Podcast
Short talks on meaning, mental health, and what it actually takes to live a more examined life. Listen below or via: iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, & YouTube.
Want to go deeper? Book a 1:1 session.
Masking, Burnout, and Neurodivergence | EP 283
Masking is a survival strategy, often used by neurodivergent people to fit in, stay safe, and meet social expectations. But maintaining the mask comes at a cost.
This talk explores the difference between masking and simply showing different parts of ourselves, the exhaustion and burnout masking can cause, and how greater awareness, self-acceptance, recovery, and support can help us find a healthier balance.
Discovering Your Calling | Ep 281
What is your calling?
This episode explores what it means to discover your calling and why living in alignment with your deepest values can transform your mental health and sense of purpose.
Drawing on my own journey from teaching to psychotherapy, I reflect on trauma, uncertainty, and the search for meaningful work, sharing practical frameworks like Ikigai and my ‘3A process of healing’ Awareness, Acceptance, and Action.
We explore the fears and inner blocks that keep us stuck, the courage required to leave the comfortable rut, and how deep introspection can reveal the direction you were always meant to follow.
It is imperative that you find your calling, because if you don’t you are withholding your full value from the world.
The Importance Of Agency | Ep 280
Agency is your belief in your ability to influence your life.
Effort + Time = Results.
I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately, as I’m in the midst of some major life changes. I recently received my Graduate Diploma of Counselling and I am updating my website, books, and offerings to reflect this next chapter. I’m also continuing to show up each day, facilitating daily guided meditations on Insight Timer and working to expand my reach and impact.
On the personal front, I’m training Jiu Jitsu more than ever, confronting the excuses that once held me back from competing, and proving to myself that growth comes from action, not intention.
Positive change rarely happens overnight. It takes, consistent actions repeated daily. The key is believing that your actions matter and then acting accordingly.
I encourage you to believe in your ability to create positive change in your own life, and then to ACT!
In this session, I also introduce 'The Flame & The Void' meditation from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. You can listen to a guided version here, with separate recordings available for both adults and children.
What Drives Me To Share My Soul Online? | Ep 251
Part product of the past, part vision for the future, part desire to live a meaningful life, part belief that I can make a difference …
In this episode I break down the reasons why I feel compelled to share my soul online, discussing the journey I took to get here and where I am hoping to go.
If you are wanting an in depth look at ‘my why’, this is for you…
Explaining The Paradox Of Dissociation | Ep 203
How can you pin down a feeling of unreality? When even the act of focusing causes you to drift?
In this episode I attempt to explain the reality of dissociation from within the condition. Obviously this is somewhat of a paradox, but through poetry and introspection I hope to explain the state of my mind…
Perhaps You Shouldn't Listen To This Episode | Ep 198
One of the benefits of this podcast is that I can talk freely, using this medium as a form of therapy.
If you are interested in listening to me break down my woes and come to some semblance of sanity, perhaps take a listen. But be warned, I am offloading my issues here, not providing solutions.
How Much Should I Be Offended? | Ep 195
What worries me more than the details of the latest controversy is the cycle of controversies that we are continually exposed to.
Wait a week and that issue will be replaced by another one - just as ‘offensive’, just as ‘important’, just as ‘impactful’.
I don’t buy it.
This episode explores some of the recent issues from a meta-perspective, focusing on the value of detachment and introspection to determine how we really feel about a topic, and using ‘offence’ as a way to learn more about ourselves.
I wish you well for the year to come!
174: You Are Not The Exception To The Rule - Managing the Mental Health Expectations of Friends
Everyone assumes they are the exception to the rule; that one person who will never trigger me, and who won’t cause me social anxiety. Who I can feel ‘truly safe’ to be myself around…
167: The Reality Of Living With Mental Illness
Life with mental illness is full of ups and downs. The acceptance of this reality is vital for healing and growth. I am increasingly wary of self-help gurus and life coaches who only project positivity - this is not how reality works. And denying it (or not showing it) can ostracise people into the belief that they are alone in their suffering. This is simply not true.
158: When Your Mental Health Takes A Turn For The Worse
Over the last couple of weeks, my mental state has taken a turn for the worse.
In this episode I break down what has happened & why, as well as discuss what I am doing to mend.
We are in unprecedented times, so it makes sense that you may be also struggling.
126: Maintaining Mental Health During The Coronavirus
The Coronavirus is causing a disruption to normal life.
For me this has meant stopping social gatherings, reducing my training, delaying profession development, and most significantly, the postponement of my therapy sessions.
Maintaining mental health is vital at all times, but particularly now.
In this episode, I discuss the impact of the Coronvirus, and what I am doing about it.
114: The Problem Of Over Abundance (Why I am Embracing Silence)
Never before have humans had the ability to completely kill boredom.
At the click of a button we can communicate, watch, read, listen and play. Sounds great, but what is that lack of silence, that lack of ‘sitting with yourself’ doing to our mental states?
In this episode I dissect the overabundance of information that modern society presents to us.
101: What Does Mania Feel Like
Topic: By sharing the reality of mental illness, we can hopefully help to reduce the stigma and let people know they are not alone. In this episode I share my recent manic experience, recorded both during and after the event. This is what mental illness really looks like.
Book Chapter: ‘Learn How To Say No’ (00:15:15) of How To Get Your Sh!t Together
“When you say ‘yes’ to others, make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho
Click through to listen
93: Meditation - The Lead Domino For Good Mental Health
If I could only choose one treatment option to manage my mental health, I would choose Mindfulness Meditation.
It is the lead domino for mental health. It will enhance your focus, clarity and ability to detach from negative thoughts.
91: Who Is Worse Off? Is It Possible To Ever Tell?
How can you ever know if one person is worse off than another? Given that we all view the world through a subjective lens, this may be impossible. In this episode, I talk about how I approach this issue, and use it to help myself and others.
62: Guarding Your Mental State This Christmas
Look after yourself as a matter of priority this Christmas.
The added social and financial pressure of this time of year can be the tipping point for those of us with mental illness or a history or trauma.
In this episode I discuss why this happens, and what you can do to manage yourself this festive season!
57: How To Avoid Being Triggered By Social Media
Social media is a double edged sword. It is an amazing tool to catch up, connect and dispel feelings of loneliness, however it comes at a cost.
It exposes you to the unfiltered thoughts of others. On occasion, this will be triggering. Worse still, you never know when this will occur.
52: Why Mental Illness Is So Stigmatised, and What You Can Do About It
Despite the fact that 1 in 5 people are currently suffering from a mental illness (1 in 2 over the lifespan), mental illness is highly stigmatised.
In this episode I delve deep into the possible causes and solutions to this stigma. I also talk about dealing with the possibility of ‘attention seekers’ or ‘fakers’ as well as how to best ensure that your family and friends know you will be there for them should they need your support.
44: Guard Your Mental State At All Costs
It is vital to first notice the warning signs of a mental illness coming on and then take action to best guard your mental state.
In this episode share the ups and downs of this week - talking about how I manage my mental state, both in the short and long term.