Once Upon a Pippa🩷📖✨️

Pippa Leslie

A cosy podcast for romantasy lovers, readers, dreamers and aspiring writers. Join me as I chat about fantasy books, writing my first novel, bookish adventures, travel, motherhood, ADHD, creativity and finding healing through stories. If you believe books can change lives, spark imagination and remind us who we are, grab a cosy drink and let's turn the page together. Because every great adventure begins with... Once Upon a Pippa. 🩷📚✨

Episodes

  1. Aug 31

    Embracing Change: The Journey of Becoming

    Exploring identity shifts through motherhood and creativity. It's been a while since I've shared an episode, and during that time, I've found myself reflecting on the shifts that come with motherhood and personal evolution. The inner critic speaks loudly sometimes, but it’s a whisper in comparison to the growth I’ve experienced. Motherhood has a way of causing us to cling to who we once were while we navigate this new world. As I mentioned in my episode, "You're allowed to become someone new." It’s a crucial reminder that our identities are not static. Life happens, and we change. I’ve noticed how my interests have shifted since becoming a mom, and that’s okay. We need to embrace the idea that we are always evolving. Wayne Dyer once said, "We are not the same person we were at ten years old." This resonates with me deeply. Our experiences, our environments, and even our DNA are constantly in flux. In the midst of my journey, I started ADHD medication, which has been a rollercoaster. But my personal development continues. I'm reading, writing, and considering what the next few years will look like. I realized that sometimes we become so obsessed with finding ourselves that we forget it’s okay to keep changing. Just like nature, we go through seasons. This perspective has been a game changer for me. As I navigate motherhood and all its demands, I recognize that it’s normal for old identities to stop fitting. For over a decade, I’ve identified as a coach, healer, and spiritual guide. Helping others has always been a joy for me. But with motherhood came a shift in how I view success. Time has become my most valuable currency. I’ve been reevaluating not just what I do, but who I want to be. I've also taken some time off from coaching to fill my own cup, ensuring that I have something to pour out for others. The balance is crucial, and it’s okay to take breaks to recharge. This year, I’ve discovered a new passion: writing a fantasy novel. If you’d told me last year that I’d be doing this, I would have laughed. But here I am, inspired by the stories I’ve loved. This journey serves as a reminder that we are often becoming the person capable of living our dreams. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that I don’t owe anyone a consistent identity. Change is part of being human, especially as women navigating our cycles and life stages. We’re allowed to evolve and explore new interests. So, I invite you to consider: what if the version of you that’s emerging isn’t confused, but just new? It’s like stepping into a new town, full of possibilities. Let’s embrace this journey together, wherever it leads us. Thank you for joining me on this path. I’m excited to share more about my writing, motherhood, and everything in between. Until next time, remember to take a moment to explore who you are becoming.

  2. Aug 3

    Following Your Inner Nudges: Trusting The Breadcrumbs of Your Soul

    Sometimes, the most profound insights come during the most unexpected moments—like a beach walk inspired by an inner calling. In this raw and candid episode, host Pippa shares a transformative journey from spiraling thoughts about finances to a deeper understanding of trusting life's invisible threads. Moving beyond surface struggles, she reveals how embracing the abundance mindset, following intuitive nudges, and reconnecting with childlike wonder can radically shift your perspective—and your life. You’ll discover how moments of overwhelm can serve as invitations for growth, not setbacks, when you tune into your inner voice. Pippa shares her experiences of seeking clarity at the ocean’s edge, hearing wisdom from Wayne Dyer and Serena Dyer, and how these insights help reframe fears about money and control. We break down the power of belief—your beliefs in yourself and in life's endless possibilities—and how shifting this mindset unlocks new opportunities you never thought possible. Tune in for actionable keys: the importance of trusting your gut, the impact of daily acts of giving, and how to use your imagination and inner voice to create a life aligned with your true purpose. Whether you're facing financial stress, emotional overwhelm, or simply craving more joy and wonder, this episode reminds you that everything you seek is within your reach—if you just listen to that quiet, powerful pull inside. Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual clarity, a fresh perspective, or a reminder of the limitless potential within, this episode reinvigorates your sense of possibility and invites you to embrace the magic of life’s unpredictable journey. Remember: every challenge, every twist, is part of your unique story—trust the process, follow your inner breadcrumbs, and step into your fullest life today. In this episode, she weaves her personal story with timeless wisdom, offering a fresh perspective on trusting life's unseen guidance and embracing abundance.

