This week, we're revisiting one of our most powerful conversations from the first season of the podcast, back when we were known as My Possible Self. January is often considered the most depressing month of the year—cold, dark, and weighed down by the emotional and financial fallout of the holidays. But beyond the January blues, this episode takes a broader look at depression, a condition that impacts millions worldwide.

Guest, James Withey, is an acclaimed author, counselor, and mental health advocate with firsthand experience navigating clinical depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Drawing from his bestselling book 'How to Tell Depression to P**s Off' and his other impactful works, James offers practical strategies to take back control from depression.

In this episode, James delves into why depression is a life-threatening illness that demands attention and care, shares coping techniques to create distance from its grip, and reveals why recovery lies in finding purpose and meaning. He also provides insights into doing the opposite of what depression urges you to do and shares hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by its weight.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of suicidal thoughts and attempts. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help immediately and proceed listening with caution, however James’ story and strategies may offer hope and help.

Listen now to gain valuable tools and inspiration to face depression head-on.

To download the free My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast 

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Dr. Kelly Vincent, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in supporting women through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and imposter syndrome. Together, they explore high-functioning anxiety and how to shake off the relentless pressures of hustle culture.

As 2025 begins and many reflect on the changes they want to make and how they envision the year ahead, Dr. Kelly shares actionable strategies for setting small, meaningful, and achievable goals that pave the way to genuine, sustainable success. Listeners will learn how to reclaim their time, energy, and peace of mind with practical tools designed to promote clarity and calm.

Dr. Kelly Vincent is the founder of Nourished Wellness Group, a holistic mental health practice in California, and Movement Therapy Spaces, a co-working hub for wellness professionals. She is committed to integrating mind and body in therapeutic care, using approaches such as EMDR, yoga therapy, walk-and-talk therapy, somatic experiencing, and nervous system education. Dr. Vincent is also the author of 'True You: A Self-Discovery Journal' and the creator of Studio Nourished, a digital platform dedicated to relearning, restoring, releasing, and regulating.

This episode offers a compassionate guide for anyone looking to escape the cycle of overachievement and hustle culture to find more joy and balance in daily life. Dr. Kelly discusses with Gabby the power of self-awareness in managing anxiety and the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and redefining what success looks like.

For anyone who’s ever felt like they’re doing everything and still not doing enough, this episode offers valuable insights and support. Dr. Kelly highlights the importance of noticing the stream of messages and content we consume online and reflecting on how they shape our belief systems. She encourages listeners to pause and ask, "Is this content serving me?"

Tune in to this empowering conversation and discover how to start the new year with purpose, grace, and a renewed sense of balance.

To download the free My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast 

In this special episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re rebroadcasting a Christmas-themed conversation from two years ago with Joshua Fletcher. A leading psychotherapist, best-selling author, and renowned anxiety expert, Joshua has devoted his career to helping people understand and manage anxiety in all its forms.

Chatting with host Gabby Sanderson, Joshua explores the pitfalls of chasing ‘the perfect Christmas’ and explains why letting go of unrealistic expectations is healthier for our mental well-being. He shares invaluable advice on navigating family gatherings, including how to handle difficult relatives by setting boundaries and prioritizing your own happiness. Joshua also highlights the importance of showing ourselves compassion during January, a time when post-holiday pressures often surface. Additionally, he provides practical tips for managing anxiety at holiday parties, breaking free from people-pleasing habits, and making time for self-care—even during the busiest season.

Whether you’re bracing for the Christmas chaos or dreading what the season might bring, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies to help you not only survive but thrive this festive season. Tune in now for a fresh perspective and a healthy dose of reassurance to help you wrap up the year on a calmer, more balanced note.

To download the free My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast 

Christmas is often seen as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can feel quite the opposite—stressful, lonely, or even overwhelming. According to the National Institute of Health, this season can exacerbate mental health challenges, especially for those already struggling.

To help navigate the festive pressures, we revisit a special episode of The Happier Life Project featuring Dr Claire Plumbly, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and burnout, Dr Claire is also the author of 'Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You,' available in the UK now and launching in the USA as 'The Trauma of Burnout on January 23, 2025.'

This episode is a repeat of The Happier Life Project’s ‘Ask The Expert’ series, where listeners and My Possible Self app users send in their questions for host Gabby to pose to a mental health or wellness professional. Dr Claire was on hand to offer advice on all things Christmas-related, packed with practical tips and compassionate advice, this episode was so impactful we felt it deserved to be shared again. 

Dr Claire offers invaluable advice on implementing financial boundaries to avoid overspending, coping with unpredictable or excessively drinking family members, and honouring lost loved ones while managing grief during the holidays. She also shares guidance on easing social anxiety, addressing fears around food or overeating, and tackling the stress of feeling obligated to be happy and jolly throughout the season.

Whether you missed it the first time or need a refresher, it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of the Christmas season with greater ease and resilience.

To kick off The Happier Life Project’s festive December episodes, host Gabby Sanderson welcomes a very special guest: Jon McClure, frontman of the chart-topping band Reverend and the Makers. In this heartfelt conversation, Jon shares the inspiration behind the band’s poignant Christmas single ‘Late Night Phone Call’ and their decision to partner with The Samaritans for its release.

