Welcome to Hurt to Healing with me, Pandora Morris. On today’s best bit, we revisit an insightful conversation with Dr. Angharad Rudkin, a child clinical psychologist, who explores how children typically respond to their parents' divorce. Dr. Rudkin explains that children often blame themselves due to their egocentric and magical thinking, and how important it is for parents to constantly reassure them that the divorce isn’t their fault. She also touches on how divorce can impact younger childre...
Sep 24, 2024•14 min
Today, I wanted to share a special clip from a previous conversation with someone many of you might know—Spencer Matthews. Spencer has just completed an incredible feat: 30 marathons in 30 days in the desert, setting a brand-new world record. It's an extraordinary achievement, but what really struck me when we spoke was his attitude towards exercise. I was curious to know if his intense focus on fitness was something he used to replace drinking, or if it had become an addiction in itself. What I...
Sep 17, 2024•11 min
In today’s bonus episode, I speak with Netta Weinstein, a professor of clinical and social psychology at the University of Reading, about the nuances of solitude and loneliness. We delve into the key differences between the two and why solitude is essential, even as society focuses on combating loneliness. Netta shares insights on how solitude can be experienced even in the presence of others, its mental health benefits and challenges, and the importance of balancing social interactions with alo...
Aug 27, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 26
In this episode, bestselling author and authenticity expert Kelly Weekers joins me to discuss the impact of social media on our mental health and self-perception. Kelly explores how social media can lead to unrealistic aspirations, affect beauty standards, and create a facade of numerous friendships while many lack real connections. We also talk about its effects on romantic relationships and whether social media contributes to feelings of loneliness among singles. Kelly offers insights on recov...
Aug 13, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 25
On today’s Healing 101 episode, I am joined by Professor Michael Norton, a distinguished Harvard psychologist and world-leading expert in behavioural science. Professor Norton's latest book, "The Ritual Effect," offers a groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of rituals in our lives. Moving beyond habits, he delves into the profound meaning and joy that rituals bring, illuminating how they animate our existence and foster emotional regulation, resilience, and connection. With pro...
Jul 04, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 24
On today’s episode I am joined by Katie Maycock, a Burnout Specialist and Speaker dedicated to helping individuals regain control of their health and overcome burnout. With a background in Nutrition and Physiology, Katie brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to her work. After experiencing chronic health issues due to her corporate career's demands, Katie embarked on a journey to understand and address burnout's detrimental impact. Now, she works with Type A pro...
Jul 02, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 23
Welcome to today's HEALING 101 episode featuring Dr. Mark Horowitz, co-author of The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines, a groundbreaking publication that offers an evidence-based approach to safely taper off psychiatric medications. Dr. Horowitz's personal experience with challenging withdrawal from SSRIs inspired him to investigate a new gold standard for safe medication withdrawal, known as hyperbolic tapering. This method, contrary to current practices, emphasises a slow and intentional proce...
Jun 27, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 22
On today’s episode, I am joined by James O'Loghlin, a distinguished television and radio host, acclaimed author, and one of Australia’s foremost corporate speakers. I first discovered James when I was in Sydney a few months ago and heard his podcast with Professor Ian Hickie (another one of our previous guests) called Minding Your Mind. Today's episode is a slightly different format to our regular Tuesday episodes, rather than being about James' own mental health journey, the conversation revolv...
Jun 25, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 21
On today’s HEALING 101, I am joined by Thomas Curran, a leading expert in the psychology of perfectionism. With a keen understanding of this complex trait, Thomas sheds light on its nuanced impact on mental health and relationships. Throughout our conversation, we delve deep into the essence of perfectionism, exploring its origins, manifestations, and detrimental effects on individuals' well-being. Thomas shares invaluable insights into the personality types prone to perfectionism and uncovers t...
Jun 20, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Introducing our guest for today's episode, Louise Boyce, also known as @mamastillgotit. Louise's journey is a profound exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of motherhood. From her early experiences in the modeling industry to her ongoing battle with anxiety and an eating disorder, Louise candidly shares her struggles and triumphs, offering valuable insights into mental health and the pressures of societal expectations. Louise opens up about her journey with anx...
Jun 18, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 19
On today’s Healing 101 I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Emma Svanberg, an award-winning Clinical Psychologist for Parents. Emma shares insights into the significance of delving into our childhood experiences to shape adult relationships. She discusses the lasting impact of emotional trauma on relationships, the struggle for healing, and the link between trauma and self-relationship. The conversation turns to the possibility of full healing from childhood abuse or trauma and practical steps to achieve...
Jun 13, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Today I am joined by Professor Ian Hickie, a leading expert in mental health. With a distinguished career dedicated to understanding and addressing depression, Professor Hickie brings invaluable insights into the symptoms, causes, and impacts of mental health challenges, particularly within relationships. Throughout this episode, we delved into crucial topics, exploring strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between autonomy and relationships, as well as practical advice for supporting lov...
Jun 11, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 17
On today's Healing 101, I'm thrilled to be joined by Nik and Eva Speakman, the world-leading life change experts, and ITV's This Morning resident therapists. In this episode they share insights into their backgrounds and unique therapeutic approaches for tackling relationship challenges. The Speakmans address common mental health issues affecting relationships, offering practical advice on communication, trust, and navigating external influences. They discuss the importance of individucal self c...
Jun 06, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Today I am joined by Becky Excell, a Sunday Times best-selling author with over 1 million followers on social media, who joins me to discuss her complex relationship with food including struggling with an eating disorder and managing a gluten allergy for over 15 years. Becky openly shares how she transitioned into a food-based career and provides valuable insights into her recovery journey, reflecting on how she has embraced a healthier relationship with food and managed to navigate the challeng...
Jun 04, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 15
On today’s HEALING 101 I am joined by Rebekah Allon-Smith from ADFAM - a charity that provides support to loved ones and family members living close to dependent drug and alcohol users. In this episode, Rebekah talks about the common signs of mental strain among partners and family members of individuals struggling with addiction, offering insights into maintaining mental well-being while navigating the complexities of supporting a loved one through recovery. More information on ADFAM: https://a...
May 23, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 14
In this Sydney special, we delve into the journey of Brisbane-born actress Emily Weir, known for her role as Mackenzie Booth on Home and Away. Behind the scenes, Emily battled crippling anxiety, leading to struggles with alcohol addiction. Throughout today's episode, she courageously shares her journey through recovery, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Emily opens up about the challenges of replacing her alcohol addiction with an obsession with food and exercise, which eventually exacerbate...
May 21, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 13
On today’s Healing 101, I am joined by Mark Williams, a leading male mental health advocate and founder of Father's Reaching Out. Mark is dedicated to increasing awareness about mental health among new fathers. In this episode, Mark discusses common mental health issues affecting men, the challenges they face in opening up, and ways to reduce stigma at home and in the workplace. He addresses the impact of a father's mental health on their children, offers guidance on sustaining healthy relations...
May 16, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Today, I am joined by Ben Branson, a remarkable entrepreneur and the visionary founder of 'The Hidden 20%' charity. Ben bravely shares his journey with autism and ADHD, offering insights into how neurodivergence shapes his life and relationships. As the founder of Seedlip and host of the Hidden 20% podcast, Ben explores the power of embracing unique perspectives and celebrates the strength found in thinking differently. Join us as Ben shares his experiences of navigating social challenges and ca...
May 14, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 11
On today’s Healing 101, I’m honoured to be speaking to Dr. Angharad Rudkin, a Child Clinical Psychologist from the University of Southampton. Dr. Rudkin shares insights into how children typically react to divorce, the tendency to self-blame, and the influence of age and gender on their responses. She provides valuable guidance for divorcing parents to mitigate adverse effects on their children's mental well-being and relationships. Join us for a brief yet insightful conversation on navigating t...
May 09, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this insightful episode, I am joined by Scottish journalist and television presenter Andrea McLean as we delve into the intricate dynamics of resilience within relationships. Drawing from personal experiences, Andrea highlights the importance of voicing one's opinions and needs, even when it feels uncomfortable. She candidly shares her journey of navigating relationships where she tolerated unacceptable behaviour for too long, shedding light on the pivotal moment when she found the strength t...
