Dysfunctional

What if your burnout, your self-doubt, your struggle to belong weren’t personal problems, but symptoms of a system that was never built for you? In this raw and powerful conversation, Josh is joined by master intuitive psychology coach Helen to dismantle the myth of individual healing in a broken society. Together, they explore how patriarchy, capitalism, and outdated leadership models disconnect...

If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic person online or in real life, this episode is for you. Josh breaks down a recent Facebook interaction that perfectly illustrates the exhausting tactics toxic people use to wear you down — from word salads to projection, reactive abuse, triangulation, moral superiority, and weaponised vulnerability. You’ll learn: Why you’ll never “win” against a toxic person How t...

What really happens when you cut ties with your own family? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author  Karl Melvin , whose book  Navigating Family Estrangement  has been a lifeline for people trying to break free from toxic family systems. Together, we dive into the misunderstood world of family estrangement — exploring the deep grief, the guilt, the gaslighting, and th...

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Josh Connolly shares his journey to 13 years of sobriety. But this isn’t just a story about putting down the drink. It’s a story of survival, chaos, pain, and ultimately transformation. Josh opens up about his early experiences with cannabis at age 12, the spiral into alcohol and hard drugs, and the chaos that followed — from blackouts and self-destr...

In the very first guest episode of  Dysfunctional , I’m joined by writer and embodiment coach Leona Waller — and we go  all in  on the toxic side of self-improvement culture. We explore how the wellness and personal development world can subtly (and not-so-subtly) feed the same control, shame and conformity that many of us grew up with. We talk about embodiment as an antidote — not...

Back from the bank holiday chaos with a so-called “bite-sized” episode (spoiler: it’s not). I’m checking in after a couple of messy, kid-mode weeks—reflecting on how quickly I spiral into my childlike state and how the lows still hit me hard, even after all these years. Then I’m answering some of your deep, messy, crunchy questions. Everything from “Is it ever okay to yell at a toxic parent?” to “...

You can’t co-parent with a toxic person and it’s time we said that out loud. In this episode, I’m naming what so many people live through in silence: post-separation abuse, control through communication, smear campaigns, financial manipulation, and the emotional destruction caused by toxic exes who weaponise the system. I start by reading a real-life UK court case where a mother was forced to prom...

Alright, here we go... In this episode, I’m diving into what I believe might just be the most important conversation we need to be having right now...how do we actually change the system? I talk about how we’re all living in a society that mirrors the same abusive dynamics so many of us grew up with in our families. We’re divided, disconnected, and constantly fighting each other which just helps t...

In this 20th episode of  Dysfunctional , I’m going in on everything that’s wrong with modern-day spirituality. This isn’t an anti-spiritual rant — I have a deep spiritual life myself — but I’m calling out what I see far too often: bypassing disguised as healing, whitewashed practices stripped of their roots, and a new wave of spiritual dogma that looks more like performance than truth. We’ll...

Not my longest podcast ever but boy do I go in! I am passionate about this and challenging the abusive system is my main passion from now on Tackling Systemic Issues: Conversations on Economic Inequality and Mental Health In this episode, Josh Connolly dives deep into systemic issues, focusing on economic inequality, mental health, and societal structures. He reflects on Gary Stevenson's insights...

Diving into your questions on toxic parents and dysfunctional relationships. Here is what AI thought - In this bite-sized episode of Dysfunctional, Josh Connolly tackles listener questions about dealing with toxic parents, finding emotional independence, and navigating complex family dynamics. Josh offers practical advice on embracing one's true self, handling smear campaigns, and the challenges o...

I am highly sensitive person so this subject is definitely a passion one for me. I get into in this episode and y passion clearly shines through.  Here is what ai thought -  The Strength and Struggle of Highly Sensitive People | Episode 17 In this episode, Josh Connolly dives deeply into the topic of highly sensitive people (HSPs) and the unique traits and challenges they face. He shares...

After a post online about enabling therapists sparked some really powerful conversations, I had to take the opportunity to do a deep dive into therapy as we know it. Hold onto your hats because this one gets crunchy.  Here is what AI made of it all -  The Complex World of Therapy: Pros, Cons, and My Personal Journey In this episode, Josh Connolly explores the intricate topic of therapy,...

This episode is a deep dive into gaslighting, its origins, whether it is overused and why it is such an awful form of abuse. Here is what AI makes of it -  In this episode, Josh Connolly discusses the concept of gaslighting, exploring its history, origins from a 1938 play, and its use in abusive relationships. He emphasises the importance of recognizing and understanding gaslighting, detailin...

I sat down and shared my experience of the a historic moment for children of alcoholics everywhere!  Here’s what AI makes of it -  Walking for Change: A 92-Mile Journey to Downing Street Join Josh Connolly as he recounts his incredible three-day journey, walking 92 miles with over 215,000 steps to raise awareness for children affected by parental alcoholism. Starting from his home and cu...

It is coaweek - a week to raise awareness for children of alcoholics and as a proud ambassador for Nacoa I am shouting about it all week. This episode I dive into 21 traits of a child of an alcoholic.  You can find Nacoa here - Nacoa.org.uk To Sponser me go here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/josh-connolly-2 And for deeper you it is here - https://www.joshconnolly.co.uk/deeper-you Here is...

My daughter is off school sick, so we are coming from my living room with little planning time so I used it to answer a bunch of your questions and there was some deep ones! There's also a bit of insight into my scattered mind and even stop to take some breaths at some point. Here is what AI made of it all - In this episode of 'Dysfunctional,' Josh Connolly addresses common questions about growing...

This one was a tricky one to tackle and I could feel my anxiety throughout the episode which means it was a needed conversation. Buckle up for this one, because you might not agree with a lot of my points! Here is what AI thought about it -  Are We Talking About Mental Health Too Much? - Exploring the Overwhelm and Societal Impact In Episode 11, host Josh Connolly delves into the controversia...

As I hit the 10th episode, I have decided to go out of mine and your comfort zone even more. No more playing safe. I look at what's happening culturally with DEI and peoples hysteria around misinformation before a deeeeep chat on scapegoats. Here is what AI thought of it all - Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations: In the milestone 10th episode of the 'Dysfunctional' podcast, host Josh Connolly re...

I have wanted to do a bit of a deep dive into forgiveness for a long time and so I am glad to be able to get to do it today. I have some strong opinions on this and having done a little bit of research, my opinions have only got stronger. If you feel like forgiveness is unfairly pushed on you, this one is for you. Here is what AI thinks about it all.  Navigating Forgiveness: Exploring Account...

In this episode I list the 5 things I would change if I could wave a magic wand as we head into 2025. I also answer a couple of questions on toxic parents. Here's what AI thinks about it - In the final podcast of 2024, Josh Connolly begins with a calming breathwork exercise to address technical difficulties and set the tone. He reflects on the significance of community, especially how it has deter...

There wasn’t going to be an episode this week but I was inspired by a conversation around difficult relationships with food and so here we are.  Here is what ai makes of it all -  Combating Food Addiction: My Journey from Alcohol to Sugar and Finding Balance In this special Christmas podcast episode, I open up about my struggles with food addiction and binge eating, particularly during t...

As promised I chat about the reality of Christmas for a lot of people but not before talking about debating on LinkedIn and the impact it had on me and why. Also dive into to some toxic parent questions you sent in. And now here's what AI made of it all - In this episode of The Dysfunctional Podcast, the host dives into various topics just before the Christmas holidays. He starts by discussing the...

I have fully reignited my passion for supporting the plight of children of alcoholics and I dive into why in this episode. But this not before talking about spiritual bypassing and the problems it causes!  If you are impacted by parental drinking you can find support at Nacoa.org.uk   Here is what AI made of it all -  Understanding Children of Alcoholics | Toxic Relationships &...

I said I would bring you my honest energy each time and I definitely do that here. You are gunna get to know me on deep level if you listen in to these every week that's for sure. An emotional one! Here is what our good friend AI has to say -  Finding Belonging: Breathwork, Community and Authenticity | Episode 4 In this episode, Josh Connolly reflects on his first 'Belong' in-person event, di...