Welcome to the Tales of Transformation podcast where I chat to women who share their transformational journeys and what they have learnt along the way. Hosted by Ann Girling, the Unlikely Guru, whose mission is to empower women with knowledge and inspire them to action so that they can become the healthiest and most vibrant versions of themselves. We can all learn and be inspired by their achievements and they are evidence of what’s possible when we discover what it is we really want to do and go for it! There’ll be episodes every couple of weeks, so make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on any of these fabulous women’s stories Don’t forget to come and join my growing Facebook community of women who want to live better for longer The Unlikely Guru
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September 8, 2026Episode 1412 min
Episode 14: Ann Girling
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Episode 14: The Finale Date broadcast: 08.09.2026 In this, the final episode Ann shares her reason for bringing this podcast to its final close. She talks about some of the episodes which particularly resonated with her, not that that was an easy task! And she talks about her experiences of being a podcast host. And finally she thanks Gary, her tech man, her guests and you the listeners. She invites you to stay in her world by joining her Facebook group .. the link is below Good bye, be happy and stay healthy To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
August 25, 2026Episode 1323 min
Episode 13: Rosie Diver
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 25/08.2026 Episode 13: Rosie Diver In this episode Ann’s guest is Rosie Diver, a 4 business business owner! Here we are talking about her outdoor adventure business, Of Paths and Paddles, and we hear the story that inspired her. We talk about the importance of exercise for our mental and physical wellbeing and the opportunity to clear our minds of all the every day stuff to focus on something entirely different. Rosie’s story written by her says it all:- “I never intended to spend my working life sat behind a desk. I always wanted to be outside. I learned to love walking, camping, canoeing, the outdoor life as both a Ranger and as a Ranger leader. I have walked and canoed and camped all over the UK, both with the Guides and personally. Until February 2020 I had only ever shared my experiences, my knowledge and my qualifications as a volunteer either with the girl guiding or with my local canoe club. But after a stage 3 Melanoma diagnosis I decided to try sharing my love of the outdoors as a business. February 2020 wasn't perhaps the most auspicious time to start an outdoor adventure business, so it stalled little. Another diagnosis of cancer and the business stalled again, however, here we are in 2026 and I am well and restarting Of Paths and Paddles; walking for well-being and paddling for Peace of Mind. In my experience, the outdoor industry is very heavily populated by men and I would like to redress that balance and invite women to come along and experience the mental and physical health benefits of being in the outdoor environment.” You can connect with Rosie here:- https://ofpathsandpaddles.com Rosie@ofpathsandpaddles.com 07747614434 To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
August 11, 2026Episode 1232 min
Episode 12: Journey to Becoming an Environ-Mentor
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Episode 12: Journey to Becoming an Environ-Mentor Date broadcast: 11/08/26 In this episode we hear how Lyn’s passion for the environment began as a teenager but grew into the business she now has as a result of having children and her concerns for their future. Listening to this will give you some great sustainability tips. Her book recommendation is “Wilding” by Isabella Tree, the story of one of the first rewilding projects before it became a thing. I could say more but , honestly, the best thing you can do is listen to this and discover how one woman is making a significant difference in the world in a very gentle, non-judgmental way. Lyn set up ECO for ALL with the sole purpose of supporting anyone who would like to live more sustainably but is stuck on the next steps. She is passionate about making eco-friendly living as easy and affordable as possible so created her RAMP up your Sustainability programme to share realistic, affordable, manageable and practical ways we can make small changes to everyday habits As a working mum of 2 busy kids, Lyn is acutely aware that educing the overwhelm around this important subject is vital so her programme is a supportive and flexible space to learn how to do your bit. Having been conscious of how her family lives for many years. Lyn is able to advise on trusted brads, recycling tips and how being more eco friendly has a positive impact on our health Lyn also runs educational workshops for purpose led businesses – she shares eco-lifestyle tips for employees to make around the home – leaving them feeling more empowered and aligned with the company ethos. It’s also an important way of reducing eco-anxiety and will create a healthier home by reducing toxins so will actively benefit the wellbeing of their employees. You can find out more about Lyn’s programme here:- https://eco-for-all.co.uk/services/#group To connect with me and join my group For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
July 28, 2026Episode 1118 min
Episode 11: The 4 Ages of Ann .. Whatever That Means!
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 28.07.2026 Episode 11: The 4 Ages of Ann .. Whatever That Means! In this episode Ann shares her musings over recent weeks and reflects how we, as women, pass through various phases in our lives and she makes these phases into 25 year blocks as a rough guide. These 25 year blocks coincide with our reproductive life: puberty, child bearing, perimenopause and beyond. She wants to emphasise that the fourth age, 75 and beyond is not something to dread, it is a time of choice, of freedom and joy as long as we learn to prioritise our own self care, health and wellbeing. She shares a little of how she is creating this fourth age to work for her She mentions 2 books that she’s talked about before .. they’re clearly worth reading: “The Complete Guide to the Menopause” by Dr Annice Mukerjee and “Ikigai” by Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles Thank you for listening To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
July 14, 2026Episode 1025 min
Episode 10: Janet Jones
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Episode 10: Janet Jones Date broadcast: In this episode Ann’s guest is Janet Jones, House of Colour Image Consultant. I have known Janet for some time and have always been struck by the passion she has for helping her clients with colour and style. I think you’ll agree when you hear her story of where she was and the confidence having her colours done gave her, especially when she heard her husband say “I’ve got my wife back”. We also talk about a couple of books she recommends. One is “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” and the other Is “How not to Wear Black” by Jules Standish. I was intrigued by this last one as I am always amazed by the number of people who wear black .. I don’t! Janet talks about the problem with black and what it does or doesn’t do for us particularly as we age So do have a listen and the main takeaway is the importance of colour and style to the way we feel about ourselves Janet Jones - House of Colour Image Consultant: Janet has a franchise in Chester and provides a variety of services that include: Colour Analysis Personal Style Analysis Wardrobe Management & Declutter Personal Shopping She helps people discover their best colours through colour and style analysis, to feel confident inside and out through their clothes, so when they look in the mirror they love what they see, who they are and, most importantly, how they feel. She helps her clients save money, shop better and have a wardrobe that works and they receive compliments on how gorgeous you look You can connect with Janet here:- https://www.instagram.com/houseofcolour_chester?igsh=MWk4MGhiZHVhenF1NQ== https://www.houseofcolour.co.uk/stylist-profile/janet-jones https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-jones-houseofcolour?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
June 30, 2026Episode 920 min
Episode 9: Morning Routine
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 30/06/2026 Episode 9: Morning Routine In this episode Ann talks about the why of implementing a Morning Routine into our busy lives and how it has served her. She describes what it is and the different elements and gives some ideas that might work for you. She also emphasises that there is no one way to do it and the idea is to be flexible so we do actually do it rather than making excuses. Because it does work! She said she’d list some of her favourite personal development books just in case you wanted some ideas: The Miracle Morning: Hal Elrod The Let Them Theory: Mel Robbins The Chimp Paradox: Dr Steve Peters Daring Greatly: Brene Brown It’s Not About You: Bob Burg & John David Mann The Slight Edge: Jeff Olsen Finally here is a link to Cath Downes’ recent podcast where she talks about her Mindful Morning https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tales-of-transformation-with-ann-girling/id1734580193?i=1000762517836 Thank you for listening! To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
June 16, 2026Episode 826 min
Episode 8: Margaret Bell
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 16.06.2026 Episode 8: Margaret Bell In this episode Ann’s guest is Margaret Bell, Gut Health and Hormone Health Specialist. Before I spoke to Margaret I was in awe of her depth of knowledge on a topic that affects most of us in some way or another and I was intrigued to know and understand more. So we hear her story about suffering from anorexia and how her mum was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 45. She found herself wanting to learn more and over 30 years of learning has added a range of qualifications to support her work. On top of that she also works as a retreat chef and I know, because she told me, she prepares meals for her clients I then went on to ask her how we would know if we needed her services and we got to talk about anxiety. I knew that there was a connection between the gut and the brain via the vagus nerve but I didn’t know that 90% of information travels from the gut to the brain, rather than the other way round! We also talked about seasonal eating and why it’s important and she recommended her book “Nourish Reset” if we wanted to learn more. It’s available on her website. And we ended with 5 top tips we can implement right now to