The Diary of Discovery with Jacky Clarke

Jacky Clarke
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Ever wondered how to heal? Felt stuck in your life or circumstances and wondered if there was a better way. The Diary of Discovery dives deep into the personal healing journeys of our guests. Finding out exactly what it takes to start (and succeed at) a healing journey. And I can't wait to share all these tips from real-life warriors who have walked the path before you.

  1. Aug 12

    84. When Your Body Changes the Plan with Gwen Baird

    In this episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky sits down with Gwen Baird to talk about what happens when life forces you to completely rethink the path you thought you were on. Gwen's world changed after she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that also had a significant family history. Suddenly, the physically demanding career she had built her life around was no longer sustainable, and she had to start asking some difficult questions about what came next. What followed was an unexpected journey into online work, social media management and eventually coaching. But more importantly, Gwen began learning how to build a life and business around her energy, values and actual capacity, rather than constantly pushing herself to fit someone else's definition of success. Gwen shares how mindset, gratitude and learning to accept her limitations have helped her navigate the changes in her life. We talk about the power of journaling and reframing the thoughts that can keep us stuck, and how changing the way we look at a situation can sometimes change how we experience it. We also explore the complicated relationship many of us have with social media, from comparison and toxic online environments to the illusion of connection and the importance of protecting your own energy. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful question: What if success isn't about doing more, but about creating a life that genuinely feels good to live? Gwen shares why learning to say no, prioritising self-care and paying attention to what actually brings you joy can be some of the most important parts of creating a fulfilling life. In this episode, we explore: Gwen's diagnosis and how it changed the direction of her life.Moving from a physically demanding career into online work.Building a business around your energy and personal values.Learning to accept limitations without allowing them to define you.The power of gratitude and changing your perspective.How journaling can help you recognise and reframe unhelpful thought patterns.The darker side of social media and the impact of comparison.Why online connection isn't always the same as genuine connection.Learning to protect your energy and say no.Rethinking what success, happiness and fulfilment actually mean.Choosing a life that works for you, rather than constantly trying to keep up. This is a conversation about adapting, letting go of the life you thought you were supposed to live, and having the courage to create something that fits the person you are now.

  2. Jul 29

    83. The Hidden Cost of Being Fine with Jacky Clarke (Solo)

    How often do you answer, "I'm fine," without really thinking about what that means? In this honest solo episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky explores one of the most common responses we give ourselves and others, and why "fine" can quietly become a place where we stop truly living. From the outside, everything can look successful. The business is growing. Life is moving forward. You're ticking the boxes, showing up, getting things done. Yet underneath it all, you might feel disconnected, emotionally flat, or as though you're simply going through the motions. Drawing on her own experiences, including moving to South Africa, building a successful business, and achieving goals she once dreamed of, Jacky shares how she realised that success doesn't always equal fulfilment. Sometimes our nervous system shifts into what is known as a functional freeze, where we remain productive and capable while feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from ourselves. In this episode, you'll discover: Why "I'm fine" is often a survival strategy rather than the truth.What functional freeze looks like in everyday life.How to recognise when you're coping instead of truly living.Why slowing down is often the first step towards feeling alive again.Practical ways to reconnect with yourself, your emotions, and what really matters.Why wanting more from your life and business isn't selfish. It's a sign that you're ready to grow. This episode is an invitation to stop settling for "fine" and begin asking what life could feel like if you allowed yourself to experience more joy, more presence, and more connection. Journal PromptWhere in your life have you accepted being "fine" instead of asking for what you truly want? If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway. Share it on social media and tag me, or leave a review to help more people discover the Diary of Discovery podcast. Until next time, keep discovering, keep growing, and remember that you deserve more than simply being fine. Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

  3. Jul 15

    82. The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything with Anthony Knott

    In this episode of Diary of Discovery, Jacky sits down with Anthony Knott to explore how one unexpected diagnosis became the catalyst for a completely different way of living. When Anthony was diagnosed with bladder cancer, everything changed. What first felt like a devastating shock soon became an opportunity to reassess what really mattered, how he approached life's challenges, and the person he wanted to become. Anthony shares how moving through cancer taught him to focus on what he could control, embrace a mindset of simply doing his best, and let go of the pressure of trying to have all the answers. That same mindset gave him the confidence to leave employment and build a business alongside his wife, Kirsty, while discovering that success is about enjoying the journey as much as reaching the destination. The conversation also explores Anthony's involvement with Men Walking and Talking, a community initiative creating safe spaces for men to connect, walk together, and have honest conversations about mental health. It is a powerful reminder that healing rarely happens alone and that small, consistent actions can have a profound impact. Whether you're navigating illness, a career change, or simply a season of uncertainty, this episode offers a hopeful perspective on resilience, purpose, and finding strength in life's most unexpected moments. In this episode, we discuss: Anthony's experience of being diagnosed with bladder cancer.How adversity can become a catalyst for personal growth.The mindset of focusing on "doing your best."Transitioning into self-employment after a major life event.Why everyone's healing journey is unique.The importance of community and Men's Walking and Talking.Learning to enjoy the process instead of chasing outcomes.Building resilience through consistency and perspective. If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a reminder that even life's hardest chapters can become the beginning of something meaningful.

