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

May 29, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 2: A GP’s Advice on Antidepressants
In part 2, Dr Alex and Dr Naomi Hill explain how antidepressants actually work, using plenty of analogies! Alex explains the role of medication and his experience of Sertraline, before Naomi dives into what you might expect when you start using medication and offers insight on when things may start to feel better. LINKS: Follow Dr Naomi’s surgery @grafton_square_surgery Further information on Sertraline 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.
May 29, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 3: What is a GP’s Advice on Finding the Right Medication?
In the final part of this stomp with Dr Alex’s GP, Dr Naomi Hill, they discuss the process of coming off antidepressants. Alex reflects on his decision and why he chose to stop taking medication, Naomi offers her advice on how to find the right support for you, and the health fact of the week sheds light on how many of us experience mental health issues but don’t ask for help. LINKS: Follow Dr Naomi’s surgery @grafton_square_surgery Silvercloud - Online self-referral CBT 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.
May 22, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 1: Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell
Strictly dancer, influencer and author, Dianne Buswell is taking Dr Alex on a wild ramble in Sussex. In this part Dianne shares why she had to take a break from dancing and how it negatively affected her mental health, as well as how she discovered new kinds of movement. Dianne and Dr Alex then discuss how to find your passion and the huge change in Dianne’s career. Follow @diannebuswell and pick up a copy of her new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2023 · 16 min
Pt 2: Dance For Your Mental Health with Dianne Buswell
In part 2, Dianne Buswell talks about teaching movement during lockdown and how it prompted her to write her book ‘Move Yourself Happy: 21 Days to Make Joyful Movement a Habit’, to help people explore different styles of movement. Dianne also attempts to teach Dr Alex the quickstep… (much to Rolo’s dismay!) before discussing the importance of learning to laugh at yourself. Side note… no Rolo’s were harmed in the making of this episode! Follow @diannebuswell and pick up a copy of her new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 3: Top Tips for Embracing Change with Dianne Buswell
In the final part of this stomp with Dianne Buswell, she shares how she’s embraced change; from leaving home at 18 to moving across the world to follow her dream career. Dianne explains how she deals with nerves, how she created a home in the UK while her family were in Australia, and how we can all find confidence through dancing. And of course, there’s the health fact of the week about how dancing improves brain health ! Follow @diannebuswell and pick up a copy of her new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15, 2023 · 41 min
How business woman Grace Beverley became a force against fast-fashion, procrastination and misogyny
Entrepreneur, author and Forbes 30 under 30 recipient Grace Beverley is with Dr Alex this week. They’re on a very productive stomp but please note, Grace and Dr Alex battled with stormy weather on this one! In this episode, Grace discusses the frustrating expectations that women shouldn’t talk about their work; the shocking statistics showing how little money is going to female founded businesses; and how through TALA Grace is facing the oxymoron of sustainable fashion head on. Plus, as creator of the viral planner ‘the productivity method’, Grace shares her number one tip to avoid procrastination. Follow @gracebeverley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 1: I’m Fine: How To Check in with a Friend with Anna Williamson
TV presenter and Celebs Go Dating agent Anna Williamson joins Dr Alex George this week on a brisk walk in Braughing. Opening up in this first part, Anna shares how she began her career on CITV as a kids TV presenter, how that eventually led to a deterioration of her mental health, and why a colleague asking ‘are you alright?’ changed her life. Anna and Dr Alex also discuss the relief when you finally open up about your feelings, and why asking the right questions can support the people around you in their lowest times. Follow @annawilliamsonofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 2: Should You Be Roleplaying? with Anna Williamson
In part 2, Anna Williamson reveals how hypnotherapy and roleplay was a key part of recovery and rebuilding her mental health. Anna tells Dr Alex how hypnotherapy works, why it helped change her feelings around traumatic memories, and how rehearsing conversations before she returned to work prepared her to face anxiety inducing situations. Follow @annawilliamsonofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8, 2023 · 32 min
Pt 3: What are Anna Williamson’s Rules for Online Dating?
On Celebs Go Dating, Anna Williamson matches potential lovers while also supporting the celebrities through their previous relationship baggage – so what expert advice can she offer you for the modern dating world? Anna tells us how to date successfully online, why talking badly about an ex is a huge red flag, and why the perfect time to get marriage counselling is actually before you get married. Plus, Dr Alex asks how honest you should be about your mental health whilst online dating? Follow @annawilliamsonofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 1: Jodie Kidd in Blackdown
Model, TV presenter and car obsessive Jodie Kidd is taking Dr Alex on a stomp in West Sussex this week. Jodie shares the iconic moment she achieved the Top Gear fastest celebrity lap only a short time after passing her driving test and how that led her into taking part in intense car rallies like the Gumball 3000. Jodie and Dr Alex also discuss how they balance social media and how it has both positively and negatively impacted their mental health. Follow @jodiekiddoffical Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1, 2023 · 23 min
Pt 2: Jodie Kidd on turning her passion into her career
In part 2, Jodie Kidd talks about how important it is to take moments to stop and appreciate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Jodie also tells Dr Alex about the pub she saved and how it ended up being an unexpected community hub before talking about her YouTube channel ‘Kidd in a Sweet Shop’ where Jodie hosts her own car fanatic series. Follow @jodiekiddoffical Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1, 2023 · 16 min
Pt 3: What did modelling teach Jodie Kidd about rejection?
