Hurt to Healing

On today's episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Bryony Gordon, and it was such a joy to record this one together in person.We talk about her new novel People Pleaser, and the pressure so many women face to keep everyone happy, hold everything together and never let a single plate drop, even when we're completely exhausted. Bryony shares so openly about people pleasing, perfectionism, addiction, OCD and motherhood, and what it really takes to start setting boundaries and live more truthfully.It's a funny, sharp and very relatable conversation, and I think so many of you will see yourselves in it.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.

In this episode of Healing 101, I'm joined by neuroscientist Marc Berman to explore how our environment shapes the way we think, feel and function. As the days get longer and we naturally start spending more time outside, this conversation feels especially timely. We unpack attention restoration theory and the difference between the kind of focus that gets depleted through modern life and the kind that is gently restored through “soft fascination” found in nature. Marc shares simple, practical ways to reduce mental fatigue, from designing more restorative spaces to small daily habits that can help reset your mind. This is a hopeful reminder that even brief moments of connection with nature can support clarity, calm and a deeper sense of wellbeing.Find Marc:https://psychology.uchicago.edu/directory/marc-g-bermanBuy Marc's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/305368/marc-bermanStay 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 neuroscientist, speaker and bestselling author TJ Power, whose work has helped so many people understand what modern life is doing to our brains. TJ is the author of DOSE, a book all about the four key brain chemicals that shape how we feel — dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins — and how our screens, habits and lifestyles can throw them completely out of balance. If you've ever felt wired but flat, hooked on your phone, constantly waiting for the next thing, or like your mind just won't settle, this conversation will feel incredibly familiar. We talk about dopamine, anticipation, ADHD, OCD, flow state, overstimulation and why so many of us feel both burnt out and unable to stop. It's a fascinating, relatable and genuinely useful conversation about how we can start to understand our brains better and create lives that feel calmer, clearer and more connected.Find TJ:Website: https://tjpower.co.uk/Instagram: @tjpowerBuy his book: https://thedoseeffect.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.

In today's Healing 101, I'm joined by Dr Lalitaa Suglani, author of High Functioning Anxiety, to unpack a term so many of you have messaged me about. We talk about what high functioning anxiety actually is, the “swan” analogy of looking calm on the surface while paddling frantically underneath, and how it can hide behind productivity, perfectionism and people pleasing. Lalitaa explains the difference between high functioning anxiety and high functioning depression, why shame keeps these patterns alive, and how rejection sensitivity can send us spiralling over the smallest things.Find Lalitaa:Website: https://drlalitaa.com/Instagram: @dr.lalitaaOrder Her Book: https://drlalitaa.com/lalitaa/highfunctioninganxietyStay 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 personal one with Melanie Lawson, founder of Bare Biology and a previous sponsor of the podcast. We talk honestly about living with OCD, how it can shape shift over time, and what intrusive thoughts and compulsions actually feel like in the body, especially when you're tired, stressed, hormonal, or going through change.We also get into the overlap with ADHD and rejection sensitivity, how OCD shows up in motherhood and relationships, and the small, practical things that help Melanie keep it from taking over. If you have OCD, love someone who does, or you're stuck in loops of doubt and self blame, I really hope this makes you feel less alone. Visit Bare Biology: https://www.barebiology.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.

