Figuring It Out

Presenter, podcaster and journalist Kate Thornton is joining Dr Alex George on a walk around Clapham Common for Stompcast this week.   Kicking off part 1, Kate gets nostalgic about her time as a writer at Smash Hits, she explains how she ended up meeting the entire cast of Friends, and how she has navigated the evolution of technology within her career (remember pagers, anyone?!) Follow Kate @thek...

In part 2, Kate shares the incredible story behind her contribution to one of the most tragic moments in UK history, despite only having 7 hours of TV presenting under her belt.  Kate also reveals the butterfly effect that led to her hosting Top of the Pops, the rise and fall of her time on X Factor, and why the fear of ‘the worst’ can cause more anxiety than ‘the worst’ actually happening.  Follo...

As the stomp comes to a close, Kate Thornton shares how overcoming the harsh realities of life has taught her how capable she really is. Kate and Alex ponder how much failure teaches us, Kate explains what drove her to speak out against injustices at work, and Alex shares a warm weather-related health fact of the week.  Follow Kate @thekatethornton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton joins Dr Alex on this week's stomp in an exceptionally moving conversation. The singer, actor and presenter opens up about her addiction and alcoholism: she reveals the devastating effect alcohol had on her body, how it impacted her family and the turning point for her to seek rehab.  She takes Alex to a bench of great significance in her journey, he shares why letting...

In part 2, Michelle Heaton explains why she has been so public about her addiction and recovery and Dr Alex and Michelle discuss when it’s appropriate to refer to yourself as ‘sober’.  Michelle explains what Alcoholics Anonymous is actually like, the AA principle that recovery takes less energy than the pursuit of addiction, as well as an important message to the families and loved ones of addicts...

At only 35, Michelle Heaton entered menopause and to wrap up this stomp, Michelle and Dr Alex discuss why identifying the early symptoms of menopause can have a huge impact.  Michelle explains how she ended up going into early menopause, why it’s integral to educate all genders on the subject and the positives of seeking a male perspective from her husband.  Follow Michelle @wonderwomanshel and pi...

TV presenter and author Anna Richardson is taking Dr Alex on a stomp on Hampstead Heath this week. Anna and Alex discuss the reception of their show Naked Education, the changing landscape of public opinion and how to agree to disagree.  Anna also shares her shocking experience with online trolls and Dr Alex offers some advice on how to handle angry feedback.  Follow @annarichardso and listen to A...

In part 2, Anna Richardson shares the pivotal moment she was given the opportunity to move from producing to presenting, and how it transformed her life and career.  Anna explains how she discovered hypnotherapy through ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’, what led her to train in it herself and details exactly how it works to unlock your subconscious mind.   Follow @annarichardso and listen to Anna’s bran...

In the final part of this stomp, Anna Richardson and Dr Alex George discuss labels and how they can be seen to both help and hinder people.  Anna explains how she has learnt to self-identify, shed expectations and prevent herself from being pigeonholed as well as how she’s found the courage to embrace change. Plus, Dr Alex shares a secret talent and the health fact of the week with a sad statistic...

Children's author of over 100 books and creator of beloved characters, Dame Jacqueline Wilson is taking Dr Alex on a ramble in East Sussex.  Fresh from winning a British Book award himself the previous night, Dr Alex is keen to discuss Jacky’s journey as an author, her childhood and the power of books.   The pair discuss the teachers who believed in them, how fiction is a powerful tool for learnin...

In part 2, Jacqueline Wilson reveals how her career started, how long it took her to call herself a writer and that she still has lingering imposter syndrome.  Jacky tells Dr Alex about her writing process, her own personal connection to each character, and how she learnt to be in the moment after the monumental success of Tracy Beaker.  They also discuss their mutual love of Enid Blyton’s The Far...

After leaving school at 16 and moving to Scotland to become a journalist Jacqueline Wilson has gone on to sell over 40 million books in the UK alone - so what pearls of wisdom can she offer us?  Jacky tells us how important it is to be bold and brave, how re-reading an old favourite book can help our mental health and the importance of reading stories that are in tune with your life.  Plus, Dr Ale...

Dr Alex George is joined by his own GP, Dr Naomi Hill, to candidly share his experience of antidepressants and making the decision to no longer take them in this very special episode.  In part 1, Alex shares the story that spurred him to speak to his doctor, the frustrating stigma that stops people from seeking support and how to overcome the ‘not being bad enough’ mentality.  Plus, Naomi helpfull...

