As the dust settles from New Year’s Eve parties around the world, lots of us will be thinking about the changes we want to make to our lives in 2026. For many that will involve thinking about reducing alcohol, or even giving it up entirely. Challenges like Dry January are extremely popular among those who want to start living a healthier lifestyle, but what happens when February 1st hits? Is going cold turkey for a few weeks enough to fully embrace a sober lifestyle? Today, our guest is Jen Fairbairns from One Year No Beer - a company that helps sober-curious people on their journey to change their relationship with drinking. She talks to Stephanie about what it takes to really get to the heart of why we use alcohol as a crutch, gives tips on how to socialise sober when no one else is, and tells us what we need to look at within ourselves to overhaul our habit loops. Resources & Links  To find out more about One Year No Beer’s coaching schemes and challenges visit https://www.oynb.com/ If you have concerns about your own alcohol consumption or a friend or family member’s then you can seek support at Alcohol Change UK https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest: Jen Fairbairns from One Year No Beer Producer: Holly Fisher Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

According to the World Uncertainty Index we’re living through the most uncertain times since the financial crash in 2008. Uncertainty can apply to so many things in our lives from wider issues like a turbulent economy, to decisions that might affect our future, for example choosing what to study at university, and even in the minutiae of our day-to-day lives like deciding which route will get us home in time to see our kids before bedtime. Uncertainty shows up in our lives multiple times everyday, but how do we push through it successfully without getting stuck? This is something that co-authors Sam Conniff and Katherine Templar-Lewis wanted to work out, and so they wrote a book called ‘The Uncertainty Index: How to feel calmer, happier and more confident in an uncertain world’. It serves as an interactive guide through how uncertainty shows up in our bodies and what we can do to recognise it and turn it into a positive feeling rather than a worrying one. Working alongside scientists, psychologists and case studies who have experienced some incredibly uncertain times, the book has resulted in the most extensive scientific study into Uncertainty. In this episode Stephanie speaks to Katherine about the tools we have to navigate uncertainty, why uncertainty means opportunity, and learns how you can take part in this ongoing study. Resources & Links  https://www.uncertaintyexperts.com https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/sam-conniff/the-uncertainty-toolkit/9781035060054 Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest: Katherine Templar-Lewis, co-author of ‘The Uncertainty Toolkit: How To Feel Calmer, Happier and More Confident in an Uncertain World’ Producer: Holly Fisher Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage

Throughout her forties, model and activist Mia Maugè felt lost, unseen and ashamed of her new older self.It took opening up on Instagram to change all that. She was immediatelyscouted by four model agenciesand has been a loud and proud advocate for aging and the beauty it brings ever since. She and Stephanie discuss the changing identities of women as they age, embracing grey hair in all its glory,the joy of female friendships in later life, and why we should celebrate every day of becoming older withrespect and gratitude. Resources & Links https://www.miamauge.com/@miamauge Host:Stephanie von BismarckGuest:Mia Maugè Producer:Tory Pope Production Manager:Angela Crago Executive Producer:Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow@HowDoWeManage

How different might your life be if you approached it with a more optimistic mindset? It’s a question thathas fascinated our guest, journalist, scientistand author Sumit Paul-Choudhury since a huge personaltragedy led him to try and reframe his own life through a lens of optimism. The experiment was such assuccess that it led him to take a deep dive into the history and philosophy of looking on the bright side, andwhat it can do to change our lives. His book–“The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Changethe World’, is the result. In this episode he and Stephanie discuss the difference between optimism and naivety, the tricks to stayingoptimistic even when the world around us seems to be falling apart, and how looking on the bright side canchange your life. Resources & Links alternity.com Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest:Sumit Paul-Choudhury, Author of "The Bright Side" and director of the creative studio Alternity Producer:Tory Pope Production Manager:Angela Crago Executive Producer:Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow@HowDoWeManage

