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291 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Gyles Brandreth: Why I can't stop talking and the secret to happiness
4 november 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Can we ever stop trying to earn our parents' approval? Gyles Brandreth joins psychotherapist Julia Samuel to discuss grief, being “too much” and happiness. Lees meer
Broadcaster, author, former MP and much-loved television personality, Gyles Brandreth, joins Julia for a revealing conversation about childhood, grief, the need for approval and what it really takes to live a happy life.
Known for his extraordinary energy, colourful jumpers and endless stories, Gyles Brandreth has spent a lifetime entertaining people. But beneath his public persona, he reveals something he has only come to understand in recent years: how much of his life has been shaped by his desire to fulfil his father's ambitions. From his time at the University of Oxford to his political career, Gyles reflects on the childhood expectations that continued to influence his decisions long into adulthood.
Gyles Brandreth also opens up about the deaths of his parents, the impact of his sister's mental illness and his realisation that his mother may have experienced depression. He discusses the painful experience of losing his parliamentary seat in 1997, the failures he rarely speaks about and how a friendship with psychiatrist Dr Anthony Clare helped him develop his Seven Secrets of Happiness.
In a particularly revealing exchange, Julia challenges Gyles to consider why he feels the need to fill every silence, whether his constant talking might be connected to a deeper need for love and approval, and what happens when he allows himself to stop performing. Gyles reflects on his desire for applause, his fear of being too much for other people and the surprising difficulty of simply being himself.
Together, Gyles Brandreth and Julia Samuel explore how childhood experiences shape our adult identities, the relationship between achievement and self-worth, and why happiness may have more to do with connection, curiosity and learning to listen than we realise.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Gyles Brandreth
03:1…
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My daughter nearly died. How do I cope with the anger and guilt? | Agony Aunties
30 oktober 2026 · 13 min
This week’s listener is struggling with overwhelming guilt, anger and fear after her 27-year-old daughter survived a devastating fall from a balcony. Psychotherapist Julia Samuel and her daughters Sophie and Emily explore the emotional toll of parenting an adult child with longstanding mental health difficulties, how to manage conflicting feelings during a family crisis and why loving your child doesn't mean you can control what happens to them. Lees meer
After years of supporting her daughter through mental health challenges, including self-harm, eating disorders and substance misuse, the listener’s daughter is now facing the uncertainty of a long rehabilitation. Although deeply grateful that her daughter survived, she also feels exhausted and angry about what has happened, and guilty for having those feelings.
Alongside her daughters Sophie and Emily, Julia explores why gratitude and anger can coexist, how parents can separate their sense of worth from their children's struggles, and why self-compassion is essential when a family is living through trauma.
The Agony Aunties also discuss practical ways to manage anxiety about an uncertain future, the importance of seeking support, like talking therapy, outside the family and how to protect the wellbeing of siblings whose needs can become overlooked during a crisis.
Support and further reading:
If you are supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis, or if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, the following organisations and resources may be helpful:
Mind – Information and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties, including guidance for family members and carers.
Rethink Mental Illness – Advice and support for people affected by severe mental illness, including families and carers.
Carers UK – Practical advice and emotional support for people caring for a family member, including guidance on protecting their own wellbeing.
Beat – Support and information for people affected by…
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Jess Mills on processing the grief of her mother Tessa Jowell
28 oktober 2026 · 1 uur
How do you process grief and find your way forward after the death of the person who made you feel most at home in the world? Lees meer
Musician, author, and CEO of the Tessa Jowell Foundation, Jess Mills, joins psychotherapist Julia Samuel to discuss the loss of her mother, former Labour MP and cabinet minister Dame Tessa Jowell. Together, they explore how profound grief reshapes our understanding of motherhood, family, and identity.
Just ten weeks after giving birth to her first daughter, Jess learned her mother had terminal brain cancer. Already navigating anxiety following a traumatic birth, she found herself balancing the intense joy of new motherhood with caring for her dying mother. In this episode, she reflects on the overwhelming grief that followed, the complexities of family mourning, and the difficult decision to sell their family home.
Eight years on, Jess shares how her processing of grief has evolved, why writing her book We Are Each Other helped her make sense of the tragedy, and how she is learning to embrace a new chapter in life.
Join Jess and Julia as they delve into how grief transforms us, why feeling loved is essential, and how our ongoing relationships with those who have died continue to shape our emotional growth. Jess also shares the extraordinary comfort of knowing there was nothing left unsaid between her and her mother, whose final words were simply: “love forever.”
Please note: This episode contains discussions of terminal illness, traumatic childbirth, anxiety, and bereavement.
Support resources:
Cruse Bereavement Support
The Good Grief Trust
Mentioned in this episode:
We Are Each Other by Jess Mills
The Tessa Jowell Foundation
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Jess Mills on grief, motherhood and love
01:03 Writing We Are Each Other
03:15 Finding permission to move forward after grief
06:31 Becoming a mother while her own mother was dying
10:39 How grief and joy can coexist
12:42 Why love builds resilience
17:26 Why grief isn't …
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My abusive father has died. Why am I grieving? | Agony Aunties
23 oktober 2026 · 12 min
This week’s listener is struggling with the death of her father, who sexually abused her as a child and never acknowledged what he had done. Psychotherapist Julia Samuel and her daughters Sophie and Emily explore the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse, the complicated grief that can follow the death of an abusive parent and how to find healing from childhood trauma. Lees meer
After confronting her father thirty years ago, the listener was met with denial so cut off contact. While she believed she had moved forward, his recent death has resurfaced unresolved childhood trauma, leaving her processing grief for not receiving justice or validation.
Alongside her daughters Sophie and Emily, Julia explores why the death of an estranged parent can reignite childhood trauma, the complicated shame carried by survivors of abuse, and how to find validation when an apology will never arrive.
