Hurt to Healing

Welcome to Healing 101, where we dive deep into the foundations of mental wellbeing. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Phil Hopley—consultant psychiatrist and stress expert—to unpack one of the biggest challenges of modern life: chronic stress. Dr. Hopley explains how to recognise the early warning signs before burnout strikes, why our relationship with stress matters more than the stress itself, and how small, daily resets can make a huge difference. From practical tools for busy parents to the vital roles of sleep, hydration, and boundaries, this is an empowering guide to building resilience in a world that rarely slows down.Find Phil: https://www.cognacity.co.uk/team/dr-phil-hopley/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hurt to Healing, Pandora sits down with Emma Healey, acclaimed author and journalist, to explore the complex relationship between exercise, body image, and control. Emma shares her deeply personal experience with exercise addiction, discussing how what started as a routine for health and fitness slowly became an all-consuming compulsion. She opens up about the psychological and physical toll it took on her body, relationships, and sense of self, as well as the difficult journey toward finding balance. Together, they examine the fine line between dedication and obsession, and how societal messages about fitness and achievement can fuel unhealthy behaviours.Emma also discusses her latest novel, Sweat, which delves into power dynamics in relationships, control, and the pressures placed on women’s bodies. She and Pandora explore the parallels between disordered exercise habits and coercive relationships, how toxic fitness culture can be a form of self-punishment, and the importance of listening to your body with kindness. If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with exercise, body image, or the pressure to always do more, this conversation is a must-listen.Buy Sweat: https://amzn.eu/d/faaAWg0Emma's Website: https://www.emmahealey.co.uk/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I open up about something deeply personal—my relationship with my brother, and the wider dynamics within my family. For a long time, I found certain behaviours hard to understand or accept, but recently, I’ve started to view them through a different lens.I share how gaining perspective on my own coping mechanisms—and recognising where they come from—has helped me see my family’s responses in a new light. I talk about how we all carry our own childhood experiences into adulthood, often unconsciously, and how that shapes the way we love, communicate, and sometimes clash.This episode is also about embracing who you are, unapologetically. I talk about learning to accept my own quirks and how that self-acceptance has quietly transformed my relationships—especially with my brother. It hasn’t been a dramatic overnight shift, but a gradual, very real one.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Healing 101, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Chuks to explore the powerful connection between anxiety, stress, and disordered eating. We unpack how stress hormones like cortisol impact hunger, why early life experiences shape our eating patterns, and how guilt and shame can trap us in unhealthy cycles. Dr. Chuks shares practical advice for building a more compassionate, mindful relationship with food—and with ourselves.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by former England rugby player, best-selling author, podcaster and media personality, James Haskell. Known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the field, James has been on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the highs and lows of professional sport, dealing with ADHD, and embracing new challenges after retiring from rugby.In this conversation, James opens up about his childhood, how his ADHD diagnosis shaped his early years, and the impact of professional rugby on his mental and physical well-being. We explore his experience with therapy, the lessons he’s learned about self-discipline and confidence, and how he continues to push himself beyond his comfort zone—whether that’s in fitness, music, or public speaking. This episode is an honest and inspiring look at the importance of self-acceptance, and how we can all keep evolving, no matter what life throws our way.Find James:Instagram: @jameshaskellWebsite: https://jameshaskell.co.uk/Podcasts: https://jameshaskell.co.uk/podcast/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I open up about what it really feels like to slow down - not by choice, but by necessity - and how it's been forcing me to confront old fears, routines, and the way I measure my worth. I share how an injury has made me rethink productivity, presence, and the masks we wear to seem like we're doing fine when we're not. It's a vulnerable one, but I hope it reminds you that wherever you are right now is exactly where you're meant to be.I also talk about learning to trust myself again, the beauty in spontaneity, and how we can all rewrite our stories no matter what stage of life we're in. From dealing with anxiety to finding comfort in simple rituals, this episode is a gentle reminder that change is possible, slowing down is powerful, and your energy - and your story - are entirely yours to reclaim.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Clarke is a model, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the wellness brand Mother Made. Born and raised in New Zealand with strong Māori roots, Jessica grew up surrounded by holistic healing, a deep connection to nature, and a family who believed in the body’s ability to restore itself.In this episode of Healing 101, Jessica shares how her own experiences with burnout and imbalance led her to reconnect with those early teachings—and ultimately launch a brand focused on the power of functional mushrooms. We talk about the realities of healing behind the scenes of the fashion industry, the importance of listening to your body, and how ancient wisdom is helping shape a new approach to modern wellness.Find Mother Made: https://mothermade.uk/Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Chuks to explore the deeply layered world of eating disorders - how they often begin, what fuels them, and why they can be so difficult to detect and treat. We talk about the connection between stress and disordered eating around major life events, the dangerous expectations placed on our bodies before weddings and holidays, and how social media and comparison can quietly chip away at our sense of self. I share some of my own experiences navigating anorexia, the crossover between restriction and bingeing, and the importance of recognising emotional triggers.Whether you're personally affected, supporting someone who is, or just curious to understand this often misunderstood illness a bit better—this conversation holds space for honesty, reflection, and healing.Find Dr Chuks:Book: https://amzn.eu/d/b1zIkj6Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s solo episode, I open up about something deeply personal - navigating another stress injury and the emotional spiral it triggered. I reflect on the long-term effects of an eating disorder, the lessons I’ve had to learn (and re-learn), and the importance of catching ourselves before we fall too far down a familiar rabbit hole. From stress fractures and stubborn inner critics to spontaneous lunches and surprising friendships, I try to make sense of what it means to find softness in setbacks. I talk about shame, healing, and the very human urge to control everything - even when we know we can’t. There’s some Adam Grant wisdom, a sprinkle of Maria Shriver, and a few thoughts about letting life surprise you. And, yes, I do circle back to the bizarre comfort of knowing that sometimes, we really are exactly where we’re meant to be.Stay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Healing 101 episode, I sit down with James Withey - writer, speaker, and founder of The Recovery Letters project - to explore what it really means to live with depression.James shares his personal journey, from struggling with depression since childhood to facing suicidal thoughts and time in psychiatric hospitals. Through vulnerability, wit, and warmth, he helps break the silence and stigma around mental illness.In this episode, we discuss:How depression can feel like deep isolation—and why connection is so vitalThe power of tracking small wins and challenging internal negative narrativesWhy asking for help doesn’t mean surrendering controlNavigating shame, support, and the difficult act of reaching outA message of hope: that healing is possible, and joy can returnWhether you're supporting someone with depression or facing it yourself, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone - and that even in darkness, there’s a path forward.Buy James's book on depression: https://amzn.eu/d/igcshWM Follow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.