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

Feb 20, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 2: Kitty Scott-Claus on behind the scenes of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
In the second part of this stomp, Kitty Scott-Claus reminisces and shares behind the scenes details of her time competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. She takes us through why it took a month to film her audition tape, the long shoot days, and the discovery that despite being a runner-up she’s not actually that competitive. Follow Kitty Scott-Claus @kittyscottclaus For support with suicide, speak to the Samaritans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 3: Kitty Scott-Claus on how to embrace your identity
As the walk comes to a close, Kitty Scott-Claus reflects on life after Drag Race, and the highs and lows that come after being on the biggest drag show in the world. Kitty and Alex also discuss the societal view of the gender spectrum, as well as embracing your identity and why it’s important to take your time when discovering who you truly are. Follow Kitty Scott-Claus @kittyscottclaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2023 · 26 min
Pt 1: Michael Aldag in Sefton Park
Dr Alex is up north this week with rising musician Michael Aldag, in the beautiful Sefton Park in Liverpool. Michael shares how he accidentally rose to TikTok fame with his hilarious observations, how he’s been able to share his music through this new found audience, and how it eventually led to him signing to Universal Music. Alex and Michael also discuss how personality and social media has become a massive part of promoting music, and why it’s difficult to split the two. Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2023 · 25 min
Pt 2: Michael Aldag on breaking down on stage and understanding impact
Continuing the stomp with a soggy foot, Dr Alex dives deeper into the stories behind Michael Aldag’s music, and how he turns life experience into hit records. Michael explains how he can’t take his work too personally once it’s released, including how it led to getting very emotional on stage. Michael also shares his thoughts on never fully knowing how to handle the impact he has with his work. Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2023 · 20 min
Pt 3: Michael Aldag on why he dropped out of uni to make music
On the final part of this walk in Sefton Park, Michael Aldag tells us how he made the “massive decision” to drop out of university to pursue music full time. Michael explains the benefits he found from structure at school, compared to the unpredictability of the music industry – and how he still prefers early nights compared to the traditional rock star lifestyle. Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 1: Angela Scanlon in Highgate Wood
Dr Alex is joined by beloved broadcaster, Angela Scanlon, on another crisp winter walk. Angela shares how she always resisted routine before lockdown forced her into it. An interruption from a little nearby stomper brings up a conversation about ‘snow plough’ parenting, how being a parent helps you reflect on your own upbringing, and how, no matter how hard you try, you won’t get everything right. Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 2: Angela Scanlon on not being defined by her eating disorder
Trigger warning: this episode discusses eating disorders In part 2, Angela opens up about the eating disorder she developed in her teens, the shocking response when she sought help at her local GP, and why she was afraid to talk about it publicly. She also shares the coping techniques that have helped her come to terms with the difficult times, and how to look for hope. Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here. Links: www.marinotherapycentre.com www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2023 · 22 min
Pt 3: Angela Scanlon on how to be grateful for something every day
In the final part of this stomp with Angela Scanlon, she takes us through her compelling career journey – from starting in fashion, to hosting a documentary exploring gingerism. Angela also shares the inspiration behind her book ‘Joyrider’, why gratitude is integral to her mental wellbeing, and the mantras and reminders she loves, that you can start practising today. Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 1: Spencer Matthews in Battersea Park
Even though Dry Jan is nearly over, we’re exploring soberness all year round, so Dr Alex is on a stomp in Battersea Park with Spencer Matthews. In part one, Spencer opens up about his struggle with alcohol, the signs of it becoming a problem and the turning point that led him to going sober. Spencer and Alex also discuss their thoughts on the terms ‘alcoholic’ and ‘sober’ and their inclusivity, and how to consider your relationship with alcohol. Follow Spencer @spencermatthews LINKS: Alcohol Support from the NHS Brits spend a whole year of their life being hungover Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 2: Spencer Matthews on navigating a sober life
In the second part of this week's stomp, Dr Alex and Spencer Matthews discuss what it’s like living sober, and how it’s often easier than it seems. Spencer shares how he built a brand around sobriety - his alcohol free spirit brand Clean Co.; as well as his thoughts on how his public perception has evolved from his Made in Chelsea days, with an insight into his time on the show. Follow Spencer @spencermatthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2023 · 23 min
Pt 3: Spencer Matthews on why comfort is killer
