Relational Lives Podcast

In this episode of Relational Lives, Ali and Ros explore how artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of therapy, mental health, and personal relationships. From ChatGPT offering relationship and mental health advice to AI-driven emotional support tools, they discuss real-world examples, personal experiences, and insights from a listener survey. The conversation tackles the big questions: Can AI ever replace the human aspects of therapy? What are its benefits and risks for people seeking emotional help online? Ali and Ros unpack the balance between innovation and human connection, and reflect on the implications on their roles as psychotherapists.

We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

Drop us a message:

[email protected]

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

00:00 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Relationships

04:55 Survey Insights on AI Usage

09:37 AI in Personal Problem Solving

13:09 The Limitations of AI in Therapy

16:06 Introduction to AI in Personal Relationships

18:29 Personal Experiences with AI Support

22:08 Concerns About AI and Vulnerability

25:41 AI vs. Human Therapy: A Comparative Analysis

29:53 The Future of Therapy in the Age of AI

In this episode of Relational Lives, hosts Ali and Ros explore the tender and universal experience of grief, the pain that accompanies the loss of those we love, whether human or animal. Together, they unpack the many faces of grief, from its emotional and physical expressions to the cultural stories that shape how we mourn. The conversation reminds us that grief is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of love, its depth often mirroring the strength of our bonds.

As the dialogue unfolds, Ali and Ros offer thoughtful perspectives on navigating grief with compassion and authenticity. They discuss how grief looks different for everyone and why it’s essential to give ourselves permission to feel, even when society encourages us to “move on.” Drawing on models like the dual process framework, they highlight the ebb and flow between loss and restoration, showing that healing is not linear but deeply human. The episode closes with gentle, practical guidance on embracing self-care and allowing grief to unfold at its own pace.

✨ Perfect for anyone interested in grief, loss, attachment, mental health, coping with grief, emotional support, bereavement, and self compassion.

00:00 Understanding Grief and Its Impact

02:37 The Physical and Emotional Experience of Grief

06:55 Navigating Grief: Personal Stories and Insights

10:28 Coping Mechanisms and Cultural Perspectives on Grief

13:30 The Non-Linear Nature of Grieving

16:48 The Role of Attachment in Grief

18:41 Understanding Self-Reliance in Grief

20:52 The Impact of Attachment Styles on Grieving

24:13 Cultural Expectations and Individual Grief

27:19 Navigating Support for Grieving Individuals

30:59 Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Grief

35:20 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Grief

📍 Resources mentioned: John Bolby's book on Loss:

https://bit.ly/45Ta6KH

Dr Tonkin - growing around grief:

https://bit.ly/45Tauc7 https://bit.ly/4pJ0p8K

Dual Process Model:

https://bit.ly/4r0JEXT

We want to hear from you:

What did you love most? What should we do more of (or less)?

Topics you want: Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?

Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

Drop us a message: [email protected]

Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites! Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.

Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode, Ali and Ros explore what it really means to take accountability in relationships — or, as they put it, to “own your own shit.” They unpack how recognizing the impact of our actions and reactions can transform the way we connect with others, whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or at work. Using everyday examples — including the classic disagreement over how to load the dishwasher — the hosts reveal how small moments often reflect deeper patterns in communication and understanding.

Ali and Ros also dive into the discomfort that comes with facing our own shortcomings and the defence mechanisms that can get in the way. They remind listeners that accountability isn’t about self-blame; it’s about awareness, empathy, and learning to respond rather than react. With practical tools and honest reflection, they offer ways to break unhelpful cycles and build stronger, more supportive relationships grounded in honesty, growth, and mutual respect.

✨Perfect for anyone interested in understanding the taking of accountability, being self reflective, having better communication, relationship dynamics, and partnership.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Accountability in Relationships

06:35 Understanding Impact and Self-Reflection

14:24 Defensiveness and Shame in Communication

14:33 Understanding Defensive Behaviours and Accountability

16:26 Navigating Shame and Rejection in Relationships

17:35 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Acknowledgment

20:07 Normalizing Human Imperfection and Accountability

24:24 Effective Communication and Validation in Relationships

28:14 Owning Your Defensiveness and Seeking Growth

We want to hear from you:

What did you love most? What should we do more of (or less)?

Topics you want: Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?

Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

Drop us a message: [email protected]

Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites! Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

Disclaimer:

Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.

Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode, Ali and Ros unpack the connections between the sexual cycle and the relational cycle, offering insights into how emotional and physical intimacy mirror one another. They explore the distinction between responsive and spontaneous desire, how attachment patterns influence sexual connection, and why communication is at the heart of a satisfying sexual relationship. The discussion also touches on cultural expectations around sex, the challenges of mismatched desire, and how understanding each partner’s experience can help couples build renewed closeness and vitality in their relationship.

📍 Resources mentioned:

Relational Lives previous episode on Negative relationship cycle: https://youtu.be/qfDFwVSH5sU?si=O5ZzfQsFm-nTNrCe

Spontaneous or Responsive Desire TED talk by Emily Nagoski: https://youtu.be/lon25Nc1Vx8?si=-jhXJi81K1XGloVW

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Sexual Cycle

02:53 Understanding the Dynamics of the Sexual Cycle

05:39 Responsive vs. Spontaneous Desire

08:33 The Role of Emotional Connection in Sexual Intimacy

11:16 Exploring the Cycle of Desire and Rejection

13:55 The Impact of Attachment Styles on Sexual Relationships

16:35 Influences on Sexual Dynamics

19:30 Addressing Sexual Trauma and Its Effects

22:15 Navigating Health and Aging in Sexual Relationships

25:14 The Importance of Communication in Sexual Cycles

27:58 Conclusion and Future Discussions

We Want to Hear From You

What did you love most?  

Drop us a message: [email protected]

Connect with us

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!  Subscribe so you don’t miss Season 3. If this episode resonated, please like, share, and tell a friend.  

Disclaimer

Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode, Ali and Ros unpack the mental load in relationships – the invisible emotional labour of planning, organizing, and remembering that often falls on one partner. They explore how this uneven cognitive and emotional load creates resentment, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy, while the other partner may feel criticised, confused, or like they can never get it right.

Ali and Ros look at how relationship dynamics, communication styles, gender roles, and family and cultural backgrounds shape who carries the mental load at home. They invite listeners to recognise common patterns in couples – the over-functioning partner who “keeps everything in their head” and the under-functioning partner who waits to be asked – and how these cycles keep both people stuck.

The conversation offers practical, therapist-informed strategies for sharing the load more fairly, improving communication in couples, and making the invisible work visible. Ali and Ros also encourage couples to use 2026 as a turning point to reset expectations, build healthier boundaries, and create more balanced, sustainable partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sharing the Load in Relationships

01:31 Understanding the Mental Load

04:55 The Dynamics of Carrying the Load

09:28 The Impact on the Non-Load Carrier

10:34 Exploring the Negative Cycle

17:35 The Long-Term Effects of the Cycle

18:14 The Shift from Adult to Parent-Child Dynamics

19:35 Influences on Relationship Dynamics

21:25 Understanding ADHD and Task Management

22:30 The Impact of Upbringing on Responsibility

25:00 Anxiety and Performance in Relationships

26:51 Life Events and Relationship Dynamics

28:06 Understanding the Cycle of Conflict

30:33 Exploring Internal and External Dynamics

33:17 Challenging Expectations and Finding Solutions

36:02 From Carrying to Sharing the Load

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us and we might cover it in a future episode.

Drop us a message at [email protected] or you can anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT.

We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.

Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics.

If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.

Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music by: Stile Tree Studio

Join Ali and Ros for a raw, heartfelt, and unscripted conversation as they look back on eight months and over 30 episodes of Relational Lives. In this special episode, the hosts pull back the curtain on their journey — from the shock of going viral on Shut Up & Talking (160,000+ views!) to building a podcast from scratch, all while navigating friendship, vulnerability, and the realities of being two women in their 50s in the digital world.  

They reflect on standout guests (like Caz’s powerful journey to embracing single life), explore how recording together has triggered old patterns, and share the moment one host bravely called out a “pedestal” dynamic — and how they repaired it. With warmth and honesty, they discuss what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why they’re pausing the podcast to regroup, recharge, and listen to YOU. 

This isn’t just a recap, it’s a real conversation about growth, repair, and walking the talk of relational therapy. 

Plus, they’re asking:

Timestamps  

We Want to Hear From You  What did you love most?  

Drop us a message: [email protected]

Connect with us  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!  Subscribe so you don’t miss Season 3. If this episode resonated, please like, share, and tell a friend.  

Disclaimer

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits  Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

For a decade, RED (Rise Every Day) January has inspired thousands to move more, feel better, and support one another through the darkest month of the year. Now, it’s taking a bold new step forward — and it starts with you. 

Join the nationwide warm-up to RED January 2026 at redjanuary.com.  

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Beecham, founder of Red January, as she shares the deeply personal story behind this life-changing initiative. Born from her own family’s battle with depression — watching her mum struggle through the winter blues and finding solace in simple side-by-side walks — Hannah reveals how a single act of connection sparked a global movement. At just 29, she turned helplessness into hope, creating a challenge that’s now helped countless people rise every day with gentle movement, community support, and real behavioral change. 

From its evolution to a community interest company to exciting new research on its impact, this episode explores why January — with its short days and post-holiday slump — needs a splash of red more than ever. Whether you’re signing up for 2026 or seeking motivation now, Hannah’s journey is a reminder that small steps, shared stories, and self-compassion can light the way through the toughest seasons.  

Timestamps  

Sign Up for RED January 2026: https://join.redjanuary.com/ (Free to join, set your own movement goal)

Connect with us  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode.

Drop us a message at [email protected] or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT.

We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.  

Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics. 

If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.  

Disclaimer

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits  Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for a heartfelt follow-on from our autism episode, as we welcome Rose, who shares her inspiring journey of being diagnosed with autism at 15. 

From early signs like shying away from eye contact as a baby to navigating meltdowns and masking in secondary school, Rose opens up about the challenges of sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, and finding her place in a neurotypical world. She reflects on the transformative impact of homeschooling, counselling, and embracing her passion for working with children in a nursery. Rose encourages self-compassion and openness, offering hope to anyone exploring their own autism journey. 

This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to understand autism through a personal lens, filled with resilience and practical wisdom.

Timestamps:

For This Episode:  National Autistic Society: Learn more about autism and support services https://www.autism.org.uk/

Connect with us:

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode. 

Drop us a message at [email protected] or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. 

We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.  

Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.  

Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits: