Hurt to Healing

Today's Healing 101 is a conversation with Kate Oliver - chartered psychologist, executive coach, and co-author (with her brother, Toby) of the brilliant book Rise and Shine.If, like me, mornings can feel wobbly because of that 4am worry spiral, this one's for you. Kate has spent 35 years helping people show up better at work and in life, and she shares how a tough period of anxiety (and perimenopause) led her to rethink the very first minutes of the day.We talk about simple, realistic shifts - like thinking about what you do before you touch your phone, how to set an alarm you don't dread, and tiny practices you can stack in five to ten minutes. No 5am club, no ice bath required. Kate's SHINE approach is flexible, humane, and honestly… it works.Find Kate:Website: https://www.koconsulting.co/rise-and-shineStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by journalist Anna Wolfe - who's funny, frank and gloriously unfiltered and we go deep on eating disorders and addiction. We talk about the binge–restrict cycle, the shame that keeps you stuck, sobriety, and the messy, non-linear reality of recovery. So much of what Anna shared resonated with me personally, which is why I found this conversation so interesting - and, honestly, hopeful.Anna's also just launched her brilliantly titled podcast, How to Get Wet When You're Dry, and you'll hear exactly why her voice cuts through. Quick heads-up: we discuss eating disorders, addiction and related struggles. Please listen in whatever way feels safe for you, and please contact Shout if you're in need of support.Find Anna:Website: https://www.annawolfewriting.com/Podcast: https://www.howtogetwetwhenyouredry.com/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking about everyday anxiety, overwhelm, and that loud inner critic that tells you you're not doing enough. I'm joined by psychotherapist and author Anna Mathur, who's brilliant at making mental health feel doable in real life. Anna shares simple ways to steady your nervous system (think a 60-second reset), how to swap “shoulds” for choices, set kinder boundaries without guilt, and build tiny pockets of rest into busy days. We also touch on the difference between normal worry and anxiety, what “good enough” really looks like, and when it's time to reach out for help.Find Anna: Instagram: @annamathurWebsite: https://www.annamathur.com/Buy her book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462726/the-good-decision-diary-by-mathur-anna/9780241707227 Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by consultant psychiatrist and author Alastair Santhouse to ask a big question: what counts as “normal” mental health? We explore the difference between everyday ups and downs and problems that really stop you living your life, and how labels can both open doors to support and stick in unhelpful ways. We talk about why ADHD and autism diagnoses seem to be rising, how Alastair assesses people by looking at their whole life (not just checklists), and the simple difference between psychiatrists and psychologists. We also touch on the growth in antidepressant use and the risk of turning social pain - like loneliness or money stress - into medical illness. Finally, we unpack how words like “trauma,” “OCD,” and “narcissist” get thrown around online, and why precision matters. This isn't personal medical advice - please speak to your GP if you're concerned.Find Alastair:Website: https://www.alastairsanthouse.com/Books: https://www.alastairsanthouse.com/authorStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Healing 101 we're talking about something that can hide in plain sight: exercise addiction. We're taught that “more is better”, but when movement slides from choice to compulsion, the thing that helps us can start to hurt us - physically, mentally, and socially. To unpack that paradox, I'm joined by Dr. Martin Turner, Reader in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Martin looks at the beliefs that drive our behaviour - why “I have to train” feels so powerful - and he shares a simple way to test those thoughts, plus how REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) can help us move from rigid rules to real flexibility. In a few minutes you'll learn how to spot the line between healthy training and over-reliance, and a small step you can try tomorrow. If this brings anything up for you or you feel like you might need some help, please reach out to someone you trust or your GP.Find Martin:https://www.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-martin-james-turnerStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by the brilliant journalist Harriet Walker. You may know her work from The Times newspaper, and perhaps you read her article about attending a psilocybin retreat. In this conversation, Harriet opens up about what drew her there - the low hum of anxiety, the mental load of motherhood, and that constant striving so many of us feel but rarely admit.We explore her experience on the retreat, the moments of deep release and revelation, and the shift that followed - softer relationships, a gentler inner voice, and the realisation that ‘all I want is what I've got.' Harriet speaks with such honesty about matrescence, boundaries, and what healing now means to her.Find Harriet:Instagram: @_harrywalker1Harriet's Articles: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/harriet-walkerStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to this Healing 101 bonus episode with the wonderful Bryony Gordon.If you've already listened to my longer conversation with Bryony earlier this week, you'll know just how honest and generous she is when it comes to talking about mental health and especially her experience of living with OCD.In this shorter episode, I wanted to go a little deeper into some of the practical sides of recovery - how naming your OCD can help you separate from it, why humour can be a surprisingly powerful tool, and what healthy rituals actually look like when you're trying to break free from the ones that keep you stuck.Bryony also shares her three daily tools for managing OCD.If the first episode was the bigger picture, this is the gentle follow-up - a moment to pause, reflect, and remember that healing often starts with awareness.Find support for OCD with OCD Action: https://ocdaction.org.uk/Find Bryony: Instagram: @bryonygordonBooks: https://www.headline.co.uk/contributor/bryony-gordon/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-life-of-bryony/id1763828544Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is a really special one with the brilliant Bryony Gordon, who's been such a powerful voice in changing how we understand OCD.Bryony's honesty about her experience - from intrusive thoughts to the shapeshifting ways OCD can attach itself to what we love most - has helped so many people feel seen. She's written, spoken and lived her story with such courage and humour, and I was genuinely moved to sit down with her for this conversation.As someone who also lives with OCD - I even named mine Penelope after this recording (which sounds far too polite for the chaos she causes) - I know how comforting it is to hear someone speak so openly about what it's really like inside that spiral, and how recovery isn't about silence, but about learning to live alongside the noise.We talk about everything from perfectionism and self-acceptance to the sheer resilience it takes to keep showing up in the world.Find support for OCD with OCD Action: https://ocdaction.org.uk/Find Bryony: Instagram: @bryonygordonBooks: https://www.headline.co.uk/contributor/bryony-gordon/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-life-of-bryony/id1763828544Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you found Tuesday's main episode with Kimberley Nixon interesting, I wanted to share a bonus Healing 101 with her too.This is a short, practical companion about what actually helps when a spike hits. We talk about moving from retreat to reach-out, turning the lights on shame, dropping the rope in that tug-of-war with your mind, and the tiny wins that count on the hardest days. Kimberley also shares what friends and family can do that supports recovery without feeding the OCD.No jargon, no spoilers - just clear, doable ideas you can carry into your day. It was so refreshing to speak to someone who really gets it.If you or someone you love is struggling, you can find help and community at ocdaction.org.uk or through their helpline.Let's start changing the conversation about OCD - one honest story at a time.Find Kimberley:Instagram: @realkimberleynixonStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark OCD Awareness Week - something very close to my heart - I'm talking with actor Kimberley Nixon on today's episode.This isn't the “tidy house” stereotype. We're talking about the real OCD: the disorder of doubt. Intrusive thoughts you don't choose. Compulsions people can't see.Kimberley shares her experience of peri- and postnatal OCD after her son was born - the fear, the shame, and what actually helps.For me, it was so refreshing to speak to someone who just gets it. We cover why reassurance keeps you stuck, how ERP can help, and the tiny, doable steps that start to bring your life back.If you're in the thick of it - or love someone who is - I hope this makes you feel less alone and a lot more hopeful.If you or someone you love is struggling, you can find help and community at ocdaction.org.uk or through their helpline.Let's start changing the conversation about OCD - one honest story at a time.Find Kimberley:Instagram: @realkimberleynixonStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This coming week marks OCD Awareness Week, and I wanted to record something personal. I've lived with OCD since I was 12, and while I'm much further along in my recovery, it still shapes my everyday life.In this solo episode, I talk honestly about what OCD really is - beyond the stereotypes of tidy desks and neat sock drawers. I share what it's like to live with the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and exhaustion that come with this misunderstood illness, as well as the long journey through therapy, medication, and finally finding hope through Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).I've partnered with OCD Action to raise awareness and support others who might feel alone in their struggle. OCD is treatable — recovery might not mean silence, but it does mean freedom and learning to live alongside it.If you or someone you love is struggling, you can find help and community at ocdaction.org.uk or through their helpline.Let's start changing the conversation about OCD - one honest story at a time.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October is a big month for OCD awareness and in today's HEALING 101 episode I speak with musician Jessica Sweetman. We talk about what OCD really feels like when it spikes and, most importantly, what actually helps. No magic fixes. Just small, doable things that steady you, keep you creating, and get you through the wobbly days. We don't overcomplicate it so if you're after calm, clarity, and a few ideas you can try today, this one's for you.Find Jessica:Website: https://www.jessicasweetman.com/Instagram: @itsjessikamusicStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few topics in mental health are as complex, charged, and deeply personal as gender dysphoria. For some, transitioning feels life-saving. For others, it leads to regret and the painful realisation that surgery or hormones didn't solve the deeper struggles underneath.In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Az Hakeem - psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of Detrans: When Transition is Not the Solution. For over two decades, Az has worked with people questioning their gender, those pursuing transition, and those who later detransitioned. His work has given him unique insight into what lies beneath gender distress from autism and trauma to identity, shame, and societal influence.This is not about ideology or taking sides. It's about listening to lived experiences, asking difficult questions, and opening up compassionate space for conversations that too often get shut down.Whether you're a parent, a clinician, or simply someone wanting to better understand this issue, I hope this conversation helps you think more deeply about what it really means to heal.Contact Az: https://www.nightingalehospital.co.uk/specialist/dr-az-hakeem/Buy his book: https://amzn.eu/d/f3pGQ5mStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to part two of my Healing 101 conversation with psychiatrist and researcher Joanna Moncrieff. If you haven't yet listened to part one, I'd encourage you to go back - it lays the groundwork for this shorter bonus episode.Here, Joanna answers some of the most pressing questions about antidepressants: what they're really doing in the brain, why withdrawal can be so difficult, and how we might need to rethink depression altogether.It's a concise but powerful follow-on to our main discussion and one that might just change the way you think about medication and mental health.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Joanna:Website: https://joannamoncrieff.com/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when, from the outside, it looks like you've got everything - opportunity, privilege, excitement - and yet on the inside, you're running on empty? In this episode, I'm joined by Sam Branson - entrepreneur, adventurer, musician, and yes, the son of Richard Branson - for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, purpose, and the long road back to self-acceptance. Sam shares the unseen side of growing up in a famous family, the self-imposed pressure to prove himself, and the moment on stage when his body simply said “no more.” We talk about inner child work, the power of music and creativity in healing, and what it really means to live from a place of self-love rather than constant striving. This is a vulnerable and hopeful conversation about what happens when you stop running, start feeling, and finally give yourself permission to be enough.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Sam:Instagram: @bransonsamStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, we've been told that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” in the brain - something wrong with our serotonin that only a pill can fix. But what if that story was never actually backed by science?In this Healing 101 episode - part one of a two-part conversation - I'm joined by psychiatrist and researcher Joanna Moncrieff, whose groundbreaking work has challenged one of the biggest myths in modern mental health. Together, we explore where the chemical imbalance theory came from, why it was so heavily promoted, and what antidepressants are really doing to our brains.We also look at why so many of us still buy into this idea, the role of the placebo effect, and what it means for anyone currently taking or considering antidepressants.This is an empowering, myth-busting conversation that will help you make more informed choices about your mental health.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Joanna:Website: https://joannamoncrieff.com/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So many of us make promises to ourselves out of shame - “From Monday, I'll be better. I'll drink more water, I'll stop doing that thing, I'll finally get it right.” And yet, by Tuesday, we've broken our own rules and slipped back into self-sabotage.In this episode, I'm joined by psychotherapist and bestselling author Anna Mathur, whose new book The Good Decision Diary is an invitation to step away from that exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking and instead learn how to make gentler, more sustainable choices.Anna shares her own journey of moving from self-criticism to self-compassion, why guilt and shame show up so powerfully in our lives, and how small, nurturing decisions - even the tiniest ones - can lead to real, lasting change.This is a conversation about loosening the grip of perfectionism, finding freedom in the “grey areas,” and discovering that we don't need an inner bully to succeed.The Good Decision Diary by Anna Mathur is available now (Penguin Life, £16.99)Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Anna: Instagram: @annamathurWebsite: https://www.annamathur.com/Buy her book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462726/the-good-decision-diary-by-mathur-anna/9780241707227 Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

in today's Healing 101 episode we're focusing on a condition that is so often misunderstood and misrepresented - bipolar disorder.To help us unpack it, I'm joined by Rosie Viva - model, mental health advocate, and someone who has lived experience of bipolar 1. Rosie speaks with such honesty about what it really feels like to live with bipolar day-to-day, from the highs of mania to the lows of depression, and everything in between.This episode is all about breaking down stigma, recognising the early signs, and exploring the tools 0 from medication to lifestyle shifts - that can genuinely help people find balance. Whether you've experienced bipolar yourself, know someone who has, or just want to better understand mental health, this is an empowering conversation that shines a light on both the challenges and the possibilities of living with bipolar.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Rosie:Instagram: @rosievivaRead her book: https://amzn.eu/d/7xvlGGAFind out more and get support for Bipolar at https://www.bipolaruk.org/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're exploring a subject that's so often misunderstood, oversimplified, or brushed aside - ADHD in adulthood, and particularly what it means for women.If you've ever found yourself wondering why you feel constantly overwhelmed, why you can be so capable in some areas but struggle so deeply in others, or why that inner critic of yours feels louder than anyone else's voice — this conversation might just be a lightbulb moment.I'm joined by Professor James Brown, co-author of ADHD Unpacked, co-founder of the charity ADHD Adult UK, and the self-proclaimed least popular host of The ADHD Adults Podcast. James brings a mix of hard evidence, lived experience, and refreshing honesty to the topic of ADHD. He was himself only diagnosed as an adult, and his story of loathing, self-doubt, and eventual self-acceptance is one I think many of us - whether or not we have ADHD - will see parts of ourselves in.In this episode, James and I unpack the myths, the stigma, and the very real struggles of ADHD - especially how it shows up differently in women, and why so many of us have gone undiagnosed for far too long. This isn't just about labels or medication - it's about understanding ourselves with compassion, lifting the shame we carry, and finding ways to live with more ease and self-acceptance.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Professor James Brown:Book: https://amzn.eu/d/6GqLojXInstagram: @adhdadult_jamesStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever felt like talk therapy just wasn't getting to the root — this episode might open something up for you.Today I'm joined by Mariko Bangerter, regression therapist and founder of Mindsetting, to talk about a form of therapy that honestly blew my mind. Regression therapy goes deeper than the conscious mind — guiding you into a relaxed, altered state to access the subconscious, where so many of our unhealed wounds and limiting beliefs live.We talk about how past trauma gets stored not just in the mind, but in the body… and how revisiting old memories — even ones we didn't know were there — can release years of stuck emotion in just a single session. I even share a bit about my own experience working with Mariko, which felt almost psychedelic in how vividly I reconnected with forgotten parts of myself.If you've ever felt stuck, or like something in you is trying to heal but can't quite reach the surface — this might be the missing piece.