The Happiness Algorithm

My guest has spent more than ten years in teaching and education. She’s seen first hand the struggles, pressures and demands that both teachers and children face. She’s seen how quickly and easily children can become disengaged when faced with a challenging task; how they feel they CAN’T do something, simply because it’s more difficult to achieve. Sadly, she’s observed how anxious and overwhelmed children have become when faced with the ever-increasing demands from the curriculum and from society as a whole. The feelings that arise from the pressure to conform, to do what everyone else is doing, and the overriding desire to ‘fit in’.

My guest witnessed children giving up too quickly. Beating themselves up because they made a mistake and got things wrong. Their confidence diminishing because they did not get the correct score or they are not part of the ‘in-crowd’.

My guest says that because of these pressures, children lose trust in themselves… they’re unwilling to “have a go”, and as one child said to her, “my worries make me feel as if I’m a tortoise stuck in a shell.”

This sadness spurred my guest on to develop POWER THOUGHTS an organisation specifically designed to help children arrest their negativity and anxiety when it comes to learning.

POWER THOUGHTS is a teaching, coaching and mindfulness-based service which is aimed at empowering children to tap into the ‘power’ of their minds. Sessions teach them how to become confident, resilient, and robust, developing a ‘can-do’ attitude that allows them to flourish both in and out of the classroom setting.

I was delighted to share a conversation with Natalie Costa.

My guest today grew up on the south coast. After leaving school at 16 he pursued a career in music, joining a band and touring the UK - with one of the highlights being a performance at Glastonbury festival!

After the birth of his first son, my guest found his passion for writing and went on to author nine children’s picture books.  His debut 'The Fearsome Beastie' won the People's Book Prize 2012, Heart of Hawick Children's Book Award in 2013, the Bizziebaby Gold Award and The US Forward National Literary Award. Many of his other titles have also gone on to be shortlisted for other prestigious awards.

It was in March this year my guest released his first novel for adults, One Hundred and Fifty-Two Days. Written in the first person, One Hundred and Fifty-two Days is a semi-autobiographical piece about a boy whose mother is terminally ill. Its emotive writing takes you on a journey of solitude, isolation attraction and frustration. Steeped in developmental angst its an incredible journey through a turbulent time and experience -a absolute masterpiece!

Not only is my guest an award-winning writer but he co-hosts and produces the award-nominated Blank Podcast!

I was delighted to welcome to the show  Mr Giles Paley-Phillips.

Off the back of an extremely busy Mental Health awareness week my guest today is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer, and vlogger.

At the age of 20 he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. Shortly after diagnosis my guest began to make films about his condition that have since go on and been watched by hundreds of thousands of people.

He has tirelessly campaigned and spoke about living with mental illness. He’s written articles, books and given many interviews on TV and Radio around the world. All in the hope that it helps stimulate conversation, educate, and break the stigma around our mental health.

Recognition came in 2017 when he was awarded an MBE for his services to mental health and suicide prevention.

Jonny joined me and shared his experience; difficulties and successes.  We discussed the importance of being heard and the loss of humanness.  We explored suicide, shame, embarrassment and guilt all that came with a mental health diagnosis.

We spoke about the importance of music, mindfulness and being kind to self.  

It’s mental health awareness week and what a way to mark it.  My guest today is from the beautiful Welsh town of Caerphilly. Since leaving school at 16 his ambition, drive and determination led him to a career in the heady world of show business.

His Welsh charm has seen him become a viewer’s favourite on shows such as This Morning, Ok, TV! And The National Lottery Draws.

Away from the cameras life has not always been easy, and it was in 2009 that my guest found himself making the most binary of decisions… choose life, or death.

I’m pleased to say that he chose life… and from then he has gone on to share his story and make talking about our mental health as normal as talking about our physical health.

He is an ambassador for the charity Mind and in 2015 was in the top 50 most in-demand charity ambassadors in the world.

I was honoured to be joined by that in demand gentleman… Mr Matt Johnson.

On today’s show I was joined by Gemma Louise Doyle.  A singer songwriter  who epitomises strength, courage and determination. After spending five years in hospital, battling a chronic illness, she now uplifts audiences, fans & followers, across the globe.

She believes that we all have a unique and significant purpose to help each other and make people happier in this World.

