Episodes

  • Episode 4 - Threads of Connection: Fashion, Friendship, and Caring for People & Planet

    Episode 4 - Threads of Connection: Fashion, Friendship, and Caring for People & Planet
    Feb 12 2025
    Welcome to Skin & Within, where we delve into wellness that goes beyond the surface. I'm Claire Gray, founder of Ermana Natural Skincare, and your guide to finding your inner glow. In this episode of Skin & Within, we welcome Niki Taylor, MBE, a passionate educator in regenerative fashion and textiles, a fashion activist, and co-founder of Fashion Revolution Scotland. As a lecturer in design at Edinburgh College of Art, Niki plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of designers, inspiring them to prioritise sustainability in their work. Niki and I both started our careers in the fashion industry at a time when consumerism and fast fashion were at their peak. But as our values evolved, we found ourselves questioning the system and seeking a more ethical approach to fashion. In this conversation, we explore the power of community, the role of education in sustainability, and the small but meaningful steps we can all take to care for people and the planet.
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    37 mins
  • Episode 3 - Healing from Trauma: A Conversation with Madeleine Black

    Episode 3 - Healing from Trauma: A Conversation with Madeleine Black
    Feb 5 2025
    Welcome to Skin & Within, where we delve into wellness that goes beyond the surface. I'm Claire Gray, founder of Ermana Natural Skincare, and your guide to finding your inner glow. In today’s episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Madeleine Black—an author, speaker, and survivor who has courageously shared her story of healing. After experiencing sexual violence at just 13, Madeleine hid her trauma for many years. But through self-exploration, relationships, and ultimately sharing her story, she found the strength to heal. We’ll discuss the role of shame, the impact of trauma on self-identity, and whether forgiveness is necessary in the healing process. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation, but also one filled with hope and empowerment. Let’s go!
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    33 mins
  • Episode 2 - Breath as Therapy: How to Control Stress and Mood with Breathwork

    Episode 2 - Breath as Therapy: How to Control Stress and Mood with Breathwork
    Jan 29 2025
    Welcome to Skin & Within, where we delve into wellness that goes beyond the surface. I'm Claire Gray, founder of Ermana Natural Skincare, and your guide to finding your inner glow. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of breath with Stuart Sandeman, founder of Breathpod and Sunday Times bestselling author of Breathe In, Breathe Out. Join me as I chat with Stuart about how breathwork can shape our emotions, thoughts, and even our personalities. He shares his personal journey into breathwork and explains why so many of us aren’t breathing properly – and how small changes can have a profound impact on stress, mood, and overall wellbeing. We dive into: How breathwork influences the nervous system, from fight-or-flight to deep relaxation. The fascinating connection between breath, thoughts, and emotional states. The difference between nose and mouth breathing – and why it matters. The archetypes of breathers – which one are you? Practical techniques for using breath to manage anxiety, grief, anger, and shock. Stuart’s three simple steps to help us all breathe better. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or simply connect with your body in a deeper way, this episode is packed with insights to help you harness the power of your breath. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that could quite literally change the way you breathe – and how you live. Let’s go!
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    53 mins
  • Episode 1 - Beyond the Pitch: Body Image, Dreams, and Female Empowerment

    Episode 1 - Beyond the Pitch: Body Image, Dreams, and Female Empowerment
    Jan 22 2025
    Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to former Scottish footballer, Founder & Chief Executive Of Glasgow City Football Club Laura Montgomery about female body image. Laura is a trailblazer for women’s football and she believes that we can all play a part in shaping positive body image by becoming role models for the next generation. In this episode we explore the powerful connection between sport, body image, and confidence, particularly for women in today’s world. Listen to her inspiring story of challenging a male-dominated industry and transforming perceptions of women’s football, all while championing female empowerment.
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    30 mins
  • Christmas Special - A New Year, A New You?

