Figuring It Out

Autistic burnout is more than just feeling tired. It can involve overwhelming exhaustion, difficulty managing everyday tasks and a reduced tolerance to sensory input. But what causes it, and what can help?

In Part 2 of Figuring It Out, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore what autistic burnout actually is, how masking, sensory overload and the pressure to meet everyday expectations can contribute, and why recovery isn't always straightforward.

They also answer a listener's dilemma: can you realistically manage a demanding full-time career as an autistic person without burning out?

From workplace adjustments and supportive managers to the challenges of asking for help, Alex and Kathryn discuss what the research tells us about preventing burnout, and why the responsibility shouldn't fall entirely on the individual.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever come home from a social event feeling completely drained? For many autistic people and people with ADHD, socialising can be exhausting, particularly when masking and sensory overload come into play.

In Part 1 of Figuring It Out, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore what ADHD and autistic masking actually look like, why people feel the need to hide certain traits, and the emotional toll of constantly trying to fit in.

They also unpack the science behind sensory overload, why everyday environments can feel overwhelming, and what researchers are still discovering about how autistic people and people with ADHD process sensory information.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does exercise help chronic pain, or could it make things worse? And what does the science actually say about treating chronic pain?

In Part 3 of Figuring It Out, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates investigate common myths about chronic pain and pain management in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

From exercise and physical activity to pain medication, the nervous system and ageing, they explore what research tells us about chronic pain treatment, why there's no one-size-fits-all solution and why finding the right balance between movement and rest matters.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can your mind change how much pain you feel? And why does chronic pain sometimes come and go, even when nothing else seems to have changed?

In Part 2 of Figuring It Out, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer a listener's dilemma about fluctuating chronic pain and explore the fascinating relationship between the brain, nervous system and our experience of pain.

They unpack the mind-body connection, the cycle of pushing through pain and then crashing, and how our beliefs about our bodies may influence pain management. Plus, what can you do when your symptoms are invisible or difficult to explain to your doctor?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us think pain is simple: you get hurt, a signal travels to your brain, and it hurts. But what happens when there’s no injury to see, and no one believes you?

In Part 1 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore what pain actually is, how the way experts define it has changed, and why chronic pain can be real even when scans show nothing.

They also ask why some people are believed more than others. From the gender pain gap to the years it can take to get an endometriosis diagnosis, they look at how stereotypes shape whose pain is taken seriously.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Never give up” sounds like good advice. But is pushing through always helpful, or can being resilient mean knowing when to stop?

In Part 3 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put common claims about resilience to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated.

Are we born resilient, or can we build resilience at any age? Can resilience and emotional distress exist at the same time? And how much does financial security affect our ability to cope? Alex and Kathryn explore the pressure to keep going, the importance of being adaptable and what the research tells us about getting through difficult times.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone tells you how strong you are. But inside, you feel like you’re barely holding it together. Does that mean you’re not actually resilient?

In Part 2 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore resilience and coping with stress through a listener’s dilemma: why is there such a gap between how others see them and how they really feel?

Together, they explore what building resilience can look like day to day, from reframing difficult situations and asking for help to finding purpose and making space for rest. What might help when you’re struggling, and does coping have to feel the way we expect it to?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever looked at someone going through a difficult time and wondered how they’re coping so well? What makes us more resilient, and how much of it comes from things we don’t see?

In Part 1 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore what resilience really means, how researchers study it, and why there’s more to coping with adversity than individual willpower.

From the way our brains and bodies respond to stress to the support we get from other people, they unpack what shapes our capacity to cope. And they ask an uncomfortable question: when we praise someone for being resilient, are we overlooking why they’ve had to be?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is loneliness really as bad for you as smoking? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some of the most common claims about loneliness to the test. Does the quality of our relationships matter more than the quantity? Can being in a crowd actually make us feel lonelier? And are humans the only animals that experience loneliness?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore how long it really takes to form a close friendship, why we tend to underestimate how much other people like us, and what changes when making friends no longer happens automatically. Plus, why even the smallest interactions with strangers and acquaintances might matter more than we realise.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are we lonelier than ever? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore what loneliness actually is, why being alone isn’t the same as being lonely, and what can happen when loneliness becomes persistent. They also look at why meaningful connection may be getting harder to find, whether social media is really making us lonelier, and why loneliness isn’t simply an individual problem.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do animals hold grudges? Can crows really remember someone who wronged them for 17 years? And does time heal all wounds?

