A Millennial Mind

On this week’s episode of A Millennial Mind, I’m joined by Abigail Foster, an accountant, money expert, and founder of Elent Financial. Abigail has built a reputation for making money simple, relatable, and actually enjoyable to talk about. In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about money in 2025: from renting vs buying, saving and investing, and even the fairness of inheritance tax. Abigail also unpacks how childhood experiences shape our money mindset, why budgeting feels so overwhelming, and the practical steps millennials and Gen Z can take to feel more financially free. If you’ve ever felt stressed about money, stuck in financial habits, or just confused by the UK tax system, this episode will help you make sense of it all. ✨ Who This Episode Is For Millennials and Gen Z who want to feel in control of their finances. Anyone stuck between renting vs buying and wondering what’s right for them. People who want to start investing but don’t know where to begin. Those struggling with budgeting, saving, or money mindset. Anyone curious about UK money topics like taxes, inheritance, or the cost of living. 📚 What You’ll Learn How your childhood experiences shape your money habits today. Why budgeting feels hard - and how to make it easier. The truth about renting vs buying property in 2025. Simple steps to start saving and investing (even if you feel clueless). How to think about tax, inheritance, and wealth without overwhelm. Why shifting your money mindset is the key to building wealth. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 --- 🔑 Abigail Foster, Elent Financial, money mindset, budgeting tips, saving money, how to invest, investing for beginners, UK tax explained, inheritance tax, cost of living 2025, UK finance 2025, personal finance for millennials, Gen Z money tips, renting vs buying property, financial freedom, money habits psychology, A Millennial Mind podcast, Shivani Pau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's AMM Minutes segment, I chat with Sarover Auja from 'Love is Blind UK' about the challenges of getting parental acceptance in relationships and dealing with societal judgment. We delve into the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and open communication when integrating a partner into one's family. Sarover opens up about her personal journey, sharing insights on resilience post-divorce and emphasising that love transcends cultural and societal boundaries. 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Parental Acceptance Check out the full episode where Sarover goes into DETAIL about her Love Is Blind experience, here: 01:38 The Struggle with In-Laws and Cultural Expectations 03:06 Breaking the Cycle of Judgment and Fear 03:51 Dealing with Divorce and Societal Judgment 05:30 Love Beyond Cultural Boundaries 07:48 The Importance of Character Over Community 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarover Aujla from Netflix’s Love Is Blind joins me on A Millennial Mind to share what really happened in her marriage, why it ended in divorce, and how cultural and family expectations shaped her journey. Sarover opens up about the reality of a 91-day marriage, the red flags she ignored, and the challenges of navigating love and heartbreak in front of the world. She also reflects on what it feels like to lose yourself in a relationship — becoming “a shell of yourself” — and the powerful lessons she’s learned about self-worth, boundaries, and choosing herself. For so many millennials, love and marriage look different today than they did for our parents. Sarover’s story is raw, real, and deeply relatable — whether you’ve faced cultural pressure, heartbreak, or are simply learning to put yourself first. ✨ Who This Episode Is For - Fans of Love Is Blind curious about Sarover Aujla’s story beyond the show. - Millennials navigating relationships, marriage, divorce, or cultural pressure. - Anyone who has felt lost in love and is trying to rebuild. - Listeners looking for honest lessons on self-worth, resilience, and growth. 📚 What You’ll Learn - What really happened in Sarover Aujla’s Love Is Blind marriage and divorce. - The role of cultural and family expectations in shaping relationships. - The red flags Sarover overlooked — and the lessons she took from them. - How to heal and grow after heartbreak in the public eye. - Why choosing yourself is not selfish, but necessary. Let me know what you thought of this week's episode on the comments 💖 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you post pictures of your kids online? Well, children's therapist and cyber trauma expert, Catherine Knibbs, is here to tell you why you shouldn't (even if you're on a private account!) In this week's episode of A Millennial Mind, we’re talking about the hidden dangers of posting kids online, the reality of online predators, and why the usual rules around screen time and social media safety don’t really apply to modern-day children anymore. Catherine shares what’s actually happening to kids’ brains when they grow up in a digital world, how predators think, and why parents often get protecting kids online completely wrong (without even realising it). It’s not about fear or banning tech; it’s about learning how to raise kids who can thrive both online and offline. And honestly, some of this blew my mind. Let me know what you think in the comments! ✨ What You’ll Learn Why posting kids on social media isn’t as safe as you think The real ways online predators target children What screen time does to the brain and mental health The dangers of social media that most parents ignore How to talk to your kids so they actually open up Tips to balance tech and real-world life without constant battles Why attachment and consent matter in digital parenting 🗝️ Words to Listen Out For Cyber trauma Online predators Digital footprint Screen time Neuroplasticity Dopamine Attachment Consent Sharenting ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Should Parents Post Pictures of Their Kids Online? 00:14 The Necessity of Children Being Online 00:50 Changing Perspectives on Kids and Technology 00:59 Guest Introduction: Katherine Nibs 01:28 The Role of Technology in Child Development 07:27 The Fear and Reality of Online Predators 11:09 Parental Responsibility and Online Safety 25:16 The Challenges of Parenting in the Digital Age 44:39 Navigating ADHD and Technology's Impact 45:32 Understanding the Brain: Neuroscience Insights 46:09 The Role of Dopamine and Neuroplasticity 48:55 Attachment Theory and Parenting Challenges 51:30 The Importance of Open Communication 52:44 Balancing Technology and Real-World Interactions 01:02:37 Cultural Norms and Consent in Parenting 01:09:40 Practical Parenting Tips and Overcoming Guilt 01:19:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents This week's episode includes a paid advertisement for Better Help. You can get your exclusive discount as a Millennial Mind listener using the link ⁠www.betterhelp.com/millennialmind⁠ to start your therapy journey and become your best self. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why you or someone you know stayed so long in an abusive or toxic relationship? Well, there is actually a deeper, psychological reason for this rather than just 'putting up with it'. In this week's AMM Minutes, I sit down with Frankie from Frankie's Therapy to dive deep into the complex psychology of abusive relationships. We explore why people stay in harmful relationships, touching on the significant roles that childhood experiences and our nervous system play. We discuss trauma bonds, the gut-brain connection, and the physical reactions, such as IBS, that often accompany these relationships. Together, we underscore the importance of education and awareness as the first steps to breaking free from toxic relationships. We also talk about the need for a safe environment for healing, the crucial role of therapy in building self-worth, and the process of addressing childhood wounds. Join us as we unpack these intricate dynamics and offer valuable insights for those looking to reclaim their lives. What we will cover: 00:00 Understanding the Psychology of Abusive Relationships 00:10 The Role of Childhood and Nervous System in Trauma Bonds 00:44 The Illogical Nature of Staying in Abusive Relationships 02:39 Physical Reactions and the Brain-Body Connection 04:25 Creating a Safe Environment for Healing 05:29 Breaking the Cycle: Steps to Change Relationship Patterns 06:02 The Importance of Therapy and Secure Relationships 08:14 Addressing Triggers and Communication in Relationships 12:38 Steps to Rebuild Self-Worth After Trauma Bonds 13:19 Integrating the Shadow Self for Healing Key takeaways: 🌀 Chaos can feel like “home” because of childhood wiring 🎰 Trauma bonds are addictive, like a slot machine 💔 Abuse impacts both the mind and the body 🚪 Awareness + safety are the first steps to healing 🌱 Therapy rebuilds self-worth and healthy connections Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/X7_J7WuNCm4 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trauma bonding might not be what you thought it was... In this eye-opening episode of 'A Millennial Mind', I sit down with Frankie, a registered psychotherapist and trauma specialist, to delve deep into the complex world of trauma and healing. We discuss how various attachment styles impact our relationships, why we might be drawn to toxic partners, and the importance of a secure environment for true recovery. Frankie shares her unique approach, combining neuroscience with body-based therapies such as EMDR, CBT, and somatic healing. We also explore the concepts of trauma bonds, the impact of generational trauma, and practical steps for breaking unhealthy patterns. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand and heal from their traumatic experiences. What we'll cover: 00:00 Understanding Toxic Relationships and Attachment Styles 00:52 Introduction to Trauma and Healing 01:08 Meet Frankie: The Trauma Specialist 03:46 Exploring Childhood Trauma and Rewiring the Brain 08:19 Generational Trauma and Its Impact 15:54 Defining Trauma Bonds and Attachment Styles 21:35 Navigating Toxic Relationships and Seeking Help 40:32 Understanding Trauma Bonds 41:41 Recognising Unhealthy Relationships 42:39 The Role of the Amygdala and Gut Health 45:05 Steps to Break Trauma Bonds 45:30 Therapy and Building Secure Relationships 52:14 Addressing Anger and the Shadow Self 01:00:47 Healing and Self-Love 01:06:13 Final Thoughts on Trauma and Healing ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

77% of marriages END because of In-Laws... Will yours be next? This week on Millennial Mind, I chat with therapist Harriet Shearsmith about toxic parenting, recognising if you experienced childhood trauma and how to break the cycle and become the parent you WANT to be, not what you HAD. This week's AMM Minutes highlight, Harriet and I discuss the complexities of in-law relationships. We explore how family dynamics can cause tension, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of maintaining authenticity and boundaries. Harriet shares valuable insights on recognising toxic versus healthy family environments and emphasises the role of emotional maturity in resolving conflicts. Catch the full episode for a deeper dive into these essential relationship dynamics. A breakdown of what we cover: 00:00 Introduction: The In-Law Relationship Dilemma 00:13 The Impact of In-Laws on Relationships 00:30 Navigating Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma 02:14 Changing the Narrative with In-Laws 02:49 Family Enmeshment and Boundaries 09:11 Authenticity and Expectations in In-Law Relationships 12:09 Identifying Toxic vs. Healthy Family Dynamics 13:27 Conclusion: Handling Conflicts and Emotional Maturity Have you ever experienced a relationship breakdown due to toxic or bad relationships with your parents-in-law? Watch the full episode with Harriet here: https://youtu.be/wRBxZS-M0p4 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Credits: Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You aren't just an 'old soul', you had a toxic parent" Have you ever thought to yourself, 'This is just the way I am'? That could be a result of childhood trauma. In this revealing episode of 'A Millennial Mind,' I sit down with Harriet Shearsmith, an award-winning content creator and parenting advocate, to discuss the often hidden conversations surrounding family toxicity and breaking generational cycles. Harriet shares her insights on addressing difficult family dynamics, establishing healthy boundaries, and improving relationships with in-laws. We delve into the realities of family dysfunction, the impacts of parentification, and provide practical advice on overcoming guilt and obligation in familial relationships. This week's episode includes a paid advertisement for Better Help. You can get your exclusive discount as a Millennial Mind listener using the link www.betterhelp.com/millennialmind to start your therapy journey and become your best self. In this episode, we will cover: 00:00 Introduction: The Unspoken Conversation 00:14 The Impact of In-Laws on Relationships 00:33 Personal Growth Through Family Dynamics 00:52 Sponsor Message: Lovable AI Platform 01:47 Introducing Today's Guest: Harriet Shearsmith 02:20 Breaking Generational Cycles 04:10 Understanding Cycle Breaking 04:44 Common Patterns in Family Dynamics 05:56 The Role of Early Childhood in Shaping Behaviour 06:35 Navigating Family Dysfunction 13:27 The Challenge of Confronting Parents 23:31 The Concept of Parentification 35:21 Estrangement and Reconciliation 38:01 Avoiding Confrontation: The Pain of Acceptance 38:58 Healing from Family Estrangement 40:31 The Power of Community Healing 41:19 Practical Tools for Emotional Release 43:41 Navigating In-Law Relationships 52:46 Setting Boundaries with In-Laws 55:57 Understanding Toxic vs. Healthy Family Dynamics 57:57 Choosing Between Partner and Parents 01:01:21 The Importance of Boundaries and Cycle Breaking 01:08:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts **AD**This episode is sponsored by Lovable, an AI tool that lets you create beautiful, functional websites in minutes just by typing a few prompts. So if you’re planning a wedding, launching a brand, or just want a sleek site without the tech stress, Lovable makes it so simple.No tech skills needed. Just your ideas. Give it a go and start your free trial at https://lovable.dev#ad #LovablePartner 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this small section of this week's bigger episode of 'A Millennial Mind,' I sit down with the insightful Heather Elkington to explore why people, especially Gen Z, frequently change jobs due to career growth and feeling undervalued. Heather shares compelling statistics from LinkedIn and discusses the inherent need for people-pleasing and its impact on professional life. We delve into the challenges of difficult conversations, the importance of being transparent about our needs, and how to identify and prioritise tasks that truly energise us. Watch the full episode here! 💖 https://youtu.be/jDmZmTIWkto 00:00 Understanding People Pleasing and Job Hopping 01:13 The Evolutionary Roots of People Pleasing 01:50 The Modern Dilemma of Saying Yes 03:26 The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations 04:50 Evaluating Your Commitments 06:45 Defining and Leveraging Your Strengths 08:20 The Importance of Preparation and Caring 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this small section of this week's bigger episode of 'A Millennial Mind,' I sit down with the insightful Heather Elkington to explore why people, especially Gen Z, frequently change jobs due to career growth and feeling undervalued. Heather shares compelling statistics from LinkedIn and discusses the inherent need for people-pleasing and its impact on professional life. We delve into the challenges of difficult conversations, the importance of being transparent about our needs, and how to identify and prioritise tasks that truly energise us. Watch the full episode here! 💖 https://youtu.be/jDmZmTIWkto 00:00 Understanding People Pleasing and Job Hopping 01:13 The Evolutionary Roots of People Pleasing 01:50 The Modern Dilemma of Saying Yes 03:26 The Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations 04:50 Evaluating Your Commitments 06:45 Defining and Leveraging Your Strengths 08:20 The Importance of Preparation and Caring 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices