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

Apr 9, 2023 · 17 min
Pt 3: What are Caggie’s biggest learnings from her Saturn Return?
In the final part of this walk with Caggie Dunlop, you’ll hear Dr Alex and Caggie discussing the biggest lessons Caggie has learned to date. Caggie explains how astrology isn’t to be overlooked, even by the cynical! She also speaks with Dr Alex about how to handle relationship break ups and how she stopped playing the ‘blame game’ while embracing accountability. And of course, an interesting scientific health fact which shows how connected we are to the moon! Pick up a copy of Saturn Returns, Caggies’ new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 2, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 1: Melissa Hemsley in Hampstead Heath
Feel good food columnist and best-selling cookbook author Melissa Hemsley is joining Dr Alex on this week's stomp. Melissa shares how she fell into her career as a private chef for Take That – she explains the events that occurred after a wobble with her school grades and how that led to her incredible achievements today. As both have ADHD, Melissa and Alex also discuss their unique perspectives and walking speeds. Follow @melissa.hemsley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 2, 2023 · 32 min
Pt 2: Melissa Hemsley on IVF, miscarriage and pregnancy
Trigger warning: this episode discusses miscarriage In part 2, Melissa opens up about her pregnancy, and all the struggles she faced with her fertility. She shares how her miscarriage deeply affected her mental health, the problematic language often found in that conversation, and how it eventually led to her ADHD diagnosis. However, Melissa has also learnt to cherish the good days through the people she’s met on this journey, and candidly discusses her experiences of conceiving through IVF. Follow @melissa.hemsley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 2, 2023 · 21 min
Pt 3: Melissa Hemsley's rituals for when you’re low
In the final part of this ramble through the hills, Melissa Hemsley shares the life lessons and rituals that have supported her through difficult times. Melissa explains why physically ‘shaking it off’ is a massive help for releasing her feelings and her favourite books and podcasts that contribute positively to her mental health. Plus, the health fact of the week sparks a discussion on IVF and Melissa’s advice if you’re on that journey. Follow @melissa.hemsley LINKS: First, We Make the Beast Beautiful Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 1: Jimmy Doherty at Jimmy’s Farm
Dr Alex is joined by TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty at his farm and wildlife park ‘Jimmy’s Farm’ in this unique stomping experience. As they walk through the butterfly house and visit the lemurs, Jimmy reminisces on how his love for wildlife came about; the simple ways to connect with nature which help your wellbeing; plus why it’s integral to understand the value of your food. Jimmy also opens up about how farming helps him through tough times, as life always finds a way to return. Follow Jimmy @jimmysfarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 2: Jimmy Doherty on climate anxiety and creating change
Whilst feeding the monkey’s at Jimmy’s Farm, Dr Alex asks Jimmy about the small things we can do to help nature whilst curbing our climate anxiety. Jimmy also shares the struggles he faces as a parent when wanting to protect his children and get them out in nature; plus the moments that drove him to take more risks – like going into farming with no farming background! Follow Jimmy @jimmysfarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 3: Jimmy Doherty on choosing to face his grief
In the final part of this stomp around Jimmy’s Farm, Jimmy opens up about the loss of his dad; how he uses music to let his emotions out; and why we so often bottle up our feelings as Brits. Jimmy then challenges ‘anti-farming’ attitudes, and offers an insight on how the food system needs to change in the climate crisis battle. Follow Jimmy @jimmysfarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2023 · 31 min
Pt 1: Elizabeth Day in Kennington Park
Author, journalist and podcaster Elizabeth Day is joining Dr Alex on an honest stomp about true friendships and how to handle failure. In part 1, after they reminisce about their first meeting during a wholesome Love Island interview, Elizabeth and Alex deep dive into failure. Elizabeth explains how she learnt the definition through her own failures, and shares what she considers to be her biggest failure and how it’s shaped the rest of her life to date. Follow Elizabeth @elizabday and order her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 2: Elizabeth Day’s confessions of a friendship addict
Elizabeth Day’s friends have been one of the most meaningful loves of her life, and in part 2 of this stomp with Dr Alex, they discuss the journey of writing her new book, ‘Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict’. Elizabeth discusses why her friendships have greater meaning since the pandemic, the cost of having too many friends and how to identify if a friendship is good or bad for you. Follow Elizabeth @elizabday and order her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2023 · 13 min
Pt 3: Elizabeth Day on how to deal with failure
In the final part of this walk with Elizabeth Day and Dr Alex, Elizabeth explains how the first steps to dealing with failure is realising that everyone fails at some point. Elizabeth and Alex compare their failures in relation to their grief, plus Elizabeth offers advice on how you can start today with making new connections. Follow Elizabeth @elizabday and order her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2023 · 23 min
