The Check-In With Podcast

Unlocking the Power of Human Connection Summary In this engaging conversation, Hayley Dawson discusses the critical importance of human connection in the workplace, emphasising how it contributes to happiness, career advancement, and essential relationships. She distinguishes between human skills and soft skills, presenting seven essential human skills necessary for success in today's rapidly...

The Power of Holistic Healthcare "We learn things even when they're unsaid." - Kirit Sehmbi Summary In this episode of the Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Kirit Sehmbi, a qualified health and wellbeing practitioner and registered nurse. They discuss the importance of holistic healthcare, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the impact of vicarious trauma on h...

Unlocking the Big Five: A Guide to Human Skills "Plan less, act more." - Hayley Dawson Summary In this episode of the Check In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Hayley Dawson, founder of Less Talk, Human Skills. They explore the Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—and their implications in the workplace and personal rel...

The Multifaceted Journey of Melody Coleman "I create environments where people thrive." - Melody Coleman Summary In this episode, host Calvin Anderson engages in a dynamic conversation with Melody Coleman, a multifaceted coach and dancer. They explore Melody's journey in personal training, corporate wellness, and her passion for dance. Melody shares insights on the importance of well...

The Future of Dating: Skills Over Looks "Imagine ending the cycle of intergenerational trauma." - Richa Rival Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Richa Rival about her innovative Walnut app, designed to enhance relationship skills through interactive learning modules. They discuss the importance of understanding attachment styles, emotional intelligence, and the impact of intergen...

The Essential Role of Parental Self-Care "It's key to make sure that as a parent, we're okay." - Kayla Tychsen Summary The conversation emphasises the critical need for parents to prioritise their own well-being in order to effectively nurture their children. It discusses how neglecting self-care can hinder a parent's ability to provide the love and support their children need. Takeaways We're jus...

Unlocking Your Potential: A Journey with Juliana Damasco "You need to find your most authentic self. - Juliana Damasco Summary In this episode of The Check In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson welcomes back Juliana Damasco to discuss personal growth, the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, and the role of therapy in self-discovery. Juliana shares her journey of living abroad, the ch...

A Journey of Change and Resilience "We are not alone in this." - Nora Wilhelm Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson interviews Nora Wilhelm, an award-winning change maker and systems innovator. They discuss Nora's journey from childhood curiosity to global activism, her experiences with burnout, and the importance of community in change work. Nora shares insights on sustaining imp...

"The word 'no' is a complete sentence." - Sana Kamran Summary In this episode, host Calvin Anderson speaks with psychotherapist Sana Kamran about the complex topic of cousin marriages within South Asian communities. They explore the cultural and historical context, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the psychological effects of family pressure on individuals. The convers...

Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age "You can create your own peace." - Dr. Sanghita Polley, MBA Summary In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Sanghita Polley shares her journey from being a dentist to a mindfulness coach, emphasising the importance of mental health in the digital age. She discusses the impact of technology on our attention spans, the rise of virtual relationship...

Protecting What Matters: A Cybersecurity Conversation "Your business is worth protecting." Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Katie Shanahan, founder of YourCyberCoach, about the critical importance of cybersecurity and GDPR for businesses, particularly for self-employed mental health practitioners. They discuss the emotional and mental toll of cybersecurity breaches, t...

"Nothing can beat the human connection." - George Stevens Summary In this episode, host Calvin Anderson speaks with George Stevens, a trainee counsellor and founder of Soother, a workplace mental wellbeing company. They discuss George's journey into therapy, the surprising aspects of his training, and the gaps in mental health support that Soother aims to fill. The conversation explo...

"Awareness is the freedom to life." - Dr. Shannon Daneshrad Summary In this episode of the Check In with Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Dr. Shannon Daneshrad, a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in individual, couple, and family therapy. Dr. D discusses her journey into therapy, the dynamics of individual versus couples therapy, the importance of self-awareness,...

Healing Through Trauma/Understanding Trauma Bonds and Their Impact : A Conversation with Sieera Ismail "Love in your pain." In this episode of the Check-In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with social work specialist Sierra Ismail about her journey in healing and the establishment of the Calm Corner.. They delve into the complexities of trauma bonding, the cycles of love bombing...

"It's an ongoing process, not a cure." - Mick Cooper "Today, we have a guest who has revolutionised the world of therapy and counselling someone who’s not just shaping the conversation but redefining it. Mick Cooper is a trailblazer in psychology, a bestselling author, and a thought leader in pluralistic therapy. His work challenges the way we think about relationships, meaning, and personal growt...

Summary In this episode we speak with Dr. Sharmin Akhtar, a Clinical Director at MIND Remedy and an experienced counselling psychologist. We discuss Dr. Sharmin's journey into psychology, the challenges of pursuing a doctorate, and the importance of resilience in the application process. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of working with parents and children in therapy, the signifi...

"You can't do any of this without a team." - Russell Wall Russell Wall CEO of Art Therapies UK, discusses the challenges of transitioning leadership, the impact of art therapy, and the importance of teamwork and community support. He emphasises the need for education about the legitimacy of art therapy and the role of technology in enhancing therapeutic practices. Russell also reflects on his lead...

"Education is key to breaking stigma." "We need to amplify immigrant voices." "We cross borders in search of a better life." - Across The Border In this episode, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Mawada Mohamed and Meyys Hussein from Across the Border, an organisation dedicated to supporting immigrants. They discuss the challenges immigrants face, particularly regardin...

"It's often not what you say, it's how you say it". - Anisa Baig Anisa Baig is a London-based Psychological Therapist, currently training in High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Having studied at King’s College London and UCL, she now works in an NHS mental health service and enjoys interacting with a diverse range of clients. As a British-Indian, Anisa is particularly interested in...

"I love advocating for the profession." - Andrea Jardine Summary In this episode of The Check-in With Podcast, we speak with Andrea Jardine, a newly qualified music therapist. we discuss Andrea's journey into music therapy, the impact of music on mental health, her training experience, and the future of music therapy. Andrea shares her personal experiences with anxiety and autism, highlighting the...

In this episode, we’re joined by Alice Spencer, a creative counsellor, psychotherapist, and small business owner based in Manchester. Alice brings a refreshing approach to therapy, blending traditional practice with creative tools to support self-awareness, emotional resilience, and healing. With experience working in private practice and with children and young people at a mental health charity,...

Jeremy Sachs Psychotherapist | Author | Director of the COSRT-Accredited Trauma Diploma at the NAOS Institute Jeremy Sachs joins us for a powerful and essential conversation about trauma, healing, and masculinity. A practicing psychotherapist and author of the groundbreaking new book An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Their Allies: Masculinity Reconnected (Routledge, 20...

"By us taking that step to show the importance of representation is how we'll get further with it" - Nadia Khan An aspiring clinical psychologist and current Assistant Psychologist with rich experience across community mental health, specialist ASD services, and acute inpatient settings. As a proud South Asian woman and ethnic minority in the field, Nadia brings powerful insight into the intersect...

" Figure out if you need to let that client go and refer them to someone else" - Kimberly Tomlinson In this episode, we speak with Kimberly Tomlinson, founder of TomlinsonTalks Ltd, about the deep emotional work that happens in therapy both in session and within ourselves. We explore:  The relationship clients have with themselves especially their internal monologue. How our inner child...

New Episode: Navigating Autism, Wellbeing & Self-Healing with Sam – Editor of Health and Wellbeing Magazine by Foyht In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sam, editor of the Health and Wellbeing Magazine by Foyht—a passionate storyteller, former teacher of 18 years, and mum of four—who shares her personal and professional insights on navigating the healthcare maze and supporting holistic...