  4. May 27

    81. When Your Body Thinks Growth Is Unsafe - Solo with Jacky

    In this solo episode of the Diary of Discovery, Jacky explores the hidden nervous system patterns that can keep people stuck, even when they have the right strategy, mindset, or plan in place. From showing up online and selling offers to setting boundaries and pursuing health goals, Jacky explains how the body can perceive growth, visibility, and change as threats, triggering resistance, procrastination, and self-sabotage without us even realising it. Through personal stories, including her own journey with marathon running and building a business, she unpacks why discipline alone is often not the answer and how awareness is the first step towards lasting change. This episode dives into: Why your nervous system may resist growthHow self-sabotage shows up in business and lifeThe connection between safety, visibility, and follow-throughPractical grounding tools to help regulate the bodyWhy creating safety internally changes everything externally If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but still can’t seem to fully move forward, this episode will help you understand why. Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

  5. May 13

    80. Breaking Low Self Belief with David Francis

    This podcast episode featured a conversation between Jacky and David Francis, a self-confidence coach from the northeast of England, discussing David's journey from experiencing low self-belief and burnout to building unshakable self-confidence. David shared how he transitioned from being a high-potential underachiever to an overachiever, eventually realizing that his external achievements weren't addressing internal issues. He discussed key turning points, including a breakdown 20+ years ago, his realization that he could practice skills like he would practice music, and his eventual understanding of inherent worthiness. David explained how he helps clients by focusing on practical daily practices, including journaling about self-respect actions, recording daily wins, and consistently stepping outside comfort zones. The conversation concluded with David reflecting on his next level of healing, which involves being kinder to himself and learning to rest rather than constantly doing more. Find David here: https://www.instagram.com/coachdavidfrancis/ Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

  6. Mar 11

    79. From exhausted to energised - Stress Management with Helen Northard

    Jacky interviewed Helen Northard about her journey through burnout and recovery, exploring how stress manifests in corporate environments and the challenges of recognizing one's own needs. Helen shared her experience of collapsing physically after being signed off work due to stress, and discussed how she eventually transitioned from corporate HR to coaching and teaching after realizing her values were misaligned with her work. They discussed the importance of taking stress seriously, the limitations of CBT for neurodivergent individuals, and the need for practical support in managing burnout. Helen emphasized the importance of small, manageable stress management techniques like HeartMath and breathwork, while also sharing her current work in developing a stress management course and reconnecting with spiritual practices like Reiki and herbalism. Find Helen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nothard-4481244/ Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

  7. Feb 25

    78. The Shift That Changed Everything, solo with Jacky

    Jacky shared her diverse career journey, from corporate consulting to entrepreneurship, highlighting how various experiences shaped her approach to business and leadership. She discussed her transition from traditional work to online coaching and startup ventures, including challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and her journey toward financial stability and independence. Jacky emphasized the importance of auditing one's current structure and ecosystem for sustainable growth while sharing her personal evolution from constant hustle to building systems for freedom and presence. Work with me 1:1 - email jacky@jackyclarke.co.uk Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

  8. Feb 11

    77. From Teaching to True Alignment with Jill Harper-Hill

    Jill Harper-Hill, a therapeutic coach from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, shared her journey of leaving teaching and redefining her career path after realizing a clash between her professional and personal roles. She explored the challenges of career transition and identity reevaluation, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, while discussing the cultural norms around constant productivity and the toxic aspects of hyper-focusing on work. Jill emphasized the importance of self-awareness, personal rhythms, and authentic living, expressing excitement about using her experiences to help others while acknowledging the ongoing nature of personal growth and healing. Find Jill here: https://www.instagram.com/jillharperhilltherapy/ Thank you for listening to the Podcast! We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. If you feel you want to share your own healing journey, please fill in this short form - https://forms.gle/LpYvkkCB1UFWWz8r8 If you want to stay in touch and hear about upcoming guests then pop over to Instagram and follow along - https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofdiscovery/ And if you want help on your own healing journey, then check out this Space to Grow 1:1 program - https://jackyclarke.co.uk/space-to-grow-11-package/ Until next week, happy healing.

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Ever wondered how to heal? Felt stuck in your life or circumstances and wondered if there was a better way. The Diary of Discovery dives deep into the personal healing journeys of our guests. Finding out exactly what it takes to start (and succeed at) a healing journey. And I can't wait to share all these tips from real-life warriors who have walked the path before you.

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