Beyond Wellbeing

In this episode, General Practitioner and host Dr Oscar Duke is joined by Dr Gillian Sandstrom, Professor in the Psychology of Kindness at the University of Sussex and author of Once Upon a Stranger, to explore the powerful role that social connection plays in our health and wellbeing.

Together, they discuss the difference between loneliness, isolation and solitude, why connection is a fundamental human need, and how even small everyday interactions can boost wellbeing and foster a greater sense of belonging.

Drawing on research and real-life examples, Dr Gillian shares practical ways to build confidence, strengthen social connections and overcome the barriers that can keep us apart.

We discuss:

 The difference between loneliness, social isolation and solitude

 How social connection affects mental and physical wellbeing

 Why everyday interactions can help reduce loneliness

 The role of social media and modern lifestyles in shaping connection

 Practical ways to build confidence and connect with others

 How conversations with strangers can boost mood, confidence and a sense of

belonging

Beyond Wellbeing is brought to you by Allianz. Follow and subscribe so you never miss

an episode.

Follow Dr Gillian Sandstrom:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgilliansandstrom/

Website: https://gilliansandstrom.com

Additional resources from Allianz

Blogs:

How to overcome expat loneliness:

https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/expat-loneliness.html

Loneliness in later life: 5 steps to feel more connected:

https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/loneliness-in-later-life.html

Social isolation: how our ability to connect has changed:

https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/social-isolation-and-how-our-ability-to-

connect-has-changed.html

About Allianz

Providing health, life and disability insurance and a range of health and wellness services, we are your global health partner. Every day, we help individuals, families and employers to navigate healthcare and improve their quality of life. Our solutions are a unique combination of insurance, service, and technology. We provide next generation healthcare solutions, looking after people now and for years to come, with our vision of a healthier future. This vision extends beyond our customers, with the goal of creating a more lasting legacy and having a positive impact on wider communities.

Find out more: www.allianzcare.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/AllianzCare/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/54037/

https://www.youtube.com/c/allianzcare

https://www.instagram.com/allianzcare/

https://x.com/AllianzCare

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re facing a health or safety emergency, contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services immediately.

Laws vary by location, and this does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, trends may evolve over time. Allianz does not accept liability for actions taken based on this content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, General Practitioner Dr Oscar Duke is joined by consultant bariatric surgeon and best-selling author Andrew Jenkinson to explore what determines our weight and why keeping it off can be so difficult.

Weight is about more than simply willpower and calories. From genetics and metabolism to sleep, stress and the foods we eat, Dr Oscar and Andrew discuss the science of weight regulation, challenge common misconceptions about obesity and explain the concept of a "happy weight".

From understanding appetite and hormones to exploring sustainable approaches to long-term health, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights to help listeners build healthier habits and achieve a more balanced relationship with food. 

We discuss: 

• How to understand your personal healthy or "happy" weight
• The role of genetics, metabolism and hormones in weight regulation
• How nutrition, sleep and stress influence weight
• Why sustainable habits outperform restrictive dieting
• The benefits and limitations of GLP-1 weight loss medications

Beyond Wellbeing is brought to you by Allianz. Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Follow consultant bariatric surgeon Andrew Jenkinson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandrewjenkinson_/?hl=en-gb

Website: Dr Andrew Jenkinson | Bariatric Surgeon London, GORD London

Additional resources from Allianz

Wellness Hub: Weight Management Hub and Nutrition Hub

Weight Management Hub: Diet, Exercise & Support | Allianz 

Nutrition Hub: Caring for Your Gut Health | Allianz Care

First Dietitian Consultation Checklist: 

First Dietitian Consultation Checklist

About Allianz

Providing health, life and disability insurance and a range of health and wellness services, we are your global health partner. Every day, we help individuals, families and employers to navigate healthcare and improve their quality of life. Our solutions are a unique combination of insurance, service, and technology. We provide next generation healthcare solutions, looking after people now and for years to come, with our vision of a healthier future. This vision extends beyond our customers, with the goal of creating a more lasting legacy and having a positive impact on wider communities. 

Find out more: www.allianzcare.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/AllianzCare/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/54037/

https://www.youtube.com/c/allianzcare

https://www.instagram.com/allianzcare/

https://x.com/AllianzCare 

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re facing a health or safety emergency, contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services immediately. Laws vary by location, and this does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, trends may evolve over time. Allianz does not accept liability for actions taken based on this content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, General Practitioner Dr Oscar Duke is joined by Professor Charles

Spence (University of Oxford) and ADHD Coach Kim To to explore why so many of us

feel overwhelmed in an always-on world.

Sensory overload is a growing but often overlooked challenge. From constant

notifications to busy environments, modern life can place increasing strain on our focus,

energy and mental wellbeing. Dr Oscar and his guests discuss how this overstimulation

Interna

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impacts our daily lives, and what we can do to reduce sensory overload and improve

productivity.

From recognising early signs of sensory strain to building healthier habits, this episode

offers practical, evidence-based suggestions to help you regain balance, improve focus

and restore a sense of calm.

We discuss: 

 What sensory overload is and how it affects wellbeing

 Early signs of hearing, vision and attention strain

 Practical tools to protect your sensory health

 Techniques to manage overstimulation

 Simple ways to increase calm and focus in everyday life

Beyond Wellbeing is brought to you by Allianz. Follow and subscribe so you never miss

an episode.

Follow Professor Charles Spence:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professorspence/

Website: https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/people/charles-spence

Follow ADHD Coach Kim To:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourflair/

Website: ADHD Coaching | Own Your Flair

Additional resources from Allianz

Articles - Embracing Global Mobility and Neurodiversity

Embracing Global Mobility and Neurodiversity | Allianz Partners

How to enter flow state and boost your wellbeing:

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How to Enter Flow State and Boost Your Wellbeing

About Allianz

Providing health, life and disability insurance and a range of health and wellness

services, we are your global health partner. Every day, we help individuals, families, and

employers to navigate healthcare and improve their quality of life. Our solutions are a

unique combination of insurance, service, and technology. We provide next generation

healthcare solutions, looking after people now and for years to come, with our vision of

a healthier future. This vision extends beyond our customers, with the goal of creating a

more lasting legacy and having a positive impact on wider communities.

Find out more: www.allianzcare.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/AllianzCare/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/54037/

https://www.youtube.com/c/allianzcare

https://www.instagram.com/allianzcare/

https://x.com/AllianzCare

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute

for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re facing a health or

safety emergency, contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services

immediately. Laws vary by location, and this does not constitute legal advice. While we

aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, trends may evolve over time. Allianz

does not accept liability for actions taken based on this content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, General Practitioner Dr Oscar Duke is joined by sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning to explore why so many of us feel tired all the time, and what’s really happening when we sleep.

Constant fatigue is now one of the most common health complaints. Dr Oscar and Dr Lindsay unpack the science of sleep, explain how everyday habits drain our energy, and share practical, evidence-based tips to help you wake up feeling refreshed.

From understanding sleep cycles to improving sleep hygiene, this episode offers simple changes that can make a powerful difference to your daily energy and overall wellbeing.

We discuss: 

• The everyday habits that cause chronic tiredness 
• How lifestyle patterns shape sleep quality 
• Which sleep tech can improve rest 
• Science-based techniques to optimise sleep 
• How to restore energy through small daily changes 

Beyond Wellbeing is brought to you by Allianz. Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Follow Lindsay Browning:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrowningsleep/ 

Website: https://troublesleeping.co.uk_/ 

Additional resources from Allianz

Articles - Am I Sleep Deprived?  Key Signs and Symptoms: 

https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/am-i-sleep-deprived.html 

The Link Between Sleep and Work Performance: 

https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/link-between-sleep-and-work-performance.html 

About Allianz

Providing health, life and disability insurance and a range of health and wellness services, we are your global health partner. Every day, we help individuals, families, and employers to navigate healthcare and improve their quality of life. Our solutions are a unique combination of insurance, service, and technology. We provide next generation healthcare solutions, looking after people now and for years to come, with our vision of a healthier future. This vision extends beyond our customers, with the goal of creating a more lasting legacy and having a positive impact on wider communities. 

Find out more: www.allianzcare.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/AllianzCare/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/54037/

https://www.youtube.com/c/allianzcare

https://www.instagram.com/allianzcare/

https://x.com/AllianzCare 

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re facing a health or safety emergency,  contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services immediately.  Laws vary by location, and this does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, trends may evolve over time. Allianz does not accept liability for actions taken based on this content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, General Practitioner Dr Oscar Duke and Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado explore how digital overload affects anxiety, emotional development and resilience in young people. 

How can families support children’s mental health in a world of constant screens, social media, and digital pressure? We'll look at evidence-based strategies to build healthy digital habits, strengthen emotional resilience and help kids thrive both online and offline.

You’ll also hear from real families trying to reduce screen time, reshape digital routines and create more mindful tech habits together.

We discuss: 

• The impact of screen time and social media on children’s mental health
• Why anxiety and depression are rising in young people
• Practical tools for setting healthier digital boundaries
• How to build emotional resilience in children
• Simple ways to create positive family tech routines

Beyond Wellbeing is brought to you by Allianz. Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Follow Dr Martha Deiros Collado:

Instagram

Website

Additional resources from Allianz:

Article - Understanding Harmful Emojis and Protecting Your Child Online : https://www.allianzcare.com/en/about-us/blog/understanding-harmful-emojis-and-protecting-your-child-online.html

Parenting and Digital Wellbeing resources on our Mental Wellness Hub: https://www.allianzcare.com/en/support/health-and-wellness/mental-wellness.html

About Allianz

Providing health, life and disability insurance and a range of health and wellness services, we are your global health partner. Every day, we help individuals, families, and employers to navigate healthcare and improve their quality of life. Our solutions are a unique combination of insurance, service, and technology. We provide next generation healthcare solutions, looking after people now and for years to come, with our vision of a healthier future. This vision extends beyond our customers, with the goal of creating a more lasting legacy and having a positive impact on wider communities.

Find out more: www.allianzcare.com

Follow us:

https://www.facebook.com/AllianzCare/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/54037/

https://www.youtube.com/c/allianzcare

https://www.instagram.com/allianzcare/

https://x.com/AllianzCare

Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re facing a health or safety emergency,  contact a qualified professional or your local emergency services immediately. Laws vary by location, and this does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, trends may evolve over time. Allianz does not accept liability for actions taken based on this content.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.