Stompcast

As the walk comes to a close, Kitty Scott-Claus reflects on life after Drag Race, and the highs and lows that come after being on the biggest drag show in the world. Kitty and Alex also discuss the societal view of the gender spectrum, as well as embracing your identity and why it’s important to take your time when discovering who you truly are. Follow Kitty Scott-Claus @kittyscottclaus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Alex is up north this week with rising musician Michael Aldag, in the beautiful Sefton Park in Liverpool.Michael shares how he accidentally rose to TikTok fame with his hilarious observations, how he’s been able to share his music through this new found audience, and how it eventually led to him signing to Universal Music.Alex and Michael also discuss how personality and social media has become a massive part of promoting music, and why it’s difficult to split the two.Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing the stomp with a soggy foot, Dr Alex dives deeper into the stories behind Michael Aldag’s music, and how he turns life experience into hit records. Michael explains how he can’t take his work too personally once it’s released, including how it led to getting very emotional on stage. Michael also shares his thoughts on never fully knowing how to handle the impact he has with his work.Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final part of this walk in Sefton Park, Michael Aldag tells us how he made the “massive decision” to drop out of university to pursue music full time. Michael explains the benefits he found from structure at school, compared to the unpredictability of the music industry – and how he still prefers early nights compared to the traditional rock star lifestyle.Follow Michael @michaelaldag and listen to his new EP Socializing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Alex is joined by beloved broadcaster, Angela Scanlon, on another crisp winter walk.Angela shares how she always resisted routine before lockdown forced her into it. An interruption from a little nearby stomper brings up a conversation about ‘snow plough’ parenting, how being a parent helps you reflect on your own upbringing, and how, no matter how hard you try, you won’t get everything right.Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: this episode discusses eating disordersIn part 2, Angela opens up about the eating disorder she developed in her teens, the shocking response when she sought help at her local GP, and why she was afraid to talk about it publicly. She also shares the coping techniques that have helped her come to terms with the difficult times, and how to look for hope. Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here.Links:www.marinotherapycentre.comwww.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this stomp with Angela Scanlon, she takes us through her compelling career journey – from starting in fashion, to hosting a documentary exploring gingerism.Angela also shares the inspiration behind her book ‘Joyrider’, why gratitude is integral to her mental wellbeing, and the mantras and reminders she loves, that you can start practising today.Follow Angela @angelascanlon and pick up a copy of Joyrider here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even though Dry Jan is nearly over, we’re exploring soberness all year round, so Dr Alex is on a stomp in Battersea Park with Spencer Matthews.In part one, Spencer opens up about his struggle with alcohol, the signs of it becoming a problem and the turning point that led him to going sober. Spencer and Alex also discuss their thoughts on the terms ‘alcoholic’ and ‘sober’ and their inclusivity, and how to consider your relationship with alcohol.Follow Spencer @spencermatthewsLINKS:Alcohol Support from the NHSBrits spend a whole year of their life being hungover Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of this week's stomp, Dr Alex and Spencer Matthews discuss what it’s like living sober, and how it’s often easier than it seems. Spencer shares how he built a brand around sobriety - his alcohol free spirit brand Clean Co.; as well as his thoughts on how his public perception has evolved from his Made in Chelsea days, with an insight into his time on the show. Follow Spencer @spencermatthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re looking to create habits that you want to stick to, Dr Alex and Spencer Matthews dive into how getting outside of your comfort zone may be the key in the final part of this week's stomp.Spencer also shares his thoughts on fatherhood, and what concerns him about raising a child in 2023; and of course, our health fact of the week which is from the British Liver Trust. Follow Spencer @spencermatthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To make this shock announcement, Team GB Gymnast, Ellie Downie, is speaking to Dr Alex exclusively, on a stomp in Battersea Park.Ellie won her first national gymnastics competition at 9 years old and has gone on to dedicate her life to the sport. In 2017, after competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ellie became the first British gymnast to win the all-round title at the European Championships.Becoming a gymnast as decorated as Ellie takes immense time, dedication