

Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast | Breaking Silence Around the Secrets We All Carry
Christopher McCurry & Emma Waddington
We often find ourselves comparing our internal struggles to the flawless images others project, leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Join psychologists Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they delve into the little-discussed yet incredibly common challenges that come with striving to be your best self.In each episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," you'll find thoughtful conversations filled with insights, humor, and compassion that reflect the beautiful complexity of being human. Together, we’ll explore the raw realities of issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, and the nuanced journey of growing up.Whether it's confronting the pressures of modern life or unpacking emotional baggage, we provide a safe space for you to resonate with these experiences. Our intriguing discussions with expert guests will illuminate your path toward understanding and healing.Tune in for practical answers to your pressing questions, such as:How can I better manage anxiety and stress?What can help me overcome self-doubt?How do I navigate grief and find solace?How does self-compassion play a role in my journey?What steps can I take towards greater emotional clarity?Join us weekly as we embrace the messiness of life and uncover the secrets that bind us together. With every episode, you’ll feel empowered, understood, and reminded that it’s perfectly okay to not have it all figured out. Together, let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and compassion—because we all have secrets, and it’s time to share them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2023 • 54min
Secret #2: We Are Not Alone with Martin Wilks
In this episode, psychologist Martin Wilkes challenges the prevailing idea of individualism in Western culture and highlights the neglected, yet vital connection we have with our planet and one another. As part of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science, Wilkes explains how the concept of the self as context can help us move beyond our ego and embrace our shared interdependence. This thought-provoking discussion offers insights into how rediscovering this connection can not only heal ourselves, but our world as well.Highlights: How industrial development has further separated humans from their interconnectivity with the environment and each other Why the rise of individualism in Western culture has alienated people from their sense of community and belongingness Why separating the scientist from the subject created a divide that led to the loss of the idea of interbeing How rediscovering our interconnectivity is essential for healing our personal selves and the planet as a wholeMore about Martin Wilks:Martin Wilks is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Associate fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), a Senior Practitioner member of the register of Psychologists specialising in Psychotherapy (ROPSIP) and is a registered applied psychology practice supervisor (RAPPS).He has 3 decades experience of helping clients in a variety of contexts, from a wide range of ages, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Having accumulated 16 years experience in the development, management and supervision of counselling services in a frontline London, public-sector institution he now works independently offering counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, mediation, supervision, training and mentoring.To learn more about Martin:Visit MartinWilks.comFollow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecretsReach out and let us kStruggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve. ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids) ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids) ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Mar 30, 2023 • 6min
BONUS: Martin Wilks
In this bonus track of Life's Dirty Little Secrets podcast, psychologist Martin Wilkes shares the inspiring story of a shaman tree's transformation after a devastating storm. The tree, once a mere runt among a group of elder oaks, was uprooted and nearly destroyed during the infamous 1988 UK gale. However, one of its roots seemingly transformed into a bow and brought balance back to the tree. Martin shares how this special tree has become his sanctuary and a source of natural wisdom, as well as a reminder of the healing power of nature. Tune in to hear his poignant message about the resilience of life and the ways in which nature can help us find our own balance after the storm.More about Martin Wilks:Martin Wilks is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, Associate fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), a Senior Practitioner member of the register of Psychologists specialising in Psychotherapy (ROPSIP) and is a registered applied psychology practice supervisor (RAPPS).He has 3 decades experience of helping clients in a variety of contexts, from a wide range of ages, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Having accumulated 16 years experience in the development, management and supervision of counselling services in a frontline London, public-sector institution he now works independently offering counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, mediation, supervision, training and mentoring.To learn more about Martin:Visit MartinWilks.comFollow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecretsReach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast@gmail.com ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids) ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids) ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Mar 30, 2023 • 32min
Secret #1: I'm Adulting but Don't Feel Like an Adult
Struggling to feel like a full-fledged adult? Emma Waddington and Chris McCury discuss the topic of adulting and how it has become a modern phenomenon. They discuss the struggles of adulthood, how it has changed between generations and why people feel anxious about adulthood and its associated responsibilities.Highlights: The idea of adulting Why adulting is discussed more now than in previous decades Why people feel uncertainty and doubts when it comes to being an adult Why people feel like they haven’t become adults Resources for making the leap into adulthoodResourcesHow to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn before You're Grown UpFollow us on Facebook @lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast and on Instagram @lifesdirtylittlesecretsReach out and let us know you are listening and what you would like to hear on the show - email:lifesdirtylittlesecretspodcast@gmail.comStruggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve. ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids) ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids) ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Mar 30, 2023 • 27min
Secret #3: Eating Disorders and Self-compassion with Dr. Diana Hill
Many of the secrets we carry are so common and we’re really all sharing the same shame and regret, but the hope is to have more compassion for each other but mostly for ourselvesIn this episode, Emma and Chris talk with Dr. Diana Hill about her disordered eating recovery and how she applies the lessons she learned from this challenge to her therapy practice and daily living.Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Your Life in Process and co-author of ACT Daily Journal, Diana works with organizations, high-achievers, and health professionals who are committed to becoming psychologically flexible so that they can move from striving to thriving at work, home, and around the globe. Diana blogs for Psychology Today, is a guest teacher at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education and Insight Timer Meditation. A specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Training, Diana guides high achievers, leaders, and organizations to develop psychological flexibility so that they can take wise action toward more fulfilling and meaningful lives.Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two, bee guardian, and yoga practitioner.Highlights: Explicit vs. Implicit reasons for becoming a therapist Why Diana became a therapist How our institutions are set up to suppress any human vulnerability Navigating life openly with our exposed secrets Taking leaps of faith and trusting the process An apprenticeship to uncertainty Why our clients secrets are not repelling to us The origin of our secrets What to do with the gift of our secretsResourcesStruggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve. ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids) ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids) ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Nov 21, 2022 • 41sec
Trailer - Life's Dirty Little Secrets
We're all very human and fallible, and yet we live in a society that rewards pretending we're not fallible, or the range of acceptable fallibility is narrow. We are constantly comparing our insides to other people's outsides and feeling inadequate and guilty, even ashamed. Trying to blend in means parts of ourselves must disappear, and we must then live in fear that we will be found out.Here, together, we will create a space where we can laugh, cry, and carry our suffering and hurts lightly, in the service of being deeply human. This is Life's Dirty Little Secrets. ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids) ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids) ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)


