You Are More Than Your Diagnosis In this incredibly personal episode, Loz shares her lived experience of depression, bipolar and OCD.What happens when a mental-health diagnosis stops being information…and starts becoming your identity? She takes us back to her time in the police force, when nightmares, panic, tears and dramatic changes in mood eventually led to her first mental-health diagnosis. Several years later came another conversation that she says changed her life: being diagnosed with bipolar and comorbid OCD.But something else happened along the way.Instead of simply having a diagnosis, Loz began to believe the diagnosis was who she was.She would introduce herself by saying:“Hi, I’m Laura. I’m bipolar.”Together, Baz and Loz explore the difference between understanding a diagnosis and allowing it to define your identity.They discuss:- Loz’s first experiences of depression while serving in the police- Her eventual bipolar and OCD diagnosis- What living with OCD can actually feel like- Why mental-health struggles aren't always visible from the outside- The danger of reducing yourself to one label- Baz hiding his dyslexia for more than 30 years- How diagnosis can help you understand how you operate- Sleep, boundaries, stimulus, medication and support foundations- Changing “I am…” into “I experience…”- Creating an “I Am More Than…” list- Letting trusted people understand how best to support you- Why asking for help can sometimes require just five seconds of braveryThe message at the centre of this conversation is simple:Your diagnosis may explain something about you. It doesn't explain everything about you.You are a partner. A friend. A parent. A professional. A creator. A business owner. A person with dreams, interests, values, strengths and an entire identity beyond a diagnosis.Use the information.Understand yourself.Build the support you need.But remember:You are more than the label.Sensitive content: This episode contains discussion of mental-health difficulties, self-harm and suicidal thoughts from Loz's past experience.Baz and Loz share their personal lived experiences and are not providing medical or psychiatric advice. If you are concerned about your mental health, speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.Chapters00:00 Mental Health Labels: Helpful or Harmful?02:34 Loz’s Mental Health Story Begins03:24 Struggling With Mental Health in the Police05:34 “You Have Depression” – Loz’s First Diagnosis07:11 The Highs, Lows and Changing Moods08:33 The Bipolar & OCD Diagnosis09:5 1Learning Everything About the Diagnosis10:36 Can You Know Too Much About Your Label?11:33 When “I Have Bipolar” Became “I Am Bipolar”13:20 The Reality of Living With OCD15:14 You Are Not Your Diagnosis17:27 The Invisible Box Labels Can Create19:47 Baz’s 35-Year Secret About Dyslexia21:35 Own It Without Letting It Define You22:37 Diagnosis Is Information, Not Identity24:11 Change the Language You Use About Yourself26:36 Build Your Mental Health Support Foundations27:33 Create Your “I Am More Than…” List28:06 Let People Understand How to Support You28:59 Five Seconds of Bravery29:52 You Are So Much More Than a Label30:35 Share This With Someone Who Needs It

What if coping with grief wasn’t about letting go of the person you love, but learning how to carry them with you differently?

In this deeply personal episode of Stress Less Live More, Baz shares the story of losing his dad suddenly when he was just 22 years old. Then, 22 years later, he experienced grief in a very different way when his mum died from pancreatic cancer only five weeks after her diagnosis.

Through an open and honest conversation with Loz, Baz explores the shock of sudden loss, the pain of anticipatory grief and the emptiness that can follow the loss of both parents.

They also discuss a side of grief that often remains hidden.

Grief doesn’t always look like crying or falling apart. It can look like arriving at work on time, answering emails, caring for the children, making cups of tea and supporting everyone else while quietly struggling inside.

Baz reveals the powerful reframe that changed the way he remembers his parents. Instead of allowing their final moments to become the strongest memories, he now focuses on celebrating their lives, their personalities and everything they gave him.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why grief begins when your life changes—not only when someone dies
• Why there is no correct way or fixed timeline for grieving
• How painful final memories can keep us connected to loss
• Why talking about the person you love can help you process grief
• How celebrating someone’s life can transform your relationship with their memory
• Five compassionate ways to support yourself through bereavement
• What grief can teach us about gratitude, connection and what truly matters

Whether your loss happened recently or many years ago, this episode is a reminder that grief can change, return and appear unexpectedly—and that none of this means you are moving backwards.

You do not have to forget someone to move forward.

Their influence, lessons, love and memories can remain part of who you are.

