Stompcast

Can rejection actually make you more creative? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some surprising claims about rejection to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated including whether rejection can boost creativity, whether social media is making us more sensitive to it, and whether rejection sensitivity is really just another name for worrying.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you actually become less sensitive to rejection? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates tackle a listener's dilemma about internalising failure and avoiding conflict, and explore what can help when rejection takes over, from breaking cycles of overthinking and reframing situations to self-compassion and acceptance.You can read about tips from a psychologist in this article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202506/the-deep-sting-of-rejection-0.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does rejection hurt so much, and why do some people feel it far more intensely than others? Paris Hilton has described Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria as “like a demon in your mind” but what actually is RSD, and why can it feel so physical? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science behind rejection sensitivity, its links with ADHD and neurodivergence, and why our brains are wired to see social exclusion as a threat.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does stress help you remember things better? Does alcohol erase your memories? And can hypnosis actually unlock memories you've buried?In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put these common beliefs about memory to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. They cover why hypnosis may be more likely to create false memories than recover repressed ones, and the surprising number of clinicians who believe repressed trauma can be uncovered in therapy.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A listener asks: do some people really have a photographic memory, or is something else going on? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science behind extraordinary memory, from artist Stephen Wiltshire's ability to recreate incredibly detailed cityscapes to the rare phenomenon that allows some people to recall almost every day of their lives in remarkable detail. Plus, what does it actually mean if you can't picture things in your mind? And what did the co-founder of Pixar discover when he explored how differently we visualise the world?No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some people have vivid memories from early childhood while others have almost none, and does that mean they have a better memory?In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates get into how memory actually works, the 108-year-old neuroscientist behind one of the most important discoveries in memory research, and the landmark car crash experiment that showed how changing a single word can alter what someone remembers.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media claims your brain is wired to help you manifest. Gratitude journals and positive mindsets are often presented as the science-backed alternative to vision boards, but is any of it actually the same thing? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates separate myth from fact as they explore the neuroscience behind manifestation, the difference between a positive mindset and magical thinking, and what placebo effects really tell us about the power of our beliefs.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think you're going to fail, are you more likely to? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of self-fulfilling prophecies, what the evidence actually shows, why the effects are weaker than many self-help books claim, and what a study of six-year-olds reveals about the surprising power of other people's expectations. Plus, Alex and Kathryn reflect on how they deal with failure, and Kathryn explains why, as a scientist, she fails at something every day.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dua Lipa says headlining Glastonbury was on her dream board and even believes she manifested her husband. Millions of videos on TikTok are about manifestation, but does any of it actually work? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the psychology of manifestation, why a Cambridge professor calls it pseudoscience, and what the evidence on goal setting actually shows.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your life really flash before your eyes when you die? Are humans the only species that know they're going to die? And could we ever live forever? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates separate Myth, Fact and It's Complicated as they explore the science behind some of the biggest questions about death and dying, consciousness, immortality and what it means to be human.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you find acceptance in grief and come to terms with the idea of your own death? Will we be able to live forever? In Part 2, Dr Alex George reflects on losing his brother to suicide and what finding acceptance has looked like for him. Alongside research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates, they explore the psychology of grief, bereavement, mortality and why thinking about death could actually change the way you live.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens in the brain when you die? Does your life really flash before your eyes? Do we get to relive our best experiences? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of near-death experiences, consciousness and the life review - from the tunnel of light to the latest research on brain activity in the moments after the heart stops. Together, they unpack what neuroscience can tell us about death and dying, and where the science still leaves unanswered questions.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is social media really ruining our attention spans? In Part 3 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some of the biggest claims about focus and distraction to the test in Myth, Fact or It's Complicated. Can you train yourself to focus? Is social media really to blame? And what does the evidence actually say?No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so much easier to focus on random things or a new hobby than an important deadline? In Part 2 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer a listener's dilemma about why our brains are drawn to distractions, what's really happening when we struggle to focus, and what the science says we can actually do about it.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like you can't concentrate the way you used to? In Part 1 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of attention, whether our attention spans have actually got shorter, and why modern life makes it feel harder than ever to concentrate. They also unpack one of the internet's biggest myths about attention and reveal what the evidence really says.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Figuring It Out podcast with Dr Alex George and Dr Kathryn Bates.After four incredible years of The Stompcast, Dr Alex George is putting down his stomping boots to figure out life's biggest questions. Joining him is Dr Kathryn Bates, a research scientist at King's College London specialising in development and mental health.Together, they combine medicine and the latest research to explore the questions we all ask about our minds, our relationships, our choices and our health.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.New episodes arrive every week in three parts from Monday to Wednesday.Listen to this short trailer to find out what you can expect, then follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where there's a will, there's a way. Therapy can change your personality. Dr Alex George and Dr Kathryn Bates put these common claims to the test in Part 3 of Myth, Fact or It's Complicated.