How to Stay Sane in an Insane World (Shed Talks)

How to Stay Sane in an Insane World (Shed Talks)

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How to Stay Sane in an Insane World (Shed Talks) episodes

  • 27: Soulla Demetriou has survived three near-death encounters, including poisoning, a devastating tsunami, and a horrific kite-skiing accident, doctors were astonished she was still alive. Super bright, resilient, Soulla talks PTSD, Recovery and Barry Whi
    In this episode one brave south London born lady growing up with her parents and 3 sisters discusses how a string of terrifying near death ordeals changed everything.  The author of just published YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ENOUGH, she has come a long way since 13 years at Croydon High School.  She has established a global network of Soulshine Rereats. She is also an inner transformation advisor and embodiment facilitator, 46 year old Soulla Demetriou admits "I don't know how many lives I have left but hopefully four!".
    With over 15 years expereince, she has guided thousands, from high performing leaders to founders and famillies through deep inner work, integrating self compassion and nervous system regulation. Through her Soulshsine Retreats Soulla supports indivdiuals to transform their relationship with themselves as the foundation to how they live, lead and create.
    Most people would feel lucky to have survived one near death experience, never mind beating the odds three times. Check out Soulla's Lifejacket choices to get a reall insight into her brave and cheerful character.
    1 hr 16 min
  • 26: Outlaw psychotherapist, Paul Sunderland spills the beans on Co-dependency, what it is and what it is not.

    In this episode, Paul Sunderland downloads to Jeremy Thomas everything you always wanted to know about co-dependency but were afraid to ask.

    Paul Sunderland is a highly accomplished addictions specialist and psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience. 

    He is also a lifelong fan of David Bowie and led Zeppelin.

    He was the clinical director at Clouds House in the West Country and Cross Roads Addiction Recovery Centre, Antigua.

    This is an educational podcast episode, inasmuch as Paul will speak about the hot topic of co-dependency.

    He speaks candidly about what it is and what it isn’t. How people succumb to it.
    The effects it has on people, particularly partners.               .
    What you can do about it.

    51 min
  • 25: Larry Lamb shares about his traumatic childhood, his acting career from Hamlet to Superman to Eastenders and Gavin & Stacey; booze, and love addictions.. His new life as a Poet.

    Welcome, Larry Lamb, best known for playing Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey, Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, and Ted Case in the final series of the BBC drama New Tricks.

    In conversation with Jeremy Thomas, Larry delves into the impact his childhood experiences have had on his mental health. He reflects on how overcoming personal demons, such as stage fright and substance use, has been integral to his growth, both as a father, person and as a performer.

    He joins Jeremy for a deep dive into his childhood, career, ambition and mental health. Topics covered include the childhood trauma of being abandoned at age nine by his mother, coping with a raging father, his success playing opposite the likes of Maggie Smith on Broadway and in the West End of London, and dealing with terrible stage fright. Ultimately, his search for a perfect relationship.

    Larry displays huge courage and honesty throughout this episode. If you'd like to watch the episode, click here - and subscribe if you like it.

    Larry has openly discussed his ongoing quest for the perfect relationship, a search often complicated by his tumultuous upbringing. He has faced and overcome struggles with alcohol, endured horrendous hangovers, and battled stage fright. His relationships with women have been numerous and, at times, unintentionally doomed, reflecting the complexities and difficulties that have shaped his personal journey.

    Larry Lamb's career has been marked by both critical and popular success on stage and screen. His diverse roles, from beloved comedies to intense dramas, showcase his adaptability and talent as an actor. In addition, his ability to speak five languages highlights his broad interests and abilities beyond acting.

    1 hr 15 min
  • 25: Larry Lamb on Career, Resilience & Staying Sane in an Insane World

    From working-class beginnings to decades on stage and screen…

    Actor and broadcaster Larry Lamb joins Jeremy Thomas for an open and reflective conversation about his career, creativity, and the realities of protecting mental health in a demanding industry.

    Best known for his work across theatre, film and television, Larry talks candidly about longevity in acting, navigating personal and professional pressures, and the habits, mindset, and boundaries that help him stay grounded in an often chaotic world. He also reflects on identity, self-belief, and what he’s learned about resilience over the years.

    A thoughtful discussion on performance, survival, and staying sane while living a very public life.

    Find out more about podcasts, events, and more on the How to Stay Sane in an Insane World website: https://howtostaysaneinaninsaneworld.co.uk/

    1 hr 17 min
  • 24: Film Director Carol Morley filmed live on stage at the Riverside cinema talking about her family and highly unusual teenage years spent in the Hacienda Club in Manchester. How she came to write and direct the book and the film Seven Miles Out.
    From the Hacienda Club all the way to the Riverside Studios cinema…

    Filmmaker Carol Morley talks (Typist Artist Pirate King, The Falling, The Alcohol Years, and Dreams of a Life) with Jeremy Thomas about the effects of bereavement on her teenager, how she nearly lost everything, and 4 years of addictive mayhem at the Hacienda Club in Manchester. With resilience and courage, she tells us how she made it out of dodge city and into art school, and eventually became a successful filmmaker. Since then, she’s worked with Florence Pugh, Monica Dolan, Maisie Williams, Patricia Clarkson, James Khan, and many more.
    1 hr 12 min
  • 23: Carol Morley: From Drinking at 11 Years Old, Hacienda Club at 16, to a Big Time Screen Director
    What do Florence Pugh, Monica Dolan, Toby Jones, Patricia Clarkson, and James Caan all have in common? Answer: Carol Morley.

    Born and raised in Stockport, Manchester, the youngest of three, Carol’s world was shattered by the tragic loss of her father. Grief hit hard. At just 11, she turned to books and booze, juggling life as her eccentric mother’s carer while throwing herself into a full-blown identity crisis—experimenting, rebelling, searching.

    By 16, she found a kind of refuge in Tony Wilson's infamous Hacienda Club, where the music was loud, the nights were long, and self-medication was easy. Four years of wild living, booze, drugs, and reckless abandon pushed her to the edge—until a moment of clarity sent her fleeing to London.

    What happened next? A First-Class degree from St Martin’s School of Art. A hard-fought climb into filmmaking. And an award-winning career working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Carol’s journey is one of chaos, creativity, and sheer determination.

    Take a look at some of her work 👉 https://www.campfilms.co.uk/



    1 hr 14 min
  • 22: Simon Woodroffe’s Lifejackets: “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”
    BONUS EPISODE:
    When life knocked him down, what kept Simon Woodroffe from sinking? In this bonus episode, the Yo! Sushi founder and Dragon’s Den star shares the unconventional lifelines—his "lifejackets"—that helped him stay afloat when he was stuck. From the adrenaline of mountaineering and sailing to the wisdom of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Spinal Tap, and the unexpected lessons from Clarkson’s Farm and The Crown, Simon unpacks the action, adventure, and mindset shifts that shaped his resilience.

    32 min
  • 22: Simon Woodroffe: From Boarding School Bullying to Yo! Sushi Empire
    At seven, he was sent away to boarding school, where abuse, fear, and loneliness shaped his early years. By his thirties, Simon Woodroffe masked the pain with bravado, drink, drugs, and a fast life that landed him briefly behind bars. But his story doesn’t end there.

    From rock-bottom to rock stages—designing for George Michael, Fleetwood Mac, and Rod Stewart—Simon turned his life around through 12-Step recovery, self-help, and a belief in pushing boundaries. He became a TV dragon on Dragon’s Den, launched the Yo! Sushi empire and is a relentless champion of stepping outside your comfort zone.


    Generous, courageous, and always shooting straight from the hip—practical, fearless, and undeniably inspirational.

    48 min
  • 21: Rachel Jones: Wild Swimming, Autoimmune Battles & Single Parenthood
    Writer, special needs teacher, and editor of Toes in the Water, Rachel Jones shares how wild swimming became more than just a hobby—it became a lifeline. From navigating autoimmune disease and single parenthood to finding community, resilience, and self-worth in the open water, Rachel talks about the transformative effects of cold swimming on both mind and body.

    She discusses the healing power of nature, the unexpected connections it creates, and how it’s helped her, and others cope with trauma, divorce, ADHD, autism, and the everyday challenges of life.

    A refreshing, honest, and uplifting chat about mental strength, cold water courage, and the joy of taking the plunge—literally.
    📖 Read more in Toes in the Water → https://bit.ly/4bLFpbn

    23 min
  • 21: RACHEL JONES SHED CHAT TAKING ABOUT THE RESATIVE POWER OF WIDL WATER SWIMMING, SELF DISCIPLINE, RAISING TWO BOYS IN HER OWN, BEING A SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER. THE IMPORTNACE OF COMMUNITY.
    Rachel Jones is the editor of Toes in the Water: Stories of lives changed by wild swimming. In this Shed Chat she talks about resilience, having the love of fellow swimmers, the challenge of being a single parent with celiac disease, faith, humour,, learning good habits  and her time teaching at King Edward School, Southampton.  
    23 min

About How to Stay Sane in an Insane World (Shed Talks)

From the publisher's feed

Life is unpredictable, messy, and, at times, completely insane. So, how do we stay afloat?

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