Charlie’s Toolbox

Essay 2. The Liminal Space: How to Thrive in the "Messy Middle" of Life

Do you ever feel stuck in the "messy middle" that difficult space between where you were and where you want to be? This is what we call a liminal space, and it can be one of the toughest environments to navigate.
But what if I told you that being in this in-between place is not a punishment, but an opportunity for immense growth? In this episode, we're diving deep into "liminal structures," a powerful concept inspired by an architect who built a home on an impenetrable quarry.

Essay 1. Artful Survival: How Glenn Martens Transforms Constraint into Alchemy.

Are you living in the "in-between"? That space where you're building the thing, applying for the role, and figuring it out in real time, all within some frustrating constraints?
 
In this episode of Charlie's Toolbox, we're making a devotion to those limitations. We're dissecting the creative genius of fashion titan Glenn Martens—the visionary behind Y/Project, Diesel, and Maison Margiela. Martens is a master alchemist who transforms the constraints of iconic fashion houses into his most brilliant and expressive work.
 
We'll uncover the powerful lessons from his approach and show you how to apply them directly to your life. Discover how to stop fighting against your perceived limits and start using them as raw material to design a life that is truly your own. In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to adopt Glenn Martens's mindset of turning constraints into opportunities to "impress yourself."
Three actionable steps to practice "artful survival" in your everyday life.
How to build a powerful habit of transforming obstacles into opportunities for self-expression and personal growth.
This is where your wellness journey becomes a bespoke design practice. Ready to go deeper? We have a powerful, self-paced workshop waiting for you in our private community, designed to help you center yourself fearlessly. All the details are in the show notes below!

A Special Message: Filling My Well This Summer

In this special episode, Charlie shares a personal update with the Charlie's Toolbox community. To continue creating content from a place of genuine inspiration and abundance, I'm taking this summer to nourish myself and recharge. This means new public content and podcasts will be on pause until August.
I'm so grateful for your understanding and support! Members and subscribers will still receive exclusive weekly content if you sign up for our newsletter and community at charliestoolbox.com. Listen now for all the details on this necessary break and what's to come when we're back, refreshed, in August!

Over-Owning Your Story: Choosing Resilience Over the Past

Welcome to Charlie's Toolbox, the cultural studio and creative platform for visionary women, hosted by Charlie Taylor. In this episode, we tackle a powerful concept: the potential pitfalls of "over-owning your story."
We explore how our past experiences, while shaping us, can sometimes become a limiting identity if we're not mindful. Drawing on insightful perspectives, this conversation delves into the fine line between acknowledging our journey and letting it define our entire being.
Join Charlie as she discusses the importance of choosing how we engage with our personal narratives and the liberating power of reclaiming our present and future from the grip of the past.
Call to Action for Our Community:
This episode encourages us to reflect on how we relate to our own stories. We invite our incredible community of visionary women to share their thoughts and experiences with navigating their personal narratives.
How do you ensure your past informs, but doesn't define, your present?
What does reclaiming your story mean to you?
How can we, as a community, support each other in building narratives of strength and possibility?
Join the conversation in our private community forum at https://www.charliestoolbox.com/thetoolkit

The Remix: Charlie's Toolbox is Now a Cultural Studio

Ready for the next level? Charlie's Toolbox isn't just healing anymore, we're creating! Tune in as we unveil our evolution into a full-blown cultural studio, where visionary women forge sovereignty and build radical futures. Discover what this means for you, and get a first look at The Radical Atelier, our exclusive digital sanctuary for creation and assembly. This is the blueprint for a new world.
 
Curious about where we are going? Check out the launch of our new website charliestoolbox.com

Ep. 22 Healing Trauma & Inner Child Work with Jannelle Johnson, CPCAB-Accredited Integrative Counsellor

In this episode of Charlie’s Toolbox, I’m joined by Jannelle Johnson, a CPCAB-accredited Integrative Counsellor, Coach, and Mentor. We dive deep into trauma, inner child work, and what it takes to get unstuck in adulthood. From understanding how trauma shows up in our day-to-day lives to exploring how Black women can begin to reparent themselves and reclaim their power, we cover the healing work that creates lasting change. Whether you're navigating emotional wounds, breaking generational patterns, or learning to center yourself, this conversation will meet you where you are.
✨ Topics we cover:
-Getting Unstuck
-Your Value
-Emotional Reactions and Responses
🔗 Learn more & join her community: [https://yellowtreewellness.co.uk/abou...]
📲 Follow her on Instagram: [  / iamjannellejohnson  ]
💌 Follow her on LinkedIn: [  / jannelle-johnson-4412a010a  ]
🎧 Listen to her work on YouTube: [   / @jannelle.johnson  ]

Ep. 21 From Storytelling to Casting: Ashley E. K. Wilson on Carving a Creative Career

In this episode of Charlie’s Toolbox, we sit down with the brilliant Ashley E. K. Wilson, a multi-hyphenate creative whose career spans from web to screen. From her roots in casting at Buzzfeed and Meta to her dynamic work writing and starring in various web series, Ashley shares how she’s navigated the entertainment industry while staying grounded in her vision and values.
We talk about:
 How storytelling shaped her career
The inner workings of casting and what it takes
Building a career that honors both your creativity and your purpose
Why centering your voice is your superpower
Whether you're a creative looking for inspiration or curious about the behind-the-scenes of TV, theater, and film, this conversation is full of gems on persistence, pivoting, and power.

Ep. 20 Wait...Was That Happiness?

This week on Charlie’s Toolbox, we’re diving into the subtle yet powerful signals that happiness leaves behind. When life gets heavy, it can feel like joy is nowhere to be found—but what if it’s been showing up in small ways, just waiting for you to notice? In this episode, we explore how identifying your personal happiness indicators can shift your mindset, sustain your joy, and remind you that you're on the right path. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will help you become more present, grateful, and attuned to the moments that matter.
Plus, here is a special update from our growing community: connections are being made, and sisterhood is alive. Don’t miss out! https://charliestoolbox.circle.so/checkout/charlies-community

Ep. 19 Radical Selfishness: The Key to Winning in Life

Women are conditioned to put everyone else first—but what if that’s the very thing holding us back? In this episode of Charlie’s Toolbox, we’re challenging the idea that selfishness is a flaw and reframing it as a tool for self-preservation, success, and personal power. We’ll unpack why centering yourself isn’t just radical—it’s necessary. Plus, hear real stories of women who unapologetically chose themselves and transformed their lives.
Tune in to learn how to break free from societal conditioning, protect your energy, and fully step into your autonomy.
💡 Ready to surround yourself with like-minded women who prioritize themselves? Join our digital community and explore our event ambassador program.

Ep. 18 You Will Be OK

In this episode of Charlie’s Toolbox, we’re diving into a powerful reminder: You will be ok. Life’s challenges may feel overwhelming, but this episode will help you reconnect with your resilience and inner strength.
We talk about practical ways to navigate the uncertainty of today’s world—strategies to build emotional resilience, prepare for the future, and cultivate the mindset that ensures you can overcome anything. Whether it’s managing finances, reviewing your career, or learning to pivot when life throws a curveball, this episode is all about the steps you can take to stay grounded and move forward with confidence.
Listen now to learn how you can embrace the chaos with clarity and make strategic decisions that set you up for long-term success. Trust yourself—you’re more than capable, and you’re already on the path to being ok.
Make sure to subscribe, like, and share—let’s keep building this community of empowered women together.
Join our digital community.