The Agony Aunties discuss the pathway to trauma recovery, how to navigate contradictory emotions like anger and relief, and why emotional healing does not depend on forgiveness, but can start with self-compassion.
Warning: This episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse and trauma.
Support and further reading:
If you have experienced childhood sexual abuse, or if this conversation has brought up difficult feelings, the following organisations and resources may be helpful:
Janina Fisher – Psychologist and trauma specialist whose work explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma, shame and dissociation, and approaches to healing.
Carolyn Spring – Articles and resources exploring childhood sexual abuse, trauma, recovery and the emotional impact of abuse in adulthood.
NAPAC – National Association for People Abused in Childhood – Confidential support and resources for adult survivors of childhood abuse.
SurvivorsUK – Specialist support for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
The Survivors Trust – A national network of specialist ser…
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Ore Oduba on hiding his addiction: “I lived my entire life in fear”
21 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
How does childhood trauma fuel adult addiction? Lees meer
Broadcaster, actor and former Strictly Come Dancing champion Ore Oduba joins psychotherapist Julia Samuel to discuss his 30-year struggle with pornography addiction, childhood trauma, shame and the journey towards mental health recovery.
Growing up in a strict Nigerian household, Ore learnt that achievement and obedience were closely tied to acceptance. After being exposed to pornography at just nine years old, he developed a dependency that followed him into adulthood. What began as a secret source of comfort became a cycle of addiction, shame and self-loathing that affected his mental health, relationships and sense of identity.
Ore opens up about the breakdown of relationships, reaching a point where he questioned whether he wanted to carry on living, and how therapy helped him understand the connection between childhood experiences and addictive behaviour. He also reflects on his complicated relationship with his father, whose death in 2023 brought an unexpected sense of relief, and the realisation that so many of his decisions had been driven by fear.
In a deeply moving part of the conversation, Ore discusses losing his younger sister to suicide in 2025, the grief he continues to carry and how her death gave him the courage to speak publicly about his addiction.
Together, Ore Oduba and Julia Samuel explore the psychological roots of addiction, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and why self-compassion is essential to breaking patterns of shame and secrecy. They also discuss the risks of childhood exposure to pornography, breaking generational cycles and what it means to rebuild a life on your own terms.
Warning: this conversation contains some discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Support resources mentioned:
NSPCC Helpline – Advice and support for anyone concerned about a child's safety. Call 0808 800 5000.
NSPCC Talk PANTS – Resources to help parents talk to children about body safety and b…
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My adult sons are estranged. Should I intervene? | Agony Aunties
16 oktober 2026 · 12 min
This week’s listener is heartbroken by sibling estrangement. Psychotherapist Julia Samuel and her daughters Sophie and Emily explore the pain it causes, why family conflicts can be so difficult to repair and the challenges of parenting adult children when you can no longer influence their decisions. Lees meer
The listener’s two adult sons, once incredibly close, have stopped speaking to each other following a family fallout. What began as unresolved tensions from their younger years escalated when their partners fell out, leaving the brothers locked in sibling estrangement for over a year. Although she still has a loving relationship with both sons, she is processing grief for the family they once were and wonders whether she should step in to help them reconcile or leave them to work things out themselves.
The Agony Aunties discuss the risks of taking sides, the necessity of creating healthy boundaries, the importance of allowing time for reconciliation, and how parents can support their children’s emotional healing without becoming caught in the middle.
They also reflect on the guilt parents can feel when their adult children fall out, why sibling estrangement doesn't always last forever and how families can hold on to hope even when reconciliation feels impossible.
Please do send in your Agony Aunties questions to: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
You can also watch episodes of Therapy Works on Julia’s YouTube page.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being.
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
Hosts: Julia Samuel, Emily Samuel, Sophie Samuel
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Executive Producer: Emily Leahy
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The hidden grief of baby loss and TFMR
14 oktober 2026 · 58 min
To mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, author and former teacher Rosanna Brown joins Julia Samuel to share the story of her son William and her experience of termination for medical reasons (TFMR). Lees meer
Rosanna was approaching 24 weeks pregnant when she and her husband learnt that William had a condition incompatible with life. She speaks candidly about the trauma of ending a much-wanted pregnancy, the medical procedure itself and the words from a midwife that helped her begin to reframe what had happened: “You didn't choose, you consented to medical advice.”
Rosanna and Julia explore the often hidden grief surrounding TFMR and baby loss, the difference between grief and trauma, and why Rosanna struggled to feel entitled to mourn her son. They also discuss how couples can grieve differently, the role talking therapy played in her recovery and how she and her husband found ways to remember William together.
Rosanna also reflects on pregnancy after loss, becoming a mother again and why another baby can bring enormous joy without replacing the child who died.
Now an advocate for greater awareness of TFMR, Rosanna shares why she wants other parents facing termination for medical reasons to feel less alone, ashamed and silenced.
Warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of termination for medical reasons (TFMR), baby loss and pregnancy loss.
If you found this conversation helpful:
Listen to Julia's conversation with Geraint John, on losing his wife, navigating grief as a family and learning to rebuild life after loss: Listen here.
You may also enjoy Agony Aunties: How Do You Handle the "Death Admin" While You're Still Grieving?, exploring the emotional and practical challenges of bereavement, and why we need to give ourselves time and support after losing someone we love: Listen here.
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being.
