Table Conversation

There will be a two week break from gathering at the table. I am so sorry. I had two days away from my day job this week planned for research, writing and recording two episodes before I go on holiday. My body had other ideas! I wasn't well, thankfully I am much better now. I just haven't had the time to fully commit to creating the quality of conversations that we're used to - I am not going to short change you by putting something out there that's not my best. In the meantime, in this mini chat I have some recommendations of previous episodes to either listen or re listen to - can you believe there's now over 50 episodes! I'll be back at the table 29th May 2023 - looking forward to chatting with you then.

Join us at the table this week for a conversation about the ups and downs of being single and the role that dating apps play in today's dating scene. In this episode, we'll delve into the reasons why some people are single, and we'll also explore the benefits and drawbacks of using dating apps to find love. We'll explore the idea that being single is a choice, as well as factors that can contribute to being single, such as fear of commitment, lack of self-confidence, and difficulty finding compatible partners. Whether you're ‘consciously' single or looking for love or in a solid relationship you'll enjoy this episode! If you enjoy the work that I do you can buy me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey - follow and join in the conversation on social media @iamcraigstorey

Join us at the table for this latest episode, where we will be discussing the relevance of the British monarchy. This week will see the coronation of King Charles… and as one of the oldest and most prominent monarchies in the world, the British monarchy has had a significant impact on the country's history and culture. However, in recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether the monarchy is still relevant in today's society. In this episode, we will explore the pros and cons of the monarchy and examine its current status. We will then delve into the pros and cons of having a monarchy, such as the benefits of having a figurehead for national unity and tourism, as well as the criticisms of the monarchy, such as the cost to taxpayers and the potential for abuse of power. Next, we will explore the arguments for and against abolishing the monarchy. We will look at the reasons why some people believe the monarchy is no longer relevant and should be replaced with a republic, while others argue that the monarchy is a vital part of British culture and identity. Whether you are a staunch monarchist or a republican, it is clear that the debate about the monarchy's relevance will continue for many years to come. If you have any thoughts or opinions on this topic, we would love to hear from you. Find me on social media @iamcraigstorey If you'd like to show your support for my work you can buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey

Join us at the table for a conversation about gossip! In this episode, we delve into the topic of gossip and its effects on individuals and society. We will discuss how gossip can be harmful to those who are talked about, as well as the people who spread it. We will explore the reasons why people gossip, including the psychological and social factors that drive gossip. We will also examine the impact of gossip on workplace culture and relationships, including how it can contribute to a toxic work environment. Additionally, we will explore strategies for stopping gossip, both on an individual and societal level. We will discuss the importance of setting boundaries and speaking up when gossip is taking place. We will also explore how we can create a culture of positivity and respect, where gossip is not tolerated. As always, please share your thoughts… follow on social media @iamcraigstorey If you'd like to share your love for my work you can buy me a coffee! Buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey

Join us at the table as we explore the concept of busyness and how it affects our emotional wellbeing. Is keeping busy a form of escapism that prevents us from dealing with our emotions? Or is it a therapeutic lifeline that helps us stay focused and productive during difficult times? Join us as we delve into these questions and more. We'll examine the impact of busyness on our mental health and offer strategies for finding a healthy balance. I'll also share personal stories and experiences of the ups and downs of keeping busy, discussing the benefits and potential pitfalls of this approach to life. If you're someone who struggles with feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list or wants to understand how to use busyness as a tool for personal growth, this episode is for you. If you enjoy the work that I do, you can support me by either sharing the episode or you can buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey

Join me at the table for this special episode as we celebrate National Pet Month. We will be exploring the importance of pets in our lives and the myriad of benefits they bring. We discuss the emotional, psychological, physical, and social benefits of having pets, as well as their therapeutic roles in our lives. Additionally, we delve into the reasons why some people choose not to have pets, touching on barriers like allergies, financial concerns, and ethical considerations. Lastly, we highlight the mission and significance of National Pet Month, encouraging you to get involved and appreciate the positive impact pets have on our lives. If you would like to support my work you can buy me a coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey

Join me at the table this week as we have a conversation about lockdown. I know that it's something we don't want to look back as we all have memories of that period of time that we would like to forget. Why doesn't Britain regret lockdown? I also joined Anna Brees for a conversation about media and how we move forward, I share some exerts from that interview. For the full interview, visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1WczKCes2UBY2-xr9fXFVUk8ux_KCMHpySUo5bmd0sNiFr4YxKi0547d0&v=E7g_hK_fW90&feature=youtu.be - Anna's book, Shame: When Journalists stopped listening is out now! SHAME: When Journalists Stopped Listening https://amzn.eu/d/5HYCJH4

Are you ready for a world without cash? Join me at the table as we explore the fascinating world of a cashless society. We'll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of going cashless and what it means for our economy and society as a whole. We'll share some insightful perspectives on topics such as digital currencies, mobile payments, and the future of banking. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the changing landscape of money and what that could mean for you, this episode is for you. Please continue the conversation and share your thoughts, I'm across social media @iamcraigstorey If you enjoy the work I do and would like to support me in this, feel free to share or buymeacoffee.com/craigstorey

Welcome back to the table! In this week's episode, the first of series 3 I share one of my most personal journeys - the loss of my Dad. I talk about my experience at the end of my Dad's life and what the first year without him has been like. I also explore some of what losing my Dad has taught me. I can only share my experiences and it is important to note that grief and loss is unique to us all. If you would like to delve deeper into the 7 stages of grief, check out Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' work. The book I mention of hers in the episode is called “On Death and Dying”. Her protege David Kessler can be found on Instagram and Twitter @iamdavidkessler. If you need to talk more or with a professional, get in touch with Cruse Bereavement Support - www.cruse.org.uk - 0808 808 1677 Trigger warning; death, loss of a loved one, grief, bereavement.

Welcome back to the table, it's been a long time. The new season, series, whatever you want to call it starts on Monday 20th March 2023. A new episode will drop each Monday. Here is a little taster of some of the conversations to come…

The table has turned this week and I'm being asked the questions by my friend Simon! In 2015 I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Crohn's is a lifelong condition of which no one knows what causes it. There's currently no cure. With 76% of people with Crohn's and Colitis feeling like the public don't understand the conditions I thought it's a good time to share my story of being diagnosed and living with Crohn's. This week in the UK it is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness week, for more information visit; https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/ Here is the link to information from the NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/

Joining me for this week's Table Conversation is hypnotist Doug Sands… Doug specialises in using hypnosis for weight loss. He says by focussing on the emotions behind weight gain he can help his clients achieve significant weight loss. Doug explains how he found hypnosis and how we can use it to communicate with our subconscious mind to overcome stress, anxiety and lose weight. He also dispels some of the myths about hypnosis and how our mind works with food. He shares a mini introduction to hypnosis session for you to join in and experience! You can find more from Doug Sands on Instagram @loseweighthypnosis For general information on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgp0ylxhJsL2QXsU8IdmQVQ His YouTube for some free sample hypnosis sessions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzFNtbacWQS3zFZlTS-rb6oH4jIKyozF His website is: www.anywherehypnosis.com

Table Conversation is one years old this week! I'll be chatting with you about this milestone. Creating and sharing the table each week has given me the birthday gift, a big improvement in my self confidence and that's what I'm sharing with you this week. What is confidence? How do we measure our self confidence? Listen to hear some tips and advice that I've discovered and used to help boost confidence. Birthday Music; It's Your Birthday! by Monk Turner + Fascinoma Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's that time for our conversation at the table! This week taking a seat at the table is Integrative Counsellor and Psycho-educational coach Andrew Ellis. Andrew has a passion for in helping others work through the more difficult stages in their lives in the belief that we all deserve to experience our best lives. Andrew talks about what lead him to his career in counselling, what a session of counselling with him would be like and some of those difficult subjects like anxiety, grief, self acceptance, self awareness, guilt, shame… and much more. Andrew's website; www.andrewelliscounselling.co.uk Facebook; www.facebook.com/AndrewEllisCounselling

This week I hopped into town for an evening with Holly Willoughby, it wasn't a one on one but it was an event for the launch of her book Reflections! Join me at the table as I share what I took from the evening and listening to Holly's book. Reflections by Holly Willoughby is out now. This lead to a late night in a week where I have been struggling with sleep since the clock change. Hear what science has to say about changing the clocks and why sleep is so important to us. I'll also offer some of the tips I discovered this week! You can find the book by Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep where you normally get your books if you'd like to find out more about the science of sleep!

OK, artistic licence, it's not really a quote from Shakespeare! It is a question that a couple of weeks ago I had to ask myself. After looking at the screen time setting on my phone I was disgusted with myself - I was spending over one and a half days a week staring at my screen. Join me at the table this week to find out what I have been doing tor reduce this time. I will also share the science I have discovered that explains why and how we get addicted to our screens.

It's just me and you at the table this week, asking whether we should just cancel Christmas now? I am sure you can guess my answer! With supply chain issues will we even have a turkey on the table? I'm exploring some of the reasons why we are experiencing some shortages and why I believe we need to have a think about what Christmas is really about. It seems that Project Fear is on it's way back with some parts of the media beginning to tell stories of demands for Covid restrictions to return. Listen to find out if these demands are justifiable and what the real picture actually looks like. In the lead up to Christmas it's time to decide if we will allow any possible restrictions to cancel our festivities - not if I have my way. The book I mention is written by Laura Dodsworth - A State of Fear (How the UK Government weaponised Fear during the Covid 19 Pandemic). For comparison of statistics, take a look at: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ https://data.spectator.co.uk

Get yourself comfortable, it's time for this week's Table Conversation! With me at the table today is my friend Gemma. This past week in the UK it has been Baby Loss Awareness week, Gemma joins me to share her story of miscarriage. Gemma bravely and openly talks about her three losses and how women in the UK must have had three miscarriages in a row before it is considered a medical issue. This can often lead women, lead couples to feel like they are overreacting or that their loss is discounted. Gemma is breaking her silence about the mental health impact of her losses – with the aim to help others to open up to. Miscarriage is often seen as an uncomfortable topic, but we must start talking about it, today Gemma and I do! Content Warning: Miscarriage, Miscarriage Medical Treatment, Bereavement For more information about Baby Loss Awareness week: https://babyloss-awareness.org/ Here are the details that can offer more information and support if you need it: Miscarriage Association - https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ SANDS – (Still Birth and Neonatal Death Charity) - https://www.sands.org.uk

This week I am joined at the table by my cousin Corrie - at 40 now, Corrie has been battling stage 4 cancer since November 2018. After over 40 rounds of chemotherapy, numerous operations including having his primary tumour removed, a liver resection and having a colostomy bag - he shares some of his story, how he keeps physically and mentally in the best shape he can, his hopes for the future and why a ground breaking treatment is so important to him. He is a complete inspiration, someone I am blessed to call my family - just listen and find out why… If you would like to support Corrie's treatment by either making a donation to his Just Giving - http://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/corriewalker/ Or if Tamworth isn't too far for you - here's the details of the fundraising gig - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charity-gig-fundraising-for-corries-treatment-tickets-179112278647 Follow Corrie's story on instagram @keto_cancer_corker Content warning: Cancer, cancer treatment.

This week I'm joined by Diana Indries, creator of Better Topics card game for couples. Diana is very passionate about helping couples improve their communication - which is why she created the game. She's been helping hundreds of couples and she joins me at the table to talk about law of attraction, how she met her husband, having it all, feeling gratitude, communication and how to play Better Topics! Find out more about Diana and Better Topics on the website - www.bettertopics.com Download the Better Topics game app on Apple App Store; https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bt-card-game-for-couples/id1534305378 And on Google play; https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bettertopics.app

