Have you ever been in a group of people and felt like you’re the only person not having a good time? In this episode, we explore the Laws of Connection with award-winning writer David Robson, as he joins Dr Alex on this insightful stomp. In part 1, David explains the number 1 reason people forge connections, he shares fascinating studies on how to make friends in minutes and how to combat isolating feelings. Get David’s book The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your LifeFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As long distance running meets long distance relationships, in part 3, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) explains how he and his girlfriend stayed connected during a year away. Russ shares a top tip for anyone in a LDR, how he grew spiritually during his challenge and he reveals the terrifying story of when he got kidnapped. Plus, when Dr Alex asks about Russ’ new normal, it reveals how the mental impact of the challenge is still ongoing…Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2, Russ Cook (Hardest Geezer) shares the physical and emotional impact of his gruelling challenges. Russ reveals how he managed to get into Algeria despite being denied a visa, how he’s handling his newfound fame and what the hardest part of the challenge was (and it wasn’t the running!).Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hardest Geezer, aka Russ Cook, became the first person to run the entire length of Africa earlier this year. This week he joins Dr Alex George on the Stompcast to reveal the impact of pushing yourself to your extreme limits.In part 1, Russ talks about the challenges he did before the Big One (including being buried alive), how making the random choice to run home after a night out kicked off his love of the sport and what made him want to take on this incredible challenge. Follow @hardestgeezer and get his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’ Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 3, Dr Alex George asks Dr Mark Rackley if meditation can actually make an impact on someone’s mental fitness, and tips on where to begin. Mark explains the principles of meditation and mindfulness, simple hacks if you struggle to get into the zone and what is happening in your brain when you start to have spiralling thoughts.  Follow @drmarkrackleyFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever find yourself in a toxic situation but do nothing to change it? In part 2, Dr Mark Rackley explains the phenomenon of ‘learned helplessness’ and how to overcome it.Mark and Dr Alex George discuss why we’re prone to staying in unpleasant environments (such as bad workplaces or relationships), the signs of learned helplessness and how to stop doing this as well as break the cycle.   Follow @drmarkrackleyFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Mark Rackley is a psychologist and wellbeing expert, with over 20 years of experience. In this jam-packed episode, he joins Dr Alex George to cover a plethora of topics to set yourself up for optimum mental fitness this winter.In part 1, Mark takes us on a deep dive of seasonal depression and the winter blues. Mark explains why we often feel worse when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter and he shares top tips on how to increase your resilience to seasonal depression.Follow @drmarkrackleyFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 3, Dr Omara Naseem offers her top tips on a healthier way to approach food, which still includes eating cake. Omara explains how to avoid teaching your kids to be fussy eaters, why not everything you eat has to be healthy and why we must remind ourselves that our value is not tied to our bodies. For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.ukFollow @dr.omara.naseemFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | In part 2, Dr Omara Naseem and Dr Alex George discuss the ways society is fuelling disordered eating.Omara reveals her thoughts on the decision to add calories to menus, why tracking apps might be bad for you and how reality tv is impacting our relationship with our bodies.For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.ukFollow @dr.omara.naseemFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: This conversation covers eating disorders and disordered eating | Dr Omara Naseem is a leading UK expert in treating eating disorders and this week joins Dr Alex George to shine a much needed light on this topic.In part 1, Omara explains the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, how to know if you or someone you love is developing an ED and tips and techniques on how to start your recovery. For support with eating disorders head to /www.beateatingdisorders.org.ukFollow @dr.omara.naseemFollow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex’s book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.