Whilst recovering from illness, she discovered that her talent for singing could uplift, heal & bring out the best of people.

Since then, she has committed her life to giving people joy, through music & entertainment.

She’s appeared in Las Vegas, London and performed in many high profile events across the world. Gemma has performed for Saudi Arabian royalty, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, and with Kaiser Chiefs, Ed Sheeran, Peter Andre, Claire Sweeney, McFly & Jimmy Osmond no less!

Gemma's vision is to help people to realise that everyone one of us, on this planet today, is significant and that we should treat each other with the kindness, gratitude and love that we all deserve.

On this week’s show we discussed all things self-care and how each and every one of us has the opportunity to become our best self.

I was joined by Jack Walton; a published author, speaker, mental health advocate, and fellow podcast presenter.  Last year, he released his first book, titled ‘Being The Best You’.   The book was an instant hit.  A self-help book, but not in the usual sense. It prides itself on it's no jargon approach. Simple, direct and REAL advice from someone who has completely turned their life around.  Jack discovered the power within, the power (that he says) we all possess.

Jack turned his life around after suffering with poor mental health and a negative mindset, throughout his childhood and teenage years. He struggled to accept his sexuality and had zero prospects or motivation. In 2016 Jack discovered the power of positive thinking and the Law of Attraction after a spiritual awakening, from there, things have changed for the better. Jack has achieved things he never thought possible.  He recovered from PTSD, accepts his sexuality and is now on a mission to motivate and inspire others to live their very best lives - something he says, we all deserve!

I was joined on the show today by Alex Dodman, the man behind the very popular Instagram account - The Food Grinder.  Alex now operates under his own name and shares posts on the 'stuff' he loves to build.  His social media account has inspired thousands to ‘have a go’ at things. Initially in and around the kitchen and now branching out in all areas of the house.

We discussed how a lot can be achieved by having a go and taking our time over tasks. Slowing things down and enjoying the process. We can learn to embrace failure, embrace the lost art of knowing when to stop and when to push through, and accept that perfection is an illusion.

We should adopt a more creative way of thinking, be more authentic and learn to focus on doing what we love.

Another lock down edition of The Happiness Algorithm with my very special guest, Andy Kershaw.  A former professional rugby player for London Irish, Wasps and Saracens. Currently a real estate developer and project manager for Kersh & Co, but more importantly a public figure and advocate for our mental wellness.  We discussed the organisation he's pioneered with his wife Alice, The Authentic Man.  We explored the importance of authenticity; what it means and how we can cultivate.

Andy shared his journey through therapy.  The awakening this brought and how he has learnt the important lesson of observing and accepting difficult emotions.  Through enabling a presence of mind he has been able to release himself of unhealthy coping mechanisms and find a way of living that is adding peace and happiness to his life.

Andy shares how we can all experience a happier existence by being more authentic and embracing the parts of our self that we want to hide away.  We no longer need to keep wearing a mask!

We had to take a short break due to COVID-19 but WE'RE BACK!  The Happiness Algorithm returned this week with special guest Ryan Holder.  Ryan is a personal coach and was our guest on the very first show.  We invited him back to talk Mental Health, Emotional Well-being and what we can do to make us that little bit happier!

Today, Ryan returned and shared his thoughts on how we could best get through this current crisis.  He shared his Focus Move Fun (FMF) philosophy.  Discussed the importance of recording daily wins and goal setting.  He encouraged us to change our mindset at the beginning of each day by acknowledging what we are grateful for.  Finally, he reminded us that we must accept difficult emotions and hard days.  Be present with our mind, allowing us to make better choices.

I was joined in the studio by Jack Pridmore, mental health advocate, TV Z-lister (his words not mine) and published author. His book, 'Life on the other side' - is not just one book, but two! – a book written from a lived experience perspective. A 'guide' on seeking recovery from mental health problems, or for individuals supporting someone that is struggling with their MH.

The book delves into different modes of recovery in realistic situations and provides a refreshingly honest, open, humorous and positive guide on how he found his version of recovery from mental health and addiction.

Having seen life with and without recovery.  Jack shared his vibrant story so that you can learn from his mistakes rather than your own.

We discussed work, school, life, love, self care, crisis, anxiety, health anxiety and OCD.  Jack provided practical help and advice, fostering hope which we all need when going through difficulties.