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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Oct 30, 2024 · 22 min
Pt 3: How to Talk to Children about their Mental Health | Mother Pukka, Anna Whitehouse
In part 3, Anna Whitehouse and Dr Alex look at mental health and the whole family. Anna and Alex discuss how to talk to children about mental health, Anna shares a great tip on how to get your children to open up more and the importance of apologising and owning up to your own mistakes as a parent. Follow @mother_pukka You can find support for postpartum depression at www.mind.org.uk 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.
Oct 29, 2024 · 30 min
Pt 2: How to Support New Parents | Mother Pukka, Anna Whitehouse
In part 2, Anna Whitehouse explains the best way anyone can support a new mum in the postpartum fog that commonly occurs. Anna shares the reality of postpartum depression, useful and tangible tips on how anyone can support a new parent and the importance of discussing everyone's sex education with both boys and girls. Plus, Alex describes what it’s like to deliver a baby via c-section! Follow @mother_pukka You can find support for postpartum depression at www.mind.org.uk 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.
Oct 28, 2024 · 31 min
Pt 1: What Being a Parent is Really Like | Mother Pukka, Anna Whitehouse
Anna Whitehouse, aka Mother Pukka, is a broadcaster, journalist and campaigner who is a leading voice for all parents in the UK. In this episode, Anna joins Dr Alex George to discuss the reality parenting has on your mental health and why it’s integral everyone has an understanding, whether they have children or not. In part 1, Anna explains the stark difference of attitudes around maternity in the UK and abroad; she shares tips on how to be a great team with your partner when you have a newborn baby and the driving force behind her incredible FlexAppeal campaign. Follow @mother_pukka You can find support for postpartum depression at www.mind.org.uk 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.
Oct 23, 2024 · 21 min
Pt 3: Why Do We Keep Picking the Wrong Partners? Relationships Explained | Alain de Botton
In part 3, Alain de Botton shares his expertise on what makes relationships so complex and how to understand your partner better. Alain explains attachment theory, and the real-life scenario you see it playing out; why we make the bizarre choice to choose partners who seem obviously bad for us; and he offers his advice on how to get over heartbreak. Find all of Alain’s books at www.alaindebotton.com 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.
Oct 22, 2024 · 26 min
Pt 2: What Can Atheists Learn from Religion? | Alain de Botton
In part 2, Alain de Botton and Dr Alex George discuss religion, and what parts you can use to improve your life without having to believe. Alain explains how organised religion educates people on morals and ethics, what it means to practise something “religiously” and the lost connection between philosophy and fashion. Plus, Alain explains the psychological benefits of art therapy, exercises you can practise today and why he doesn’t believe in the word “Expert”. Find all of Alain’s books at www.alaindebotton.com 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.
Oct 21, 2024 · 33 min
Pt 1: Are We Truly Defined By Our Past? | Alain de Botton
Best-selling author and philosopher Alain de Botton joins Dr Alex George in this fascinating conversation – if you want to understand yourself better this is one you do not want to miss. In part 1, Alain explains why things that happen in our childhood have such a profound impact on us – even when we can’t remember it; why a breakdown could be the sign of a breakthrough and how to stop putting emphasis on what other people think. Find all of Alain’s books at www.alaindebotton.com 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.
Oct 16, 2024 · 31 min
Pt 3: 5 Steps to Financial Wellbeing | Financial Coach, Clare Seal
In part 3, financial coach Clare Seal shares her five steps to financial wellbeing. Clare explains how to separate your self worth from your net worth, how to start creating healthy financial habits and how to spend your money mindfully. Follow @clare.seal and get her book ‘Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing’ 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.
Oct 15, 2024 · 23 min
Pt 2: How to Create a Budget and Spending Plan | Finacial Coach, Clare Seal
In part 2, financial coach Clare Seal shares her top tips for creating a budget you can stick to. Clare and Dr Alex discuss what are the best apps to use and how they help you; how to find the balance between spending and living your life; and why you need to give your savings a purpose. Follow @clare.seal and get her book ‘Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing’ 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.
Oct 14, 2024 · 34 min
Pt 1: How to Take Control of Your Money with Financial Coach Clare Seal
Financial Coach and the voice behind ‘My Frugal Year’, Clare Seal joins us as part of our Mental Health Month episodes because you can’t talk about wellbeing without talking about financial health. In part 1, Clare shares how she got into £27,000 worth of debt and the steps she took to get out of it. Clare explains how to stop being afraid to even think about your finances, why you shouldn’t be scared to talk to your bank about your debts and the surprising benefits of talking to your friends about money. Plus, should you ask your family to loan you money? Clare shares her thoughts. Follow @clare.seal and get her book ‘Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing’ 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.
Oct 9, 2024 · 25 min
Pt 3: The Science Behind Manifesting | Dr Sabina Brennan
In part 3, Dr Sabina Brennan explains the incredible connection to manifestation and neuroscience, helping us understand that the practice may not be as ‘woo woo’ as people say… Sabina explains the two foundational steps before you can start manifestation, why self-criticism is a form of self-harm and how to start using neuroscience to manifest your ideal future. Follow @sabinabrennan and get The Neuroscience of Manifesting 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.
Oct 8, 2024 · 27 min
Pt 2: The Ultimate Brain Diet | Dr Sabina Brennan
In part 2, Dr Sabina Brennan explains the three key pillars to have a brain healthy lifestyle and the simple ways you can implement them today. Sabina explains the surprising way that socialising is great for our brains, the best diet and food for brain health and why you should let your teenagers have that lie in. Plus, Sabina and Alex discuss the horrifying impact contact sports have on our brain and mental ability. Follow @sabinabrennan and check out all her books here. 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.
Oct 7, 2024 · 31 min
Pt 1: What Makes A Healthy Brain? | Neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan
Neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan joins Dr Alex George in a packed episode on what makes a healthy brain, and why it’s never too late to start making better choices. In part 1, Sabina explains the biggest influences on the developing brain and how it affects adulthood; how the front lobe works and the huge changes it goes through ages 18-25; and how to make the most of a teenage brain. Follow @sabinabrennan and check out all her books here. 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.
Oct 2, 2024 · 23 min
Pt 3: The Unexpected Joys of Being Sober | Catherine Gray
In part 3, Catherine Gray and Dr Alex George share all the best bits of not drinking – and some may surprise you. Catherine shares the financial and personal development benefits of sobriety, how it affected her relationships and how it changes the way you deal with tougher times. Follow @unexpectedjoyof and get her book, ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’ Get Catherine’s debut novel ‘Versions of a Girl’ 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.
Oct 1, 2024 · 34 min
Pt 2: Top Tips for Sober Socialising | Catherine Gray
In part 2, Catherine Gray explains why trying sobriety for 30 days isn’t enough, and why 90 days is the real test. Catherine and Dr Alex discuss why you shouldn’t avoid socialising during Sober October or Dry January, how to prepare for the different ways people may react to you not drinking and Catherine shares her top tips for socialising sober including the big one: weddings. Follow @unexpectedjoyof and get her book, ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’ Get Catherine’s debut novel ‘Versions of a Girl’ 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.
Sep 30, 2024 · 27 min
Pt 1: Are You Sober Curious? | Catherine Gray
We’re kicking off World Mental Health Month with the author of ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’, Catherine Gray. 11 years ago, Catherine had a ‘raging alcohol addiction’, but since her recovery, she’s become an integral voice to help people go sober every day. In this episode, she joins Dr Alex George to share her key lessons and the tips she’d offer to the sober curious. In part 1, Catherine shares the anxiety she had around being alcohol-free, the reasons why she couldn’t just cut down her intake and the personal transformation that has come with putting the bottle down. Catherine also shares her thoughts on whether you must hit rock bottom before you stop. Follow @unexpectedjoyof and get her book, ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober’ Get Catherine’s debut novel ‘Versions of a Girl’ 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.
Sep 25, 2024 · 18 min
Pt 3: How to Heal From Heartbreak | Jordan Stephens
Jordan Stephens starts off part 3 with the hidden story behind an iconic photo, showing that we never know what’s going on in someone's life behind social media. Jordan and Dr Alex go on to discuss healing after heartbreak, the feeling and fear of never being happy again and how to find opportunities to ‘fix yourself’ afterwards. Plus, Jordan stresses the importance of sharing how you’re feeling with other people. Follow @jordanfstephens and get his book ‘Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs’ 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.
Sep 24, 2024 · 26 min
Pt 2: Accepting the Death of Your Former Self | Jordan Stephens
In part 2, Jordan Stephens discusses what having a dog has taught him about love, why we have to accept the death of our former selves and what the most effective antidepressant is – and it’s something you’re already doing. Plus, Jordan shares the ‘six tent peg’ theory by Donna Lancaster, which can help you when you’re going through chaos. Follow @jordanfstephens and get his book ‘Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs’ 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.
Sep 23, 2024 · 24 min
Pt 1: Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs | Jordan Stephens
Musician, actor and writer Jordan Stephens joins Dr Alex George for a stomp to discuss his instant Sunday Times Bestselling book ‘Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs’. In part 1, Jordan explains how his ADHD diagnosis led him to a creative career, he shares his “wild” ideas on how the education system needs to change and why he feels lucky to have had so much therapy. Follow @jordanfstephens and get his book ‘Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs’ 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.
Sep 17, 2024 · 30 min
Pt 3: Families Belong Together: How Displaced Families are Reunited | British Red Cross
Giulia Gosi works for the British Red Cross in London, and in part 3 of this partnership with the British Red Cross, Dr Alex speaks to Guila about how she is supporting families who have been separated by conflict or persecution. We talk about the emotional journey that families face and learn what it takes to safely reunite them. TW: In this episode we mention FGM. Look after yourself and listen with caution. For more information on what the British Red Cross does and how you can help head to www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/here-for-humanity 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.
Sep 17, 2024 · 31 min
Pt 2: Dealing with Devastation: Meet the Everyday People Responding to Floods, Storms and Fires | British Red Cross
In part 2 of this Stompcast partnership with the British Red Cross, Alex talks to David Craigie – an emergency response volunteer in the north of Scotland who has supported people after devastating storms and floods. He shares his journey of how he came to work with the British Red Cross and the challenges he overcame to help people going through some of the toughest times of their lives. For more information on what the British Red Cross does and how you can help head to www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/here-for-humanity 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.