Mental Health Matters

In this very raw and powerful interview, Jessica Parnell talks about her experiences with chronic illness (and invisible illness) as well as having to go through medical menopause at the age of 20.  We discuss what still needs to be done in supporting women in peri-menopause/menopause, as well as how we can become more aware and compassionate when it comes to invisible illness. #invisibleillness #...

It's a special Special in The Lounge as award winning narcissistic abuse recovery coach Ronia Fraser joins Dr Audrey and Dr Meg in the hotseat to answer all YOUR questions on recovering from narcissistic relationships.  We also discuss the difference between Narcissism as a behaviour and as a "Personality Disorder", and the things we can do on our steps towards healing. Plus - addre...

I'm joined by Dr Jim Loehr who talks to me about his new book "Wise Decisions" as well as gives me a number of insights into decision making, bias and how we can all improve our choices.  He explains the "inner Y.O.D.A" technique and how this can be applied practically as well as how these techniques can be adapted if we are supporting children. #decisionmaking #wisedecisi...

Recorded prior to the start of the Northampton Film Festival in May, Becky Carrier talks about what's in store and how she's working to celebrate Northampton as "Kind of a big deal"! Northampton Film Festival 2023 is showing 58 short and feature length films in competition at Northampton Filmhouse between 23rd and 31st May. Then there are also free Industry and Creative events...

In this moving episode, Peter Coutts joins me to talk about his 80 for 80 at 80 challenge where he is, at the age of 80, exercising for 80 minutes for 80 days in memory of his wife Barbara who passed from MND.  He talks about this cruel disease, as well as his experiences as a carer and the importance of the support from your family and those around you. #mndawareness #mnd #carer #resilience

Award-Winning White Cobra Productions joins me to talk about the importance of representation on stage.  We discuss colour-blind and colour-conscious casting and how audience feedback (and listening to it!) is helping them pioneer an inclusive setting and develop their future productions. #whitecobra #theatre #representationonstage #diversityandinclusion 

Joining Dr Audrey, Dr Meg and Coach Sharon is Thor A Rain founder of First Aid for Feelings who talks about their journey from being told "you'll never recover" from CFS/ME to helping others through their innovative and highly accessible "first aid for feelings" programme.  In Fit Tips, Robb Henderson talks about the things to watch for in sports rehabilitation, and in Men...

Jimmy Petruzzi of the British Psychological Society joins me to bust the myths surrounding hypnosis and hypnotherapy.  He also talks about what to look for in a therapist, especially when some areas of the profession are not completely regulated. #hypnosis #hypnotherapy #therapy #personalgrowth 

Dr Sharron, pioneer of the Sexual Right Charter for older adults speaks to me about why we need to have normalised and empowered conversations about sex as we get older.  We discuss portrayals of sex at the older age in the media, and burst some myths surrounding sex and the older adult. #sexrightsage #drsharronhinchliff #sexualrightsforseniors #empowerment

Recorded live - so apologies for the sound quality in places. Alexandra Steed joins me to talk about how the environment can have a huge effect on our wellbeing, but also how we need to do more to protect it.  Alexandra explores the opportunities we have missed to preserve what we had, but also the little things we can still do to maintain what we've got. #environment #climatechange #sustaina...

Dr Meg Arroll - a regular to our Lounge specials - talks with me about her new book "Tiny Traumas" - when you don't know what's wrong but nothing feels right.  She explains how those "little things we dismiss" can actually have a huge impact on our behaviours, thoughts and feelings, and reassures us that it's ok to ask for help because this really is important! ...

Recorded live - so apologies for the sound quality, Author and Menopause Consultant Severine Menem talks to me about the symptoms of menopause, the myths surrounding it, and things we can do to improve our experiences with the menopause. #menopausesupport #menopauseandnutrition #menopausesymptoms

In this monthly special, Johnny Lawrence, The Self Development Coach joins Dr Audrey, Dr Meg and Coach Sharon in the Lounge to share his story of addiction and recovery, along with resilience and how we need to respect our feelings to be able to heal.  We have Fitness tips from Robb Henderson on breaking through a plateau, and Tim Dwelly talks to us about how easily we can get addicted to our heal...

A very emotionally charged interview following Owen Jones' struggle with alcoholism, reaching out...and still not getting the support her needed, and turning his life around.  Owen's story is powerful, moving and captures the reality of a functioning alcoholic. However, this could be triggering for listeners, so please listen with care. Support: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advic...

Competitive Weightlifter and British Champion Mishka Forgacova joins me this week to talk about the stigma surrounding "that's not a girl's sport", as well as how she looks after her mental health in competitions. #weightlifting #girlssport #stigma #mentalhealthandsport 

Regular Lounge guest Dr Helen McCarthy talks about body acceptance and why it is so important to take a kind and sustainable approach to our bodies when it comes to changing our habits for the better. #weightmanagement #weightloss

Chris Manley talks with me about the #walkwithme campaign encouraging us to go out for a short walk regularly to boost out mental health, as well as the benefits of walking, and why a walk can be one of the best places to talk informally about how we are feeling. #walking #mentalhealth #menshealth 

In the monthly Panel Special of the Wellbeing Lounge - we are joined by Ruth Webster who takes us through her healing journey.  We discuss stigma, support and the importance of validation.  Plus fit tips to bust the "no pain no gain" myth from Robb Henderson, and in men's mental health, Tim Dwelly challenges "Man up". Note: The discussion contains talk of suicidal ideation...

One of my regular guests in The Wellbeing Lounge, John Goldwyn talks to me about his stroke, and the signs and symptoms - which were not like the "standard" ones we are advised to watch for.  We discuss how to manage "invisible illness" when  your recovery means that physically "you don't look ill", as well as ways in which you can find the support you may need....

NOTE: This is another episode which may be triggering, so please be mindful if you choose to listen. Andy Willis of Mental Health Champions Northants discusses his experiences of suicide which resulted in 7 attempts to take his own life.  We explore the mindset, as well as healing and what can be of most help if you are wanting to support a loved one.  Then Lisa Pearson, Suicide Prevention Lead NH...

NOTE: the content of this episode may be distressing. Marilyn Hawes, CEO of Freedom from Abuse talks to me about the signs of grooming, and her own experience of being groomed by someone she had considered a friend, so that he could get to her children.  While this may be a very triggering topic, what Marilyn teaches us is important for our own awareness of this insidious behaviour. #grooming #sex...

Kara Curtayne speaks to me about her advice and support for new businesses - the key being - it's a BUSINESS, not a side hustle - treat it as such and that's the first step to valuing yourself as the founder! #smallbusiness #newbusiness #entrepreneurs

We're into February - how are those resolutions going?  In this Wellbeing Lounge episode, Dr Meg, Coach Sharon and Dr Audrey are joined by Sushil Sirpal who, rather than couch to 5k,  climbed from one stair to Everest Base Camp.  This episode brings great practical tips when it comes to setting goals, dealing with setbacks - and naysayers - and is there to say, it's ok, if it's the...

Ben Francoise talks about how to set a social enterprise started and then scale it up...as well as what to do when you have that moment of "am I REALLY making a difference"?

Dr Sharon Hall joins me to talk about the benefits of tea, but also the importance of where it comes from. #tea #fairtrade #sustainability