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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629 episodes
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Episodes629

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Dec 17, 2024 · 20 min
Pt 2: Wellbeing Trends: What To Try and What To Avoid | Liz Earle MBE
In part 2, Liz Earle shares with Dr Alex George how she went from beauty journalist to the household name we know today. Liz explains how she got into wellness when it was considered ‘woo woo’, how the ‘Liz Earle’ skincare brand came to be and she offers her insights on health and wellbeing trends. If you want to know which trends have stood the test of time vs. those that turned out to be just a fad, then this conversation is a must listen. Follow @lizearleme and get her latest book, A Better Second Half Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 16, 2024 · 26 min
Pt 1: Small Changes You Can Make to Your Self-Care Routine | Liz Earle MBE
Liz Earle MBE is a significant voice in the wellbeing space, and in this episode, she joins Dr Alex George for a cosy December stomp all about self-care. In part 1, Liz breaks down her 15 minute morning routine which helps her start each day feeling her best, the benefits of simply opening a window as soon as you wake up and why she loves being barefoot outside. Follow @lizearleme and get her latest book, A Better Second Half Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 11, 2024 · 29 min
Pt 3: How to Stop Feeling the Pressure to Live Your Best Life | Dr Kathryn Mannix
In part 3, Dr Kathryn Mannix and Dr Alex George discuss what death can teach us about living fulfilled lives. Kathryn offers advice on how to stop worrying, practises you can try to bring yourself back from spiralling thoughts and why you shouldn’t feel pressure to live your best life. Follow @drkathrynmannix and get her book ‘With the End in Mind’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 10, 2024 · 33 min
Pt 2: The Process of Dying Explained – Why It Will Make You Less Scared | Dr Kathryn Mannix
In part 2, Dr Kathryn Mannix shares a powerful story from her days in palliative care, which will ultimately leave you less afraid of the unknown. Kathryn examples the ‘process of ordinary human dying’ and why explaining this often puts people at ease. Plus, Kathryn and Alex discuss the changes around families being included in their loved ones' deaths, and whether or not children should be allowed in the room. Follow @drkathrynmannix and get her book ‘With the End in Mind’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 9, 2024 · 35 min
Pt 1: Why Wait Until You’re Dying to Start Living Your Life? | Palliative Care Expert, Dr Kathryn Mannix
Dr Kathryn Mannix is a best selling author and former palliative care consultant. She joins Dr Alex George on this life affirming stomp to discuss what death can teach us about living. In part 1, Kathryn explains why we don’t take our mortality seriously, how to stop waiting until you’re running out of time to live the life you want and the surprising things she’s heard when taking care of people who are at the end of their life. Follow @drkathrynmannix and get her book ‘With the End in Mind’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 4, 2024 · 27 min
Pt 3: Top Tips to Overcome Social Anxiety | David Robson
In part 3, David reveals more of his 13 social strategies so you can beat social anxiety and feel confident talking to new people. David shares why talking to strangers is really important, why we often don’t say the positive thing we’re thinking to people we don’t know and his top tips for overcoming social anxiety. Get David’s book The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 3, 2024 · 19 min
Pt 2: Why Prioritising Your Friendships Can Help You Live Longer | David Robson
In part 2, David Robson shares the fascinating connection between longevity and quality friendships. David shares the science behind why lasting friendships can help you live longer, how to stop comparing everyone else’s social life to yours and how to salvage friendships that you once thought were over. Get David’s book The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 2, 2024 · 29 min
Pt 1: The Laws of Connection: How to Stop Feeling Isolated and Find Lasting Friendships | David Robson
Have you ever been in a group of people and felt like you’re the only person not having a good time? In this episode, we explore the Laws of Connection with award-winning writer David Robson, as he joins Dr Alex on this insightful stomp. In part 1, David explains the number 1 reason people forge connections, he shares fascinating studies on how to make friends in minutes and how to combat isolating feelings. Get David’s book The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2024 · 16 min
Pt 3: Why a Year Apart Made My Relationship Stronger | Hardest Geezer
As long distance running meets long distance relationships, in part 3, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) explains how he and his girlfriend stayed connected during a year away. Russ shares a top tip for anyone in a LDR, how he grew spiritually during his challenge and he reveals the terrifying story of when he got kidnapped. Plus, when Dr Alex asks about Russ’ new normal, it reveals how the mental impact of the challenge is still ongoing… Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 26, 2024 · 24 min
Pt 2: Finding the Light in the Darkness | Hardest Geezer
In part 2, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) shares the physical and emotional impact of his gruelling challenges. Russ reveals how he managed to get into Algeria despite being denied a visa, how he’s handling his newfound fame and what the hardest part of the challenge was (and it wasn’t the running!). Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 25, 2024 · 23 min
Pt 1: The First Person to Run the Length of Africa | Hardest Geezer
Hardest Geezer, aka Russ Cook, became the first person to run the entire length of Africa earlier this year. This week he joins Dr Alex George on the Stompcast to reveal the impact of pushing yourself to your extreme limits. In part 1, Russ talks about the challenges he did before the Big One (including being buried alive), how making the random choice to run home after a night out kicked off his love of the sport and what made him want to take on this incredible challenge. Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 20, 2024 · 33 min
Pt 3: A Psychologist's Guide to Meditation | Dr Mark Rackley
In part 3, Dr Alex George asks Dr Mark Rackley if meditation can actually make an impact on someone’s mental fitness, and tips on where to begin. Mark explains the principles of meditation and mindfulness, simple hacks if you struggle to get into the zone and what is happening in your brain when you start to have spiralling thoughts. Follow @drmarkrackley Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 19, 2024 · 26 min
Pt 2: What is Learned Helplessness and How Do You 'Unlearn' It? | Dr Mark Rackley
Do you ever find yourself in a toxic situation but do nothing to change it? In part 2, Dr Mark Rackley explains the phenomenon of ‘learned helplessness’ and how to overcome it. Mark and Dr Alex George discuss why we’re prone to staying in unpleasant environments (such as bad workplaces or relationships), the signs of learned helplessness and how to stop doing this as well as break the cycle. Follow @drmarkrackley Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 18, 2024 · 30 min
Pt 1: How to Fight Off Seasonal Depression | Dr Mark Rackley
Dr Mark Rackley is a psychologist and wellbeing expert, with over 20 years of experience. In this jam-packed episode, he joins Dr Alex George to cover a plethora of topics to set yourself up for optimum mental fitness this winter. In part 1, Mark takes us on a deep dive of seasonal depression and the winter blues. Mark explains why we often feel worse when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter and he shares top tips on how to increase your resilience to seasonal depression. Follow @drmarkrackley Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 13, 2024 · 23 min
Pt 3: How to Avoid Fussy Eating and Build Healthy Food Habits | Dr Omara Naseem
TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 3, Dr Omara Naseem offers her top tips on a healthier way to approach food, which still includes eating cake. Omara explains how to avoid teaching your kids to be fussy eaters, why not everything you eat has to be healthy and why we must remind ourselves that our value is not tied to our bodies. For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Follow @dr.omara.naseem Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 12, 2024 · 29 min
Pt 2: Ozempic, Reality TV, Tracking Apps: How Society is Encouraging Disordered Eating | Dr Omara Naseem
TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 2, Dr Omara Naseem and Dr Alex George discuss the ways society is fuelling disordered eating. Omara reveals her thoughts on the decision to add calories to menus, why tracking apps might be bad for you and how reality tv is impacting our relationship with our bodies. For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Follow @dr.omara.naseem Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 11, 2024 · 28 min
Pt 1: Why it's Time to Talk About Disordered Eating | Dr Omara Naseem
TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | Dr Omara Naseem is a leading UK expert in treating eating disorders and this week joins Dr Alex George to shine a much needed light on this topic. In part 1, Omara explains the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, how to know if you or someone you love is developing an ED and tips and techniques on how to start your recovery. For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Follow @dr.omara.naseem Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 6, 2024 · 24 min
Pt 3: Top Tips on Coping with Overwhelm and Anxiety | Dr Natalie Cawley
In part 3, Dr Natalie Cawley and Dr Alex George discuss coping mechanisms and what to do when you’re feeling completely overwhelmed. Natalie offers her advice on what to do when you’re overwhelmed, what makes someone more prone to struggle with coping and how to improve your perspective so you don’t just focus on the negatives. Plus, she shares a top tip for how to calm your anxiety and why you probably underestimate your ability to cope with tough times. Follow @nataliecawleypsych and get her book ‘Just About Coping’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 5, 2024 · 27 min
Pt 2: What is Your Attachment Style and How Does it Affect You? | Dr Natalie Cawley
In part 2, Dr Natalie Cawley shares a deep dive into Attachment Theory, including an explanation of the different attachment styles. Natalie explains why attachment theory is important to understand, how your childhood affects your adult relationships and if it’s possible to change your attachment style. Plus, she discusses how to talk about attachment styles with your partner, what couples therapy is actually like and why it’s crucial to review your attachment style while single. Follow @nataliecawleypsych and get her book ‘Just About Coping’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 4, 2024 · 32 min
Pt 1: How to Stop Overthinking | Dr Natalie Cawley
Dr Natalie Cawley is a psychotherapist and counselling psychologist with 12 years of experience in everything from couples therapy to treating patients in a secure facility. This week, she joins Dr Alex George for an in-depth conversation about therapy, coping mechanisms and anxiety. In part 1, Natalie shares what she thinks the most effective form of therapy is, how she would advise a chronic overthinker and how to deal with your fears of making mistakes. Follow @nataliecawleypsych and get her book ‘Just About Coping’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast To improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Download Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.