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we know we're making the right choice? Do we have free will over our choices or is it all predetermined? In Part 2, Alex and Kathryn work through a listener's dilemma about moving away for a new job and reflect on some of the biggest choices and failures in their own lives.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much of who we are is actually our choice? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of how we come to be: are we a product of our experiences? Is our personality set in stone or does it change?No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. Alex and Kathryn also reveal their personality test results. You can take the same test here too: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we only using 10% of our brains? Does déjà vu mean something is wrong with our brains? Can dreams predict the future? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates figure out whether these common statements about the brain are Myth, Fact or It's Complicated in Part 3. No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it intuition, anxiety or something else? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore why our brains sometimes convince us that something bad is about to happen.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been somewhere new and felt completely certain you've been there before? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of déjà vu, why it feels so real and what our brains are actually doing when it happens.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does heartbreak make you stronger? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates work through Myth, Fact or It's Complicated on whether time heals all wounds, getting back on the dating scene, and whether you can actually be addicted to a person.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why can't I stop thinking about my ex? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer a listener's dilemma about still thinking about an ex more than a year after a breakup. They explore why our brains struggle to let go, whether it's normal to still miss someone, and what can actually help you move forward.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can heartbreak actually break your heart? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of heartbreak, rejection and emotional pain. They explain why the brain processes heartbreak in similar ways to physical pain, what heartbreak does to your body, and what research says about recovering after a breakup.We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of Toddla's stomp with Alex, they discuss the habits, routines and mindset shifts that have helped Toddla build a healthier, happier life.He reflects on what changed after his ADHD diagnosis, his relationship with his wife Annie MacManus and their two children, and what true contentment looks like today.Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2, Toddla T opens up to Dr Alex about how ADHD is his superpower and how during one of the most successful parts of his career, he was going through the darkest part of his life.After a lifetime of not understanding where his lack of focus was coming from, Toddla was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.You'll hear T speak about his general anxiety disorder, known as GAD, the ADHD symptoms he's experienced throughout his life, as well as his diagnosis experience and his journey in finding the right medication balance for him.Toddla also shares how his self-soothing with alcohol was in fact the depths of addiction and how he subsequently became sober in order to improve both his health and lifestyle, especially as a father.Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week we shared the final ever episode of The Stompcast. Before we introduce what's coming next, we're revisiting one of the most important conversations Dr Alex has ever had.Looking back, this episode with Toddla T became a genuine turning point. It inspired Alex to seek an ADHD assessment, stop drinking alcohol, and ultimately changed the direction of his life.In part one, Toddla reflects on balancing work, family and the pressures of success, while sharing how his priorities have shifted over the years.Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.In part three, Dr Alex George and his mother Jane explore how their family has learned to have open and honest conversations about mental health. They discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of being vulnerable, and how to recognise the signs that someone may be struggling.Plus, Jane shares why learning to fail well is one of life's most valuable lessons, and reflects on what she's most grateful for in her life.The resource Jane mentions in this part is jaaq.appFollow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane's work here.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.In part two, Dr Alex George and his mother Jane open up about the devastating loss of their brother and son, Llŷr, who died by suicide in 2020. They reflect on the reality of navigating grief after suicide, the impact it has had on their family, and how they have each found ways to move forward whilst keeping Llŷr's memory at the heart of everything they do.Plus, Jane shares the story behind Knit for Mental Health, the incredible initiative she launched with her husband Anthony, and reveals how the project has gone on to raise an incredible £100,000 for charity!Follow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane's work here.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.To mark the final episode of the Stompcast, Dr Alex George is joined by a very special guest: his mother, Jane George.In part one, Jane reflects on Alex's childhood, shares what it was like watching her son appear on Love Island, and reveals her reaction when Alex first told her about his ADHD diagnosis…Plus, Jane and Alex revisit some of their favourite family memories, explore the role nature has played throughout their lives and discuss why spending time outdoors remains so important to them.Follow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane's work here.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.In part three, Ben West and Dr Alex George discuss what it's really like to be a mental health activist in today's world, the challenges of driving meaningful policy change and whether either of them could ever see themselves stepping into politics…Plus, in this penultimate episode of Stompcast, Alex shares his favourite place he's ever been out stomping.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. (By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.In part two, Ben West reflects on how the Reasons to Stay project has transformed his life, why hope matters in suicide prevention and whether we should ban social media for under 16s…Plus, Ben and Dr Alex George discuss the three things social media should provide, and why it may be worth reassessing your relationship with certain platforms if they're not giving you at least one of them.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. (By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.Ben West is a mental health campaigner, who became an activist after losing his 15 year old brother, Sam, to suicide in 2018. Earlier this year, Ben launched the incredible Reasons to Stay project, a suicide prevention website where anyone in the world can write a letter to someone thinking about suicide.In part one, Ben joins Dr Alex George to discuss the extraordinary impact of Reasons to Stay, and how the project grew from a £16 web domain into a lifeline which has sent over 3.5 million letters to people struggling around the world.Plus, Ben also shares some of the powerful real-life stories that have emerged from the project and explores practical ways we can better support those who may be facing difficult times.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. (By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Owen O'Kane shares the many ways modern life can fuel anxiety, how doomscrolling increases anxiety and why not letting your experiences define you can set you free.Plus, Owen and Dr Alex George discuss how happiness can be misinterpreted as a scary emotion and unpack why breakthroughs can often feel uncomfortable…Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Owen O'Kane explores how anxiety can sometimes serve a useful purpose and explains why separating the facts from the stories we tell ourselves can help reduce worry. He also reveals why a significant part of managing anxiety is learning to stop getting in your own way…Plus, Owen and Dr Alex George discuss the link between OCD and the need for control and why taking medication for your mental health should never be seen as a weakness.Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen O'Kane is a leading psychotherapist, mental health expert and author whose work has helped countless people better understand and manage anxiety.In part one, Owen joins Dr Alex George to discuss why you need to embrace anxiety, the importance of looking after your inner child and how shame can impact your relationship with anxiety.Plus, Owen unpacks the three core systems that drive anxiety forward, and reveals why he believes there is never one sole cause of anxiety…Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Joshua Fletcher joins Dr Alex George to unpack why there's no quick-fix for anxiety, how wellness culture can quietly damage your self-worth and the complex relationship between anxiety and self-trust.Plus, Josh and Alex discuss how using humour can sometimes be a healthy way to cope with anxiety, and why rumination never solves anything…Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Joshua Fletcher explores whether you can still be a good therapist and struggle with mental illness, how to strike a healthy balance between self-improvement and self-obsession and why it's better to be a “wounded healer” than a perfect one…Plus, Josh and Dr Alex George discuss why human connection is vital to impactful therapy, and whether it's okay to accept that you've not “fixed” yourself yet.Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Joshua Fletcher - also known as Anxiety Josh - returns to the Stompcast! With over 300k followers, Josh is a content creator, author and psychotherapist specialising in anxiety and anxiety disorders.In part one, Josh joins Dr Alex George to discuss how to enjoy your life alongside anxiety, the importance of leaning into uncertainty and whether AI is the future of therapy…Plus, Josh shares his golden rules for navigating anxiety in today's modern world.Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Claire educates us on how audio description works for TV, film and concerts and shares how she's making the world more accessible. Plus, she shares how she pulls herself out of the darkest moments to find moments of joy. Follow Claire @canseecantsee_Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Claire Sisk sheds light on the everyday obstacles she faces that, as a sighted person, you could take completely for granted. Claire explains the app that helps connect blind people with help around the world, the issues with travel assistance and the triggers that remind her of her blindness. Follow Claire @canseecantsee_Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 29, Claire Sisk suffered two strokes, which eventually led to her losing her sight. 17 years later, she's thriving with a career in TV and content creation – but she's come a long way from her self-described ‘rock bottom'.In part one, Claire reveals how her first marriage broke down at the same time of her illness, why she was terrified of losing her daughter and why she didn't tell anyone about her sight loss.Follow Claire @canseecantsee_Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Gini explains why she decided to open up about this deeply personal experience and her advice to anyone considering egg donation.Gini and Dr Alex discuss the complex intersection of science and religion, the power of a truly selfless good deed and how you never know what will come from a seemingly unremarkable interaction. Follow @ginibhogalOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Gini reveals how the baby born from her egg reacted to finding out that his ‘auntie' was actually his biological mother. Gini shares her anxieties around the secret coming out, why she was the most afraid to tell her parents and how her relationship has changed with Christopher since it all came out. Follow @ginibhogalOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 years ago, Gini struck up a conversation with a stranger on the tube, which would change both her and the stranger's lives forever.Despite having no knowledge of the process, Gini agreed to donate her eggs to a complete stranger. She shares her extraordinary story with Dr Alex George, revealing what made her so certain she wanted to perform such a selfless act, what it was like hiding her egg extraction while living with her in-laws and why she believes that a karmic connection may have led to this incredible meeting. It's only this year that Gini has gone public with this extraordinary story, so you don't want to miss it. Follow @ginibhogalOrder Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Shell explains how her cancer diagnosis eventually led her on the path to her dream job.Plus, she opens up about the disgusting hate comments she's received and how she doesn't let them bother her.Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Shell Rowe explains why humour was so important during her cancer treatment and why it's so important not to define people as ‘cancer patients'.Shell and Alex discuss the loss of dignity during treatment and why being open about it helped her get through it, the videos that she never posted and why she dabbled with religion during the darker times. Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shell Rowe was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma at just 20 years old. Somehow, she found the humour in cancer, building a social following of over 1.1 million. In this episode, she joins Dr Alex George to share the devastating conversations that followed her diagnosis - including telling her girlfriend she didn't need to stay - and the moment which left her thinking ‘it's now or never'. Plus, she shares why she believes cancer is as much of a mental battle as a physical one, and why it's the little moments you'd realise you'd miss. Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive(By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!)Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Laura Guckian and Dr Alex George compare notes on their AuDHD and how she spotted the signs in both herself and her children that they were autistic. Plus, she offers her advice on what to do during your child's meltdown and the lesser-known signals of AuDHD in girls. Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions.Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Laura Guckian shares some of the confessions mum's have shared with her and reveals how many of them wonder if they made the right choice by having children.Laura discusses the rage that is surprisingly prevalent in many mothers, the reality of gentle parenting and the things she does in order not to feel any mum guilt. Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions.Order Alex's latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.