Subscribe here to …
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My family doesn’t believe my ADHD diagnosis. What Do I Do? | Agony Aunties
9 oktober 2026 · 11 min
This week’s listener has recently been diagnosed with ADHD after a lifetime of struggling with strong emotions and impulsivity. While the diagnosis has brought her and her husband a huge sense of relief, understanding and emotional healing, her mother and sisters refuse to accept it, believing her successful career and relationship mean she couldn’t possibly have ADHD. Lees meer
Julia, Sophie and Emily explore what happens when a new diagnosis challenges long-held family roles, why we can so quickly revert to childhood dynamics and how reparenting supports personal growth. They discuss setting boundaries when family members see things differently, learning to tolerate different versions of the same family story, navigating family expectations, and protecting your mental health when old childhood wounds are reopened.
Please do send in your Agony Aunties questions to: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
You can also watch episodes of Therapy Works on Julia’s YouTube page.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being.
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
Hosts: Julia Samuel, Emily Samuel, Sophie Samuel
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Executive Producer: Emily Leahy
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Elif Shafak: “All I wanted from my father was an apology”
7 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
What happens when a parent is absent from your childhood, and how does that shape the person you become? Lees meer
Bestselling author Elif Shafak joins Julia Samuel to explore her relationship with her father, the loneliness she experienced growing up and how storytelling became a tool for personal growth and mental health recovery by helping her find connection and belonging. Raised largely by her grandmother and mother in Turkey, Elif grew up surrounded by strong women but with very little contact with her father. She opens up about the pain of discovering that he had been a present and loving parent to her half-brothers, the anger that followed and how those early experiences influenced her personal growth and instinct to write about people whose voices have been forgotten or silenced.
They also explore the emotional cost of Elif Shafak's prosecution in Turkey following the publication of her novel, The Bastard of Istanbul, her complicated relationship with her homeland and the sense of grief that can accompany living between cultures. Elif speaks candidly about her mental health and experiencing postnatal depression, losing her ability to write during that period and the challenges of navigating motherhood alongside her creative identity, experiences she later explored in her memoir Black Milk.
Elif Shafak reflects on the family patterns we inherit, why literature helps personal growth by helping us understand ourselves and others, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly anxious and divided world.
Elif Shafak’s new novel is In One Brief Moment All Eternity (published on 15 Oct).
If you enjoyed this conversation:
Listen to Julia’s conversation with Mary Berry, on family, grief and learning to live alongside loss: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/therapy-works/id1646616622?i=1000791219769
You may also enjoy Sathnam Sanghera on bridging conflicting cultures, exploring family, identity, heritage and the search for belonging: https://podcasts.app…
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Can I care for my elderly father without getting overwhelmed? | Agony Aunties
2 oktober 2026 · 12 min
This week’s listener is struggling with the growing responsibility of caring for her elderly father. Although increasingly frail, he refuses offers of help and becomes angry when she tries to intervene, leaving her constantly worried about the next crisis. Julia, Sophie and Emily explore how to care for an ageing parent while protecting your own wellbeing, and what happens when old parent-child dynamics continue long into adulthood. Lees meer
Please do send in your Agony Aunties questions to: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
You can also watch episodes of Therapy Works on Julia’s YouTube page.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being (hyperlink 'subscribe here' with the link)
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
Hosts: Julia Samuel, Emily Samuel, Sophie Samuel
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mark Foster on hiding his sexuality and learning to be himself
30 september 2026 · 58 min
What happens when the person the world sees doesn’t quite match who you are behind closed doors? In this open conversation with five-time Olympian and former world champion swimmer Mark Foster, we explore the double life he lived for much of his extraordinary sporting career. Lees meer
For 20 years, Mark was one of the fastest swimmers in the world, breaking world records and competing at five Olympic Games. But while his public identity was defined by success in the pool, privately he kept his sexuality hidden from teammates, coaches and much of the world around him. He opens up about why he felt unable to share that part of himself, and the fears that kept his public and private lives separate.
Mark Foster also shares his relentless pursuit of improvement at the highest level of sport, why even becoming the fastest swimmer in the world never felt like an endpoint, and what years of competition taught him about failure, resilience and separating what you achieve from who you are.
We talk about his childhood, his relationship with his parents and the importance of finding people who give us a sense of belonging. Mark also reflects on why he eventually decided to speak publicly about his sexuality at 47, the importance of visibility and what he discovered when he allowed himself to be more vulnerable in therapy.
From Olympic success to self-acceptance, this is a conversation about identity, happiness and what can happen when we feel able to show other people who we really are.
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being.
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
Guest: Mark Foster
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Executive Producer: Emily Leahy
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Off Air X Therapy Works
28 september 2026 · 26 min
Welcome to this special Off Air X Therapy Works crossover episode, celebrating Therapy Works joining The Times podcast family. Lees meer
Julia joins Jane Garvey and Fi Glover from Off Air for a wide-ranging conversation about therapy, relationships and mental health. They discuss how to find a good therapist, whether therapy should have an end date, the value of the stiff upper lip and what to do when you find yourself overthinking at 3am. Julia also answers some of Jane and Fi’s listeners’ questions along the way.
Off Air with Jane & Fi is available wherever you get your podcasts.
If you’d like to send a question to Therapy Works, please email: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Off Air Producer: Eve Salusbury
Therapy Works Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How do you know when something in your life needs to change?
25 september 2026 · 10 min
After some time away from her usual routine, this week’s listener found herself questioning parts of her work and relationships, only to feel those doubts fade once normal life resumed. Julia, Sophie and Emily explore how to tell the difference between a passing feeling and something that genuinely needs our attention, why busyness can sometimes stop us noticing what we really feel, and how looking for patterns can help. Lees meer
Please do send in your Agony Aunties questions to: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
You can also watch episodes of Therapy Works on my YouTube page.
Hosts: Julia Samuel, Emily Samuel, Sophie Samuel
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Executive Producer: Emily Leahy
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dame Mary Berry: "I never asked why after my son died"
23 september 2026 · 54 min
How do you move forward after the loss of a child? In this personal conversation with cooking legend Dame Mary Berry, we explore raw grief, building resilience and the most meaningful lessons she’s learnt in 91 years of life. Lees meer
Behind the warmth so many know her for in her cooking shows and books, is a life shaped by profound loss. In this conversation Dame Mary Berry opens up about the devastating death of her son William, how her family approached processing grief, and how she found the strength to keep moving forward.
She also shares the traumatic experience of surviving polio as a teenager, how she’s developed resilience and her emotional healing capacity, and the power of talking therapy during challenging times.
Dame Mary Berry also reflects on the secrets of a 60 year marriage, why kindness matters above all else, as well as the comfort of cooking and food when life feels uncertain.
From navigating grief to finding joy, this is a profound conversation about connection, care, and family.
Never miss an episode: follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Subscribe here to Therapy Works on Substack for weekly insights into emotional well-being
Subscribe here to The Times and The Sunday Times to enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism.
You can also watch episodes of Therapy Works on my YouTube page.
Guests: Dame Mary Berry
Producer: Georgie Rutherford
Executive Producer: Emily Leahy
Video Producer: Darren Michael
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How Do I Know If I Actually Need Help?
4 september 2026 · 11 min
Social media has made it easier than ever to recognise ourselves in conversations about ADHD, trauma, anxiety and burnout. But what happens when every diagnosis feels familiar and you leave feeling more confused than before? This week, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a listener's question about knowing the difference between the ordinary struggles of life and when it's time to seek help. They explore why labels can be useful but aren't always the starting point, how to notice the areas of life where you're feeling stuck, and why your own experience of distress is reason enough to ask for support. It's a compassionate conversation about self-understanding, diagnosis and learning to trust yourself before the noise around you. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: My Cancer Has Gone… So Why Am I Still Struggling?
28 augustus 2026 · 12 min
A listener shares the hidden reality of life after cancer. Three years after successful treatment for anal cancer, she is cancer-free but continues to live with chronic pain, changes to her body and the lasting physical and emotional effects of radiotherapy. While those around her assume she's "better", she feels forever changed. Julia, Emily and Sophie explore the loneliness of invisible illness, the grief of losing the body you once trusted, and how to help others understand what life is really like after treatment. They discuss living with chronic pain, finding support from people who truly understand, and why healing isn't always the same as being cured. It's a deeply compassionate conversation for anyone navigating life after serious illness or supporting someone who is. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: We've Stopped Having Sex. What Do We Do Now?
21 augustus 2026 · 12 min
A listener shares a dilemma that will resonate with so many couples: after almost 20 years together and two young children, she and her husband have drifted into a relationship that works beautifully as a partnership but has lost its intimacy. Julia, Emily and Sophie explore why this happens, how the demands of parenting and everyday life can leave us feeling more like co-managers than lovers, and why rebuilding connection starts long before sex. They discuss rediscovering curiosity, nurturing your own sense of self, communicating openly without blame, and finding small ways to reconnect, offering compassionate, practical advice for anyone wondering how to move from surviving together to truly finding each other again. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How Do I Say Goodbye to Someone I Love?
14 augustus 2026 · 13 min
A listener asks one of the hardest questions imaginable: how do you visit a close friend who is nearing the end of their life? Julia, Emily and Sophie explore how to show up with love when there are no perfect words, why your presence matters far more than saying the "right" thing, and how to navigate the grief, fear and uncertainty of a final goodbye. They discuss letting go of the pressure to perform, meeting someone where they are, expressing what truly matters while you still can, and caring for yourself afterwards. It's a compassionate conversation about love, loss and the courage it takes to simply be there. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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BONUS: Yasmine Naghdi on Why Confidence Isn't About Being Perfect
12 augustus 2026 · 48 min
In this special episode of Therapy Works, in partnership with Code8's Confidence Comes From Within campaign, Julia is joined by Royal Ballet Principal Yasmine Naghdi for a fascinating conversation about confidence, perfectionism and what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Together, they explore the difference between striving for excellence and chasing perfection, the psychology of self-belief, learning to trust your body, and how becoming a mother has transformed Yasmine's relationship with both her career and herself. They also discuss the power of rituals, the importance of identity beyond work, why rest can make us stronger, and how true confidence isn't about being flawless—it's about feeling secure enough to be fully yourself. Lees meer
Visit Code8: https://codeeight.com/
Follow Code8 on Instagram: @code8beauty
Follow Manon: @manonlagreve
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How Do I Deal With a Difficult Mother-in-Law?
7 augustus 2026 · 15 min
Family holidays are meant to be relaxing, so why do they so often leave us feeling exhausted? This week, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a listener's question about navigating a passive-aggressive mother-in-law and the tension that can build when one person's mood begins to shape everyone else's experience. Together, they explore the power of radical acceptance, why we can't change other people's behaviour, how to protect your own peace without carrying someone else's emotions, and practical ways to set boundaries, repair relationships and enjoy your holiday - even when family dynamics are anything but simple. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: Why Do I Keep Sabotaging Myself?
31 juli 2026 · 13 min
This week, the Agony Aunties answer a question that so many of us will recognise: why is it so hard to make the changes we desperately want to make? From skipping the exercise class you've already paid for to using food, smoking or spending as a way to cope, Julia, Sophie and Emily explore the hidden roots of self-sabotage, shame and the belief that we're incapable of change. Together, they discuss how our childhood experiences shape our sense of agency, why self-compassion is the key to breaking old patterns, and practical ways to begin building a kinder relationship with yourself—one small step at a time. Lees meer
Resources mentioned:
Learn more about Jan Winhall's work on attachment, trauma and the nervous system: https://janwinhall.com
••Find out more about Internal Family Systems (IFS): https://ifs-institute.com
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Agony Aunties: Why Do I Feel So Lonely?
