Figuring It Out

Have you ever been in a group of people and felt like you’re the only person not having a good time? In this episode, we explore the Laws of Connection with award-winning writer David Robson, as he joins Dr Alex on this insightful stomp.  In part 1, David explains the number 1 reason people forge connections, he shares fascinating studies on how to make friends in minutes and how to combat is...

As long distance running meets long distance relationships, in part 3, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) explains how he and his girlfriend stayed connected during a year away.  Russ shares a top tip for anyone in a LDR, how he grew spiritually during his challenge and he reveals the terrifying story of when he got kidnapped.  Plus, when Dr Alex asks about Russ’ new normal, it reveals how the m...

In part 2, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) shares the physical and emotional impact of his gruelling challenges.  Russ reveals how he managed to get into Algeria despite being denied a visa, how he’s handling his newfound fame and what the hardest part of the challenge was (and it wasn’t the running!). Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘ Mind Over Miles ’  Follow the podcast on Insta...

Hardest Geezer, aka Russ Cook, became the first person to run the entire length of Africa earlier this year. This week he joins Dr Alex George on the Stompcast to reveal the impact of pushing yourself to your extreme limits. In part 1, Russ talks about the challenges he did before the Big One (including being buried alive), how making the random choice to run home after a night out kicked off his...

In part 3, Dr Alex George asks Dr Mark Rackley if meditation can actually make an impact on someone’s mental fitness, and tips on where to begin.  Mark explains the principles of meditation and mindfulness, simple hacks if you struggle to get into the zone and what is happening in your brain when you start to have spiralling thoughts.   Follow @drmarkrackley Follow the podcast on In...

Do you ever find yourself in a toxic situation but do nothing to change it? In part 2, Dr Mark Rackley explains the phenomenon of ‘learned helplessness’ and how to overcome it. Mark and Dr Alex George discuss why we’re prone to staying in unpleasant environments (such as bad workplaces or relationships), the signs of learned helplessness and how to stop doing this as well as break the cycle. ...

Dr Mark Rackley is a psychologist and wellbeing expert, with over 20 years of experience. In this jam-packed episode, he joins Dr Alex George to cover a plethora of topics to set yourself up for optimum mental fitness this winter. In part 1, Mark takes us on a deep dive of seasonal depression and the winter blues. Mark explains why we often feel worse when the weather gets colder and the days get...

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 3, Dr Omara Naseem offers her top tips on a healthier way to approach food, which still includes eating cake.  Omara explains how to avoid teaching your kids to be fussy eaters, why not everything you eat has to be healthy and why we must remind ourselves that our value is not tied to our bodies.  For support w...

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 2, Dr Omara Naseem and Dr Alex George discuss the ways society is fuelling disordered eating. Omara reveals her thoughts on the decision to add calories to menus, why tracking apps might be bad for you and how reality tv is impacting our relationship with our bodies. For support with eating disorders head to / www.beatea...

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | Dr Omara Naseem is a leading UK expert in treating eating disorders and this week joins Dr Alex George to shine a much needed light on this topic. In part 1, Omara explains the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, how to know if you or someone you love is developing an ED and tips and techniques on how to s...

In part 3, Dr Natalie Cawley and Dr Alex George discuss coping mechanisms and what to do when you’re feeling completely overwhelmed.  Natalie offers her advice on what to do when you’re overwhelmed, what makes someone more prone to struggle with coping and how to improve your perspective so you don’t just focus on the negatives.  Plus, she shares a top tip for how to calm your anxiety an...

In part 2, Dr Natalie Cawley shares a deep dive into Attachment Theory, including an explanation of the different attachment styles. Natalie explains why attachment theory is important to understand, how your childhood affects your adult relationships and if it’s possible to change your attachment style.  Plus, she discusses how to talk about attachment styles with your partner, what couples...

Dr Natalie Cawley is a psychotherapist and counselling psychologist with 12 years of experience in everything from couples therapy to treating patients in a secure facility. This week, she joins Dr Alex George for an in-depth conversation about therapy, coping mechanisms and anxiety.    In part 1, Natalie shares what she thinks the most effective form of therapy is, how she would ad...