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Mariko:Instagram: @mindsetting.by.marikoWebsite: https://www.mindsetting.co.uk/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode might be one of the most confronting and important conversations I've ever had. I'm joined by psychoanalyst, parent coach and author Erica Komisar to talk about the emotional and neurological development of children in the earliest years of life – and why those first three years matter more than we've been led to believe.Erica doesn't sugarcoat things. She talks openly about how modern parenting culture – especially the pressure on mothers to “do it all” – is clashing with what babies actually need to feel safe, regulated, and securely attached. We explore everything from daycare and maternal instinct to eating disorders, attachment trauma, and the long-term mental health effects of early separation.It's a conversation that may stir discomfort, but that's kind of the point. Because if we want to raise healthy, emotionally resilient children – or begin to heal from our own childhood wounds – we have to be willing to look at the hard truths.Find Erica:Instagram: @ericakomisarWebsite: https://www.ericakomisar.com/Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Dr Judith Joseph:Website: https://drjudithjoseph.com/Book: https://amzn.eu/d/bZZreAaInstagram: @drjudithjosephStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's HEALING 101 episode, I speak with broadcaster and host of This Was Always Me, Rich Clarke and we get really honest about shame, identity, and what it's like growing up feeling like you have to hide who you are.Rich opens up about internalised homophobia, the impact of staying silent for years, and why “coming out” still feels like this weird performance — when really, it should just be… living.It's moving, it's raw, and it's also full of hope. If you've ever struggled to accept a part of yourself then this one's for you.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Rich Clarke:Instagram: @therichclarkeListen to This Was Always Me Podcast: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L3VY/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.ukIf you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the person who seems to have it all together is actually struggling in silence?In this episode, I'm joined by the extraordinary Dr. Judith Joseph – psychiatrist, researcher, and author of High Functioning – to unpack a form of depression that so many people relate to but rarely talk about: high-functioning depression.We dive into why it's often missed, how it hides behind achievement, and what it really means to live without joy – even while ticking every box of a “successful” life.Dr. Judith shares insights from her groundbreaking research and her own personal experience, with wisdom that's as validating as it is actionable. We also explore the mind-body connection, the role of trauma, and the small but powerful “points of joy” we can reclaim in our everyday lives.Whether you're running on empty or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you feel seen – and maybe even a little more hopeful.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Dr Judith Joseph:Website: https://drjudithjoseph.com/Book: https://amzn.eu/d/bZZreAaInstagram: @drjudithjosephStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're a parent, a loved one, or just someone who's struggled with food or body image – this episode is essential listening. I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Anna Colton, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, for a conversation that is raw, practical, and full of compassion. We explore the early warning signs of eating disorders, why binge eating is so misunderstood, and how things like orthorexia and ARFID can quietly take root – especially in a culture obsessed with control and “clean” eating.Anna has this amazing way of cutting through shame and helping us see these behaviours for what they really are: ways of coping with deep pain. Whether you're navigating this yourself, or supporting someone you love, I hope this episode brings clarity, comfort, and a big exhale.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy.Find Anna: Website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannacoltonBook (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Children-About-Food/dp/1785120557Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I sit down with the actual founder of Internal Family Systems, Dr. Dick Schwartz. IFS isn't just another therapeutic tool or model – it's a whole new lens through which to see ourselves. One that says we're not broken, or bad, or beyond help – but actually, beautifully complex. That all these parts of us – the inner critic, the perfectionist, the compulsive exerciser, the overachiever, even the saboteur – are just trying, in their own often misguided ways, to protect us.And as you'll hear, I didn't just interview Dick... I sort of unintentionally did a live therapy session. We went there – deep into my own OCD patterns, back to my four-year-old self, and through to a place I hadn't allowed myself to revisit in decades.There are uncomfortable moments. There are some very big emotions. But please stick with it – because what unfolds is something quietly powerful. Healing doesn't always come with fireworks. Sometimes it's the quiet relief of simply being seen.If you've ever felt like your behaviours are betraying you – or like you've lost your sense of self beneath the weight of coping mechanisms – I think you'll find something in this. Maybe even a softening. I certainly did.