In part 2, Dr Alex and Dr Naomi Hill explain how antidepressants actually work, using plenty of analogies!  Alex explains the role of medication and his experience of Sertraline, before Naomi dives into what you might expect when you start using medication and offers insight on when things may start to feel better.  LINKS: Follow Dr Naomi’s surgery @grafton_square_surgery   Further information on...

In the final part of this stomp with Dr Alex’s GP, Dr Naomi Hill, they discuss the process of coming off antidepressants. Alex reflects on his decision and why he chose to stop taking medication, Naomi offers her advice on how to find the right support for you, and the health fact of the week sheds light on how many of us experience mental health issues but don’t ask for help.  LINKS: Follow Dr Na...

Strictly dancer, influencer and author, Dianne Buswell is taking Dr Alex on a wild ramble in Sussex. In this part Dianne shares why she had to take a break from dancing and how it negatively affected her mental health, as well as how she discovered new kinds of movement.  Dianne and Dr Alex then discuss how to find your passion and the huge change in Dianne’s career.  Follow @diannebuswell and pic...

In part 2, Dianne Buswell talks about teaching movement during lockdown and how it prompted her to write her book ‘Move Yourself Happy: 21 Days to Make Joyful Movement a Habit’,  to help people explore different styles of movement.  Dianne also attempts to teach Dr Alex the quickstep… (much to Rolo’s dismay!) before discussing the importance of learning to laugh at yourself.  Side note… no Rolo’s...

In the final part of this stomp with Dianne Buswell, she shares how she’s embraced change; from leaving home at 18 to moving across the world to follow her dream career.   Dianne explains how she deals with nerves, how she created a home in the UK while her family were in Australia, and how we can all find confidence through dancing. And of course, there’s the health fact of the week about how dan...

Entrepreneur, author and Forbes 30 under 30 recipient Grace Beverley  is with Dr Alex this week.  They’re on a very productive stomp but please note, Grace and Dr Alex battled with stormy weather on this one! In this episode, Grace discusses the frustrating expectations that women shouldn’t talk about their work; the shocking statistics showing how little money is going to female founded businesse...

TV presenter and Celebs Go Dating agent Anna Williamson joins Dr Alex George this week on a brisk walk in Braughing.  Opening up in this first part, Anna shares how she began her career on CITV as a kids TV presenter, how that eventually led to a deterioration of her mental health, and why a colleague asking ‘are you alright?’ changed her life.  Anna and Dr Alex also discuss the relief when you fi...

In part 2, Anna Williamson reveals how hypnotherapy and roleplay was a key part of recovery and rebuilding her mental health.  Anna tells Dr Alex how hypnotherapy works, why it helped change her feelings around traumatic memories, and how rehearsing conversations before she returned to work prepared her to face anxiety inducing situations. Follow @annawilliamsonofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast....

On Celebs Go Dating, Anna Williamson matches potential lovers while also supporting the celebrities through their previous relationship baggage – so what expert advice can she offer you for the modern dating world?  Anna tells us how to date successfully online, why talking badly about an ex is a huge red flag, and why the perfect time to get marriage counselling is actually before you get married...

Model, TV presenter and car obsessive Jodie Kidd is taking Dr Alex on a stomp in West Sussex this week. Jodie shares the iconic moment she achieved the Top Gear fastest celebrity lap only a short time after passing her driving test and how that led her into taking part in intense car rallies like the Gumball 3000. Jodie and Dr Alex also discuss how they balance social media and how it has both pos...

In part 2, Jodie Kidd talks about how important it is to take moments to stop and appreciate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Jodie also tells Dr Alex about the pub she saved and how it ended up being an unexpected community hub before talking about her YouTube channel ‘ Kidd in a Sweet Shop ’ where Jodie hosts her own car fanatic series. Follow @jodiekiddoffical Hosted on Acast. See...

In the final part of this stomp with Jodie Kidd, she shares what she learnt from the gritty days of breaking into the fashion industry.  Jodie explains how she learnt to face personal rejection based on her appearance, how that manifested into deep anxiety and panic attacks in her adulthood, and her coping techniques which allow the negativity to wash over her.  Of course, there’s the health fact...