Today I'm joined by Dr. Ray Doktor, Psy.D., bestselling author of "All it Takes is One", clinical psychologist of 30 years and relationship/life coach who has worked with some of the leading figures in personal development and whose expertise can be read in publications including Psychology Today, the Los Angeles Times and Men's Health.
While practising with a broad range of modalities, Dr. Ray looks to understand his clients on an existential level in order to understand what makes them tick while using a solution-focused method of shifting ones' mindset from old, outdated patterns of thinking that leave us stuck in rumination or repeating maladaptive, unhelpful behaviours.
In this episode we discuss Conscious Parenting, which highlights the need for our own self-awareness with regard to how we relate to our children, our partner (or ex-partner) and the world around us in order to guide our children into the wider world. We use poignant examples of our own lives to highlight the differences between parenting now against our own upbring, the Gen X climate that shaped our thinking, the differences in aging across the generations and so much more.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Dr. Ray's work on the links below:
Today I'm joined by Dr. Matt Motchkavitz Ph.D, founder of The Excellence Incorporated Company to talk about the importance of goals - just in time to kick off 2026.
Matt started the company with a mission to teach practical life skills and this is done via a variety of mediums including seminars, takeaway training programmes, events and tangible products such as books. These are currently provided across the United States with a view to take these teachings to a global audience.
Matt talks of his beginnings in college while training to become a therapist and how he had never taken a class on personal development but circumstances took him in a different direction after becoming a single parent to his son, meaning that he never became a therapist but moved towards training and public speaking.
We discuss the role of ego, self-esteem, array of distractions and so much more when looking at how to set goals that resonate with us, how to stay on track once your goals are identified, how regularly to review them as well as the importance of having fun and balance along the way.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=546ac484ebde4135
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Check out Dr. Matt's work on the links below:
Today I'm joined by Petya Yordanova, the owner of 'You-Expanded Coaching' . Petya works with women to attract the love they deserve by focusing on that which is within - healing from past hurt, removing emotional blocks and allowing your true self to flourish in order to find someone who aligns with you rather than settling for an unsuitable partner or repeating old, negative patterns.
Petya and I examine how past trauma can show up in relationships, often unnoticed and keeps us locked in cycles that perpetuate unhappiness or the feeling that something is missing. We talk honestly and openly about our own lives, using examples of our own relationship struggles before taking steps to love and appreciate ourselves in order to attract that which works.
As a student of Katherine Woodward Thomas, Petya brings a transformational style that incorporates what is unique about YOU into a coaching model that highlights the positives whilst bringing about a greater self-awareness which will benefit your love life in addition to how you show up in the world.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Petya's work on the links below:
Finally Find Love | Relationship Coaching for Women | You.Expanded Coaching
You.Expanded Coaching - Create the Love You Desire | Facebook
I'm joined today by Dominique Favreau - an artist, growth advocate and presenter of the Coconut Soul Podcast to discuss a myriad of topics including vulnerability, self-love, personal growth and so much more...
Dominique AKA Nikky, supports people in the move to become 'Soulpreneurs' in that she helps them to discard the unnecessary and sometimes toxic baggage that accumulates in life over time with a view to living a more fulfilled life and "being vulnerable enough to love yourself"
As part of this, we look at things such as shame, mistrust, fear and perfectionism which manifest as getting in our own way and adding to the stressors already present in modern life. As both of us are fans of the 'no BS' approach, we draw on our own experiences and the mistakes within to demonstrate that the path through life is not a simple one and that it's expected that we will make mistakes - something that we seem to often forget when judging ourselves.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Nikky's work on the links below:
Self love story of “Being vulnerable enough to love yourself” - Nikky & Patrick Coconut Soul Podcast
Dominique Favreau, M.A. | LinkedIn
https://youtu.be/R7uf61USr1c?si=Vya1F3porbXa1EzV
Today I'm joined by Alexander J. Ward, musician, advocate and the face of the People Helping People podcast, which looks to do good things in the community whilst also showcasing people from all walks of life who are adding positively to the lives of those around them.
Alexander talks with me about his own origin story and how he came to be in the position he currently sits - a life that includes having to step too early to be the peacekeeper, his shock diagnosis of both Type-1 Diabetes and Crohn's Disease and how the impact of this spurred him on to advocate for those in need while rebuilding both his body and his outlook on what life held for him.
Honest, open and unashamedly vulnerable throughout, we talk of our own struggles, lessons learnt, what it looks like to be a masculine man in the modern world and so much more...
