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

Sep 5, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 2: How Ben West Turned the Worst Moment of his Life into a Positive
In part 2, Ben West shares how the tragic loss of his brother compelled him to turn to activism. Ben explains why anger was the initial driving force to make change, how mental health is neglected in schools and why talking vulnerably makes him feel safer. Follow Ben @iambenwest Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs immediate help. Call 116 123. Follow @thestompcast and pick up Dr Alex’s latest book The Mind Manual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 4, 2023 · 33 min
Pt 1: United in Grief with Ben West
Activist and best-selling author Ben West is joining Dr Alex George for a stomp among the deer in Richmond Park. After losing his 15-year-old brother Sam to suicide, Ben explains the struggle of recounting their final interactions, how he previously misunderstood depression and why it’s so important to remember the sun will always set on a bad day. Follow Ben @iambenwest Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs immediate help. Call 116 123. Follow @thestompcast and pick up Dr Alex’s latest book The Mind Manual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 30, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 3: Is Being a Mother and Having a Career Only For the Rich? with Hilary Whitehall
In part 3, Hilary Whitehall shares her life lessons from her incredible achievements with Dr Alex George. Hilary and Alex discuss the myth that you can have it all, the struggles parents face raising their children while having to work and the benefits of supporting your kids to follow their passions. Plus, the pair discuss how you’re impacted by your birth order, the mental health benefits of having a dog and a boat flying past triggers a heroic story from Hilary. Follow Hilary @hilarywhitehall and listen to her podcast The Wittering Whitehalls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 29, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 2: The Key to a Successful Marriage with Hilary Whitehall
In part 2, Hilary Whitehall takes us through her remarkable life while being a shining example of a “late bloomer”. Hilary shares the many lives she's led through work and motherhood, how her son (comedian Jack Whitehall) found huge success very quickly and why she identifies as an enabler. Plus, she shares the reality of a 40-year marriage and offers advice on how to make it work. Follow Hilary @hilarywhitehall and listen to her podcast The Wittering Whitehalls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 28, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 1: Hilary Whitehall: Life in Britain’s Funniest Family
Actor and podcaster Hilary Whitehall is taking Dr Alex George on a stomp up the River Thames this week. Hilary reveals how deep comedy runs in the Whitehall family, the importance of movement especially as you get older and she delves into the British ‘laugh or you’ll cry’ culture. Plus, Hilary shares her experience of nastiness online, why she fights the urge to respond to trolls and the permanence of social media. Follow Hilary @hilarywhitehall and listen to her podcast The Wittering Whitehalls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 22, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 3: What did Anna Mathur do to Make Herself a Happier Mother?
In the final part of this week’s stomp, Anna and Alex share how you can help your parent friends. Anna explains why parents need to address their own needs in order to look after their kids, how to avoid passing on anxiety to your children and she offers practical tips for finding moments of self-care in busy schedules. Follow Anna @annamathur and order her new book Raising a Happier Mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 21, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 2: Top Tips for Intrusive Thoughts with Anna Mathur
In part 2, Anna Mathur shares the movement she started which encourages parents to be open to receiving kindness, just by adding a ribbon to their bag. Anna and Alex discuss the importance of being grateful for the small things, how people are more lonely than ever and how intrusive thoughts stopped Anna from driving for a decade. Plus, if you have intrusive thoughts, Anna shares useful tips on how you can bat them away. Follow Anna @annamathur and order her new book Raising a Happier Mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 20, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 1: A Psychotherapist’s Guide to Avoiding Burnout with Anna Mathur
Psychotherapist and bestselling author Anna Mathur is stomping with Dr Alex George in Surrey this week. Anna explains how she’s making counselling less clinical, why it’s beneficial to have therapy outside the doctor’s office and why even your therapist needs therapy. Plus, Anna and Alex share advice on how to avoid burnout and why you should say no to more things. Follow Anna @annamathur and order her new book Raising a Happier Mother. Get Dr Alex’s book The Mind Manual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 15, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 3: Unexpected Outcomes of Becoming Vegan with BOSH!
In part 3, the BOSH! chefs reveal the surprising things that happened when they went vegan. Ian and Henry explain what they’d do differently if going vegan today, the physical and environmental impact of changing your diet, plus they offer advice if you’re wanting to add more plant-based dishes into your routine. Follow @bosh.tv and buy their brand new cookbook BOSH! Meat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 14, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 2: Cook For Your Mental Health with BOSH!
In part 2, Henry, Ian and Dr Alex discuss why cooking doesn’t have to be a chore and how it can actually be a positive influence on your wellbeing. Henry and Ian explain how they went from no formal cooking experience to selling over a million cookbooks, what goes into making their mouth-watering videos and the inspiration behind their new vegan cookbook that’s all about meat. Follow @bosh.tv and buy their brand new cookbook BOSH! Meat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 13, 2023 · 21 min
Pt 1: Is Veganism a Thing of the Past? with BOSH!
Plant-based internet chefs Henry Firth and Ian Theasby (aka BOSH!) are joining Dr Alex George on a walk in a West London hidden gem. Henry Firth and Ian Theasby share how they went from steak lovers to vegans, the stigma around veganism and how they’re battling the judgy stereotype of the plant-based world. Plus, they explain how we can be more sustainable with our food choices and reveal the real meaning behind their name ‘BOSH!’... Follow @bosh.tv and buy their brand new cookbook BOSH! Meat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 8, 2023 · 30 min
Pt 3: How does Adam Pearson inspire people in unconventional ways?
In the final part of this stomp, Adam shares his blunt and simple mantra, why he thinks motivational speaking can be misguided and Alex shares his health fact of the week about video games and decision-making. Plus Alex shares an exclusive sneak peek into his new solo stomps series for Behind The Stomp subscribers: ‘Dr Alex’s Diaries’. Follow Adam @adam_pearson_tv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 7, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 2: Adam Pearson on the misconceptions of disability
In the second part of this stomp, Adam Pearson opens up about his experience living with Type 1 neurofibromatosis – a condition he shares with his twin brother but has manifested in completely different ways. He discusses the frustratingly simple changes that could increase access for people with disabilities, the confusion around disability and inability, and the competitive nature of being a twin. Follow Adam @adam_pearson_tv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 6, 2023 · 29 min
Pt 1: Adam Pearson in Croydon
Disability activist, presenter and actor Adam Pearson is taking Dr Alex George for a stomp around his local park for this week’s episode. Adam shares his incredible journey which led him to star in a film alongside Scarlett Johannson, why he has a problem with the word “bullying” and why it’s easier to live with regrets than “what ifs”. Follow Adam @adam_pearson_tv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 1, 2023 · 17 min
Pt 3: What support would Stacey Heale have wanted when her husband died?
In the final part of this Stomp, Stacey explains why you shouldn’t worry about intruding when someone is experiencing a loss and how she felt about the people who didn’t show up. Stacey and Alex ponder the power of voice notes, the importance of knowing that ‘this too shall pass’ and Alex shares the health fact of the week which shows the impact of bottling in your feelings. Follow Stacey @stacey_heale LINKS: Child Bereavements The Compassionate Friends The Good Grief Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 31, 2023 · 30 min
Pt 2: Stacey Heale on how to live bravely in the face of loss
In part 2, Stacey shares her instinct to start writing when Greg was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, plus her determination to persevere and enjoy life. Stacey also reveals the post-traumatic growth she experienced after loss, how she navigates her new awareness that you don’t know how long you have, and how it has brought her back to her longstanding dream of being a writer. Follow Stacey @stacey_heale LINKS: Child Bereavements The Compassionate FriendsThe Good Grief Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 31, 2023 · 31 min
Pt 1: Stacey Heale in Southampton Common
Writer, speaker and campaigner Stacey Heale is taking Dr Alex on a hefty stomp around Southampton’s enormous Common. Stacey’s husband, Delays singer Greg Gilbert, sadly passed away from bowel cancer in 2021, so Alex asks Stacey to tell us about the incredible man that she knew – including his random quiz knowledge, musical skills and the unlikely story of how they met. Stacey and Dr Alex discuss the complexities of grief especially for children. She shares how the outdoors helped her overcome a breakdown in her early 20s and Alex reveals the poignancy of stomping in Southampton. Follow Stacey @stacey_heale LINKS: Child Bereavements The Compassionate Friends The Good Grief Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 24, 2023 · 43 min
1 year of Stompcast
After over 150 miles of walking and talking, the podcast dedicated to getting you out on a walk for your mental health is celebrating its one year anniversary! Join Dr Alex George as we look back on some of the incredible guests who’ve stomped with us over the past 12 months – including the conversation with Toddla T which pushed Alex to get his ADHD diagnosis, savings advice from Money Mum Gemma Bird which still rings true and a never before heard moment from the hike with SAS: Who Dares Wins’s Billy Billingham. Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 19, 2023 · 17 min
Pt 3: Mushrooms, CBD and Lion’s Mane: Harriet Dyer Experiments
In part 3, Harriet Dyer explains why she’s experimenting with different self improvement fads for her podcast ‘Make Me Better’ – and if any of them have worked! From mushrooms and CBD, to gratitude and getting out in nature, Harriet reflects on the weirdest and most mundane things she’s tried on the mission to see if wellbeing products and remedies actually work. Plus, Dr Alex shares a health fact which explains why the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” has science behind it. Follow @harrietdyercomedy LINKS: Listen to Make Me Better Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 18, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 2: The Myths of Bipolar Disorder with Harriet Dyer
In part 2, Harriet Dyer opens up about how she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the common misconceptions people have about it. Dr Alex discusses the huge stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, Harriet shares some of the shocking assumptions people have made about her and she reveals her struggle to draw the line between making a joke and being serious. Plus, Harriet shares why her ‘nanna’ lifestyle has led her to be the happiest she’s ever been. Follow @harrietdyercomedy LINKS: NHS info on Bipolar disorder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.