Strong, Grounded, Unstoppable
The podcast for women who are done just coping.
It’s time to rise!
Welcome! I’m your host, Susie Mackie – one time ‘doormat’ and now resilience mentor, speaker, author and award-winning advocate for women like you.
Here on Strong, Grounded, Unstoppable, we have real, unfiltered conversations about what it takes to rebuild self-worth, reignite your confidence, and rise strong and resilient – especially in midlife and beyond.
With deep conversation, bold truths, and lived wisdom, each episode is rooted in real-life experiences, offering practical strategies to:
- Break free from self-doubt and silence your inner critic
- Build emotional strength after betrayal, burnout, or big life shifts
- Navigate life alone with clarity, grace, and unapologetic courage
- Redefine success, confidence, and purpose in your 50s, 60s, and beyond – it’s never too late
You’ve spent too long simply surviving. Now it’s time to live life on your terms – fully and freely.
Latest Episode
20 December 2025
Fibromyalgia and Healing: Victoria Gillard-Smith’s Personal Journey to Understanding Fibromyalgia
Victoria and I delve into the complexities of fibromyalgia, sharing our personal experiences and insights on diagnosis, self-management, and healing. We discuss the importance of understanding the mind-body connection, the role of nutrition in managing inflammation, and the significance of energy protection – especially avoiding energy vampires!
Victoria emphasises the need for self-awareness and the impact of childhood trauma on health. Our discussion culminates in a powerful message about changing one’s identity from a ‘sufferer’ to an active participant in healing.
You can find Victoria here: https://ametrineholistics.co.uk
Previous Episodes
28 November 2025
Grief can lead to gratitude – Karen Ramsay-Smith
shares wisdom on wintering and firewalking.
In this enlightening, must-watch episode, Susie welcomes Karen Ramsey Smith, a soulful coach and change maker. They explore Karen’s journey from a solitary childhood spent in nature to a challenging corporate career, and ultimately to her current work in coaching and transformation.
Karen shares her experiences with the tragic loss of her partner through suicide, how grief can lead to profound personal growth and gratitude, and the importance of self-acceptance.
Her unique approach to firewalking is fascinating; she and her partner build personal transformation communities through their firewalking retreats. The conversation emphasises the significance of being in tune with nature and the cycles of life, particularly the need for rest and reflection during wintering.
Karen’s insights on numerology and energetics provide a deeper understanding of personal growth and the impact of loss on one’s journey.
3 November 2025
Redefining Masculinity with Men’s Trauma Coach, Jim Bernardo
In this deeply honest conversation, Jim Bernardo and Susie Mackie unpack the urgent realities of male mental health – from the silent suffering caused by societal expectations to the staggering statistics around suicide.
Jim shares powerful personal stories, including a remarkable chapter from his time at Microsoft, where even at the height of professional success, he struggled to accept recognition and self-worth. Together, he and Susie explore how generational trauma, emotional repression, and outdated ideals of masculinity have left many men isolated and unseen.
They discuss how redefining what it means to be a man – one rooted in vulnerability, emotional honesty, and connection – is essential not only for men’s mental well-being but for the health of our families and communities.
“At the same time that we have celebrated the advances made for women, we have not taught boys and young men what it means to be a man in a world in which women are your equals – not subservient to you, not less than you, but your equals”.
Key themes include:
- The silent crisis of male suicide and covert depression
- How societal conditioning stifles emotional expression in men
- The hidden cost of success and self-denial
- The power of vulnerability in healing and connection
- Why redefining masculinity can transform future generations
A thought-provoking and compassionate dialogue for anyone who believes it’s time to change the conversation around what strength and masculinity truly means.
27 October 2025
Global Superconnector, Charlott Fagergard, highlights the need of curiosity and connection in growth.
Today on Strong, Grounded, Unstoppable, Susie is joined by the inspiring Charlott Fagergard – a global connector and client relations specialist whose story is a powerful blend of courage, curiosity, and community.