May 07, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 9
On today’s Healing 101, I'm delighted to be joined by, Dr. Samantha Boardman—Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry, Attending Psychiatrist, author, and the visionary founder of PositivePrescription.com. Hailing from the vibrant city of New York, Dr. Boardman is a positive psychiatrist dedicated to fixing what's wrong and building what's strong. In this insightful episode, she shares her extensive background in psychiatry, offering guidance on identifying mental health challenges in friends and famil...
May 02, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Shahroo Izadi, Behavioural Change Specialist and author of "The Kindness Method,". Shahroo shares her inspiring journey to self-acceptance, highlighting key moments that sparked her commitment to kindness. As a Behavioural Change Specialist, she offers insights into breaking barriers to change, fostering self-compassion, and replacing destructive behaviours with kind alternatives. Shahroo explores the impact of self-kindness on relationships and provides pract...
Apr 30, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 7
On today’s Healing 101, I’m honoured to have Amelia Wrighton, co-founder of Suicide & Co, a beacon of strength who turned personal tragedy into impactful advocacy. Amelia shares her journey through the tragic suicide of her mother at 19, revealing its impact on relationships and self-perception. She discusses the support that truly helped and the challenges faced in the aftermath. Inspired by her experience, Amelia co-founded Suicide & Co, an organisation dedicated to supporting those be...
Apr 25, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Today, I am honoured to have Clare Milford Haven, a philanthropist, writer, and entrepreneur, who, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, founded the suicide prevention charity James' Place after the loss of her son, James. Clare courageously shares her journey, shedding light on the challenges James faced within the healthcare system and the profound impact of his loss on her family. She discusses navigating grief, the challenges it posed to family dynamics and friendships, and the importance of ...
Apr 23, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 5
On today’s Healing 101, we're honoured to have Vincent Deary, a practitioner health psychologist, professor, and author of the new book "How We Break." Vincent equips us with a deeper understanding of breaking points and the power of rest and recuperation. In this episode, he delves into the impact of prolonged difficulty on our well-being and relationships, addressing recovery, and the concept of the "desire path." Vincent shares practical advice on supporting someone at a breaking point and na...
Apr 18, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Carrie and David Grant, BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, vocal coaches, leadership coaches, and dedicated campaigners. In this episode, they share their journey as parents supporting their children's mental health struggles, discussing the tools and united front which has become crucial in their approach. The Grants candidly explore the obstacles they've overcome individually and within their marriage while supporting their children. With candid insights, the...
Apr 16, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 3
On today’s Healing 101, I’m delighted to be speaking to Dr. Marianne Land, a leading eating disorder therapist and binge eating coach. In this episode, Dr. Land explores the connection between self-acceptance, self-love, and the development of eating disorders, focusing on their impact on romantic relationships. She addresses challenges faced by individuals with eating disorders in trusting the support around them. Dr. Land offers valuable advice for partners discovering a loved one's hidden eat...
Apr 11, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 2
I'm thrilled to have Gemma Oaten, former Emmerdale actress, radio presenter, and CEO of Seed Support UK, as my first guest of the new series. In this insightful interview, Gemma discusses the impact of eating disorders on relationships, addressing questions like how her anorexia affected her body image, the evolution of close relationships during her struggle, and pivotal moments that reshaped her perspective on food and control. Gemma also shares her journey towards self-acceptance, the role of...
Apr 09, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 1
On today’s HEALING 101, I am speaking with Dr Martina Di Simplicio is a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at the Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in the West London Mental Health Trust. On today’s episode we are focusing on self-harm in all it’s different forms, I question Martina on why the rates are rising so rapidly, what treatment can be offered to people who self harm and if there are any trends amongst people that tend to self harm....
Dec 21, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In today's powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Laura Adlington, whose journey unveils the deep-seated challenges surrounding body image and weight throughout her life. As a contestant on the Great Bristol Bake Off, Laura faced the harsh reality of online trolling, shedding light on the societal struggles that persist. From navigating the complexities of growing up as a larger woman, Laura boldly addresses the toxic influence of diet culture, a force that made her feel lesser than an...
Dec 19, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 23
