Hurt to Healing

Today’s episode is one I’ve been so excited to share because we’re talking about addiction in a way that feels much more human and much less “labels and lectures”. I’m joined by David Courtwright, historian and author of The Age of Addiction, and we explore how addiction so often begins in pleasure, then quietly tips into something compulsive, shame-filled and costly not just for the person, but for everyone around them.What I really loved about this conversation is how it widens the lens. We talk about why addiction isn’t only about substances anymore, how modern life is basically designed to hook our brains, and David’s brilliant idea of “limbic capitalism” which is essentially the business of hijacking our reward system for profit. If you’re struggling with something yourself, or you’re supporting someone who is, I think this will leave you feeling less alone and more clear about what’s actually going on and where change can start.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find David:Website: https://davidcourtwright.domains.unf.edu/Buy his book 'The Age of Addiction': https://amzn.eu/d/01vG1z76

On today’s HEALING 101, I’m joined by Nadia and Katia Narain, for a gentle but powerful conversation about the beautiful concept at the heart of their new book: glimmers.We explore what glimmers really are - those small, often overlooked moments that signal safety and ease to the nervous system - and why they’re so different from gratitude. Together, we talk about how learning to notice these tiny experiences of calm, connection, and okay-ness can help regulate stress, soften anxiety, and slowly shift us out of overwhelm. It’s a soothing, reassuring discussion filled with practical insight and a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from big breakthroughs, but from the smallest moments of feeling just a little more okay.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Nadia and Katia:Instagram: @nadia.and.katiaBuy their book: https://amzn.eu/d/08CuHlBQ

In this episode of Healing 101, Julia is joined by broadcaster and presenter Ore Oduba for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, shame and the coping mechanisms we develop to manage difficult emotions. Ore speaks openly about his relationship with pornography, the moment it stopped feeling like a harmless habit and began to feel like something more troubling, and the internal struggle that followed.Together they explore the emotional landscape beneath addictive behaviours — including anxiety, grief, identity and the pressure to perform. This is a thoughtful conversation about the courage it takes to confront the parts of ourselves we would rather hide, and the possibility of healing that emerges when we bring those struggles into the light.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Ore:Instagram: @oreodubaofficial

In today’s episode, I’m joined by preventive medicine physician and author Dr Sharon Bergquist, whose book The Stress Paradox challenges the idea that all stress is harmful and offers a far more hopeful, evidence-led way of thinking about what’s happening in our minds and bodies.Together, we explore the difference between chronic, depleting stress and the kinds of “good stress” that can build resilience at a cellular level. Sharon explains why recovery matters as much as challenge, how to recognise when stress is helping versus harming, and the small, realistic habits that can strengthen your capacity to cope so you’re not just getting through life, but actually growing through it.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Sharon:Website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/Instagram: @thegoodstressdoctorBuy her book: https://amzn.eu/d/0df3zDag

On today’s Healing 101 episode, I’m joined by doctor, mental health advocate, and bestselling author Dr Alex George for a conversation about what it really means to be “normal.”Together, we explore why normality is often a misleading lens for understanding ourselves, the difference between impulsivity and compulsivity, and the many hidden ways OCD can show up beyond the stereotypes. Alex shares personal reflections from his own experience, alongside compassionate insights on intrusive thoughts, rumination, and learning to gently redirect attention.This episode is a powerful reminder that our quirks, sensitivities, and differences are not flaws to fix, but parts of ourselves to understand - and sometimes even our greatest strengths.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Alex:Website: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/Instagram: @dralexgeorgeBuy His New Book "Am I Normal?": https://amzn.eu/d/aoEqbLDListen to Stompcast: https://www.dralexgeorge.co.uk/podcast

Today I’m joined by Dr Marc Berman, a leading researcher on how nature impacts the brain, attention, and mental health.Marc explains the difference between directed (voluntary) attention and involuntary attention, why so many of us feel depleted by modern life, and why time in nature can genuinely restore focus - even if you don’t “feel like it.” We talk depression, anxiety and ADHD-like symptoms, the surprising links between green space and behaviour (including stress and aggression), plus practical ways to get your “dose” of nature and even bring some of its benefits indoors.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Marc:https://psychology.uchicago.edu/directory/marc-g-bermanBuy Marc's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/305368/marc-berman

On today's Healing 101, I’m joined by broadcaster, author, and psychology expert Claudia Hammond, whose latest book, Overwhelmed, explores why so many of us feel like life has simply become too much.In this episode, we unpack what overwhelm actually is, when stress shifts from helpful to harmful, and the subtle signs that your mind and body may be under strain. Claudia shares practical, research-backed tools for managing information overload, protecting your attention, and building small daily habits that guard against burnout.We also explore simple ways to reset your nervous system — including breathing techniques and cultivating moments of awe — and why feeling better is often less about doing more, and more about choosing more wisely.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Claudia:Website: https://claudiahammond.com/Buy her new book 'Overwhelmed': https://amzn.eu/d/b9YY7DX

Today on Hurt to Healing, I’m joined by therapist and divorce expert Oona Metz, author of Unhitched: The Official Divorce Guide for Women. We talk about why divorce can still feel so loaded with shame, why women so often carry the guilt (especially with children), and the difference between ending a marriage legally and leaving it emotionally - which often happens long before the paperwork. Oona shares practical, steady guidance for the messy middle: how to talk to your children, handle friends and family, get the right support, and move through the grief towards real healing and a new chapter.Thank you to INGENIOUS for sponsoring this episode. INGENIOUS is on a mission to be the voice of truth in the collagen world. Their approach is simple: clinically tested formulas, ingredient transparency, and science-backed results you can trust. They’re offering listeners 20% off with the code HEALING20 at https://ingeniouslife.com/Find Oona:Website: https://www.oonametz.com/Read Unhitched: https://amzn.eu/d/0bZl9mXVInstagram: @oonametz