Pt 1: Ellie Dixon in Regent’s Park
Musician Ellie Dixon can often be found running around in wild and whacky costumes to promote her self-produced, alt-pop songs for her 1.2 million followers on TikTok. In part 1, Dr Alex and Ellie discuss how she grew such a huge audience with her music, where she learned to produce music and why she’s been running around dressed as a lizard… They also discuss Ellie’s fears around losing her privacy when finding fame, how she’s managing to avoid the commercialisation that sometimes happens when an artist signs to a record label, and why in her opinion, social media has completely changed the music industry. Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2023 · 14 min
Pt 2: Ellie Dixon on the reality of signing a record deal
As Dr Alex continues his stomp with Ellie Dixon, she shares the slow motion moment she signed her record deal - dressed as an astronaut no less. They also discuss how she came to sign a contract with one of the world's biggest record labels and how she’s kept control of how she writes and produces. Ellie also dives into how she harbours her creativity, why it’s a muscle that needs to be exercised and the importance of embracing mistakes you make. Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2023 · 23 min
Pt 3: Ellie Dixon on dealing with ‘red alert’ anxiety
In the final part of this Stomp, Ellie opens up about her performance anxiety which left her unable to speak, and how she overcame it. Ellie and Dr Alex discuss learning when to reason with anxiety, how to acknowledge when you’re in ‘red alert’ mode and why acknowledging your fears can help you think more logically. Plus, Ellie reveals her bonkers ideas - which includes why she throws biscuits out to the crowd at her gigs! Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 1: Johann Hari on the Parkland Walk
Johann Hari has authored books about depression and addiction but now, the 3-times New York Times best-seller has released Stolen Focus, about the shrinking of our attention spans. As Johann and Dr Alex stomp across the discontinued railway tracks of North London, Johann discusses experiments that have changed long-held beliefs about addiction such as Rat Park (aka heaven for rats) and he also shares the groundbreaking idea that the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, but connection. Johann tells Dr Alex tales from his research trips that allowed him to shape his theories. While travelling across the world, Johann learned about the societal effect of the Portuguese decriminalisation of drugs and why you should never eat unwashed fruit in Vietnam… If you suffer with mental health issues, you may find Johann’s approach to disorder, failure and breakdowns, somewhat refreshing. Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2023 · 16 min
Pt 2: Johann Hari on why your focus is being stolen
In part 2 of this stomp, Johann Hari shares the science behind why, much to many people’s disbelief, our focus isn’t getting worse – it’s being stolen. From the tech you use to the food you eat, Johann explains the surprising factors behind why you may not be able to pay attention like you used to. He also shares how a trip to Elvis’ house in Graceland with his godson showed him how difficult it is to escape the problem of distraction. Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 3: Johann Hari on how distraction damages our IQ
In the final part of this stomp with Johann Hari and Dr Alex offer advice if you’re wanting to take back your focus and attention. Johann shares a shocking study about the damaging effects of being constantly distracted in the way many of us are every day, and the solutions that are being undertaken internationally to combat it. Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 1: Roxie Nafousi in Hurlingham Park
In an incredibly vulnerable conversation, Roxie Nafousi joins Dr Alex on this week's stomp. Roxie opens up about her experience with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and how she’s constantly working hard to not let it define her. She also shares why self awareness is integral to anyone’s healing journey, and steps you can take to begin reframing how you see the world. Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 2: Roxie Nafousi on how you can make manifesting work for you
Roxie Nafousi owes everything she has to manifesting, so in part 2 she breaks down the 7 steps of manifestation. Roxie explains the misconceptions of manifesting and why it’s more achievable than it seems. She also shares how manifesting helped her come through her addiction and battle with self loathing. Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 3: Roxie Nafousi on “self help honeymoons”
In the final part of this walk with Dr Alex and Roxie Nafousi, they dive into their views on hedonism, and whether you need to have ‘partied hard’ in your 20s in order to settle into a wellbeing focussed life. Plus, Roxie shares her biggest life lessons around self reflection, and not worrying about being liked by everyone you meet. Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2023 · 19 min
Pt 1: Kitty Scott-Claus in Regents Park
Drag Queen Kitty Scott-Claus is ditching the heels for some more stomp friendly shoes to join Dr Alex on this week's episode. Kitty, or as less people may know them, Louis Westwood, shares how getting out for walks was vital in her preparation for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and her experience of first stepping into drag as a Girls Aloud tribute act. Kitty also dives into the differences of personality being in and out of drag, and how Kitty can often get away with much more than Louis can... Follow Kitty Scott-Claus @kittyscottclaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.