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
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Episodes628

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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.
June 17 · 17 min
Pt 3: Can One Person Really Change Government Policy? | Ben West
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: Samaritans Shout CALM Papyrus Follow @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 @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 16 · 30 min
Pt 2: Should We Ban Social Media for Under 16s? | Ben West
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: Samaritans Shout CALM Papyrus Follow @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 @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 15 · 32 min
Pt 1: The Suicide Prevention Project That’s Sent 3.5 Million Letters | Ben West
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: Samaritans Shout CALM Papyrus Follow @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 @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 10 · 28 min
Pt 3: The Freedom that Comes When Anxiety Stops Defining You | Owen O’Kane
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 @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 9 · 33 min
Pt 2: What Your Anxiety is Trying to Tell You | Owen O’Kane
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 @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 8 · 33 min
Pt 1: How to Work With Anxiety Instead of Against It | Owen O’Kane
Owen O’Kane is a leading psychotherapist, mental health expert and author whose work has helped countless people better understand and manage anxiety. In part one, Owen joins Dr Alex George to discuss why you need to embrace anxiety, the importance of looking after your inner child and how shame can impact your relationship with anxiety. Plus, Owen unpacks the three core systems that drive anxiety forward, and reveals why he believes there is never one sole cause of anxiety… 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 @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 3 · 23 min
Pt 3: Is Wellness Culture Making Your Anxiety Worse? | Anxiety Josh
In part three, Joshua Fletcher joins Dr Alex George to unpack why there’s no quick-fix for anxiety, how wellness culture can quietly damage your self-worth and the complex relationship between anxiety and self-trust. Plus, Josh and Alex discuss how using humour can sometimes be a healthy way to cope with anxiety, and why rumination never solves anything… Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World. (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 @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 2 · 21 min
Pt 2: What is Your Therapist Really Thinking? | Anxiety Josh
In part two, Joshua Fletcher explores whether you can still be a good therapist and struggle with mental illness, how to strike a healthy balance between self-improvement and self-obsession and why it’s better to be a “wounded healer” than a perfect one… Plus, Josh and Dr Alex George discuss why human connection is vital to impactful therapy, and whether it’s okay to accept that you’ve not “fixed” yourself yet. Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World. (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 @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 1 · 28 min
Pt 1: Is AI the Future of Therapy? | Anxiety Josh
This week, Joshua Fletcher - also known as Anxiety Josh - returns to the Stompcast! With over 300k followers, Josh is a content creator, author and psychotherapist specialising in anxiety and anxiety disorders. In part one, Josh joins Dr Alex George to discuss how to enjoy your life alongside anxiety, the importance of leaning into uncertainty and whether AI is the future of therapy… Plus, Josh shares his golden rules for navigating anxiety in today’s modern world. Follow @anxietyjosh and check out his new book Same Time Next Week?: Living with Anxiety in the Modern World. (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 @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 · 19 min
Pt 3: ‘Concerts are Audio Described Because of Me!’ | How Claire Sisk is Making the World More Accessible
In part three, Claire educates us on how audio description works for TV, film and concerts and shares how she’s making the world more accessible. Plus, she shares how she pulls herself out of the darkest moments to find moments of joy. Follow Claire @canseecantsee_ 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.
May 26 · 26 min
Pt 2: What I Wish Sighted People Knew About Going Blind | Claire Sisk
In part two, Claire Sisk sheds light on the everyday obstacles she faces that, as a sighted person, you could take completely for granted. Claire explains the app that helps connect blind people with help around the world, the issues with travel assistance and the triggers that remind her of her blindness. Follow Claire @canseecantsee_ 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.
May 25 · 30 min
Pt 1: ‘I Didn’t Tell Anyone I Was Going Blind’ | Claire Sisk
At just 29, Claire Sisk suffered two strokes, which eventually led to her losing her sight. 17 years later, she’s thriving with a career in TV and content creation – but she’s come a long way from her self-described ‘rock bottom’. In part one, Claire reveals how her first marriage broke down at the same time of her illness, why she was terrified of losing her daughter and why she didn’t tell anyone about her sight loss. Follow Claire @canseecantsee_ 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.
May 20 · 17 min
Pt 3: The Taboo and Silent Struggle of Infertility and Faith | Gini Bhogal
In part three, Gini explains why she decided to open up about this deeply personal experience and her advice to anyone considering egg donation. Gini and Dr Alex discuss the complex intersection of science and religion, the power of a truly selfless good deed and how you never know what will come from a seemingly unremarkable interaction. Follow @ginibhogal 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.
May 19 · 21 min
Pt 2: What Happened When the Truth was Revealed Almost 30 Years Later | Gini Bhogal
In part two, Gini reveals how the baby born from her egg reacted to finding out that his ‘auntie’ was actually his biological mother. Gini shares her anxieties around the secret coming out, why she was the most afraid to tell her parents and how her relationship has changed with Christopher since it all came out. Follow @ginibhogal 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.
May 18 · 23 min
Pt 1: The Woman Who Donated Her Eggs to a Stranger on the Tube | Gini Bhogal
30 years ago, Gini struck up a conversation with a stranger on the tube, which would change both her and the stranger’s lives forever. Despite having no knowledge of the process, Gini agreed to donate her eggs to a complete stranger. She shares her extraordinary story with Dr Alex George, revealing what made her so certain she wanted to perform such a selfless act, what it was like hiding her egg extraction while living with her in-laws and why she believes that a karmic connection may have led to this incredible meeting. It’s only this year that Gini has gone public with this extraordinary story, so you don’t want to miss it. Follow @ginibhogal 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.
May 13 · 25 min
Pt 3: How to Live When You Thought You Were Going to Die | Shell Rowe
In part three, Shell explains how her cancer diagnosis eventually led her on the path to her dream job. Plus, she opens up about the disgusting hate comments she’s received and how she doesn’t let them bother her. Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive (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 @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 · 26 min
Pt 2: TMI! Why Oversharing Can Be The Key to Feeling Less Alone | Shell Rowe
In part two, Shell Rowe explains why humour was so important during her cancer treatment and why it’s so important not to define people as ‘cancer patients’. Shell and Alex discuss the loss of dignity during treatment and why being open about it helped her get through it, the videos that she never posted and why she dabbled with religion during the darker times. Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive (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 @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 11 · 33 min
Pt 1: ‘No One Ever Thinks They’ll Get Cancer’ | Shell Rowe on her Mental Battle
Shell Rowe was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma at just 20 years old. Somehow, she found the humour in cancer, building a social following of over 1.1 million. In this episode, she joins Dr Alex George to share the devastating conversations that followed her diagnosis - including telling her girlfriend she didn’t need to stay - and the moment which left her thinking ‘it’s now or never’. Plus, she shares why she believes cancer is as much of a mental battle as a physical one, and why it’s the little moments you’d realise you’d miss. Follow @shellrowex and pre order her book Dying to Live: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive (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 @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 · 30 min
Pt 3: The Reality of Being a Mum to Neurodivergent Children | Laura Guckian
In part three, Laura Guckian and Dr Alex George compare notes on their AuDHD and how she spotted the signs in both herself and her children that they were autistic. Plus, she offers her advice on what to do during your child’s meltdown and the lesser-known signals of AuDHD in girls. Follow @MindMommyCoaching and listen to Momfessions. 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.