What It Means To Be Human With Kate Stirling

Kate Stirling

Previously Club Thrive: The Podcast, What It Means To Be Human draws back the curtain on how to be, live + achieve being the top of your game without becoming someone you are not in the process. We explore the idea anything is possible when you believe it to be & what needs to happen to bring your visions to life, whilst overcoming very real & painful life challenges. Kate shares insight from 24 years as a coach and ADHD HSP alongside talking to leaders in business, arts, science & entertainment to really dig into what it means to be human, high performing AND successful without burning out

  1. Jun 4

    Ep 73: Embracing Your Humanity To Achieve High Performance Without The Push

    Coming back in for an episode having had some time to recovery from chemotherapy before I started radiotherapy. I explore the true meaning of high performance, emphasising the importance of balance, self-awareness, and holistic well-being. I challenges common misconceptions about pushing yourself to the limit and shares insights on how to achieve sustainable success by honouring your very human needs. I take a long pause after recording this but there will be new episodes soon as I have just finished radiotherapy and have been spending the last few weeks recovering. A lesson for me too in perhaps I should have just allowed myself to fully take the time ‘off’ or at least not set promises I didn’t have the energy to keep with production and output! In this ep I explore: Thoughts for you: 00:00 Navigating Motherhood and Loss 01:29 Redefining High Performance 04:43 The Importance of Rest and Recalibration 07:32 Embracing Humanity in High Performance 10:34 The Energy First Approach 14:40 Creating from a Place of Fulfilment High performance is not just about pushing harder; rest and recalibration are essential.Focusing solely on numbers can lead to obsession and overlook the bigger picture.Understanding your true needs and limits is key to sustainable success.Embracing your humanity helps create a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.Rest and self-care are acts of high performance, not signs of weakness. As ever thank you for your support! Do like, share and review the podcast if it resonates for you. I am excited now I am coming to the end of my cancer treatment to take this to the next levels for you too! Come follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod_

    18 min
  2. Mar 9

    Ep 71: An Energy First Approach To Income: Navigating Financial Curveballs In Self Employment Of Childcare Changes to Cancer with Confidence and Compassion

    In this episode, I lay my cards on the table! I share my unexpected journey, the reframes to still live as fully as possible in spite of my cancer diagnosis, the financial impact/ challenges, what I am doing to use this time to my advantage. I unpack motherhood, highlighting how an energy-first approach can help you navigate life's challenges. Discover how shifting your relationship with fear, success, and self-worth fosters resilience, authenticity, and fulfilment.  I also explore how we navigate curveballs in our day to day lives to impact long term benefits, results and vision creation. I talk about here how the childcare curveball, which prompted this episode, transforms the impact and results we gain over time. We can choose to still use a curveball as opportunity when we realise it is not the be all and end all when plans or life changes often without expecting it to. I have possibly over shared in this episode but I think it’s important within the parameters of what this podcast is all about to be honest about where I am starting from. None of this is reckless, I have 24 years experience of overcoming adversity and making something out of nothing OR overcoming huge gaps in being under resourced through my own doing in response to the world. Share your thoughts in the comments! Key Topics Embracing vulnerability and emotional regulation during challenging timesReframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discoveryThe importance of an energy-first approach to money, health, and fulfillmentOvercoming fears related to body image, success, and stepping into personal powerPractical strategies: how to respond to curveballs with calm and clarityThe role of compassion and resilience in entrepreneurial and parenthood journeysMoving from control to trust: letting go of perfectionism and micro-managingThe impact of life events like illness, divorce, and loss on self-worth and perspectiveCreating lasting change through self-awareness and intentional livingMy experiment: generating income from a place of alignment and energy rather than fear Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Navigating life's curveballs with compassion 02:11 - How big life challenges shift our priorities and structures 04:34 - Rediscovery: Aligning work with authentic passion 05:27 - Financial freedom as a tool for independence and fulfillment 07:45 - Overcoming body image fears and food control issues 09:02 - The importance of emotional regulation and resilience 10:54 - Moving from stress and grief to calm and clarity 12:47 - Recognizing societal conditioning around success and worth 14:22 - Adopting an energy first approach to money and life 15:46 - Challenging limiting beliefs about body, food, and success 17:42 - Flexibility in parenting, work, and personal growth 20:07 - The human part of resilience: softness and vulnerability 22:17 - Experimenting with income goals through an energy-first paradigm 23:39 - Overcoming perfectionism and obsessive behaviors 25:41 - Reframing setbacks: curveballs as opportunities for self-trust 27:29 - Prioritizing fulfillment over superficial success 29:14 - The universality of human experience in adversity 30:40 - Using setbacks as fuel for future growth 32:51 - Moving from control to trust in your journey 34:31 - The importance of emotional regulation and self-compassion 36:45 - The power of authenticity and living in your own lane 38:12 - From "pick me" to aligned self-empowerment 39:38 - Reclaiming strength from past extremes and setbacks 41:28 - Final thoughts: embracing possibility, calm, and authenticity Follow the podcast to get first access Leave a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-it-means-to-be-human-with-kate-stirling/id1691994215 Follow Kate Stirling on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_ Follow What It Means To Be Human on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod Check out Kate’s website: www.katestirling.com Check out Club Thrive: www.club-thrive.com

