Leaf & Elfie: Curious Talks

We speak to Ryan A Bush, founder of Designing the Mind,  and author of bestselling book, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture. Ryan discusses his new book, Become Who You Are (out to buy in 2024),  and on the show, provides listeners with invaluable insights and techniques to get into positive states through the path of self-becoming. 

Ryan A Bush is a designer and thinker focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. Ryan's central purpose is to provide wisdom, education, and expand human potential beyond the norm. 

Ryan has kindly provided a link for you to get a free copy of The Book of Self Mastery, which is a thoughtfully curated and commentated selection of passages from the wisest thinkers in history on the discipline of mastering yourself. 

And as mentioned on the show, you can apply to join Mindform! 

In this episode Dr. Palanisamy discusses his groundbreaking 5-step approach to treating and healing autoimmune conditions. 

Leaf and Elfie, delve into topics such as addressing toxins, healing infections, improving gut health, proper nutrition, and conscious rest. Dr. Akil’s unique blend of functional medicine, Ayurveda, and ancestral nutrition offers a natural and effective “root cause” approach to autoimmune disease management. His protocol aims to empower individuals to prevent and reverse autoimmune diseases, providing hope and practical guidance for those struggling with conditions like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, lupus, allergies, and eczema.

This episode is essential for those curious about autoimmune diseases and looking for practical ways to enhance their health.

In this episode we discuss pain with Kevin Hunt, a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years of clinical experience working with people suffering from persistent pain. In his groundbreaking book, Pain: The Ultimate Mentor, we challenge misconceptions about pain and explore Hunt's holistic framework on utilising your body and mind to live a better life.  A must-read for not only people suffering from persistent pain but a useful guide for all to have a greater understanding of our bodies to live a better life. 

In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Jay Shafer, the esteemed godfather of the tiny home movement and author of the renowned book, "The Small House Book."

Join us on a journey through the remarkable story of Jay Shafer, a true pioneer who has redefined the concept of home with his innovative designs and unwavering passion for simplicity. Discover the influence he has had on the tiny house movement, inspiring countless individuals to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and pursue their big dreams within small spaces.

In this interview, we delve into the philosophy behind the small house revolution and its impact on communities, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. Jay Shafer's expertise in crafting compact, functional spaces has made him an internationally recognized authority on the subject. Gain exclusive insights into his ingenious techniques for maximizing space, optimizing storage, and creating harmonious environments within tiny homes.

Whether you're a dedicated minimalist or simply curious about the possibilities of small space design, get ready to be inspired and empowered as we uncover the secrets of tiny living with the visionary founder himself. 

Check out Jay Shafer on his website

In this podcast interview, we sit down with Patrick Alley, author of Very Bad People, as he shares his experiences investigating human rights abuses across the globe.

Alley recounts tales of car chases through Cambodia and the bravery required to confront corrupt officials and criminals. His firsthand accounts of the political landscape in Cambodia provide a captivating listen, shedding light on the terrible atrocities committed by those in power. If you're a fan of true crime and investigative journalism, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we gain a new perspective on the harsh realities of our world and the fight for justice and human rights.


Patrick Alley co-founded Global Witness, an organisation investigating global corruption and environmental and human rights abuses. Check out his book Very Bad People. 

Also aired on RadioReverb

We speak with human rights barrister, Adam Wagner, about his new book Emergency State: How We Lost Our Freedoms in the Pandemic and Why it Matters.

Adam is the UK’s leading authority on the law relating to COVID-19. From 2020-2021 he was Specialist Advisor to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into the government’s response to the pandemic and assisted in the writing of five reports.   
 
Adam founded and chairs the multi-award winning human rights education charity EachOther, set up the widely-read UK Human Rights Blog and hosts the UK’s leading human rights podcast, the Better Human Podcast. As well as being a trusted commentator on TV and radio explaining COVID-19 law to the public.

Follow Adam on Twitter  @AdamWagner1

Also aired on RadioReverb 

In this episode we speak to Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures, Marion Gibson from University of Exeter.

From Salem to rural Sussex - Marion investigates witch trials and what they can tell us about culture, politics, religion and gender throughout history.

Marion helps us explore questions:

Were women the only ones accused of casting spells?
What motivated communities to turn on their friends?
Why might some women be seen as dangerous and 'bewitching'?

Marion's book on witches in Essex, 'The Witches of St Osyth: Persecution, Betrayal and Murder in Elizabethan England', is now available.  And check out Marion's latest book, Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials, which investigates some of the most famous trials from the middle ages to the 18th century and takes us in new and surprising directions.  

In this episode we speak with Vegan Choice Award Winner, Ben Richardson AKA Ben the Forest Foodie. Ben is a writer, forest school teacher, blogger, photographer and vegan influencer. 

We speak to Ben about how an internship on an organic farm changed his life and turned him vegan! As well as how children benefit from forest schools and being in nature. We learn about forest bathing, finding calm at home, and how to make delicious vegan sushi! 

@bentheforestfoodie
✨ VEGAN CHOICE AWARD WINNER ✨
😊 PR, Staff Writer & Content @vlanduk 💚
Forest School Teacher 🌿
TikTok: bentheforestfoodie

Why do hugs feel good? 
Can hugs cure loneliness and depression? 
Is hugging a tree good for you?
What is the optimal length of time to hug for "feel-good" hormones? 
Can you hug yourself? 

In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Prof. Sebastian Ocklenburg about the science of hugging to find out answers to these questions and understand his research on social touch.

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D., is a professor for research methods in psychology at the Department of Psychology at MSH Medical School, Hamburg, Germany.

• Bonding with family, friends and colleges
• Techniques to release happy hormones 
• how to laugh when life isn't very funny

Find out more on Pete's website or visit his youtube channel for inspiration.  
https://www.youtube.com/c/PeteCann-TheLaughterMan