How To Belong Podcast

Naomi Lloyd

How to Belong is a podcast exploring the human quest to find a sense of belonging. Naomi interviews guests who have embarked on their own hero journeys to find a sense of belonging in what can often feel like a lonely world.

  1. Apr 14

    Mastering Habits for Wellbeing and Belonging with Kat Thorne

    Discover how small habits can transform your mental health, relationships, and overall sense of belonging. Kat Thorne shares her inspiring journey from burnout to balance, highlighting practical strategies and mindset shifts to prioritize self-care and authenticity. In this episode: Kat’s personal story of burnout and the severe health impact in 2016 The power of small, consistent habit changes to rebuild a fulfilling life How social media and technology influence mental overload and habits Practical morning routines like movement and journaling to boost energy The importance of setting boundaries and saying no for mental clarity The role of self-compassion and self-acceptance in belonging Building confidence through habit mastery and self-awareness Inspiring examples like “kitchen dance parties” for connection Strategies to navigate challenging relationships and self-limiting beliefs Visioning future self and aligning habits to live purposefully Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Exploring belonging through habits and voice 00:31 - Kat’s background as a positive habits expert and her personal story 02:00 - Reflection on professional photos and authentic connection 04:38 - Recalling the health crisis of 2016 and its impact 05:58 - Recognizing the toll of mental overload and overconsumption 07:01 - The moment of awakening: near heart attack and burnout 08:26 - The importance of caring for the body and brain as vital assets 09:48 - The transformative power of habits and mental health resilience 11:14 - How societal norms and beliefs shape our habits and self-worth 12:52 - The impact of phone addiction and social media on mental wellbeing 14:01 - Practical strategies: reducing notifications, mindful phone use 16:16 - Habitual routines that foster presence and belonging, like starting a day outdoors 17:32 - The danger of multitasking and superficial engagement 19:03 - Overcoming addiction to technology and reclaiming your attention 22:30 - The importance of intentional habits for mental clarity and energy 35:35 - Habits to improve relationships and inner confidence 36:00 - Easy movement routines for energy and self-love 40:27 - Creative habits like “kitchen dance parties” for connection 43:00 - Journaling as a tool to clear thoughts and build self-awareness 45:10 - The importance of setting boundaries and choosing aligned relationships 52:00 - Being brave in making decisive, authentic life choices 55:26 - Living habits as a reflection of future self’s values and identity 58:09 - How to connect with Kat for coaching, talks, and corporate workshops About the Host: Naomi Lloyd Subscribe to How to Belong for more stories about finding, losing, and rediscovering belonging in every chapter of life. Alongside hosting this podcast, I help people explore belonging through photography—whether that’s powerful headshots, personal rebranding, or family portrait shoots. I also create Audio/Photo Memory Films for your loved ones, turning family photographs into spoken legacies. Captured Memories helps families preserve the voices, reflections, and photographs of their loved ones. Through a guided audio-video session, we create a unique cinematic keepsake that captures significant life moments, memories, and reflections. Find out more at: www.naomilloyd.co.uk Captured Memory Films: Resources & Links: Kat Thorne - Website & Programs The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters Journaling for Mental Clarity Positive Habits for Performance Program Connect with Kat Thorne: LinkedIn Instagram Book a coaching session or corporate workshop This episode offers practical insights into creating sustainable habits that support your mental health, deepen your sense of belonging, and enhance your relationships. Take small steps today to craft a more authentic and fulfilled life.

