Busy House, Happy Home

Welcome back to Busy House, Happy Home.

I’m so pleased to be back, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting first guest for this season than Eddie - somebody I’ve wanted to sit down and speak to on this podcast for years.

In this episode, Eddie and I talk openly about men’s mental health, vulnerability, and the importance of having safe spaces where men and boys can feel heard, supported, and understood. Eddie shares his journey from the wellness world into men’s work, how men’s circles can help, and why shared experience (rather than simply “talking more”) can be the key to authentic connection.

We also discuss how Eddie works with boys in a way that feels natural and non-confrontational - using movement as a healthy distraction, and creating calm, safety and confidence through pattern-based practices. This is something I’ve seen first-hand with my own boys, and I’m so grateful for the impact he’s had.

It’s a conversation about real life - the pressures men carry, why people can feel so alone, and how asking for support (and finding community) can make all the difference.

If this episode helps even one person feel less alone, or encourages them to reach out and speak to someone, then it’s been worth having.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Why I wanted Eddie as my first guest of the season
What men’s circles are (and why safe spaces matter)
Why “talking” isn’t always accessible - and what helps instead
How Eddie supports boys using movement, confidence-building and calm
The power of authentic connection and shared experience
Advice for anyone struggling and looking for support

Eddie’s details
I’ll leave Eddie’s links here so you can get in touch:
https://www.instagram.com/alchemisewitheddie/
How to Do EFT Tapping (Beginner's Guide) - Alchemise with Eddie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNBrky0Z0Os

My Online Courses
Available via my website in the Online Courses section:
https://www.askcharlie.how (Ad/Own Brand)

Get in Touch
I’d love to hear from you.
If you have a question, a topic you’d like me to cover, or somebody you’d love me to speak to on the podcast, please do get in touch.
Email: [email protected]

Follow & Subscribe
If you’re listening on a podcast app, please do follow Busy House, Happy Home and add it to your library.

And if you’re watching on YouTube, I’d love it if you’d subscribe there too. It really does make such a difference and allows me to keep creating and sharing more content with you.

Thank you so much for being here, and for listening.

Love, Charlie x
Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Busy House, Happy Home.

It feels so lovely to be back with the podcast, and I couldn’t think of a nicer way to begin Season 7 than by sharing an extract from my book, Through the Seasons.
In this episode, I read from the winter section of the book, followed by the January chapter, A Gentle Reset. Winter is a season I truly cherish - not in spite of its starkness, but because of it. It’s a time for stillness, warmth, reflection, and finding comfort in simple, timeless rituals at home.

January, in particular, feels like a quiet pause after the bustle of December. A month for restoring order gently, nourishing ourselves well, and easing into a new rhythm - without pressure or lofty resolutions. Just small, grounding acts of care that help us feel calm and settled again.

I also share a little about why the podcast has been on pause, why now feels like the right time to return, and how I see this season of the podcast unfolding - gently, intuitively, and in a way that feels right.

This episode is perfect to listen to while you’re pottering at home, cooking, walking, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
A winter reading from Through the Seasons
January reflections and a gentle reset for the new year
Thoughts on slowing down, cosiness, and seasonal living
Why the podcast is returning now
What to expect from Busy House, Happy Home going forward

Links & Resources Mentioned
My book: Through the Seasons - currently available for pre-order - https://www.askcharlie.how/shop/p/through-the-seasons-with-ask-charlie (Ad/Own Brand)
Online courses: Available via my website in the Online Courses section (Cooking, batch cooking, Aga cooking, sewing, seasonal living and homemaking)
You can find everything here:
https://www.askcharlie.how (Ad/Own Brand)

Get in Touch
I’d love to hear from you.
If you have a question, a topic you’d like me to cover, or if you’d like to be part of a future conversation on the podcast, please do get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
You can also leave a comment on YouTube or message me there.

Listen & Watch
This episode is also available to watch in video form over on my YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ask.charlie

Follow & Subscribe
If you’re listening on a podcast app, please do follow Busy House, Happy Home and add it to your library.
And if you’re watching on YouTube, I’d love it if you’d subscribe there too.
It really does make such a difference and allows me to keep creating and sharing more content with you.

Thank you so much for being here, and for listening.
Love, Charlie x
Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our conversation with the amazing Niamh from The Wellness Clinic, we delve into mindfulness, stress management, and the art of slow living. Discover what it takes to maintain balance, stay regulated, identify stressors and implement effective solutions. It's essential to not only eliminate triggers but also understand why they exist. From navigating busy schedules to parenting in isolation, everyday strategies are crucial for self-care and meeting the needs of both ourselves and our loved ones.

🤸‍♂️Where to find Niamh:
www.thewellnessclinic.ie
Niahm on Instagram

✨BECOME A MEMBER OF ASK CHARLIE MEMBERS CLUB✨

Find out more about Ask Charlie:
🎥 Ask Charlie on YouTube
✨Ask Charlie on Tik Tok
🧺 www.askcharlie.how
📸 Ask Charlie on Instagram- daily windows into life in the English countryside
🍋 Learn more about Charlie's online courses!
Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niamh O’Connell is passionate about guiding you through your wellness journey, meeting you where you are and fostering healthy habits while steering clear of mindless routines that hinder progress. Achieving optimal health and wellbeing involves delving into the complexities of individual challenges and getting to the root of the problem. Tune in for insights that inspire positive changes tailored specifically for you!

🤸‍♂️Where to find Niamh:
www.thewellnessclinic.ie
Niahm on Instagram
Facebook: The Wellness Clinic Ireland
Kindle books:
How to Sleep (when it doesn’t come easily)
How to Relax (when you have too much to do)
✨BECOME A MEMBER OF ASK CHARLIE MEMBERS CLUB✨

Find out more about Ask Charlie:
🎥 Ask Charlie on YouTube
✨Ask Charlie on Tik Tok
🧺 www.askcharlie.how
📸 Ask Charlie on Instagram- daily windows into life in the English countryside
🍋 Learn more about Charlie's online courses!

Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's tremendous power in crafting homes that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also align with the dynamics of life and its ever-changing nature. Having a sanctuary to retreat to amidst the chaos of the world is incredibly important. In a world often portrayed by picture-perfect magazine homes, Laura focuses on designing spaces that cater to the needs of "normal" people navigating family life—where the goal might simply be to drain the peas! Charlie adds her insights from years of managing building projects, emphasising the value of accepting gradual progress and prioritizing durability.

🏡Where to find Laura Simpkins:
Laura on Instagram
Laura on Youtube

✨BECOME A MEMBER OF ASK CHARLIE MEMBERS CLUB✨

Find out more about Ask Charlie:
🎥 Ask Charlie on YouTube
✨Ask Charlie on Tik Tok
🧺 www.askcharlie.how
📸 Ask Charlie on Instagram- daily windows into life in the English countryside
🍋 Learn more about Charlie's online courses!
Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.