In this episode of Healing 101, I'm joined by Pupinder Ghatora, pharmacist and founder of Ingenious, to explore the powerful connection between physical recovery and long-term wellbeing. Pupinder shares the story of his own health crisis and spinal surgery, and how it led him to rethink how we support the body through healing, from the inside out. We talk about collagen, supplements, and the science behind repair, but also zoom out to the bigger picture: what it means to build a strong foundation for health, navigate stress and burnout, and care for our bodies with consistency rather than quick fixes. This is a practical, hopeful conversation about resilience, recovery, and how small daily choices can support us in feeling stronger over time.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.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's episode is one I've been so excited to share because we're talking about addiction in a way that feels much more human and much less “labels and lectures”. I'm joined by David Courtwright, historian and author of The Age of Addiction, and we explore how addiction so often begins in pleasure, then quietly tips into something compulsive, shame-filled and costly not just for the person, but for everyone around them.What I really loved about this conversation is how it widens the lens. We talk about why addiction isn't only about substances anymore, how modern life is basically designed to hook our brains, and David's brilliant idea of “limbic capitalism” which is essentially the business of hijacking our reward system for profit. If you're struggling with something yourself, or you're supporting someone who is, I think this will leave you feeling less alone and more clear about what's actually going on and where change can start.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find David:Website: https://davidcourtwright.domains.unf.edu/Buy his book 'The Age of Addiction': https://amzn.eu/d/01vG1z76Stay 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, I'm joined by Nadia and Katia Narain, for a gentle but powerful conversation about the beautiful concept at the heart of their new book: glimmers.We explore what glimmers really are - those small, often overlooked moments that signal safety and ease to the nervous system - and why they're so different from gratitude. Together, we talk about how learning to notice these tiny experiences of calm, connection, and okay-ness can help regulate stress, soften anxiety, and slowly shift us out of overwhelm. It's a soothing, reassuring discussion filled with practical insight and a reminder that healing doesn't always come from big breakthroughs, but from the smallest moments of feeling just a little more okay.Find Nadia and Katia:Instagram: @nadia.and.katiaBuy their book: https://amzn.eu/d/08CuHlBQStay 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 this week's episode of Hurt to Healing, I'm talking to nutritionist and hormone specialist Hannah Alderson about something so many of us hear about all the time, but don't always fully understand - our hormones.From anxiety and low mood to brain fog, burnout, PMT, perimenopause and feeling completely unlike yourself, Hannah explains how hormones can shape so much of how we think, feel and function. We also get into her own journey with PCOS and endometriosis, the role of stress and blood sugar, and why looking after your hormonal health doesn't have to mean perfection - just small, supportive changes that help your body feel safer and more balanced.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Hannah:Website: https://www.hannahalderson.com/Instagram: @hannahaldersonnutritionPre-Order Her Book (out in May): https://amzn.eu/d/0hitUyCnStay 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, Julia is joined by broadcaster and presenter Ore Oduba for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, shame and the coping mechanisms we develop to manage difficult emotions. Ore speaks openly about his relationship with pornography, the moment it stopped feeling like a harmless habit and began to feel like something more troubling, and the internal struggle that followed.Together they explore the emotional landscape beneath addictive behaviours — including anxiety, grief, identity and the pressure to perform. This is a thoughtful conversation about the courage it takes to confront the parts of ourselves we would rather hide, and the possibility of healing that emerges when we bring those struggles into the light.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Ore:Instagram: @oreodubaofficialStay 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'm joined by preventive medicine physician and author Dr Sharon Bergquist, whose book The Stress Paradox challenges the idea that all stress is harmful and offers a far more hopeful, evidence-led way of thinking about what's happening in our minds and bodies.Together, we explore the difference between chronic, depleting stress and the kinds of “good stress” that can build resilience at a cellular level. Sharon explains why recovery matters as much as challenge, how to recognise when stress is helping versus harming, and the small, realistic habits that can strengthen your capacity to cope so you're not just getting through life, but actually growing through it.