James Penney

Flex Your Feelings

Education EN ↓ 37 episodes

I'm James Penney, host of Flex Your Feelings - a self-help and wellness podcast. I am so pleased that you discovered the show and I hope you enjoy the episodes. I interview people who are committed to helping others in their own ways, and they share their insights, experience and wisdom with you. Your support for the show means so much to me, so it is with great respect and humility that I ask you to click the follow button and leave a review, which will help me continue to keep the episodes coming. So, pull up a chair, settle in, and 'flex your feelings'. 

Author

James Penney

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jun 23, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Beyond Monogamy | I'm An Out and Proud Ethical Whore | Olivia Masterson 23.06.2026

What happens when we challenge everything we thought we knew about love, sex, commitment, and relationships? What if the foundations of a fulfilling relationship aren’t defined by tradition, but by trust, communication, honesty, and the freedom to create something that truly reflects who we are? Olivia Masterson, reality TV star from the hit Channel 4 show Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, tak...

My Trans Identity | The Adult Sex Industry, Self-Discovery, and Living Authentically 09.06.2026

What does it take to truly become yourself in a world that constantly tries to define who we should be? How do we navigate the expectations placed on us, challenge the narratives we inherit, and find the courage to embrace our identity with honesty and self-acceptance? Ezra a.k.a. Trip Richards —life coach, PT and former Adult Entertainer, who has been living as authentic self for more than a deca...

The Therapy Trap: Are We Truly Healing… Or Staying Broken? | Dr. Richard L. Blake 26.05.2026

What if everything we’ve been told about mental health is making us worse? Are we truly healing — or have we created a culture where pain, diagnosis, and self-analysis can sometimes keep us trapped in the very struggles we’re trying to overcome? Richard L Blake, psychologist, breathwork researcher, and author, unpacks the uncomfortable truth behind the “therapy boom” — why more therapy, more valid...

Finding Our Voice Together: Addressing Women’s Inequality, Inspiring Change for Everyone | Anne Dickson 05.05.2026

Why do so many of us struggle to say what we really mean, ask for what we need, or stand confidently in our own voice? From childhood conditioning and social expectations to the roles we’re taught to play, our ability to express ourselves is often shaped long before we realise it — leaving many of us silencing our feelings to keep the peace, fit in, or be accepted. Psychologist, best-selling autho...

Late Diagnosis, Lifelong Clues: My AuDHD Story | Eddie Charles 28.04.2026

Why do so many people spend years feeling like they don’t quite fit — without ever understanding why? Why do some people learn to hide their struggles, adapt to expectations, and push through the overwhelm of everyday life, only to discover later that their brain has been navigating the world in a completely different way? Eddie Charles's story begins in a place many people quietly recognise—t...

Why Manifestation Alone Won’t Make You Happy — The Missing Piece Most People Ignore 31.03.2026

What if the life you want is already waiting for you — but your subconscious beliefs are blocking the door? And what if manifestation isn’t about wishing harder, but about healing deeper and aligning your energy with something bigger than yourself? In this eye-opening episode, manifestation coach Andy Downs takes you beyond the surface-level hype of manifestation and into the deeper mechanics behi...

Are You a Friend of Dorothy? Building a Healthier, Happier Community for Gay Men 24.03.2026

Could a wellness brand help tackle loneliness and redefine health for gay men? In this episode, entrepreneurs and founders of Friend of Dorothy, Oliver and Azamat, join the podcast to discuss the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind their business—an unapologetically gay wellness brand created specifically for gay men. They share the journey from concept to launch, and how their personal exp...

Why Addiction Happens — And What It Really Takes to Recover | Mandy Saligari 10.03.2026

Why does addiction keep pulling people back, even when they know it’s destroying their lives? What is happening beneath the surface — in the brain, the body, and the emotional wounds we carry — that makes breaking free feel so impossible, even when the desire to change is stronger than ever? Renowned addiction therapist Mandy Saligari takes us on her journey from personal recovery to becoming a le...

Attachment Is the First Language We Ever Learn — And It Never Stops Speaking: Attachment and Adoption | Dr Sarah Mundy 24.02.2026

What does early adversity really do to a child’s developing mind — and how can caregivers help reshape that story? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Mundy, who specialises in early adversity and attachment with adoptive families, unpacks the science and heart behind attachment theory. She explores how early trauma impacts children’s emotional development, behavior, and relationships...

What Happens When Gay Men Choose Connection Over Sex? | with Chris, Founder Of No Sex Gay Weekend 17.02.2026

What happens when gay men take sex off the table? In this episode, Chris shares the bold idea behind No Sex Gay Weekend — a space designed to spark real connection without the pressure of hooking up. He opens up about loneliness in the gay community, the aftershocks of COVID, the impact of chemsex, and how modern dating — from open relationships to swipe-and-dispose culture — can leave people feel...

How to Thrive Solo: Being Single Is Not a Failure | Michael McQueary 10.02.2026

What if being single isn’t a problem to solve—but a season to master? In this episode, founder of the new app Solo Circle , Michael McQueary challenges the stigma around singlehood, unpacking how societal pressure convinces people they’re “behind” if they’re not coupled up. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery, the power of learning to be in relationship with yourself, and why communit...

Somatic & Psychedelic Therapy: You’re Not Broken—You’re Disconnected | Christian Snuffer 27.01.2026

What if healing isn’t about “fixing” what’s broken? In this episode, somatic therapist Christian Snuffer reveals how somatic practices and psychedelics are reshaping therapy, unlocking deep, lasting change in body, mind, and nervous system. He exposes why so many of us feel disconnected, how trauma lives in our bodies, and why learning to truly feel again is the key to love, connection, and thrivi...

Why Most People Fail at Fitness (And How Not To) | Hayden Thomas 30.12.2025

Fitness isn’t about abs — it’s about habits, mindset, and support. Online fitness coach Hayden Thomas opens up about his journey from overweight teenager to fitness coach, and how training reshaped his confidence and mental health. He talks fat loss myths, protein confusion, and why starting small is the key to lasting change. We also explore how Warhammer, play, and community fit into a healthier...

Dr Matt Slavin | Reconnect: Why Nature Will Revive Your Mind 19.11.2025

Clinical psychologist Dr. Matt Slavin explores how evolutionary psychology shapes our modern minds. From fear and anxiety to collaboration, competition, and connection, he reveals how embracing change—and reconnecting with nature—can transform mental health. Packed with insights on compassion, curiosity, and play, this episode shows how stepping into the wild can heal both mind and society. Social...

It’s OK to Wobble: The Moment I Finally Asked for Help | Jack Murphy 11.11.2025

Mental health advocate Jack Murphy shares his journey from the automotive world to mental health, confronting addiction, stigma, and the myths around therapy. He introduces Wobble, a platform making mental health support more accessible, and urges men to prioritise emotional fitness before crisis strikes. A raw, powerful conversation about breaking barriers and changing how we view mental health....

Do You Get Air Hunger? What Anxiety Is Really Telling You | Howard Cooper 08.10.2025

Consultant and Anxiety Specialist Howard Cooper went from severe anxiety sufferer to ex-anxiety expert. He challenges traditional therapy, explores how memory and storytelling shape our fears, and introduces ‘air hunger’ as a key factor in anxiety. Howard shows how breaking the illusion of anxiety, teaching resilience, and modelling healthy responses can transform the way we experience life—and he...

Your Lovely Questions, Our Unfiltered Answers: Part Two 29.08.2025

We tackle your questions and dive into fascinating tangents, exploring emotional resilience, personal growth, and modern masculinity. From insecurities and humour to friendship, gratitude, survival skills, and the realities of monogamy today, this episode is a candid, wide-ranging conversation on self-discovery, connection, and life’s unexpected lessonsSocials: IG @sambellcoaching @jamespenneyther...

Why Anxiety Isn't The Enemy | Tim Box 12.08.2025

TEDx speaker Tim Box, whose talk has 3.4M views, flips the script on anxiety, revealing it as a natural human emotion, not a disorder. He breaks down the misconceptions, explains the physical sensations we all feel, and shares powerful strategies to manage panic attacks. With personal stories and expert insights, Tim shows how acceptance, self-awareness, and a shift in perspective can turn anxiety...

Is There A Crisis Of Masculinity? | Elliot Burgess 29.07.2025

Therapist and father of two, Elliot Burgess explores the evolving landscape of masculinity and what it means to be a man today. From social media and shifting cultural expectations, to the importance of role models, community, and connection, this conversation highlights how kindness, compassion, and emotional expression can help redefine masculinity for future generations. Socials: IG:@jamespenne...

How Ethical Non-Monogamy Changed My Life | Gage Masterson 08.07.2025

Reality TV star Gage Masterson opens up about his journey into ethical non-monogamy (ENM), sharing candid insights on communication, boundaries, jealousy, and the swinging lifestyle. From challenging traditional monogamy to creating safe spaces with Swing Hub, Gage explores connection, community, and building meaningful relationships beyond sex. A raw, eye-opening conversation about love, freedom,...

Human First, Therapist Second: Do We Have Our Shit Together? 10.06.2025

Being human comes first, therapist second. James opens up about his journey through therapy, childhood, and relationships, sharing insights on connection, emotional growth, and authenticity. From navigating vulnerabilities and family dynamics to balancing self-care with helping others, this episode is a candid look at the challenges—and rewards—of becoming both a better human and a better therapis...

Human First, Life Coach Second: Do We Have Our Shit Together? 22.04.2025

Being human first, coach second. Sam gets real about owning your flaws, navigating family dynamics, and the endless journey of growth. We tackle what it really means to ‘have your shit together’—from validation struggles to self-worth—and why embracing your humanness is the ultimate superpower IG @sambellcoaching @jamespenneytherapyChapters 00:00 Navigating Teenage Distress 24:14 The Challenge of...

Expert Advice to Level Up Your Relationship | Lottie Passell-Syms 10.04.2025

In this episode, we welcome intimacy and relationship specialist Lottie Passell-Syms. We discuss the importance of communication in relationships, the changing landscape of dating, and the need for empathy and connection. Lottie shares insights from her twenty years of experience in the field, emphasizing the significance of understanding each other's needs and expectations. This episode provides...

Your Lovely Questions, Our Unfiltered Answers: Part One 06.02.2025

We dive into your questions on mental health, personal growth, and relationships, uncovering mindset shifts, environmental influences, and the power of openness. Plus, we get playful—sharing intimacy preferences, dream last meals, fantasy dinner party guests, and Sam’s revealing ‘ick’ list. Insightful, honest, and downright entertaining. IG @sambellcoaching @jamespenneytherapyChapters 00:00 Introd...

Tis The Season: How To Stay Positive In Winter & More 15.01.2025

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of transitioninginto the season of winter and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. We briefly discuss SAD and we talk about the concept of the 'Winter Arc,' a trending self-development initiative that encourages individuals to set personal goals and focus on self-improvement during the winter months. We discuss the importance of personal acco...

Listen to the Flex Your Feelings podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.