24 juli 2026 · 15 min
In this week's Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a heartfelt question from a listener who feels deeply lonely despite appearing successful on the outside. Together, they explore why being truly known can feel so frightening, how fear of vulnerability keeps us disconnected, and why meaningful relationships begin with allowing ourselves to be seen. They discuss the difference between loneliness and connection, the stories we tell ourselves about being a burden, and share practical ways to build deeper, more authentic relationships. If you've ever worried you'll end up alone or struggled to let people in, this conversation is for you. Lees meer
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability (TED Talk)
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BONUS: Manon Lagrève on The Confidence to Be Yourself
22 juli 2026 · 42 min
This week, Julia is joined by cook, bestselling author and content creator Manon Lagrève for a heartfelt conversation about confidence, family and the values that truly sustain us. Together they explore imposter syndrome, social media comparison, motherhood and why genuine confidence comes not from perfection, but from staying connected to who we really are. Lees meer
They also discuss the importance of everyday rituals, the joy of gathering around the table, and how caring for ourselves can strengthen our sense of self. This special bonus episode is supported by Code8, whose philosophy that confidence comes from authenticity rather than imitation provides a fitting backdrop to a conversation about self-worth, connection and living with intention.
Visit Code8: https://codeeight.com/
Follow Code8 on Instagram: @code8beauty
Follow Manon: @manonlagreve
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: Relationship Anxiety - Am I Overthinking or Is Something Wrong?
17 juli 2026 · 15 min
This week on Agony Aunties, they answer a listener's heartfelt question about what happens when a relationship begins to feel different. After two and a half years together, her boyfriend seems less affectionate, leaving her questioning whether this is simply the natural evolution of long-term love or a sign that something deeper has changed. The Agony Aunties explore why we so often create stories in our minds before having the conversation we most need to have, how old attachment patterns can shape our fears in relationships, and why vulnerability - not mind-reading - is the key to real intimacy. They also share practical tools from Esther Perel, the Gottmans and Terry Real on bids for connection, love languages, and how to have difficult conversations with warmth rather than blame. If you've ever found yourself analysing texts, worrying you've become 'too much', or wondering how to reconnect with your partner, this episode is for you. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: Why Do I Feel So Lonely After Having a Baby?
10 juli 2026 · 14 min
In this episode of Agony Aunties, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a heartfelt question from a listener who feels isolated after moving away from the city to start a family. Together they explore the unexpected loneliness of early motherhood, the lasting impact of childhood experiences on our sense of belonging, why we often protect the people we love by hiding our own struggles, and how small acts of vulnerability can help us rebuild connection. They share gentle reminders that meaningful friendships take time, asking for support is a strength, and feeling lonely doesn't mean you're alone. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: Caring for a Difficult Parent
3 juli 2026 · 13 min
This episode of Agony Aunties tackles the emotional complexity of caring for an ageing parent when the relationship has always been difficult. Emily and Sophie respond to a listener whose 89-year-old mother’s declining health has reignited painful childhood wounds, sibling conflict, and feelings of duty, resentment, and guilt. Together, they explore how old family dynamics resurface during times of crisis, the importance of setting boundaries, slowing down reactive communication, and seeking support through therapy, community, or practical caregiving tools. Their compassionate conversation is a reminder that it's possible to care for someone while also protecting yourself and that navigating these difficult moments with kindness, both towards others and yourself, is enough. Lees meer
Podcast mentioned in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/do-i-know-you-understanding-dementia/id1896564566
Follow the podcast:
@doiknowyoupodcast
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: How to Survive the Summer Holidays
26 juni 2026 · 13 min
The Agony Aunties are back, answering a listener's question about the pressures of parenting through the long summer holidays. Together, Sophie and Emily explore the guilt so many parents feel when they can't provide the picture-perfect summer they see elsewhere, why boredom may be far more valuable than we think, and how to help teenagers develop resilience, creativity and independence. They discuss the trap of comparison, the emotional challenge of watching your children struggle, and why being present and connected matters far more than keeping them constantly entertained. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: Why Am I Never Good Enough?
19 juni 2026 · 14 min
This week on Agony Aunties, Julia, Emily and Sophie respond to a listener who has recently graduated but is struggling to feel proud of their achievement. Despite earning a good degree, comparisons with a high-achieving sibling and the pressure of perceived family expectations have left them feeling flat and unable to celebrate their success. Together, they explore the impact of comparison, perfectionism and internalised expectations, sharing practical tools for building self-worth, challenging critical inner voices and learning to recognise that being "good enough" is often more than enough. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions: jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Agony Aunties: I Bottle Everything Up Until I Explode
12 juni 2026 · 13 min
This week on Agony Aunties, they respond to a listener who avoids difficult conversations until their feelings spill out in anger or tears. Together, they explore why conflict can feel so threatening, how our childhood experiences shape the way we handle disagreement, and why keeping the peace often comes at the cost of our own needs. From conflict-avoidant partners to family dynamics, boundaries and people-pleasing, Julia, Emily and Sophie share honest reflections on their own experiences and offer practical tools for expressing yourself before resentment takes hold. If you've ever struggled to speak up, worried about upsetting people, or found yourself bottling things up until you explode, this episode is for you. Lees meer
Send us your Agony Aunties questions:jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: My Husband Is Always On His Phone. How Do We Reconnect?
5 juni 2026 · 14 min
This week on Agony Aunties, the girls tackle a listener dilemma that will feel familiar to many couples: what happens when you're sharing a sofa but no longer feeling emotionally connected? As one listener opens up about feeling lonely in her marriage while her husband spends most evenings on his phone, Sophie, Emily and Julia explore why technology can so easily replace meaningful connection, and how resentment can quietly build when our emotional needs go unmet. Lees meer
Together, they discuss practical ways to reconnect, from changing how difficult conversations are approached to creating small rituals of connection, shared experiences and moments of laughter. They also explore the stories we tell ourselves when we feel ignored or rejected, and why understanding what's really happening beneath the surface can be the first step towards finding each other again.
