Is mental health determined by our genes,our upbringing, or a mix of both?
In this episode, we explore the longstanding nature versus nurture debate through a grounded, practical lens.
We cover:
- Why it’s never just nature or nurture
- Why every person’s experience requires a case-by-case assessment
- The complexity and multifaceted nature of mental health
- Why settling at “50/50” doesn’t reflect reality
- How contributing factors vary from individual to individual
- Why this debate continues after decades of discussion
- Why no single, solid answer exists — and why that’s okay
This episode isn’t about choosing sides.
It’s about understanding the nuance behind one of the most foundational — and misunderstood — questions in mental health.
Listen in if you want a clear, honest exploration of a topic that affects all of us.

In this conversation, Leo Aspite discusses the challengesbusiness owners face, particularly the loss of passion for their businesses over time.

He emphasises the importance of understanding personal goalsand identifying gaps in business performance, particularly in sales.

The discussion also highlights the value of a collaborativeapproach and accountability in driving business success.

In this episode, Kris Cranfield discusses the importance of IT for small and medium-sized businesses, emphasising the need for reliable backup systems and the challenges of running a business.

Many small businesses neglect proper data backups, leading to potential data loss.

Tony shares his back up horror story with Google Drive.

Kris discusses his journey in the IT industry, the lessons learned over 25 years, and the significance of setting targets for business growth.

The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of work, particularly in hybrid environments.

In this conversation, Louise Lewis shares her experiencesnavigating workplace conflicts, particularly the challenges posed by contradictory directives from Directors as a Senior Manager.

She describes a pivotal moment of burnout that led to her decision to leave her position, highlighting the psychological and physical toll of such environments.

Louise discovered that the big 4 pay lip service to mental health.

In this conversation, Tony and Alan Stevens delve into the nuances of non-verbal communication and its significance in understanding mental health. They discuss how facial expressions, body language, and subtle changes in behaviour can indicate emotional distress.

Alan emphasises the importance of empathy and the need for gentle, supportive conversations rather than direct probing. The discussion highlights the role of observation in recognizing signs of mental health issues and the importance of being present for others without overwhelming them with questions.

In this episode of the Wills and Transmissions podcast, hostTony speaks with junior lawyer Isabel Ayoub about the critical issue of mental health in the legal profession.

They discuss the unique pressures faced by junior lawyers, the importance of support systems, and the need for a positive approach to well-being.

Isabel shares insights from her experiences and a recent conference on lawyer well-being, emphasising the need for open conversations about mental health and practical strategies for maintaining it in a high-stress environment.

Tony Skinner and Mitzi from Clarity Healthcare discuss the importance of mental health awareness, emphasizing that mental health encompasses more than just mental well-being but also includes connections, rest, purpose, and technology.

They highlight the significance of staying connected, being intentional in interactions, and the benefits of being vulnerable and active.

They stress the importance of setting boundaries, limiting screen time, and ensuring quality sleep.

Mitzi advises psychological distancing to manage controllable aspects and taking breaks to avoid burnout. Both agree on the value of seeking support early to prevent mental health crises.

In this conversation, Tony and Adriana discuss the evolvinglandscape of customer service, particularly in the wake of COVID-19.

They explore the importance of valuing customer experiences, the need for effective communication, and the role of accountability in servicedelivery.

Adriana emphasises the necessity of empowering staff toresolve issues and the impact of exceptional customer service on loyalty.

They also touch on the motivations behind customer choicesand propose solutions to the current crisis in customer service, highlighting the importance of empathy and connection in interactions.

The discussion concludes with a look at the future ofcustomer service in the age of AI.

In this engaging conversation, Tony and Alan Stevens explorethe intriguing connection between facial features and personality traits including how crows feet are good for you and your business.

They discuss how facial expressions can reveal insights intoa person's emotional state and character, supported by scientific research in neuroscience and psychology.

Alan shares practical tips for improving social interactionsand understanding the nuances of body language, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement in conversations.

Adriana from Crowds Now shares her journey from being Hong Kong's youngest director at 16 to her diverse business experiences, emphasising the importance of ambition and not diluting oneself.

She highlighted the necessity of exceptional customerservice, citing Will Cordera's book "Unreasonable hospitality."Adriana criticised the current lazy mentality in businesses and stressed the importance of hiring for skill and will over qualifications.

She also discussed the misalignment between sales andoperations in businesses and the need for mutual fit and resilience in team dynamics.