and support however in 2020, alongside her sister Becky who is also a Team GB gymnast, Ellie released a statement that described ‘abusive behaviours’ that became part of their daily life.This statement went on to change the course of Ellie’s career forever.In a bid to tell her side of the story, Ellie has chosen to speak exclusively on the Stompcast, to break the news of her major [email protected] to support:SamaritansMindRethink Mental IllnessSANEMental Health Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best known as the co-founder of wellness and feel-good-food brand ‘Deliciously Ella’, Ella Mills joins Dr Alex in Hyde Park on this week's episode. In part one, Ella and Alex dive right into their shared passion for wellbeing and the pressures of everyday life that often make it hard to look after ourselves. Ella shares the small achievable changes we can make to improve our mental and physical health, and why getting out in nature is so important to her. Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: there are mentions of suicidal thoughts in this episode, if you’d prefer not to listen please skip 22:45 - 23:25In part 2 of Ella Mills and Dr Alex’s stomp, Ella explains the story behind her health journey which led her to founding Deliciously Ella. Ella discusses the difficult times in her 20s when she was navigating her poor health, and how she eventually found food to be a huge game changer. She also shares the moments where she felt her lowest, and why accepting your illness can help your mindset.Head over to the Samaritans if you or someone you love needs help.Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As this walk in Hyde Park comes to an end, Ella Mills and Dr Alex explain why you shouldn’t be afraid of discipline when it comes to your mental health.Ella talks about simple ways to form positive habits, how she wants to impart as much self confidence onto her children as possible, and the importance of self affirmations (even when they feel silly). Follow Ella @ella.mills__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Gandy, the model who is best known for being the face of iconic campaigns for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, is joining Dr Alex on this week’s stomp in Richmond Park.In the first part, David shares how he managed to stand out in the crowded world of modelling, and how he’s learnt to not take rejection personally. They also discuss navigating food and nutrition as a model, and David reveals what’s in his stomping toolkit. You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Dr Alex continues his stomp with David Gandy, David shares the story of how he landed the Dolce & Gabbana job that changed his career – and how a haircut almost stood in his way. David also explains the decision to start his own brand, how he stays true to his values, and the ethos behind his clothing brand: David Gandy Wellwear.You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part, Dr Alex and David Gandy wrap up this stomp by discussing fatherhood, and David’s thoughts on his children being on social media. They also discuss body confidence, and the differences between what is attainable for each individual person. You can follow David here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy new year, Stompers! The start of the year often coincides with anxiety and stress about money – even without the cost of living crisis. So this week Dr Alex is joined by Gemma Bird, who is better known as ‘Money Mum’, for some frugal advice to start the year right. In this part, Gemma shares how she became mortgage free before reaching 40, why financial education is important, especially at school, and advice on where to start if you’re wanting to save. Follow Gemma @moneymumofficialLinks:National DebtlineCitizens Advice - Debt & Money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of our walk, Dr Alex asks the Money Mum herself for her best tips on approaching financial health.Gemma offers advice for if you’re sick with worry when checking your bank balance, how to be more considerate with your spending, and why when you stop comparing yourself to others you can be much happier with what you already have.Follow Gemma @moneymumofficialLinks:Does money buy happiness study Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of Dr Alex and Gemma’s stomp, they discuss why it’s integral to always be putting money away if you can afford to. Gemma also talks about diverse places to put your money and all the different pots you can have; plus shares her view on whether young people should care about pensions. Follow Gemma @moneymumofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On our Christmas stomp this week, Dr Alex is joined by the two people behind All On The Board, Ian Redpath and Jeremy Chopra.In part one, Ian and Jeremy share the story behind how All On The Board began by a manager putting them together on shift, and the famous faces who have featured. They also explain their love and passion behind their boards, and how it’s reached people far beyond the London tubes. Follow @allontheboard and buy their new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the rain starts to come down in part 2, Ian and Jeremy share how they use their platform to shed light on mental