This week I'm joined at the table by Lily Walford, one of the founders of lovewithintelligence.com – the only dating company that uses CIA level behavioural technology. Lily is an international dating coach who has been focused on how busy professionals can date safely and successfully using CIA technology, profiling and body language – all to help her clients find lasting love. We're talking where to find the one, dating, manipulation, control, cheating, narcissism, trust, relationship goals, communication - and how Lily can help you! Here's a freebie from Lily; https://www.lovewithintelligence.com/meet-the-one - follow on Instagram @lovewithintelligence

Join me this week at the table as I share what contracting Covid taught me and how one particular purchase has changed my life! Has having the virus changed my viewpoint on restrictions, lockdowns and vaccine status passports? Listen and find out! Keep in touch on social media - @iamcraigstorey or leave me a voice message by visiting www.iamcraigstorey.com.

It's been a while! We last sat around the table at the end of May, listen to my reflections of the Summer and what you can expect from Season 2 of Table Conversation!

It’s the last supper around the table, for now... Join me in the last episode of this series as I answer your questions about the podcast, my experiences and me! Find out what made me decide to create a podcast, which ones I listen to and who inspires me. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be one of the first to know when the next series drops - all @iamcraigstorey.

Pick up your drink of choice because it's time to join me at the table for more conversation! This week international travel will no longer be illegal, I for one cannot wait to be on a beach somewhere hot with a cocktail in my hand! I know that not everyone feels this way, hear my thoughts about that. Plus, has the working from home experiment been a failure? Was I wrong for criticising my friend for calling all his employees back to the office as soon as he could? The research is in and it makes for an interesting listen. Finally, some weeks I am an emotional wreck! Hear how I found a hack reading a book and really how our emotions, even the worst feeling ones can be great teachers. I'll also tell you why you really shouldn't give yourself a hard time whatever your emotions. Next week - you ask the questions! Get in touch if you would like to ask me anything - whether that's about starting and creating this podcast, my life, my experiences, any subject, any topical debates. I will share as many as I can with you next week, the final episode of this season of Table Conversation. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @iamcraigstorey or email me craig@iamcraigstorey.com.

Gather round the table for our weekly chat. This week hear how the story of Jim Snodgrass, an 84 year old widower from Edinburgh got me thinking about missing my daily walks! Although the past year has left me with scars and battle wounds (mentally and physically!) it also gave me opportunity to build some positive habits and hobbies. Now life is returning and time is limited some of these are slipping by the wayside! I'm chatting about what from the past year I want to take with me on the walk back into the World. I would love to hear what you're taking with you - get in touch, across social media @iamcraigstorey.

Saying 'no' is the theme of this week's conversation.. Firstly saying no to the narrative of fear that is being driven by many media outlets and our government. I'll share some perspective and context of the current situation in India and my thoughts on why feeling fearful and helpless is no good for you or anyone living in India. Saying 'no' is something I struggle with and this has been brought to my attention as the post lockdown invites are coming in. Listen to some of the research about why we find it difficult to say no sometimes and a few practices we can use to help us!

Have you ever done an extra lap of the swimming pool? Waiting for the moment when no one is watching to get out? Have you ever wanted to change your career but been worried about what your friends will say? Have you ever decided not to wear an outfit you love because you're not sure you 'can pull it off'? If you can answer yes to any of those questions or you have ever feared being noticed, watched or talked about then this week's Table Conversation is for you. Join me at the table as we talk about being in the spotlight and why we often overestimate how bothered anyone is about us! We'll have a chat about what being in the spotlight means, how it can affect how you feel and some simple ways to reduce or alter this mode of thinking that you can slip into your life today. I would love to hear from you - if you would like to share any of your experiences in the spotlight and how you overcame those feelings, then please get in touch. Across all social media @iamcraigstorey. Email me craig@iamcraigstorey.com. If you have anything, literally anything, that you would like us to have chat around the table about then here's the link I mentioned: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HLC3RWC

Hear how this week for me has been a week of two halves - celebratory with the easing of some lockdown restrictions, commiseratory hearing and seeing how lockdown has left some of my family. Plus 'Frustrated of Warrington' has been in touch for some advice on cutting ties with friends. Is it OK to cut off long standing friends? How do you do this with minimal drama? Listen to what I have to share and let me know if you have any tips you would like to bring to the table. If you would like to be featured and have your questions answered in a future episode, send your problems, issues, frustrations or ideas for conversations to craig@iamcraigstorey.com - you can remain anonymous by clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HLC3RWC