Send us your Agony Aunties questions:jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Agony Aunties: Feeling Overwhelmed by the World?
29 mei 2026 · 11 min
In this week’s Agony Aunties episode, Julia and her daughters respond to a listener struggling with the overwhelming anxiety of living in a world shaped by climate crisis, political unrest, social media overload, and constant bad news. Together, they explore how to stay compassionate and informed without becoming emotionally consumed — discussing everything from nervous system regulation and information boundaries to collective hope, small acts of kindness, community, rest, joy, and the importance of staying grounded in the present moment. This is a conversation for anyone feeling the weight of the world right now. Lees meer
Resources & References Mentioned
Rebecca Solnit — author and activist
Active Hope by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone
Action for Happiness
Therapist Uncensored Podcast
Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
Send us your Agony Aunties questions:jsamuelpod@gmail.com
Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
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Celebration Day: Megan Jones on Grief, Loss and the Parents Who Shaped Her
22 mei 2026 · 46 min
In this episode, I speak with England rugby captain Megan Jones about grief, pressure, identity and what it means to keep going when life changes completely. Megan shares the experience of losing both of her parents within six months, growing up alongside her mother’s addiction, and how rugby, journaling and the people around her have helped her carry both pain and love at the same time. Lees meer
Ahead of Celebration Day on Monday 25th May, a day that invites us all to raise a glass and remember someone we love and miss, Megan reflects on the small everyday moments she still holds onto most: cups of tea with her dad, car journeys, stories, laughter and feeling fully accepted by her parents. We talk about vulnerability, belonging, leadership and why the people we lose continue to shape who we are long after they’re gone.
Join in the celebrations and celebrate someone this Monday 25th May: https://www.celebrationday.com/
Follow Meg on Instagram: @thanksmegMore from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How to Make Life Happier with Mark Williamson (BONUS EP)
20 mei 2026 · 54 min
In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by Mark Williamson, co-founder and director of Action for Happiness and author of the number one bestselling book Make Life Happier. Together, they explore what happiness really means, not as a perfect destination, but as a direction of travel shaped by agency, relationships, kindness, purpose and the small actions we take each day. Lees meer
Mark reflects on his own journey from outward success and inner struggle to discovering the deep connection between mental and physical health. He and Julia discuss why self-care and care for others must go hand in hand, how old patterns shape our relationships, why kindness benefits both giver and receiver, and how slowing down can help us notice the ordinary moments that make life meaningful.
Buy his book: https://amzn.eu/d/03sTolwLMore from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Agony Aunties: When Your Adult Child Won’t Move Out
15 mei 2026 · 11 min
This week, our Agony Aunties tackle a dilemma that is becoming the "new normal" for many: the 30-something child who simply won’t fly the nest. When a listener writes in feeling a mix of deep love and growing resentment toward her 33-year-old son, the team explores how to transition from a parent-child dynamic to a boundary-led adult relationship. From discussing the "maturation crisis" among young men to the financial realities of modern housing, they offer a toolkit for having the "big talk" without it sounding like a rejection. It’s a thoughtful look at why multigenerational living doesn't have to be a failure - it just needs a serious reorientation of expectations and a naming of the "silent things" in the room. Lees meer
Send in your question to jsamuelpod@gmail.com
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Arit Anderson On Parkinson’s, Chelsea Flower Show And The Healing Power Of Gardens
13 mei 2026 · 46 min
In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by garden designer, writer and Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson to talk about the deeply personal story behind her Chelsea Flower Show garden for Parkinson’s UK. Arit shares how her sister’s Parkinson’s diagnosis inspired the garden, and how she hopes it will raise awareness, understanding and support for those living with the condition. Lees meer
We also explore the healing power of gardens, nature and colour, and how planting, movement and simply being outside can offer hope, grounding and renewal. This is a moving conversation about family, resilience, creativity, and how even in the face of illness, a garden can become a place of beauty, connection and possibility.
Find out more about Parkinson’s UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: Why Do I Feel So Alone in My Grief?
8 mei 2026 · 9 min
In this Agony Aunties episode, Emily, Sophie and Julia respond to a moving question from a listener navigating grief after the loss of her husband, and the added pain of feeling let down by her siblings. Together, they explore the loneliness that can follow bereavement, why family members often struggle to show up in the way we need, and how unspoken expectations, old family dynamics and fear around grief can create distance. They reflect on how to communicate needs more clearly, make sense of disappointment, and gently find support beyond your immediate family when it’s not available in the way you hoped. Lees meer
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Helen Fielding on Grief, Bridget Jones and Being Loved As You Are (LIVE)
6 mei 2026 · 57 min
In this special bonus episode of Therapy Works, recorded live, I’m joined by the wonderful Helen Fielding - journalist, novelist, and creator of the iconic Bridget Jones. Together we explore the challenge of writing about grief, the death of Mark Darcy, and the tender, complicated reality of supporting children through loss, while still allowing space for laughter, mess, and life.
Helen speaks with such honesty, wit and wisdom about creativity, motherhood, humour, and the very human gap between who we feel we should be and who we really are. It is a moving and funny conversation about being loved “just as you are”, and about how stories can help us feel less alone.
Find Helen: Lees meerInstagram: @helenfielding
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How to Help Your Teen With Exam Stress and Anxiety
1 mei 2026 · 11 min
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a parent struggling to support their son through GCSE exam stress, offering a compassionate reminder that while exams can feel overwhelming, the most powerful thing a parent can provide is connection—not solutions. The Agony Aunties explore how to open supportive, pressure-free conversations, encourage collaboration rather than control, and gently help teenagers manage anxiety by breaking things into smaller, more manageable chunks. They also highlight the importance of honesty around parental expectations, the value of rest and self-care (balanced with realism about teenage habits), and reassuring both parent and child that even worst-case scenarios are not the end of the road. Above all, the Agony Aunties emphasise that feeling understood and not alone is often the greatest stabiliser during stressful times—and that, ultimately, exams will pass. Lees meer
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EXPERT EPISODE: Amir Levine on How to Build Secure Love
29 april 2026 · 49 min
In this episode, I speak with psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author Amir Levine about his new book Secure, and how we can move towards more secure attachment in our relationships. Amir explains why attachment is not a fixed label, but something far more flexible and alive, shaped by the people and environments around us. We explore the biology of connection, why exclusion can feel like physical pain, and how our ancient need for safety and belonging still drives so much of our behaviour today.
We also talk about how change happens through the small, everyday interactions that either deepen insecurity or help us build trust. Amir shares his CARRP framework, consistency, availability, responsiveness, reliability and predictability, and how these qualities can create a more secure life. Together we reflect on anxious and avoidant patterns, the protest-regret cycle, dating, loneliness, friendship, secure villages and how, especially in an uncertain world, our relationships can become the shield that helps us endure. Lees meerBuy his book 'Secure: Rewire Your Attachment Style and Transform Your Relationships, Health and Happiness': https://amzn.eu/d/05fucNjI
Find Amir: https://amirlevinemd.com/
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice…
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Agony Aunties: Coping with Financial Anxiety in Uncertain Times
24 april 2026 · 13 min
The Agony Aunties respond to a heartfelt question from a listener struggling with ongoing financial stress following COVID and the rising cost of living. They explore how money anxiety taps into deep feelings of uncertainty, lack of control, and shame, and why these pressures can ripple into sleep, relationships, and family dynamics. The Agony Aunties gently reframe the experience, encouraging self-compassion over self-blame, and highlighting how external factors - like global instability and economic shifts - play a significant role. Alongside emotional support, they offer practical guidance: balancing worry with moments of gratitude, having open and honest conversations to reduce shame, seeking connection and shared experiences, and taking small, manageable financial steps to regain a sense of agency. This episode is a compassionate reminder that you’re not alone, that this is hard, and that support - both emotional and practical - is available. Lees meer
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Liz Earle on Why Midlife Could Be Your Best Chapter Yet
22 april 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Liz Earle, entrepreneur, author and passionate advocate for women’s wellbeing, to talk about her powerful new book, How To Age. Together we explore what it really means to age well, and how midlife can become a time not of decline, but of renewal. Liz shares her own experience of turning 60, navigating divorce, loneliness and hormonal change, and how she found her way to feeling stronger, fitter and happier than she did in her forties and fifties.
We also talk about the science behind ageing in a way that feels accessible and hopeful, from hormones and mitochondria to sunlight, movement, purpose and connection. At the heart of this conversation is Liz’s rallying cry that it is never too late to make meaningful changes, and my own belief that we need to give ourselves far more permission to prioritise our health, our joy and our sense of self. It is a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement and practical hope. Lees meerBuy Liz’s book (out 23rd April): https://amzn.eu/d/0h4HNpXT
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: Is This Grief or ADHD?
17 april 2026 · 10 min
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener facing multiple bereavements, a late ADHD diagnosis, and ongoing anxiety, leaving her unsure how to understand what she’s feeling or what support she needs. They explore how grief, trauma, and ADHD symptoms often overlap, suggesting it’s more helpful to focus on regulating the nervous system than trying to separate causes. They discuss the importance of connection, updating coping strategies when they stop working, and creating gentle daily structure to ease overwhelm. Above all, they encourage allowing the messiness of grief and embracing this uncertain “in-between” space with compassion and patience. Lees meer
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Michael Morpurgo on Secrets, Loss, and the Stories That Save Us
15 april 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Morpurgo to talk about loss, memory and the quiet, often unspoken truths that shape a life. He speaks so movingly about growing older and the particular pain of outliving those you love, and how grief doesn’t disappear but changes form over time. We explore the hidden fractures of his childhood, the silence around family secrets, and the lasting imprint of war, alongside the threads of loneliness, love and belonging that run through both his life and his writing. Lees meer
What stayed with me most is Michael’s profound belief in the power of story to help us make sense of ourselves and the generations that came before us. We talk about the enduring strength of his marriage to Clare, the emotional roots of his work, and his deep connection to people, animals and the natural world. It’s a gentle, wise and very human conversation about resilience, repair and what it really means to be remembered well.
Buy his book ‘Funny Thing About Getting Older’: https://amzn.eu/d/00DwvcXB
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: How Do You Handle the "Death Admin" While You’re Still Grieving?
10 april 2026 · 10 min
In this week’s Agony Aunties episode, we’re diving into a heartbreakingly relatable question: how do you manage the mountain of "Death Admin" - wills, probate, and paperwork - when you’re still in the fog of bereavement? Julia and Sophie explore the "two-track" reality of loss. They share why we need to stop rushing, how to "scaffold" your brain with the right support, and how to silence the "shitty committee" that tells you you’re failing at a time when you have the least capacity. It’s a gentle reminder that while grief is a slow work, you don't have to navigate the practical demands of it alone. Lees meer
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Joanna King on Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer’s
8 april 2026 · 56 min
In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Joanna King for a moving conversation about what it means to care for a parent with young onset Alzheimer’s while also raising young children of your own. Joanna speaks with extraordinary honesty about the death of her father, the slow and painful loss of the mother she knew, and the emotional complexity of being caught in that in-between space of loving, grieving, resenting, protecting and carrying on. We talk about anticipatory grief, sibling dynamics, guilt, anger, boundaries, and the particular loneliness of feeling that life has split into before and after. Lees meer
What stayed with me most was Joanna’s openness about the reality of “sandwich caring” and how disorientating it can be when the person who once anchored you no longer knows who you are. This is a conversation about dementia, but it is also about love, identity, duty, and the cost of holding too much for too long. Joanna also shares the thinking behind her forthcoming podcast, Do I Know You?, which aims to help people feel less alone in the experience of dementia, and to offer more understanding, information and support.