    42 min
  3. Mar 2

    Ep 70: Embracing Your Humanity and Potential In Motherhood: Navigating Ambition, ADHD + Next Level Identity Change After Parental Burnout

    In this episode I share my journey through grief, motherhood, and rediscovering what really matters to me after I burnt out last year in motherhood, losing my Dad, a cancer diagnosis and ADHD diagnosis all coming together in a deeper level of self discovery. Today we go beyond societal hierarchies and gender stereotypes. I emphasizes the importance of embracing failure, aligning with your energy, and living intentionally without burnout or shame. I really want to invite you to reflect on your own process, challenge internal and societal hierarchies, and cultivate a life that’s aligned with your unique authentic energy.  Success doesn’t have to be at the expense of your humanity. Embrace your full self—experiences, fears, ambitions—and live with pure connection with and to your life In this episode, I spill the beans on The messy middle of grief and the process of healing after losing a parentChallenging societal hierarchies and the hidden patriarchy affecting self-worthRedefining high performance and success as a humane, playful processThe impact of gender conditioning on identity and ambitionThe importance of trusting your intuition over external content and expectationsBalancing ambition with motherhood, without sacrificing your authenticityHow to create energy and success aligned with your values and flowRecognizing and addressing unconscious biases that limit our potential Chapters: (00:00) - What's really happening behind the scenes of personal growth(02:07) - Debunking myths around high performance and sacrifice(03:45) - The naivety of thinking motherhood will fit seamlessly into life(05:33) - Molly May's stress reveal and universal human stress responses(07:14) - The importance of emotional awareness and energy exchange(09:19) - The impact of societal hierarchies and gender conditioning(11:08) - How family dynamics reflect broader societal constructs(13:27) - Facing body image, self-esteem, and internal hierarchies(15:27) - The unconscious influences of patriarchy in our perceptions and values(17:43) - Releasing control and trusting your intuition for success(20:49) - Understanding the invisible hierarchies shaping self-worth(24:01) - The importance of awareness in shifting self-perception(28:33) - Challenging the myth that ambition and motherhood can’t coexist(33:03) - Avoiding burnout by aligning ambitions with inner truth(36:22) - Practical steps to maintain energy and authenticity(40:33) - Redefining success across multiple passions and streams(43:20) - Moving beyond weight and money hierarchies to self-love(45:41) - Cultivating trust in your own process and timing(47:34) - The power of open conversations for societal change(49:55) - Inspiring action, community involvement, and living fully Subscribe to the podcast to continue exploring your own unique potential Follow What It Means To Be Human on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehuman_ Follow Kate on Instagram: www.instagram.com/katestirling_ Kate’s website: www.katestirling.com

    51 min
  4. Feb 7

    Ep 69: Letting Life Change You (Without Losing Yourself)

    n this episode of What It Means To Be Human i share about the new name change (more to come I’ll do a whole episode on it!) the ew chapter for Club Thrive and I share my personal journey, reflecting on the challenges and transformations I have faced over the past few years. From navigating motherhood and mental health struggles to dealing with losing a parent and getting a cancer diagnosis all in the same week over Christmas, I emphasize the importance of self-trust, community support, and embracing change. I discusses the evolution of the podcast and the mission of Club Thrive alongside the new chapter with What It Means To Be Human, aiming to empower you to live authentically and thrive in your life. I really want to encourage open conversations about mental health, grief, and personal growth, and I invite you to join me on my next chapter of self-discovery and growth to continue eliminating the shame, guilt and grief which can keep us small, trapped and alone especially in the times we are living in as big hearted humans Takeaways The importance of self-trust in personal growth. Navigating the complexities of motherhood and mental health. Embracing change as a pathway to growth. The impact of grief on personal development. Creating a supportive community for empowerment. Understanding the connection between personal and professional identities. The significance of open conversations about mental health. Recognizing the value of unique experiences in shaping our journeys. The role of resilience in overcoming challenges. Prioritizing mental and physical health for overall well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:06 The Journey of Club Thrive 04:56 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes 10:24 Mental Health and Maternal Challenges 18:00 Facing Grief and Health Challenges 30:07 Coping with Cancer Diagnosis 39:06 Reflections on Life and Loss 46:30 Embracing Change and Growth the podcast wherever you listen to never miss an episode and come get involved in the conversation on socials too!

    57 min
  5. 12/16/2025

    Ep 68: Courage, Compassion and Connection: No Such Thing as “Right” In Auditions And Human Led Casting With Sarah Jane Price

    In this episode I chat with casting director Sarah-Jane Price for a rich, honest, and deeply human conversation about what really happens behind the casting table. We explore how the role of casting is evolving, the emotional realities faced by both performers and casting directors, and why genuine connection matters more than ever in the creative industries. Sarah-Jane shares her journey from performer to casting director, the fulfilment she finds championing talent, and how social media has transformed the way artists are discovered and seen. We talk about the magic of opening nights, the complexity and responsibility behind casting decisions, and the compassion required to hold space for artists navigating rejection, hope, and ambition. Together, we dive into the realities of freelance life, mental health, rest, and identity — why embracing imperfection is a creative superpower, and how trusting the process can redefine what success really means. We also look ahead to the future of theatre, from immersive experiences to the role of technology in expanding what’s possible on stage. This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity thrives when we lead with empathy, courage, and connection — and that the industry is at its best when we remember the humans at the heart of it all. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sarah-Jane Price 03:20 The Evolving Role of Casting 05:15 Navigating Emotions in Casting 07:44 The Shift from Performer to Casting Director 10:24 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Performance 12:01 The Impact of Social Media on Casting 14:14 The Joy of Creating New Work 15:55 The Changing Landscape of Talent Discovery 18:23 Connecting with Talent in a Digital Age 20:54 The Importance of Genuine Connections 22:20 The Passion for Theatre 24:29 The Excitement of Opening Nights 26:45 Meeting Big Names in the Industry 30:02 Humanizing the Casting Process 32:01 Understanding the Complexity of Casting Decisions 33:27 Understanding Casting and the Industry's Complexities 35:02 Navigating Freelance Life and Finding Balance 37:52 Mental Health and the Creative Process 40:21 The Importance of Rest and Creative Fueling 43:53 The Intersection of Identity and Career 46:47 Embracing Imperfection and the Joy of Creativity 49:52 Trusting the Process and Defining Success 51:30 The Future of Theatre and Immersive Experiences Sarah-Jane's Website: https://www.sarahjaneprice.co.uk Sarah-Jane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanepricecasting/ Club Thrive Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_ Please do rate, share and review the podcast! It all helps us to help you thrive too

    1h 1m
  6. 12/09/2025

    Ep 67: The Club Thrive Comeback Is On

    In this episode I look to introduce some new energy for the path ahead for Club Thrive and the podcast after two years, after some very stop start moments! Sometimes the best we can do is to pause before taking the next steps, the wheels are still in motion. I include reflections on the challenges of navigating motherhood, identity shifts, and the impact of burnout alongside how it is helping to make this podcast and the work I do even better. I also touch on self-worth, how triggering emotionally I found the events of the 7th October 2023 and how vulnerability plus community support in overcoming life's obstacles is so powerful. There is such a balance between ambition and fulfilment but I continue to believe the edge of this is crucial for wellbeing in high achievers. I really encourage you to embrace your individual journeys and recognise your potential for growth AND the ability to thrive , even in the moments of survival. Apologies for the dog barking at the end... Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 02:50 Navigating Life Changes and Identity Shifts 05:56 The Impact of Parenthood on Personal Growth 09:01 Burnout and the Journey to Recovery 11:49 Understanding ADHD and Its Effects 15:06 The Balance Between Ambition and Fulfilment 18:05 Creating a Supportive Community for Thriving Come follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_ Please do rate, save and share, it all helps to build the momentum behind our mission of helping you live a thriving life in spite your moments of survival

    21 min
  7. 12/04/2025

    Ep 66: Live More, Work Less: A Life Of Freedom Without Limits On Your Terms With Me First Method Creator And Work Wake Up Call Coach Jo Hooper

    We cover so much in this episode to truly help you reprioritise yourself and your life so that work is the thing that fuels it, rather than you being a slave to what you have created out of society’s image of “success”.  In this episode, I interview Jo Hooper, who shares her journey of living what some might see as an unconventional life.  We talk openly about overcoming mental health challenges, financial independence, and improving self-worth. Jo discusses the importance of making choices that align with personal values, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the empowerment of choosing to be a child-free woman. We emphasise the significance of self-accountability, the balance between work and life, and the need for rest and personal fulfilment as a driving north star to help you with decisions that truly set you free from the shackles of the expectations of others. Can't wait to hear what you think and discover from it! What We Cover: 00:00 Introduction  02:40 The Journey to Unapologetic Living 06:57 Navigating Mental Health and Work-Life Balance 09:58 The Financial Dynamics of Self-Care 14:30 Empowering Women to Set Boundaries 17:53 The Impact of Client Transformations 21:51 Choosing What to Overcome 25:58 The Courage to Live Authentically 28:36 Deciding to Live Child-Free by Choice 30:23 Identifying Energy Drainers 35:34 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries 38:33 Sitting with Discomfort 43:21 Redefining Productivity and Rest 48:19 Empowering Child-Free Women 51:07 Thriving on Your Own Terms Jo’s Links: https://getwildlyfree.co.uk/links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfree We’d love to hear what you think, share your thoughts or leave a review to help others benefit too! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/club-thrive-the-podcast/id1691994215?i=1000738181926 Follow Us On Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

    1 hr

About

Previously Club Thrive: The Podcast, What It Means To Be Human draws back the curtain on how to be, live + achieve being the top of your game without becoming someone you are not in the process. We explore the idea anything is possible when you believe it to be & what needs to happen to bring your visions to life, whilst overcoming very real & painful life challenges. Kate shares insight from 24 years as a coach and ADHD HSP alongside talking to leaders in business, arts, science & entertainment to really dig into what it means to be human, high performing AND successful without burning out