness The power of community, tiny green shoots of progress, and learning to celebrate each small step His experiments with everything from diet and supplements to meditation, pacing, and cold water therapy The pivotal mindset shifts and nervous system work that helped him finally break free from the boom-and-bust cycle Matt now has his life back. He is working, travelling, and creating joyful memories with his family. He’s emerged not just recovered but, as he says, a better version of himself. If you’re feeling stuck, frightened, or hopeless, Matt’s story will reassure you that recovery is possible, and that there is life, and even joy, on the other side. For anyone on the Long Covid rollercoaster, this episode is a beautiful reminder to never give up hope.

In this uplifting and deeply real episode, I sat down with Gina Short to hear her remarkable recovery story following Long Covid and how joy, love, and connection played a crucial role in her healing. Gina shares her experience from the early days of standard Covid illness through months of relentless fatigue, neurological symptoms, and the emotional toll of living with Long Covid. She opens up about reaching her lowest point, the helplessness of searching for answers in a world with few solutions, and the pivotal moment she discovered the power of true rest. We talk about finding accessible support (like free YouTube yoga and gentle movement videos), learning to pause and stop striving, and the shift that comes from approaching recovery differently: focusing on community, kindness, and those tiny sparks of joy that gradually grow into hope. Gina also reflects candidly on grief, resilience, and how her journey led to an unexpected transformation. She now lives a life fuelled by connection, play, laughter, and compassion for herself and others. She speaks from the heart about learning to rest, pacing with respect, and shedding old stories about what it means to be “productive” or “well.” Whether you’re in the thick of Long Covid, just discovering the Rest Repair Recover resources, or needing proof that recovery real, joyful recovery is possible, Gina’s story is a beautiful reminder that finding community and making space for joy can be a turning point. Listen in for a powerful dose of hope, humanity, and inspiration. You are not alone on this journey.

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Dr Boon Lim and Joe Iddison as we explore Joe’s remarkable story of overcoming POTS, insomnia, and intense brain fog following Long Covid. Joe opens up about how his life was turned upside down after contracting Covid in February 2021. From being fit, active, and content in his work in the music industry, he suddenly found himself bed-bound, isolated, and facing debilitating symptoms including palpitations, overwhelming fatigue, insomnia, and night-time adrenaline surges. Despite seeking help through A&E and a series of remote consultations, Joe struggled to find clear answers or real progress. Enter Dr Boon Lim, an expert in cardiology and autonomic dysfunction, who was able to help Joe understand what was actually happening in his body. Joe was ultimately diagnosed with POTS and autonomic dysfunction related to Long Covid. Dr Lim discusses the science behind these symptoms, the importance of breathwork, and why standard medications don’t always help, sometimes even making things worse. Crucially, Joe shares how discovering the Rest Repair Recover programme provided a turning point. Through regular, gentle yoga, breathwork, and a sense of online community even via replays, Joe experienced hope, empowerment, and incremental recovery. The emotional and psychological aspects of recovery are a big focus in this chat: we discuss the importance of connection, dealing with the fear of the unknown, and the vital role of mindset. This is an honest and practical episode for anyone struggling with Long Covid, POTS, or fatigue syndromes, especially if you’ve felt invalidated or alone in your journey. Joe’s story proves that with compassionate care, the right tools, and a supportive community, real and lasting recovery is possible. Find hope, practical tips, and expert insight in this inspiring episode.