Episodes

  • Tired? Yep. Seems many of us are struggling with tiredness as the speed of society gathers pace each year. This episode is about 34 minutes. Take a nap and we'll wake you at the end. There's nothing new here. You know it all already. You just don't like it (and me too).

    We'll explore:

    The increase in tiredness and exhaustion in modern society - is this a thing?My experience with tiredness (clue: I did not "coach" myself out of it or transcend tiredness through realisation or insight)What place does an understanding about the nature of thought have in a conversation about tiredness?Why resting is not as simple as it once was, and why we look beyond naps and sleep to our thoughts, instead, for relief and solutionsThe interconnectedness of all things and why this matters when we are tired (well - it always matters)Why understanding the interconnected relationship between mind, body, environment and society is crucialAnxious Alice gets fresh



    Mentioned

    The article I mention on The 18 Types of Rest We Need

    The previous episode discussing the role of society and institutionalised thought in influencing our own experiences: Episode 63: How That Anxious, Restless, Unsettled Feeling Is Originally Created (Clue: It’s Nothing to Do with You)

    Also

    Pop on to my Friends List here if you want to hear from me every month-ish.




  • It's the first episode back after the summer break and I can't wait to talk about horrid feelings with you.

    Join me for an exploration on the birth and evolution of anxious, restless, unsettled feelings, and how understanding this helps ease their ickiness so we can return to peace.


    This episode will meander through:

    A long intro vividly describing my anxious thought storm while on holiday A reminder of the relationship between thoughts and feelings and the outside worldWhen it's relevant to look at the content of thought itself, and how understanding this transforms our relationship to itAn expedition back through history to the origin of our horrid thoughts This will include mentions of anxiety, productivity, overwhelm, being busy, hustle culture, rest and moreHow understanding the creation and evolution of thoughts helps us see them as less personal, giving us more opportunity for freedom and ease Metaphors and comparisons include the climate and soil, soup and croutons and a couple of bad jokes Anxious Alice asks how this historical and evolutionary exploration of thought content reconciles with the orthodox orientation of 'looking upstream to the source of thought'. Isn't she a wise little squirrel?




    Pop on to my Friends List here for monthly-ish news, invites, updates and free things

    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

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  • Join me to explore how we can answer our questions, solve our problems and get clarity and guidance from within.

    We often want to seek guidance and counsel from others when we're unsure of the way forward, but getting a feel for our own inner guide, and learning to trust it, can be transformative.

    Luckily, we humans are perfectly equipped with the features that guide us to clarity... although very few of us know or trust this.

    This episode will explore:

    Where do solutions and answers come from?What's your role in finding clarity (and what is most certainly NOT your role)?How there is no 'right way' to solve our problems and answer our questions ...but we'll explore some steps anyway as a jumping-off pointA bonus step for those that need a little extra rigour when it comes to understanding the nature of thoughtLots of metaphors including blueprints, ingredients and axe-man ice sculptures Anxious Alice has a cool insight


    Mentioned in the show:

    I'm on summer break! Back in 2024.Episode: Freedom From Anxiety Begins With This Unsexy Little WordEpisode: “We are Never Stuck... Life is Always Flowing" with Stephen LaddPop on to my Friends List here for monthly-ish news, invites, updates and free things (resuming in NZ autumn after the summer break mentioned in the show)Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.
  • What an honour to have Sarah Armitage and Michelle McCartan as my special guests on the Inner Peace & Other Cool Shit podcast.

    Both Sarah and Michelle are masterful coaches and facilitators with their own practices working with leaders and organisations. In 2023 they came together to create Pure Potential, a unique offering designed to explore the limitless potential of humans through a shared developmental experience.

    Sarah and Michelle have a special synergy and I love knowing there are people like these two in the world.


    Please join us to explore:

    The principles behind the work Sarah and Michelle do with leaders and organisations, and why their approach is particularly impactfulThe implications of these principles when it comes to realising our own experience of peace, ease and flow How to manage the ubiquity of labels and concepts in life Recognising the innate intelligence we all shareThe power of 'obviousness' when it comes to being guided in lifeHow some of these ideas might help communities, and why that even mattersWhere one might start exploring these ideas...and so, so much more

    Sarah and Michelle also make me laugh with delight - and splutter with shocked speechlessness - with their clear and simple wisdom, and eloquent descriptions and reflections. They also offer an insightful and thoughtful response to a listener's question about a debilitating workplace culture.


    More about my guests:

    Michelle McCartan is a Leadership and Peak Performance Coach and Consultant who combines her expertise in organisational strategy, human potential and coaching to guide organisations, teams, communities and individuals to access their full potential and thrive.