    Christmas Special - A New Year, A New You?
    Dec 27 2024
    Welcome to the Skin & Within Christmas Special! ✨🎄 As the festive season sparkles around us and we approach the fresh start of a new year, we're reflecting on those classic New Year’s Resolutions—but with a wellbeing twist. In this special episode, join host, Claire Gray as she chats to three incredible wellness warriors who know a thing or two about transforming intentions into meaningful actions. We have Catherine Lawson, founder of barefacedlife.com, a champion of self-care and holistic living; Janice Clyne, the queen of fermentation, always inspiring us to nourish ourselves from the inside out; and the ever-inspiring Julie Wilson Nimmo, whose wild swimming adventures remind us to embrace nature and life’s challenges with courage. Together, they’ll be exploring how to set mindful, compassionate resolutions that truly nurture the skin, the soul, and everything within. So, grab a cuppa, cosy up, and let’s dive into a New Year filled with wellness, warmth, and wisdom.
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    38 mins
  • Episode 10 - The Power of Natural Healing: A Conversation with Lilia Sinclair of Heal Scotland

    Episode 10 - The Power of Natural Healing: A Conversation with Lilia Sinclair of Heal Scotland
    Jul 10 2024
    Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to visionary Lilia Sinclair of Heal Scotland about holistic health and wellness. Lilia is the founder of Heal Scotland and is dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing through natural and integrative approaches. With a profound belief in the body's innate ability to heal, Lilia has created a sanctuary for those seeking to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. Join us as we delve into Lilia's inspiring journey, her innovative methods, and the transformative power of healing within Scotland.
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    29 mins
  • Episode 9 - Whole-Person Healing: Exploring Integrative Medicine with Dr. Veronica

    Episode 9 - Whole-Person Healing: Exploring Integrative Medicine with Dr. Veronica
    Jul 3 2024
    Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to Dr Veronica McBurnie, Founder and Clinical Director of Westbourne Medical Studios about Integrative Medicine. This episode delves into the fascinating world of integrative medicine with a special focus on alternative and complementary therapies. Joining us is Dr. Veronica, the visionary owner of a medical centre that takes a truly holistic approach to patient care, offering a comprehensive 360-degree view of well-being. In this episode, we'll explore the significance of alternative and complementary therapies in promoting overall health and wellness. From acupuncture to herbal medicine and yoga, these techniques have gained recognition for their ability to complement traditional medical treatments and address the mind-body connection. As we dive into our discussion with Dr. Veronica, we'll uncover how these therapies play a vital role in enhancing not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on a journey towards whole-person healing.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 8 - Navigating Hormonal Changes: Insights from a Menopause Medic

    Episode 8 - Navigating Hormonal Changes: Insights from a Menopause Medic
    Jun 26 2024
    Welcome to Skin & Within, helping you find your inner glow through conversations with wellness experts. Join host, Claire Gray as she chats to menopause medic Fiona O’ Donohue about hormones, HRT, women's health issues and supplements. Menopause and the years preceeding it can be an unnerving time for women as their bodies change Physically, it brings hormonal changes affecting bone health, heart health, and metabolism. Emotionally, it may lead to mood swings and depression. Socially, it can alter relationships and roles. Menopause affects self-image, and confidence however it can offer opportunities for spiritual and emotional growth, and can prompt a reassessment of lifestyle and self-care practices. In this episode, Claire chats to expert guest, Dr. O'Donoghue, a distinguished GP and menopause specialist with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field. Dr. O'Donoghue's extensive credentials and expertise make her a trusted authority in the holistic well-being space. Graduating from Queens University Belfast in 1991, she has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care and support to patients navigating the menopausal transition. Having worked in both the UK and Australia, Dr. O'Donoghue brings a wealth of diverse experience to her practice. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of the first dedicated menopause clinic in the UK, working alongside Dr. David Mackay Hart to integrate clinical care with cutting-edge menopause research. As a member of esteemed organizations such as the British Menopause Society, the British Medical Association, and the Faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health, Dr. O'Donoghue remains at the forefront of menopause mana Currently based at Glasgow Medical Rooms, Dr. O'Donoghue continues to provide invaluable guidance and support to patients seeking help and advice on menopause-related issues. Her commitment to holistic care and patient well-being makes her a beacon of hope for individuals navigating this transformative stage of life. Join us as we delve into Dr. O'Donoghue's wealth of knowledge and expertise, exploring the holistic approaches to menopause management and empowering individuals to thrive during this life transition.
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    44 mins