Stompcast

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 @thestompcastDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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.appFollow @knitformentalhealth and support Jane’s work here.Resources:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusOrder Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @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 @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @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 @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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:SamaritansShoutCALMPapyrusFollow @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 @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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 @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men

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 @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men