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Sharon:Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/Instagram: @thegoodstressdoctorBuy her book: https://amzn.eu/d/0df3zDagStay 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 episode, I'm joined by doctor, mental health advocate, and bestselling author Dr Alex George for a conversation about what it really means to be “normal.”Together, we explore why normality is often a misleading lens for understanding ourselves, the difference between impulsivity and compulsivity, and the many hidden ways OCD can show up beyond the stereotypes. Alex shares personal reflections from his own experience, alongside compassionate insights on intrusive thoughts, rumination, and learning to gently redirect attention.This episode is a powerful reminder that our quirks, sensitivities, and differences are not flaws to fix, but parts of ourselves to understand - and sometimes even our greatest strengths.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Alex:Website: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/Instagram: @dralexgeorgeBuy His New Book "Am I Normal?": https://amzn.eu/d/aoEqbLDListen to Stompcast: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/podcastStay 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 Dr Marc Berman, a leading researcher on how nature impacts the brain, attention, and mental health.Marc explains the difference between directed (voluntary) attention and involuntary attention, why so many of us feel depleted by modern life, and why time in nature can genuinely restore focus - even if you don't “feel like it.” We talk depression, anxiety and ADHD-like symptoms, the surprising links between green space and behaviour (including stress and aggression), plus practical ways to get your “dose” of nature and even bring some of its benefits indoors.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Marc:https://psychology.uchicago.edu/directory/marc-g-bermanBuy Marc's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/305368/marc-bermanStay 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, I'm joined by broadcaster, author, and psychology expert Claudia Hammond, whose latest book, Overwhelmed, explores why so many of us feel like life has simply become too much.In this episode, we unpack what overwhelm actually is, when stress shifts from helpful to harmful, and the subtle signs that your mind and body may be under strain. Claudia shares practical, research-backed tools for managing information overload, protecting your attention, and building small daily habits that guard against burnout.We also explore simple ways to reset your nervous system — including breathing techniques and cultivating moments of awe — and why feeling better is often less about doing more, and more about choosing more wisely.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Claudia:Website: https://claudiahammond.com/Buy her new book 'Overwhelmed': https://amzn.eu/d/b9YY7DX 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 on Hurt to Healing, I'm joined by therapist and divorce expert Oona Metz, author of Unhitched: The Official Divorce Guide for Women. We talk about why divorce can still feel so loaded with shame, why women so often carry the guilt (especially with children), and the difference between ending a marriage legally and leaving it emotionally - which often happens long before the paperwork. Oona shares practical, steady guidance for the messy middle: how to talk to your children, handle friends and family, get the right support, and move through the grief towards real healing and a new chapter.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Oona:Website: https://www.oonametz.com/Read Unhitched: https://amzn.eu/d/0bZl9mXVInstagram: @oonametz 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, I'm joined by Will Dobud, therapist, researcher, and author of Kids These Days, to explore why so many young people are struggling - and why more intervention doesn't always mean better outcomes. We talk about his outdoor, solution-focused approach, the unintended harm of over-diagnosis and over-medicalisation, and why engagement, connection and doing more of what already works often matter more than labels or techniques. This conversation is grounding, challenging, and surprisingly hopeful with takeaways that apply just as much to adults as they do to kids.Read Kids These Days: https://www.kidsthesedaysbook.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 something that so many people silently live with: high-functioning anxiety - that feeling of looking like you've got it all together on the outside, while inside you're paddling furiously just to keep afloat. I'm joined by Dr Lalitaa Suglani, psychologist and author, and we unpack why “high functioning” isn't the same as “fine” - and how perfectionism, people-pleasing and constant doing can be a way of keeping ourselves safe, even when it's slowly burning us out.In this conversation, Lalitaa shares the signs to look out for, how high-functioning anxiety differs from generalised anxiety, OCD and even overlaps with sensitivity and ADHD, and why so much of it comes back to self-worth, shame, and nervous system regulation. We also get into rejection sensitivity, attachment styles, and what healing actually looks like - not a sudden switch-off, but learning to come back to yourself with intention, boundaries, and self-trust.Find Lalitaa:Website: https://drlalitaa.com/Instagram: @dr.lalitaaOrder Her Book: https://drlalitaa.com/lalitaa/highfunctioninganxietyStay 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'm joined by Jamie White, a life coach and business mentor who works closely with entrepreneurs navigating stress, burnout, and the hidden emotional costs of success.Jamie shares his own journey from early entrepreneurial success into severe burnout, and how chasing achievement to fill an internal void eventually caught up with him. We talk about why business and personal wellbeing are inseparable, the loneliness so many founders experience, and how slowing down, taking responsibility, and rebuilding self-worth from the inside out can radically change both life and work.Find Jamie:Instagram: @jamiewhiteWebsite: https://jamiewhite.