This week I'm joined at the table by Nik, a veterinary surgeon. From the Greek island of Chios to Leeds, Nik shares his career journey. A health hero for our animals, he gives us an insight into the challenges of the past year. Before I put some of your questions to him we also discussed some of the reasons why the suicide rate amongst vets is four times the national average in the UK. Content warning: suicide, animal euthanasia. The campaign 'Not One More Vet' can be found at https://nomv.org More information and support for the veterinary community can be found at https://www.vetlife.org.uk/ If you need to talk to someone in confidence - urgent help is available through Samaritans in the UK, call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. For all other countries, click here. http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

Happy Easter! This week's episode is a bonus for the Easter holiday, join me at the table to hear just how the Easter story of over 2,000 years ago can still be relevant to our lives in 2021.

Although I'm doing the talking again this week - I'm talking about listening! Join me at the table and I will share how I am feeling this week and why you need to get your diaries out. Whilst there is a real appetite for returning to our old lives, it is important to acknowledge that all of us will have a range of feelings and emotions as we do make that journey towards the sunlight. Having those open conversations is key to sharing how we are feeling. Listening. Offering someone uninterrupted time to talk, even for a few minutes is a gift we don't often give each other. How good a listener are you? They may seem basic skills but don't underestimate what research and experience has shown me about becoming a better listener. In the episode I mention support if someone you know needs professional help or guidance - urgent help is available through Samaritans call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line. The mental health charity Mind has information on their website mind.org.uk.

23 March 2020 - Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister announced the first lockdown in the UK, ordering people to "stay at home". It has been a year since our last 'normal' week and on this week's Table Conversation I asked some listeners to share their memories of that week, I also wanted to know what part of normality they are most looking forward to. How much time do you spend reading articles with 20 tips to change your life or watching videos of amazing cats playing pianos? Have you been the victim of 'clickbait' - find out what it is and how it works. Once you see it for what it really is you'll probably want to scroll on and stop wasting time! The documentaries I mention: Our Silent Emergency with Roman Kemp - Available BBC iPlayer. Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death - Availabe on All 4 (Channel 4 demand)

We can't start this week's Table Conversation without looking back to last week's episode and talking about the interview - I didn't know that free speech would be the big debate this week! If you care about people and your relationships then 'I'm sorry' are the two most important words you will ever use. Let us have a chat about apologising and how to say I'm sorry effectively. What does a genuine apology look and most importantly feel like? The masterclass I mentioned was by Harriet Lerner, her book is called: Why won't you apologize? Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts. As always get in touch and share your thoughts - across social media @iamcraigstorey or comment on the website - www.iamcraigstorey.com.

This weekend I am celebrating a big birthday, it seems I may have all ready turned into a grumpy old man! Join me at the table as I talk about a couple of stories this week and share my thoughts on what they mean for the rest of us. We have all been talking about Harry, Meghan and Oprah - you might not agree with what I have to say about the couple that I have never met. Please don't worry about the Queen or Prince Philip - they survived their son Andrew's interview on the BBC. Could this one really be worse? Following Ant Middleton's parting with Channel 4 over his 'personal conduct' - does free speech exist anymore? Why I think having open debate and hearing everyone's opinion, even if I don't like it, is more important than ever in the age of Twitter mobs. Liberty is at stake! I would love to know your views - share them with me please - who knows I may even do a bonus episode to share them. I would also like some of your solutions to how we keep free speech alive. Get in touch - all social media @iamcraigstorey.