In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put common claims about revenge and forgiveness to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. They explore revenge-like behaviour across the animal kingdom, including the remarkable ability of crows to recognise and remember human faces. They also ask whether time naturally leads to forgiveness, how rumination can keep old hurt alive and what it really takes to let go. Plus, they end with a quick-fire round on the science of kindness.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so hard to forgive someone, especially when you believe they meant to hurt you? Why can we accept damage caused by a storm more easily than harm caused by another person?

In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates work through a listener dilemma inspired by Oliver Sacks. They explore how our brains interpret intention, betrayal and broken trust, why these can make interpersonal harm so difficult to process, and what forgiveness really means. They also examine why forgiving is an active process rather than simply forgetting, and what research suggests about its impact on our mental and physical health.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is revenge ever good for you? Why does the idea of getting even feel so satisfying, and what happens after we act on it?

In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the evolutionary and psychological roots of revenge, from anger, shame and humiliation to the brain’s reward response. They examine why the anticipation of revenge can feel better than the reality, and how resentment, rumination and holding a grudge can affect our relationships, sleep, mental health and physical wellbeing.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a weekend lie-in really help you catch up on lost sleep, or is repaying your sleep debt more complicated than that?

In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put common sleep myths to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated. They explore catch-up sleep, power naps and whether napping deserves its lazy reputation. Plus, do you really need morning sunlight within the first 10 minutes of waking, and does sleeping in a cold room help you sleep better?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Enjoying Figuring It Out? Follow the podcast and leave us a review to help more people find the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting 8 hours of sleep but still waking up exhausted? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates tackle a listener's dilemma: should you stick to an early wake-up time or make sure you get a full night's sleep?

They explore sleep quality, deep sleep and the relationship between your sleep schedule and body clock, asking whether the eight-hour rule works for everyone. Plus, what can the history of biphasic sleep, or sleeping in two shifts, tell us about the way we sleep today?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Enjoying Figuring It Out? Follow the podcast and leave us a review to help more people find the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could your 5am morning routine be working against your body clock? And if you struggle to wake up early, does that really mean you lack discipline?

In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the 5am Club, chronotypes and why some people are morning people while others are night owls. They get into circadian rhythms, social jetlag and the pressure to be productive, asking whether forcing an early start is actually good for you.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Enjoying Figuring It Out? Follow the podcast and leave us a review to help more people find the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do autistic girls present differently to autistic boys? Is it true that autistic people lack empathy? And where does sensory overload actually come from? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put the most common claims about autism to the test in Myth, Fact or It's Complicated.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we all a bit autistic? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates work through a listener's dilemma about where differences in traits ends and autism begins, and why the spectrum is not a line from a little bit autistic to very autistic.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be autistic? In Part 1, Dr Alex George shares his own experience of understanding  autism, alongside research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates as they discuss different levels of support, why we must validate the spectrum of experience, and why there's no single biological cause. Plus, some alarming findings about the amount of neuroscience research focusing on women’s health. 

For more information on why paracetamol does not cause autism, go to the Unbiased Science Pod: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO4qNwdjQyH/?img_index=1 

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is female intuition actually real? And does sleeping on a decision genuinely make it better? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some of the most common claims about intuition to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated, including whether anxiety is simply your gut telling you something is wrong.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is gut instinct just your body noticing something before your conscious mind catches up? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore how physical sensations can influence our decisions, the science of somatic markers and the gut-brain connection, and why a feeling in your stomach doesn’t necessarily mean someone is untrustworthy.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should you always trust your gut instinct? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the neuroscience of intuition, why it can be accurate, why it can also fail, and how to tell whether the feeling in your gut is worth listening to.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can rejection actually make you more creative? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some surprising claims about rejection to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated including whether rejection can boost creativity, whether social media is making us more sensitive to it, and whether rejection sensitivity is really just another name for worrying.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you actually become less sensitive to rejection? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates tackle a listener’s dilemma about internalising failure and avoiding conflict, and explore what can help when rejection takes over, from breaking cycles of overthinking and reframing situations to self-compassion and acceptance.