and invisible illness, and why it’s important to them. They also discuss their experiences of counselling and why talking about problems is crucial to begin healing. Finally, they share their most powerful messages they’ve received in response to their boards.Follow @allontheboard and buy their new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this stomp with Ian and Jeremy, Dr Alex asks why Christmas isn’t easy for everyone, and how we can navigate it if it’s a difficult time. Ian and Jeremy also share moments of kindness they’ve seen whilst working on the tube, and how they try to bring a little weirdness into their work. Follow @allontheboard and buy their new book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surgeon, lecturer and educator to 5 million people on TikTok, Dr Karan Rajan is joining Dr Alex for a beautiful snowy stomp in Greenwich Park.In part one, Karan and Alex share stories from long hours working in the hospital, the pressures and struggles Doctors and Nurses are constantly facing, and their thoughts on what needs to change in the NHS.You can follow Dr Karan on Instagram and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part walking through the snowy grass of Greenwich Park, Dr Karan shares the story of how he decided to become a doctor, and how his social media career manifested through his love of educating and teaching. Dr Karan also talks about how doing drama at school helped him in both of his careers; and the difficulties of balancing his work as a doctor, social media and home life.You can follow Dr Karan on Instagram and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of this week’s ‘Snowcast’ in Greenwich Park, Dr Alex and Dr Karan discuss the stresses and pressures doctors often face at work, and how they manage them. They also talk about facing the fragility of life whilst at work and why it’s important to always be kind on social media. Dr Karan also brings his own health fact of the week! You can follow Dr Karan on Instagram and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 31, Lauren Mahon was determined to use her story and voice to support others living with cancer.Lauren founded the charity GIRLvsCANCER, and co-hosted ‘You, Me and the Big C’ with her best friends, the late Deborah James, and Rachael Bland.In this first part, you’ll hear Lauren and Dr. Alex stomping around Walthamstow Marshes, talking about Laurens's diagnosis, how her new dog Raymond has given her a refreshed perspective on the world and how she copes with loss and grief.You can follow Lauren here and GIRLvsCANCER here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of this week's stomp, you’ll hear Lauren share how she’s made it her mission to be a support to those with cancer.Lauren shares her diagnosis and recovery story, explaining the impact cancer had on both her mind and body, as well as how her outlook on life has changed.She also shares why she set up GIRLvsCANCER and what it was like for her, Deborah James, and Rachael Bland to have been awarded a doctorate from the Institute of Cancer Research.You can follow Lauren here and GIRLvsCANCER here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the sun started to set in Walthamstow Marshes, Dr. Alex and Lauren Mahon wrap up this week's episode by talking about mental health and cancer.Lauren discusses her life before cancer and how she mentally dealt with receiving her diagnosis and chemotherapy, her decision to restart taking the antidepressant Sertraline, and how her cancer journey has reshaped the way she now approaches life.You can follow Lauren here and GIRLvsCANCER here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three-time gold medal gymnast, Max Whitlock, is joining Dr Alex on this week’s stomp in Thorndon Country Park.In part one, you’ll hear Max sharing how his life as a father has given him purpose and grounding, why having a routine is paramount to his mental wellness and how he prepares for the Olympics.You can follow Max here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part, you’ll hear Max and Dr Alex speaking about how Max became the most successful male gymnast in Olympic history on the pommel horse.Max discusses the journey of his career to date and how his mindset has shifted with each competition.He also opens up about how he suffered and dealt with depression after his gold medal in 2020.You can follow Max here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final part of Max and Dr Alex’s walk, you’ll hear them discussing how Max is preparing for the Paris Olympics.Max opens up about how he overcame his low mood and negative mindset, how he’s changing his habits in order to go for gold again and what he’s doing to ensure his mind and body are at their best ahead of Paris.You can follow Max here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Sugg, author, actor, business owner, musician and strictly finalist, is out stomping in the beautiful, and very hilly, Sussex countryside with Dr Alex this week.Since rising to fame with his YouTube channel, Joe has lived a very public life which was exacerbated by coming second in Strictly Come Dancing, with his dance partner and now girlfriend, Dianne Buswell.In this episode, Joe opens up about the difficulties that come with living a life in the public eye, why nature has become imperative to his health and wellness and the reason for him and Dianne making the move out of the city, and into the countryside.You can pick up a copy of Joe’s new book Grow here and Dr Alex’s A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While stomping around Sussex, Joe Sugg and Dr Alex discuss the importance of finding a balance in our personal and professional lives. Joe shares the variation in his career to date and how he’s changed throughout the last 10 years, how to make it big on YouTube and how his new book, Grow, was born out of his phone addiction.You can pick up a copy of Joe’s new book Grow here and Dr Alex’s A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the stomp draws to a close, Dr Alex and Joe Sugg reflect on Joes time on Strictly Come Dancing.In part 3, Joe speaks about how he was approached for the hit show, how he dealt with nerves and being outside of his comfort zone and why for him strictly was a blessing and not a curse.Joe also shares his advice on making a career change and why he lives by ‘your tribe being your vibe’.You can pick up a copy of Joe’s new book Grow here and Dr Alex’s A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SAS: Who Dares Wins team member and Sunday Times best-selling author, Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, is putting Dr Alex through his paces on a stomp through the hills of Malvern this week.Billy had an 18 year career in the military and is a highly decorated SAS soldier. He’s completed missions in both the UK and some of the most hostile countries in the world, which has earned him an MBE and the Queens commendation for Bravery.Billy shares with Dr Alex how he coped with fear while on tour; what it’s really like to serve and survive in environments like the jungle; how a soldier's sixth sense becomes finetuned while in survival mode and why you should never take the easy route….You can follow Billy here and pick up a copy of ‘Survive to Fight’, his new novel that’s based on his life and career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of this stomp, Dr Alex asks Billy about life as a soldier in the armed forces and the challenges he faced when readjusting back to civilian life.Billy shares with Dr Alex how his family had to deal with the uncertainty of his tours - recalling the time when a 10 day tour became a 9 month tour without any form of contact or communication, and why his daughter felt like she didn’t ‘know’ her dad until she read his books.Billy also discusses the treatment of veterans of the British Armed Forces and how we can better support those who have served and their families. You can follow Billy here and pick up a copy of ‘Survive to Fight’, his new fiction book that’s based on his life and career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law, Kate Moss and Tom Cruise are just a handful of names who have employed this week’s guest, Billy Billingham, as their bodyguard. In part 3 of this stomp in Malvern, Billy shares how his career pivoted from being an SAS soldier to a bodyguard, and then from being a bodyguard to being a member of Channel 4’s hit show SAS: Who Dares Wins.Dr Alex also asks Billy about his childhood and upbringing as well as his literary work as the author of 2 novels, based on his life in the military, and his autobiography.You can follow Billy here and pick up a copy of ‘Survive to Fight’, his new fiction book that’s based on his life and career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelin-star chef, Tom Kerridge is stomping with Dr Alex this week in Marlow, home to many of his restaurants, namely The Hand and Flowers, the only pub in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars.During part one of this stomp, Tom and Dr Alex talk about why he thrives in environments he describes as ‘controlled chaos’; how he continued to serve the local community during lockdowns as well as the impact Covid had on his businesses and how he overcomes the hurdles that come his way in both life and business.Follow Tom here and grab a copy of his new cookbook, Real Life Recipes, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After coming to the realisation that drinking was taking up too much space in his life, Tom decided to become sober - a subject Tom openly speaks about in this part of the stomp.Tom opens up about how he's managed his battle with alcohol and his sobriety, as well as how, regardless of how much weight he has lost or gained, he’s always remained comfortable with his body image - an important mindset he is instilling into his son, Acey.Follow Tom here and grab a copy of his new cookbook, Real Life Recipes, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Tom Kerridge received a call from one of his chef’s, known as one of his ‘pirates’, he never expected it to be news of his first Michelin star - which went on to become two.But what was Tom's route to success? How did he become such a talented chef and what does it take to earn the prestige of a Michelin star? And how does he deal with all the pressure and stress his job comes with?As Tom Kerridge’s stomp with Dr Alex draws to a close, their conversation focuses on Tom’s career, how he manages his restaurants and TV work as well as, of course, his personal and family life.Follow Tom here and grab a copy of his new cookbook, Real Life Recipes, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love Island star, Tasha Ghouri, joins Dr Alex for a stomp around London’s Greenwich Park.Until Tasha had her cochlear implant fitted when she was 5, she was completely deaf and therefore unable to hear or speak. In part 1 of this week’s stomp, you’ll hear Tasha share how she’s been feeling since leaving the villa and why she believes her deafness is a gift.You can follow Tasha here.Find the transcript for this episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born completely deaf, Tasha Ghouri, had her cochlear implant fitted when she was a child and until going on Love Island, she had never faced Ableism for her deafness.Tasha shares with Dr Alex what life with a cochlear implant is like, how she found her confidence through her passion for music and dance and how it felt to be trolled and bullied for the way she speaks.You can follow Tasha here.Find the transcript for the episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we round up the stomp this week, Tasha speaks to Dr Alex about how she’s finding life after leaving the villa and her relationship with Andrew as well as what she hopes her legacy will be.Tasha also talks about why she went on the show, her impact as a disabled model after one of her photoshoots went viral as well as how she still views herself as the girl from Thirsk, despite her new found fame.You can follow Tasha here.Find the transcript for this episode here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Esther Abrami moved to the UK when she was 14 and couldn’t speak a word of English. Despite the language barrier, she studied music in an English-speaking school and has gone on to become a well-respected violinist, as well as a popular online personality on social media and her YouTube channel. This week, Esther joins Dr Alex for a wander around London’s Hyde Park where they talk about: Esther’s journey of leaving Marseille and being accepted as a student at Manchester's prestigious Chethams School of Music; how she was approached by and signed exclusively to record lable, Sony Classical, and what it truly takes to become a world-class violinist.Follow Esther here and watch her YouTube videos here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a teen, Esther Abrami was told she was ‘too ambitious’ and aiming ‘too high’ in her dream of becoming a world-class violinist; however by the age of 25, she was performing her debut solo at the Royal Albert Hall, proving her professors wrong.In part 2 of this conversation, you’ll hear Esther reflecting on her childhood in the south of France, learning to play the violin; how she dealt with negativity from her peers and what it’s like to be a young person building a career that intersects her online, modern-day work with the more traditional classical music industry.Follow Esther here and watch her YouTube videos here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite months of setting 5am alarms for practice, and endless amounts of grit and determination, Esther shares how when she was 17, her preparation for a prestigious competition simply wasn’t enough however her failure to win has led her to some of her greatest successes today.In the final part of Dr Alex and Esther's stomp, you’ll hear them chat about how Esther dealt with self-doubt after failure, the importance of having her family as her support network and how she now prepares for important performances.The Mozart Effect Health Fact of the Week.Follow Esther here and watch her YouTube videos here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the nation's favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks, takes Dr Alex on a stomp around the beautiful Virginia Water Lake.Having recently had baby number three, Joe shares how he and his wife, Rosie, hope to grow their family, why getting outdoors is paramount to his happiness and mental health and why he’s calling for a change in the narrative around fitness. Follow Joe Wicks here and pick up a copy of Dr Alex’s new book A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst meandering around Virginia Water Lake, conversation between Joe and Dr Alex flows through the highs and lows of Joe’s career and how his purpose drives every decision he makes.Joe opens up about the importance of being emotionally vulnerable with his team and the working relationship he has with his brother, what it meant for him to receive his MBE and why his gratitude comes from his focus on the small things in life.Follow Joe Wicks here and pick up a copy of Dr Alex’s new book A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 3 of this week’s stomp, Dr Alex and Joe Wicks take their conversation into Joe’s toolkit for life and the mindsets he adopts in order to keep his mental and physical health in check.While approaching the end of the stomp, you’ll hear Joe also sharing how he approaches fatherhood and keeps watch of his children's mental health as well as how he and Rosie still find time to unwind amongst the chaos of raising their three young children.Follow Joe Wicks here and pick up a copy of Dr Alex’s new book A Better Day here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.