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Alexander's work on the links below:
People Helping People - YouTube
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vwfJWxi5SngfDLTr3mlFy?si=e1MZhirnT1qYmwBggk5-mQ
In today's episode I speak with Adam Meyers - a serving Police Officer (now Captain) of 23 years and founder of 'Stop The Threat, Stop The Stigma'.
In 2016, Adam was on a routine call which turned into much more - resulting in him using his service weapon and the loss of life. While to those on the outside this may be seen as just another day on the job but for Adam the aftermath of the event led him to a deep depression and self-numbing with alcohol, drugs and casual sex to mask the pain that was underneath - a pain that he was not attending to.
Adam's subsequent termination, year of recovery and return to the force all served as important lessons and led to the formation of 'Stop The Threat, Stop The Stigma' - an organisation that encourages first responders to acknowledge the cumulative trauma from the situation faced daily and seek the appropriate supports - but also encouraging a culture that makes it normal for people to reach out without shame.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Adam's work on the links below:
Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma |
Today I'm joined by Dr. Jennifer Schlueter, a trauma-informed certified hypnotherapist who incorporates emotional freedom techniques, neuro-linguistic programming and breathwork into her practice to shift mental blocks that are in the way of physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
Jenny was formerly in a high-achieving corporate role and was doing very well professionally but her personal life was unravelling and she knew something was missing. After visiting a hypnotherapist in search of answers, she made the decision to move to Paris (and has since lived in a number of other countries) and change her trajectory.
In her current role, Jenny has worked with hundreds of clients and helped them navigate psychological and physiological conditions including depression, endometriosis, chronic pain and several more. Her work has also brought her to the teachings of 'Human Design' which has informed not only her professional life but also how she shows up in the world.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out Jenny's work on the links below:
https://youtu.be/4syD1Idj9LQ?si=MT1ETW_67sFUjlMM
And learn more about Human Design on the link below:
Today I'm joined by James McCambridge, a movement coach specialising in the brain and nervous system and owner of Rewire Neuro Dynamics to discuss his work - in particular the principles of neuroplasticity and the real-world implications in relation to recovery from injury, skill acquisition, moving away from bad habits and mental wellbeing.
Throughout our conversation, James brings science-backed strategies for improving brain function to the forefront using relatable language and describing tested methods for success that have life-changing impacts and in some cases can be incredibly simple. I was amazed by what I learned in just a one-hour conversation and James' knowledge and attention to detail had me fascinated throughout.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
Check out James' work on the links below:
In preparation for International Men's Day on 19th of November, I'm joined by David Maywald - author of 'The Relentless War on Masculinity - Does it Ever End?' and driving force behind 'Celebrating Masculinity'
David discusses his book and the research behind it that backs up what many of us have been seeing in society for decades - that boys and men are falling behind women in education, employment, physical health outcomes, mental wellbeing and much more. Further to this, we look at gaps in society that are failing young men and boys such as a need for role modelling, no real purpose in life, a coddled environment that does not support the attainment of manhood and a move towards gynocentric philosophies and provision of services.
David's passion for his work shines through and his efforts to seek change that supports empowerment of masculine and feminine alongside one another for the betterment of all is truly inspiring. Looking to provide positive solutions rather than blindly accepting tired narratives, David calls on men and society as a whole to advocate for initiatives that support men, women and the family unit as the current levels of detachment, depression, suicide and reduced outcomes are clearly not moving us in the right direction.
To check out David's work, click the links below:
The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does it Ever End? eBook : Maywald, David: Amazon.com.au: Books
Celebrating Masculinity (@CelebrateMales) / X
Today I'm joined by Mandy who talks firstly about her battle against a 16-year addiction to cocaine and her subsequent recovery, alongside her efforts to rebalance herself whilst also battling a nervous breakdown and serious depression.
Mandy had - in her own words - what we would call a 'normal' childhood that, while including some bumps in the road was relatively happy. At the age of 12 she first began smoking cannabis and this progressed in the manner of youthful curiosity towards harder drugs that eventually took over in a number of ways.
Told with honesty and emotion, Mandy walks us through her life of partying, to the point where she decided to move away from drug use, the slip-up's and successes, learning about how the body functions with a view to healing herself and much more in between. Ultimately Mandy's story is one of hope, self-belief and the realisation that "there's a lot of beauty in this world if you just look".
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
To check out Mandy's work, click the links below:
Today I'm joined by Shlomit Liz Sanders - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional to talk about how easy it is to fall into routines, the need to work on oneself to improve your partnership, becoming 'weather guy and handwash girl' and so much more...
Shlomit has 10 years' experience in the field, working with high achieving individuals as well as couples - all of whom have either lost their way or who feel like things just "aren't right". In her work, Shlomit integrates neuroscience and psychotherapy as a method of helping clients to understand themselves and their needs, as well as how to express them confidently in order to get what they want out of life.
Talking openly and honestly from both professional and personal experiences, Shlomit reminds all of us that the need for communication and co-operation in a partnership doesn't just go away once we get to know one another and the phrase "never stop dating each other" will stick with me for years to come.
Check out Shlomit's work on the links below:
Today I'm joined by Rob McCarthy, author of 'Fuck The Script - How to Own Your Shit and Rewrite Your Story' - a self-help book that's not your average read. As Rob himself states "...you come for the title, you stay for the book".
So many of us are consumed by the belief that success means having a newer car, a bigger house, flashier clothes and other trappings that signal to others that we've 'made it' - but it's an illusion, a hamster wheel designed to keep you wanting more and a game that you cannot win as there's always some shiny new toy that you just have to have. Then comes the debt, the stress, the sleepless nights - all in the name of trying to keep up with the Jones's...
Rob's book isn't the fluffy arm around the shoulder and comforting "there there's" - it's the kick in the arse that we often need to wake up and ditch the bullshit and the maladaptive habits that keep you poor and unfulfilled.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=693a7408e31a46d2
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Check out Rob's work on the below links:
F*CK THE SCRIPT: How to Own Your $hit: A No-BS Self Help Book to Stop Caring What Others Think and Rebuild Your Life on Your Terms: McCarthy, R P: 9798263888534: Amazon.com: BooksR.P. "Rob" McCarthy (@FTS25) | Stanfckthescript (@fckthescript) | TikTokInstagram
Please don't let the title of the episode put you off - this is actually a story of hope. Today I'm joined by Mordy Gottlieb, chef-turned social worker turned therapist who works predominantly with men who are struggling in a number of ways and can't seem to find a way forward.
Mordy works on the premise that there is always hope - you just can't see it yet and through connections - along with often painful lessons - we can craft a life that is fulfilling, based upon self-worth and understanding what success means to you.
Mordy talks openly with me about his own journey - the shame, the self-fulfilling prophecies and the maladaptive behaviours that caused him to seek a path of turning that pain into strength.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=29320f2611e04376
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Check out Mordy's work on the links below:
https://youtu.be/l7ulLKNFE9c?si=5iuCSXkg6_ZDSma9
https://youtu.be/KZnjq5npqZM?si=JcZuLl4Sujy6nV8A
Today I'm joined by Stacey Niedenthol, an evidentiary medium, psychic and published writer. We talk about her work since learning of her particular gifts 11 years ago after convincing herself that she was potentially schizophrenic before receiving guidance that opened her eyes in a number of ways.
We discuss her journey from childhood to the present day, her troubled past, skepticism and not rising to negativity, parallels in everyday life and much more besides...
While I have never felt drawn to the spiritual realms in the same way as Stacey, throughout our conversation I find a great deal of overlap in both my personal and professional life alongside a new willingness to pay attention to that which is around me - both seen and unseen...
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=34cd3feebfb64d8a
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Check out Stacey's work on the links below:
www.connectingtospirit.com
Today I'm joined by Joyce Holden Wheeler, owner and driving force behind Total Holistic Living, the company Joyce set up following startling discoveries in the aftermath of her husband becoming chronically ill.
In 2009, Joyce's husband began to feel ill and was becoming increasingly fatigued and unwell. Following a series of incorrect diagnoses and discussions with doctors who seemed unwilling to dig deeper, by chance they discovered the source of the problem and much more besides.
While looking into possible treatment options, Joyce became increasingly aware of the number of 'hidden toxins' within our food, cleaning products and hygiene items that are a staple in homes worldwide. Taking the decision to live a totally holistic life and promote a complete picture of health, Joyce and her family changed the way they ate, shopped and took care of themselves - and her husband's improving health gave further vindication of their decision.
Having begun her business, Joyce made it her mission to educate others on the damage they are unknowingly doing to their health, while seeking out producers and providers who align with these values and look to promote a lifestyle free of over-processed and increasingly toxic products.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=3bcf710bee3241ee
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
To learn more about Joyce's work, click the links below:
HOME | Total Holistic LivinBlog | Total Holistic LivinFacebook
At the moment it feels like many of us are doing life hard, with much of what happens around us seemingly beyond our control. The cost of living crisis, unemployment, political turmoil and so on can leave us feeling more disconnected and struggling to deal with everyday issues.
Today I'm joined by Shelley Loader, manager at Community House, Whanganui and someone who regularly sees the best and worth in both human behaviour and the situations faced by many of the most vulnerable in our society.
Shelley freely admits that her passion for her work is something that impacts upon her but it is this drive to support both her community and services operating on a national level that drives her and while she may often return home exhausted, it is her love of people that keeps her motivated.
Shelley and I talk about how lack of dialogue, events like the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, 'othering' in reporting and social media forums among other things can splinter relationships between those around us and create further division when unity is our most positive tool for wellbeing and social harmony.
Check out some of Shelley's work on the below links:
How personality shapes our approach to social justice - Shelley Loader - NZ Herald
The power of everyday role models in shaping community values – Shelley Loader - NZ HeraldOur different perspectives should strengthen, not divide – Shelley Loader - NZ HeraldWelcome to Community House – Supporting our communities together
I'm joined today by Michelle Steiner, who talks about her life having been diagnosed in kindergarten with dyscalculia, visual perception issues and limited hand dexterity.
Although being supported by family and involved professionals, Michelle was regularly told that she would be unable to excel academically due to her disabilities, despite an aptitude for reading and writing that marked her out from her peers. This was in conjunction with struggles to fit in socially and find her 'tribe' at a time of life when seeking to define our place in the world.
Having found a group of people with who she could connect and a strong desire to succeed rather than just accept the limitations placed upon her by others, Michelle succeeded in getting into university, completing her Bachelor's Degree, becoming a photographer and also a published writer.
Michelle's story is one of overcoming challenges and digging deep, while highlighting the importance of support, empathy and listening to the individual - the importance of taking someone on their qualities rather than just following accepted definitions shows us the power of belief in oneself, particularly when cheered on.
Check out Michelle's work on the links below:
Meet Michelle Steiner: Conquering Disabilities, Inspiring Many! ⋆ The Writing KingFacebookTurning You Can’t into I Did: Overcoming Barriers with Disabilities - Aspergers StudioWhen I'm 'Caught in the Act' of Having a Learning DisabilityAvailable on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=d2d00e410fcc4e03
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Today I'm joined by Gill, who talks with me about a parents' worst nightmare - the loss of a child. Only in this instance, Catarina died In Utero at 40 weeks in avoidable circumstances.
Gill talks openly about the initial feeling that something was not right, the pain of discovery while expecting to give birth and the subsequent emotional, social and domestic impacts upon her life. Talking through her story of initially trying to remain strong and convincing herself that she was coping fine, through to excessive alcohol consumption and the realisation that she was on the brink of falling apart, Gill shows incredible fortitude in how she has faced the lowest point a parent could endure and come back brighter.
In memory of Catarina, who would have been 10 years old on 20th September.
For further information, please click links below:
Sands | Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.
Sands New Zealand - Pregnancy, Baby and Infant Loss Support, New Zealand
Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss
Wave of Light – Baby Loss Awareness Week
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=cd86a02aa0f44f0f
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061
Today I'm joined by Roisin, another friend from home whose story will relate to many. Erin was born and things appeared to be well - she was a friendly, compliant child who was no trouble. Following some routine 'age and stage' assessments, Roisin began to feel that something was amiss, then at 3 years of age Erin was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition.
Like many, Roisin was unsure what this meant - primarily for Erin, but also for the rest of the family and so she set about educating herself while trying to understand her daughter's particular needs. There was also the realisation that this wasn't just a phase that would pass - it was a lifelong journey. There then followed struggles with funding for education and health provision, having to adapt her parenting styles following the birth of her second daughter and navigating daily challenges and successes.
Roisin talks openly and honestly, sharing her experiences and thoughts in the hope of demystifying some of the stigma and untruths circulated around neurodivergence, while appreciating her own growth as both a parent and as a person.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
For more information, please click below:
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education AdviceNational Autistic Society
Following on from the success of our conversation in Episode 38, I'm rejoined by my emotional support Canadian Chelsea Powell for another deep dive on personal growth - this time starting with a look at the relational grief that comes from stepping out of a relationship.
As is often the case, the end of a relationship brings about intense feelings but as a society are we too quick to push forward without dealing with the underlying causes and emotions bubbling just beneath the surface? And if so, how will this impact us - in addition to how it will affect subsequent relationships?
Speaking from a perspective of honesty and genuine curiosity, Chelsea and I talk about our own difficult situations, the feeling of not wanting to cause the inevitable hurt, how not knowing oneself inevitably attracts "the shit" and lessons leant from life, doing hard things and Tinder among other things...
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Please like, follow, comment and share along with checking out my socials:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570245380684
(1) InstagramSocialHarmonyTalk (@socialharmonytalk) | TikTokCheck out Chelsea's work on the links below:
(1) Instagramhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0YhAbJpkjdQeaHQIQnco8I?si=d21ec1f5dd694eb4