I've actually not met Eva Echo (she/they) in person yet but having known Eva for sometime, I'm always impressed by her insight, sharpness & humour. Whether a DEI session, social media content or her brilliant Tedx talk, Eva injects all of this into what she does so uniquely when sharing about mental health, neurodivergence, transness or current affairs.

Eva is a well-known, respected & loved individual. An activist & campaigner, public speaker& educator, writer & content creator, Eva wears many hats. She's also the Director of Innovation for Birmingham Pride. A Director for Trans in the City. A charity ambassador. She sits on the CPS Hate Crime Panel. And of this she does tirelessly because she's "too stubborn to give up on those that aren't accepted".

She brings people along with her - it's something we discuss in the episode through Eva's projects, most recently in a particular special moment in a bold orange dress at an awards ceremony. She's also not afraid to call people out in the best ways though strives to find common ground even with trolls to try & diffuse the situation in the hope that it's a learning opportunity for them.

Like many people striving to make the world a more inclusive place, Eva's origin story is the the backbone of her work. 'Little Eva' was misunderstood, says Eva and didn't belong. She lived in her own little bubble which was lonely. But she was also creative, analytical and a lover of order - traits that Eva now refers to as possible early signs of her neurospicy-ness.

Eva discovered a sense of belonging in music and loved being on stage & on tour - it was so much fun exploring this in the episode and I'm egging Eva on to take to the stage again sometime!

Eva now has the sense of belonging she deserves with her wife Pip & her sidekick, Boomer (who is adorable). She shares how her transition is an ongoing evolution and how she didn't realise there was an LGBTQ+ community out there - to be honest, it's hard to imagine it without Eva. From taking legal action against the NHS to court over ridiculous gender affirming care waiting times for trans patients through to her work with UN Women, Eva never fails to impress. Showing up and being visible wasn't something she sought out. She uses the words 'quirky, stubborn and reluctant' to describe her and origin story - and form the Eva we know & love.

Eva teases that her next project is the boldest move in her career yet... I'm staying tuned and can't wait to finally meet you in person soon, Eva!

This conversation does go deep into conversations around mental health, struggles & family challenges - please take care of yourself whilst listening.

At just 25 years old, Tate Smith (he/him) has recently launched his new business as a professional public speaker, Tate Smith Consulting Limited, and become a Company Director. This achievement has been in parallel with Tate's transition, which he began 5 years ago... and it all started with a simple lunch & learn talk at this workplace!

Tate is an incredibly insightful, talented and wise speaker and he covers a broad variety of topics from LGBTQ+ equality, transitioning in the workplace, his experience of the menopause, gender inclusive language and male privilege. He also consults with businesses & organisations on trans & gender inclusion policies. Keeping it simple and using his lived experience are two of his key principles. Combined with his drive & enthusiasm, Tate's future is looking bright and it's refreshing to hear someone own their success the way he does.

But it hasn't been easy. Little Tate was a lively, Disney-loving kid with a love of dressing up & imagination. Tate shares how growing up in a working class household in Essex with little money or encouragement, he felt he didn't fit in and wanted a different life. And despite setbacks with grades, he worked hard, took risks and pursued opportunities to get to where, and who, he is now.

All of this truly embodies the three words Tate uses to describe his origin story: Determination. Troubled. Excitement. The latter is very much how he's feeling at this moment in time thanks to his impressive determined attitude and harnessing the more challenging moments. This is such an inspiring listen... enjoy and hit Tate up if you're looking for a wonderful speaker!

"I choose me." These three simple words really hit me during this whirlwind episode of 'Pause. And Rewind..." with this bloody wonderful guest!

Thea Bardot (they/she) is the Founder of Lightning Travel Recruitment, a travel & lifestyle recruitment consultancy that proudly does things differently to your standard & - let's say it - boring ones. With powerful messaging including 'We treat people like humans' and 'We actually give a sh*t', it's bold, unique & authentic. And that's Thea to a tee.

Harnessing these traits along with sass & humour, Thea uses their lived experience & professional insights to educate people on many issues from queerness, trans+ & non-binary life through to neurodivergence, accessibility, gender equality, menopause, recruitment processes, best practice & more. They're a LinkedInfluencer don't ya know! Officially a Top Voice receiving well-deserved appreciation & recognition for what they're putting out there.

But it hasn't all been smooth sailing to get to where Thea is today and we'd both like to add a trigger warning to this episode as it contains discussions around suicide, mental health, family issues & life struggles generally.

Thea's origin story is something they sum up in these three words: Traumatic. Chaotic. Survivor. From bullying at school, a problematic home life & relationship with their parents though to a heavy focus on the need to success & striving to be themselves, when Thea says 'I choose me", I felt that deeply. We also dive into the importance of chosen family & storytelling, the surprise of getting their LinkedIn blue tick, internet friendships & their gender journey. Plus much more....

Again, take care of yourself whilst listening to this episode & enjoy all the fun, mutual love & sharing contained.