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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628 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes628

Newest first

Jun 17, 2025 · 28 min
Pt 2: What Actually Impacts Your Immune Health? | Professor Daniel M. Davis
In part two, Professor Daniel M. Davis discusses the different factors that impact our immune health, the link between our immune health and mental health and the unexpected effect strenuous exercise can have on our immune system… Plus, Dan and Dr Alex George unpack how age impacts your immune system and why embracing the complexity of the immune system can actually give you a sense of power. Buy Dan’s latest book ‘Self Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health’ through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too! 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.
Jun 16, 2025 · 40 min
Pt 1: Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Immune Health! | Professor Daniel M. Davis
Daniel M. Davis is a world-renowned immunologist and Professor Immunology at Imperial College London. He is an acclaimed author and researcher and released his latest book ‘Self Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health’ on 5th June 2025. In part one, Dan joins Dr Alex George to unpack the endless myths we hear about our immune health, how stress can impact our immune system and reveals how much of our immune health is actually predetermined by genetics. Plus, Dan discusses the ways in which the immune system can fight off cancer and why it’s so important to be skeptical of anything that sounds ‘too simple’ when talking about immune health… Buy Dan’s latest book ‘Self Defence: A Myth-busting Guide to Immune Health’ through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too! 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.
Jun 11, 2025 · 25 min
Pt 3: How to Boost Your Longevity and Age Gracefully | Dr Lucy Pollock
In part 3, Dr Lucy Pollock unpacks why you shouldn’t be scared of getting older and shares some useful advice for boosting your longevity and ageing positively. Plus, Lucy and Dr Alex George discuss how your attitude to ageing affects how you age and why you should shift your mindset to see ageing as a privilege… Follow @dr_lucy_pollock and get her book ‘The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a doctor of ageing’ 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.
Jun 9, 2025 · 36 min
Pt 2: What We’re Getting Wrong About Growing Older | Dr Lucy Pollock
In part 2, Dr Lucy Pollock discusses the invaluable perspective we gain from ageing, the importance of recognising our impact on other people and unpacks what we’re getting wrong about ageing. Plus, Lucy and Dr Alex George answer all of the taboo questions you have about ageing and Lucy shares why she believes the depersonalisation of healthcare is a symptom of a system under pressure. Follow @dr_lucy_pollock and get her book ‘The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a doctor of ageing’ 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.
Jun 9, 2025 · 37 min
Pt 1: What No One Tells You About Ageing | Dr Lucy Pollock
Dr Lucy Pollock is a geriatrician with over 30 years experience working with older people in the NHS. She is a best-selling author and is releasing the paperback of her second book ‘The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a doctor of ageing’ on 12th June 2025. As a species, we are living much longer lives and have more choices than ever before about how we will age - so why are so many of us fearful of getting older? In part 1, Lucy joins Dr Alex George to unpack why it’s important to not become obsessed with the process of getting older, the impact alcohol has on ageing and how exercising in your youth can set you up for a strong future. Plus, Lucy discusses how stress can affect how you age and why human connection is vital for bringing different generations together… Follow @dr_lucy_pollock and get her book ‘The Golden Rule: Lessons in Living from a doctor of ageing’ You can check out The Recovery Letters project Lucy mentions here. 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.
Jun 4, 2025 · 19 min
Pt 3: What Does the Future of Women’s Health Look Like? | Dr Hazel Wallace
In part 3, Dr Hazel Wallace reveals how to talk about periods in your relationship, why we need to improve education about the menstrual cycle and what the future of women’s health looks like. Plus, Hazel and Dr Alex George discuss the importance of equipping young girls with the tools they need in order to continue exercising whilst on their periods and how to go about reducing feelings of shame surrounding your cycle. Follow @drhazelwallace and get her book ‘Not Just a Period: Reclaim Your Cycle, Harness Your Hormones and Take Control of Your Health’ 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.
Jun 3, 2025 · 25 min
Pt 2: How to Optimise Your Menstrual Cycle | Dr Hazel Wallace
In part 2, Dr Hazel Wallace discusses the risks of overexercising when on your period, how microplastics affect women’s fertility and why she believes the menstrual cycle should be recognised as a vital sign… Plus, Hazel and Dr Alex George unpack the importance of men educating themselves about periods and how to recognise when period pain might be a sign of something more serious. Follow @drhazelwallace and get her book ‘Not Just a Period: Reclaim Your Cycle, Harness Your Hormones and Take Control of Your Health’ 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.