    Sarah Armitage is an experienced coach and facilitator of cultural change who combines qualifications and experience in strategic Human Resources, psychology, organisational development, and system leadership. With over 20 years of coaching and facilitation experience and a clear grounding in how the mind works, she’s committed to helping people and teams wake up to their full potential and enjoy what they do.


    Over to you:

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here.

    Comment, question, idea or anything else for me? Get in touch!

    For new things from me, updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit, be my friend here and get an email every month-ish.

    Thanks for hanging out with us today. You rock

  • I loved having Lisa Esile as my special guest on the Inner Peace & Other Cool Shit podcast.

    As well as being a writer and author, Lisa specialises in helping people navigate challenges, understand what their mind is really up to, and tap into their inner strengths and insights. Lisa is also the founder of the Do Nothing meditation school.

    She is also bloody delightful and I loved hanging out with her. This conversation lingered with me long after we said goodbye.

    Please join us to explore:

    A heartfelt discussion on the incessant chatter of the mind and its desire to control, narrate and manage every darn thing Lisa’s "Year of Silence" experiment and the challenge of quieting the mindHow our pursuit of peace is impacted by the societal emphasis on constant productivityHow our inner calm is a lot closer than we think and how we need to do a lot less to uncover itHow intuition is an overlooked yet powerful force in a productivity-driven society that reveres intellectual analysisHow and why to tune in to your own inner voice

    Lisa also offers beautiful responses to questions about managing energy levels when one has a family, chronic illness and business, and how the themes that this episode (and show) are based on can even help with the global challenges we all face now.

    Mentioned in the show

    For more Lisa, head to her website, read her book Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life or pop over to the Do-Nothing Meditation School (which you can try for free)

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here.

    Comment, question, idea or anything else for me? Get in touch!

    For new things from me, updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit, be my friend here and get an email every month-ish.

    Thanks for hanging out with us today. You rock

  • Have you ever been musing on the inside-out nature of the human experience and thought...

    "Feelings come from thoughts, so you say? OK. Maybe. But my thoughts come from the problems in my life anyway. So how does all this stuff about understanding the human experience help me?"

    If so, me too! And many others. This episode is for you.

    We'll cover:

    YAY! My feelings aren't created by my job/partner/lack of worth - they are created by thoughts! But wait - my thoughts are created by those things - huh?Why it looks like thoughts are created by the outside world The habits and patterns that lock us into thatHow to see through the illusion of thought to experience less anxiety and more peaceThe 100% reliable help and guidance you have along the way (your feelings)Lots of metaphors including tea bags and tapsAnxious Alice has something to say

    Mentioned in the show:

    Episode 14: Thought: How to Use This Mind-Boggling Superpower

    Episode 16: Catastrophising Is The Brain’s Love Language

    Pop on to my Friends List here for monthly-ish news, invites, updates and free things


    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

    Bye for now ✌🏼

  • I'm plucking a popular early episode out of the archives, dusting it off and serving it with a side of my fresh-this-morning opinion.

    Everything is always changing: out there in the world and inside you. Our thoughts, feelings, moods, perspectives, ideas, emotions, opinions and everything else are constantly on the move.

    For those that haven't heard this one, join me-from-ages-ago to explore:

    Why it SEEMS like we are stuck in life, and how it's actually impossible to actually BE stuckHow seeing the constantly changing nature of ....every darn thing ever!....helps us relate to anxiety, panic and overwhelm in a completely new wayHow to explore this more in your own life to find a new freedom Anxious Alice makes up a new term (bucket-gazing)


    Also:
    What's your relationship style with your brain? Take the quiz and find out.
    Got a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Email me
    Wanna to hear from me every month/ish with new things? Pop your name onto my Friends List here


    Back again soon with a new episode ✌🏼


  • Today we are taking a look at the cool clues and hidden hints in everyday life that point to our human design...and why we ignore them or miss them to live in suffering instead!

    Join me to explore:

    The incredible powers that we humans have available to us to heal from anxiety, stress and worry and live in more peace and calmThe everyday, hidden-in-plain-sight, ordinary clues surrounding us that can help us recognise and build trust in these powers Why we ignore the clues, or miss them, or not realise their significance How exploring this in your own life can help ease anxiety and worry, and help you reconnect with your innate peace and clarityWhat Anxious Alice has to say - she's super grumpy today

    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other bits and bobs all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here.

    Thanks for listening👂🏽

  • How wonderful to have Erika Bugbee as my special guest on the Inner Peace & Other Cool Shit podcast.

    Erika specialises in working with teens, young adults, and parents through her global coaching practice. She also trains and mentors practitioners, as well as speaking and presenting at international conferences about finding more resilience and peace of mind, and navigating stress and uncertainty.

    I loved hanging out with Erika; this conversation really illuminates the amazing way we humans find our way back from frenzied overthinking and anxiety.

    Please join us to explore:

    The fresh way Erika works with young people and familiesHow seeing the 'wise person' beneath all the noise can change everything (and how to do it)The incredible design all humans have 'pre-installed', and how understanding this and recognising it in ourselves and each other is transformationalHow to truly deal with a problem by seeing it in a new wayInnocent 'parenting projections', overcompensating, and what to try insteadThe importance of recognising when you're in a reactive state and what the signs are (clue: everything feels impossible)How coming to peace with issues first allows for fresh resolutions and solutions

    To learn more about Erika visit: https://www.erikabugbee.com/

    She has a small group program launching in October 2023: 'Well Being for Teens and Young Adults' launching in October 2023. Visit: https://www.ailacoats.com/3monthteenprogram for more.

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here.

    For new things from me, updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit, be my friend here and get an email every month-ish.

    Thanks for hanging out with us today!

  • Please join me for the second part of our exploration into myths and misconceptions around having less anxiety and more peace.

    We'll cover:

    An example of my human brain being a silly billy recently A quick recap of common myths from Anxiety Freedom: Big Fat Myths Debunked (Part 1)The myths and misconceptions you sent in (thanks to those who contributed)What these all have in common Why seeing this is helpful, especially for those that experience a lot of anxiety and overwhelmWhat Anxious Alice has to say

    If you love a blanket-rustling-infused audio experience, a hasty edit due to travel commitments, and a generous side-rant about the overuse of the word 'journey' - then you will especially love this episode (er, sorry).

    Mentioned in the show:

    The amazing Psychology Has It Backwards podcast

    Pod episode: You’re The Best Person To Call Bullsh*t On All That Anxiety Advice

    Pod episode: Anxiety Freedom: Big Fat Myths Debunked (Part 1)


    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other bits and bobs all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here


    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

  • I'm plucking a popular early episode out of the vault, dusting it off and serving it like an aged cheese.

    For those that haven't heard this one, join me-from-ages-ago to explore:

    The normal ways a brain behaves Why a brain being a brain is not a problem to be solved How understanding this can transform our relationship to anxiety, worrying and overthinkingWhat does Anxious Alice think about a brain being a brain? Is she even listening?Also, we possibly set a record for the number of times the word 'dog' is said in one podcast episode

    What's your relationship style with your brain? Take the quiz at siobhanfriel.com/quiz

    If you experience a ton of negative thinking, catastrophising, ruminating and unwanted comparison and judgement, then congratulations! You have a healthy human brain. Yay

    Back again soon with a new episode.


  • We humans love to match our feelings with a thing out there in the outside world, don't we?
    And no wonder - all of society is set up to reinforce that other people, events, things and situations cause our feelings.

    But what if that's not true? And what if seeing more around that can make us feel lighter and more at ease in life?

    Join me to explore
    - Why it looks like the outside causes our feelings on the inside
    - Why this might be the wrong way round entirely
    - The benefits and implications for not needing a reason for our feelings
    - How to playfully explore this for yourself

    Mentioned in the show:
    Pod episode: Befriending Uncertainty A Little Bit
    Pod episode: Anxiety Freedom: Big Fat Myths Debunked (Part 1)

    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other cool shit all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here

    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.




  • Hello dear friends. Come and join me for a few minutes as I explain why the publishing of the podcast has been interrupted (mostly blaming my cat and taking zero responsibility myself)

    Then I squeeze in a quick teaching moment about thoughts, before backing away again and letting you know the next episode will be out next week.

    Ok, that's it. I guess you don't need to listen after all.

    Mentioned: If you want, pop your name down for updates, events and news here or get in touch at [email protected]

    See you soon!

  • What an utter privilege and joy to have Dr William F. Pettit, Jr, MD ("Can I call you Bill?") as my special guest on the podcast.

    Dr Bill Pettit is a much-loved practitioner, mentor, teacher and guide in the space of the Three Principles, and a retired Adjunct Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. He has worked with many people from many countries over many decades (4!) helping them to realise their innate wellbeing and to live with ease and joy.


    Please join us to explore:

    Bill's experience of depression before coming across the teachings which would transform his life, and the lives of his psychiatry patients and everyone he would work withThe one cause and one cure of mental unrestHow gaining a deeper understanding of the system of life and our human experience can lead to transformation,The incredible effects of recognising the gifts of our power of thought and divine nature ...and so many other topics, laughs, stories and a question from a listener

    Bill's website is here and a search of his name in your favourite search engine will bring up many interviews and videos.

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here.


    Want updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit? Be my friend here and get an email every 3-weeks-ish-kinda-sometimes


    Thanks for hanging out with us today!

  • Us humans seem to think that a journey to less anxiety and more peace will look a certain way. But that’s utter rubbish.

    We think there’s a path to follow, and that path will have a certain timeline and certain steps and will feel a certain way.

    Poppycock!

    Come with me as we explore the common myths we encounter when we look in the direction of anxiety freedom. We’ll see why these myths even exist (clue: it’s our human brains!) and poke at them a bit to shake out the truth.


    We’ll do a second part in a few episodes' time, giving you the chance to submit your own. Pop me an email at [email protected] if you suspect you’ve been innocently believing a myth about anxiety freedom and inner peace.


    Mentioned in the show:

    The fabulous Wyn Morgan

    The amazing Amanda Jones

    Pod episode: Should We Try to Manage, Control or Change Our Thoughts?

    Pod episode: Where Do Those Crappy Thoughts Come From Anyway?



    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other cool shit all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here

    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

  • What fun to have coach, laughter expert and vibrant human Dave Berman on the Inner Peace & Other Cool Shit podcast.

    Dave has laughed with people in all 50 US states and in 70 other countries, and he has a unique way of working with people to help them have a more joyful experience of life through their own insights and realisations.


    Please join us to explore:

    Dave’s journey from mental illness and medication to travel and laughter and the pivotal insights he had along the wayHow the mind worksThe nature of thoughtHow seeing all of this has transformative implications in our livesProcrastinationCatastrophising Laughter of course, and the cool shit that comes with seeing laughter as this innate, infinite, emergent quality that’s before conscious thought.

    Want more Dave? Laugh with him any day or every day in the Laughter Gym , or check out his website and Facebook group.

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here.

    Want updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit? Be my friend here and get an email every 3-weeks-ish-kinda-sometimes

    Thanks for hanging out with us today!

  • It's time for your insights, realisations, contemplations and ....um...complaints!

    Back in the episode Connection, Feelings, Knowing & Trees: A Birthday Special, I shared a few of my own insights since starting the podcast and I invited you to do the same. And you did! And they were great.

    Join me on the show today to hear a varied selection of some of insights and stories. We hear from humans who have seen new things around work, parenting, peace, relationships, systemic issues, money and many more.
    Thank you to all who joined in. You rock my world.


    Also mentioned:


    Get notified about the upcoming Slow Sessions here


    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other cool shit all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here


    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

  • What a joy to have the warm, witty and wonderful Lindsey Elliott on the podcast recently. Lindsey is the owner and founder of Lindsey Elliott Coaching based online and in Brighton, UK. She is a former worried and anxious, self-help seeker, who now knows she is always OK (and that you are too).

    I loved this conversation so much. I laughed, I cried, I had tingles. It was great!

    Please join us to explore:

    Lindsey's story of never feeling good enough, which led her to 'self-help the shit' out of herself How seeing the nature of thoughts and feelings transformed her experience of anxiety How anyone can start to see this for themselves (with specific examples) The incredible guidance system we have in the moment ...and so many other topics like health anxiety, procrastination and happiness

    Lindsey has a BSc Hons degree in Psychology, and has over 15 years’ experience working therapeutically with people. Lindsey now works as both a Certified Change coach, specialising in anxiety, stress and overwhelm, and as a wellbeing consultant who has partnered with private companies, local council and the NHS in the UK.

    See more about Lindsey at her website, or visit her amazing Youtube channel packed full of helpful and wisdom-filled videos.

    Got a question you want answered by an upcoming guest? Pop me an email here or DM me here

    Want updates about events, free stuff and other cool shit? Be my friend here and get an email every 3-weeks-ish-kinda

    Thanks for hanging out with us today!

  • Join me for part 2 of our fresh look at uncertainty. We'll look at how to actually deal with uncertainty, AND what to do when the bad-thing-that-our-brain-made-up actually happens.

    Part one is here.

    Episodes and books mentioned in the show:

    "Who We Really Are Is Unbreakable” with Wyn Morgan

    But What About When An Actual Bad Thing Happens?

    "Security Is Built-In" with Christine Heath and Judy Sedgeman

    Mara Gleason's book: 'One Thought Changes Everything' (please buy from your independent book seller where possible)

    And:

    Get notified about the upcoming Slow Sessions here

    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other cool shit all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here

    Question, comment, thought, idea, anything else? Contact me here.

  • Ah, us humans hate uncertainty don't we? But why? No, really. Why? Join me to take a fresh look at Uncertainty In this two-parter.

    Come and explore:

    What even is uncertainty?Why it drives us a bit wild A deep poke at the root of uncertainty How seeing something new around this helps us navigate life with its never-ending unknowns

    Mentioned in the show:

    Check out the birthday competition on my website

    Submit your share to me right here

    If you want the latest news, invites, free stuff and other cool shit all about the human experience, hop on to my Friends List here