Figuring It Out

Dr Alex George

Having amassed millions of downloads with his hugely successful Stompcast podcast, Dr Alex George is putting down his stomping boots to try and answer life’s big questions. But he’s not alone. Dr Alex is joined by research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates. Combining their two worlds to answer the questions we all carry around with us, about our minds, our relationships, our choices and our health. We Google them at 2AM, we talk about them with friends and we wonder if we’re the only ones. 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.

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21 episodes
Updated Sunday

Episodes21

Newest first

Sunday · 29 min
Does Your Brain Give You 7 Minutes When You Die? | Pt 1
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.
July 28 · 30 min
Can Social Media Really Ruin Your Focus? | Pt 3
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.
July 27 · 23 min
Why Can I Focus On Everything Except What Actually Matters? | Pt 2
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.
July 27 · 26 min
Has Your Attention Span Actually Got Worse? | Pt 1
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.
July 22 · 45 sec
Welcome to Figuring It Out
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.
July 21 · 19 min
Can A Bad Person Really Change? | Pt 3
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.
July 20 · 29 min
How Do I Know I'm Making the Right Choice? | Pt 2
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.
July 19 · 39 min
How Much Of Who You Are Is Actually Your Choice? | Pt 1
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.
July 14 · 15 min
Can Déjà Vu Predict the Future? | Pt 3
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.
July 13 · 18 min
Why Do I Always Feel Like Something Bad Is Going To Happen? | Pt 2
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.
July 12 · 22 min
Why Does Déjà Vu Feel So Real? | Pt 1
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.
July 7 · 23 min
Does Dating Again Help You Get Over Heartbreak? | Pt 3
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.
July 6 · 25 min
Why Can't I Stop Thinking About My Ex? | Pt 2
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.
July 5 · 32 min
Can You Die From A Broken Heart? | Pt 1
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.
June 30 · 17 min
Pt 3: The Habits That Changed Everything | Toddla T
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.
June 29 · 31 min
Pt 2: ADHD, Addiction & Finally Getting Answers | Toddla T
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.
June 28 · 25 min
Pt 1: The Conversation That Changed Dr Alex’s Life | Toddla T
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.
June 24 · 30 min
Pt 3: The Final Episode of the Stompcast | Jane George
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.
June 23 · 31 min
Pt 2: Navigating Suicide Grief and Raising £100k for Mental Health | Jane George
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.
June 22 · 35 min
Pt 1: Dr Alex’s Mum on Love Island, ADHD and Growing Up | Jane George
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.