You can read about tips from a psychologist in this article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202506/the-deep-sting-of-rejection-0.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does rejection hurt so much, and why do some people feel it far more intensely than others? Paris Hilton has described Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria as “like a demon in your mind” but what actually is RSD, and why can it feel so physical? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science behind rejection sensitivity, its links with ADHD and neurodivergence, and why our brains are wired to see social exclusion as a threat.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does stress help you remember things better? Does alcohol erase your memories? And can hypnosis actually unlock memories you’ve buried?

In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put these common beliefs about memory to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. They cover why hypnosis may be more likely to create false memories than recover repressed ones, and the surprising number of clinicians who believe repressed trauma can be uncovered in therapy.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A listener asks: do some people really have a photographic memory, or is something else going on? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science behind extraordinary memory, from artist Stephen Wiltshire’s ability to recreate incredibly detailed cityscapes to the rare phenomenon that allows some people to recall almost every day of their lives in remarkable detail. Plus, what does it actually mean if you can’t picture things in your mind? And what did the co-founder of Pixar discover when he explored how differently we visualise the world?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some people have vivid memories from early childhood while others have almost none, and does that mean they have a better memory?

In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates get into how memory actually works, the 108-year-old neuroscientist behind one of the most important discoveries in memory research, and the landmark car crash experiment that showed how changing a single word can alter what someone remembers.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media claims your brain is wired to help you manifest. Gratitude journals and positive mindsets are often presented as the science-backed alternative to vision boards, but is any of it actually the same thing? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates separate myth from fact as they explore the neuroscience behind manifestation, the difference between a positive mindset and magical thinking, and what placebo effects really tell us about the power of our beliefs.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think you're going to fail, are you more likely to? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of self-fulfilling prophecies, what the evidence actually shows, why the effects are weaker than many self-help books claim, and what a study of six-year-olds reveals about the surprising power of other people's expectations. Plus, Alex and Kathryn reflect on how they deal with failure, and Kathryn explains why, as a scientist, she fails at something every day.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dua Lipa says headlining Glastonbury was on her dream board and even believes she manifested her husband. Millions of videos on TikTok are about manifestation, but does any of it actually work? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the psychology of manifestation, why a Cambridge professor calls it pseudoscience, and what the evidence on goal setting actually shows.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your life really flash before your eyes when you die? Are humans the only species that know they're going to die? And could we ever live forever? In Part 3, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates separate Myth, Fact and It's Complicated as they explore the science behind some of the biggest questions about death and dying, consciousness, immortality and what it means to be human.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you find acceptance in grief and come to terms with the idea of your own death? Will we be able to live forever? In Part 2, Dr Alex George reflects on losing his brother to suicide and what finding acceptance has looked like for him. Alongside research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates, they explore the psychology of grief, bereavement, mortality and why thinking about death could actually change the way you live.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens in the brain when you die? Does your life really flash before your eyes? Do we get to relive our best experiences? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of near-death experiences, consciousness and the life review - from the tunnel of light to the latest research on brain activity in the moments after the heart stops. Together, they unpack what neuroscience can tell us about death and dying, and where the science still leaves unanswered questions.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is social media really ruining our attention spans? In Part 3 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates put some of the biggest claims about focus and distraction to the test in Myth, Fact or It's Complicated. Can you train yourself to focus?

Is social media really to blame? And what does the evidence actually say?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so much easier to focus on random things or a new hobby than an important deadline? In Part 2 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer a listener's dilemma about why our brains are drawn to distractions, what's really happening when we struggle to focus, and what the science says we can actually do about it.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel like you can't concentrate the way you used to? In Part 1 of the Figuring It Out podcast, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of attention, whether our attention spans have actually got shorter, and why modern life makes it feel harder than ever to concentrate. They also unpack one of the internet's biggest myths about attention and reveal what the evidence really says.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Figuring It Out podcast with Dr Alex George and Dr Kathryn Bates.

After four incredible years of The Stompcast, Dr Alex George is putting down his stomping boots to figure out life's biggest questions. Joining him is Dr Kathryn Bates, a research scientist at King's College London specialising in development and mental health.

Together, they combine medicine and the latest research to explore the questions we all ask about our minds, our relationships, our choices and our health.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

New episodes arrive every week in three parts from Monday to Wednesday.

Listen to this short trailer to find out what you can expect, then follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where there's a will, there's a way. Therapy can change your personality. Dr Alex George and Dr Kathryn Bates put these common claims to the test in Part 3 of Myth, Fact or It's Complicated.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we know we’re making the right choice? Do we have free will over our choices or is it all predetermined? In Part 2, Alex and Kathryn work through a listener's dilemma about moving away for a new job and reflect on some of the biggest choices and failures in their own lives.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much of who we are is actually our choice? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of how we come to be: are we a product of our experiences? Is our personality set in stone or does it change?

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

Alex and Kathryn also reveal their personality test results. You can take the same test here too: https://openpsychometrics.org/tests/IPIP-BFFM/.

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we only using 10% of our brains? Does déjà vu mean something is wrong with our brains? Can dreams predict the future? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates figure out whether these common statements about the brain are Myth, Fact or It’s Complicated in Part 3. 

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it intuition, anxiety or something else? In Part 2, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore why our brains sometimes convince us that something bad is about to happen.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been somewhere new and felt completely certain you've been there before? In Part 1, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of déjà vu, why it feels so real and what our brains are actually doing when it happens.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out. 

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It’s Complicated. 

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does heartbreak make you stronger? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates work through Myth, Fact or It's Complicated on whether time heals all wounds, getting back on the dating scene, and whether you can actually be addicted to a person.

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why can't I stop thinking about my ex? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer a listener's dilemma about still thinking about an ex more than a year after a breakup. They explore why our brains struggle to let go, whether it's normal to still miss someone, and what can actually help you move forward.

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can heartbreak actually break your heart? Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates explore the science of heartbreak, rejection and emotional pain. They explain why the brain processes heartbreak in similar ways to physical pain, what heartbreak does to your body, and what research says about recovering after a breakup.

We're not here to give medical advice, we’re just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.

New episodes arrive every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday tackles the Big Question, Tuesday answers a real listener dilemma, and Wednesday separates Myth, Fact and It's Complicated on the most common claims surrounding the week's topic.

Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of Toddla's stomp with Alex, they discuss the habits, routines and mindset shifts that have helped Toddla build a healthier, happier life.

He reflects on what changed after his ADHD diagnosis, his relationship with his wife Annie MacManus and their two children, and what true contentment looks like today.

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2, Toddla T opens up to Dr Alex about how ADHD is his superpower and how during one of the most successful parts of his career, he was going through the darkest part of his life.

After a lifetime of not understanding where his lack of focus was coming from, Toddla was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.

You’ll hear T speak about his general anxiety disorder, known as GAD, the ADHD symptoms he’s experienced throughout his life, as well as his diagnosis experience and his journey in finding the right medication balance for him.

Toddla also shares how his self-soothing with alcohol was in fact the depths of addiction and how he subsequently became sober in order to improve both his health and lifestyle, especially as a father.

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week we shared the final ever episode of The Stompcast. Before we introduce what's coming next, we're revisiting one of the most important conversations Dr Alex has ever had.

Looking back, this episode with Toddla T became a genuine turning point. It inspired Alex to seek an ADHD assessment, stop drinking alcohol, and ultimately changed the direction of his life.

In part one, Toddla reflects on balancing work, family and the pressures of success, while sharing how his priorities have shifted over the years.

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

In part three, Dr Alex George and his mother Jane explore how their family has learned to have open and honest conversations about mental health. They discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of being vulnerable, and how to recognise the signs that someone may be struggling.

Plus, Jane shares why learning to fail well is one of life’s most valuable lessons, and reflects on what she’s most grateful for in her life.

The resource Jane mentions in this part is jaaq.app

Follow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane’s work here.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

In part two, Dr Alex George and his mother Jane open up about the devastating loss of their brother and son, Llŷr,  who died by suicide in 2020. They reflect on the reality of navigating grief after suicide, the impact it has had on their family, and how they have each found ways to move forward whilst keeping Llŷr’s memory at the heart of everything they do.

Plus, Jane shares the story behind Knit for Mental Health, the incredible initiative she launched with her husband Anthony, and reveals how the project has gone on to raise an incredible £100,000 for charity!

