Finally Fabulous

Kate McDougle

Welcome to Finally Fabulous, the podcast that encourages you to live boldly, joyfully, and on your own terms! Kate speaks with resilient women who’ve faced adversity, taken risks, and challenged the status quo to pursue happiness & redefine joy. They explore the highs, lows, and pivotal “f**k it” moments that shaped their paths, sharing lessons learned and practical tips. Packed with inspiration and real-life experiences, Finally Fabulous empowers you to tackle your own challenges and finally feel unapologetically fabulous. Eps biweekly Wednesdays @ 8am! Available on YouTube & Apple Podcasts.

  1. Oct 21

    Ep 23: Paula Leach | Unlocking your “Seam of Gold” – Recognising your unique potential

    What if the corporate system isn’t something that simply happens to us – but something we all have a hand in creating?  In this episode, Kate welcomes executive practitioner, author, and foundation creator Paula Leach for a thought-provoking conversation about resilience, personal agency and redefining success on your own terms.Paula shares her journey from being labelled shy, feeling average and "invisible" in her youth, to a pivotal awakening at 21 that changed her self-perception forever. She takes us through key moments in her corporate career - from negotiating an international assignment at 28 to standing up against workplace bullying - and explains why she eventually stepped away from her role as Chief People Officer to build her own practice and empower the next generation. Throughout the conversation, Paula explores how to identify your unique "seam of gold” and create the conditions to lead from your strengths. She also reframes imposter syndrome as simply operating at the edge of your personal growth, and challenges the idea that women need to conform to stereotypical corporate cultures, instead encouraging us to create spaces where we truly belong.  Drawing on her own experience and her work founding an initiative for young women, Paula offers a powerful perspective on setting boundaries and advocating for the next generation. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠ Host: Kate McDougle Produced by: Alice McDougle Co-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise Cairns Mixed by Ed Waller Edited by Miri Stevens Design by Alice McDougle

    Ep 23: Paula Leach | Unlocking your “Seam of Gold” – Recognising your unique potential

  2. Oct 7

    Ep 22: Nikki Antonaccio | The search for validation, overcoming burnout & somatic healing

    On paper, Nikki is an accredited Holistic Health Coach, Somatic Practitioner, Nutritionist, former Team GB Bodybuilding medallist, and former professional dancer. But, behind the stage lights and high-pressure competitions, Nikki was navigating a relentless battle with anxiety, insomnia, depression, eating disorders, and a constant search for external validation. In this episode, Kate sits down with Nikki to dive deep into what happens when your life looks completely successful on the outside, but you are quietly running yourself into the ground. Nikki opens up about: Navigating the high-pressure worlds of elite dance and professional bodybuilding.Carrying patterns of extreme control, restriction, and people-pleasing from one career to the next.The painful disconnect between helping others transform their health and privately struggling with her own. The pivotal moment she stepped off the treadmill of performance, healed her nervous system, and learned how to truly live. Tune in for an honest, raw, and deeply relatable conversation about breaking free from burnout, letting go of perfectionism, and reclaiming your own confidence and joy. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠ Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠ Host: Kate McDougle Produced by: Alice McDougle Co-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise Cairns Mixed by Ed Waller Edited by Miri Stevens Design by Alice McDougle

    Ep 22: Nikki Antonaccio | The search for validation, overcoming burnout & somatic healing

  3. Sep 23

    Ep 21: Kareen Griffiths | Choosing Joy, Boundaries, Self-Belief & Celebrating You!

    What happens when you stop living for everyone else and start creating a life that feels deeply aligned?In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Kareen Griffiths - leadership capacity expert, speaker, coach, and yes, even a DJ! Kareen is one of those women with kindness in her eyes, a joyous smile, a wicked sense of humour, and an infectious "Don’t just stand there then, let’s get going!" energy from the second you meet her.Her story isn't about a single dramatic transformation, it's about decades of learning boundaries, navigating grief, embracing mindfulness, and ultimately choosing joy as a daily practice rather than a destination.We dive into what it really takes to back yourself, break free from people-pleasing, navigate life’s transitions, and tap into an underlying passion to believe in yourself. Hilariously funny, deeply honest, and wildly inspiring, this conversation will leave you ready to embrace your own "anything is possible" energy.✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠Host: Kate McDougleProduced by: Alice McDougleCo-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise CairnsMixed by Ed WallerEdited by Miri StevensDesign by Alice McDougle

    Ep 21: Kareen Griffiths | Choosing Joy, Boundaries, Self-Belief & Celebrating You!

  4. Sep 9

    Ep 20: Amanda Downs | "I Wanted a Marriage, Not a Wedding": Redefining Success, Career & Family at 40

    From facing redundancy in her thirties and navigating online dating in her pyjamas to marrying at Gretna Green for £500, becoming a mother at 42, and swapping traditional gender roles with her husband, Amanda’s life is proof that life doesn't follow a rigid timeline. In this episode, we explore: - Writing Your Own Rules: Why Amanda chose a £500 wedding, flipped family dynamics with a stay-at-home dad, and built a life around what truly mattered to her. - Fertility & Autonomy: Why understanding your fertility early gives you choices rather than panic. - Reinventing Your Career: The power of "portfolio careers" over searching for "the one job," and why it's never too late to start over. - Practicing Confidence: Why confidence isn't something you are born with - it’s a muscle you have to actively train. - The Reality of Influence: Shifting away from corporate metrics to focus on real human connection and positive change. If you’ve ever felt like you’re waiting until you’re "ready" or wondered if it’s too late to make a big pivot, this episode will give you the nudge you need to step up and make intentional choices. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠ Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com Host: Kate McDougle Produced by: Alice McDougle Co-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise Cairns Mixed by Ed Waller Edited by Miri Stevens Design by Alice McDougle

    Ep 20: Amanda Downs | "I Wanted a Marriage, Not a Wedding": Redefining Success, Career & Family at 40

  5. Aug 26

    Ep 19: Helena Nicklin | From acting to wine: The woman rewriting the rules.

    What happens when the path laid out for you doesn't fit, and the industry you want to join wasn't built for you?  In this episode, host Kate is joined by Helena Nicklin - actress turned wine expert, writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Helena shares her remarkable journey, starting with a pivotal "f**k it" moment when, faced with a lead acting role, she chose what felt like the safer path: stepping away from acting and into the wine trade. Together, they unpack: The grief and thrill of making a major career change.How she revolutionised wine education by removing the elitist, overly technical jargon to make it accessible to everyone.Navigating misogyny and imposter syndrome in a traditional, male-dominated industry - and building female-led support networks to fight back.Midlife reinvention, selling up in London, and lowering her cortisol by relocating to the Isle of Wight.What it truly means to be a "multi-potentialite" and how to celebrate your own wins, even when you don't always feel "finally fabulous". This conversation is an inspiring reminder that you never have to fit into a pre-existing box. Sometimes, the most fulfilling career is the one you carve out entirely on your own terms. Follow Helena on instagram! @helenasips Helena's website! ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠ Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠ Host: Kate McDougle Produced by: Alice McDougle Co-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise Cairns Mixed by Ed Waller Edited by Miri Stevens Design by Alice McDougle

    Ep 19: Helena Nicklin | From acting to wine: The woman rewriting the rules.

  6. Aug 12

    Ep 18: Shelly Murphy | Breaking the mould: why not fitting in can be your greatest strength!

    What happens when the system tells you you're not enough, but you refuse to believe it? In this episode, Shelly shares how growing up with dyslexia left her feeling like she had to hide the fact that she couldn't keep up in a system that wasn't built for her. Afraid of being exposed and believing she wasn't good enough, she found freedom through creativity and learned to trust her instincts over society’s expectations. From lying about her age to get into art college at just 15, to building an award-winning business in her twenties, Shelly pushed through barriers to achieve her goals. But after becoming a mum, overwhelmed by anxiety and closing the business she'd worked so hard to build, she was forced to redefine what success really meant. Today, Shelly helps others heal through a holistic approach to anxiety and trauma, sharing practical insights into the mind, body and nervous system. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do isn't push harder, it's trust yourself enough to take a different path. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 6am. ✨⁠Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠Host: Kate McDougleProduced by: Alice McDougleCo-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise CairnsMixed by Ed WallerEdited by Miri StevensDesign by Alice McDougle

    Ep 18: Shelly Murphy | Breaking the mould: why not fitting in can be your greatest strength!

  7. Jul 29

    Ep 17: Charley Wilkinson | Curiosity over certainty: From Newcastle to Singapore!

    What if the best opportunities in life are the ones you never planned for? In this episode, Charley shares how following her curiosity took her from the UK to China, Hong Kong and Singapore, shaping an international career defined by courage, resilience and an openness to the unknown. From navigating culture shock, language barriers and leading teams across Asia to walking away from a successful career to start again, she reflects on the experiences that taught her to trust her instincts and embrace uncertainty. Today, her work is driven by something bigger than success. As a diversity and inclusion leader, she helps organisations create meaningful change, proving that meaningful change begins with curiosity and the conviction to act on it. This conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have your whole life mapped out. Sometimes, the most extraordinary path is simply the one you're curious enough to follow. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 8am. ✨⁠ Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠ Host: Kate McDougle Produced by: Alice McDougle Co-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise Cairns Mixed by Ed Waller Edited by Miri Stevens Design by Alice McDougle

    Ep 17: Charley Wilkinson | Curiosity over certainty: From Newcastle to Singapore!

  8. Jul 15

    Ep 16: Steph Whitelock "You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be you.”

    In her 20s, Steph spent years chasing perfection, worrying about what other people thought, and pushing hard to succeed as a musician. But her perspective on life completely shifted when her son was diagnosed with congenital CMV - a common virus that’s harmless for most adults but can affect a baby during pregnancy. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Steph shares how navigating her son’s diagnosis - and a system that often required her to fight for support - uncovered a strength she never knew she had. She talks about finding confidence through adversity, leaving fear and judgement where they firmly belong, the power of community, and how music gave her the courage to fight for her son and step into a new, empowered version of herself.   This episode is a reminder that life rarely goes to plan, but sometimes the hardest chapters become the ones that shape us into the people we're meant to be. ✨ New episodes Wednesday's fortnightly at 8am. ✨Donate to CMV Action here. Donate to Dame Vera Lynn's Children's Charity here. ⁠Episodes also streamed on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube & ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠Stay connected! 🔗 Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@finallyfabulouspodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest? Drop me an email ⁠kate@finally-fabulous.com⁠Host: Kate McDougleProduced by: Alice McDougleCo-produced by Matt Williams and Francoise CairnsMixed by Ed WallerEdited by Miri StevensDesign by Alice McDougle

    Ep 16: Steph Whitelock "You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be you.”
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About

Welcome to Finally Fabulous, the podcast that encourages you to live boldly, joyfully, and on your own terms! Kate speaks with resilient women who’ve faced adversity, taken risks, and challenged the status quo to pursue happiness & redefine joy. They explore the highs, lows, and pivotal “f**k it” moments that shaped their paths, sharing lessons learned and practical tips. Packed with inspiration and real-life experiences, Finally Fabulous empowers you to tackle your own challenges and finally feel unapologetically fabulous. Eps biweekly Wednesdays @ 8am! Available on YouTube & Apple Podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate McDougle
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kate McDougle
  • Show Website
    Finally Fabulous