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Dick:Website: https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phdStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, today's episode is with someone I absolutely love having on the podcast - James Withey. He's been on Healing 101 not once, but twice before, and both times were full of that honest, no-nonsense kind of wisdom that just really hits. If you haven't already listened to those episodes, I'd really recommend going back and giving them a go. This time, we're talking about something so many of us wrestle with: self-esteem. That nagging feeling that you're not good enough, or that you're somehow flawed at your core. James has written a beautiful, practical book called How to Sort Your Self-Esteem - and in true James fashion, he cuts right through the fluffy stuff.We talk about why the “just love yourself” message is kind of unhelpful when you're deep in self-doubt, how to spot those little moments of self-criticism that chip away at you, and how we can start — gently — to believe that we're actually okay. Not perfect, not dazzling - just… okay. And how that can be enough. I found this conversation really helpful, and I think you might too.Buy James's book on Self-Esteem: https://amzn.eu/d/hRjSUbbTry Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So this episode is with the brilliant Rosie Viva - model, mental health advocate, long-distance runner, and now author of the incredibly honest and moving book Completely Normal and Totally Fine (which I love the title of, by the way - it kind of says everything in four words).Rosie was diagnosed with bipolar one after a full-blown psychotic episode at Stansted Airport - which she talks about here in such raw and courageous detail. And we really go there - the experience of being sectioned, what psychosis actually feels like, the shame and silence that can come after, and the long road back to yourself.She also shares so many helpful insights - what helps her manage the highs and the lows, how running (not in the cliché Instagram way, but in a very real, grounded way) became part of her healing, and what people can actually do to support a friend who's struggling with bipolar or depression or just... anything, really.Rosie's humour, honesty and total lack of self-pity make this conversation so powerful. It's one of those episodes I think people will go back to more than once. I'm really grateful to her for sharing so openly and I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Rosie:Instagram: @rosievivaRead her book: https://amzn.eu/d/7xvlGGAFind out more and get support for Bipolar at https://www.bipolaruk.org/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Healing 101. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Sami Tamimi, where we continue peeling back the layers of how we understand mental health and emotional pain.In this episode, Sami shares his thoughts on the impact of COVID, helicopter parenting, and how our culture's obsession with control and certainty may be contributing to rising levels of anxiety and distress—especially among young people.We discuss the ‘treatment-prevention paradox,' why current mental health services may be better at creating long-term patients than solving distress, and what a new, more humane paradigm might look like.If you've ever felt defined by your diagnosis or dismissed by your struggle, this episode is for you.I highly recommend you try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy..Find Sami Timimi:Website & Resources: https://www.samitimimi.co.uk/Read Searching for Normal: https://amzn.eu/d/fAhMxgHStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, I just want to say upfront — this is one of those conversations that really stays with you. Today I'm talking to the brilliant Helen Kirwan-Taylor, who honestly blew me away with how open, and completely unfiltered she is about trauma — real trauma. Helen lost her sister in an unimaginably tragic way when she was 12, and we talk about what happens when no one around you talks about it, and you're just expected to get on with things — and how that silence seeps into everything: your body, your relationships, your anxiety, your ability to feel safe.What I found so powerful is how Helen challenges a lot of the current language around trauma — she talks about the difference between real, shattering trauma and what she sees as the overuse of the term in pop culture. But she also gets into what it actually looks like when your nervous system doesn't feel safe for years — the health stuff, the spirals, the coping. And she does it all with this really sharp, self-aware humour that just cuts through the heaviness. It's a big, honest conversation — and I'm really grateful she had it with me but a warning for anyone who may find references to murder, death and grief triggering as this might not be one for you.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.Find Helen:Instagram: @helenkirwantaylor Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Healing 101, and today, we're bringing you Part 1 of a two-part conversation with the extraordinary Dr. Sami Timimi—psychiatrist, author, and a powerful voice challenging mainstream ideas around mental health.In this first half, we explore fundamental questions: What is mental health, and just as importantly, what isn't it? Sami shares his perspective on the subjectivity of psychiatric diagnoses, the dangers of over-medicalisation, and the false binary between mental health and mental illness.We also discuss the cultural and commercial forces shaping our definitions of distress, and how the concept of ‘normal' might be more harmful than helpful.Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about diagnosis, disorder, and what it means to suffer.I highly recommend you try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy..Find Sami Timimi:Website & Resources: https://www.samitimimi.co.uk/Read Searching for Normal: https://amzn.eu/d/fAhMxgHStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's conversation is with someone whose work has truly shaped the way I think about time, productivity, and what it means to live a meaningful life. I'm joined by Oliver Burkeman — author of the best-selling Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind our need for control — how it shows up in our perfectionism, our people-pleasing, and our constant striving to stay ahead of life. We talk about why so many of us feel the pressure to optimize every moment, and how that pressure can leave us more disconnected from ourselves than ever.This is a rich and honest conversation about learning to live with our limitations — and even finding freedom in them. Oliver shares his own struggles with deficit thinking, the myth of the “perfect day,” and what it really means to rest without guilt. If you've ever found yourself stuck in that mindset of “just get through this and then I'll live,” this episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and let go — even just a little. I really loved this one, and I think you will too.Try Bettervits for yourself, head on over to bettervits.co.uk and get 15% off your 1st order with my code PANDORA15. Find Oliver:Website: https://www.oliverburkeman.com/ Books:https://www.oliverburkeman.com/meditationsformortals https://www.oliverburkeman.com/fourthousandweeksStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this special mini episode of Hurt to Healing with the incredible Dr. Shefali — a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and trailblazer in conscious parenting and personal transformation. In just a few powerful moments, Dr. Shefali unpacks how we unknowingly pass on our unhealed wounds, the pressure women face around body image, and how we can begin breaking free from cultural conditioning.This is a grounding, wise, and deeply compassionate conversation about shame, self-acceptance, and the first small steps toward inner healing. Whether you're a parent, on your own healing journey, or simply feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations — this episode is an invitation to begin coming home to yourself.