From running a supermarket at just fifteen years old – managing staff who’d been there for decades – Charlott learned early the value of listening, understanding relationships, and stepping up to challenges from which others might shy away. Her ability to connect with people has been the golden thread throughout her life and career.
But like so many high achievers, Charlott reached a point where constant striving led to burnout. At fifty-two, she realised it was time to set boundaries, embrace self-care, and rediscover joy beyond the long hours of work.
In this conversation, we talk about curiosity, connection, and community -how to navigate business and burnout, and balance life with strength and grace. Charlott shares the lessons she’s learned about resilience, the courage to ask for help, and the reminder that we are never truly alone on this journey.
So settle in as we explore what it means to stay strong, grounded, and unstoppable with the wonderful Charlott Fagergard.
You can find her on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottfagergard
Book: “Made it Thru the Rain” by Beverley Jones
13 October 2025
Founder of The Minster Learning Development Centre, Christine Lester, says it’s Never Too Late to Make a Difference.
In this episode Susie welcomes Christine Lester, a truly warm and wise woman, project development manager and expert bid writer. They discuss Christine’s early life, the influences that shaped her, and her journey in establishing the Minster Development Centre. Christine shares her experiences in bid writing for European projects and the significance of collaboration in achieving success.
She emphasises lifting others up, exchanging knowledge, and inspiring women to step forward, heal, and support one another – showing that passion, purpose, and community have no retirement age.
The conversation delves into the importance of empowerment, resilience, and community support, particularly for women recovering from domestic abuse. The episode emphasises the power of believing in oneself and the importance of learning and development throughout life.
22 August 2025
Navigating Pain Beyond Medication: Susie Mackie and Kim Isles Alternative remedies
Susie and Kim discuss the complexities of pain management, particularly focusing on fibromyalgia and alternative remedies. They share personal experiences with pain, the impact of medication, and the importance of understanding the emotional and physical aspects of health.
The emotional component of pain is significant, and labels can hinder understanding and treatment of health issues. Women often face unique health challenges that require tailored solutions, and empowerment in health choices leads to better outcomes.
The conversation delves into the science behind innovative pain patches and the journey towards holistic wellness, emphasising the need for women to take control of their health and explore non-pharmaceutical options.
22 August 2025
The Art of Being Aware with Susie Mackie and Kim Isles
Susie and Kim discuss the concept of situational awareness, emphasising its importance in personal safety and everyday life. They explore how being aware of one’s surroundings can prevent potential dangers, especially for women.
Drawing from real-life experiences and expert advice, they discuss how being observant and aware of your surroundings can empower you to make safer choices. Learn practical tips to enhance your situational awareness, whether you’re traveling or navigating daily life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to boost their confidence and security in an unpredictable world.
The conversation also touches on the significance of grace, compassion, and self-confidence, particularly in the context of body image. They highlight the need for women to reclaim their self-worth and the power of affirmations in fostering a positive self-image.
22 August 2025
All We Have Is Right Now
Susie Mackie on Reinventing Life After 50
In this inspiring episode, Susie shares her transformative journey from a successful career in photography to creating her Mastering Mental Toughness programme. She reveals how her personal experiences and challenges became the foundation for helping women – especially those over 50 – build resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Susie talks about the power of evolving in our careers, asking ourselves what we truly want, and turning pain into passion. With warmth and wisdom, she reminds us that all we really have is the present moment to make meaningful change. Listeners will walk away encouraged to share their own stories, embrace growth, and step fully into the gifts they have to offer the world.
22 August 2025
Susie Mackie and Kim Isles explore the Science of Energy Healing and Meditation for Wellbeing
Weaving together personal stories and practical wisdom, Susie and Kim explore the many layers of wellness and spirituality. Kim opens up about her childhood and the profound influence of her mother’s struggles with bipolar disorder, sharing how it shaped her path toward healing. Together, they dive into energy healing, the science behind energy, and the powerful role it plays in shaping our wellbeing and relationships.
The conversation highlights the many forms meditation can take, showing how it can be adapted to fit individual needs while fostering growth and inner peace. With a focus on the impact of words, community, and personal experience, Susie and Kim illuminate how moving from survival to thriving is possible – and how understanding energy can transform the way we live and connect with others.
