Leaf & Elfie: Curious Talks

Susannah Cahalan: The Acid Queen takes listeners deep into the extraordinary story of journalist and author Susannah Cahalan, whose bestselling memoir Brain on Fire documented her battle with a rare autoimmune disease that was misdiagnosed as psychosis. She went on to write The Great Pretender , an investigation into the blurred lines between sanity and madness and the legacy of 1970s psychiatric...

What separates creatures who feel from those who don't? Where exactly does consciousness begin, and what responsibilities do we have toward beings capable of suffering? In this episode, we speak to Professor Jonathan Birch, director of the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience at the London School of Economics. Through groundbreaking research, Birch reveals surprising evidence that insect...

It All Makes Sense Now: ADHD Coach Meredith Carder Ever wondered why certain things have always felt harder — or just different — for you or someone you love? In this illuminating episode, we sit down with ADHD coach Meredith Carder to unpack the realities of living with ADHD and what it actually means in day-to-day life. From late diagnoses and misunderstood behaviours to self-compassion and neur...

We delve into the world of imaginary friends with esteemed experts, Professor Marjorie Taylor and Dr. Naomi R. Aguiar in light of the second edition of  Imaginary Friends and the People Who Create Them (Second Edition ). Professor Taylor, a leading researcher and author of the acclaimed book Imaginary Friends and the Children Who Create Them, shares her extensive insights into how these companions...

In this episode, Leaf and Elfie chat with Sir David Spiegelhalter about his new book, The Art of Uncertainty . Spiegelhalter, one of the world's leading statisticians, shares his insights on how we can better understand and navigate uncertainty in everyday life. From the role of luck and risk to how statistics help us make smarter decisions, the discussion is full of practical advice for hand...

In this episode we sit down with Christian Amys, renowned wild food forager and chef who wowed audiences on MasterChef: The Professionals. Chris shares his fascinating journey into the world of foraging, exploring how his passion for wild ingredients blossomed and influenced his culinary career. We delve into the health benefits of foraging and the sustainable practices that make it a rewarding pu...

We have the absolute pleasure of welcoming Jo Woolf back onto the show. Jo passionately discusses women explorers who broke taboos by venturing out to explore the world. This episode exposes bold, brave, and expert women who often travelled alone to faraway lands, having both liberating and scary experiences, and contributed immensely to institutions such as The Royal Scottish Geographical Society...

🎧 🌱🚫 In this episode we discuss veganism and allergy awareness with the insightful Oli Weatherall. Oli raises awareness of living with severe allergies through articles, interviews, and speeches in various media outlets such as the BBC, The Independent and V-Land UK! Discover the intersection of plant-based living and allergy education. Tune in for valuable insights and an eye-opening discussio...

In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming and eye-opening documentary “Freedom to Run.” The film follows two remarkable groups of runners: one from Scotland and the other from Palestine.  Marathon running: a symbol of perseverance and pushing your limits. But what happens when those limits are imposed by political realities?  "Freedom to Run" explores the challenges faced by Palest...

In this episode, Leaf and Elfie are joined by Jo Woolf, the writer in residence of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Jo is the author of The Great Horizon, a collection of stories about explorers and adventurers who have shaped our world. Jo shares her passion for the British Isles and their rich heritage of myths and legends. She tells us about some of the places that inspired her, such as...

We speak to Ryan A Bush, founder of Designing the Mind ,  and author of bestselling book, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture. Ryan discusses his new book, Become Who You Are (out to buy in 2024),  and on the show, provides listeners with invaluable insights and techniques to get into positive states through the path of self-becoming.  Ryan A Bush is a designer and thinker focused...

In this episode Dr. Palanisamy discusses his groundbreaking 5-step approach to treating and healing autoimmune conditions.  Leaf and Elfie, delve into topics such as addressing toxins, healing infections, improving gut health, proper nutrition, and conscious rest. Dr. Akil’s unique blend of functional medicine, Ayurveda, and ancestral nutrition offers a natural and effective “root cause” approach...

In this episode we discuss pain with Kevin Hunt , a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years of clinical experience working with people suffering from persistent pain. In his groundbreaking book, Pain: The Ultimate Mentor , we challenge misconceptions about pain and explore Hunt's holistic framework on utilising your body and mind to live a better life.  A must-read for not only people sufferi...

In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Jay Shafer, the esteemed godfather of the tiny home movement and author of the renowned book, "The Small House Book." Join us on a journey through the remarkable story of Jay Shafer, a true pioneer who has redefined the concept of home with his innovative designs and unwavering passion for simplicity. Discover the influence he has had on the...

In this podcast interview, we sit down with Patrick Alley, author of Very Bad People , as he shares his experiences investigating human rights abuses across the globe. Alley recounts tales of car chases through Cambodia and the bravery required to confront corrupt officials and criminals. His firsthand accounts of the political landscape in Cambodia provide a captivating listen, shedding light on...

We speak with human rights barrister, Adam Wagner , about his new book Emergency State: How We Lost Our Freedoms in the Pandemic and Why it Matters. Adam is the UK’s leading authority on the law relating to COVID-19. From 2020-2021 he was Specialist Advisor to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into the government’s response to the pandemic and assisted in the writing of five rep...

In this episode we speak to Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures, Marion Gibson from University of Exeter. From Salem to rural Sussex - Marion investigates witch trials and what they can tell us about culture, politics, religion and gender throughout history. Marion helps us explore questions: Were women the only ones accused of casting spells? What motivated communities to turn on the...

In this episode we speak with Vegan Choice Award Winner, Ben Richardson AKA Ben the Forest Foodie. Ben is a writer, forest school teacher, blogger, photographer and vegan influencer.  We speak to Ben about how an internship on an organic farm changed his life and turned him vegan! As well as how children benefit from forest schools and being in nature. We learn about forest bathing, finding calm a...

Why do hugs feel good?  Can hugs cure loneliness and depression?  Is hugging a tree good for you? What is the optimal length of time to hug for "feel-good" hormones?  Can you hug yourself?  In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Prof. Sebastian Ocklenburg about the science of hugging to find out answers to these questions and understand his research on social touch. Sebastian Ocklenbur...

In this episode we speak with  the No.1 Laughter Yoga UK Facilitator, Pete Cann. Join along with some laughter exercises, and discover the therapeutic benefits of laughing including: Bonding with family, friends and colleges Techniques to release happy hormones  how to laugh when life isn't very funny Find out more on Pete's website or visit his youtube channel for inspiration.   https:/...

Virtual reality is more widely used than ever before - from virtual documentaries on social issues to the Metaverse and dance-off simulators. But can it be used to make us more empathetic?  In this episode we we speak with Professor Matthew Cotton, Professor of Public Policy at Teesside University, UK.  We discuss the use of VR in expanding our own experiences and seeing if the technology could ha...

On this podcast we speak with Kate Howells, who represents The Planetary Society. We discuss defending earth, aliens, other worlds, space exploration and priorities. Kate is the author of Space Is Cool As F*** , a science columnist for The Editorial Magazine, and creator, writer, and producer of the digital series Whoa.  Kate serves on the Government of Canada's Space Advisory Board and is a...

Is watching porn bad for you? Free websites and smart phones make it easier than ever to watch porn - and billions of us are doing just that. But some scientists are starting to worry about the consequences and there is a growing movement away from pornography led by young men negativity affected by "the new drug". We talk with experienced sex therapist Mig Bennett to find out some of th...

In this episode Leaf and Elfie meet former Scientology member Chris Shelton and talk about his 30 years of experience in the organisation. Chris now exposes Scientology and the psychology behind destructive cults. Watch chris on Youtube or on his website: www.mncriticalthinking.com

Brexit, animal welfare, legislation, schools, health - the food choices that we make are political. How does vegetarianism fit in?  In this 'Vegetarian Special' podcast interview we speak with longtime animal rights campaigner, vegetarian and Conservative MP Henry Smith about the the challenges facing the UK. How might Brexit impact food standards e.g chlorinated chicken? Should care hom...