You've Got You: Trust Your Wise Inner Advocate

02/17/25 • 57 min

How can you stay calm and make clear decisions when facing unexpected medical news? What happens to your brain in a health scare? And can you shift your mind from fear to clarity?

In today’s episode Luan speaks with Josie Thomson, a neuroscience expert, and award-winning mindset coach who’s faced cancer twice, to explore how you can calm your mind in a health crisis and advocate for yourself with confidence.

In this episode we talk about:

The brain’s automatic response to a critical health moment —and how to take back control
Why we default to fear (and how to move into calm clarity)
The hand-on-heart technique to instantly reduce anxiety
The way to ‘prime’ yourself and cultivate a sense of calm
The inner critic vs. the wise advocate—which one are you listening to?
Why self-awareness and self-trust are your greatest tools in a medical crisis

When you’re in fight-or-flight mode, it’s hard to process information or make clear decisions. This episode is packed with science-backed strategies to help you self-regulate, stay calm, and advocate for healthcare that’s right for you.

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Get Luan's free guide to Self-Advocacy

Check out Luan's website

Disclaimer

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you stay calm and make clear decisions when facing unexpected medical news? What happens to your brain in a health scare? And can you shift your mind from fear to clarity?

In this episode we talk about:

The brain’s automatic response to a critical health moment —and how to take back control
Why we default to fear (and how to move into calm clarity)
The hand-on-heart technique to instantly reduce anxiety
The way to ‘prime’ yourself and cultivate a sense of calm
The inner critic vs. the wise advocate—which one are you listening to?
Why self-awareness and self-trust are your greatest tools in a medical crisis

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Get Luan's free guide to Self-Advocacy

Check out Luan's website

Disclaimer

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Menopause, Gaslighting, and the Power of Self-Advocacy

What do you do when you’re gaslit by your doctor?

This episode is part one of your guide to reclaiming agency in your healthcare.

Today, Luan sits down with Sonya Lovell, host of the Dear Menopause podcast, to discuss the critical role of self-advocacy, especially when navigating menopause and cancer treatment.

Sonya opens up about her experience with breast cancer, the life-changing treatment decisions she had to make on her own, and the lack of support and information surrounding treatment-induced menopause.

From facing knowledge and power imbalances with her medical team to finding the courage to challenge advice that didn’t feel right—Sonya’s story highlights why self-health advocacy is essential.

Together, Luan and Sonya explore how trusting your intuition, seeking second opinions, and building a strong support network can lead to better health outcomes and greater emotional resilience.

Sonya’s candid insights provide a roadmap for building confidence and ensuring your healthcare reflects your needs and choices.

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us empower more women to advocate for their health!

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode page: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts

Connect with Luan:

Instagram: @luanlawriewoods

Newsletter sign-up.

Website: luanlawriewoods.com.au

Disclaimer

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

DISCLAIMER

The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. The Regarding Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

How Creative Thinking (and a Rubber Chicken) Can Help You Make Health Decisions

Feeling stuck in your healthcare decisions? Need to figure out what’s right for you but feeling overwhelmed? This episode of Regarding Me is here to help!

Today, I’m joined by Marilyn Barefoot, an award-winning creative strategist and expert in problem-solving. Marilyn shares how the principles she’s used with global brands can help you get unstuck so you can make confident decisions that align with what matters most to you—even when things get complicated.

Whether it's navigating medical appointments, making tough treatment decisions, or simply regaining a sense of control, Marilyn’s insights will empower you to approach your healthcare with clarity, confidence – and creativity!

In This Episode:

How creativity can unlock solutions when you feel stuck in your health decisions
The power of a binder to help you stay organised and confidently advocate for yourself!
Why writing by hand improves information retention and understanding
How tactile tools (like Play-Doh or a rubber chicken!) activate more of your brain for better decision-making
Why self-advocacy doesn’t have to be big and bold—sometimes it’s as simple as asking for help or requesting your favourite music during treatment

Self-advocacy isn’t just about standing up for yourself—it’s about creatively shaping your healthcare experience so it truly reflects who you are. And this episodes helps you do just that!

For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.

Connect with Luan:

Follow Luan on Instagram

Get Luan's free guide to Self-Advocacy

Check out Luan's website

Disclaimer

CREDITS:

Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate

Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.