

Ed Stott & The Big Life Questions
Edwina Stott
One big question at a time. Explored, untangled, and (possibly) solved.
Self-improvement is everywhere but most of it’s overly simplistic, shouty, and backed by vibes, not evidence.
I’m Ed Stott, former BBC & ABC journalist turned independent audio doco maker, obsessed with figuring out how to live better. (That obsession once led to 50 stand-up gigs in 6 months… but more on that later.)
Each month, I tackle one big, messy life question like “What’s my purpose?” or “Should I quit my job?” and get real answers from the world’s sharpest minds.
No fluff. Just big ideas, explored creatively, to help you make sense of your life.
Self-improvement is everywhere but most of it’s overly simplistic, shouty, and backed by vibes, not evidence.
I’m Ed Stott, former BBC & ABC journalist turned independent audio doco maker, obsessed with figuring out how to live better. (That obsession once led to 50 stand-up gigs in 6 months… but more on that later.)
Each month, I tackle one big, messy life question like “What’s my purpose?” or “Should I quit my job?” and get real answers from the world’s sharpest minds.
No fluff. Just big ideas, explored creatively, to help you make sense of your life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2024 • 40min
Ideas to Cultivate Curiosity & Level Up Your Life with Meena Alexander
When was the last time you got curious about your life? I mean, really curious: stopping to examine your beliefs, the way you work & even why you can never seem to switch off? If you’re anything like me the answer is probably never, but curiosity can be a phenomenal catalyst for growth. That’s what award winning journalist Meena Alexander’s book is all about - it’s called How To Be Curious & it’s full of ideas to make you think differently about your life. CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Meena on Instagram or via her website. BOOKSHow to Be Curious

Nov 24, 2024 • 44min
How to Live Authentically & Be Your Truest Self with Kat John
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite being true to yourself & you’re living the life that’s juuuust not quite the one for you, you're going to want to listen to this. My guest today has been there and she’s made it her career to help others out of that very tricky spot. Kat John is the host of the Real Raw Relatable podcast and the author of Authentic, Coming Home To Your True Self. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode briefly mentions child sexual abuse. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Kat on Instagram or via her website.

Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Make ChatGPT Your New Assistant (Even if You're Not Techy) with Leanne Shelton
Programs like ChatGPT can seem overwhelming if you're not tech savvy, but using AI as your shiny new assistant is more simple than you think. If you're yet to put ChatGPT or one of the many other AI to work, you're missing out on the ultimate productivity boosting, time saving tool - all you need is the know how! Leanne Shelton is a Global AI Coach, she's going to share exactly what you need to know without the techy jargon and help you tain, coach and teach your new AI assistant to help you work smarter, not harder. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Leanne on Instagram or via her website.

Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
How to Worry Better with Prof Kate Sweeny
Worry doesn’t get us anywhere, but figuring out HOW to stop worrying is an impossible task, so how can we do it better? Well my guest today is an expert in worry - she’s going to talk us through why we do it & how to turn it into something that is actually helpful! Kate Sweeny, is a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside where she runs the Life Events Lab. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Kate via her website.

Oct 31, 2024 • 42min
Preparing for the Millenopause with Dr Jess Blomfield
If you're a millenial woman, the menopause is likely much closer than you think. So how can you prepare to embrace it rather than endure it? Dr Jess Blomfield says it's completely possible with a little bit of knowledge. In this episode we talk through some of the early signs & symptoms, how to advocate with your doctor & the role we can all play in pushing for a cultural shift in how we approach it. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Jess on Instagram. MORE INFOThe Australian Menopause Ecosystem

Oct 23, 2024 • 42min
How to Hack Your Dopamine with Dr Anastasia Hronis
Want to know how to get your dopamine working for you instead of against you? It's a powerful driver & with a little knowledge it can be your in-built super power. Dr Anastasia Hronis is a clinical psychologist and the author of The Dopamine Brain, Your Science Backed Guide to Balancing Pleasure and Purpose. You're going to learn about what dopamine really is & how to get it to work with you, instead of against you. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Anastasia on Instagram & via her website.

Oct 17, 2024 • 41min
How to REALLY Rest & Why You Need It with Claudia Hammond
For something that should be simple, resting is remarkably tricky - so how do we master this lost art? And why should we make it a priority? Well Claudia Hammond has become somewhat of an expert in the topic - she’s a psychology lecturer, award winning broadcaster & the author of The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in The Modern World which draws on her work on the world’s largest ever survey into rest. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Claudia on Instagram & via her website.

Oct 11, 2024 • 50min
Build Your Multi-Million Dollar Business with Karina Irby
If you have a business idea, or you just know you want to work for yourself but you’re not sure how to make it happen, this conversation is for you. You probably have no idea where to start, little to no money, not much business experience & a whole heap of ‘what ifs’ holding you back from getting started… Well back in 2011, Karina Irby was right where you are now. Today, she now runs & owns a multimillion dollar business & her bikinis are sold all around the world. So how did she do it? Well, if you follow Karina online, you’ll know she is nothing if not totally open & honest so today we’re going to learn some of her biggest business lessons on how to start a super successful company with absolutely nothing. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Karina on Instagram & via Moana Bikini TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Karina Erby and Her Journey 02:49 The Origins of Moana Swimwear 10:34 Building a Community and Authenticity in Business 19:30 Lessons Learned in Brand Building and Authenticity 26:01 Navigating Social Media and Its Challenges 35:22 The Authenticity of Online Content 36:43 Navigating Fame and Public Perception 38:27 The Challenges of Hiring and Team Dynamics 44:08 Goal Setting and Business Vision 46:30 Staying Motivated and Avoiding Burnout 48:22 Letting Go of Control in Business 49:48 The Importance of Resilience in Business 52:18 Learning from Mistakes and Building a Foundation 54:24 Balancing Femininity and Authority in Business 58:14 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Oct 3, 2024 • 47min
Top 5 Career Dilemmas Solved by Global Career Coach Clare Seeber
Fallen out of love with your job? Can't get an interview? Don't have the right connections? Not sure what to do next? The next 40mins are just for you! Global career coach Claire Seeber is answering your top career dillemas. Claire's first episode resonated with SO MANY of you that she's joined our little self improvement club once again to answer your trickiest career questions - all things I’ve been wondering & I'm sure you have too: - I no longer feel like my job is right for me. What do I do? - When is it time to quit? - Why can't I get an interview or a job offer despite numerous attempts? - Is it really 'who you know' that matters? - I've done loads of things in my career. How do I link them all together in my work AND on my CV? You're going to find this SO helpful. CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Claire on Instagram or via her website BOOKS Less Hustle, More Happy PODCASTSPart 1: 5 Steps to Finding Fulfilling Work with Claire Seeber Ash Ambirge's Middle Finger Project on That's HelpfulClare's Podcast: Eating Your Cake TooThis Is Work

Sep 25, 2024 • 23min
How to Split Your Finances with Nicole Haddow
How do you split them - especially when one of you earns more than the other, if the worst happens - who gets what & how do you talk about them without killing the spark? Today’s topic is a contentious one - one that so many couples will have come across & searched for a solution - I’m talking finances, not just yours but your partners too. These are the big questions that journalist & author Nicole Haddow has answered in her latest book Couple Goals: Building a strong financial future and an even better relationship. SA: The podcast is now also available on Youtube if you'd like to see our smiling faces while you listen! CONNECT WITH US Connect with That's Helpful & Ed Stott on Instagram. Find Nicole on Instagram & via her website. BOOK Couple Goals: Building a strong financial future and an even better relationship Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - thatshelpful@edstott.com