In part 3, Anna Whitehouse and Dr Alex look at mental health and the whole family.  Anna and Alex discuss how to talk to children about mental health, Anna shares a great tip on how to get your children to open up more and the importance of apologising and owning up to your own mistakes as a parent.  Follow @mother_pukka You can find support for postpartum depression at www.mind.org.uk F...

In part 2, Anna Whitehouse explains the best way anyone can support a new mum in the postpartum fog that commonly occurs. Anna shares the reality of postpartum depression, useful and tangible tips on how anyone can support a new parent and the importance of discussing everyone's sex education with both boys and girls. Plus, Alex describes what it’s like to deliver a baby via c-section! Follow @mot...

Anna Whitehouse, aka Mother Pukka, is a broadcaster, journalist and campaigner who is a leading voice for all parents in the UK.  In this episode, Anna joins Dr Alex George to discuss the reality parenting has on your mental health and why it’s integral everyone has an understanding, whether they have children or not.  In part 1, Anna explains the stark difference of attitudes around mat...

In part 3, Alain de Botton shares his expertise on what makes relationships so complex and how to understand your partner better. Alain explains attachment theory, and the real-life scenario you see it playing out; why we make the bizarre choice to choose partners who seem obviously bad for us; and he offers his advice on how to get over heartbreak.  Find all of Alain’s books at www.alaindebo...

In part 2, Alain de Botton and Dr Alex George discuss religion, and what parts you can use to improve your life without having to believe. Alain explains how organised religion educates people on morals and ethics, what it means to practise something “religiously” and the lost connection between philosophy and fashion. Plus, Alain explains the psychological benefits of art therapy, exercises you c...

Best-selling author and philosopher Alain de Botton joins Dr Alex George in this fascinating conversation – if you want to understand yourself better this is one you do not want to miss.  In part 1, Alain explains why things that happen in our childhood have such a profound impact on us – even when we can’t remember it; why a breakdown could be the sign of a breakthrough and how to stop...

In part 3, financial coach Clare Seal shares her five steps to financial wellbeing. Clare explains how to separate your self worth from your net worth, how to start creating healthy financial habits and how to spend your money mindfully.  Follow @clare.seal and get her book ‘Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing’  Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness,...

In part 2, financial coach Clare Seal shares her top tips for creating a budget you can stick to.  Clare and Dr Alex discuss what are the best apps to use and how they help you; how to find the balance between spending and living your life; and why you need to give your savings a purpose.   Follow @clare.seal and get her book ‘Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing’  Follow the podc...

Financial Coach and the voice behind ‘My Frugal Year’, Clare Seal joins us as part of our Mental Health Month episodes because you can’t talk about wellbeing without talking about financial health.  In part 1, Clare shares how she got into £27,000 worth of debt and the steps she took to get out of it.  Clare explains how to stop being afraid to even think about your finances, why you sho...

In part 3, Dr Sabina Brennan explains the incredible connection to manifestation and neuroscience, helping us understand that the practice may not be as ‘woo woo’ as people say… Sabina explains the two foundational steps before you can start manifestation, why self-criticism is a form of self-harm and how to start using neuroscience to manifest your ideal future. Follow @sabinabrennan and get The...

In part 2, Dr Sabina Brennan explains the three key pillars to have a brain healthy lifestyle and the simple ways you can implement them today.  Sabina explains the surprising way that socialising is great for our brains, the best diet and food for brain health and why you should let your teenagers have that lie in.  Plus, Sabina and Alex discuss the horrifying impact contact sports have...

Neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan joins Dr Alex George in a packed episode on what makes a healthy brain, and why it’s never too late to start making better choices. In part 1, Sabina explains the biggest influences on the developing brain and how it affects adulthood; how the front lobe works and the huge changes it goes through ages 18-25; and how to make the most of a teenage brain.  Follow...