Lockdown may be ending but is your social anxiety just getting started? Join me at the table this week as I talk about our worries of leaving lockdown. We know that we all need social connection for our mental health but with that comes concerns for our physical health, we will chat about navigating this. Also let us talk about how we might be feeling when we crank up our social lives from walks in the park to weekends away! I will share some insights from academics as well as my own personal experiences so far. (The book I mention is Fear Bubble by Ant Middleton) Links to professional guidance: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/looking-after-your-mental-health-we-come-out-lockdown https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

This week I’m joined at the table by Coach Dee Woolridge. Dee is an international speaker, best selling author, coach, hypnotherapist, founder of two training and development companies, US Navy veteran.... the list goes on! Dee has accomplished so much - she specialises in resilience, mindset and communication. We chat about the pandemic, how it has affected us all in different ways and how we can approach the changes it is bringing. Have you ever heard the saying ‘good vibes only’ - we talk about what this actually means and how we can influence our vibration. Dee offers an introduction to the law of attraction . We also talk fear and how to face it head on! You’ll need a doggy bag for all of the takeaways from this table! You can get in touch with Dee via her website www.deewoolridge.com. Links to free courses; Her mind shift membership - http://msm.deewoolridge.com/ Kick Fear in the Face - http://kickfear.deewoolridge.com/ Books by Dee; Spirit Guide Connection 101 Unlimited The Resilient You Dee mentioned a book called ‘Power vs Force’ - this is a book by Dr David Hawkins. The scale she mentioned that you can Google is the ‘Hawkins’ scale.

It's Valentine's weekend and I am not sure what your plans will be, even if you have a Valentine to celebrate it with! No doubt you will be inventive as you have been with all the other 'lockdown' celebrations. I know for sure that my guest at the table this week, Leanne, will be celebrating because she shares her plans - maybe you could steal her ideas! During the last year Leanne's life has had a complete change - a new job, a new home office, a new house and she managed to find love in lockdown. Leanne joins me at the table to share the story of her year - the challenges and the successes.

How are you this week? This week's Table Conversation is exactly conversation that sitting around the table with friends used to be about! Let us have a chat about this week's good news stories - a peek into the future of what getting our complete freedom back looks like and thoughts of escaping for the Summer! Something I don't do often is 'binge' watch a TV series, if I do you will know it's a good one. This week I have been hooked on one series in particular! Who has got it worse? Why comparing our pain and suffering is dangerous, and why now is not the time to ration our love. The book I mention is by Brené Brown - Braving the Wilderness.

We've reached a milestone in our COVID-19 journey here in the UK - I share my thoughts on this bleak news and why we might not all agree on why or how we've reached this. "You've just got to stay 'positive'" is a statement we often hear - but what does this actually mean? I'm talking hope - why it's so important to remember the power of hope, more so than ever right now. If you need to talk to someone in confidence - urgent help is available through Samaritans call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line. The mental health charity Mind has information on their website mind.org.uk.

It was by chance that this week's conversation couldn't have been more appropriate for the week in which Martin Luther King day is celebrated. I'm joined at the table by Suzy who firstly shares her lockdown experience and is honest about home schooling. Suzy also talks us through how a small dispute turned into something much bigger and left her questioning her faith in some systems - she also discovered how important justice is. Content warning: Battle of Orgreave, Hillsborough Disaster, Gaslighting

Join me this week at the table for a chat about you - yes you! It’s time to check in and see how you are feeling. I will be sharing tips and tricks that you can use to top up your personal battery. I have an invaluable hack that will change how you approach your daily goals - even getting up out of bed! Something so simple anyone that can count to 5 can do. I will give you an insight into what my morning looks like from when I open my eyes to completing my rituals. These are personal to me, they may work for you, or you may have your own tips and tricks - get in touch and let me know so I can share those too. Books: Wim Hof ‘Wim Hof Mehtod’, Mel Robbins ‘5 second rule’, Richie Bostock ‘Breath Guy’ Podcasts: GABA, Happy Place Fearne Cotton, Sh*gged Married Annoyed, Louis Theroux.

Here we go.... again, Lockdown 3.0. Let’s chat about how we’re feeling at the moment. In this week’s Table Conversation I share how I tripped myself up by not following my own advice! This led to a tough weekend, thankfully, it passed and I can share my learning with you. Navigating TV, radio, online and social media - knowing that there is always an agenda and discerning whether that’s for your benefit or not. There is a thing as too much information and only so much we can do with it. Control the controllable! One thing we can control is keeping ourselves in the present as much as possible. Finally I read a little inspirational poetry for you! I would love to hear some of your coping mechanisms. As always get in touch on social media @iamcraigstorey or email me craig@iamcraigstorey.com.

In this Bonus Episode of Table Conversation I share my personal reflections on 2020 and my intentions and thoughts for 2021. Self reflection is personal and gives a great opportunity to check in and become aware of what is working in your life and where there is room for change or improvements. It also gives us a chance to stop and appreciate ourselves! Click on the link to download the listening guide to follow and answer the same questions for yourself - you could even add your own. * As always I am honest in this episode, whilst I do share personal stories and situations it would be unfair for me to name anyone without them having the right to reply, so names are omitted for that reason! https://www.iamcraigstorey.com/episodes/bonus-episode-bye-2020-hello-2021

No it's not Boris Johnson or Her Majesty it's me with a little Christmas message for you!

Well the countdown to Christmas is well and truly on and with that this year brings some uncomfortable feelings. For many Christmas is a hard time of the year, let alone Christmas 2020! This week I’m joined by friend Simon. Little did I know, like 1 in 4 people in the UK, Simon lives with anxiety. We all experience anxiety or anxious feelings at some point in our lives. In this brave and honest chat Simon shares his story, from noticing the beginnings of the anxiety, asking for help through to managing and living with it today. Content warning: anxiety, anxious feelings, divorce, death, loss, grief. In the chat Simon talks about his treatments - they may not work for everyone. If you’re unsure, would like to know more then take a look at some of these websites or speak with your doctor. https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/understanding-panic/

I don't know about you but I have been feeling emotional this past couple of weeks? Approaching the festive season and for many reasons, the pandemic being one of them, everything is feeling less 'normal' than ever. In this episode, as always, I'll be honest about how I have been feeling and what I am experiencing. I'll share some of my viewpoints on why some of us are getting emotional, feeling lonely and never been in need of a hug more! I have a few ideas on handling these feelings and emotions but I would love to hear some of your strategies. In the episode I mention support if no one really is at hand - urgent help is available through Samaritans call free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line. The mental health charity Mind has information on their website mind.org.uk.

This week I'm joined at the table by my friend Alan. Restrictions being lifted, vaccination news and Christmas 'bubbles' are creating decisions to be made. Alan is an airline captain, making hundreds of decisions every day. I chat with Alan about some of the tools he uses that we can all apply into our personal lives. We go on to chat about the aviation industry’s approach to failure and why this makes air travel so safe, again turning our thoughts to our own failures and mistakes. He also answers some of your questions and my five quick fire questions! The quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is actually "Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself."

I'm back at the table, sooner than I thought I would be. They say from tiny acorn grows the might oak. A quote appeared on my social media feed and I just couldn't wait to share the quote and my thoughts. Mainly because it really reiterates all that we talked about in the last episode - Am I good enough? Get in touch and let me know your thoughts about what is shared in this episode!

It's time to gather round the table for this weeks conversation! It doesn't matter who we are and where we've come from - we all have that little voice in our heads that often talks us down. After a really successful weekend following the launch of this podcast - snap - that voice was back. In this weeks episode I explore why that voice exists, how we can try and tame it and what outside influences can sometimes feed it and make it louder! If you would like to explore worthiness further, I would recommend reading The Gifts of Imperfection, written by Brené Brown. Enjoy!

You don't need me to tell you that we've been on the biggest roller coaster in the Universe since March. We've lost so much and what we are experiencing is grief and we have to keep moving forward to the future whatever that may be. In this episode I share my thoughts about where we are right now, my view on what we are experiencing. I also share some tools that I have been using to keep afloat and what I think could work for you too! At the same time, as discussed in the episode if you have reached breaking point and can't speak to your family or friends, please seek professional help. There are many organisations out there, here's a couple; for immediate help call Samaritans for free 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), MIND has some great mental health resources on their website www.mind.org.uk.