22 August 2025
Unlocking Self-Worth: The Inner Journey with Susie Mackie and Kim Isles
Here Susie and Kim explore why self-worth and self-love must come from within rather than external validation. They dive into the powerful role of self-talk, affirmations, and emotional resilience in shaping how we see ourselves.
Their conversation also examines the influence of social media, the dangers of comparison, and the truth that our value isn’t tied to money or possessions.
Together, they unpack how unhealed pain often gets projected onto others and why acknowledging our feelings is essential for emotional health. This episode is a reminder that lasting transformation begins with inner work – and that you are stronger and more valuable than you may realise.
20 August 2025
From Adversity to Advocacy: Jules Hawkins’ Passion for Empowering Single Mothers and Entrepreneurship
In this episode of the Strong Grounded Unstoppable podcast, Susie welcomes Jules Hawkins, a passionate advocate for single mothers and entrepreneurship. They discuss Jules’ childhood, the challenges she faced growing up in a single-parent family, and the resilience she learned from her mother. Jules shares her journey of moving to Tenerife, her experiences as a single mother, and the importance of community support.
The conversation delves into her creation of the Single Mums Business Network, her advocacy work – to Rishi Sunak when he was PM: “I was so furious with him in this meeting and I stood up and I spoke in front of everybody and I said, Rishi, you really don’t understand what’s going on!” – and her book ‘Breaking Out of Benefits Jail,’ which aims to empower others to overcome financial struggles.
The episode emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-worth, and the power of women’s voices in creating change.
13 August 2025
Embracing uniqueness: George Hawes on overcoming challenges and empowering women.
In this inspiring episode, host Susie welcomes the remarkable George Hawes. Together, they delve into George’s journey of overcoming dyslexia, embracing her unique identity, and her passion for empowering women. George shares her experiences from her diverse career path, her role as a mentor, and the importance of self-belief and community support. Key points include:
- George’s early challenges with dyslexia and how she turned it into a unique gift.
- Her diverse career journey, from aspiring policewoman to corporate roles and mentoring.
- The founding of Planet GG, a platform supporting women globally.
- The significance of self-love and the impact of her father’s legacy on her life.
Reflecting on the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness and the impact of community support, we encourage you to pursue your passions and believe in yourselves.
5 August 2025
Breaking The Silence: lessons from forgiveness, healing, resilience – and a ball of string, with Susie Mackie
In Chapter Two of her story, Susie reflects on her childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the lessons learned through family relationships and caregiving.
You’ll hear about a memory from primary school that seemed small at the time but left a lasting mark… and about the day her mother involved her in her secret life, creating a loyalty conflict no 11-year-old should face.
She emphasises the importance of sharing personal stories for connection and healing, and discusses how her experiences have shaped her resilience and desire to help others through her Mastering Mental Toughness programme.
If you’ve ever felt unworthy, unseen, or stuck in patterns you couldn’t explain – this is for you.
23 July 2025
From Suppression to Self-Love: Susie Mackie shares Part One of her Personal Journey
With raw honesty, Susie Mackie opens up with an inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.
Susie shares the origins of her mission: to build a vibrant, supportive community for women -especially those navigating midlife transitions. From childhood adversity to the inner strength that shaped her, she reflects on how authenticity, connection, and self-belief have been key to her own transformation.
Through heartfelt storytelling, Susie lays the foundation for the podcast’s purpose: empowering women to rise, together.
16 July 2025
From Lipstick to Legacy: A Journey of Self-Worth with Kim Iles
In this powerful episode, our guest Kim Iles shares the life-changing moment she realised she was meant for more – and how that one decision led her to open a health food store, become a radio show host, and transform countless lives.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or questioned your worth, this episode is your invitation to dream bigger. It’s never too late to create wealth, live with purpose, and honour the calling in your heart.
Enter your details here to ensure you never miss a podcast.
Frequent new episodes. Subscribe now and let’s rise together. I’m with you all the way. I respect your privacy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