support our gut health You cannot come away from this podcast without learning something! Margaret Bell is a Hormone & Gut Health Specialist, retreat chef, and author of The Nourish Reset, helping women understand what’s really going on in their bodies so they can finally stop feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, bloated, anxious, and disconnected from themselves. Through a blend of food psychology, gut and hormone health, blood work interpretation, nervous system support, and seasonal nourishment, Margaret is known for giving women their life back, helping them regain energy, confidence, clarity, and calm in a way that feels realistic, warm, and deeply supportive. She has worked as the VIP chef for Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival and supports women through retreats, online programmes, cookery experiences, and one-to-one deep dive work. You can connect with Margaret here:- Website: https://margaretbell.co.uk/ Other contact details: https://linktr.ee/wonderwomanofhormonalhealth To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
June 2, 2026Episode 718 min
Episode 7: Talking about Ageing Well
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 02/06/2026 Episode 7: Talking about Ageing Well Books: Ikigai – Hector Garcia & Francesc Morales, The Changing Mind – Daniel Levitin & The Complete Guide to the Menopause - Dr Annice Mukherjee In this episode Ann discusses stress: why it happens, what is happening to our bodies and how damaging it can be. She shares her own story of her experiences of stress but goes on to describe the insidious nature of it in 21st century life. We need to learn to better care for ourselves. It is not a case of having a spa day every so often, more a case of scheduling self care activities into our daily lives. She gives us some tips, sharing the kinds of things she has learnt helps her and are now a part of her routine. The important thing to remember is that we need to care for ourselves so we can better care for others. To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
May 19, 2026Episode 634 min
Episode 6: Dani Devren
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 19.05.2026 Episode 6: Dani Devren In this episode Ann’s guest is Dani Devren, Soul-Aligned Mentor and Rebellious Cheerleader for Joyful Living. For a start don’t you love Dani’s title. When I read that I was sure we were in for something very special. I would encourage you to listen to her because I was so fascinated listening to everything Dani was saying I didn’t write down much to go in these notes. There were two main themes I picked up; the first was the importance of showing up as our authentic selves whether in real life or on social media. But first you have to develop self awareness so that you get to know who you really are. And the other thing that really resonated with me was listen to what your body is telling you. It rang true for me as I know there are times when I should just walk away from my desk and see to me. I’m sure it applies to us all. Just listen to this thought provoking and highly entertaining episode Dani aka The Soul-Aligned Mentor and Rebellious Cheerleader for Joyful Living. Psychology Informed mentorship for Mind, Body & Soul evolution.Supporting women to prioritise self - whilst building personal brands that feel like home.Come and play through intimate experiences, social media monthly workshops, luxury day retreats and the Mastermind for the Spiritually Curious : The Awakening. You can connect with Dani here: Make friends with Dani here & drop her a DM to say you’ve found her here! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danidevren/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dani.devren/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danidevren/ Website/Next Retreat: https://www.danidevren.co.uk/soul-aligned-day-retreat Save 10% off my next Soul-Aligned Day Retreat in June by quoting ANN GIRLING when enquiring : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV74qHBjUHR/ To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
May 5, 2026Episode 522 min
Episode 5: Stress and How We Can Help Ourselves
Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling Date broadcast: 05.05.2026 Episode 5: Stress and How We Can Help Ourselves In this episode Ann discusses stress: why it happens, what is happening to our bodies and how damaging it can be. She shares her own story of her experiences of stress but goes on to describe the insidious nature of it in 21st century life. We need to learn to better care for ourselves. It is not a case of having a spa day every so often, more a case of scheduling self care activities into our daily lives. She gives us some tips, sharing the kinds of things she has learnt helps her and are now a part of her routine. The important thing to remember is that we need to care for ourselves so we can better care for others. To connect with me and join my group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share For “My Transformation Workbook” and my book “Journey to Chocolate” visit https://unlikelyguru.uk And for my free resource “Self Care Strategies that Can Change Your Life” follow this link:- subscribepage.io/selfcare-guide Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.
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