Helpful UK resources:
If you are going through something similar, these may be useful places to start:
Dementia UK offers specialist dementia support through its Admiral Nurses, including a free helpline on 0800 888 6678 and young onset dementia information and support services.
Alzheimer’s Society has a Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456, information on young onset dementia, and a directory to find local support near you.
Alzheimer’s Research UK also has information and support for carers and a Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5111.Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navig…
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Julia Bradbury on Life After Cancer and Why Busyness Isn’t Healing
1 april 2026 · 54 min
In this moving conversation, I talk to Julia Bradbury about the emotional aftermath of cancer, the pressure to keep going, and the hidden ways busyness can stop us feeling. We explore her new book Hack Yourself Healthy, the difference between reacting and responding, and why true wellness has to include our emotional lives as much as our physical health. Lees meer
Julia Bradbury also reflects on childhood bullying, family trauma, motherhood, and the resilience she has discovered through both illness and adventure. It’s a thoughtful, honest episode about slowing down, looking inward, and finding healthier ways to live, cope and heal.
Find Julia Bradbury:
Book: Hack Yourself Healthy
Instagram: @juliabradburySubscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Download the Grief Works app here: https://www.griefworks.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EXPERT EPISODE: Returning to Work After Motherhood with Dolly Jones
27 maart 2026 · 37 min
In this episode, Emily Samuel is joined by author, journalist and digital strategist Dolly Jones to talk about her brilliant new book Leaving the Ladder Down and the messy, moving, often unspoken reality of motherhood and work. We talk about what happens when you return to work after having children and feel as though you’re expected to carry on as if nothing has changed, the silence and awkwardness that can surround parenting in professional spaces, and the guilt, identity shifts and impossible standards so many women carry. It’s a conversation about ambition, care, friendship, asking for help, and why we need to make the workplace a more human place for parents. Lees meer
Find Dolly:
Instagram: @dolly_jones
Buy her book: https://amzn.eu/d/0fCSUaR0
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jon Fox on Grieving the Future and the Injustice of Loss
25 maart 2026 · 53 min
This week, I am joined by Jon Fox for a deeply moving conversation about a love that was "robbed" of its time. After both surviving cancer, Jon and Katie found a profound connection online, only for Katie to tragically pass away at just 28 years old, mere months into their relationship. Jon opens up about the unique "injustice" of grieving a future that had barely begun and the complexity of navigating his own chronic health struggles alongside this heartbreak. Lees meer
We explore the practical and psychological tools Jon uses to process his "acute" grief—from his private nightly rituals of talking to Katie to his intellectual approach as a "learner" of his own sorrow. It is a powerful testament to the idea that the depth of our pain is a direct reflection of the depth of our love, and that a bond does not end at death, but becomes a vital, internalised part of who we are.
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit The Samuel Therapy Practice: https://www.thesamueltherapypractice.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Agony Aunties: What to Say When Your Child Asks About War
20 maart 2026 · 11 min
The Agony Aunties respond to a listener grappling with how to talk to their children about the deeply unsettling news of the current war involving Iran - something many families are hearing about daily, often in fragments through headlines, playground conversations, or social media. With reports of airstrikes, civilian casualties, and even children affected by the conflict, they explore how to strike that delicate balance between honesty and reassurance, helping children feel safe without shutting down their curiosity or empathy. The conversation unpacks how children’s questions about war are often really questions about their own safety, and offers practical, compassionate ways to respond - tailored to different ages and anxiety levels. They also reflect on how both children and adults can become overwhelmed by frightening news, sharing grounding tools, language, and resources to help families regulate together. Ultimately, it’s a thoughtful and timely guide to navigating big, scary global events in a way that keeps connection, safety, and empathy at the heart of family life.
Helpful Resources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - https://www.nctsn.org/
Unicef - https://www.unicef.org/iran/en
Books:
What is War? For younger children: https://amzn.eu/d/08A0FoL7
Help! I've Got an Alarm Bell Going Off in My Head!: How Panic, Anxiety and Stress Affect Your Body - https://amzn.eu/d/02Y5rEBL Lees meerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Thomasina Miers on Cooking, ADHD and Coming Home to Yourself
18 maart 2026 · 59 min
In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by chef, writer, restaurateur and MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers for a rich and honest conversation about mental health, food, family and finding your way back to yourself. Thomasina speaks openly about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties, later exploring ADHD, and the long journey of moving from shame and feeling “broken” towards self-acceptance. We talk about how cooking became a lifeline for her, not just as a career but as a deeply grounding, creative and restorative practice that helped her feel more connected to herself and the world around her. Lees meer
We also explore the profound link between food and wellbeing, from the gut-brain connection to the emotional power of cooking, feeding and gathering around a table. Thomasina shares why her charity Chefs in Schools matters so much to her, how food can transform children’s health and happiness, and why agency, friendship, movement and nature all play such an important role in staying mentally well. It’s a warm, wise and energising conversation about embracing imperfection, following instinct, and learning to build a life that genuinely nourishes you.
Find Thomasina:
Website: https://www.thomasinamiers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasinamiers/
Visit Wahaca: https://www.wahaca.co.uk/
Chefs in Schools: https://chefsinschools.org.uk/
Supplement she recommended: Lithium Orate
More from Therapy Works:
Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.
If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.
If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc…