Figuring It Out

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 abo...

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...

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 ex...

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 n...

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 h...

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...

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...

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...

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 revisi...

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’...

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 certai...

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...

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 Anxie...

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 you...

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...

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 b...

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”...

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 sh...

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 @thes...

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! O...

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 anyon...

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 @ginibhogal Order Alex’s latest book Am I Norm...

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 @ginibhogal Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now! Order...

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...

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 eve...