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Why Your Self-Care is Making You Anxious with Joshua Fletcher (AKA Anxiety Josh)
47:22|In this week’s episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher (known to many as "Anxiety Josh") to dismantle the modern "optimisation era." Josh explains why our obsession with instant fixes - from 5:00 AM ice baths to AI therapy bots - is actually fuelling our anxiety by eroding our ability to tolerate discomfort. He challenges us to stop "running away" from our feelings and instead build the emotional scaffolding needed to find peace in the stillness.Drawing from his book Same Time Next Week, Josh pulls back the curtain on the therapy room, sharing his own experiences with imposter syndrome and the "round table" of internal voices that shape our reality. We explore the "death of curiosity," the power of being truly seen, and why the most compassionate thing you can do for a racing mind is often the one thing we fear most: absolutely nothing.Find Josh:Buy his new book 'Same Time Next Week': https://amzn.eu/d/0gBZKClAWebsite: School of AnxietyInstagram: @anxietyjoshLinkedIn: Joshua FletcherLinktree: All Resources & ContactPodcast: Disordered
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HEALING 101: Breaking the Global Addiction Machine with David Courtwright
16:08|In this Healing 101 episode, historian David Courtwright explains how modern companies have "hacked" our brains to turn everyday pleasures into hard-to-break habits. He introduces the idea of Limbic Capitalism, a global system where things like social media, fast food, and addictive drugs are specifically designed to hijack the brain’s reward centre. David explores why digital technology is the new frontier of addiction - making "hits" of dopamine cheaper and more accessible than ever - and offers a hopeful perspective on recovery, reminding us that it often takes multiple attempts to finally reclaim our focus and freedom.Find David:Website: https://davidcourtwright.domains.unf.edu/Buy his book 'The Age of Addiction': https://amzn.eu/d/01vG1z76
Dr Paul Conti on Taking Back Control of Your Mind
41:31|In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Paul Conti, a world-renowned psychiatrist and graduate of Stanford and Harvard, who is widely recognized as one of the most insightful voices in modern mental health. Dr. Conti joins us to challenge the way we pathologise our minds, moving the focus away from "what’s broken" and toward the "human birthright" of what is actually going right. He shares how we can shift from feeling disempowered by labels to feeling truly empowered through what he calls compassionate curiosity.We also dive into his highly anticipated upcoming book, The Architecture of Self, which provides a definitive map of the structure and function of the human mind. Dr. Conti explains how balancing our internal drives - assertion, pleasure, and the all-important generative drive - allows us to change our internal narratives and physically transform our reality. It’s a masterclass in reclaiming your identity and building a life grounded in agency and health.Pre order Paul's book: https://amzn.eu/d/06VI4hKa
HEALING 101: The Power of Micro-Stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist
20:59|In this Healing 101 episode, Dr. Sharon Bergquist explains how "micro-doses" of intentional stress can actually disease-proof your body. We dive into the science of hormesis - the biological "sweet spot" where deliberate discomfort activates ancient vitality genes to repair DNA and boost resilience.By balancing these stressors with strategic recovery, Dr. Bergquist reveals how we can "shape-shift" our biology to become more agile, mentally sharper, and physically robust.
Gemma Styles on Navigating ADHD, Anxiety, and the Struggle to Feel ‘Enough’
44:01|On today’s episode of Hurt to Healing, I’m joined by Gemma Styles. I recently read her book Why Am I Like This? and it resonated with me so much, so it felt really special to sit down and have this conversation with her.We talk about her experience of anxiety and depression, what it felt like navigating university and early adulthood, and the impact of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. We also explore friendship, introversion, rejection sensitivity, social media and that constant inner voice that tells you you’re not quite enough. It’s a really honest, grounding conversation about understanding yourself more clearly and learning to meet yourself with more compassion.Find Gemma: Instagram: @gemmastylesBuy Gemma's book: https://amzn.eu/d/01bZzYEI
HEALING 101: When a Marriage Slowly Fades (And How to Find Yourself Again) with Oona Metz
13:37|In this Healing 101 episode, I am joined by Oona Metz to explore the agonizing "slow fade" of a marriage and why it so rarely ends in a single moment. We discuss the physical toll of chronic disconnection - from autoimmune issues to nervous system burnout - and the "denial" that keeps many trapped in the hope of a better tomorrow. Oona offers vital insights on the difference between a marriage that needs repair and one that is defined by abuse, reminding us that you should never have to "light yourself on fire to keep someone else warm." Whether you are contemplating a split or struggling with the shame of initiating one, this conversation is a compassionate guide to reclaiming your self-worth.Find Oona:Website: https://www.oonametz.com/Read Unhitched: https://amzn.eu/d/0bZl9mXVInstagram: @oonametz
Bryony Gordon on People Pleasing, Boundaries and Why Women Feel Pressure to Do It All
43:56|On today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Bryony Gordon, and it was such a joy to record this one together in person.We talk about her new novel People Pleaser, and the pressure so many women face to keep everyone happy, hold everything together and never let a single plate drop, even when we’re completely exhausted. Bryony shares so openly about people pleasing, perfectionism, addiction, OCD and motherhood, and what it really takes to start setting boundaries and live more truthfully.It’s a funny, sharp and very relatable conversation, and I think so many of you will see yourselves in it.Find Bryony: Instagram: @bryonygordonBooks: https://www.headline.co.uk/contributor/bryony-gordon/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-life-of-bryony/id1763828544