Control the Flame is a podcast for anyone who's ready to stop making excuses and start making changes.

Hosted by Clare Bradley, a behaviour change coach specialising in anger management and domestic abuse perpetrator intervention, this podcast explores the uncomfortable truths about why we react the way we do, and what it takes to genuinely change.

Each episode explores topics like:

- Understanding anger triggers and stress responses

- Recognizing harmful patterns in relationships

- Taking real accountability (not just performing it)

- Building practical emotional regulation skills

- Navigating relationship breakdowns and court proceedings

- Creating lasting behaviour change, not just temporary fixes

With 20+ years of experience including frontline policing and delivering court-mandated programmes, Clare brings expert insight, real-world examples, and zero tolerance for deflection or excuses.

Whether you're court-mandated for behaviour change work, recognizing your anger is damaging your relationships, or supporting someone through this journey.

Control the Flame offers practical strategies and honest conversations about what real transformation requires. Because the flame doesn't have to control you. You can learn to control it.

New episodes weekly.

Breaking the Cycle of Reactivity: A Journey to Mindful Response

Have you ever had a moment where you reacted strongly to something, and later wished you'd handled it differently?

That's the cycle of reactivity. And in this episode of Control the Flame, Clare Bradley breaks down exactly how that cycle works and, more importantly, how to interrupt it.

Clare explores:

- The stages of emotional escalation

– from initial trigger to full reaction

- How thoughts amplify feelings and push us toward responses we later regret

- Warning signs that indicate you're moving toward heightened reactivity

- Practical interruption techniques: deep breathing, pausing, self-talk, and reframing

- The importance of creating mental space before responding

- Real stories of transformation from people who've learned to break their reactive patterns

Whether you're navigating relationship breakdown, involved in legal proceedings, or simply recognizing that your reactions are damaging your relationships, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies for change.

Clare also shares information about structured support services like DAPP (Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme) and coaching options for those ready to commit to genuine transformation.

Understanding the cycle is the first step. Breaking it is the work. This episode shows you how.

In this insightful episode, Diana Tyson, a natural intuitive holistic healer, therapist, and teacher, shares her journey of spiritual and emotional healing. From childhood, Diana had a deep connection to spirit, which she now channels into her powerful healing work. Using modalities like Reiki, Seichem, Crystal Chakra balancing, and EFT, Diana helps individuals release unwanted energy and emotions and break free from self-limiting boundaries. She opens up about her personal experiences with grief, illness, and how she overcame these challenges to find peace and balance. Tune in to hear Diana’s unique perspective on the power of energy healing and how it can transform lives.

Homepage - Natural Transformation

In this captivating episode, Meg Hall shares her remarkable story of growing up in a rage-filled home, where she learned early on how to read people and de-escalate tense situations. These survival skills became invaluable as Meg pursued a career as a psychiatric nurse, where she gained a reputation for her exceptional ability to calm even the most distressed patients. Meg also opens up about her marriage to a man much like her father, and how she continued to rely on these skills in her personal life. Through her journey, Meg reflects on the unexpected gifts that come from surviving in a chaotic environment and how those experiences shaped her life and career.

In this heartfelt episode, Tanya Levy opens up about her profound journey through grief, loss, and the search for resilience. From losing her mother at just two years old to the devastating death of her boyfriend as a teenager, Tanya’s life has been marked by significant challenges. After leaving her partner with two young children, she found herself confronting anger, separation, and the need to rebuild her life. Tanya shares how these experiences have shaped her strength and courage, offering deep insights into the process of healing and personal growth. Her story is one of perseverance, emotional survival, and finding hope in the face of unimaginable loss.

In this raw and moving episode, Lucy Waide shares her journey through a tumultuous decade, marked by life’s darkest challenges and her remarkable third comeback. Lucy bravely opens up about her mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt, and how she found the resilience to rebuild her life. As a co-author of Beyond The Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodivergent Women, alongside our host Clare, Lucy discusses the creative process and the unique strengths of neurodivergent women. This powerful conversation explores the courage to overcome adversity, the importance of mental health, and the hope found in second chances. Lucy’s story is one of survival, creativity, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Join us in this episode as David Oliver takes us through his journey of personal transformation. David shares how he navigated through one of life’s toughest challenges of losing his mother, emerging stronger. Listen in as David reveals the lessons he’s learned along the way and the mindset shifts that have helped him turn obstacles into opportunities. A must-listen for anyone seeking to rise above adversity and thrive.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Tomeka Jones, a true embodiment of resilience and strength. Tomeka shares her powerful story, starting with the challenges of her early life, her time in the military, and the professional struggles that followed. From navigating personal setbacks to experiencing pivotal moments of growth, Tomeka opens up about how these experiences shaped her mindset and resilience. Tune in to hear her strategies for bouncing back, overcoming adversity, and finding purpose and strength in life’s most challenging moments.

In this episode, I sit down with Advita Patel, a highly respected communications professional and diversity advocate. Advita opens up about the racism and hate her family faced while she was growing up, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and determination. We explore her personal journey of breaking through barriers and building confidence, particularly in the workplace. Advita also shares how communication is key to both personal and professional success, and offers insights on fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle Steiner, a passionate advocate for people with learning disabilities. Despite being told that college wasn't an option, Michelle overcame the odds to earn her bachelor’s degree, become a writer, speaker, and para educator, and pursue her dream job. Michelle shares her powerful story of resilience, determination, and how she continues to break through barriers. She offers insights into how we can support individuals with learning challenges and create a more inclusive world. Tune in to hear her uplifting message and learn about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.