The Bookends of Belonging: Birth and Grief with Hannah Jardine Youell

Belonging is something we navigate throughout our entire lives, but two of the most profound experiences that shape our sense of connection are birth and grief. These moments—at opposite ends of life—challenge and transform how we relate to ourselves and those around us.

In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Youell, a hypnotherapist, coach, and diversity advocate who has spent the last 15 years helping individuals, families, and organisations create environments where everyone feels they belong. But today, we step into a deeply personal space as Hannah shares her own story of navigating loss, birth, and transformation.

Together, we explore:

• How grief and birth shape our sense of belonging and identity
• The concept of grief as a transformation rather than just an ending
• The lasting connections we hold with loved ones who have passed
• The alchemical experience of giving birth alone at home during the pandemic
• Identity and belonging as someone of mixed heritage
• How we find our way back to ourselves during life’s biggest transitions

Hannah’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and deep connection. Whether you’re navigating loss, new beginnings, or simply exploring your own sense of belonging, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that we are never alone in these experiences.

Connect with Hannah: https://www.hannahjy.com

Subscribe to How to Belong for more stories about finding, losing, and rediscovering belonging in every chapter of life.

About the Host: Naomi Lloyd Subscribe to How to Belong for more stories about finding, losing, and rediscovering belonging in every chapter of life. Alongside hosting this podcast, I help people explore belonging through photography—whether that’s powerful headshots, personal rebranding, or family portrait shoots. I also create Audio/Photo Memory Films for your loved ones, turning family photographs into spoken legacies. Captured Memories helps families preserve the voices, reflections, and photographs of their loved ones. Through a guided audio-video session, we create a unique cinematic keepsake that captures significant life moments, memories, and reflections.

Find out more at: www.naomilloyd.co.uk

Captured Memory Films:

Follow Naomi on Instagram: @naomilloydphotography and @howtobelongpodcast