I Z Z Y J U D D

Today is Tourette’s awareness day. Last year my niece was finally diagnosed with Tourette’s after an agonising wait in trying to understand what was happening to our beautiful little Alma. As a family we want to share Alma’s story to help spread awareness and understanding about this very complex condition. Tourette’s is not what we think it is, it is so much more than involuntary swearing and tics. Here are some words from Alma’s parents…. “Stereotypically when you say the word Tourette’s, it can be easily misunderstood. Movies and the media often characterise or portray Tourette Syndrome as a ‘funny’ condition defined by emotional outbursts and uncontrollable vocal obscenities. However Tourette’s is not an emotional or behavioural disorder but a very complex neurological condition. Every day, we read heartbreaking and devastating stories on our online support groups of parents in despair. They see their child in constant pain from the tics. Their child gets bullied by their peers or told off for making sounds or movements for the neurological behaviour which is often so misunderstood and comes with Tourette’s. And the tics are only the tip of the iceberg. Tourette’s often comes with comorbidities such as ADHD, OCD, ODD, ADD, ASD, anxiety, rage, depression and intrusive thoughts amongst other things, which makes it even more challenging. Tourette’s is relentless and it’s very difficult to get the right help as there are so few specialists around.” Our wish as a family is to keep spreading awareness. These brave Tourette’s warriors face huge challenges every day. Alma is the most courageous girl I know ✨ If you are in need of support @tourettesaction are a very supportive and informative resource 🫶

My second single, Somewhere in my Memory has been released today with a very special guest, my brilliant brother Rupert. Many of you know that in 1997 Roops suffered a serious brain injury in a car accident. He had just started studying the french horn at the Guildhall School of Music- he had such a huge gift and so much life to live. When choosing songs to record I really wanted Roops to have the opportunity to come into the studio and for us to record something together. When Rupert was fighting for his life in intensive care, we used to play a lot of music to him. At this stage we didn’t know the extent of Rupert’s brain damage as he was unable to speak. One day my dad gave him his horn and played some music, within moments Roops was moving his fingers to the music. That was the first communication we had from him. Despite Rupert’s amazing energy, endless affection, sense of humour, ability to make everyone smile and the incredible fight he put up for his life, it’s still hard not to feel sad. When words fail, music speaks…. Click the link in my bio to listen and please share ♥️ #braininjury #thepowerofmusic

#AD| Recently, I hosted a panel with fertility experts to discuss @wildnutritionltd new Fertility Disconnect Report and so much of it resonated with my own experience. 10 years ago, we went through IVF to have our daughter after suffering a miscarriage during our first round. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, and it made me realise how many people quietly carry stories like this. The report found that 79% of people want more children than they currently have, and more than half required medical intervention during their fertility journey. We need more open conversations, more education and better support around fertility because nobody should have to navigate it alone 🤍 You can download the full Fertility Disconnect Report via the link in my bio, alongside information on Wild Nutrition’s fertility consultations.

Nothing quite like a little cat head nudge! 🐾 Today I had the pleasure of hosting a panel at an event and it felt really good to take my mum hat off for a moment! Thank you @aprilmaelondon for gifting me such a comfy shirt and to @hairbyninanikol and @loulou.luxton for helping me to feel a little less mum and a little more me 🫶

The Music & Meditation Podcast invites some of the most exciting young composers of today to write new, immersive classical works to soundtrack each episode's guided meditation. Our presenter Izzy Judd takes you behind the scenes.

Should breathwork be on the curriculum for primary school children? On the latest episode of The Music & Meditation Podcast, Izzy Judd meets breathwork coach Rebecca Dennis. Listen now on BBC Sounds. The music for this episode was composed by Sarah Playford and performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

I read something the other day that made me stop and think… I wonder if this will resonate with you too? As a mum, it’s so natural to guide our kids all day long “do this,” “try that,” “be careful.” It all comes from love. But it made me wonder, how often are we (unintentionally) sending the message that we don’t quite trust them to figure things out on their own? How often do we disrupt their flow? Not because we don’t believe in them but because stepping in has become automatic. And then it hit me… How long has it taken me to learn to trust myself, not just in who I am, but in who I am as a mum? So now I’m trying to pause a bit. To step back a little. To let them try. To let go. Because maybe one of the most important things we can teach our kids… is that they can trust themselves 🤍

Watching this video of @harryjudd crossing the marathon finish line on Sunday makes me feel emotional. 3 hours and 5 minutes, an incredible achievement, but it’s not about the time (not sure Harry agree’s with that 🤣) but it’s about everything behind it. The months of consistent training, the discipline, the determination, the mental strength… Watching him run towards that finish line reminded me of exactly who he is, someone who achieves what he puts his mind to. But more than that, he is such a role model for our kids. Showing them what hard work, resilience, discipline, and dedication really look like. That means more than any finish time ever could! I’m so proud of you, Harry ♥️

To the supporters and spectators who back everyone, every step of the way ❤️ Good luck to everyone involved in the London Marathon this weekend 👏 Couch to 5K Podcast | Listen on BBC Sounds

Does playing or listening to music help you feel more present or “in the moment”? If so, you may have entered what qigong teacher Emma Tian Williamson calls a “flow state”, essential for meditation. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation for mental and physical health are thought to be profound - and music is a proven method for helping you to relax into the moment. Find out more with The Music & Meditation Podcast on BBC Sounds.

#AD | Some days feel loud in every sense of the word… not just the noise around me, but everything I’m holding in my mind. Music has always been the thing that brings me back. My support system that helps me slow down and breathe. And now, it’s something that moves with me. My @volvocaruk EX30 has become more than just a way to get from A to B, it’s a steady presence in the chaos. The quiet moment after the school run. The place where I can reset, feel safe, and just be 🤍

BBC news presenter Kate Silverton stepped back from her career in journalism in 2021 to fulfil her ambition of becoming a child therapist. She joins Izzy Judd on The Music & Meditation Podcast to explore the role of meditation and therapy in emotional self-regulation, and to help listeners connect with their inner child. Listen to the fascinating conversation in full on BBC Sounds. The beautiful music for Kate's guided meditation in this episode was composed by Millicent James and recorded by the BBC Singers.