Dwayne Godwin has a brilliant brain. He’sa neuroscientist, an educator, and an academic leaderworking as a Professor in Translational Neuroscience at the Wake Forest University School ofMedicine in the US. And in his collaboration with world-renowned cartoonist Jorge Cham, he’s hereto teach us that every one of us has a brain which is also completely brilliant. In their latest book-“Out of Your Mind-The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain,” they combine neuroscience andcartoons to explore questions like: What is consciousness? Where isyouin the brain? And do wehave free will? In this episode Dwayne shares the joy of bringing the brain to life in cartoons, the importance ofmaking neuroscience accessible to kids, and stories of extraordinary humans and what their brainshave done for them throughout history. Resources & Links https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714056/out-of-your-mind-by-jorge-cham-and-dwayne-godwin/ https://jorgecham.com/ https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/g/dwayne-w-godwinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIjozY7sg4w https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwaynegodwin/ Host:Stephanie von Bismarck Guest:Dwayne Godwin, PhD Producer:Tory Pope Production Manager:Angela Crago Executive Producer:Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow@HowDoWeManage

How often do you walk into a room convinced you don’t belong there–even though all the evidence tells you otherwise? It’s a feeling most of us have experienced at least once in our livesand for someone peopleit can become really debilitating–Impostor Syndrome. Dr Valerie Young is an internationally recognised expert on the concept. She’s a global speaker,an award-winning author and co-founder of Impostor Syndrome Institute, who shares herfindings with major corporations and universities around the world. She and Stephanie discuss why we all feel like we’re the only real impostor here, the differencebetween impostor syndrome, nervousness and professional disappointment, and why womensuffer more than men. Valerie shares strategies for how to silence that voice in your head, how to be realistic aboutyour skills and achievements without becoming arrogant, and whether she’s overcome her ownimpostor syndrome for good. Resources & Links https://impostorsyndrome.com/@impostorsyndromeinstitute@drvalerieyounghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieyoung/ Host:Stephanie von Bismarck Guest:Dr Valerie Young, Producer:Tory Pope Production Manager:Angela Crago Executive Producer:Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow@HowDoWeManage

What if there was a way to get exactly what you wanted, just by reframing your approach? We can all take some tips on how to negotiate effectively from this week’s guest, Matthias Schranner. Described by Forbes magazine as “one of the the best negotiators in the world”, Matthias began his career as an undercover policeman, and his skill in dealing with extremely volatile circumstances led him to working as a lead negotiator for high-stakes situations. He went on to set up the Schranner Negotiation Institute, and now advises businesses and government leaders, including the UN and global corporations, in over 40 countries.  His groundbreaking “Schranner Concept” is used by companies worldwide to succeed in difficult negotiations. He and Stephanie talk through all the elements needed for successful negotiation, whether there’s ever a time to walk away, whether some personality types are born to get what they want, and if you can ever win in a negotiation with a teenager!I‍f you’ve got a negotiation coming up, with a boss, a client, a partner, or your kids, this episode is the place to come for advice from the ultimate expert. Resources & Links https://www.schranner.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/schranner/   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest:  Matthias Schranner, Founder and CEO Schranner Negotiation Institute Zurich   Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

When was the last lie you told? (Be honest!) Why did you tell it? Can you tell when someone is lying to you – your partner, your boss, your child? Is anyone born a liar? When is lying ok, and when can it destroy you? In this episode of How Do We Manage, Stephanie tackles all these questions and more with Swedish behavioral expert, worldwide best-selling author and speaker Thomas Erikson. In his “Surrounded By...” series, which has sold more than 12 million copies, Thomas unpicks all sorts of fascinating personality types – from idiots to psychopaths, narcissists to bad bosses – and most recently liars. In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to tell fact from fiction, a lie from truth, this episode is a must-listen! Resources & Links https://www.surroundedbyidiots.com/en/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/surroundedbyidiots/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Thomas Erikson Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

If you ever feel as though your relationship is stuck, or you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over again, this episode is for you. Jillian Turecki has helped thousands of people around the world transform their relationships and heal themselves from the inside out. Through coaching, workshops, a podcast, newsletter, and social media community she reaches millions with her compassionate, direct and research-driven insight. Her new book, “It Begins With You” provides a breakdown of the nine lessons she learnt firsthand when going through her own divorce, and examines how, for real relationship solutions, we must look first at ourselves. Jillian and Stephanie talk relationship patterns and how to avoid them, lessons we learn from childhood, and how difficult it can be to really take a long hard look in the mirror. And Jillian reminds us that while the journey to healing and self-love may be challenging, it’s never too late to start.   Resources & Links    www.jillianturecki.com    @jillianturecki  @jillianturecki    Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Jillian Turecki Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage   

When was the last time your brain really took a break? In a world where we are conditioned to believe in constant production, achievement and success, resting the brain can feel counterproductive, scary or even lazy. But according to author and neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli PhD, it’s completely essential.  After experience burnout in both his family members and himself, he began to research the impact giving our minds a proper rest has on our cognitive function – a concept he explores in his new book “The Brain at Rest” In this conversation, he explains what happens to the brain when it truly gets some downtime, the impact it has on our ability to be at our best – and tips on how to make sure you’re actually doing it. So if you want to find out more about the incredible power you can take from resting the brain, this episode is for you. Resources & Links https://drjosephjebelli.com/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Joseph Jebelli, PhD Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Isabel Losada is someone who really puts her money where her mouth is. Having decided to live more ethically, she took herself to task and worked to change every element of her life – from what she wears, to who she banks with, and what she eats. Her book “The Joyful Environmentalist” provides us all with a humorous and, yes, joyful take on how we can all make similar changes to our lives. She and Stephanie discuss the simple steps we can take to live in ways that support rather than destroy our planet. We learn about how to find real joy in living ethically, how it can help us save money and how to prioritise what really matters to us in life. In a world where we can feel constantly driven to buy, consume and waste, Isabel is a true inspiration.   Resources & Links    https://www.isabellosada.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIsabelLosada   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Isabel Losada Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

How much do you know and understand about perimenopause and menopause? It’s a stage of life that will affect each and every one of us – either directly or indirectly, but until a few years ago, was barely spoken about. Finally that conversation is getting louder – thanks to women like our guest Dr Naomi Potter. Naomi is a leading menopause expert, the founder of Menopause Care clinic, and co-author with Davina McCall of the bestselling book “Menopausing”.  In this episode she and Stephanie take a deep dive into perimenopause – when it can start, how it manifests, the potential impact on mental health and the weird symptoms it can present. They also discuss everything HRT – from the pros and cons, risks and benefits to alternative options, treatments and therapies. And take a good look at training and education, what needs to change and how families can really support women going through hormonal changes. Resources & Links https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ https://drnaomipotter.com/menopausing-book-of-the-year-2023/  @dr_naomipotter  https://www.youtube.com/@Dr_NaomiPotter   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Naomi Potter Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Would you speak up if you knew it could risk everything? If you are Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, the answer is a resounding “yes”.  Now a Senior Fellow and Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, Eirliani was a victim of child sex abuse when growing up. But she found the strength to share her story – and give voice to others. She’s the co- founder of YAKIN - (Youths, Adult survivors & Kin In Need), which helps adult survivors of child sexual abuse, co-authored an award-winning book sharing the stories of twelve survivors, and went on to write her own memoir under a pen name. In 2022 she gained global recognition for resigning from Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council in protest against the rise in hate speech following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform; the council was dissolved four days later by Musk. Eirliani shares the turning point in her life which led to her vowing to give voice to the voiceless. She explains the trauma of recounting her abuse and telling others’ stories, and why it was all worth it. And she describes the wave of online hatred she received when she publicly resigned from the Twitter Safety Council – and why she’d still do it all again today. Content Warning: Strong language and discussions of child sexual abuse and online hate speech. Resources & Links:   @eirliani  @eirliani  @eirliani  linkedin.com/in/eirlianiarahman https://www.amazon.co.uk/Survivors-Breaking-silence-child-sexual/dp/9814794015 Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, DrPH, MSc, FRSA Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Dr Liz O’Riordan is leading the way in getting us talking about cancer. She was 40 and working as a consultant breast surgeon when she herself was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. What she then went through opened her eyes to how women with cancer are treated, and all the things they aren’t told or warned about. She’s now changing the conversation with her books and online presence. In this episode she and Stephanie discuss how difficult it was to deal with cancer when you have insider knowledge of the potential consequences, all the symptoms she wasn’t expecting and how others can deal with them, the impact of cancer on mental health and sexual relationships, and the joy she’s found in reshaping her career. Content Warning: Discussions around cancer and sexual health. Resources & Links Books:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/oriordanliz/list/1I6SPSM9QQU6I?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e  @oriordanliz @DrLizORiordan Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Having a successful career whilst raising children can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge – but Dolly Jones wants to change that narrative. Dolly’s a former editor at Vogue, a digital consultant and author of “Leaving the Ladder Down”, a book which encourages us to think differently about working parents – for ourselves, our families and in the workplace. In this episode of How Do We Manage, Dolly explains why we should appreciate every type of mother and the roles they play – both those at home and at work. She advocates for a culture of speaking openly and honestly about family to employers and colleagues, putting aside mother guilt, accepting the joy of having both a job and a family – and celebrating the everyday wins.   Resources & Links  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladder-Down-Dolly-Jones/dp/0008431388    @dolly_jones  Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Dolly Jones Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

It’s one of life’s last remaining taboo subjects...Money.  What we earn, what we save and how we spend is mostly shrouded in secrecy. And in a world where the earning power and purse strings are still so often held by men, tackling the issue head on can be particularly challenging for women.  Today’s guest is on a mission to change that. Bola Sol is a financial advisor, a money columnist and the author of two books, “Your Money Life” and “How To Save It”, which aim to help us better understand how to manage our money. She is also making it her mission to empower women around the world to take control of their finances. Bola and Stephanie discuss what it was like being a woman of colour in the world of corporate finance, why schools are failing us when it comes to teaching kids about money, and why getting women in a room together to talk about all things financial is so important. Bola also shares tips on the best ways to invest, save, budget and educate our children around money. We can all come away from this episode a little richer. Resources & Links https://bolasol.co.uk/  @bola_sol  @bolasol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bola-sol/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Bola Sol Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Boundaries... it’s one of those words we hear all the time, but what does a healthy boundary really look and feel like? Do you know how to set your own and respect other people’s? In this episode Stephanie gets all the answers and so much more from best-selling author, therapist, and creator of the online platform “Struggle Care”, KC Davies. KC shares how her own addiction battles and mental health difficulties led her to a life providing help and support for others, how an ADHD diagnosis has shaped her own boundaries, and how to really ensure you’re treated with the respect you deserve in all your relationships. Resources & Links https://www.strugglecare.com/  https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters?lang=en Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: KC Davies Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

How much do you know about what the children in your life are seeing online? The average age at which young people first see porn is now just 13 – with more than a quarter accessing it by age 11. As governments worldwide grapple with the best ways to protect children online, the theme of today’s episode is both timely and necessary. And the guest is a force to be reckoned with. Tatiana Kotlyarenko is an award-winning international expert on human trafficking and violence against women and girls. In this conversation with Stephanie she explains the real dangers children are exposed to online, the impact it has on their brains, and how to best keep them safe. She talks about holding global corporations to account, the unseen and unheard victims, and the measures that are desperately needed to make real change. And she shares how she remains hopeful and finds joy in her own life. This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence and graphic content. Resources & Links    linkedin.com/in/tatiana-kotlyarenko-b0b4a63   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Tatiana Kotlyarenko Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

It’s something so many people struggle with at some point in their lives – a healthy attitude to food, eating, diet and body image. So how can we eat in a way that’s well adjusted, and step away from those damaging messages that come from both outside influences and our own inner critic? Priya Tew is an award-winning registered dietitian and nutrition professional who has an incredibly grounding, and practical approach to the way we eat, and think about our bodies. She and Stephanie discuss the online influences that can lead us astray, the myths and misconceptions around what a healthy diet looks like, and how Priya approaches food with her own children. Content warning: Discussions around diet and eating disorders. Resources & Links https://www.priyatew.com/  https://www.instagram.com/priya_tew/?hl=en Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Priya Tew Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow⁠ @HowDoWeManage

Are you excited or frightened by AI? Is it helping us cope with everyday life more effectively – or destroying human creativity and agency?  These are some of the big questions tackled in today’s conversation with Greg Beato – a tech writer and co-author of the book “SuperAgency - What Could Possibly Go Right With Our Future”. Written with LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, the book explores the ways we can make AI work for us rather than against us – and encourages us all to get excited about the possibilities of the future. Greg and Stephanie discuss why AI is the biggest technological breakthrough in 300 years, what it means for our concept of privacy, the dangers it might present, and how to really use AI to our advantage.  This chat is a deep dive into what the future of technology can and will look like and how to really embrace it. Resources & Links http://www.superagency.ai. Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Greg Beato Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage