Healing Place

John Sweeney is a multi-award-winning author and acclaimed broadcaster. He is a legend. A truth seeker and a profound storyteller with important things to say.

John worked at the BBC for 17 years on Panorama and Newsnight and has written 4 novels and 8 non-fiction books including the best-selling novel set in the war in Burma, Elephant Moon. He’s helped free seven people falsely accused of killing babies, reported on wars and revolutions around the world, and gone undercover to Zimbabwe, Chechnya, and North Korea. And he’s challenged Trump and Putin. Nowadays, you'll see John reporting on the Ukraine war from Kyiv where he’s been staying since it started.

Beyond John's remarkable accomplishments lies a depth of character and resilience. John is honest and very funny - a man who loves friendship, his Irish heritage, family, observing people with compassion, and the odd glass of wine!

John joins me to talk about the early years that shaped him: from bullying to poverty, to finding his superpower. He recounts his gripping story of being mistaken for a Russian spy, surviving war zones, and how he merges from these experiences with greater strength and purpose. John discusses the power of finding humour even during unimaginable hardship and the importance of storytelling and friendships. We explore navigating vicarious trauma and his coping mechanisms to process fear and despair, finding hope in dark times, and his lucky orange hat! Plus, John shares an exclusive glimpse of his upcoming book on his experiences in surviving the battle of Kyiv, what keeps him motivated, and his hopes for the world in 2024.

Prepare to be captivated and even laugh a little with one of the most impactful guests I've ever had the privilege to host.

You can find out more about John and his brilliant books here:

https://www.johnsweeney.co.uk/

Twitter / X @johnsweeneyroar 

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please email [email protected]

Social Media:

Twitter / X @MitaMistry

Instagram @healingplacepod @itsmitamistry

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review, and subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on new episodes. Thank you so much! 

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.

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

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

Dive into the mesmerizing world of music and healing with Alok Verma, a multi-talented music producer, tabla maestro, and social media sensation. Renowned for his musical brilliance and ability to bring a touch of peace to his listeners, Alok has shared the stage with some of the world's biggest names.

In this uplifting episode, Alok takes us on a journey from his early days in India to navigating the challenges of moving to the UK, and how his determination paved the way for new doors and exciting opportunities.

We delve into the nine emotions of Indian Classical Music and explore the ancient science of Raga therapy, where melodies become medicine, easing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Hear us explore the science underpinning music therapy as well as balancing chakras using different music scales, collective meditation, and much more. Grab your headphones and get comfortable as Alok gives us a live performance of the healing hand pans. Plus, I share how his music helped me. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's an experience!

You can find out more about Alok here:

Instagram @alokvermamusic

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please email [email protected]

Social Media:

Twitter / X @MitaMistry

Instagram @healingplacepod @itsmitamistry

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on new episodes. Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.

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

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

Fiona Murden is an award-winning author, psychologist, mother, and CEO of Oka Life, an app that matches people to mentors using behavioural science.

In this empowering conversation, Fiona shares valuable lessons from her extensive career in profiling leaders and collaborating with high achievers, revealing a recurring issue that has consistently caught her attention: the lack of nuance in systems and research, which can have detrimental consequences, as seen by the barriers faced by women, Black, Asian and minoritized people. To truly unlock the potential of individuals from disadvantaged groups, it is essential to view them through an intersectional lens.

Fiona discusses the transformative power of mentors in nurturing our untapped potential, reflecting on the impact of childhood experiences, and the pervasiveness of gender bias, and she highlights the importance of carving out space for open and honest conversations with trusted individuals to promote honest introspection and self-awareness, drawing on Dr. Tash Eurich's TEDx talk "Increase Your Self-Awareness." We also discuss the future of therapy against the rise of artificial intelligence. Fiona generously shares practical advice on how to:

• Enhance self-awareness
• Improve emotional intelligence.
• Prevent burnout and chronic stress by cultivating cognitive empathy.

In her own inspirational words, Fiona encourages each of us to “Explore what you bring to the world. We all have something unique to offer. Don't let age hold you back. You are never too late to discover your purpose and live a fulfilling life."

You can find out more about Fiona here:

Instagram @fiona_murden

Twitter @FionaMurden

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please feel free to email [email protected]

Social Media:

Twitter / X @MitaMistry

Instagram @healingplacepod @itsmitamistry

If you enjoy this episode, please remember to leave us a review and subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on new episodes. Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.

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

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

Giles is an award-winning author, podcaster, and screenwriter. He’s written several books for children and two adult novels. His book, One Hundred and Fifty-Two Days has been adapted for Picture-perfect films. Giles has also written six short films for Little Angel Theatre. His podcast Blank has been nominated for the British Podcast Awards as well as being No.1 in sixteen countries on Apple Podcasts. He is now the co-host of the popular show Unquestionable.

In this moving conversation, Giles shares his journey of grief. His achievements are inspiring when you consider his childhood: losing his mother at the age of 6 and not being able to say goodbye, losing other family members, and experiencing poverty. He struggled at school but found solace in writing music and children’s books.

Giles gives some brilliant insights into navigating grief:

• How writing can help to heal through grief
• The power of storytelling to feel less alone
• Human connection and kindness
• Advice and top tips for aspiring writers
• How to support those who are grieving, and how to build resilience in the face of loss

You can find out more about Giles here:

https://linktr.ee/GilesPaleyPhillips1

Social Media

Twitter / X @eliistender10

Instagram @eliistender10

If you are struggling with grief you can find information and support at https://www.sueryder.org/ or your local mind at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/

TEXT Shout to 85258 - a free, confidential, anonymous text support service

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please email [email protected] or send a message to:

Instagram @healingplacepod

Twitter / X @MitaMistry

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes. And please leave a review if you enjoyed listening or share it with a friend who might find it helpful. Thank you!

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider for your situation.

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

Mira Manek is the founder of the renowned Chai by Mira and author of the acclaimed books Prajna and Saffron Soul, and the soon-to-be-released The Book of Chai. Mira has been featured in Stylist, Red Magazine, and The Independent. She is also an Integrated Health Practitioner which combines Ayurveda, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, and Eastern philosophy. She is a passionate champion of holistic wellness and her wellness advice and delicious recipes have helped people worldwide.

In this inspiring episode, Mira shares her journey of how going back to her roots helped her to navigate a broken marriage and the pressures of diet culture. We explore:

• Ayurveda - an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance and interconnectedness.
• The importance of Chai
• Mira’s soon-to-be-released book, The Book of Chai
• Getting to the root cause of imbalances using Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine
• Creating the ultimate you and the path to longevity
• The significance of consistency and discipline for better well-being
• Mira generously shares health-boosting tips, including self-massage techniques and everyday rituals

You can find more of Mira's work and books here:

https://linktr.ee/miramanek

Instagram @miramanek @chaibymira

Pre-order The Book of Chai here

Healing Place with Mita Mistry is hosted and produced by Mita Mistry. If you want to ask a question or get involved, then please email [email protected] or send a message to:

Instagram @healingplacepod

Twitter / X @MitaMistry

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on new episodes. And please leave a review if you enjoyed listening or share it with a friend who might find it helpful. Thank you!

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider for your situation.

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

Hello and welcome to Healing Place.

My name is Mita and I’m an Author, Columnist, Acupuncturist, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapist. I've been helping people to feel calmer, heal through adversity, and live better for 20 years.

Each week, I’ll be talking to incredible people about the challenging times that have shaped their lives, what helped them to heal, and what keeps them going. We explore alternative therapies, psychology, medicine, ancient healing, life, trauma, loss, the joy of being human, and more.

Healing Place is a space for honest and empowering conversations with the aim of leaving you feeling uplifted with tools to help your well-being.

So, get comfortable, grab a drink, and press play…

If you have any questions or topics you’d like to hear about, please send me a message on Instagram @itsmitamistry or @healingplacepod, X @MitaMistry, or email [email protected]. Don’t forget to subscribe, thank you!

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for therapy, medical advice, or treatment. Always seek the help of your doctor or a trained healthcare professional for help with your specific situation

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