Stompcast

Sid Batty, creator of Quack and founder of Fluffo who shares candid mental-health stories online. He talks about coping with online negativity, why critics attack versions of people, and the backlash of monetizing meaningful work. He also discusses how he overcame anxiety to travel alone, building an authentic life, and acting now to avoid future regret.

Sid Batty, a creator who travels the world with his stuffed duck Quack and openly discusses living with anxiety, depression, and OCD. He recounts how Quack began, the viral moment that changed everything, why comfort objects resonate, dealing with heavy messages from followers, and how he sets boundaries while staying authentic online.

UnJaded Jade, author and education commentator who helps young people fall in love with learning, outlines a dream education system and the life skills she wished she’d been taught. She discusses teaching curiosity and malleability, reforming assessments with project-based learning, daily mental fitness rituals, critical media literacy, and how AI could force needed change in schools.

UnJaded Jade, content creator and author focused on wellbeing and mindfulness. She explores 'casual magic' and how romanticising everyday life brings small joys. She recounts a 10-day Vipassana retreat and the realities of meditation. Practical tips include rituals, journaling and starting simple meditation practices.

UnJaded Jade, content creator and StudyTuber turned author, reflects on her journey from study videos to evidence-based advice. She talks about being rejected by Oxford and how that reshaped her identity. Jade describes studying across multiple countries, discovering Minerva, and the role of meditation and a Vipassana retreat in her personal growth.

In part three, Oliver Burkeman and Dr Alex George dive into the true meaning of happiness, and why nearly everything in life can be seen as either a good time or a good story…Plus, Oliver highlights the importance of living in the present and shares some actionable advice for chronic worriers looking to shift their perspective.Follow @oliverburkeman_ and check out his latest book Meditations for Mortals: A Four-Week Guide to Doing What Counts. By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver Burkeman, author and journalist who writes about time, productivity and meaning. He explains meditation as presence, shows how short phrases can ground us, and argues acceptance lets you put down burdens. He reflects on parenthood, city life’s productivity trap, and why tiny imperfect steps often beat grand plans.

Oliver Burkeman is a bestselling author known for his influential writing on productivity, time management and the psychology of happiness.In part one, Oliver joins Dr Alex George to discuss the mental toll of trying to do absolutely everything, and why embracing your limitations may actually be the secret to achieving more…Plus, Oliver unpacks what it’s really like to be a journalist and explains why he believes being ‘good enough’ is better than being perfect…Follow @oliverburkeman_ and check out his latest book Meditations for Mortals: A Four-Week Guide to Doing What Counts. By using our affiliate bookshop you’ll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too!Order Alex’s latest book Am I Normal? - out now!Order Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Shadé Zahrai, psychologist and researcher on self-doubt and self-trust, shares practical frameworks for confidence. She explores why change feels uncomfortable and how choosing discomfort fuels growth. Conversation covers role-model priming like the Batman study, cognitive diffusion to not believe every thought, hope as a skill, and actionable steps to rebuild self-trust.

Dr Shadé Zahrai, behavioural scientist and author on self-trust and confidence. She explains why making ‘wrong’ choices can teach you, how neural pathways form through repetition, and why waiting to feel ready stalls action. Conversations cover self-trust vs confidence, agency, and practical hacks to act 'as if' and build lasting change.