Clothes can spark connection—and in this episode with Harriet, founder of Saywood, we explore the serendipity of style. From slow fashion to sustainability, we talk about how what we wear shapes conversations, inspires community, and reflects conscious living. We also chat about social media, shared ambition, and why success is sweeter when it’s collective.

Don’t miss Saywood’s limited-time pop-up events:
📍 50 Cross Street, Islington: 4–29 June
📍 The Hair Shop, Hitchin: 14 June
📍 Avantelier, Notting Hill: 2–13 July

Tune in for stories, inspiration, and the magic of fashion that means something.

Wearing Meaning: Serendipity, Social Media & Slow Fashion with Harriet from Saywood

Janice has crafted a fascinating career journey - from working as a model to becoming a communications consultant focusing on venture capital funds in Berlin. In this episode, we explore reinvention, learning from failures (or the lessons that help us grow), and trusting your instincts. She reveals what modelling really teaches you (hint: it's not just about photos) and how those skills translate to the business world. We also discuss industry pressures, AI's growing role, and how to define success on your own terms.

Redefining Success: Identity, Career Pivots & the Reality of Modelling with Janice Sommer

In this episode I chat with Em-J Smith, who I met on a film set a year ago, about healing, authenticity, dating, and the messy joy of human connection. Recorded in our pyjamas (because why not?), we explore:

People-pleasing - How to undo it, even if it costs us relationships.

Dating's perfection myth - Why apps feel fake and real life flirting is oddly hard.

Trauma and resilience - Smiling as armor, and why feeling down is human. 

Authenticity starvation - Craving real talk in a world of small talk.

Social media vs. self worth - Rejecting the 'always-camera-ready' lie.

No fluff - a raw conversation on saying 'no', trusting your path, and finding joy in the imperfect. Listen for a dose of realness!

Why Not Be Happy? Healing People Pleasing, Real Talk and Connection with Em-J Smith

What starts with fashion becomes so much more. In this episode, Sarah Soulsby shares how her love for style sparked a growing community—where brands, inspiring women, and everyday passion come together. From lockdown beginnings to meaningful connections, this is a story of how self-expression can bring people closer, one outfit (and conversation) at a time.

Conversation Costs Nothing: Fashion, Community & Passion with Sarah Soulsby

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I speak with author and herbalist Angelica Merritt about the importance of reconnecting with the body—beginning with the often-overlooked wisdom of the womb space. Drawing from her book, Womb Witch: Herbal Magick for Reproductive Health, Angelica offers practical and intuitive ways to cultivate inner awareness, support healing, and deepen self-connection.

We also dive into topics that are often seen as taboo or embarrassing—but are completely natural and vital to understand. This episode invites you to tune into your body with curiosity and care, and to embrace what’s real rather than what’s hidden.

The Power of Reconnecting with Your Body: Angelica Merritt on Self-Connection, Womb Wisdom & Inner Healing

What happens when you step into a room with 100 strangers, all seeking connection? In this episode, I unpack the beauty and discomfort of being surrounded by people—but still navigating your own emotions. If you’ve ever craved belonging yet felt overwhelmed by social spaces, this one’s for you.

Connection Isn’t Always Comfortable: My Night in a Room of 100 Strangers

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I open up about my personal journey with a cavernoma — a health condition that shook my world but also brought deep clarity. I reflect on how, in moments of real crisis, the wall of made-up worries we often build through anxiety tends to collapse, revealing what truly matters.

To close the episode, I guide you through a calming meditation, accompanied by beautiful music from @francisfauxmusic. You can connect with Francis and explore more of his work at www.francisfaux.co.uk [http://www.francisfaux.co.uk/].

Take a deep breath, and let's connect.

When Anxiety Falls Apart + Guided Meditation for Calm

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with the wonderfully thoughtful @anasta_foto to explore the rich intersection of mindfulness, embodiment, and photography. Together, we dive into the quiet presence required to truly capture a moment, the link between inner stillness and visual storytelling, and how photography can become a moving form of meditation and self-connection.

Anasta opens up about her journey as a photographer and how she’s found grounding and inspiration through practices that invite slowness and presence—including ecstatic dance, contact improvisation, and 5Rhythms. We also touch on the importance of safe, supportive spaces like women’s circles, and dive into communication practices that deepen connection, such as Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Authentic Relating, and Circling.

Whether you're a creative, a seeker, or simply someone learning to find beauty in the everyday, this conversation is a gentle invitation to pause, notice, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.

You can check out Anasta’s work here, Anastafo.com

 





Mindfulness Through The Lens - A Conversation With @anasta_foto

In this episode of Connected with Iva, I open up about a time in my life when I felt deeply lost — constantly seeking connection, yet nothing felt truly meaningful. I was surrounded by people, but inside, I felt empty. It wasn’t until I began to explore my deeper purpose that something shifted. The loneliness didn’t magically disappear, but the void I once felt slowly began to fade.

We dive into the powerful connection between purpose and loneliness, and why chasing external connection without inner meaning can leave us feeling more isolated than ever. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I feel so alone even when I’m not?” — this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

 * The personal moment that woke me up
 * Why purpose is often the missing piece
 * How to start uncovering your own deeper why

Let’s talk about loneliness, purpose, and the kind of connection that actually fills you.

Lonely or Lost? Why Purpose Might Be the Answer

In this episode of Connected with Iva, we explore the essential role human connections play in our happiness and survival. Why do we need connection, and how does it impact our mental well-being? Tune in as I dive into the science behind human bonds, featuring insights from Johann Hari’s Lost Connections, and discuss how social disconnection leads to depression and anxiety. Learn why strong, meaningful relationships are vital for thriving in today's world.

We’ll also uncover how connections release the "love hormone" oxytocin, reduce stress, and improve resilience. Plus, we’ll reflect on the challenges of loneliness, the impact of technology on relationships, and how to prioritize deep, genuine connections over surface-level interactions. I share personal stories and tips on building and maintaining meaningful relationships in an increasingly individualistic society.

If you're looking to foster better connections in your life and improve your well-being, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to check in with those you care about, build your tribe, and embrace vulnerability—because your mental health depends on it.

Why Human Connections Are Key to Happiness and Well-being

'Connected with Iva' is a solo-hosted podcast about building deeper connections - with yourself, others, and the world around you. Through personal reflections and insights, Iva explores what it means to cultivate meaningful relationships and embrace a fulfilling life. With a mix of structured themes and free-flowing thoughts, the podcast is a space for self-discovery, emotional growth, and authentic conversation. If you're looking for inspiration and deeper connections, 'Connected with Iva' is here for you.

Iva Litova

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