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy..Find Dr Shefali:Website & Resources: DrShefali.comInstagram: @doctorshefaliYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrShefaliStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I'm joined by the extraordinary Jean Campbell—model, writer, and host of the podcast I'm Fine, where she explores the many shapes and layers of pain, both physical and emotional. Jean's story is one of resilience forged through adversity. From a traumatic accident at 12 to living with chronic pain through her teenage years and beyond, Jean brings rare honesty and compassion to a subject so often misunderstood. She invites us to rethink what it means to live with discomfort—not just in the body, but in the mind, and in the stories we tell ourselves.In this conversation, Jean opens up about the loneliness of pain, the frustration of being misread, and the journey from resentment and hopelessness toward acceptance and agency. We talk about the role of creativity, movement, meditation, and reframing pain not as a weakness, but as something deeply human—and even, at times, transformative.Find Jean:Instagram: @jean_campbellI'm Fine Podcast: https://www.if-podcast.com/If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healing 101, I'm joined by Professor James Brown — one of the UK's leading voices on adult ADHD, co-creator of the chart-topping podcast The ADHD Adults, and co-author of the forthcoming book ADHD Unpacked.Together, we delve into the often misunderstood world of emotional dysregulation and its overlooked connection to ADHD. Drawing on both cutting-edge research and his own lived experience (James was diagnosed in adulthood), he offers relatable, real-life insights into how emotional dysregulation can shape our relationships, self-esteem, work, and everyday decision-making.We explore why this symptom is so frequently missed, how it can lead to patterns of overreaction or emotional shutdown, and — crucially — the practical tools that can help restore emotional balance. From mindfulness and breathing techniques to medication and cognitive reappraisal, this episode is full of actionable advice for anyone navigating the highs and lows of emotional intensity.Find Professor James Brown:Book: https://amzn.eu/d/6GqLojXInstagram: @adhdadult_jamesStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're tackling a topic that's often wrapped in silence, secrecy, and shame—porn addiction. It's something many people struggle with but few feel safe enough to talk about. My guest today, Jeremy Lipkowitz, is helping to change that. Once a high-achieving academic with a hidden addiction, Jeremy's journey from compulsive porn use to Buddhist monk, mindfulness coach, and men's mental health advocate is nothing short of remarkable.In this conversation, he opens up about the emotional roots of his addiction, the deep shame it carried, and the steps he took to break free. We explore how porn hijacks the brain, how it affects intimacy and relationships, and why so many are silently struggling in a culture that's saturated with sexual content but still terrified to talk about it.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy.Find Jeremy:Website: https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/Podcast: https://unhooked.buzzsprout.com/Instagram: @jeremylipkowitzStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined by Tommaso Barba from Imperial College London to explore how psychedelics are transforming mental health research. We break down what these compounds are, how they work in the brain, and why they offer hope for conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and addiction. Tommaso also shares insights on the future of psychedelic therapy — and the importance of safety, integration, and realistic expectations.Find Tommaso:Instagram: @tommaso.barbaWork: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/tommaso.barba20LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso-barba-88220a177/?originalSubdomain=ukStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is the brilliant Dr Anna Colton — clinical psychologist and author of How to Talk to Children About Food. In this episode, we get real about how our relationship with food starts from birth and is shaped by family, culture, and early experiences — often without us even realising it.Dr Colton unpacks the key stages of eating development, why treats and rewards can backfire, and how parents' own habits and beliefs directly shape their kids' attitudes to food. We tackle diet culture, fasting, identity, and the hidden messages kids pick up at the table — plus, practical advice on how to help children build a healthy, balanced, and stress-free relationship with food.If you're a parent, caregiver, or just want to rethink the way we talk about eating, this is a must listen.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy..Find Anna: Website: https://www.dranna.co.uk/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannacoltonBook (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Children-About-Food/dp/1785120557Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're exploring a relationship we all have—but often misunderstand: our relationship with food. My guest is psychotherapist and author Andrea Oskis, whose work unpacks how the way we eat reflects the way we feel, especially when it comes to attachment, control, and emotional safety.Andrea helps us understand why food becomes a stand-in for comfort, connection, or even self-worth—particularly for those struggling with anxiety, trauma, or disordered eating. This episode is a deeply human look at how our earliest relationships shape our habits around the table, and how healing your attachment story might just transform your relationship with food too.Find Andrea:Website: https://cupboard-love.co.uk/Read The Kitchen Shrink: https://cupboard-love.co.uk/ask-andreaStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Pride Week episode, I sit down with broadcaster Rich Clarke for a deeply personal conversation about identity, authenticity, and the toll of hiding in plain sight. Rich shares his journey of navigating a high-profile media career while carrying a secret identity, and how years of masking his true sexuality led to burnout, breakdown, and ultimately, a turning point.We explore what it really means to come out — not just to the world, but to ourselves — and how the weight of shame, fear, and societal expectation can shape (and limit) our lives. From therapy and sobriety to standing on stage at Brighton Pride and finally saying, “I'm gay,” Rich reflects on what healing has looked like for him, and why connection, honesty, and self-compassion are essential to moving forward.Find Rich Clarke:Instagram: @therichclarkeListen to This Was Always Me Podcast: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42L3VY/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.ukIf you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're diving into one of the most misunderstood and deeply felt mental health experiences: panic attacks. My guest is Joshua Fletcher—better known as “Anxiety Josh”—a psychotherapist, author, and someone who knows firsthand what it's like to live with panic disorder.Josh doesn't just explain what panic attacks are—he breaks down why they happen, how they hijack your mind and body, and most importantly, how to reclaim your life from them. With his trademark honesty and wit, he shares his own journey of being stuck in the panic loop, the myths that keep people suffering longer than they need to, and the powerful tools that can help you break free.Find Josh:Website – schoolofanxiety.comInstagram – @anxietyjoshPodcast – Disordered with Joshua FletcherBooks – Panicking About Panic, Untangle Your Anxiety, And How Does That Make You Feel?Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been looking forward to this conversation for a long time. Today, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Shefali – a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and the global voice behind the conscious parenting movement. Her work has changed the way millions of people approach not only how they raise their children, but how they reparent themselves.In this episode, we explore the ways we become disconnected from our authentic selves, how childhood conditioning shapes our adult lives, and why so many of us unknowingly carry generational trauma into our relationships — especially as parents. Dr. Shefali speaks with such clarity, compassion, and raw honesty, and she shares her own experiences of being a mother, a woman in transformation, and someone who has had to face her ego head-on. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our healing begins with awareness — and that true liberation often starts with the courage to look inward.If you're struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner. Visit https://betterhelp.com/hurttohealing for a discount on your first month of therapy..Find Dr Shefali:Website & Resources: DrShefali.comInstagram: @doctorshefaliYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrShefaliStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the difference between everyday selfishness and true narcissism — and how do you know if you're in a relationship that's quietly eroding your self-worth?In this episode of Healing 101, I speak with Dr. Sarah Davies, a psychotherapist and expert in narcissistic abuse, about the subtle red flags, the power of gaslighting, and how to begin reclaiming your sense of self.From setting clear boundaries to understanding the psychology behind emotional manipulation, this conversation is a lifeline for anyone who's felt silenced, confused, or overwhelmed.Find Sarah:Website: https://www.drsarahdavies.com/Books: https://www.drsarahdavies.com/booksStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I sit down with consultant psychiatrist and former elite rugby player Dr. Phil Hopley to explore the mental health challenges we face in high-pressure environments — from boardrooms to Formula One pits. With decades of experience supporting top performers in sport, law, and finance, Phil shares how his own journey from the rugby field to psychiatry led to a passion for building resilience and emotional recovery.From founding Cognacity, a trailblazing mental health consultancy, to coaching professionals on navigating burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism, Phil breaks down how to shift from reactive to proactive care. He reveals what elite athletes, CEOs, and everyday professionals can do to regulate stress, avoid cognitive traps like catastrophising and rumination, and take back control. Plus, he speaks candidly about the mental toll of retirement, and why connection and purpose are essential to sustaining wellbeing.Find Phil: https://www.cognacity.co.uk/team/dr-phil-hopley/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're told that new motherhood should feel magical — but what happens when it doesn't? In this episode of Healing 101, I'm joined by writer and art historian Sarah Hoover, whose raw honesty about postpartum depression cuts through the silence and shame that so many new mothers carry alone.We explore what postpartum depression really looks like — beyond the clichés — and how it can show up as rage, disconnection, anxiety, or even laughter that masks pain. Sarah shares her personal experience, how birth trauma can play a role, and why it's so important to let go of the pressure to feel grateful all the time.If you or someone you love has struggled with new motherhood, this conversation is a reminder that you're not alone — and you deserve support, not silence.Connect with Sarah HooverBook: The Motherload – Order hereInstagram: @sarahhoovWebsite: sarahhoover.comStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hurt to Healing, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Beth Mosley—clinical psychologist and author of Happy Families. Beth brings her warmth, honesty, and lived experience as both a parent and therapist to help us make sense of the emotional minefield of raising teenagers today. We explore why mental health is declining among young people, how social media complicates their development, and what parents can do to foster resilience, connection, and open communication. Beth shares