Christmas is often seen as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many, it can also be a season of loneliness and emotional struggle. With ‘Late Night Phone Call’, Jon and the band aim to shine a light on the vital support that Samaritans volunteers provide to those who need someone to listen, especially during the festive period.

In the candid chat, Jon opens up about why this cause resonates deeply with him, and the powerful personal experiences that have shaped his perspective. He also reveals the unique way he spends Christmas Day, creating connection and comfort for those who find themselves alone during the holidays. Additionally, Jon opens up to Gabby about his family facing their first Christmas without his dad, as well as how his recent ADHD diagnosis has only strengthened his lifelong commitment to making music.

Samaritans provides free, 24/7 emotional support every day of the year, including Christmas Day. Last year, more than 1,200 volunteers gave their time to answer over 6,700 calls on Christmas Day alone, ensuring no one has to face difficult times alone.

Tune in to hear Jon’s powerful story, his passion for connection, and how music continues to be a constant source of purpose and creativity in his life. Support the single ‘Late Night Phone Call’ by purchasing, streaming, watching the music video on YouTube, sharing with your friends and donating to The Samaritans. All the info can be found on the band's Instagram page: @reverend_makers

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we delve into the exhausting pursuit of perfection and its impact on mental health. Perfectionism is a word that gets thrown around a lot; many people proudly claim the label, seeing it as a positive trait. And, at times, it can be—perfectionism can drive ambition, discipline, and high achievement. However, research has consistently linked perfectionism to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

Joining host Gabby Sanderson is Vassia Sarantopoulou, a highly respected psychologist and founder of AntiLoneliness, who is also a recovering perfectionist. Vassia works with ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking and perfectionism, overwhelmed by stress and burnout, and unable to stay focused or find joy in a demanding world. Her mission is to help impact-makers transform perfectionism into progress, increase productivity without sacrificing well-being, and achieve sustainable success.

In this conversation, Vassia unpacks the complexities of perfectionism and its toll on mental health. She discusses the fine line between healthy striving and the debilitating need to be flawless, offering insights into how perfectionism can trap us in cycles of self-doubt, fear, and burnout. Gabby and Vassia also explore how societal pressures and personal fears fuel the need to be impeccable, and how today’s “hustle culture” has exacerbated perfectionism in the workplace.

Vassia shares practical strategies to break free from the relentless pressure to be perfect—especially for those who may struggle during the holidays with the pressure to create the "perfect Christmas." This candid conversation provides tools to quiet the inner critic, set healthier expectations, and embrace self-compassion as a powerful tool for growth.

Whether you grapple with perfectionism yourself, know someone who does, or are simply curious about its psychological effects, this episode offers valuable guidance and encouragement to overcome the paralyzing fear of imperfection and live a happier, healthier, and more authentic life.

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

Money is more than just a tool for paying bills or buying things, it can be deeply symbolic and emotionally charged. For many, financial struggles are closely intertwined with mental health challenges. Research conducted by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, revealed that in England alone, over 1.5 million people struggle with both problem debt and mental health issues. Of those surveyed, 86% said their financial situation had worsened their mental health.

Becoming more aware of how our thoughts, emotions, and past experiences shape our money habits, may not magically solve financial hardships, but it can be a positive step toward building a healthier relationship with money and regaining a sense of control. The complexities of money, which is crucial for our survival, highlight the profound connection between financial well-being and mental health, offering a pathway to greater understanding and empowerment.

The Happier Life Project welcomes Vicky Reynal a London-based psychotherapist specialising in the psychology of money. Vicky is author of the award-winning book 'Money on Your Mind: The Psychology Behind Your Financial Habits', which is being translated into eight languages, and will land in the US on January 7th (available to pre order now). In her psychotherapy clinic, Vicky works with clients on a range of issues including; debt, excessive greed, financial conflict, and money secrecy. Using psychodynamic principles, she helps people uncover and address the emotions driving their financial behaviours. Vicky’s expertise has been featured in The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times, The Daily Mail and Psychologies.

​​In this episode of The Happier Life Project host Gabby Sanderson speaks to Vicky about why money can feel so emotionally charged, and why people often react defensively when it comes to financial matters. Vicky explains how decoding the hidden emotions behind spending, saving, and financial conflict, can help foster understanding and drive meaningful change. The money and mental health expert also explains why being more open and honest in communication about our finances—whether with friends, family members, or even bill companies—can help alleviate stress and build a healthier relationship with our bank balance. By addressing financial concerns directly, rather than burying our heads in the sand and reacting with "vague defences" like avoidance or procrastination, Vicky discusses how most people feel much better after opening up, realising that often things aren’t as bad as they seemed.

Vicky also shares practical advice on creating a healthier relationship with money to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Tune in to discover how decoding the emotional connection to your finances can transform your mental wellness, and your approach to money.

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

Vitality is the sense of mental and physical freedom; a powerful inner energy that fuels us to live fully and connect deeply. It’s about beginning each day with purpose and feeling a strong sense of belonging with those around us. Often described as “health of spirit,” vitality is the positive feeling of aliveness and energy that lies at the heart of well-being.

Living a vital life, filled with purpose and engagement, helps us manage stress more effectively. When we feel energized and connected, it becomes easier to cope with anxiety, lower stress levels, and lift our mood. Vitality is also linked to positive emotions like joy, satisfaction, and gratitude, creating a cycle of well-being that enhances both mental and physical health.

However, many people struggle with vitality due to a combination of modern lifestyle factors, environmental influences, and various internal and external challenges. Chronic stress, poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, lack of physical activity, disconnection and isolation, a lack of purpose or fulfillment, negative thought patterns, and digital overload are just some of the key reasons behind this struggle.

The good news is that by knowing the right steps to take, small, simple actions can lead to remarkable improvements. To help guide us on this journey, The Happier Life Project welcomes Suzanne Boerma, a vitality expert from The Netherlands, with eight years of experience helping people lead healthier, more balanced lives. Suzanne works for a local authority, assisting individuals in adopting healthier habits, and also freelances with various occupational health services to support employees facing mental health challenges, helping them reclaim well-being and reintegrate into the workplace.

Talking to host Gabby Sanderson, Suzanne explains why feeling connected to others, an essential part of vitality, improves emotional stability, reduces loneliness, and fosters a sense of belonging, all of which are crucial for mental health. Suzanne shares insights into building and sustaining vitality, explaining why small lifestyle changes can make a significant impact. She also discusses her non-negotiable daily habits that help her lead her most vibrant life and teaches listeners the four short, simple exercises she calls the "vita-break", easy stretches you can do daily from your desk to improve posture and relieve the tension that builds up in hunched muscles.

Listen now for the best hacks to boost physical and mental energy and infuse every day with renewed purpose. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, re-energize your body, or simply add a few moments of self-care into your busy schedule, Suzanne’s practical advice is sure to inspire. Join us as we uncover the small shifts that lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling life; one step, stretch, and vita-break at a time.

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we’re tackling something we all face, how to own our struggles in the areas that challenge us most. From navigating friendships and work pressures to dealing with technology overload, dating dilemmas, and toxic family environments, we cover it all.

Host Gabby Sanderson is joined by Minaa B., a licensed social worker, mental health educator, wellness coach, and author of 'Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World'. Minaa has extensive experience in mental health, having worked in fields specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma. She’s also the founder of a mental health consulting practice, collaborates with organizations to promote psychological safety, and serves on the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez. Additionally, Minaa is the host of the podcast Mindful With Minaa, where she shares her insights on emotional wellness and healing.

Tune in to hear Gabby and Minaa explore how to face life’s challenges head-on, embrace vulnerability, and build resilience through community care. They discuss toxic productivity in the workplace, navigating difficult family dynamics, and the importance of setting boundaries online. Minaa also offers guidance on accepting our parents' flaws, handling sibling conflicts, and strengthening connections with others and ourselves. 

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself

To follow Minaa B. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minaa_b

Minaa’s Website: https://www.minaab.com/

Order Minaa’s Book from UK: Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World

Order Minaa’s Book from US: Owning Our Struggles USA

Cyclical living is the practice of aligning with the natural cycles and rhythms present in our lives, whether it’s the seasons, the Moon, your menstrual cycle, or your circadian rhythm. It can also apply to how we approach projects, meetings, or plan activities at work. 

Everything in our environment and bodies operates in cycles—our sleep patterns, hormonal shifts, breathing, and heartbeat. The essence of cyclical living involves being mindful of these rhythms and adapting to the natural ebbs and flows of energy and emotions. For instance, in women's health, cyclical living often focuses on the menstrual cycle, encouraging individuals to adjust energy levels, productivity, self-care, and social activities according to the phases of their cycle (menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases).

More broadly, it can be applied to how we engage with seasonal changes—rest and introspection during winter, renewal and activity in spring. Cyclical living promotes tuning into these rhythms to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby speaks with Lou Perham, a Menstruality and Cyclical Living Mentor, educator, and speaker. Lou empowers women to embrace their cycles, prioritise rest, and find balance by syncing with life’s natural rhythms. Whether it's the menstrual cycle, lunar phases, or seasonal transitions, Lou uses this framework to guide individuals toward holistic well-being.

Lou shares her powerful story of healing and transformation through cyclical living. At 25, she was diagnosed with PCOS and told it was unlikely she would fulfil her dream of becoming a mother. However, by embracing the cyclical way of life, Lou was able to conceive naturally at 32. Lou offers practical advice on how to integrate cyclical living into daily life and explains its profound benefits for our mental health, highlighting how it reduces stress and burnout by encouraging self-compassion and acceptance of natural energy fluctuations. This approach also fosters greater self-awareness, helping individuals avoid the guilt or frustration that comes from trying to maintain a constant level of productivity.

Tune in to learn all about cyclical living and how this practice can be a transformative way to reconnect with yourself and improve your mental and physical health.

To download the My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast

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