Best Boarding School Syndrome Podcasts (2025)

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AI, Neuroscience & Boarding School: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Future | Piers Cross 10:46

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26m ago10:46

10:46

What do AI, neuroscience, and boarding schools have in common? In this reflective solo episode, Piers Cross explores how artificial intelligence mirrors the left-brain dominance of elite education — and why the real revolution ahead is emotional, not technological. Drawing on thinkers like Arthur Brooks, Daniel Goleman, and Nick Duffell, Piers unpa…

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Big Thank You To Boarding School Concern Conference | Reflections and My Dissociation | Piers Cross 11:40

1d ago11:40

11:40

Some reflections about last Saturday's Boarding School Concern conference. What an amazing, heart-felt day. I felt very blessed to be there. A big thank you to all the organisers and volunteers and all the participants for attending. It was lovely to meet so many of you. I talk a little about dissociation which is what happened during my talk. To l…

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S10 | E4 What ‘Snow White’ Can Show Us About Narcissism, Healing and Wholeness 42:36

2d ago42:36

42:36

Send us a text What if Snow White wasn’t just a fairy tale but a potential mirror for our own inner journey? In this episode, I explore how Disney’s remake of Snow White reveals powerful lessons about overcoming narcissism and finding true inner integration. I’ll look at how the film’s archetypes and characters can guide us from grandiosity and sel…

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'Better to have an awkward conversation with your GP than a tragic conversation with your family.' - Ant 22:36

9d ago22:36

22:36

Josh and Ant chat with Stephanie around the importance of raising bowel cancer awareness and the difficulty and pain of losing their loved ones far too young - Josh’s brother Mitch and Ant’s friend Dean. Both long-time supporters of Bowel Cancer Australia’s Decembeard campaign, Josh and Ant discuss the positive impact of honouring their friend and …

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Sarah Perrett | The Emotion Code | Reconnecting With Your Heart & Emotions | AEM #144 Piers Cross 1:03:11

6d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

In this episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, I speak with Sarah Jane Perrett, an intuitive happiness coach and energy practitioner who helps people release emotional baggage, reconnect with their intuition, and rediscover joy. Sarah shares her extraordinary journey from post-natal depression and breakdown to a profound spiritual awakening in 2013 — …

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Boarding School Survivors Conference 2025 – Join Us in London 2:06

8d ago2:06

2:06

The Boarding School Survivors Conference 2025 (formerly Boarding School Concern) takes place on 1st November in London (Euston). I’ll be speaking and showing our documentary Boarding on Insanity with a live Q&A. Speakers include Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, Dr Linda Devereux, Nicky Moxey, and Nick Duffell, among others. It’s an extraordinary event for anyone…

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S10 | E3 5 Surprising Challenges of Being a Therapist 17:04

11d ago17:04

17:04

Send us a text Being a therapist is really enjoyable, meaningful work, but it can also come with some surprises. In this video, I share 5 things that have been hard on my journey as a therapist: the unexpected challenges, the moments of learning, and the human realities that perhaps don’t often get talked about. I talk about: * The general lack of …

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Censored Letters: What Boarding School Taught Us About Self-Silencing | Jeremy Paxman | Piers Cross 8:42

29d ago8:42

8:42

In this episode, I reflect on letter writing at boarding school — and what those censored, monitored, or ignored letters reveal about the emotional isolation many children experienced. Drawing on the writings of Nick Duffell, Jeremy Paxman, and Karen Wilson, as well as my own childhood letters from the 1980s, I explore how boarding schools conditio…

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Discipline, Punishment & Expulsion At A Girl's Boarding School | Karen Wilson AEM #143 | Piers Cross 1:15:32

27d ago1:15:32

1:15:32

In episode #143 of An Evolving Man, I’m joined by Karen Wilson, author of Atrocious Behavior. Karen was sent to boarding school at just seven years old and expelled by ten. Her memoir captures the harsh reality of punishment, isolation, and shame — and her later discovery of healing through theatre, teaching, and reflection. We explore how trauma l…

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"You're Gay!" Homophobia and Homosexuality in Boarding Schools | Stephen Fry | Piers Cross 9:10

1M ago9:10

9:10

What happens when a generation of children are raised to fear softness, sensitivity, and touch? In this solo reflection, I look at the unspoken culture of homophobia and repression in boarding schools — where words like “you’re gay” became weapons of humiliation. Drawing from Boarding School Syndrome by Joy Schaverien, Trauma, Abandonment & Privile…

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S10 | E2 In Conversation with Kati Morton | Mental Health, Social Media and Life 48:34

1M ago48:34

48:34

Send us a text Kati Morton is one of the world’s best-known therapist–creators on YouTube, with almost 1.5 million subscribers, bestselling books and a hugely popular podcast. In this conversation we explore how she’s built such a successful platform, what she’s learned along the way, and the challenges of being such a public voice on mental health…

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The Entitlement Endemic: Boarding School To The Boardroom | AEM #142 Collette Easton | Piers Cross 1:03:29

1M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

What happens when the patterns of boarding school shape the boardroom? In this episode, I speak with Collette Easton — former CEO, executive coach, and author of Manager. Collette shares her journey from boarding school and the RAF, to building digital businesses, and now helping leaders overcome toxic patterns that hold them back. We discuss: The …

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Fixed vs Growth Mindset: What Boarding Schools Really Teach Us 14:38

1M ago14:38

14:38

Do boarding schools create fixed mindset thinkers or growth mindset leaders? In this episode, I explore Carol Dweck’s research on Mindset and connect it with my experiences — and those of many clients — who came through the boarding school system. We unpack the core differences between fixed and growth mindsets, look at how school culture fosters o…

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'It’s a pretty special thing that we have be asked to do.' 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

Bowel Cancer Australia advocates, Jenny and Peter join Stephanie to share their Call on Canberra 2025 experience and discussions with policy makers about the living with early-onset bowel cancer. Impacted heavily in the rush-hour of their lives, Jenny and Peter are both deeply passionate about seeing the landscape change for early-onset bowel cance…

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S1E56 Antiarrhythmic Drugs 49:16

1M ago49:16

49:16

High Yield Antiarrhythmic Drugs Review: Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers) Class II (Beta Blockers) Class III (Potassium channel blockers) Class IV (Calcium Channel Blockers) for your PANCE, PANRE, Eor's and other Physician Assistant exams. Review for your PANCE, PANRE, Eor's, Physician Assistant exams, Medical, USMLE, Nursing Exams. ►Paypal Donatio…

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Anthony Abbagnano: Healing Trauma, Breathwork, and Boarding School | AEM #141 | Piers Cross 1:07:44

2M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

In episode 141 of An Evolving Man Podcast, I’m joined by Anthony Abbagnano, founder of Alchemy of Breath. Anthony shares his deeply personal story of childhood trauma, boarding school experiences, and how an encounter with breathwork as a child shaped the course of his life. Today, he’s one of the world’s leading voices in conscious breathwork, wit…

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S10 | E1 Bisexuality: Coming out, Challenges, Joy and Community ft Robyn Ochs 57:37

1M ago57:37

57:37

Send us a text In this video, I speak with Robyn Ochs, a leading advocate for bisexuality and bi+ identities. Robyn shares her experiences and insights on bisexuality, pansexuality and the broader spectrum of non-binary sexualities, reflecting on identity, self-expression and community. We talk about the complexities of coming out, not just as a pe…

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Breathwork, Trauma & Healing: Reflections on Anthony Abbagnano’s Work 11:14

2M ago11:14

11:14

In this episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, I share reflections on the power of breathwork and how it helps us heal from trauma. Drawing on insights from my recent interview with Anthony Abbagnano (founder of Alchemy of Breath), as well as the work of Bessel van der Kolk and Emma Seppälä, I explore: Why trauma often causes us to hold or restrict th…

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Bullying, Burnout & the Inner Critic | Boarding School | AEM #140 Kalyani Pardeshi 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In this episode, I sit down with Kalyani Pardeshi, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and anti-bullying advocate. Kalyani draws from her own boarding school experiences and her years of work with children, adults, and organisations to explain why traditional anti-bullying strategies often fail — and how the unconscious brain holds the key to real …

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Girls’ Experiences of Boarding School — Shame, Survival & Silenced Voices 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

For the interview with Kalyani Pardeshi: https://youtu.be/iBXcs5i4zyg For the interview with Nicky Moxey and Dr Linda Devereux: https://youtu.be/oJNHoex41-Q For the interview with Sara Warner and Karen Macmillan: https://youtu.be/VXAHJucCGsY For the interview with Amelia White: https://youtu.be/08WbNwen_SA For the interview with Joanna Brittan: htt…

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S9 | E10 Managing Career Change to Therapist: Course Choice and Finances 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

Send us a text In this YouTube video I talk about making the transition from a current career to becoming a therapist, addressing two common concerns: the length of qualification and the financial transition involved in this career change. 1. Qualification Length: many people seek the quickest route to start their private practice, but, while the t…

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UnEldered: Françoise Elvin on Eldership, Attachment & Healing Boarding School Trauma | AEM #139 59:51

2M ago59:51

59:51

In this episode of An Evolving Man, I speak with Françoise Elvin, counsellor, mentor, facilitator, and author of Uneldered. We discuss: Secure vs insecure attachment — and how it shapes our adult lives Trauma as “undigested experience” and the importance of integration Why elders and initiatory practices are vital for healthy societies The balance …

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Healing the “I’m Not Good Enough” Belief in Ex-Boarders 9:09

2M ago9:09

9:09

In this solo episode, I explore one of the deepest wounds many ex-boarders carry: “I’m not good enough.” We look at: Why this belief develops in boarding school environments The double bind that places blame inward on the child How it manifests later in life as burnout, addiction, or perfectionism The role of attachment in buffering or amplifying t…

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Disguised Trauma of Early Boarding & Adoption | Complex PTSD | Addictions | AEM #138 Paul Sunderland 1:06:30

2M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Sunderland, an internationally respected addiction specialist and trainer. With decades of clinical experience on both sides of the Atlantic, Paul has become a leading voice on the often-hidden connection between complex PTSD, adoption, boarding school trauma, and addiction. We explore: Paul’s personal story of…

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Why Are Early Boarders & Adoptees Over Represented In Addictions | Piers Cross 5:33

2M ago5:33

5:33

I spoke with addiction specialist Paul Sunderland on Monday: https://youtu.be/a7tBz4adgGo In the conversation he spoke about addictions and why early boarders and adoptees are over represented in addiction treatment and recovery. He calls these traumas "disguised" in the way that they are seen as lucky. I also talk about how Paul refers to the equa…

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'As young women, the Never2Young campaign really resonates with us' 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

Fundraising in honour of loved ones is hugely rewarding but event planning can also be incredibly time consuming. In this episode Stephanie chats with childhood friends Sara and Amy, co-founders of Time is Precious, about the impact of losing a loved one to bowel cancer and how they have leant into their youth and desire to give back. “We are defin…

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S9 | E9 Boarding School Syndrome Explained: Trauma, Healing & Hope | Nick Duffell 56:57

3M ago56:57

56:57

Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Duffell, psychotherapist, psycho-historian and author, known for his pioneering work with people who attended boarding schools. We explore: • Nick’s background and the 1994 film 'The Making of Them' • His latest book 'The Unmaking of Them: Clinical Reflections on Boarding School Syndrome' • What “B…

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Eton vs Marlborough | Which Boarding School Should Prince George Go To? | Piers Cross 14:22

3M ago14:22

14:22

Should Prince George follow his father to Eton College — or his mother to Marlborough College? Or should he avoid boarding altogether? In this episode, I explore the debate currently surrounding Prince William and Kate Middleton’s choice of school for their son, who has just turned 12. Drawing on stories from both Eton and Marlborough, as well as i…

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A Deep Dive Into Healing Trauma With Plant Medicines | AEM #137 Dr Richard Grossman | Piers Cross 54:14

3M ago54:14

54:14

What role can plant medicines play in deep trauma healing? In this episode of An Evolving Man Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Richard Grossman — acupuncturist, healer, and long-time student of Amazonian plant medicine traditions. We explore his decades of work at the intersection of Eastern medicine, shamanic healing, and trauma recovery. Dr. Grossman…

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The Evolution of Leadership: From Command & Control to Compassionate Leadership 9:43

3M ago9:43

9:43

In this episode, I reflect on the changing face of leadership. For generations, leaders operated in a command-and-control style—authoritarian, hierarchical, and often ruthless. But today, we’re seeing a shift toward emotionally and spiritually intelligent leadership, grounded in compassion, care, and trust. I draw on insights from books and leaders…

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Boarding School Abuse Survivor Speaks Out | New Zealand | Dilworth: AEM #136 Neil Harding 1:02:56

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In this deeply moving and vital episode of The Evolving Man Podcast, I sit down with Neil Harding — survivor, advocate, and whistleblower — to speak honestly and bravely about the widespread child sexual abuse that took place at Dilworth School in New Zealand. Neil was a full-time boarder from the age of 9. For decades, he held onto the trauma he e…

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When Your Parents Went to Boarding School – How It Shapes You | Reflections on Boarding School Syndrome 10:58

3M ago10:58

10:58

What happens when your parents — not you — went to boarding school? How might their experiences shape your childhood, and the adult you become? In this reflective episode, I explore the hidden ways parental boarding school experiences can ripple through generations. Drawing on personal stories, research, and dozens of podcast interviews, I share ho…

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S9 | E7 What If You Don’t Agree With the Group in Therapy Training? 5:22

3M ago5:22

5:22

Send us a text In this episode, I explore the pressure that therapy trainees, and therapists more generally, can sometimes feel to go along with dominant views within training groups, supervision, or wider therapy spaces. What happens when we don’t feel safe to express a different opinion? What are the effects on our growth, learning and sense of s…

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S9 | E8 Ever Felt Alienated in Bi+ Spaces? 6:05

3M ago6:05

6:05

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the vital role that community plays in supporting mental health for bi+ individuals, asking questions about whether you have experienced the pressure of conforming to political ideologies within communities and inviting you to share your experiences and thoughts on the topic. **Bi+ Therapy & Support** If…

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The Healing Power of Trauma-Informed Psychiatry – Dr. Paul Miller | AEM #135 | Piers Cross 1:09:56

3M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

In this powerful episode of The Evolving Man Podcast, I speak with Professor Dr. Paul Miller — consultant psychiatrist, EMDR trainer, and pioneer in the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for trauma. We explore Dr. Miller's remarkable journey through psychiatry, from the early days of surgical training to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informe…

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Why Does Boarding School Create Burnout? | Piers Cross 6:25

3M ago6:25

6:25

A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend about his CEO. He mentioned that the CEO tried to micromanage everything. And that he couldn't stop. And that he was reaching burnout. He mentioned that he was South African. So I asked, "Did he go to boarding school?" He replied, "Yes, I am pretty sure he did." So I mentioned boarding school syndrome and t…

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'The increase of early-onset bowel cancer is a major problem' 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

Melbourne University’s Professor Mark Jenkins discusses his team’s latest research which highlights excess deaths due to the rise in early-onset bowel cancer between 1990 and 2020, as well as the disparity of bowel cancer research funding in Australia. Mark also discusses the burden early-onset bowel cancer on those who are in the rush-hour of thei…

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S9 | E6 How to GROW on Social Media as a Therapist (Without BURNOUT) 24:18

3M ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text If you're a therapist or therapist-in-training looking to enhance your social media presence while staying true to your values, hopefully this video is for you. I explore your WHY, your WHO, and your WHAT — three key questions if you want to grow on social media in a way that feels sustainable and authentic. Drawing from my own exper…

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Stress + Rest = Growth | Piers Cross 8:07

4M ago8:07

8:07

Last week I took a holiday and had time off work. I recorded this reflection about how stress is not usually the problem and is often a good thing. That is as long as we rest. When we rest daily. We stop. We turn off our phones and push notifications. We grow. Some reflections today about the equation Stress + Rest = Growth. Take care, Piers #stres…

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The Foundations of A Thriving Relationship | 7 Radical Questons | AEM #134 Roy Biancalana 1:08:24

4M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Roy Biancalana is a nationally recognized relationship coach, bestselling author, and host of The Attracting Lasting Love Podcast. With over 15 years of experience, Roy helps singles identify and overcome the internal barriers that keep them from finding fulfilling, lasting relationships. His journey into coaching began from personal hardship – nav…

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Today is my 50th Birthday | Reflecting on Missing My Wife & How I Didn't Think I Would Get Here 8:07

4M ago8:07

8:07

Some reflections on my 50th birthday. Feeling some sadness and grief. And appreciation for all the support I have had over the years. Thank you, Piers x --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups …

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Compassionate Leaders | Boarding School | Seen and Heard | AEM #133 Chris Braitch 1:13:15

4M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Chris Braitch is a father of 3 first and foremost. He is also a 1-2-1 and organisational coach, speaker, and founding director of the not for profit Seen & Heard. Seen & Heard supports the emotional well being of ex-pupils of boarding and independent day schools, and their families. Chris has found his calling supporting others on their journey to …

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The Changing Face of Leadership - From Command and Control to Emotional Intelligence | Piers Cross 12:18

4M ago12:18

12:18

True Leadership Is About Empowerment, Not Control In the kind of leadership I believe in—and teach—power isn’t something to hold onto. It’s something to share. The most emotionally intelligent leaders I know aren’t focused on creating followers. They’re committed to growing more leaders. As John C Maxwell writes in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leader…

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S1E55 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 24:37

4M ago24:37

24:37

High Yield Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Review Review for your PANCE, PANRE, Eor's, Physician Assistant exams, Medical, USMLE, Nursing Exams. Merchandise Link: https://cram-the-pance.creator-spring.com/ ►Paypal Donation Link: https://bit.ly/3dxmTql (Thank you!) Included in review: Pathophysiology, PCOS symptoms ,PCOS diagnosis, PCOS treatment, …

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Loved ones raising much needed funds for bowel care nurses this Dry July 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

It's Dry July and Stephanie chats with two passionate fundraisers Justin and Conor who are raising funds for Bowel Cancer Australia in memory of their Dad and Mum, respectively. Funds raised through Dry July help support the Charity's specialist in-person Bowel Care Nurse Program, which aims to improve equity of access to personalised care and tail…

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Unlocking Self-Healing: Adapting Ancient Wisdom with Sifu Boggie - AEM #132 Sifu Boggie 1:00:23

4M ago1:00:23

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Sifu Boggie (a.k.a Paul Brighton) is a Daoist guide, mentor, and self-healing practitioner with over 40 years of experience in Daoism and Qigong. Trained by renowned Daoist masters, he specializes in Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Shun Dao philosophy, and other healing modalities. He is also a Barefoot Doctor, Daoist Shaman, and teacher of Eastern Reiki, Chines…

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New 3 Part Boarding School Documentary "Coming Home" Releases This Saturday 5th July | Piers Cross 7:34

4M ago7:34

7:34

The new 3 part documentary "Coming Home" will be available to stream on https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/ from Saturday 5th July. Today I talk about what is in the film and why listening to other people's stories is so important for our journey of healing. I also talk about Seen and Heard's new fundraiser, The Long Journey Home. To support or to …

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'Don’t let fears of tomorrow ruin your today.' 47:47

5M ago47:47

47:47

Walkley Award-winning author, investigative journalist and author, Lucie Morris-Marr chats to Stephanie about her lived experience. From her initial stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis to undergoing a groundbreaking liver transplant, Lucie discusses her roller coaster ride. “I am lucky to be here. I’m very grateful for that and I want to give back, beca…

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S9 | E5 5 Reasons why I LOVE being a THERAPIST 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

Send us a text Discover the top 5 reasons why I love being a therapist! From leading a more loved life to experiencing real human connection, constant learning, feeling part of a community, and avoiding negative impacts on my well-being. If you find the video helpful, please feel free to SHARE it, tap 'LIKE' to show your support, and do SUBSCRIBE f…

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AEM #131 Mpumelelo Mpofu | African Boarding Schools | ACES | Compassion Economics | Piers Cross 1:24:28

5M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

Mpumelelo Mpofu is a pioneering thinker, practitioner, and systems architect whose groundbreaking work spans personal transformation, family dynamics, organisational wellbeing, and societal change. With over two decades of direct experience working with children, families, and trauma recovery, his revolutionary concept of Compassion Economics refra…