Muse Yourself | Women who rise

Gemma James
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Home to unfiltered, unapologetic conversations on everything from identity and ambition, to relationships and reinvention - for the woman becoming her OWN Muse. Hosted by journalist and writer Gemma James, expect raw solo episodes, and inspiring deep-dives from women who have burned it all down and rewritten the story. Consider every episode your permission slip to finally WANT more, BE more, and start taking up the space you KNOW you deserve. If you’re a woman who’s ready to rise - unapologetically and on your own terms - you’re in the right place. gemmaj.substack.com

  1. Jul 28

    69. Are you shaming your desire for a bigger life?

    We don’t expand from SHAMING our desire for more… Hi Muses, In this episode I’m challenging one of the biggest narratives in personal development, spirituality, and manifestation culture: that we need to be in a constant state of gratitude, positivity, and alignment in order to create an amazing life. What if the idea that you need to be in a constant state of gratitude in order to call in everything you want is actually the very thing that’s BLOCKING your expansion? If you’ve been shrinking yourself, lying to yourself about how big a life you really want incase it makes you look ungrateful for what you’ve got - you need to listen to this episode… We don’t expand from pretending everything is enough.We expand from being honest about what isn’t. Leave me a comment on Spotify or Substack and let me know what you thought, also please leave a REVIEW if you loved this episode ❤️‍🔥 Until next time x RESOURCES + LINKS: * For deeper access to my world subscribe on SUBSTACK for a monthly edit of the routines, rituals and recommendations elevating my life right now ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    69. Are you shaming your desire for a bigger life?

  2. Jul 14

    68. Your age is the least interesting thing about you.

    Ladies, let's make this the year we give as much of a f**k about our age as men do. Why do so many of us feel like we’re “running out of time” by the time we reach our 30s? In this episode, I’m unpacking the notion that our value as women declines with age, that we’re falling behind if life hasn’t happened in the “right” order, and that starting over somehow means we’ve failed. I share how my own perfect timeline completely shattered, and why letting go of my rigid idea of how life should unfold became one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done. If you’ve ever felt behind, worried you’re too old to change direction, or caught yourself believing your best years are already behind you, this conversation is for you. In this episode: * Why women are taught to fear getting older * The difference between fearing age and fearing what society says age means * How rigid timelines keep us stuck in unhappy relationships, careers and identities * Why you’re never truly “starting over” * The freedom that comes from releasing the life you thought you were supposed to have * The beauty of surrounding yourself with an age-diverse group of women * Why your most exciting chapter is still ahead of you If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment on Spotify or Substack, or share this episode with a woman who needs the reminder that she isn’t behind…she’s just writing her own timeline. ❤️‍🔥 Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * If you’re looking for a little more inspiration subscribe on SUBSTACK for my monthly Muse Edit. Every month I’ll send you a beautifully curated collection of the routines, rituals and recommendations helping me create a more elevated, intentional life - and that I think you’ll love too! ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    68. Your age is the least interesting thing about you.

  3. Jul 7

    67. Are you embarrassed to be seen trying?

    Muses, Is there a more universal struggle than not being where you want to be in life, but also being too scared to be seen trying to do something about it? Publicly declaring what we want, then risking failure if we let ourselves chase it and it doesn’t work out? The truth is ALL expansion requires a level of risk, and our biggest growth moments can ONLY come from a willingness to be seen in the middle…in this episode I’m talking about why our biggest fear isn’t failure itself, but to SEEN TRYING. I’m also reflecting on a decade of my own ‘failures’ and what they’ve taught me, and sharing some of the breakthroughs I’m having as I navigate this in real time… If there’s a version of you who’s ready for expansion but still clinging to the old habits that kept her safe - you’re in the right place. Reflection moments… * What am I waiting to “figure out” before I let myself be visible? * What would change if I let people see me in the process? * What part of me is ready to expand - but still hiding? Leave me a comment on Spotify or Substack and let me know your thoughts, also please leave a REVIEW if you loved this episode ❤️‍🔥 Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * If you’re looking for a little more inspiration subscribe on SUBSTACK for my monthly Muse Edit. Every month I’ll send you a beautifully curated collection of the routines, rituals and recommendations helping me create a more elevated, intentional life - and that I think you’ll love too! ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    67. Are you embarrassed to be seen trying?

  4. Jun 30

    66.Getting your spark back: How to find the MAGIC in life again

    Hi Muses, In this episode we’re shifting out of “nothing ever happens for me” into a completely different way of moving through life - one where we EXPECT the magic. I’m sharing an experience I had recently where forcing myself to do the uncomfortable thing set in motion a chain of events I did NOT see coming and how a seemingly insignificant decision led to the most magical LA experience… If you’ve been feeling overlooked, or like things just aren’t happening for you, this is your reminder that life doesn’t respond to force, it responds to openness…so this is your invitation to step out of autopilot and start engaging with your own life in a way that lets it meet you right back… Magic isn’t rare…it’s often just missed. Leave me a comment on Spotify or Substack and let me know your thoughts, also please leave a REVIEW if you loved this episode ❤️‍🔥 Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * If you’re looking for a little more inspiration subscribe on SUBSTACK for my monthly Muse Edit. Every month I’ll send you a beautifully curated collection of the routines, rituals and recommendations helping me create a more elevated, intentional life - and that I think you’ll love too! ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    66.Getting your spark back: How to find the MAGIC in life again

  5. Jun 16

    65. The art of getting out of your own way: How to stop blocking the life you actually want, with E.M. Gallagher

    If you’ve ever felt scared to start, scared to be seen trying, or like the only person blocking your own next level is you - this is the conversation you need to hear… Hi Muses, What changes when we stop dreaming about doing something… and actually start doing it? This week, I’m sitting down with writer and author E. M. Gallagher to talk about the fear, imposter syndrome, and internal resistance that almost stopped her from writing her hit dating memoir Ugh, Anyway, and what it took to finally get out of her own way and do it anyway. From fear of judgement and perfectionism to chaotic dating stories and life in New York City, this conversation is funny, honest, insightful, and deeply relatable for every woman becoming the version of herself who shows up for her life and her dreams in the way she KNOWS she deserves. Expect talk on: * Imposter syndrome and fear of judgement * Learning to stop waiting until you feel “ready” * Becoming the kind of woman who actually follows through on her dreams * Creativity, courage, and being seen * Turning messy life chapters into stories * Hilarious dating chaos, New York stories, and the art of finding humour in the madness And so much more… I’d love to know your thoughts on this episode, leave me a comment on Spotify or Substack, also please take a second to leave a REVIEW if you loved it! ❤️‍🔥 Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * Connect with Erin on Substack HERE, follow on Instagram or find the book HERE * If you’re looking for a little more inspiration subscribe on SUBSTACK for my monthly Muse Edit. Every month I’ll send you a beautifully curated collection of the routines, rituals and recommendations helping me create a more elevated, intentional life - and that I think you’ll love too! ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    65. The art of getting out of your own way: How to stop blocking the life you actually want, with E.M. Gallagher

  6. Jun 9

    64. Feeling lost? A pep-talk for the woman outgrowing her old life...

    Muses, If you’re in a season that feels messy, painful, or uncertain, this is the episode for you… I’m talking navigating identity shifts and ‘ego deaths,’ learning to trust your intuition -even when it makes NO logical sense - walking away from ‘good enough’ to follow something deeper, and why future you isn’t looking back and describing this era as the time your life ended, she’s describing it as your BIGGEST f*cking turning point. Oh, and I’m also taking you behind the scenes of my brand-new era as we step into video for the first time - enjoy! Leave me a comment on Spotify or Substack and let me know your thoughts, also please leave a REVIEW if you loved this episode ❤️‍🔥 Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * If you’re looking for a little more inspiration subscribe on SUBSTACK for my monthly Muse Edit. Every month I’ll send you a beautifully curated collection of the routines, rituals and recommendations helping me create a more elevated, intentional life - and that I think you’ll love too! ❤️‍🔥 * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Follow me on Instagram HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    64. Feeling lost? A pep-talk for the woman outgrowing her old life...

  7. Mar 17

    63.Muse Moments #4:Dating After Heartbreak... Why the ‘Spark’ Isn’t What You Think

    Hi Muses, In this Muse Moments mini episode, I’m sharing another powerful clip from my conversation with relationship therapist Lauren Walsh about dating after heartbreak and what healthy love actually looks like. After experiencing loss, breakup, or deep heartbreak, so many of us struggle to find the balance between protecting ourselves, and not completely shutting ourselves off from finding love again…. In this clip, Lauren shares why taking time to heal is essential, why rushing into the next relationship can sometimes delay healing, and how building a strong relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything. She also unpacks a surprising truth about modern dating: why the intense “spark” we chase can actually be anxiety - not chemistry - and why healthy love often feels very different from what we’ve been conditioned to expect. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why giving yourself time after heartbreak is essential for healing * The importance of strengthening your relationship with yourself first * How to recognise the signs of a healthy relationship * Why feeling calm and safe with someone matters more than intense chemistry * The truth about the “spark” and what your nervous system is trying to tell you If you’ve ever wondered how to open your heart again after heartbreak — or what healthy love actually feels like — this conversation is for you. Want More? This clip comes from Episode 17 of the Muse Yourself podcast with relationship therapist Lauren Walsh, which you can listen to in full on ITUNES, SPOTIFY, or SUBSTACK If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment on Spotify, send me a message, or share this episode with a friend who needs it…and don’t forget to subscribe - it helps this community grow and reach more women who need these conversations and I appreciate it more than you know… Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * GET YOUR FREE GUIDED VISUALISATION: Sign up HERE to join the MuseLetter list and receive a FREE 10-minute guided visualisation to help you release old identities and step into your most powerful era yet * SUBSCRIBE to my free Substack community HERE to join the conversation and receive new episodes straight to your inbox * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    63.Muse Moments #4:Dating After Heartbreak... Why the ‘Spark’ Isn’t What You Think

  8. Mar 10

    62.Muse Moments #3: Is It Fear or Misalignment? How To Know When It’s Time To Change Your Life

    Hi Muses, Welcome back to Muse Moments — a curated mini-series featuring powerful clips from some of the most downloaded conversations we’ve had on the show. In this episode, we revisit a moment from my very first conversation with coach and energy healer Maria Rei, who shares the story of the moment she realised the life she had built had strayed so far from one that felt like hers, she barely recognised it. On the surface, everything looked right — the job, the relationships, the life she thought she was supposed to want…but internally, everything was deeply misaligned. Maria made a radical decision: walking away from everything she had built and travelling to Asia alone for six months to completely reinvent her life. But the real transformation wasn’t in the geography — it was in the identity shift. In this bite-sized conversation, we explore the moment when you realise something in your life isn’t working anymore… and how to tell whether the resistance you’re feeling is fear or misalignment. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living a life that looks right on paper but doesn’t feel right in your body, this conversation is for you… In this episode we explore: * Why people-pleasing can quietly shape the entire direction of our lives without us even realising * The moment many women realise the life they built isn’t actually theirs * Why changing your environment doesn’t automatically solve deeper patterns * The key difference between fear and true misalignment * How learning to enjoy your own company can transform your life * Why the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life * The power of choosing yourself — even when it means starting over Want More? This clip comes from my full conversation with Maria Rei in Episode 8: ‘How to blow up your life, start over, and master self-love along the way, with Relationship Mentor Maria Rei’ Listen to on ITUNES, SPOTIFY, or SUBSTACK If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment on Spotify, send me a message, or share this episode with a friend who needs it…and don’t forget to subscribe - it helps this community grow and reach more women who need these conversations and I appreciate it more than you know… Until next time X RESOURCES + LINKS: * GET YOUR FREE GUIDED VISUALISATION: Sign up HERE to join the MuseLetter list and receive a FREE 10-minute guided visualisation to help you release old identities and step into your most powerful era yet * SUBSCRIBE to my free Substack community HERE to join the conversation and receive new episodes straight to your inbox * CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE * Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe

    62.Muse Moments #3: Is It Fear or Misalignment? How To Know When It’s Time To Change Your Life
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About

Home to unfiltered, unapologetic conversations on everything from identity and ambition, to relationships and reinvention - for the woman becoming her OWN Muse. Hosted by journalist and writer Gemma James, expect raw solo episodes, and inspiring deep-dives from women who have burned it all down and rewritten the story. Consider every episode your permission slip to finally WANT more, BE more, and start taking up the space you KNOW you deserve. If you’re a woman who’s ready to rise - unapologetically and on your own terms - you’re in the right place. gemmaj.substack.com

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