I'm Fine

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This is the third episode in a collaborative series between I’m Fine podcast and the Medical Research Foundation.

In today’s conversation, Jean Campbell - who discusses her own experience of living with chronic pelvic pain - is joined by Professor Katy Vincent, an NHS consultant gynaecologist and leading researcher at the University of Oxford – to unpack the staggering scale and impact of pelvic pain in women and girls.

From untreated period pain in adolescence to endometriosis, painful sex, and fertility, they explore why women’s pain is still so often ignored, misdiagnosed, or minimised — and what needs to change in both healthcare and research.

The Medical Research Foundation is at the forefront of tackling often-overlooked health challenges, from chronic pain to areas of medical health that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Find out more about our mission: https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/

Resources and research:

Understanding the long-term effects of period pain - https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/news/understanding-the-long-term-effects-of-period-pain

Pain in Women research at Oxford - https://www.wrh.ox.ac.uk/research/roadpain

IMI-PainCare - https://www.imi-paincare.eu/

UCL Reproductive Health Policy Research - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health/health-policy-ucl/policy-research-unit-reproductive-health

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org

https://www.pelvicpain.org.uk

https://www.painful-bladder.org

https://drchatterjee.com 

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Sponsored by: Medical Research Foundation

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Professor Professor Katy Vincent 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

This is the second episode in a collaborative series between I’m Fine podcast and the Medical Research Foundation.

In today’s conversation, Jean Campbell speaks to Dr Joni Coleman, Senior Lecturer in Statistical Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, about depression and how factors such as genetics, environment and trauma shape mental health.

 *Please note that Joni is not a clinician, so his comments shouldn’t be interpreted as clinical opinion.

The Medical Research Foundation is at the forefront of tackling often-overlooked health challenges, from chronic pain to areas of medical health that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Your support can help fund groundbreaking medical research to transform lives: https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk

Resources: 

• Primer on major depressive disorder: https://europepmc.org/article/med/37620370
• Lancet-WPA Commission: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35180424/

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Sponsored by: Medical Research Foundation

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. Joni Coleman 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

What happens when you stop seeing your body as a burden—and start experiencing it as a source of power, pleasure, and healing?

I’m Fine in collaboration with The House of KoKo: Life in Motion PRESENTS:

In this electric live recording at KOKO Camden, Jean sits down with somatic sexologist, speaker, and sexological bodyworker Aisha Paris Smith for a deeply moving and radically honest conversation about what it really means to come home to your body. Together, they explore the intersection of sensuality, trauma, chronic pain, and the often-forgotten truth that pleasure isn’t just a luxury—it’s a tool for repair.

Topics We Cover
[00:02:00] Welcome, Introductions & Why This Conversation Matters
[00:07:00] Guided Grounding: How Does It Feel to Be in Your Body Today?
[00:14:00] Why We Disconnect: Culture, Shame & the Stories We Hold
[00:17:00] The Impact of Porn & Overstimulation on Sensual Connection
[00:21:00] What Desensitizes Us—And What Helps Us Feel Again
[00:24:00] Productivity Culture, Disembodiment & Reclaiming Rest
[00:25:30] Body Image, Media Messages & the Pleasure Triangle
[00:28:00] Is Pleasure a Luxury or a Necessity?
[00:31:00] What Sensuality Actually Looks Like in Everyday Life
[00:33:00] The Fear of Pleasure & Why We Resist Slowing Down
[00:35:00] Internal ‘No’s: Shame, Safety, and the Cost of Disconnection
[00:39:00] Emotions as Messengers & How to Let Them Move Through
[00:42:00] Embodied Yes vs. Disembodied Decisions
[00:43:00] Vulnerability & Why It’s the Root of Real Pleasure
[00:45:00] Let’s Talk About Genitals: Normalizing What’s Always There
[00:48:00] Practical Tools for Reconnecting With Your Body
[00:51:00] Chronic Pain & Trusting a Body That’s Hurt You
[00:56:00] Birth Control & Hormones: What Happens When Chemistry Conflicts with Desire

This episode is for you if...
•⁠  ⁠You feel disconnected from your body or pleasure
•⁠  ⁠You're curious about somatics, sensuality, or sex coaching
•⁠  ⁠You live with pain and want to reconnect with your body gently
•⁠  ⁠You want to bring more aliveness into your everyday life—on your terms

About Aisha Paris Smith
Aisha is a certified somatic sex and life coach, speaker, and sexological bodyworker. She works with individuals and couples to unlock intimacy, rewire narratives of shame, and build trust in their own bodies. Her work has been featured in The Times, The Evening Standard, and FT How To Spend It.

Let’s Connect:
💌 Follow Jean on Instagram @jean.campbell
💌 Follow Aisha on Instagram @aishaparissmith
🎙️ Subscribe to I’m Fine and never miss an episode
🌸 Explore more: aishaparissmith.com

Brought to you by: LIFE IN MOTION in collaboration with The House of KOKO 

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Aisha Paris Smith 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: 

Julien Plante 

KOKO Productions 

Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

This is the first in a collaborative series between I’m Fine podcast and the Medical Research Foundation. The Medical Research Foundation is at the forefront of tackling often-overlooked health challenges, from chronic pain to areas of medical health that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Your support can help fund groundbreaking medical research to transform lives.

In today’s conversation, I was privileged to meet Dr Aja Murray, a researcher and lecturer in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Funded by the Medical Research Foundation, her research focuses on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially during adolescence, as well as its co-occurrence with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

ADHD resources, suggested by Dr Aja Murray:

Resources Archive - ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation

ADHD - Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder - ACAMH

ADHD UK - Homepage - ADHD UK

If you’d like to get involved in ADHD-related research, contact Dr Aja Murray’s team at [email protected]

Learn more about the Medical Research Foundation and support their mission:

https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/

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Sponsored by: Medical Research Foundation

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. Aja Murray

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

Happy Valentine’s Day! Wherever you find yourself - whether you’re in love, healing from love, or deepening your relationship with yourself - I wanted to share something special with you… 

I recently hosted a panel discussion at The Twenty Two in London exploring the psychology behind love, sex, and pain - how they shape our relationships, impact our emotional well-being, and intertwine in ways we don’t always expect. 

I was joined by two incredible women Dr. Adrienne Loth and Natasha Silverbell: 

Dr. Adrienne Loth is a clinical sexologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and executive coach, known for her action-oriented, cross-cultural approach to therapy, specializing in relationships, sexual health, trauma, and stress management.

Natasha Silver Bell is the founder and CEO of Silver Bell Global, a premier recovery consulting firm helping individuals and families navigate addiction recovery with a holistic, deeply personalized approach.

Key Takeaways

• Sex, intimacy, and pleasure are fluid and ever-changing—embrace the journey.
  Your desires and challenges shift throughout life—this isn’t failure, it’s growth. Dissatisfaction isn’t the end; it’s an invitation for self-discovery.
• Vulnerability and communication are the foundation of connection.
  Healing, intimacy, and growth all start with honest conversations—with yourself and others. Speaking your truth dissolves shame and fosters deeper relationships.
• Safety is the foundation for healing and intimacy.
  Rebuilding trust after trauma, betrayal, or shame begins with creating environments—both within yourself and in relationships—where you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
• Sexual empowerment is about agency, not performance.
  True empowerment comes from knowing your body, understanding your desires, and respecting your boundaries—not meeting external expectations.
• Healing starts with a compassionate relationship with yourself.
  Reclaiming pleasure and intimacy is about curiosity, joy, and self-acceptance—not just overcoming the past.

Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Why we need to talk about love, sex, and pain
04:30 – The shame and stigma that stop people from opening up
11:15 – Love vs. attachment: How to know if you’re in a healthy relationship
18:40 – Natasha shares how she reclaimed her voice in relationships
25:20 – Healing past trauma, chronic pain, and self-perception
32:10 – Is there such a thing as a “normal” sex life? Navigating desire differences
38:45 – Why people have sex to avoid conflict and how to break the cycle
45:20 – The role of self-exploration and personal responsibility in sexual satisfaction
51:00 – Cultivating sensuality beyond sex: The psychology of arousal
56:15 – Rekindling intimacy in long-term relationships
1:02:30 – Kinks, boundaries, and communicating desires
1:16:00 – Adapting to physical limitations in sex
1:22:30 – Final thoughts: The biggest lessons on love, sex, and self-worth

Sex & Love Intimate Conversation Resources

• Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel 
• The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm 
• The State of Affairs by Esther Perel 
• The Course of Love by Alain de Botton 
• The High-Conflict Couple: A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Guide to Finding Peace, Intimacy & Validation 
• Feeding the Hungry Heart by Gineen Rothe 
• Facing the Intimacy Factor by Pia Melody 

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Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Specials thanks to Evangeline Donald. 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

This episode of I'm Fine is proudly sponsored by the Medical Research Foundation. The Medical Research Foundation is at the forefront of tackling often-overlooked health challenges, from chronic pain to areas of medical health that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Your support can help fund groundbreaking medical research to transform lives.

In today’s episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lauren Heathcote, a senior lecturer in Health Psychology at King’s College London. Funded by the Medical Research Foundation, Dr. Heathcote and her team are leading one of the first-ever behavioral interventions aimed at reducing the impact of chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors.

Dr. Heathcote delves into the science of pain, explaining how it’s both a sensory and emotional experience shaped by our bodies and minds. She also shares insights on her cutting-edge work developing digital tools to reshape young survivors’ beliefs about their bodies, fostering resilience and empowering them to live fuller lives despite chronic pain.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:19 Sponsor Message: Medical Research Foundation

00:59 Meet Dr. Lauren Heathcote

02:03 Understanding Pain in Cancer Survivors

05:37 Biopsychosocial Model of Pain

06:32 Cancer Treatment Success Stories

08:30 Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors

10:12 Psychological Impact of Cancer

11:41 Core Beliefs About the Body

20:27 Digital Health Interventions

28:39 Influence of Medical Language

29:38 The Psychological Impact of Post-Cancer Monitoring

30:48 Research on Doctor-Patient Communication

31:36 Mindset and Cancer Recovery

32:44 Exploring Body Resilience

34:15 Positive Psychology and Flow State

35:41 Balancing Positivity and Realism

37:14 Mind-Body Connection in Pain Management

47:03 Interoception and Pain Perception

48:09 A Scientist's Journey

51:51 Supporting Cancer Pain Research

52:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

Get Involved: Join us in supporting the Medical Research Foundation to help fund research like Dr. Heathcote's. Visit https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/ to learn more. 

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Sponsored by: Medical Research Foundation

Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. Lauren Heathcote 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduoardo Vella  

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

Jean sits down with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation and renowned Transcendental Meditation (TM) teacher, whose students include Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld & Martin Scorsese. Bob shares his personal journey from a politically charged upbringing to discovering the power of TM and becoming an advocate for its transformative effects. The conversation dives deep into how TM can help individuals manage chronic stress, trauma, PTSD, and pain, making it a crucial tool for healing both the mind and body.

Bob recounts his early skepticism towards meditation and how a trusted friend introduced him to TM, which led to a profound sense of inner calm and relaxation. He discusses how TM benefits groups ranging from veterans and first responders to students and fashion models, helping people from all walks of life handle the pressures of modern existence.

Listeners will hear Bob's reflections on the unique impact of TM on both physical and emotional health, touching on concepts like post-traumatic growth, resilience, and the importance of cultivating a calm mind to navigate life's challenges. The episode also explores how TM offers a gateway to deep relaxation, reduces cortisol levels, and fosters inner equanimity, even in the face of stress and pain.

Jean and Bob delve into the history and mission of the David Lynch Foundation, an organization that brings TM to underserved communities, including veterans, students, and survivors of domestic violence. Bob highlights the foundation’s work to integrate TM into healthcare systems and its vision for making this practice accessible to everyone.

The David Lynch Foundation, founded in 2005, has a mission to provide TM to at-risk populations, including inner-city students, veterans suffering from PTSD, and women and children who have endured trauma. Their goal is to incorporate TM into global healthcare systems, making this powerful practice accessible to all.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural, and effortless technique practiced for 20 minutes twice a day. It allows the mind to settle into a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting mental clarity and resilience. Unlike other forms of meditation that require concentration or mindfulness, TM focuses on transcending ordinary thinking to access a state of restful alertness.

Key Takeaways:

• TM helps manage chronic stress, trauma, and pain by fostering a state of deep relaxation.
• The David Lynch Foundation is working to integrate TM into healthcare systems and make it accessible to all, especially underserved communities.
• TM promotes post-traumatic growth, resilience, and emotional healing, making it a powerful tool for managing both physical and emotional pain.

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

00:45 Early Life and Political Aspirations

01:56 Discovering Transcendental Meditation

03:41 Impact of Transcendental Meditation

04:25 Personal Experiences with Trauma

07:54 Understanding PTSD and Complex PTSD

10:46 Transcendental Meditation and Healing

15:17 Meditation in Modern Healthcare

19:12 The Science Behind Different Meditations

25:38 Expanding the Window of Tolerance

27:52 Meditate America Initiative

29:13 The Pandemic of Chronic Stress

30:29 Meditate America: A Lifeline Program

32:00 The Mind-Body Connection

35:26 The Role of Pain in Our Lives

39:10 Personal Journey with Transcendental Meditation

50:18 The David Lynch Foundation

52:12 Timeless Wisdom for a Calm Mind

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Bob Roth 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell 

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this episode, Jean is joined by Dr. James Kustow, psychiatrist, adult ADHD specialist, and author of the new book How to Thrive with Adult ADHD. Dr. Kustow shares insights from his decades of experience in the field, offering a fresh perspective on ADHD and how it affects both the mind and body. He dives into the emotional, physical, and social challenges that people with ADHD face and explains how understanding the disorder can lead to transformative change. 

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It's characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Dr. James Kustow and his new book How to Thrive with Adult ADHD.
• Global statistics: ADHD affects about 5% of the population worldwide.
• The emotional and physical challenges of living with ADHD.
• How ADHD goes beyond attention issues, including emotional dysregulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Dr. Kustow's unique approach to managing ADHD, focusing on both body and mind.
• Why understanding and managing ADHD can lead to real, positive change in one’s life.

Resources: 

• Dr. James Kustow’s Book: How to Thrive with Adult ADHD
• The Grove Practice: https://www.thegrovepractice.com/about/about-us/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Dr. James Kustow 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this compelling episode of I'm Fine, Jean is joined by Rachel Hill, thyroid patient advocate and founder of The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Rachel shares her journey with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and how she turned her personal struggles into a mission to educate and support others dealing with thyroid conditions. This episode delves into the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of living with chronic illness and offers valuable insights on how to manage hypothyroidism and its impacts on daily life.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease? Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and affects around 90% of hypothyroid patients. Over time, the damage to the thyroid gland causes it to produce insufficient levels of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and muscle pain. While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, the condition is managed through thyroid hormone replacement therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system.

What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, often referred to as an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and muscle pain, as bodily processes slow down. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland. Managing hypothyroidism typically involves lifelong medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones and various lifestyle changes to mitigate symptoms.

About Rachel Hill: Rachel Hill is a leading advocate for thyroid health and the creator of The Invisible Hypothyroidism, an online platform dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those with thyroid disorders. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease after years of unexplained symptoms, Rachel has become a trusted voice in the thyroid community, sharing her experiences through her blog, social media, and books. Her advocacy work aims to empower thyroid patients and provide them with the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.

Rachel's book Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate is available here 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Understanding Thyroid Conditions

03:04 Rachel's Personal Journey

04:48 Diagnosis and Early Symptoms

07:36 Creating a Supportive Community

11:19 Navigating Treatment Options

14:45 Diet and Lifestyle Changes

18:31 Small Steps to Better Health

19:51 The Importance of a Balanced Diet

21:19 Struggles with Body Image and Eating Disorders

21:53 Impact of Thyroid Condition on Life

24:45 Grieving the Loss of Health

28:01 Finding Hope and Community Support

29:55 Managing Energy and Lifestyle Adjustments

34:56 Balancing Parenthood and Health

36:52 Support Systems and Community

38:54 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Rachel Hill 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella 

Send us a message with any of your thoughts, questions and feedback

In this episode, Jean sits down with Francesca Hayward, the principal dancer at the Royal Opera House, to discuss one of the most significant challenges she has faced in her illustrious career—burnout. Ballet may look graceful and effortless on stage, but behind the scenes, it demands immense physical, mental, and emotional strength. Francesca opens up about how pushing herself to the limit for years led to a period of deep exhaustion, both physically and emotionally, shedding light on the often-hidden struggle with burnout in high-performance careers.

Burnout is defined as a state of extreme emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, typically brought on by prolonged stress. It can leave a person feeling detached, drained, and unable to perform even the simplest of tasks. While it’s often associated with corporate jobs, burnout affects all kinds of professions—especially those, like ballet, that require intense dedication and discipline. Recent studies show that nearly 52% of workers feel burned out, and in high-pressure environments like the arts, this can manifest in serious physical and emotional symptoms.

For Francesca, the intense preparation for her debut as the lead in Swan Lake—a dream role for any ballerina—was the tipping point. Eventually, she sought help from a therapist, who diagnosed her with burnout and recommended physical therapy to release the tension she had been holding in her body for so long. Francesca’s story highlights how burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s about being stretched beyond your limits, often to the point where recovery feels impossible. But with the right support, recovery is possible. Her experience reminds us that even in the pursuit of greatness, taking care of ourselves must come first.

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Francesca Hayward

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Eduardo Vella