Follow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane’s work here.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

To mark the final episode of the Stompcast, Dr Alex George is joined by a very special guest: his mother, Jane George.

In part one, Jane reflects on Alex’s childhood, shares what it was like watching her son appear on Love Island, and reveals her reaction when Alex first told her about his ADHD diagnosis…

Plus, Jane and Alex revisit some of their favourite family memories, explore the role nature has played throughout their lives and discuss why spending time outdoors remains so important to them.

Follow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane’s work here.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

In part three, Ben West and Dr Alex George discuss what it’s really like to be a mental health activist in today’s world, the challenges of driving meaningful policy change and whether either of them could ever see themselves stepping into politics…

Plus, in this penultimate episode of Stompcast, Alex shares his favourite place he’s ever been out stomping.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Follow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. 

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

In part two, Ben West reflects on how the Reasons to Stay project has transformed his life, why hope matters in suicide prevention and whether we should ban social media for under 16s…

Plus, Ben and Dr Alex George discuss the three things social media should provide, and why it may be worth reassessing your relationship with certain platforms if they’re not giving you at least one of them.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Follow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. 

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This episode contains reference to suicide and mental illness.

Ben West is a mental health campaigner, who became an activist after losing his 15 year old brother, Sam, to suicide in 2018. Earlier this year, Ben launched the incredible Reasons to Stay project, a suicide prevention website where anyone in the world can write a letter to someone thinking about suicide.

In part one, Ben joins Dr Alex George to discuss the extraordinary impact of Reasons to Stay, and how the project grew from a £16 web domain into a lifeline which has sent over 3.5 million letters to people struggling around the world.

Plus, Ben also shares some of the powerful real-life stories that have emerged from the project and explores practical ways we can better support those who may be facing difficult times.

Resources:

Samaritans

Shout

CALM

Papyrus

Follow @iambenwest, check out his incredible project Reasons to Stay, and pre-order his latest book Reasons to Stay: Lessons of Hope from a World that Cares. 

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Owen O’Kane shares the many ways modern life can fuel anxiety, how doomscrolling increases anxiety and why not letting your experiences define you can set you free.

Plus, Owen and Dr Alex George discuss how happiness can be misinterpreted as a scary emotion and unpack why breakthroughs can often feel uncomfortable…

Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Owen O’Kane explores how anxiety can sometimes serve a useful purpose and explains why separating the facts from the stories we tell ourselves can help reduce worry. He also reveals why a significant part of managing anxiety is learning to stop getting in your own way…

Plus, Owen and Dr Alex George discuss the link between OCD and the need for control and why taking medication for your mental health should never be seen as a weakness.

Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen O’Kane is a leading psychotherapist, mental health expert and author whose work has helped countless people better understand and manage anxiety.

In part one, Owen joins Dr Alex George to discuss why you need to embrace anxiety, the importance of looking after your inner child and how shame can impact your relationship with anxiety.

Plus, Owen unpacks the three core systems that drive anxiety forward, and reveals why he believes there is never one sole cause of anxiety…

Follow @owenokaneten and check out his latest book Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three, Joshua Fletcher joins Dr Alex George to unpack why there’s no quick-fix for anxiety, how wellness culture can quietly damage your self-worth and the complex relationship between anxiety and self-trust.

Plus, Josh and Alex discuss how using humour can sometimes be a healthy way to cope with anxiety, and why rumination never solves anything…

Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two, Joshua Fletcher explores whether you can still be a good therapist and struggle with mental illness, how to strike a healthy balance between self-improvement and self-obsession and why it’s better to be a “wounded healer” than a perfect one…

Plus, Josh and Dr Alex George discuss why human connection is vital to impactful therapy, and whether it’s okay to accept that you’ve not “fixed” yourself yet.

Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!

Order Happy Habits - out now! 

Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast

Get the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual now

Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Joshua Fletcher - also known as Anxiety Josh - returns to the Stompcast! With over 300k followers, Josh is a content creator, author and psychotherapist specialising in anxiety and anxiety disorders.

In part one, Josh joins Dr Alex George to discuss how to enjoy your life alongside anxiety, the importance of leaning into uncertainty and whether AI is the future of therapy…

Plus, Josh shares his golden rules for navigating anxiety in today’s modern world.

Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World.

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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In part three, Claire educates us on how audio description works for TV, film and concerts and shares how she’s making the world more accessible. 

Plus, she shares how she pulls herself out of the darkest moments to find moments of joy. 

Follow Claire @canseecantsee_

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In part two, Claire Sisk sheds light on the everyday obstacles she faces that, as a sighted person, you could take completely for granted. 

Claire explains the app that helps connect blind people with help around the world, the issues with travel assistance and the triggers that remind her of her blindness. 

Follow Claire @canseecantsee_

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At just 29, Claire Sisk suffered two strokes, which eventually led to her losing her sight. 17 years later, she’s thriving with a career in TV and content creation – but she’s come a long way from her self-described ‘rock bottom’.

In part one, Claire reveals how her first marriage broke down at the same time of her illness, why she was terrified of losing her daughter and why she didn’t tell anyone about her sight loss.

Follow Claire @canseecantsee_

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In part three, Gini explains why she decided to open up about this deeply personal experience and her advice to anyone considering egg donation.

Gini and Dr Alex discuss the complex intersection of science and religion, the power of a truly selfless good deed and how you never know what will come from a seemingly unremarkable interaction. 

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In part two, Gini reveals how the baby born from her egg reacted to finding out that his ‘auntie’ was actually his biological mother. 

Gini shares her anxieties around the secret coming out, why she was the most afraid to tell her parents and how her relationship has changed with Christopher since it all came out. 

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30 years ago, Gini struck up a conversation with a stranger on the tube, which would change both her and the stranger’s lives forever.

Despite having no knowledge of the process, Gini agreed to donate her eggs to a complete stranger. She shares her extraordinary story with Dr Alex George, revealing what made her so certain she wanted to perform such a selfless act, what it was like hiding her egg extraction while living with her in-laws and why she believes that a karmic connection may have led to this incredible meeting. 

It’s only this year that Gini has gone public with this extraordinary story, so you don’t want to miss it. 

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In part three, Shell explains how her cancer diagnosis eventually led her on the path to her dream job.

Plus, she opens up about the disgusting hate comments she’s received and how she doesn’t let them bother her.

Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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In part two, Shell Rowe explains why humour was so important during her cancer treatment and why it’s so important not to define people as ‘cancer patients’.

Shell and Alex discuss the loss of dignity during treatment and why being open about it helped her get through it, the videos that she never posted and why she dabbled with religion during the darker times. 

Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

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Shell Rowe was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma at just 20 years old. Somehow, she found the humour in cancer, building a social following of over 1.1 million. 

In this episode, she joins Dr Alex George to share the devastating conversations that followed her diagnosis - including telling her girlfriend she didn’t need to stay - and the moment which left her thinking ‘it’s now or never’. 

Plus, she shares why she believes cancer is as much of a mental battle as a physical one, and why it’s the little moments you’d realise you’d miss. 

Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

(By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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In part three, Laura Guckian and Dr Alex George compare notes on their AuDHD and how she spotted the signs in both herself and her children that they were autistic. 

Plus, she offers her advice on what to do during your child’s meltdown and the lesser-known signals of AuDHD in girls. 

Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions.

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In part two, Laura Guckian shares some of the confessions mum’s have shared with her and reveals how many of them wonder if they made the right choice by having children.

Laura discusses the rage that is surprisingly prevalent in many mothers, the reality of gentle parenting and the things she does in order not to feel any mum guilt. 

Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions.

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8 years ago, when Laura Guckian should have been experiencing the happiest time of her life, she instead found herself in a psychiatric hospital away from her 10-month-old baby.

In this powerful episode, she joins Dr Alex George to share what it was like spending 2 months in hospital, the shocking reason behind many suicidal thoughts amongst new mums and why the idea of a ‘good mum’ can be an unachievable ideal. 

Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions.

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In part three, Alex turns to the listeners to find out what YOU would change about Stompcast. 

If you’ve got ideas on how Stompcast can change for the better, share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/8v2Yw5JPB5dbT6AG9

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In part two, Alex and Abby discuss the future of the Stompcast with some controversial changes… 

What does a rebrand look like? Are we moving away from guests? Is it in a studio? Is it with a cohost? Listen to find out more…

Give us your feedback on the Stompcast: https://forms.gle/8v2Yw5JPB5dbT6AG9

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After almost 200 episodes, an ADHD diagnosis and giving up alcohol, Dr Alex is starting to question it all. Is this the end of Stompcast?

In this raw and honest episode, Dr Alex (joined by his EA and friend Abby) talks about why all the things that make Stompcast amazing are also the things that make it hard. 

Plus, they share some extraordinary behind-the-scenes moments which never made it to air. 

Give us your feedback on the Stompcast: https://forms.gle/8v2Yw5JPB5dbT6AG9

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In part three, Anna Mathur and Dr Alex George discuss the positive role of anger.

Anna explains how positive change can stem from angry emotions, why it’s integral to share your anger and when the right time to walk away from a job is.

Follow @annamathur and preorder her book How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love (As Well As the Ones You Don’t) (By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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In part two, Anna Mathur explains how to catch yourself before your snap, and how to pick up the pieces after you have. 

Anna also explains how to deal with irritating colleagues, how to stop little things from turning into a huge argument and the questions you need to ask yourself if you’re an ‘angry person’. 

Follow @annamathur and preorder her book How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love (As Well As the Ones You Don’t) (By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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Psychotherapist and best-selling author Anna Mathur joins Dr Alex George with a compassionate look on why we can get so angry sometimes. 

In part one, Anna explains why the smallest things can trigger the biggest meltdowns, how autism and ADHD can play into feeling angry and how to stop getting so overstimulated.

Follow @annamathur and preorder her book How to Stop Snapping at the People You Love (As Well As the Ones You Don’t) (By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!)

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In part three, Lucy shares her kit list if you want to head out on your own adventures.

So if you want to know what food to bring, the must haves for wild camping and how to save someone from a crevasse then look no further…

Follow @lucysheps and pick up her new book ‘Into the Wild’ out on April 16th. By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!

Watch Lucy’s new Channel 4 show SECRET AFRICA: INTO THE WILD’ out 18th April.

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In part two, Lucy Shepherd shares extraordinary stories of some terrifying animal encounters, and how she escaped unscathed…

Plus, Lucy and Alex discuss losing our connections with the earth around us and what small changes we can make to feel closer to nature. 

Follow @lucysheps and pick up her new book ‘Into the Wild’ out on April 16th. By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!

Watch Lucy’s new Channel 4 show SECRET AFRICA: INTO THE WILD’ out 18th April.

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British Explorer, expedition leader and filmmaker Lucy Shepherd trades the Amazon for the park on this week’s stomp with Dr Alex George. 

In part one, Lucy shares how a young girl growing up in Suffolk followed her dream of becoming an adventurer, what it takes to actually put together an expedition and the surprising dangers of being lost in the wild. 

Follow @lucysheps and pick up her new book new book ‘Into the Wild’ out on 16th April. By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!

Watch Lucy’s new Channel 4 show SECRET AFRICA: INTO THE WILD’ out 18th April.

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Neuroscientist and author of ‘Rewire: Your Neurotoolkit for Everyday Life’, Nicole Vignola is joining Dr Alex on this week's episode.

In part 1, Nicole breaks down exactly how the brain works, the shocking impact exercise can have and the long-term effects of stress on the brain. 

In part 2, she explains how possible it is to rewire your brain and build healthy habits. 

In part 3, Nicole Vignola offers tips on the benefits of boredom and how to start feeling happier every single day. 

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Activist and best-selling author Ben West is joining Dr Alex George for a stomp among the deer in Richmond Park. 

After losing his 15-year-old brother Sam to suicide, Ben explains the struggle of recounting their final interactions, how he previously misunderstood depression and why it’s so important to remember the sun will always set on a bad day. 

In part 2, Ben West shares how the tragic loss of his brother compelled him to turn to activism. 

In the final part of this stomp, Ben West shares how he looks after his own mental health while revisiting the saddest moments in his and other people’s lives. 

Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs immediate help. Call 116 123. 

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Greg James is a broadcaster, author and the voice that wakes up the nation on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show. 

In part one, Greg joins Dr Alex George to discuss the importance of live radio during the pandemic, how humour can provide comfort in difficult times and why he feels more connected to his 20 year old self now than ever before.

In part two, Greg shares his journey to hosting the UK’s biggest radio show, why it’s vital to connect to your younger self and talks about how he decided he didn’t want to have children.

In part three, Greg shares why we need to take silliness more seriously, how to find the fun in the mundane everyday and why it’s so important to make time to do the things that bring you joy.

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In part 3, Eve explains how to meditate if you can not sit still – don’t worry, mindfulness is still for you!

Eve and Dr Alex discuss the true impact of meditating every day, and why mindfulness is a skill you need to practise. 

Follow @meditatewitheve / www.meditatewitheve.com

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In part 2, Eve Lewis explains the benefits of a daily meditation and why you only need 5 minutes a day to start feeling the difference. 

Plus, she shares some techniques on how to calm racing thoughts before bed and join us in a guided meditation to really start to feel zen. 

Follow @meditatewitheve / www.meditatewitheve.com

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Eve Lewis is one of the most recognisable voices in the mindfulness space. As the former Director of Meditation at Headspace, she’s the voice of hundreds of guided courses, sleep exercises, and the voice of the Headspace podcast. 

In this episode, Eve joins Dr Alex George to share how she went from burning out in advertising to joining Headspace as a fledgling start-up. 

Plus, Eve explains what mindfulness actually is and how it can help with feelings of doom and uncertainty. 

Follow @meditatewitheve / www.meditatewitheve.com

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In part three, Lara talks about the struggles of opening yourself up to strangers when you’re a people pleaser, and how she’s trying to fix that.

Plus, Lara and Dr Alex discuss how their OCD presents itself and uncommon symptoms of OCD, which can leave so many people undiagnosed. 

Follow @thatparkbenchgirl 

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In part two, Lara shares the most impactful conversations she’s had with strangers about mental health.

Lara and Dr Alex discuss the responsibilities of being a mental health spokesperson, how to identify when a friend is struggling, and how to make your social media more positive.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, call Samaritans at 116 123

Follow @thatparkbenchgirl 

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In May 2024, Lara Philippart decided to sit on a bench and invite strangers to talk about their mental health, becoming ‘That Park Bench Girl’. She’s since had over 100 conversations, and today she adds Dr Alex George to that list. 

In part one, Lara explains why she began ‘park benching’, the surprising statistics around the amount of men who have spoken to her and the process of becoming a mental health first aider. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling, call Samaritans at 116 123

Follow @thatparkbenchgirl

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We’re growing the team behind The Stompcast and are looking for a Video & Podcast Producer to join us.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the podcast end-to-end, shaping conversations, producing episodes, and creating standout video content. You’ll also play a key role in building Alex’s YouTube channel, from content planning through to delivery and growth.

If you’re passionate about storytelling, love podcasts, and understand how to create content that connects across audio and video, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or request the full job description: Email abby@dralexgeorge.co.uk with your CV and examples of your work.

Or feel free to share this with someone who might be a great fit.

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A national radio show, board game company, TV shows and now a brand new podcast… In part 3, Matt Edmondson shares how he manages his many spinning plates. 

Plus, he reveals the wild and crazy topic he’s written a musical about…

Novel Idea, a Matt & Mollie Production is available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow @mattedmondson

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In part 2, Matt Edmondson reveals the podcast episode that led to his ADHD diagnosis and the many ways it impacts his life - for good and bad.

Plus, he opens up about the loss of his dad to suicide, and in a vulnerable conversation, he talks about why it took him so long to process his grief. 

Novel Idea, a Matt & Mollie Production is available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow @mattedmondson

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BBC Radio 1 presenter Matt Edmondson joins Dr Alex George this week to share the realities of getting his dream job at 18 and then losing it...

In part 1, Matt discusses how he achieved his presenting dreams from endless persistence, why he got fired from CBBC and what pulled him out of his subsequent depression. 

Novel Idea, a Matt & Mollie Production is available on all major podcast platforms.

Follow @mattedmondson

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In part three, Billy Monger speaks about his close relationship with his sister as seen on Race Across the World. Plus, he shares how he’s continuing to push physical boundaries on his training to become a Paralympian in the LA 2028 Paralymics. 

Follow @billymongerracing

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What did Billy Monger do next after his racing career? In part two, he shares with Dr Alex George why he said no to his first F1 presenting gig, the Comic relief challenge that pushed him to take on new physical challenges and how he broke the world Ironman record for a double amputee.

Follow @billymongerracing

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