Jun 2, 2025 · 30 min
Pt 1: Is This Normal? Decoding Your Period Symptoms | Dr Hazel Wallace
Dr Hazel Wallace is a women’s health nutritionist, former NHS doctor and founder of The Food Medic. She is a bestselling author and released her latest book ‘Not Just a Period: Reclaim Your Cycle, Harness Your Hormones and Take Control of Your Health’ on 22nd May 2025. 1.9 billion people menstruate and have on average 456 periods over the course of a lifetime - so why do periods still feel like such a taboo topic? In part 1, Hazel joins Dr Alex George to unpack how your period affects your overall health, how your nutrition can impact your hormonal health and how to know what’s ‘normal’ for your menstrual cycle. Plus, Hazel discusses why it’s so important to track your cycle and gives some helpful advice for how to best advocate for yourself when speaking to your doctor about your period. Follow @drhazelwallace and get her book ‘Not Just a Period: Reclaim Your Cycle, Harness Your Hormones and Take Control of Your Health’ 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.
May 28, 2025 · 18 min
Pt 3: A Therapist’s Advice on Making the Most of Your Therapy Sessions | Jodie Cariss
In part three, Jodie Cariss gives some helpful advice on how to make the most of your therapy sessions, discusses why journalling can be a great tool to measure progress and shares some useful self-care tips for outside of the therapy room. Plus, Jodie and Dr Alex George discuss the importance of meeting yourself where you’re at and why it’s vital to remember that feelings are transient. Check out Self Space and get Jodie’s book ‘How to Grow Through What You Go Through: Mental Maintenance for Modern Lives’ 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.
May 27, 2025 · 26 min
Pt 2: How to Tell if Therapy is ‘Working’ - And What to Do if It’s Not | Jodie Cariss
In part two, Jodie Cariss and Dr Alex George discuss how to know when a therapist isn’t the right fit for you, and how to approach this tricky conversation. Plus, Jodie unpacks how to measure progress when undergoing therapy, the importance of understanding that healing is not linear and why being challenged by your therapist can be a good thing… Check out Self Space and get Jodie’s book ‘How to Grow Through What You Go Through: Mental Maintenance for Modern Lives’ 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.
May 26, 2025 · 36 min
Pt 1: Why You Should Go to Therapy (Even If You Think You Don’t Need To) | Jodie Cariss
Jodie Cariss is a therapist with over 18 years experience and founder of Self Space, a private therapy clinic which is widely considered to be the world’s first on-demand mental health service that’s available on the high street. Deciding to go to therapy is a big step, but it can often be overwhelming. In part one, Jodie shares the best ways to get started with therapy, including how to find a therapist and how to know which type of therapy is right for you. Plus, Jodie and Dr Alex George debunk some common misconceptions about therapy and emphasise that progress and self-development is the main goal: you can’t ‘win’ therapy! Check out Self Space and get Jodie’s book ‘How to Grow Through What You Go Through: Mental Maintenance for Modern Lives’ 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.
May 23, 2025 · 49 min
*BONUS* How to Harness Your Anger and Live a Calmer Life | Dr Caroline Boyd
Dr Caroline Boyd is a chartered clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience working in the NHS and other mental health settings. She specialises in anger, particularly how it manifests itself in parents. Anger is still quite a taboo topic, and many of us may try and suppress our anger due to feelings of shame or discomfort. In this special bonus episode, Caroline joins Dr Alex George to unpack why we get angry, how to approach anger in the different relationships in our lives and why you should acknowledge and address anger when it arises. Plus, Caroline discusses the importance of meeting anger with compassion and reveals the surprising ways in which anger could actually be your superpower… Follow @_drboyd and check out her website here 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.
May 21, 2025 · 24 min
Pt 3: How to Accept Anxiety and Feel Ten Times Calmer | Dr Kirren
In part 3, Dr Kirren reveals why you need to stop over-focusing on your anxious thoughts and shares her top three tips for living alongside anxiety. Plus, Kirren and Dr Alex George discuss the difficulty of being a perfectionist and why you should never Google your symptoms if you’ve got a history of health anxiety… Follow @drkirren and get her book ‘Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety and Change Your Life’ 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.
May 20, 2025 · 27 min
Pt 2: The 5 Golden Rules for Managing Health Anxiety | Dr Kirren
In part 2, Dr Kirren unpacks the topic of health anxiety, how it’s connected to death anxiety and shares her golden rules for managing health anxiety. Plus, Kirren and Dr Alex George discuss their experiences of EMDR therapy and how living life according to your values can help alleviate feelings of death anxiety… Follow @drkirren and get her book ‘Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety and Change Your Life’ 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.
May 19, 2025 · 30 min
Pt 1: Why Anxiety Feels So Physical and What to Do About It | Dr Kirren
Dr Kirren is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience, and has built an online following of over 600k through her helpful videos about living with anxiety. Many of us suffer from anxiety, so why do we rarely talk about the frightening symptoms of anxiety? In part 1, Kirren joins Dr Alex George to discuss the many different ways anxiety may present itself physically, the importance of accepting anxious thoughts and why it’s essential to make friends with uncertainty. Plus, Kirren shares some tips for managing the physical symptoms of anxiety and reveals why anxiety levels have risen drastically since the pandemic… Follow @drkirren and get her book ‘Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety and Change Your Life’ 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.
May 14, 2025 · 32 min
Pt 3: Try These 6 Things For Optimum Hormonal Health | Hannah Alderson
In part three, Hannah Alderson reveals the six steps to rebalancing your hormones and how your diet has a bigger impact on your hormonal health than you might think… Plus, Hannah and Dr Alex George unpack the role movement can have on our hormones and how practicing daily gratitude can improve both your hormone health and mental wellbeing. Follow @hannahaldersonnutrition and get her book ‘Everything I Know About Hormones: Six Steps to Optimal Health and Happiness’. 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.
May 13, 2025 · 30 min
Pt 2: Why ‘Being Hormonal’ Is Actually a Good Thing! | Hannah Alderson
In part two, Hannah Alderson unpacks why more women are speaking up about their hormone health than ever before, the key roles cortisol and insulin play in our daily lives and why ‘being hormonal’ is actually a good thing. Plus, Hannah and Dr Alex George discuss why the 24 hour cycle is the most important in hormonal health and why your hormones are only ever as good as the clues you give them… Follow @hannahaldersonnutrition and get her book ‘Everything I Know About Hormones: Six Steps to Optimal Health and Happiness’. 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.
May 12, 2025 · 35 min
Pt 1: Why Your Hormones Aren’t Made For the Modern World | Hannah Alderson
Hannah Alderson is a nutritionist and hormone expert, who recently released her debut book ‘Everything I Know About Hormones: Six Steps to Optimal Health and Happiness’. Hormones are vital for our daily functioning and can be a great indicator for our overall health - so why do so many of us know so little about them? In part one, Hannah joins Dr Alex George to unpack our key hormones and their functions, the different factors that can impact our hormone function and why our hormones haven’t adapted to our modern world… Plus, Hannah discusses the differences between synthetic and natural hormones and reveals why (perhaps unfairly) cortisol has such a bad reputation. Follow @hannahaldersonnutrition and get her book ‘Everything I Know About Hormones: Six Steps to Optimal Health and Happiness’. 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.
May 7, 2025 · 21 min
Pt 3: How to Make (and Keep) Better Friendships | Michelle Elman
In part 3, Michelle Elman gives some helpful advice for making new friends and maintaining old ones. Plus, Michelle and Dr Alex George reflect on the different roles you play in different friendships and why it’s so important to be grateful for the friendships you do have. Follow @michellelelman and get her book ‘Bad Friend: Why Friendship Breakups Hurt and How to Heal’, coming 8th May, published by Renegade Books. 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.
May 6, 2025 · 32 min
Pt 2: Why You Have to Grieve Lost Friendships | Michelle Elman
In part 2, Michelle Elman and Dr Alex George discuss how to heal from a friendship breakup, the importance of recognising grief when a friendship ends and why ambivalent friends can be more damaging than bad friends… Plus, Michelle talks about how to recognise if you’re being a bad friend and how you can’t have good boundaries without good communication. Follow @michellelelman and get her book ‘Bad Friend: Why Friendship Breakups Hurt and How to Heal’, coming 8th May, published by Renegade Books. 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.