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Shine the Spotlight: The Psychology of Health & Business
Shine the Spotlight is a podcast about how we actually function as humans — in our health, our work, and the lives we’re trying to build. My name is Nichi Morrin, clinical psychologist, writer, lifestyle architect, and entrepreneur. I explore the psychology behind health, business, and sustainable success.
Each episode brings practical, real-world conversations at the intersection of:
Applied psychology and human behaviour
Invisible health, energy, and nervous system regulation
Business psychology, leadership, and doing work smarter — not harder
Building freedom, meaning, and a life that supports you, not just your output
This is not therapy — and it’s not hustle culture.
It’s about understanding how your mind and nervous system shape your health, your choices, and your ability to create a life and business that actually works for you.
Whether you’re a founder, professional, creative, or high-functioning human who knows there has to be a better way to live and work, Shine the Spotlight offers insight, language, and perspective to help you move forward — without burning yourself out or abandoning what matters.
Because success shouldn’t cost your health. And a good life shouldn’t be postponed.
Shine the Spotlight: The Psychology of Health & Business
Ep. 12: Learning to Live Life to the Best of Your Abilities with Katharine Mullings
In this episode Nichi speaks with Katharine Mullings, a resilient mother of three, qualified counsellor, and advocate for living authentically with invisible conditions. Katharine shares her raw and powerful journey from living a healthy, carefree life to being diagnosed with three invisible illnesses—ankylosing spondylitis, celiac disease, and hypothyroidism—while raising her young family. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the UK's healthcare system, her experiences with acceptance, and the struggle for validation within medical and social spaces. Her story highlights the power of advocacy, persistence, and redefining success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
- The Road to Diagnosis: Katharine discusses journey to being diagnosed with three invisible illnesses over a six-year period, and a physiotherapist who really listened.
- The Power of Advocacy: Both Katharine and Nichi reflect on how vital it is for healthcare professionals to listen to patients.
- Living with Invisible Illnesses: Katharine opens up about the daily pain, fatigue, and unpredictability of life with ankylosing spondylitis.
- Acceptance vs. Resistance: The shift in mindset—from stubborn resistance to self-acceptance—was transformative in finding peace and redefining success.
- Pacing & Boundaries: Learning to pace activities and set boundaries was a key part of Katharine's journey.
- The Role of Identity & Self-Worth: Katharine reflects on how what gave her a renewed sense of purpose, helping her reclaim herself beyond just being a mother or patient.
- Social Isolation & Community: Katharine describes the emotional toll of isolation that comes with invisible illnesses and realising that connection and socialising were crucial to her mental well-being.
- Adapting to a New Normal: Katharine learned to adapt to her “new normal” by focusing on values-driven living, prioritising quality time with family, walks by the coast, and maintaining meaningful relationships.
- Advice for Others Living with Invisible Conditions: Come to terms with your condition and recognise that it's okay to ask for help; Learn to pace yourself, even on good days, and avoid overdoing it; Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your experience and communicate your needs clearly to loved ones and healthcare providers.
Links:
Follow Katharine on Instagram:
@ankylosingspondylitis_mumma
@theeastlondoncounsellor
Thank you for listening to Shine the Spotlight: The Psychology of Health & Business. If you enjoy this episode please SUBSCRIBE to our show to stay informed. You are also keenly invited to give us a rating as well.
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To purchase Nichi's book Girl, Get out of the Freaking Car! - Please contact us via social media
Psychology services - www.rewiredpsychology.com.au
Previous Intro and Outro music: Inspirational Acoustic - Organic Harmony by Sonican; and Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay. Current music: levgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay.
Disclaimer: This content is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It is not deemed as psychological treatment and does not replace the advice from your health professional or need for psychological treatment.