In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Henry Shukman, a widely published poet, author, meditation teacher and Zen master of the Sanbo Zen lineage, shares his personal story. Henry grew up in Oxford, UK, where his parents were professors and his early love of poetry led to an interest in Chinese Zen poetry, and ultimately to him becoming a writer and poet.

Henry suffered from severe eczema from infancy into his 20’s, along with associated psychological problems, and meditation was a key element in a long journey of healing. He travelled extensively, eventually settling in New Mexico where he became fascinated by the indigenous culture's deep connection to the earth and where he was introduced to meditation and Zen, which in turn influenced his writing.

Main topics

• The meditative quality of poetry and how it can bring one back to the present moment
• Using poetry in meditation to create a serene atmosphere.
• The differences between various forms of meditation
• The concept of awakening
• The connection between meditation and mindfulness
• The transformative power of poetry and its potential to enrich one's life
• The concept of original sin and its influence on Western culture
• The idea of karma and its physical consequences
• The concepts of mindfulness, support, and absorption
• The concept of flow states and how they can be achieved through complete absorption in a task, leading to enhanced performance and increased happiness.
• How flow is not limited to specific professions or activities and can be accessed through simple practices like meditation
• The relationship between meditation and religion and the practical and philosophical significance of meditation

Action items

Henry's book is called "Original Love: The 4 Ends on the Path of Awakening," and it has an accompanying meditation app, "The Way."

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Jenn Johnson RN. She shares her experiences as an ER nurse in Canada and the complexities of nursing practices in different countries, the evolution of medical collaboration and the challenges faced by nursing students and professionals. Jenn also shared her concept of "nursing intuition", her experiences with workplace bullying and the challenges faced by nursing students and professionals, particularly in relation to burnout, resilience, work-life balance, and dealing with death and grief.

Main topics

• The evolution of medical collaboration and professionalism over the past 16 years
• The shift from a hierarchical to a more collaborative environment in the emergency and recovery room
• The challenges of working with residents and students and the concept of burnout in the caring professions
• The notion of nursing as a calling, and the possibility of it leading to an expectation of self-sacrifice and a lack of boundaries
• The guilt that often accompanies saying no to extra work or shifts
• Jenn’s concept of "nursing intuition," which involves trusting her instincts to identify potential health issues in patients.
• The importance of expanding blood tests when intuition suggests something is off, even if the patient's vital signs appear normal.
• The challenges of working in a short-staffed environment, where intuition can be crucial in making decisions

You can find out more about Jenn at https://www.rxforgrowth.com/

or thorough https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johnson-bscn-rn/ or

https://www.instagram.com/ernurse.jenn/

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can send us messages or questions at [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Debbie R. Weiss. She discusses her experiences as a family caregiver for her father, son and husband, and her journey of self-discovery, including her struggles with burnout and weight loss. Debbie shares how she was burnt out for 25-30 years, feeling angry and resentful, until she turned 50 and took a weekend trip to Bermuda, where she realised she had lost herself. She then made a conscious effort to change her life and focus on her own desires and aspirations. She also explores topics such as mortality, motivation, the importance of self-care and finding new purpose in life.

Main topics

• The impact of the loss of her father had on her life.
• The challenge of her husband's mental illness and why she stayed with him.
• Why Debbie attributes her sense of duty and advocacy to her upbringing, which made her feel insecure and judged.
• How she found purpose in taking care of her father and husband, which allowed her to find her voice and advocate for them.       
• The concept of mortality and motivation
• Why turning 50 prompted Debbie to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
• The pressure of losing a significant amount of weight within a short time frame and why it can lead to feelings of failure.
• Why you need to shift mindset and realise that weight loss is a lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix.
• The importance of self-care, including setting boundaries and saying no, to become more present and tolerant.

Find out more at:

• Website: DebbieRWeiss.com for more information, books, and resources.
• Memoir "On Second Thought, Maybe I Can" - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Thought-Maybe-Can/dp/1950476693
• Podcast:  Maybe I Can - https://www.debbierweiss.com/blog

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at [email protected]

#resilience

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Dr Patricia Schneider, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing. She talks about the connection between mental health, gut health, and the impact of food on brain and body health.

She also talks about the concept of functional medicine, which focuses on a proactive approach to health and wellness, rather than treating symptoms after they have occurred. Patricia’s aim to offer her patients more integrated and holistic treatment options by correcting any potential issues through optimal ranges of various health markers.

Main Topics

• The importance of identifying underlying infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, which can impact various bodily functions
• The connection between mental health and gut health
• Why issues with the gut could inhibit the production of serotonin, leading to low mood
• The link between brain and body health, with a focus on the impact of food.
• The negative effects of ultra-processed foods and the vested interests of big food manufacturers
• The potential of nutrition as medicine and the importance of good nutrition for long-term health
• The challenges of maintaining a healthy diet in a busy world, and the need for education in cooking and food combination
• The concept of leaky gut and its connection to the microbiome and inflammation
• The importance of a healthy diet in reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut

Patricia hosts monthly live workshops and offers a free guide on her website, "Unlocking Wellness," which reveals markers and symptoms associated with certain conditions.

You can find out more about Patricia and access a free guide ‘Unlocking Wellness’ which reveals markers and symptoms associated with certain conditions at  wholehealthalternatives.com 

Patricia also hosts monthly live workshops and details of these can also be found at her website.

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray meets Dr. Laura Copley, a licensed professional counsellor specialising in complex trauma and relationships to discuss the impact of trauma and abuse on relationships.

Dr Laura emphasises the importance of understanding the root causes of problematic behaviours in relationships particularly in the context of past experiences of trauma and abuse.

She also discusses how trauma can lead to a heightened sense of control in relationships as a way of coping with feelings of abandonment or injustice and the impact of trauma on adult relationships with a focus on the concept of attachment theory. Additionally she talks about the importance of resilience in children, particularly in the context of parenting and the potential disruption of a child's resilience when faced with chronic stressors.

Main topics

• The need for a holistic approach to healing and the importance of growth in relationships and post-traumatic growth
• The root causes of mental health and trauma issues, focusing on intergenerational patterns and parenting
• Why despite increased access to therapy and counselling, these issues have continued to worsen, suggesting a problem with traditional approaches
• The importance of addressing the broader family system and the need for all family members to take responsibility for their roles in perpetuating negative patterns
• The significance of understanding the family system as a whole, including the role of animals in reflecting and perpetuating abuse
• Why parents should not be afraid to admit when they are wrong and seek help for their children when needed

You can find out more about Laura at https://lauracopley.com/ or Instagram and TikTok  at  @doccopley

Laura’s book is called ‘Loving You is Hurting Me’ https://www.amazon.com/Loving-You-Hurting-Authentic-Connection/dp/1538741393

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at [email protected]

#resilience

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Tom Shaw, a British-born resident of Kansas City, shares his life story, including his paralysis at 16 due to a car accident and his subsequent resilience and determination to overcome challenges. He also discusses his battle with addiction and trauma and his future plans to spread a message of hope and positivity through podcasts and public speaking.

• Main topics
• 
  
• The challenges he faced during his rehabilitation, including the initial shock and fear of being paralysed
• His resilience and determination to overcome his trauma, drawing on his experience as an athlete
• How he regained the use of his left leg about five years later and now has partial use of his right leg
• His gratitude for his three grown children, whom he was told he would never have due to his injury
• The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges
• Why small victories should be celebrated, especially during times of trauma.
• The usefulness of humour in coping with difficult situations
• The importance of seeking medical help during detox and the challenges of addiction
• The alarming in suicide rates and other concerning trends in society, emphasising the need for a more positive outlook.

In 1985 when Tom Shaw was 16 years old, a car accident left him paralysed from the waist down. Since then, he has gained 100% use of his left leg and 50% of his right. He feels his mindset and attitude is one the strongest reasons for his success in overcoming the results of his accident. In 2018, he also detoxed from a 33 year opioid addiction and in 2018 write his book "The Ride to Victory: Surviving Trauma and Addiction".

You can find out more about our podcasts at qedod.com/podcasts - and you can sen us messages or questions at [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Dr. Mike Van Thielen, PH.D. an holistc nutrition, health and wellness expert and swimming world record discusses the concept of biohacking, and the process of upgrading the body and mind to reverse biological age. He discusses the importance of reducing exposure to toxins, and the benefits of consuming nutrients that fight inflammation and repair DNA. He also discusses the unique physiological effects of molecular hydrogen, its potential benefits for various diseases, and the accessibility of molecular hydrogen therapy.

Subjects include:

• Biohacking - the process of upgrading the body and mind to objectively reverse biological age
• Why chronological age is not a reliable indicator of health
• Toxemia and the importance of reducing exposure to toxins from various sources
• The need to increase intake of nutrients that fight inflammation and repair DNA
• The importance of maintaining a proper balance of electrons in the body
• How Nadph acts as an electron reservoir and allows Vitamin C to be effective in neutralising free radicals.
• The role of molecular hydrogen in providing electrons to Nadph.
• The benefits of molecular hydrogen beyond being an electron reservoir for antioxidants,
• The physiological effects of molecular hydrogen
• How hydrogen neutralises the hydroxyl free radicals that cause oxidative stress and mutations, potentially reducing the risk of cancer
• The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties of hydrogen
• The benefits of for a range of degenerative diseases, particularly cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
• The potential benefits and accessibility of molecular hydrogen therapy for people suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

You can find out more about Mike at biohackingunlimited.com 

You can send questions or thoughts to [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Dr Russell meets Aaron Stone, a retired United States Army Combat Medic, Aaron who completed multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia, talks about the trauma he suffered at age 15 at the hands of a male teacher who methodically groomed and raped him. For almost two decades he became a silent sufferer of depression and PTSD before realising he needed help and, for the first time in his life, tells his story.

Since then, he has spoken to numerous military organisations and universities spreading his message of pain, redemption and hope,  and to reassure survivors that sexual assault is never their fault, that they are never alone, and that help is here.

In this podcast Aaron

discusses the importance of speaking out about personal experiences, recognising the signs of grooming, and seeking help, the challenges of going against societal norms and the influence of group dynamics on individual behaviour.

Main topics

The challenges Aaron faced due to societal stigmas surrounding male vulnerability

Aaron’s struggles with PTSD and the stigma surrounding mental health care during his military service

How Aaron’s initial reluctance to seek help led to a nervous breakdown which eventually prompted him to seek recovery

The impact of self-harm and drug use as a form of power

The significance of sharing one's story as a form of therapy and to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues

The prevalence of abuse of power in positions of authority

The importance of recognising the signs of grooming and seeking help when necessary

The need for individuals to share their stories to change societal perceptions and reduce victim blaming   

The challenges of going against societal norms and the impact of group dynamics on individual behaviour

The importance of seeking help and breaking the silence surrounding such incidents.

We hope you find this episode interesting and useful. You can contact us at [email protected]

This week Russell is joined by Stephen Bell, a renowned conductor and Music Director, who has worked with choirs, bands and orchestras of all ages.

Stephen, who studied music and conducting at university, shares his early experiences with conducting and playing instruments including the bassoon and piano. He also recounts his time as a page turner for a pianist and string quartet, an experience he described as both stressful and rewarding.

He also discusses his journey as a conductor, from his initial involvement in the Light Opera Society to his current roles in various musical ensembles. Furthermore, he discusses his approach to leading and inspiring the musicians, likening it to herding dogs or cats!

Stephen believes in the importance of inspiring musicians to reach their full potential and achieving a collective vision. He talks about the need to find the right balance in the music and how it can be achieved by someone a little remote from the action.

They discuss the intricacies of conducting and the role of the conductor in shaping the music. Stephen shares his realisation of the importance of being open to new methods and adjusting biomechanics to improve performance. He also highlights the significance of understanding the musicians' needs to help them perform at their best. His approach emphasises the importance of humility, learning from mistakes, and focusing on the service of the music rather than personal accolades.

They explore the complexities of balancing the needs of composers, musicians, and audiences, as well as the importance of making classical music more accessible and engaging for wider audiences.

They also discuss the transformative power of music and its impact on mental health. Stephen shares his experience of working with a male choir, highlighting the cognitive benefits and the joy of learning something new. He also recounts his experience of witnessing a gospel choir's performance, noting the intense connection to faith and the transformative power of music.

You can find out more about us at resilienceunravelled.com and you can submit questions and thoughts to [email protected]

In this episode, Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a licensed psychotherapist, podcaster and anger expert,who discusses her personal experiences with depression, and her focus on addressing the root causes of mental and physical illnesses.

She also explores the importance of acknowledging and managing internal feelings, particularly anger, for personal growth and decision-making, and the challenges of parenting in managing children's emotions and behaviours.

Finally, she discusses strategies for managing anger in relationships and the role of therapists in managing their own emotions while helping others.

Main topics

• Anger as a common cause of depression
• Helping people express and manage their anger
• How only managing symptoms does not address the root causes of mental and physical illnesses
• The importance of acknowledging and addressing one's internal feelings, particularly anger and betrayal, for personal growth and decision-making
• Why suppressing or ignoring anger can lead to stagnation and cause mental health issues
• The concept of anger as a core emotion and its role in various mental health conditions
• The need to understand the process of repression or dissociation of anger to better manage related mental health issues
• Why validating children's anger is crucial for developing individuality and emotional regulation
• The challenges of parenting, particularly the difficulties in managing children's emotions and behaviours
• The need to differentiate between the expression of anger and the anger itself
• Personal strategies for managing anger and resentment in relationships and the importance of real-time expression of feelings.

Action items You can find out more about Bronwyn or sign up for her podcast at https://angryattherightthings.com/or at her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.schweigerdt/