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

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Jul 17, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 1: Harriet Dyer on How She Died Twice
Comedian, author and podcaster Harriet Dyer is taking Dr Alex George on a northern stomp at Bottoms Reservoir in Glossop. Harriet shares the surprisingly funny tale of how she died twice, why she turned to drink and drugs during her early comedy career and why she decided to be so open about her mental health on stage. Follow @harrietdyercomedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 11, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 3: How Did Sonny Jay Handle Loss Live on Air?
In this touching and final part of the stomp, Sonny opens up about the sudden loss of his friend and Capital producer, Joe Lyons. Sonny describes the heartbreaking moment he found out Joe had died by suicide while presenting the breakfast show, Dr Alex stresses why suicide prevention is so important and the pair discuss what can be learnt in the face of tragedy. TW: This episode discusses suicide Follow @sonnyjay LINKS: Samaritans - Call 116 123 joesbuddyline.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 10, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 2: Turning Thirty and Changing Your Life with Sonny Jay
In part 2, Sonny reveals the huge changes he made to his lifestyle which has led him to a healthier, happier life. Sonny and Alex discuss how to approach physical change in a healthy way, the lasting impact of being forced to finish dinner as a child and why walking their dogs is the perfect exercise to bookend their days. Follow @sonnyjay LINKS: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 9, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 1: Hosting National Radio During Lockdown with Sonny Jay
Capital FM presenter Sonny Jay is joining Dr Alex George on a walk around Victoria Park. Sonny reveals the reality behind working on one of the UK’s biggest breakfast shows, what it was like hosting in the thick of lockdown and how radio connected and comforted millions during the Covid pandemic. Follow @sonnyjay LINKS: Buy Dr Alex’s new book The Mind Manual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 3, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 1: Social Media is the New CV with Harry Trevaldwyn
Actor, writer and all-round funny-fella Harry Trevaldwyn is joining Dr Alex George on a walk around Brockwell Park for this week’s Stomp. Harry and Alex discuss the role of social media in discovering talent, how Judd Apatow found a role for Harry on ‘The Bubble’, and the pair share their superstitious behaviours. (Make sure to listen out for Rolo’s input and distraction on this stomp) Follow Harry @harrytrevaldwyn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 3, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 2: Fake It Till You Make It with Harry Trevaldwyn
In part 2, Harry Trevaldwyn shares how he battles imposter syndrome when working on big Hollywood sets. Harry and Alex explain how the “fake it till you make it” mentality can work wonders, Harry explains why he takes a walk after scary meetings and shares what really happens in a green room full of A-list celebs. Plus, Alex leads us through a breathing exercise which can calm your adrenaline and anxieties – make sure you follow along! Follow Harry @harrytrevaldwyn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 3, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 3: Navigating Chronic Pain with Harry Trevaldwyn
Harry Trevaldwyn opens up to Dr Alex about the emotional and physical effect of recovering from a nasty accident he was in. Harry praises the hilarious nurse that kept his spirits up, he talks about his fear of losing work and Alex’s Health Fact of the Week starts a conversation about how to trick your brain into thinking nervousness is excitement. Follow Harry @harrytrevaldwyn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2023 · 21 min
Pt 1: Kate Thornton From the White Wine Question Time Podcast
Presenter, podcaster and journalist Kate Thornton is joining Dr Alex George on a walk around Clapham Common for Stompcast this week. Kicking off part 1, Kate gets nostalgic about her time as a writer at Smash Hits, she explains how she ended up meeting the entire cast of Friends, and how she has navigated the evolution of technology within her career (remember pagers, anyone?!) Follow Kate @thekatethornton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 2: The Butterfly Effect and Soundtracking History with Kate Thornton
In part 2, Kate shares the incredible story behind her contribution to one of the most tragic moments in UK history, despite only having 7 hours of TV presenting under her belt. Kate also reveals the butterfly effect that led to her hosting Top of the Pops, the rise and fall of her time on X Factor, and why the fear of ‘the worst’ can cause more anxiety than ‘the worst’ actually happening. Follow Kate @thekatethornton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 3: Overcoming Failure and Injustice with Kate Thornton
As the stomp comes to a close, Kate Thornton shares how overcoming the harsh realities of life has taught her how capable she really is. Kate and Alex ponder how much failure teaches us, Kate explains what drove her to speak out against injustices at work, and Alex shares a warm weather-related health fact of the week. Follow Kate @thekatethornton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 19, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 1: ‘Alcohol Nearly Killed Me’ with Michelle Heaton
Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton joins Dr Alex on this week's stomp in an exceptionally moving conversation. The singer, actor and presenter opens up about her addiction and alcoholism: she reveals the devastating effect alcohol had on her body, how it impacted her family and the turning point for her to seek rehab. She takes Alex to a bench of great significance in her journey, he shares why letting go is integral to anyone’s recovery journey, and how to relinquish control. TW: This episode discusses alcoholism and suicidal thoughts. Follow Michelle @wonderwomanshel and pick up her book Hot Flush and visit www.aa.org for further support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 19, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 2: Michelle Heaton on Battling Addiction