  3. Jul 27

    The Hidden Layers of Sarah J. Maas’s Books We Never Noticed - Theories That Change Everything

    ***SPOILER WARNINGS FOR ACOTAR SERIES** Unlock the transformative power of storytelling—how fiction, especially fantasy, holds the key to healing, joy, and rediscovering your true self. If you're a busy parent, struggling with mental health, or simply craving a new way to reconnect with your inner child, this episode reveals why certain books find us exactly when we need them most. When Pip's life was overwhelmed by motherhood and mental health challenges, rediscovering her joy came through unexpected pages. Ashlie shares how the magic of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series reignited her faith in divine timing and helped her heal from postpartum depression. They discuss how stories like Acotar serve as portals to a worlds of empowerment, hope, and self-discovery—offering a healthy dopamine hit for ADHD minds and a much-needed escape from life's chaos.You'll discover: The surprising connection between fantasy worlds and mental health resilienceHow iconic characters embody the qualities we most need—patience, bravery, and loveThe significance of signs and synchronicities in our healing journeysWhy books about love, magic, and adventure are more than escapism—they're blueprints for overcoming trauma and reclaiming joyThe powerful metaphor of Beauty and the Beast in understanding unconditional love and acceptanceThis conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling lost in healing, stuck in routine, or craving a spark of childlike wonder. If you've ever wondered whether fiction can truly transform your life or help you process trauma, this episode will inspire you to pick up that book, follow the signs, and trust the timing of your own story. With insights rooted in personal growth, neurodivergent experiences, and a shared love for fantasy, Pip and Ashlie explore how stories become vessels for healing, hope, and rediscovery. Perfect for parents, mental health advocates, and fantasy lovers alike—discover how a good book might just change your life, one page at a time.

  4. Jul 19

    The Secret Power of Fantasy Romance: How ACOTAR Sparked So Much Joy During Difficult Times

    Most of us are searching for joy and authenticity — but what if the key is finally allowing yourself to be unfiltered? On this empowering debut, Pip opens up about her raw journey from mental health struggles and postnatal depression to discovering life-changing magic in books. She shares the moment she realized her true happiness wasn’t about external achievements but reconnecting with her passions—namely, fantasy, romance, and the simple joy of stories that ignite her soul. This episode isn't just a life update; it’s a blueprint for anyone feeling lost despite having it all. Pip dives into how books—especially fantasy romance—became her sanctuary during her toughest times, transforming her mindset, sparking new dreams, and reigniting her creative spirit. She reveals the powerful impact of her diagnosis with ADHD and how hyper-fixation on stories delivers dopamine hits for the brain, offering a new perspective on neurodivergence and joy. You'll discover the pivotal role storytelling plays in healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. Pip breaks down her favorite genres, tropes like enemies-to-lovers and fated mates, and how these narratives mirror her own love story with her husband. She also shares her plans to pivot her career, leaving a decade of coaching behind to pursue reading, writing, and authentic self-expression—encouraging you to follow your own nudges toward joy. Why does this matter? Because life's too precious to stay in a rut—your next chapter might just be a story you create yourself. Whether you're navigating mental health, embracing your neurodivergence, or simply craving inspiration to live more unapologetically, this episode offers a heartfelt reminder: your joy is worth chasing, and sometimes, the greatest healing begins with giving yourself permission to be unfiltered. Join Pip on this candid, passionate journey—perfect for anyone seeking authenticity, self-love, and a sprinkle of magical inspiration. Hit play and let her story remind you that your most extraordinary life starts with embracing who you truly are.

About

A cosy podcast for romantasy lovers, readers, dreamers and aspiring writers. Join me as I chat about fantasy books, writing my first novel, bookish adventures, travel, motherhood, ADHD, creativity and finding healing through stories. If you believe books can change lives, spark imagination and remind us who we are, grab a cosy drink and let's turn the page together. Because every great adventure begins with... Once Upon a Pippa. 🩷📚✨