invaluable advice on setting boundaries, repairing ruptures, and letting go of perfection—reminding us that being a good enough parent is more than enough.Connect with Beth MosleyWebsiteInstagramStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healing 101, I sit down with the remarkable Laura Hearn — a journalist, mental health advocate, and the founder of Flip It Works — to explore the critical role that vulnerability, storytelling, and humanity play in shaping healthier, more compassionate workplaces.Today, she helps organisations create meaningful and lasting mental health initiatives through real human connection, not just policies and apps. We talk about the importance of leaders showing up as their full selves, the fear so many employees face in being seen as “defined by their diagnosis,” and the fine line between performative wellbeing and genuine support. Laura also shares powerful insights about navigating panic, grief, and how small acts of compassion — like simply asking someone what they need — can make a world of difference.This episode is an honest reminder that the foundation of mental health in the workplace isn't about perfection or tick-boxes — it's about empathy, listening, and above all, being human.Find out more:Website: www.flipitglobal.comInstagram: @laura_lhearnPodcast: https://www.flipitglobal.com/podcast/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're diving deep into the raw, unfiltered reality of motherhood with writer, art historian and author of US national bestseller The Motherload, Sarah Hoover. You might know her from her sharp wit and searing honesty online, but in this conversation, Sarah opens up in a way that's deeply personal and profoundly important. From the trauma of her birth experience to the quiet devastation of postpartum depression, she walks us through what it really means to become a mother in a world that still doesn't know how to care for women.Sarah's story isn't just about pain—it's also about reclaiming agency, finding your voice after silence, and daring to say the things so many women feel but are too afraid to speak out loud. Whether you're a mother, thinking about becoming one, or simply want to understand the often invisible emotional toll of birth and parenting, this episode is for you.Connect with Sarah HooverBook: The Motherload – Order hereInstagram: @sarahhoovWebsite: sarahhoover.comStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Pandora opens up about her ongoing recovery from an eating disorder — sharing both the challenges and the quiet, everyday victories that come with trying to rewire deeply embedded habits. From the emotional resistance to balanced meals to the complex relationship with control and routine, she reflects honestly on what it means to move toward healing.Pandora also introduces a practical support tool she's using: a lunchbox meal system designed by a chef who specialises in eating disorder recovery. She explains how having meals prepared externally helps reduce decision fatigue and opens space for self-compassion. Alongside this, she shares her efforts to build new patterns using Jay Shetty's ‘TIMES' acronym — focusing on daily practices of Thankfulness, Insight, Meditation, Exercise, and Service.This episode is a gentle reminder that recovery isn't linear — but small acts of care, consistency, and kindness toward ourselves really do add up.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we volunteer? Sometimes, it's to give back. Sometimes, it's to feel part of something bigger. But often, it's because someone, somewhere, once showed up for us when we needed it most.This week, to mark Volunteers Week, we're shining a light on the people behind the text line — the everyday heroes who are changing lives in quiet, powerful ways.In this special episode of Healing 101, I sit down with Jodie Tang — a student, a survivor, and now a Shout volunteer who's giving back to the very service that once helped her through her darkest days.Jodie's story is one of full-circle healing. From struggling with anorexia and trauma, to finding her voice as a young British Chinese woman, to now holding space for others who feel like they have no one left to turn to — her honesty, empathy, and strength will stay with you long after the episode ends.We're proud to partner with Shout, a free, 24/7 text service supporting those in crisis. And we're proud to celebrate the incredible volunteers like Jodie who make that lifeline possible.If you or someone you love needs help, you can text SHOUT to 85258.This conversation is a reminder that support doesn't always mean fixing — sometimes, it just means being there.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Pandora sits down with award-winning dietitian and eating disorder specialist Priya Tew to explore the complex, often misunderstood journey of eating disorder recovery. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Priya shares practical strategies for healing, the realities behind weight restoration, and how societal pressures and diet culture can entrench disordered thinking.Together, they unpack the emotional triggers, setbacks, and hidden challenges of recovery—and why healing is never just about the food. With honesty and compassion, this episode offers guidance for anyone struggling, supporting a loved one, or seeking hope on the path to freedom for an eating disorder. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.Connect with Priya Tew: Website & Recovery Courses: www.dietitianuk.co.ukInstagram: @priya_tewStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this reflective and personal solo episode, Pandora explores the emotional turbulence of everyday life—touching on everything from hormonal shifts and high-functioning depression to the pressures of routine, regret, and missed opportunities. Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Dr. Judith Joseph, Abraham Hicks, and Shaolin monk Shi Heng Li, she shares her ongoing struggle with perfectionism, her frustration with physical limitations, and the deeply human need for spontaneity, joy, and self-compassion.Pandora opens up about the societal pressure of timelines—especially for single women—and how past mental health challenges, like OCD and an eating disorder, shaped life decisions she now questions. Through honest storytelling, she encourages listeners to slow down, step outside their patterns, and reconnect with themselves. Her message is one of gentle self-forgiveness, presence over perfection, and the reminder that true progress often means doing less, not more.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.