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.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Jan Gerber, founder of Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, depression, and what those experiences can really feel like when they hit, often suddenly and without warning.Jan shares his own recent journey through depression, how it showed up for him, and what helped him begin to recover. We also explore Paracelsus Recovery's highly personalised approach to mental health, why there's rarely a single “fix,” and how healing is often more like building a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle - slowly, patiently, and differently for everyone.Find Jan:Website: https://jangerber.com/Instagram: @gerber_janStay 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'm joined by Julia Bradbury for a deeply grounding conversation about what mental wellbeing really means - beyond diagnoses, labels, or the absence of anxiety and depression.We talk about balance, self-awareness, and why understanding your triggers, values and support network is just as important as managing symptoms. Julia shares powerful reflections on connection, nature, preventative health, and the mind–body link, alongside gentle, realistic ways to care for your mental and emotional health before you reach breaking point. This episode is calm, compassionate, and a reminder that wellbeing isn't about perfection - it's about learning how to look after yourself, consistently and kindly.Find Julia:Instagram: @juliabradburyWebsite: https://juliabradbury.com/Hack Yourself Healthy Book: https://amzn.eu/d/3yZMlBoStay 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 this special Valentine's Day episode of Hurt to Healing, I'm joined by psychologist and relationship researcher Harry Reis, co-author of How to Feel Loved, to talk about something we don't often stop to ask: what does it actually mean to feel loved, not just by other people, but inside ourselves. Why is it that even when we're cared for, chosen, or wanted, so many of us still struggle to believe we're truly lovable?We get into how early experiences shape the way we show up in relationships, why being admired isn't the same as feeling loved, and how things like vulnerability, curiosity, and everyday conversations really build connection over time. It's an honest chat about love without the clichés - perfect for Valentine's Day, whether you're partnered, dating, or very much figuring it out.Buy How to Feel Loved: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/311060/harry-reisStay 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. Today I'm joined by Alexis Johnson, Nature & Wellbeing Officer at the RSPB, and we're talking about something I found genuinely eye-opening: nature prescriptions - a simple, supportive way for healthcare professionals (and other trusted adults) to encourage people to use nature as part of their wellbeing toolkit, without it feeling like yet another thing to “get perfect.”We unpack what nature prescriptions actually look like in practice, how they're different from being referred into a group or service, and why nature doesn't have to mean a countryside walk - it can be as small as noticing light moving across your wall, listening to rain at night, or spotting weeds pushing through the pavement. If you're feeling overwhelmed, time-poor, or not remotely a “nature person,” this episode is full of low-lift ways to reconnect, reset, and feel a little more grounded.Find out more about Nature Prescriptions: https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-we-do/nature-prescriptionsStay 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 speaking to broadcaster Ore Oduba about something many people struggle with silently: porn addiction. Ore opens up about his thirty-year journey with a honesty that is rare and incredibly powerful - how it began in childhood, how shame and secrecy kept it alive, and how it shaped his sense of self, relationships and mental health.We also talk about recovery: what it took to finally ask for help, the daily work of staying sober, and how life has opened up for him since. We touch on children's exposure to explicit content online, why this addiction is so misunderstood, and what real change could look like. A quick note before we start - this episode includes discussion of pornography and suicidal thoughts, so please listen in whatever way feels right for you.Find Ore:Instagram: @oreodubaofficialStay 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 on Healing 101 I'm joined by writer and teacher Margo Steines for a conversation about something many people quietly struggle with: when movement stops being healthy and starts becoming consuming. Margo shares how what began as empowerment gradually tipped into something far more controlling, and we explore the emotional undercurrents that can sit beneath compulsive exercise - from perfectionism to trauma to the longing to feel “enough.” We also talk about how hard it can be to recognise the problem when the world applauds discipline and intensity, and what it looks like to rebuild a gentler relationship with your body after pushing it beyond its limits. A quick note before we begin: we do touch on eating disorders and injury, so please listen however feels safest for you.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Margo:Website: https://www.margosteines.com/Instagram: @redstatebluesStay 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 guys, welcome back to the Hurt to Healing podcast. In today's episode I'm joined by Claudia Hammond - author and broadcaster - for a really grounding conversation about overwhelm: what it is, how it's different from everyday stress, and why so many of us feel like we're constantly carrying too much.We talk about perfectionism, decision fatigue, comparison, and the pressure to be “good at everything,” plus the small mindset shifts that can help you feel more steady when life starts tipping into too much. This one genuinely made me pause and reflect - I think you'll get a lot from it.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Claudia:Website: https://claudiahammond.com/Buy her new book 'Overwhelmed': https://amzn.eu/d/b9YY7DX 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 episode, I'm joined by Ro Mitchell for a really honest and grounding conversation about the link between ADHD, anxiety and disordered eating and the role control often plays when your mind feels chaotic or overwhelming.We talk about learning to soften the inner critic, rebuilding trust with your body, and why recovery isn't about giving up control entirely, but about finding safer, more compassionate ways to feel secure. Ro also shares practical tools around body checking, setbacks, and how to respond kindly to yourself when things wobble. This one is gentle, validating, and full of small but powerful takeaways.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Ro: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@romitchell?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchellInstagram: @romitchellRead her book, How to Talk to Yourself: https://amzn.eu/d/7jvtSKPStay 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 guys, welcome back to Hurt to Healing. Today I'm joined by Dr Tommy Wood - neuroscientist, researcher and performance consultant based in Washington DC - and this conversation genuinely blew my mind.We talk about the real pillars of wellbeing - food, movement, sleep and connection - and why “more, more, more” isn't always better. Tommy explains allostatic load (the total stress your body is carrying), why sleep tracking can sometimes increase anxiety, and how small, realistic habits - like habit stacking and planning for obstacles - can make the biggest difference.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Tommy:Website: https://www.drtommywood.com/Instagram: @drtommywoodListen to his podcast: https://www.drtommywood.com/podcastStay 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 this Healing 101 episode, I wanted to focus on something that quietly underpins so much of our mental health, so I sat down with Annalie Howling to talk about guilt, shame, and why understanding the difference really matters. We break it down in a simple, relatable way - how guilt is about what we do, while shame becomes a painful belief about who we are - and why shame can be so corrosive to our self-worth, relationships, and recovery. Annalie explains how shame often sits underneath anxiety, addiction, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, and shares compassionate, practical ways to start loosening its grip and move towards self-compassion instead.Find Annalie:Website: https://annaliehowling.com/Book: https://annaliehowling.com/unapologetic/Instagram: @annaliehowlingStay 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 of Hurt to Healing, I'm joined by Dr Alex George for a very honest and very relatable conversation about his brand new book Am I Normal? and what it's like to grow up feeling different without knowing why. We talk about his ADHD diagnosis at 31, living with OCD, grief, emotional dysregulation and the painful “what if?” loops that can quietly run your life - and what finally starts to help once you understand your brain. What made this conversation so special is how much we recognised ourselves in each other's experiences, from rejection sensitivity and rumination to needing structure just to feel safe. It's a grounding, compassionate episode about reducing shame, learning to work with your brain rather than against it, and realising you're not broken - you're just human.Find Alex:Website: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/Instagram: @dralexgeorgeBuy His New Book "Am I Normal?": https://amzn.eu/d/aoEqbLDListen to Stompcast: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/podcastStay 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 thought this would be the perfect Healing 101 episode for January, so I'm joined by Suzy Reading, psychologist and author of Self-Care for Winter. We talk about why winter can feel so heavy on our mood, energy and motivation, how cold and lack of light affect both mind and body, and why easing our expectations of ourselves really matters at this time of year. Suzy shares practical, down-to-earth ways to support yourself through the darker months - from gentle movement and rest, to staying connected without overwhelm, and finding comfort in simple, accessible rituals that actually help.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Suzy:Website: https://www.suzyreading.co.uk/Instagram: @suzyreadingRead Self-Care for Winter: https://amzn.eu/d/3BT9KDDStay 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 first episode of the year, I'm joined by the brilliant Julia Bradbury for a really grounding, eye-opening chat about what “being healthy” actually means when you look beyond the surface. Julia talks me through how her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 completely changed the way she thinks about her body and her life - not in a “perfect routine” kind of way, but in a very real, human I want to stay well and reduce my risk way. We get into the stuff so many of us ignore until something forces us to pay attention: sleep, stress and cortisol, sugar addiction, blood sugar and inflammation, why being slim doesn't automatically mean you're healthy, and how confusing the wellness world can feel when you're constantly bombarded with advice. Julia also shares the practical things she actually does day to day - getting outside no matter what, morning light, breathwork, moving after meals, batch cooking, and keeping habits simple so you don't spiral into obsession. We finish on something I really loved: Julia's honesty about emotional health, and why therapy is now one of her non-negotiables - because physical health isn't the full picture if you're holding onto stress or old wounds.Thank you to Bare Biology for sponsoring this episode.Bare Biology is an independent, women-powered business creating high-quality supplements designed to support well-lived lives. They're offering listeners 20% off with the code PANDORA20.Visit barebiology.com and use the code PANDORA20 at checkout. You won't regret it!Find Julia:Instagram: @juliabradburyWebsite: https://juliabradbury.com/Hack Yourself Healthy Book: https://amzn.eu/d/3yZMlBoStay 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, I'm chatting with Pearl Lowe, who was recently diagnosed with ADHD - something that finally helped so many pieces of her life fall into place. Pearl talks openly about the signs she'd been living with for years: the chronic scattiness, impulsive decisions, the “hundred tabs open” feeling, and the unfiltered honesty that sometimes got her into trouble long before she understood why.We dig into how ADHD can look completely different in women, how it played into her past addiction and impulsivity, and the huge shift that came with finally getting a diagnosis. Pearl shares the practical things she does daily to support her brain - from sleep and food to boundaries and gut instinct - and why she believes so many women deserve to be assessed sooner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I'm joined by psychotherapist and author Kathleen Saxton, whose new book My Parent the Peacock dives deep into one of the most confusing dynamics out there: narcissistic parents. We talk about what a narcissist actually is – beyond the buzzword – and the difference between someone with a few narcissistic traits and someone with a full clinical disorder.We explore how growing up with a narcissistic parent can shape your anxiety, confidence, relationships and sense of identity, and why so many people only realise the impact years or even decades later. Kathleen breaks down gaslighting, trauma bonds, why setting boundaries feels so hard, and how you can start reconnecting with your “true self” after years of confusion or self-doubt. If you've ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around a parent, or never quite knew where you stood, this episode is for you.Find Kathleen: Instagram: @clinicwithkBuy Kathleen's Book: https://amzn.eu/d/8ydnlw8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Healing 101, I'm sitting down with psychiatrist and author Alastair Santhouse, and we're diving into a surprisingly tricky question: what do we actually mean when we talk about “normal” mental health? It's one of those phrases we all use, but when you look a little closer, it gets messy fast.Alastair and I chat about why “normal” can feel so loaded, how it shapes the way we think about ourselves, and why it matters when deciding whether someone genuinely needs help or is simply having a very human reaction to life. We also touch on diagnoses, the rise in labels, and how to make sense of your mental health without falling into the trap of self-pathologising. It's a short, honest conversation that hopefully leaves you feeling a bit clearer - and a bit kinder toward yourself.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 episode, I'm joined by Professor Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the newly published Dealing With Feeling, to untangle one of the big questions: what actually are emotions - and how are they different from feelings, moods, or just “being in a state”? We talk about why there's no such thing as a “bad” emotion, how emotions act as data rather than problems to get rid of, and why so many of us - especially in places like the UK - were raised to “keep calm and carry on” instead of learning how to work with what we feel.Marc walks us through his simple RULER framework, why labelling your emotions properly can completely change how you cope, and the practical tools we can all use to regulate our moods without repressing or overindulging them. If you've ever wondered whether you're “too emotional,” “not emotional enough,” or just confused about what's going on inside, this conversation will give you language, clarity and a far kinder way of understanding yourself.Find Professor Marc Brackett:Website: https://marcbrackett.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.brackett/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcbrackettBuy his book, Dealing with Feeling: https://marcbrackett.com/dealing-with-feeling/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 episode, I'm joined by Dr Chloe Saunders, a clinician and researcher specialising in functional somatic symptoms and the mind–body connection. We explore what it means when your body begins to talk and medicine doesn't always find the answer - fatigue, pain, gut issues and other flare-ups that don't quite show up on scans.Dr Saunders helps us understand why these symptoms are real, even when traditional tests are normal, how our stress response lives in the body long before our mind catches up, and why paying too much attention - or too little - to bodily signals can both perpetuate the problem.This is a conversation about finding that middle ground: rebuilding trust in your body, calming its alarm system, and discovering practical ways to bring physiological rest back into your life.If you've ever been told “everything looks fine” yet something still doesn't feel right, this episode might help you hear what your body is trying to say and how to listen.Find Chloe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-saunders-410a9b203/Bodysymptoms: https://bodysymptoms.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 I'm joined by the brilliant Annalie Howling - a performance coach, trauma specialist and author whose story is honestly fascinating. She opens up about hitting complete burnout at 29, when life looked perfect from the outside but felt totally wrong on the inside. As she puts it, she wasn't intolerant to gluten… she was intolerant to her life.We talk about how childhood shame and perfectionism can follow us into adulthood, how that shows up in things like anxiety and people-pleasing, and what it really means to start showing up as your authentic self. It's such an open, powerful chat and I think a lot of you will really relate to this one.Find Annalie:Website: https://annaliehowling.com/Book: https://annaliehowling.com/unapologetic/Instagram: @annaliehowlingStay 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 Healing 101 bonus episode, I'm joined again by Mariko Bangerter, regression therapist and healer, to explore how accessing the subconscious mind can unlock deep and lasting change.We talk about how our earliest memories - even ones we don't consciously recall - can shape our adult behaviours, and why true healing often requires working beyond logic and into the subconscious. Mariko also shares some incredible case studies from her practice, from releasing birth trauma to transforming relationship patterns. It's a fascinating look into the power of regression therapy and what can happen when we reconnect with the parts of ourselves we've long forgotten.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.

Today I'm chatting to Ro Mitchell, who so many of you will know from TikTok for speaking really openly about anorexia, ADHD and recovery and doing it in a way that actually makes you feel less mad and less alone.Ro talks about developing an eating disorder at 14, getting really good at hiding it, going into CAMHS and then hospital, and what it actually took to choose recovery for herself - not for her parents, not for school, not to avoid being sectioned. We get into body checking, covering mirrors, exercise addiction, the pressure of being “the girl with the eating disorder,” and the really messy bit of recovery where you hate your changing body but you still don't want to go back.It's practical and I think it will be a lifeline for anyone stuck in that “one foot in, one foot out” stage.Find Ro: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@romitchell?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RoMitchellInstagram: @romitchellRead her book, How to Talk to Yourself: https://amzn.eu/d/7jvtSKPStay 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 Healing 101 bonus episode I'm joined by Jonny Miller, nervous system educator and host of The Inner Frontier podcast. Jonny's work was forged in something unbearably human: the loss of his fiancée, Sophie, to suicide in 2017. We talk about how grief completely dismantled the life he thought he was going to live, and how by actually letting the grief move through him instead of armouring up - he discovered a kind of raw aliveness and tenderness he'd never accessed before.From there we get into what he now teaches: nervous system mastery. Jonny breaks down why so many of us are living slightly frozen, slightly overwhelmed, slightly braced and how building skills in interoception, self-regulation, and emotional fluidity can change the way we grieve, love, work and relate. It's a really grounded, hopeful conversation about turning devastation into capacity.Find Jonny:Website: https://www.jonnymiller.co/Nervous System Mastery: https://www.nsmastery.com/Podcast: https://theinnerfrontier.com/Stateshift App: https://www.stateshift.app/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 Pearl Lowe - singer, designer and author, who's just brought out her gorgeous new book, Faded Glamour in the City. Pearl's story is incredible: from a dreamy but chaotic London childhood to teenage rebellion, addiction, undiagnosed ADHD, motherhood at 18, and then a total reinvention - getting sober, moving to Somerset, and finding peace in creativity and slower living.We talk about the impulsiveness and perfectionism that come with ADHD, how self-medicating became a coping mechanism, and why getting a diagnosis later in life helped her finally make sense of it all.Find Pearl:Instagram: @pearlloweWebsite: https://www.pearllowe.co.uk/Buy Faded Glamour in the City: https://www.pearllowe.co.uk/products/faded-glamour-in-the-city 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'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.