Welcome to our first episode!
In this episode of As You Are, Whit and Lisa dive into the themes of aging, motherhood, and rediscovering identity outside of societal roles and expectations. The ten-year age difference between them adds depth to their discussion as they explore their unique but shared experiences. They talk about the societal pressures on women, especially mothers, to prioritise everyone else's well-being, often at the cost of their own. Whit reflects on the struggles of youth, feeling disconnected and lacking personal power, while Lisa offers insights into the lessons learned as a 50-year-old navigating menopause and self-reconnection. Both agree that finding community is key to overcoming these challenges. The episode highlights the importance of listening to one's inner voice, creating supportive communities for women, and embracing the different seasons of life.
Key Points:
Seasons of Womanhood: Exploring how different life stages shape the experience of being a woman, with unique perspectives from a 40-year-old and a 50-year-old.
Aging Gracefully: Both hosts reflect on how life often improves with age, challenging the nostalgia around youth.
Motherhood's Unspoken Struggles: Whit shares her honest experiences with the challenges of motherhood, breaking the silence around difficult topics she wishes were talked about more.
Letting Go of Societal Expectations: Lisa discusses the freedom that comes with getting older, especially in terms of learning to let go of external pressures and societal expectations.
The Power of Community: Both Lisa and Whit emphasize how important it is for women to support one another through different phases of life, noting that healing often happens in community.
Rediscovering Identity: The hosts encourage women to reconnect with themselves and their inner voice, especially after years of caregiving and putting others first.
Embracing Your Own Path: In this episode they highlight the journey of trusting yourself and living according to your own needs rather than external expectations
Who Are We?
Lisa Bolin
For the whole of Lisa’s adult life she has been curious. With a thirst for knowledge, an open mind, and an adventurous spirit, she has travelled, tested and tried new things and new ways of being.
Originally from Australia, Lisa moved to Finland in 2017, a heart-led move. She has also lived in Canada and Germany. Lisa is passionate about supporting women who are facing big transitions (like moving country and navigating a new culture), women who are needing calm and creativity in their lives and a mentor to guide them.
Coach and mentor, owner of Flourish Mind & Body, writer, poet, occasional rock singer, mother, sister, daughter, partner, lover, wife, teacher, educator, book-lover, dog-lover, nature-nerd, traveller—Lisa is many things, wearing many hats. Because we are so much more than one thing, aren’t we?
Lisa has two publications on this platform,
Northern Notes and
. Each publication has a voice and flavour of its own and she is practicing showing up, as she is—authentic, genuine, unapologetic. You also can find Lisa on Instagram @lisabolin_flourishWhit Stewart
Over the past 40 years, Whit has navigated deep challenges—from a family history of addiction and her own struggles with unhealthy patterns, to the joys and trials of motherhood. Through years of dedicated self-work, reflection, and practice, she has found peace by learning to truly listen to herself. Now, as a wellness and life coach, she uses her journey, knowledge, and knowing to help other women navigate their own challenges, guiding them toward greater ease and freedom.
Through honest conversations, she encourages women to explore their authenticity, take ownership of their journeys, and transform. With over 20 years of deep exploration in therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, somatics, and more, she believes that our bodies hold the wisdom for true healing and unlimited potential.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Whit now calls London home, where she continues to explore the depths of womanhood at every stage of life.
You can find Whit online at madronacoaching.co.uk, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching
Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.
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