A Dose of Wellbeing: the Pharmacist Support podcast

Description   In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , Danielle Hunt and Melissa Cochrane explore the power of giving and the positive difference it can make to wellbeing. Together they discuss what giving really means, why it matters, and how even small acts of kindness, encouragement or support can strengthen connection, purpose and self-worth.  The episode also reflects on the many ways ph...

Description   In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re joined by Alan and Katie Donegan from Rebel Finance School for a thoughtful and practical conversation about the link between financial wellbeing, freedom and giving. Together we explore how feeling more secure and confident with money can create more freedom to give, whether that is time, skills, support, kindness or volunteering.  Alan...

Description   In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , Melissa Cochrane is joined by Malika Hunter for a conversation about neurodivergence in pharmacy, why it matters for wellbeing, and how the charity is supporting pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and pharmacists. Together they explore what we mean by neurodiversity and neurodivergence, the kinds of challenges people may face in study...

Description   In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re joined by Dr Danielle Adams, a pharmacist and expert in supporting mental health and neurodiversity in organisations, for an honest and practical conversation about what neurodiversity can look like in pharmacy and how we can create workplaces where different minds can thrive.  Danielle helps us unpack common misconceptions, the strength...

Description   In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , Danielle Hunt is joined by Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa Cochrane, for a special conversation to mark Stress Awareness Month. Together they explore what workplace stress is (and how it differs from burnout), the signs to look out for, and practical ways to reduce and manage stress at work. The episode...

Description   In this special episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re marking Stress Awareness Month and celebrating Pharmacist Support’s 185th birthday .  Host Melissa Cochrane is joined by Danielle Hunt and Mark Koziol to explore how partnership can make a real difference to wellbeing across the pharmacy profession.  They reflect on the long-standing relationship between The PDA and Pharmacist Su...

Description   In this fascinating episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by pharmacist and MP Taiwo Owatemi to talk about her journey from pharmacy into politics, including what motivated her to make the transition and who inspired her along the way. Taiwo reflects on the skills she has carried from pharmacy into Parliament and how she looks after her wellbeing in a public, often high-pressu...

Description   Step inside A Dose of Wellbeing for an informative, engaging conversation about the different types of support that can make a real difference in pharmacy. In this episode, Melissa Cochrane and Chief Executive Danielle Hunt unpack the often confusing world of counselling, psychotherapy, peer support, coaching and mentoring, offering clear explanations of what each provides and when t...

Description   In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Alison Butt and Karen Murden from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) to explore the link between professional support and wellbeing. We discuss how CPPE’s services, including Return to Practice, Return to Register and coaching, can transform careers and confidence. Whether you’re returning after a break or are...

Description   In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, and Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing & Development Manager, to talk about women’s health at work. We explore why this topic matters, the impact of conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, and menopause, and practical ways workplaces can create supportive environments. From...

Description   In this episode, we’re joined by Anthony Singh, a clinical pharmacist and menopause specialist, to talk about how menopause can affect pharmacists and their families. We explore symptoms, treatment options, lifestyle changes and how partners and workplaces can offer support. Whether you’re going through menopause, supporting someone who is, or just want to learn more, this conversati...

For this episode we’re joined by Rowena Simm, Grants Officer at Pharmacist Support, to talk about the charity’s confidential addiction support services. Rowena explains how pharmacists, trainees, students, and their families can access help, what to expect when reaching out, and how support can make a real difference at any stage of someone’s journey. From speaking with our counsellor to exploring...

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re joined by Paul Sunderland , our specialist addictions counsellor at Pharmacist Support. Paul shares his journey into addiction counselling and offers insight into the unique challenges faced by pharmacists, students, and trainees when it comes to seeking help. We discuss the types of addiction he supports with, what people can expect when they reach o...

Show Notes In this episode we explore what science tells us about the role of human connection, and ask why some people feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Can introverts benefit from social connection? What challenges do pharmacists face in staying connected—and how might that affect their mental health and performance? We also look at how technology, peer support, and workplace culture c...

Show Notes In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re joined by Jay Badenhorst from the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to explore the impact of loneliness and isolation in pharmacy. Drawing on his experience supporting pharmacists through employment and regulatory challenges, Jay shares insights into how connection can protect wellbeing and why some roles may be more vulnerable to isolation....

Show Notes How do you go from not knowing what you want to do, to leading a national charity by your early thirties? In this episode, Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, shares her journey from the finance sector into purpose-driven leadership. We talk about the challenges women face in senior roles, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why wellbeing—both personal and organisatio...

Show Notes In this inspiring episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we speak with pharmacist-turned-bestselling author AA Dhand. Known for his gripping crime novels featuring detective Harry Virdee—now adapted into a major BBC series—AA shares his journey from pharmacy to publishing and screenwriting. Discover how his professional background shaped his storytelling, the challenges of breaking into the i...

Show Notes In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we speak with our Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa, to explore the powerful connection between mindful movement, yoga, and mental health. Whether you're new to yoga or curious about its deeper benefits beyond flexibility, this conversation offers gentle insights and practical tips to support your wellbeing journey. Tune in to di...

Show Notes In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we explore the emerging role of psychedelics in treating addiction. Our guest is Mark Sweeney—pharmacist, independent prescriber, and charity trustee—who’s currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, looking into how psychedelics can be used as potential treatments for addictions, anxiety, and depressi...

In this episode we chat with our Chief Executive, Danielle, about the important topic of financial wellbeing. We cover reasons why pharmacists may seek financial assistance, the impact of our charity's support, and any barriers that might prevent individuals from reaching out. Danielle offers reassurance for those hesitant to seek help, discusses the link between finances and mental health, a...

What if money could bring more than security—what if it could bring freedom? In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing , we’re joined by Alan and Katie Donegan from Rebel Finance School to talk about financial wellbeing, mindset shifts, and why they believe anyone can take control of their finances—regardless of where they’re starting from. From practical tips to inspiring stories, this episode is pa...

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, host Danielle Hunt is joined by Wellbeing Development Senior Manager Melissa Cochrane to explore the realities of stress in the pharmacy profession—and what we can do about it. Together, they unpack early signs of stress, common pitfalls in managing it, and practical tools that can help, including simple breathing techniques you can use anytime, anywhere. Wh...

What happens when you cut ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from your diet for a month? In this episode, the Pharmacist Support team shares their experience of ditching UPFs in pursuit of better health. They discuss the motivation behind the challenge, the biggest struggles, unexpected benefits, and whether they plan to stick with it. Did it change their relationship with food? What about social life?...

How does nutrition fit into pharmacy? Can food really be medicine? In this episode, we sit down with nutrition and lifestyle pharmacist Jazz McPhail to explore the powerful connection between diet, physical health and mental wellbeing. From the role of nutritional therapy in pharmacy to common dietary challenges faced by pharmacists, we dive into the science and practical applications of food as m...

In this podcast we interview Lisa Simpson, who had the courage to make a major life change in order to follow her dream. Without ever having been there, she made a choice to move to the Isle of Islay in Scotland and bought its only pharmacy. She shares with us the reasons for making such a big life change and how it has impacted her and her husband. We hope you will enjoy this inspiring episode. R...