Feel Better, Live More

Is it possible to create a food system that promotes health, not disease? One that regenerates ecosystems, reverses climate change and ensures no one, least of all the poorest in society, is endangered? My guest on this week’s podcast believes it is. He is functional medicine doctor and New York Times bestselling author, Dr Mark Hyman. Mark and I talk about everything from how processed food is addictive by design, to the powerful role good nutrition, from real food, could have in hospitals, schools and prisons. We discuss why soil depletion from intensive farming is one of the biggest drivers of climate change – and why that vegan burger may not be the environmentally friendly option. Despite the serious subject matter of this conversation, I’m sure you’ll come away feeling hopeful. Mark doesn’t simply highlight the problems we’re facing. He identifies the ‘fix’, providing practical, positive solutions. It’s a call to action that we can all do our bit to answer. Show notes available at

Think of a physiotherapist and you probably think of someone who’s interested in muscles and joints; someone who gets you moving again after an injury, right? Well my guest this week is a physio with a difference. He’s concerned with the effect movement has, not on our bodies… but our minds.  Brendon Stubbs is head of physiotherapy at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, a clinical lecturer and a prolific researcher. His work is helping provide the medical profession with much-needed evidence for what we, as humans, feel instinctively: physical activity makes us feel good. For instance, did you know moderate exercisers are 30 per cent less likely to suffer a depressive episode? Or that being sedentary can actually cause depression? Finally, we have proof that exercise is as effective as many existing interventions for preventing and treating mental health conditions. And I would argue it goes one step further, by also boosting physical health and social connections. Whether you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, you’re a healthcare professional, or you simply want to increase your emotional resilience, I think you’ll be persuaded into action by the surprising stories and evidence Brendon shares. And if you’re persuaded, please spread the word – let’s start a movement revolution. Show notes available at

Can a sporting event really change the world? It might sound crazy, but with the right ingredients, I think it can. My guest on this week’s podcast is Michael Lemmel, co-founder of Swimrun, a sporting experience that’s taken the world by storm. What began as a drunken bet between friends, to swim and run between islands off Sweden, evolved into an organised endurance event and now an eco-conscious, global phenomenon, attracting people of all ages and abilities. You run in your wetsuit, swim in your shoes and complete a series of short swims and trail runs, all with a partner. I did my first Swimrun in Devon last summer, and myself and my nine-year-old son are now total converts. Michael and I chatted just before our third event, in Malta, and I was keen to find out why he thinks it’s such a transformative experience. But this week’s episode is definitely not just for outdoor sports enthusiasts – it’s about the power of nature, the joy of coming together with others. It’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone, becoming a better person – and, yes, making the world a better place.  Show notes available at

Warning: some people might find this podcast seriously restful. If that sounds appealing, it should do, because rest is something we all need to prioritise. So says this week’s guest, Claudia Hammond, who argues that being busy isn’t a badge of honour – and taking time out is definitely not lazy. We examine the science behind our struggles to relax and she shares some brilliant insights on our attitudes to downtime, the top 10 activities most likely to help us switch off, and what the benefits are for our health, wellbeing and productivity. If you need a reminder of why rest is so important – and permission to do it, without feeling guilty – this is it. So put your feet up (or head out for a walk, if you find that more restful), and listen in.   Show notes available at

RE-RELEASE: This episode originally aired last year as a two-part episode. CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing and themes of an adult nature. For the past few decades, almost every year, levels of depression and anxiety have increased in Britain and across the Western world. But why? One of the most important voices in this area, Johann Hari, went on a forty-thousand-mile journey across the world to interview the leading experts about what causes depression and anxiety, and what solves them. He shares the fascinating findings of his research in this week’s podcast. Johann explains that although we have been told a story that drugs are the solution to depression and anxiety, in many cases, the cause is not in our biology but in the way we live. Johann argues that being depressed or anxious does not mean that you are crazy, weak or broken, rather, that your natural psychological needs are not being met. And it’s hardly surprising – we are the loneliest society there has ever been. We discuss how loneliness affects us, how social prescribing can transform lives, the role trauma plays and how shame is both physically and emotionally destructive. Johann believes that societal values have been corrupted and explains the effect that this is having on our health. We talk about the role of the workplace and how having autonomy and choices can reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Johann goes on to share the incredible heart-warming story of the people from Berlin district called Kotti – a story of how an unlikely community was borne out of desperation and the unbelievable transformations that occurred for the whole community as a result of it. Finally, Johann shares some truly inspirational top tips. This really is a captivating and incredibly important conversation – I hope you enjoy it!   Show notes available at