If you’re looking to create habits that you want to stick to, Dr Alex and Spencer Matthews dive into how getting outside of your comfort zone may be the key in the final part of this week's stomp. Spencer also shares his thoughts on fatherhood, and what concerns him about raising a child in 2023; and of course, our health fact of the week which is from the British Liver Trust. Follow Spencer @spencermatthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT: Ellie Downie, Team GB gymnast “I don't regret my decision to speak out“
To make this shock announcement, Team GB Gymnast, Ellie Downie, is speaking to Dr Alex exclusively, on a stomp in Battersea Park. Ellie won her first national gymnastics competition at 9 years old and has gone on to dedicate her life to the sport. In 2017, after competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ellie became the first British gymnast to win the all-round title at the European Championships. Becoming a gymnast as decorated as Ellie takes immense time, dedication and support however in 2020, alongside her sister Becky who is also a Team GB gymnast, Ellie released a statement that described ‘abusive behaviours’ that became part of their daily life. This statement went on to change the course of Ellie’s career forever. In a bid to tell her side of the story, Ellie has chosen to speak exclusively on the Stompcast, to break the news of her major announcement. @elliedownie. Links to support: Samaritans Mind Rethink Mental Illness SANE Mental Health Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2023 · 24 min
Pt 1: Ella Mills (aka Deliciously Ella) in Hyde Park
Best known as the co-founder of wellness and feel-good-food brand ‘Deliciously Ella’, Ella Mills joins Dr Alex in Hyde Park on this week's episode. In part one, Ella and Alex dive right into their shared passion for wellbeing and the pressures of everyday life that often make it hard to look after ourselves. Ella shares the small achievable changes we can make to improve our mental and physical health, and why getting out in nature is so important to her. Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 2: Ella Mills’ chronic illness and emotional numbness
Trigger warning: there are mentions of suicidal thoughts in this episode, if you’d prefer not to listen please skip 22:45 - 23:25 In part 2 of Ella Mills and Dr Alex’s stomp, Ella explains the story behind her health journey which led her to founding Deliciously Ella. Ella discusses the difficult times in her 20s when she was navigating her poor health, and how she eventually found food to be a huge game changer. She also shares the moments where she felt her lowest, and why accepting your illness can help your mindset. Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs help. Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2023 · 28 min
Pt 3: Ella Mills on the importance of discipline
As this walk in Hyde Park comes to an end, Ella Mills and Dr Alex explain why you shouldn’t be afraid of discipline when it comes to your mental health. Ella talks about simple ways to form positive habits, how she wants to impart as much self confidence onto her children as possible, and the importance of self affirmations (even when they feel silly). Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 9, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 1: David Gandy in Richmond Park
David Gandy, the model who is best known for being the face of iconic campaigns for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, is joining Dr Alex on this week’s stomp in Richmond Park. In the first part, David shares how he managed to stand out in the crowded world of modelling, and how he’s learnt to not take rejection personally. They also discuss navigating food and nutrition as a model, and David reveals what’s in his stomping toolkit. You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 9, 2023 · 27 min
Pt 2: David Gandy on how he became the most successful male supermodel
As Dr Alex continues his stomp with David Gandy, David shares the story of how he landed the Dolce & Gabbana job that changed his career – and how a haircut almost stood in his way. David also explains the decision to start his own brand, how he stays true to his values, and the ethos behind his clothing brand: David Gandy Wellwear. You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 9, 2023 · 15 min
Pt 3: David Gandy on fatherhood and body image
In the final part, Dr Alex and David Gandy wrap up this stomp by discussing fatherhood, and David’s thoughts on his children being on social media. They also discuss body confidence, and the differences between what is attainable for each individual person. You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 2, 2023 · 23 min
Pt 1: Gemma Bird (aka Money Mum) in Lake Meadows Park
Happy new year, Stompers! The start of the year often coincides with anxiety and stress about money – even without the cost of living crisis. So this week Dr Alex is joined by Gemma Bird, who is better known as ‘Money Mum’, for some frugal advice to start the year right. In this part, Gemma shares how she became mortgage free before reaching 40, why financial education is important, especially at school, and advice on where to start if you’re wanting to save. Follow Gemma @moneymumofficial Links: National Debtline Citizens Advice - Debt & Money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 2, 2023 · 16 min
Pt 2: Gemma Bird on how to stop stressing about money
In part 2 of our walk, Dr Alex asks the Money Mum herself for her best tips on approaching financial health. Gemma offers advice for if you’re sick with worry when checking your bank balance, how to be more considerate with your spending, and why when you stop comparing yourself to others you can be much happier with what you already have. Follow Gemma @moneymumofficial Links: Does money buy happiness study Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.