Stompcast

Musician Ellie Dixon can often be found running around in wild and whacky costumes to promote her self-produced, alt-pop songs for her 1.2 million followers on TikTok. In part 1, Dr Alex and Ellie discuss how she grew such a huge audience with her music, where she learned to produce music and why she’s been running around dressed as a lizard…They also discuss Ellie’s fears around losing her privacy when finding fame, how she’s managing to avoid the commercialisation that sometimes happens when an artist signs to a record label, and why in her opinion, social media has completely changed the music industry.Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Dr Alex continues his stomp with Ellie Dixon, she shares the slow motion moment she signed her record deal - dressed as an astronaut no less.They also discuss how she came to sign a contract with one of the world's biggest record labels and how she’s kept control of how she writes and produces. Ellie also dives into how she harbours her creativity, why it’s a muscle that needs to be exercised and the importance of embracing mistakes you make. Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this Stomp, Ellie opens up about her performance anxiety which left her unable to speak, and how she overcame it.Ellie and Dr Alex discuss learning when to reason with anxiety, how to acknowledge when you’re in ‘red alert’ mode and why acknowledging your fears can help you think more logically.Plus, Ellie reveals her bonkers ideas - which includes why she throws biscuits out to the crowd at her gigs!Follow Ellie @elliedixonmusic and listen to Big Lizard Energy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johann Hari has authored books about depression and addiction but now, the 3-times New York Times best-seller has released Stolen Focus, about the shrinking of our attention spans.As Johann and Dr Alex stomp across the discontinued railway tracks of North London, Johann discusses experiments that have changed long-held beliefs about addiction such as Rat Park (aka heaven for rats) and he also shares the groundbreaking idea that the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, but connection. Johann tells Dr Alex tales from his research trips that allowed him to shape his theories. While travelling across the world, Johann learned about the societal effect of the Portuguese decriminalisation of drugs and why you should never eat unwashed fruit in Vietnam…If you suffer with mental health issues, you may find Johann’s approach to disorder, failure and breakdowns, somewhat refreshing.  Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of this stomp, Johann Hari shares the science behind why, much to many people’s disbelief, our focus isn’t getting worse – it’s being stolen.From the tech you use to the food you eat, Johann explains the surprising factors behind why you may not be able to pay attention like you used to.He also shares how a trip to Elvis’ house in Graceland with his godson showed him how difficult it is to escape the problem of distraction. Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this stomp with Johann Hari and Dr Alex offer advice if you’re wanting to take back your focus and attention. Johann shares a shocking study about the damaging effects of being constantly distracted in the way many of us are every day, and the solutions that are being undertaken internationally to combat it. Follow Johann @johann.hari and buy his new book, Stolen Focus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an incredibly vulnerable conversation, Roxie Nafousi joins Dr Alex on this week's stomp.Roxie opens up about her experience with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and how she’s constantly working hard to not let it define her.She also shares why self awareness is integral to anyone’s healing journey, and steps you can take to begin reframing how you see the world.Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roxie Nafousi owes everything she has to manifesting, so in part 2 she breaks down the 7 steps of manifestation. Roxie explains the misconceptions of manifesting and why it’s more achievable than it seems. She also shares how manifesting helped her come through her addiction and battle with self loathing.Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this walk with Dr Alex and Roxie Nafousi, they dive into their views on hedonism, and whether you need to have ‘partied hard’ in your 20s in order to settle into a wellbeing focussed life. Plus, Roxie shares her biggest life lessons around self reflection, and not worrying about being liked by everyone you meet. Follow Roxie and pick up her new book, Manifest: Dive Deeper.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drag Queen Kitty Scott-Claus is ditching the heels for some more stomp friendly shoes to join Dr Alex on this week's episode. Kitty, or as less people may know them, Louis Westwood, shares how getting out for walks was vital in her preparation for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and her experience of first stepping into drag as a Girls Aloud tribute act.Kitty also dives into the differences of personality being in and out of drag, and how Kitty can often get away with much more than Louis can... Follow Kitty Scott-Claus @kittyscottclaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.