Please share this episode with someone who may need to hear that they are not alone.

Content note: This episode includes personal discussions of death, cancer, end-of-life care and bereavement.

You’ve got one life. Live it. Make it count.

00:00 – An Honest Conversation About Grief02:42 – Grief Doesn’t Always Look Like Sadness04:32 – Losing a Dad Suddenly at 2208:08 – What Sudden Loss Really Feels Like10:02 – How Grief Changed the Family11:11 – Losing a Mum After a Five-Week Cancer Diagnosis14:19 – Anticipatory Grief and Difficult Final Conversations17:23 – Life After Losing Both Parents19:02 – The Grief Reframe That Changed Everything22:07 – Replacing Painful Final Moments With Loving Memories24:01 – What Grief Teaches Us About Life24:52 – Five Practical Ways to Cope With Grief27:30 – You Are Not Alone in Your Grief28:36 – One Life: Live It and Make It Count

What do you say to yourself when life puts you under pressure?

In this episode of the Stress Less Live More Podcast, Baz and Loz explore the powerful connection between language, stress, self-belief and the way we experience the world.

This isn’t about speaking French, German or Japanese — it’s about the everyday language you use about yourself, especially in moments of pressure, frustration, fear or overwhelm.

From negative self-talk and panic language to the words we rehearse without even realising, Baz and Loz unpack how the things we say can shape our nervous system, our confidence, our identity and even the way other people respond to us.

They also share a simple process to help you catch unhelpful language patterns, pause before reacting, and replace them with words that create more calm, resilience and possibility.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why your words shape how you feel and respond

• What comes out when life “squeezes” you

• How negative self-talk can become part of your identity

• Why joking about yourself negatively still has an impact

• How to reframe phrases like “I can’t cope” or “I’m failing”

• The rehearsal principle: whatever you rehearse, you become

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, stressed or hard on yourself, this conversation will help you start noticing the words you use — and choose language that supports the version of you you’re becoming.

You’ve got one life. Live it. Make it count.

If stress, overwhelm or burnout is starting to affect your health, relationships, work or ability to enjoy life, Baz and Loz can help you understand what is happening in your body and begin building practical tools to recover.Baz, also known as Barry Ash, and Loz are burnout recovery specialists who support individuals, business owners and teams to recognise the signs of chronic stress, complete the stress response cycle and create healthier ways of living and working. Their approach is honest, down-to-earth and practical, helping people move away from simply “pushing through” and towards feeling calmer, clearer and more in control.To find out more about working with Baz and Loz, visit their website or get in touch to explore their burnout recovery support, coaching, workshops and resources.Episode DescriptionIn this special guided episode of the Stress Less Live More podcast, Baz, also known as Barry Ash, takes you through the CALMS Method meditation — a calming, body-led practice designed to help you connect with stress, understand where it is showing up, and complete the stress response cycle.This episode is a practical meditation-style session, so find somewhere quiet and comfortable where you can sit, breathe and tune in to your body. Baz gently guides you through each stage of the CALMS Method: becoming conscious of what is stressing you, asking your body where the stress is being held, listening to what your body needs, moving in response, and then noticing how the stress has shifted.Rather than trying to ignore, suppress or think your way out of stress, this practice encourages you to pause, listen and respond to your body with curiosity. You may notice sensations, colours, textures, emotions or physical urges to move. The aim is not to force stress to disappear completely, but to help it move through the body and reduce in intensity.This is an episode you can return to whenever you feel tense, overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected from yourself.The Stress Less Live More podcast, hosted by Baz and Loz, explores stress, burnout, recovery and what it really means to live a calmer, healthier and more intentional life. Through honest conversations, practical tools and real-life insights, the podcast helps listeners understand their stress patterns, reconnect with their body, and build a life that feels more sustainable.Remember: you’ve got one life. Live it. Make it count.

In this episode of Stress Less Live More, Baz and Loz unpack the common misconceptions around self-care and challenge the idea that it has to look soft, slow, indulgent or Instagram-worthy. They explore how self-care is often reduced to baths, candles, spa days or “Self-Care Sunday”, when in reality it should be seen as essential maintenance for the body, mind, energy and nervous system.The conversation reframes self-care as something personal, practical and sometimes even challenging. Baz shares that self-care for him can look like running, mountain biking, being in nature or sitting by a tree, while Loz talks about prayer, meditation, jigsaw puzzles, music and CrossFit. Together, they encourage listeners to stop asking what self-care “should” look like and instead ask: what is draining me, what am I avoiding, what boundaries protect my energy, and when did I last feel off duty?Why self-care has become performativeThe problem with “Self-Care Sunday”Why self-care is not always soft or relaxingSelf-care as essential maintenanceWhy rest should not be treated as a rewardThe difference between true self-care and “festering”How TV, scrolling and news can drain your energyWhy self-care can feel selfish, especially for parents and leadersNervous system regulation and coming back to balanceQuestions to help listeners define what self-care looks like for themUseful reflection questions from the episode:What is draining me right now?What am I avoiding?What boundaries would protect my energy?Where am I confusing urgency with importance?When did I last feel off duty?00:00 — Intro: What Do You Picture When You Hear Self-Care?01:07 — Why Self-Care Has Become a Buzzword02:13 — Misconception 1: Self-Care Is Soft04:28 — Self-Care as Essential Maintenance05:13 — Misconception 2: Self-Care Is a Reward06:14 — Moving the Goalposts on Rest07:25 — Real-Life Example: Housework Before Rest09:11 — Misconception 3: Self-Care Means Doing Less10:41 — Is Binge-Watching Really Self-Care?11:10 — What Are You Feeding Your Mind With?13:15 — Misconception 4: Self-Care Is Selfish14:35 — Why Being “Selfish” Can Help You Be More Selfless15:28 — Self-Care and Nervous System Regulation17:17 — Reframing Self-Care With Better Questions18:15 — Boundaries, Energy and Feeling Off Duty19:37 — Making Self-Care Personal and Real20:23 — Baz and Loz Share Their Own Self-Care Practices21:17 — Final Reminder: You’ve Got One Life, Live It

This episode explores the dangerous myth that working longer hours leads to greater success, using a real client story of extreme overworking to highlight the reality of burnout. Baz and Loz unpack how modern work culture has normalised exhaustion, leading individuals to ignore both mental and physical warning signs until their body forces them to stop.The conversation reframes rest—not as a luxury—but as a strategic necessity for performance, creativity, and long-term health. Through practical tools like the “Weekend Audit” and relatable analogies (including athletes and nervous system responses), the episode provides listeners with a powerful mindset shift: productivity isn’t about hours worked, but about energy managed.Episode Overview:Why working weekends is NOT a badge of honourThe hidden health risks of overworkingThe nervous system’s role in burnoutThe “identity trap” of tying self-worth to productivityPractical tools to reclaim your time and energyKey Topics Covered:Burnout from excessive working hoursWHO statistics on overwork and health risksEmotional and physical warning signsBoundaries for business owners and professionalsLeadership responsibility in setting work cultureWeekend recovery as a performance strategy

In this episode, Baz and Loz explore a powerful question: whose version of success are you actually living? They unpack how many people unknowingly inherit their definition of success from parents, teachers, social media, or wider society, then spend years chasing goals that look impressive from the outside but feel empty on the inside. The conversation reframes success not as money, followers, status, or material possessions, but as something deeply personal and connected to purpose, identity, and fulfilment.A key thread running through the episode is the link between burnout and identity misalignment. Loz shares how chasing a version of success modelled by others contributed to burnout, while both hosts emphasise that true success must be rooted in your own values and core identity. They also introduce a broader framework for defining success across areas such as emotional wellbeing, relationships, time freedom, joy, and aliveness, helping listeners build a healthier and more sustainable version of success for themselves.00:00 Are You Living Your Version of Success?00:43 Why “Looking Successful” Can Still Feel Empty03:01 What Success Actually Means04:27 Who Set Your Goals in the First Place?06:09 The Social Media Trap of Inherited Success08:27 What Success Means to Baz and Loz09:19 Billionaire vs Waking Up Alive: Two Views of Success12:18 The Burnout Equation Explained14:15 Journal Prompt: “I Will Feel Successful When…”17:47 The 9 Different Types of Success22:10 Redefining Success in Real Life23:53 Final Thoughts: Build a Version That Belongs to You

In this episode, Baz and Loz take listeners behind the scenes of their superhero world, sharing how their journey into cosplay began and why it became so much more than dressing up. What starts as a fun, light-hearted conversation about Wonder Woman, Superman, costumes and comic conventions quickly reveals a deeply emotional story about purpose, grief, legacy and service. They explain how a chance conversation in a comic shop planted the seed, and how their shared love of superheroes unexpectedly linked back to their earliest childhood memories.The emotional heart of the episode comes when they reflect on Baz’s mum’s illness and passing, and how that experience transformed cosplay from a hobby into a mission to create smiles, hope and memories for sick children and their families. Alongside funny stories about costumes, comic cons and awkward public requests, the episode carries a powerful message: joy matters, imagination heals, and living more sometimes means stepping fully into something bigger than yourself.Baz and Loz share the full story behind their superhero alter egos, from childhood memories and comic shop encounters to charity work, hospital visits and comic con experiences. This is a personal, funny and emotional episode about identity, purpose, grief and using cosplay to spread hope.Main topics coveredHow Baz and Loz became Superman and Wonder WomanThe role of Get Ready Comics and Paul in inspiring their journeyChildhood superhero memories and their early connectionBuilding screen-accurate costumes and the cost behind themHow grief gave their cosplay mission deeper meaningCharity fundraising and hospital visitsComic con moments, cosplay culture and confidenceBoundaries, consent and public interactions in costumeWhy their mission is all about smiles, memories and hopeOrganisations / names mentionedGet Ready ComicsMake-A-WishGreat Ormond StreetPilgrims HospiceDemelzaMCM Comic ConNew York Comic ConYour Video TeamTheir YouTube channel:  @oursuperherolife Suggested audience-facing show notes copyWhat’s the real story behind Baz and Loz becoming Superman and Wonder Woman?In this special episode of Stress Less Live More, Baz and Loz open up about their superhero journey — from comic shops and cosplay accuracy to charity work, grief, purpose and creating smiles for children and families going through unimaginably difficult times.This episode is funny, heartfelt and full of meaning. You’ll hear:how it all startedwhy cosplay became something much deeper than a hobbythe emotional story that shaped their missionbehind-the-scenes truths about costumes, comic cons and character workwhy “smile and pass it on” means so much to themIf you’ve ever wondered what sits behind the capes, this is the episode for you.Chapters00:00 – Welcome: today we’re talking superheroes00:35 – Why people always ask about their superhero story01:31 – The real beginning of Baz and Loz’s cosplay journey02:02 – Meeting Paul from Get Ready Comics03:20 – The moment charity cosplay clicked03:54 – Their childhood superhero connection05:24 – Why Superman and Wonder Woman felt right07:10 – The mission: creating 3 million smiles07:44 – The truth about building the costumes09:20 – Superman suit details, fragility and cape struggles11:20 – Wonder Woman costume evolution and accuracy15:21 – How much the costumes actually cost16:02 – When the journey became deeply personal16:19 – Baz’s mum, grief and finding deeper purpose18:50 – Shaving the beard for charity20:51 – Comic con highlights and unexpected moments22:20 – Inspiring others to cosplay23:40 – Quickfire superhero questions26:34 – Costume malfunctions and emotional moments27:00 – The Demelza story that stayed with them28:35 – If they had real superpowers…29:26 – Final message: smiles, memories and hope

In this powerful and honest episode, Baz and Loz dive deep into emotional burnout — the dimension of burnout that often goes unnoticed but cuts the deepest. While many assume burnout is simply about working too much or poor time management, this conversation reveals the truth: emotional burnout is often rooted in identity loss.Through their practical GIFT framework (Guilt, Identity, Fulfilment, Time), Baz and Loz share how they help clients rediscover who they are beyond their job, business, or responsibilities. Using relatable stories, reflective questions, and the powerful “golf ball and jar” analogy, this episode becomes both a wake-up call and a practical roadmap for anyone feeling empty, disconnected, or questioning their purpose.2️⃣ Show Notes🎙 Hosts:Baz & Loz Ash – Burnout Recovery Specialists🔎 What We Cover:The 3 dimensions of burnout (Physical, Mental, Emotional)Why emotional burnout feels like powerlessness and identity lossThe hidden danger of becoming your job or businessThe GIFT Method:G – GuiltI – IdentityF – FulfilmentT – TimeThe Golf Ball & Jar analogyReflection questions to rediscover yourselfWhy “finding time” is really about creating timeThe power of choice in rebuilding your life🎁 Resources Mentioned:Burnout Self-Assessment (26 Questions)Emotional Burnout GIFT Framework DownloadContact Baz & Loz via social media or email3️⃣ YouTube Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Emotional Burnout Explained00:27 – The 3 Types of Burnout01:19 – Free Burnout Self-Assessment01:53 – What Emotional Burnout Feels Like02:28 – When Your Job Becomes Your Identity04:12 – It’s Not Just Time Management05:16 – Introducing the GIFT Framework06:03 – G = Guilt (Why Rest Feels Wrong)07:09 – I = Identity (Who Are You Without Work?)10:02 – F = Fulfilment (Passion Beyond Business)11:52 – T = Time (Creating Space for Yourself)12:20 – Golf Balls, Pebbles & Sand Analogy15:15 – Reflection Questions18:35 – If You’ve Forgotten Who You Are20:12 – “How Do I Make Time?”21:05 – You Are the Architect of Your Life22:15 – Free Tools & Support23:15 – Final Thoughts4️⃣ Key Takeaways (5)Burnout is not just about overwork — it’s often about identity depletion.When your work disappears, who you are should still remain.Guilt is one of the biggest blockers to recovery.Fulfilment doesn’t have to be productive — it just needs to feel alive.You don’t find time — you create it.

Why does slowing down feel so uncomfortable — and why might boredom actually be the cure for burnout?In this episode, we explore how constant busyness keeps your nervous system stuck in survival mode, and how learning to be bored can restore clarity, creativity, and calm.👉 Download the free 7-day “Slow Down” challenge mentioned in this episode: https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/unlock-creativity-clarity-challengeIn this episodeIf your mind won’t switch off and slowing down feels unsafe, lazy, or unproductive, this conversation is for you.We talk about:Why many high achievers feel anxious when things get quietHow boredom supports creativity, emotional regulation, and purposeWhat “hurry sickness” is and how to spot it in your own lifeWhy busyness can become a nervous system addictionHow slowing down doesn’t kill momentum — it often restores itThis is a practical, honest discussion for business owners, overthinkers, and anyone who feels guilty for resting.Key concepts discussedBoredom as a tool for creativity and nervous system regulationThe link between trauma, avoidance, and constant productivityWhy “busy = worth” is quietly fuelling burnoutHow silence and stillness help regulate stress and clarityWhy doing less can lead to better decisions and long-term flowA simple framework to slow down (SIT Method)We share an easy, realistic approach you can practise immediately:S — Sensation: Notice what’s happening in your body when you slow downI — Interpret: Gently interrupt autopilot (breath, posture, environment)T — Time-box: Start with seconds or minutes and build graduallyNo forcing. No perfection. Just small, safe pauses.Listener question answered“How do I slow down without feeling like I’m falling behind?”We explore how to use micro-pauses, curiosity, and permission — without losing momentum or control.Reflection questionsYou might want to pause and reflect on:Where am I rushing when nothing is actually urgent?What emotions am I avoiding by staying busy?When does stillness feel unsafe — and why?What could slowing down make possible for me?You don’t need to answer them all. Start with one.Free resource mentioned🎧 Free 7-Day Slow Down ChallengeA gentle, practical guide with small daily practices to help you slow down without fear or guilt.👉 Download here: https://rocksolidhealth.aweb.page/unlock-creativity-clarity-challenge00:00 Welcome – Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard00:47 Boredom Isn’t Laziness (It’s Missing in Our Lives)01:03 What We’re Covering Today: Hurry Sickness, Stress & Creativity02:08 Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down05:22 What Is Hurry Sickness? Signs You Might Have It06:09 The 15-Minute Boredom Rule (The Research)07:14 The Electric Shock Experiment – Why Silence Is So Uncomfortable08:08 Stillness, Trauma & Why Slowing Down Feels Unsafe09:18 How Boredom Unlocks Creativity & Purpose10:00 Hurry Sickness Checklist – Do You Recognise These Signs?13:13 Busy Doesn’t Equal Worth (Rewiring the High-Achiever Mindset)15:00 Nervous System Addiction – Adrenaline & Cortisol Explained16:44 Hustle Culture, Screens & Fear of Missing Out17:50 The SIT Method – A Simple Framework to Slow Down19:13 Listener Question: How Do I Slow Down Without Falling Behind?21:01 Reflection Questions to Help You Pause22:00 Free 7-Day Slow Down Challenge23:20 Final Thoughts & Permission to Rest