In part 2, Michelle Heaton explains why she has been so public about her addiction and recovery and Dr Alex and Michelle discuss when it’s appropriate to refer to yourself as ‘sober’. Michelle explains what Alcoholics Anonymous is actually like, the AA principle that recovery takes less energy than the pursuit of addiction, as well as an important message to the families and loved ones of addicts. Follow Michelle @wonderwomanshel and pick up her book Hot Flush and visit www.aa.org for further support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 19, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 3: Menopause Education For Everyone with Michelle Heaton
At only 35, Michelle Heaton entered menopause and to wrap up this stomp, Michelle and Dr Alex discuss why identifying the early symptoms of menopause can have a huge impact. Michelle explains how she ended up going into early menopause, why it’s integral to educate all genders on the subject and the positives of seeking a male perspective from her husband. Follow Michelle @wonderwomanshel and pick up her book Hot Flush and visit www.aa.org for further support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 12, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 1: Was the World Ready for Naked Education? with Anna Richardson
TV presenter and author Anna Richardson is taking Dr Alex on a stomp on Hampstead Heath this week. Anna and Alex discuss the reception of their show Naked Education, the changing landscape of public opinion and how to agree to disagree. Anna also shares her shocking experience with online trolls and Dr Alex offers some advice on how to handle angry feedback. Follow @annarichardso and listen to Anna’s brand-new podcast here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 12, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 2: The Power of Hypnotherapy with Anna Richardson
In part 2, Anna Richardson shares the pivotal moment she was given the opportunity to move from producing to presenting, and how it transformed her life and career. Anna explains how she discovered hypnotherapy through ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’, what led her to train in it herself and details exactly how it works to unlock your subconscious mind. Follow @annarichardso and listen to Anna’s brand-new podcast here LINKS: BMI and life expectancy fact check: Survival tip: Start at normal weight and slowly add pounds Why being 'overweight' means you live longer: The way scientists twist the facts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 12, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 3: Are Sexuality Labels Helpful? with Anna Richardson
In the final part of this stomp, Anna Richardson and Dr Alex George discuss labels and how they can be seen to both help and hinder people. Anna explains how she has learnt to self-identify, shed expectations and prevent herself from being pigeonholed as well as how she’s found the courage to embrace change. Plus, Dr Alex shares a secret talent and the health fact of the week with a sad statistic about body image. Follow @annarichardso and listen to Anna’s brand-new podcast here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 5, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 1: Dame Jacqueline Wilson on Achieving her Childhood Dream
Children's author of over 100 books and creator of beloved characters, Dame Jacqueline Wilson is taking Dr Alex on a ramble in East Sussex. Fresh from winning a British Book award himself the previous night, Dr Alex is keen to discuss Jacky’s journey as an author, her childhood and the power of books. The pair discuss the teachers who believed in them, how fiction is a powerful tool for learning empathy and the importance of portraying realistic characters and their struggles. Plus, Jacky opens up about how she fought through negativity to pursue her childhood dream to become a writer. Follow @jacquelinewilsonfanclub and pick up a copy of her latest book The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 5, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 2: Jacqueline Wilson on the Power of Imagination
In part 2, Jacqueline Wilson reveals how her career started, how long it took her to call herself a writer and that she still has lingering imposter syndrome. Jacky tells Dr Alex about her writing process, her own personal connection to each character, and how she learnt to be in the moment after the monumental success of Tracy Beaker. They also discuss their mutual love of Enid Blyton’s The Faraway Tree Collection as well as how to persevere and stick at the thing you love. Follow @jacquelinewilsonfanclub and pick up a copy of her latest book The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 5, 2023 · 18 min
Pt 3: Pearls of Wisdom for a Better Life with Jacqueline Wilson
After leaving school at 16 and moving to Scotland to become a journalist Jacqueline Wilson has gone on to sell over 40 million books in the UK alone - so what pearls of wisdom can she offer us? Jacky tells us how important it is to be bold and brave, how re-reading an old favourite book can help our mental health and the importance of reading stories that are in tune with your life. Plus, Dr Alex asks about the secret behind Jacky’s iconic jewellery. Follow @jacquelinewilsonfanclub and pick up a copy of her latest book The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29, 2023 · 29 min
Pt 1: My Medication Journey with my GP
Dr Alex George is joined by his own GP, Dr Naomi Hill, to candidly share his experience of antidepressants and making the decision to no longer take them in this very special episode. In part 1, Alex shares the story that spurred him to speak to his doctor, the frustrating stigma that stops people from seeking support and how to overcome the ‘not being bad enough’ mentality. Plus, Naomi helpfully explains the process of a patient coming to their GP, the details that go into deciding next steps and if they should have medication. LINKS: Follow Dr Naomi’s surgery @grafton_square_surgery More information on antidepressants with the NHS Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs immediate help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.