Skip The Small Talk with Ellie Middleton

Join a reflective journey as Ellie dives into the chaos of 2024 and sets her sights on what to unravel in 2025. She ponders the sustainability of her online career while grappling with the pressure of constant intensity. Comparing past relationships, she shares insights on love-bombing and the weight of expectations in dating. With plans for solo travel in Southeast Asia, she hopes to find balance and explore her true self beyond her public persona. It’s a thoughtful mix of self-discovery and future aspirations!

This conversation dives into the dual nature of independence, exploring how it can lead to both empowerment and loneliness. Ellie shares her reflections on the challenges of self-employment and living alone, revealing how they amplified her feelings of solitude. She discusses the balance between an engaging online life and offline loneliness, and reviews her hopes for reconnecting with others through travel. The impact of fame on dating and friendships adds a fascinating layer to the discussion, while insights about meaningful connections highlight personal growth.

In this insightful discussion, Ellie shares ten hard-earned lessons from the year. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that not everyone will reciprocate your kindness. Traditional markers of success may lead you away from true happiness. Balancing self-push and rest is tricky, while socializing sober can enhance confidence. Toxic friendships can hurt your well-being, and it's crucial to be aware of how words are interpreted. Ultimately, Ellie reminds us that growth is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.

Ellie dives into her journey, sharing her experiences with a quarter-life crisis that sparked a desire to travel. She recounts her early jobs, including a stint at the post office, and the mental health challenges that shaped her decisions. Discover her ideal Sunday routine, balancing a restful Saturday and a planning-focused Sunday. Ellie also reveals her favorite indie music and books, highlighting her love for relatable reads like 'Normal People'. Plus, learn about her energizing 'dopamine smoothie' breakfast recipe!

Exploring the challenges of direct communication, Ellie discusses why women face backlash for being straightforward. She delves into the energy drain from being misunderstood and the assumptions people make about directness. The idea of a 'direct day' highlights the fear of social costs in honesty. Ellie reflects on the delicate balance of being praised for directness while needing to control tone and framing in society. Ultimately, she expresses a desire for clarity in relationships to alleviate anxiety.

Explore the complex world of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria as Ellie shares her personal experiences with anxiety and burnout. She discusses the challenges of seeking constant reassurance and feeling like an outsider at social events. Discover how praise can lead to self-doubt and the crippling effects of delayed replies. With a candid look at people-pleasing and the fear of vulnerability, Ellie highlights the importance of authenticity and self-value. Join her as she navigates friendship, connection, and the struggles of feeling overwhelmed in social situations.

Jordan Stephens, a musician, actor, author, and activist, dives deep into his memoir 'Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs.' He discusses the challenges of ADHD, the healing power of vulnerability, and the importance of setting boundaries. Jordan shares insights on managing emotions, embracing sobriety, and the complexities of relationships. The conversation touches on practical tips for ADHD-friendly living and the courage it takes to reopen your heart after betrayal, while also emphasizing the importance of kindness and communication in love.

Celebrating three years since her ADHD diagnosis, Ellie shares ten insightful revelations. She discusses the layered nature of unmasking neurodivergence, debunks the myth of quick fixes, and emphasizes the necessity of background stimulation to stay focused. Exercise, despite being frustrating advice, genuinely enhances mood. She highlights self-imposed pressures that lead to burnout and the reality that neurodivergence doesn't guarantee instant connection. Lastly, she embraces the tendency to procrastinate, suggesting it can be harnessed creatively.

This week's discussion covers a personal SAD Survival Kit for thriving in winter. Tips include belting out tunes in the car to boost spirits, embracing the outdoors whenever possible, and indulging in sweet treats for comfort. The importance of community shines through as the speaker highlights connecting with others and avoiding endless scrolling. Quick beauty hacks also make an appearance, ensuring you feel your best even in gloomy months. It's all about uplifting your mood and navigating the winter blues with creativity and self-care!

Join a captivating conversation that dives deep into the struggles of procrastination and perfectionism. Discover the tension around commitment issues and how creating a relaxed podcast format can help. Explore the intriguing concept of being a 'warm girl' versus a 'cool gal' and its impact on personal identity. Ellie unapologetically shares her journey of vulnerability, highlighting how genuine connections flourish when we let our true selves shine. It's a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, boundaries, and embracing one's unique personality!