Best Laura & Sami Podcasts (2026)

1
#239 - Dr Phil Clarke - Why People Get The Yips 1:25:54

Play Pause

29d ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Dr Phil Clarke is a performance psychologist and researcher. Why do athletes lose control of skills they’ve mastered for years? Why does pressure turn automatic movements into chaos? And can you actually train your way out of the yips? Expect to learn what the yips really are (and how they differ from choking), why perfectionism and fear of judgeme…

1
Season 4 finale 2:29

2M ago2:29

2:29

Here’s a quick look back on season 4 of Breaking Beliefism: we covered the power of the medical profession, the nature of consciousness, outrage and silence in organisations, and some very personal stories about pain and addiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#238 - Dr Warren Farrell - The Truth About the Masculinity Crisis 1:26:06

2M ago1:26:06

1:26:06

Dr. Warren Farrell is the author of The Boy Crisis, Why Men Earn More, and Role Mate to Soul Mate. So why are so many boys struggling in school, dropping out, and feeling lost in life? Why are suicide rates among men four times higher than women? And why do so few people seem willing to talk about it?Expect to learn why fatherlessness is the single…

1
Joanna Moncrieff 29:23

2M ago29:23

29:23

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Joanna Moncrieff, Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry at University College London. They question the long-held belief that depression is caused by a serotonin deficit. They discuss the behavioural interventions that could prove to be much more effective than medication. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Laura Kudrna 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan chats to his long-time collaborator, Dr Laura Kudrna. They reflect on their collaboration on his happiness books, the importance of social connection, and how making mistakes is an important part of learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Lee Willows 27:09

3M ago27:09

27:09

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Lee Willows, the founder of Community Care Gaming. Lee shares his personal journey from never gambling to a gambling addiction to becoming an advocate for safer gambling. They discuss why people don’t ‘get’ gambling addiction and the importance of support networks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

1
#237 - Dr Sami Timimi - Why ADHD Is On The Rise 1:34:47

3M ago1:34:47

1:34:47

Dr. Sami Timimi is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of Searching for Normal. Why does it feel like everyone suddenly has ADHD or autism? Are we medicalising normal life? And what if the mental health crisis isn’t biological—but cultural? Expect to learn why ADHD and autism were never true medical diagnoses, how mental health l…

1
Anil Seth 28:51

3M ago28:51

28:51

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan discusses the nature of consciousness with Professor Anil Seth. They discuss free will and the case of the multi-coloured dress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#236 - Dr Robert Glover - Everything You’ve Been Told About Attraction Is Wrong 1:17:58

3M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

1
Elaine Lin Hering 26:41

3M ago26:41

26:41

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan chats to Elaine Lin Hering, a specialist in negotiation and dispute resolution and author of Unlearning Silence. They discuss how staying silent can get in the way of effecitve decision-making and the benefits of having diverse perspectives in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

1
Karthik Ramanna 26:42

4M ago26:42

26:42

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Karthik Ramanna from the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. They discuss the increasing sense of outrage in today’s society, and the challenges for managing polarisation through respectful dialogue - in organisations and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

1
Leor Zmigrod 27:57

4M ago27:57

27:57

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to political psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Leor Zmigrod about how neuroscience can shed light on our beliefs and the extremes we sometimes cling to. Leor believes that ideologies restrict our capacity to be free but Paul is not so sure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Sami Timimi 29:25

4M ago29:25

29:25

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Sami Tamimi, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. They discuss Sami’s childhood in Iraq, explore the complexities of mental health diagnoses, and whether mental health has been commodified. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Dan Ariely 28:14

4M ago28:14

28:14

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Dan Ariely from Duke University. Dan explains how his recovery from serious burns informed his research into pain management. They discuss what it means to live fully even in the face of terminal illness and disagree about the importance of legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…

1
Anneliese Dodds 28:56

4M ago28:56

28:56

Professor Paul Dolan opens season four of Breaking Beliefism by talking to Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East and a former Government minister. They discuss the importance of nuanced political discourse versus performative politics, and consider why wellbeing isn’t taken more seriously by policymakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

1
#235 - Laura Vanderkam - Stop Lying to Yourself About Productivity 1:00:35

5M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Laura Vanderkam is a time management expert and bestselling author. Why do so many people feel time-starved—even when they technically have more freedom than ever? Are we really as busy as we think? And how can we design a week that actually reflects what matters most? Expect to learn why most people overestimate how busy they are, how tracking you…

1
#234 - LifeLikeCharlie - Why Going Outside Could Save Your Mental Health 1:12:36

5M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

LifeLikeCharlie is a singer-songer writer and content creator with his dogs, Nala and Monkey. In a world moving too fast, are we losing the very things that keep us grounded? What if getting outside, feeling grief, and choosing presence over performance were more powerful than any mindset hack or morning routine? Expect to learn why getting a dog c…

1
Season 3 finale 3:31

6M ago3:31

3:31

Looking back on season 3, where I spoke to scientists, academics, journalists, and a comedian. We discussed themes such as the shifting political landscape among young people, the decline of democracy, the significance of narratives, and why we hate the narrative of randomness so much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
#233 - Anne-Laure Le Cunff - How To Beat Your Anxiety With Curiosity 1:01:55

6M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs. So why do we consume so much self-help and apply so little of it? Why do we expect mindset change to be instant? And how can tiny personal experiments actually transform the way we live, learn, and grow? Expect to learn what self-anthropology really is, how curiosity and anx…

1
Paul Sagar 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Dr. Paul Sagar, a Reader in Political Theory at King's College London. The two Pauls discuss philosophy and, in the context of Dr Sagar's tetraplegia from a climbing accident, why we don't like "shit happens" as an explanation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Tali Sharot 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to neuroscientist Professor Tali Sharot to explore beliefs, emotions, and decision-making. They discuss why changing our habits could help us appreciate the small things more, and why lying becomes easier the more we do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
#232 - Gabe Wyner - How to Learn Any Language Faster 1:18:05

6M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Gabe Wyner is the author of Fluent Forever and a polygot. So why do most people fail to learn a language—even after years of study? What role do emotion, memory, and even embarrassment play in mastering a language? And how is AI changing everything? Expect to learn why most language learning methods fail, how pronunciation affects your memory, what…

1
Adam Kucharski 28:38

6M ago28:38

28:38

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Adam Kucharski, a mathematician and epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. They discuss how data can be used to understand epidemics, why evidence isn’t enough to persuade others, and how poker is the perfect gateway to maths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv…

1
#231 - Dr Katharine Phillips - The Dark Truth About Body Dysmorphia 46:31

6M ago46:31

46:31

Dr. Katharine Phillips is a world-leading psychiatrist and researcher on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Why do people with normal—often attractive—appearances see themselves as hideous or broken? Is social media making this worse? And why is cosmetic surgery rarely the answer Expect to learn what Body Dysmorphic Disorder really is (and isn’t), why…

1
Tom Davenport 28:44

7M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Tom Davenport, a leading authority on AI and author of the book All Hands On Tech: The AI Powered Citizen Revolution. They explore the implications of AI, the importance of critical thinking, and why there's few better careers than plumbing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

1
#230 - Brett Bartholomew - 5 Essentials Of Healthy Communication & Conflict 1:02:11

7M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Brett Bartholomew is a performance coach, communication expert, and founder of The Art of Coaching. Why do so many leaders struggle with honest conversations? Can conflict actually build trust? And how do you coach people with different values, egos, or motivations? Expect to learn why communication is the most underrated skill in high performance,…

1
Dr. Chris Kavanagh 27:13

7M ago27:13

27:13

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to anthropologist Dr. Chris Kavanagh about secular gurus, how online platforms have amplified their influence, and how easily confidence can be mistaken for knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Cass Sunstein 29:20

7M ago29:20

29:20

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Cass Sunstein, the father of the “nudge” theory, who served as part of the Obama administration. They discuss why adaptation is part of the human condition, and how we could all become famous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
#229 - Katie Mobed - How Do We Define Winning? 1:10:15

7M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Katie Mobed is a performance psychologist. What happens when you win… and still feel empty? Can athletes succeed without losing themselves? How do we help the next generation define success on their own terms? Expect to learn why medals don’t always lead to meaning, how early childhood shapes our beliefs about achievement and self-worth, the hidden…

1
Chloe Combi 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to author Chloe Combi, an expert on Generations Z and A. They discuss generational differences, the impact of social media on young people's lives, and gender differences in beliefs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Fraser Nelson 29:53

8M ago29:53

29:53

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to journalist Fraser Nelson, the Times columnist and former editor of The Spectator. They discuss religion, the impact of family structure on child outcomes, the obsession with formal education, and how Covid changed our relationship with the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat…

1
#228 - Connor Beaton - Why Men Are Struggling in the Modern World 48:08

8M ago48:08

48:08

Connor Beaton is a men’s coach, author, and founder of ManTalks. Why are young men checking out of life? Can you be both powerful and sensitive? And how do we raise boys into men when culture seems to be at war with masculinity? Expect to learn why men are caught between competing identities, how society has pathologized masculinity, the real reaso…

1
Geoff Norcott 29:57

8M ago29:57

29:57

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to comedian Geoff Norcott. They discuss teaching, class, taxation and whether trance is the best music genre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#227 - Clare Rowe - What No One Wants to Admit About the Mental Health Crisis 1:21:56

8M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

Clare Rowe is a child psychologist and podcaster. Are we pathologizing normal emotions? Should every child really be in therapy? And what happens when mental health becomes an identity? Expect to learn; why therapy isn’t always the answer, how over-diagnosis and emotional hyper-vigilance can harm resilience, the dangers of “therapist in your pocket…

1
James Marriott 29:59

8M ago29:59

29:59

In the opening episode to series 3, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Times columnist James Marriott, discussing organised fun, posh restaurants and political shifts among younger generations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#226 - Jonny Thomson - How Philosophy Can Fix Your Happiness 1:14:41

8M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Jonny Thomson is a writer for Big Think, author and online educator at Philosophy Minis. Why is happiness so hard to define? How does comparison rob us of joy? And can you really be happy without virtue or meaning? Expect to learn why true happiness often involves hardship, why contentment doesn’t mean giving up ambition, why social media distorts …

1
Season 2 finale 3:54

8M ago3:54

3:54

That's it - the second season of ten episodes of Breaking Beliefism is complete. You can listen to my thoughts on the terrific guests in this bonus clip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Brett Staniland 28:55

9M ago28:55

28:55

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to Dr. Brett Staniland, a model and advocate for sustainable fashion. They explore the complexities of fast fashion, and the impact of identities on the clothes we buy. Brett shares his journey from academia to the cat walk, and why he appeared on Love Island. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

1
David Goodhart 29:58

9M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to David Goodhart, a prominent broadcaster and journalist. They discuss identity, immigration, and family dynamics. They agree on the importance of empathy and understanding in political discourse, but disagree about the importance of a traditional two-person family structure and how to protect cultural d…

1
#225 - Dr Lewis James - The Truth About Hydration 1:20:20

9M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

Dr. Lewis James is a hydration researcher and professor at Loughborough University whose work explores how water intake affects performance, recovery, cognitive function, and even public health. Why is hydration still so misunderstood, even by elite athletes? Does dehydration really kill strength and performance? And what’s the truth behind the ele…

1
Dr. Cahal Moran 26:17

9M ago26:17

26:17

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to behavioural economist Dr. Cahal Moran to explore the complexities of economics and its real-world implications. They discuss the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of addressing happiness in discussions of economics. They agree on how it’s possible to simultaneously hold two competing t…

1
#224 - Beth Tweddle - Why Perfectionism Is Holding You Back 58:57

9M ago58:57

58:57

Beth Tweddle is an Olympic gymnast, business founder, and one of the most decorated British athletes in her sport’s history. What happens when the sport that shaped your life is suddenly over? How do you rewire a perfectionist mindset? And can you still thrive when your life no longer has a scoreboard? Expect to learn about how perfectionism manife…

1
Mary Harrington 28:33

9M ago28:33

28:33

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to journalist Mary Harrington, the author of Feminism Against Progress and a contributing editor at Unherd. They discuss counterculture, the complexities of human nature, and the implications of assisted dying legislation. They disagree on the public policy challenge of a“slippery slope” but agree on why the b…

1
#223 - Richard Shorter - A Guide To Being The Parent Your Kid Actually Needs 1:26:45

10M ago1:26:45

1:26:45

Richard Shorter is the man behind Non-Perfect Dad, a parenting coach and conversation specialist. Why are so many parents accidentally making things harder for their kids? What’s the cost of wanting success more than your child does? And how do you support without controlling, guide without pushing, and love without smothering? Expect to learn what…

1
Prof Danny Dorling 29:54

10M ago29:54

29:54

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to Prof Danny Dorling, a professor of Human Geography at the University of Oxford. They discuss freedom of speech, social class, inequality, and education. They agree on many things apart from the importance of measuring happiness. Danny thinks he has a way for Paul to tolerate Coldplay fans - but he's surely …

1
#222 - Jeremy Snape - The Undeniable Traits of High Performers 1:08:14

10M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Jeremy Snape, a former international cricketer turned sports psychologist, leadership coach, and founder of Sporting Edge. Jeremy has worked with some of the world’s best athletes, teams, and business leaders, helping them develop the mindset needed to thrive under pressure and sustain high performance. What separates the good from the truly great?…

1
Simon Mundie 26:48

10M ago26:48

26:48

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to former sports reporter Simon Mundie, the host of the podcast A New Way Of Being. They discuss mental toughness in sport, particularly tennis, and disagree about the impact of tribalism in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
#221 - Dr Michael Grugan - Why Perfectionist Parents Are Breaking Their Kids 1:04:25

10M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Dr. Michael Grugan is an assistant professor of psychology at Northumbria University. Do perfectionist parents actually help or hurt their child’s development? What happens when high expectations cross the line into toxic pressure? Michael’s work looks at perfectionistic environments, parents, and their affects. You’ll learn; what a perfectionistic…

1
Vicky Reynal 27:30

10M ago27:30

27:30

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to psychotherapist Vicky Reynal about the complex relationship individuals have with money. They explore why money is often a taboo subject, the psychological implications of financial habits, and the societal norms that shape our perceptions of wealth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…

1
#220 - Dr Amy Whitehead - 5 Myths Of Sport Performance 1:04:33

10M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Dr. Amy Whitehead is a sports psychologist, researcher, and author. Sport is always at the cutting edge of science, but also holds many opinions and subjective beliefs. But what are some of the myths that exist? And are some of those myths possibly holding athletes back? Amy has dedicated her work alongside her colleagues to finding out just that. …