In the final part of this stomp with Jodie Kidd, she shares what she learnt from the gritty days of breaking into the fashion industry. Jodie explains how she learnt to face personal rejection based on her appearance, how that manifested into deep anxiety and panic attacks in her adulthood, and her coping techniques which allow the negativity to wash over her. Of course, there’s the health fact of the week about how driving is good for the brain! Follow @jodiekiddoffical Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 23, 2023 · 29 min
Pt 1: Yinka Bokinni in Battersea Park
TV presenter and broadcaster Yinka Bokinni is stomping in Battersea Park with Dr Alex this week, discussing their daring new Channel 4 series ‘Naked Education’. If you’re yet to hear of the show that’s hit the headlines, Dr Alex and Yinka explain why educating teens on naked bodies is imperative to growing up with positive body image; and they explore why Brits are so prudish when it comes to sex education. Yinka also talks about her decision to stop drinking and why you should never stand behind her if she’s holding a sambuca shot. Follow Yinka @yinkabokinni and watch Naked Education on Channel 4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 23, 2023 · 18 min
Pt 2: Yinka Bokinni on what a heart condition really looks like
In part 2, Yinka Bokinni opens up about her heart condition, including having open heart surgery as a baby. She talks about the heartbreaking impact that it had on her siblings and how it’s shaped the vivacious person she is today. Many people joke about “main character syndrome”, however Yinka explains how being the star of your own movie can have a huge uplifting impact on your energy and you just might start to believe it. Follow Yinka @yinkabokinni and watch Naked Education on Channel 4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 23, 2023 · 16 min
Pt 3: How Yinka Bokinni finds inspiration from her own life
As the walk comes to a close, Yinka shares with Dr Alex some inspiring advice and life lessons. Yinka explains why you can’t wait for opportunities to come to you, and where to begin when chasing your own dreams. She also talks about how she finds inspiration from her own life, reflecting on her upbringing as one of seven kids in a four-bed-flat. Finally, Dr Alex wraps up with the health fact of the week, which exposes a huge difference in how heart disease looks different for men and women. Follow Yinka @yinkabokinni and watch Naked Education on Channel 4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2023 · 29 min
Pt 1: Earth Day with Mikaela Loach
Ahead of Earth Day on the 22nd April, climate justice activist Mikaela Loach joins Dr Alex in Holland Park. Mikaela has just published her first book, graduated in Global Health Policy and is basking in the optimism of a sunny day's stroll with Dr Alex. In part one, the pair begin a solutions based conversation about the things we can be empowered to do when striving for a greener planet. Buy Mikaela’s new book ‘It’s Not That Radical’ here and follow @mikaelaloach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2023 · 21 min
Pt 2: Mikaela Loach on resisting the doom of climate change
If you’re struggling with climate-anxiety, Mikaela Loach talks with Dr Alex about the small things we can do to make an impact and calm your worries at the same time. In the second part of this stomp, Dr Alex and Mikaela discuss the importance of fighting for a better future and how to feel optimistic about the state of our world. Mikaela also explains how you can use whatever skills you already have to be a part of action against climate change, and how it’s not the huge sacrifice it may seem. Grab a copy of Mikaela’s new book here and follow @mikaelaloach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 3: How does Mikaela Loach stay hopeful about the climate crisis?
In the final part of this stomp with Mikaela Loach, she explains how she approaches the negativity in the media around the climate crisis. Mikaela expresses her struggle in finding how ‘radical’ she needs to be, as the pair discuss the mottos that keep them afloat. She also speaks with Dr Alex about finding opportunities for change, the systems she wants to dismantle and how her work is forging a path for a brighter, equitable future for all. Grab a copy of Mikaela’s new book here and follow @mikaelaloach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 9, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 1: Caggie Dunlop in Holland Park
Podcaster, Author and former Made in Chelsea cast member, Caggie Dunlop is stomping with Dr Alex in the beautiful Holland Park. Caggie is well known for her podcast Saturn Returns, which is designed to guide it’s listeners through their late twenties - a time that can often bring periods of change and unrest to us while navigating our careers, relationships and personal development. In this part, Caggie shares how she ‘got stuck’ when she was heading towards turning 30 and how to trust that what happens in life, is meant for you. Pick up a copy of Saturn Returns, Caggies’ new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 9, 2023 · 21 min
Pt 2: Caggie Dunlop on why your late twenties may feel unsettled…
In the second part of this stomp, Dr Alex and Caggie are discussing why our twenties may feel tumultuous and what we can do to soothe our anxieties. Caggie teaches Dr Alex what a Saturn Return is and shares how she felt through hers and what she did to overcome the discomfort that came along with it. Pick up a copy of Saturn Returns, Caggies’ new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.