    1 hr
  2. May 11

    The Real Mark Darcy: From Burnout to Belonging

    In this deeply honest episode of How to Belong, Naomi Lloyd sits down with wellbeing coach and founder of New Forest Wellbeing, Mark Darcy, to explore burnout, belonging, childhood survival, and what it means to finally come home to yourself. Mark shares the extraordinary experiences that shaped him — from surviving a devastating childhood house fire and growing up around addiction, to developing a high-achieving survival mindset that eventually led to burnout and a mental health crisis that nearly cost him his life. Together, Naomi and Mark explore: surviving instability and trauma in childhood how survival mode can turn into hyper-performance burnout, identity, and losing connection with yourself ADHD, hyper-focus, and understanding your brain differently nature, nervous system regulation, and slowing down the power of being truly listened to and Mark’s philosophy of living in thirds: earning, serving, and learning This conversation is rooted in a shared belief that sits at the heart of How to Belong — that belonging isn’t something we find externally, but something we return to when we reconnect with ourselves, our stories, and our voice. It’s also a reminder of why I do this work — through photography, storytelling, and capturing people in their most honest chapters of life. I help people see themselves clearly again, whether that’s through personal branding, family photography, or life chapter storytelling. Alongside this, I also create Captured Memories — audio-photo memory films that preserve a loved one’s voice, stories, and photographs. Through a guided interview in the comfort of home, we gently explore a life lived, turning memories into a beautifully narrated legacy film for families to keep forever. Because whether it’s an image or a voice, I believe we all deserve to feel seen, heard, and anchored in our own story. About Mark Darcy To find out more about Mark’s work with New Forest Wellbeing, visit: https://www.markdarcy.co.uk/new-forest-wellbeing Connect with Naomi Lloyd Photography & storytelling: https://www.naomilloyd.co.uk Captured Memories: https://www.naomilloyd.co.uk (Captured Memories section)

    39 min
  3. Jun 23

    Belonging in the Office

    What does it feel like to spend years feeling different — without understanding why? In this episode of How to Belong, Naomi Lloyd is joined by Tamzin Hall, founder of The Neurodiversity Academy, to explore what belonging really means for neurodivergent people in workplaces, schools, relationships and within ourselves. Tamzin shares her own journey of growing up with dyslexia, experiencing bullying, and carrying the feeling of being “othered” before she had the language to understand her own experience. Together, Naomi and Tamzin talk about the moment many neurodivergent people describe as life-changing: realising that sometimes the struggle isn’t because you aren’t capable — it’s because you’re trying to exist in environments that weren’t designed with you in mind. They discuss: • Why so many people spend years masking at work to fit expectations and appear “normal” • How workplaces can mistake fitting in for being capable • The importance of creating spaces where different ways of thinking are valued • What happens when someone finally feels understood rather than constantly having to adapt • How parenting can bring new compassion for the younger version of ourselves • Recognising when belonging isn’t about changing who we are — but finding the right environment where we can thrive Tamzin shares a powerful analogy about being told you’re a “square peg” in a world full of round holes — and why the answer isn’t always to change the peg. Sometimes it’s about finding (or creating) the space where you fit. Because belonging isn’t about making yourself smaller to be accepted. It’s about finding the places, people and environments where you can be fully yourself. About Tamzin Hall: Tamzin Hall is the founder of The Neurodiversity Academy, supporting organisations to create more inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent employees can feel understood, supported and able to thrive. Through training, education and lived experience, Tamzin helps businesses move beyond awareness towards meaningful change. Contact Tamzin: https://www.tamzinhallcoaching.co.uk/ About the Podcast Host, Naomi Lloyd: Contact: www.naomilloyd.co.uk Naomi Lloyd is a photographer, storyteller, author, copywriter and the host of How to Belong — a podcast exploring the stories, experiences and moments that shape who we are. With over 20 years behind the camera, Naomi has spent her career capturing life’s defining chapters — from weddings and family milestones to personal branding and business stories. But for Naomi, photography has always been about more than the image itself. It’s about connection. It’s about the moment someone feels truly seen. And it’s about creating photographs that bring you home — not just to a memory, but to yourself. As someone who has always been fascinated by people’s stories, Naomi combines photography with her background as a published author and copywriter to help people communicate who they are — whether that’s through a portrait, a personal brand, or a conversation on How to Belong. Her work is rooted in one simple belief: everyone has a story worth capturing.

    45 min

About

How to Belong is a podcast exploring the human quest to find a sense of belonging. Naomi interviews guests who have embarked on their own hero journeys to find a sense of belonging in what can often feel like a lonely world.