In this episode, we sit down with Luke Ballantyne , Alcohol & Addiction Recovery Coach, to explore the complex landscape of addiction, recovery, and personal transformation.

Luke shares his insights on the psychological underpinnings of addictive patterns, the role of attachment and trauma in substance use, and what it really takes to build sustainable recovery. We discuss the systemic gaps in traditional addiction treatment, the power of authentic connection in healing, and how individuals can break destructive cycles to reclaim their lives.

Whether you're navigating your own recovery journey, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the human capacity for change, this conversation offers a raw and honest look at one of society's most misunderstood challenges.

Key Topics:

• The psychology behind addiction and recovery
• Attachment patterns and their role in addictive behaviour
• Building support systems that actually work
• Breaking the shame cycle
• What sustainable recovery looks like

Find Luke here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeballantyne/

#TheHumanPetriDish #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #RecoveryCoach #BreakingCycles #Sobriety #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealthPodcast #PersonalTransformation #TraumaInformed #RecoveryJourney #PsychologyPodcast #SubstanceUse #HealingJourney #AddictionSupport #ChangeIsPossible

Welcome back to The Human Petri Dish. In this episode, Andrew Boyton is joined once again by relationship coach Mila Smith to explore what new beginnings really mean in dating and relationships. Moving beyond “New Year, New You” clichés, they dig into how to date with clarity, courage, and self-awareness, without dragging old patterns into new connections.

Episode Summary

Andrew and Mila revisit themes of endings, healing, and emotional baggage, and bring them firmly into the world of modern dating. The conversation focuses on the crucial difference between chemistry and compatibility, and why so many promising connections fail when core values are left unspoken.

Drawing on research and clinical experience, Mila challenges the popular advice to “keep first dates light,” arguing instead for early, honest conversations about fundamental life values such as monogamy, commitment, family, money, religion, politics, and pace. These, she explains, are among the strongest predictors of long-term relationship success.

They explore dating apps, expectations around exclusivity, and when (and how) to talk about staying on or coming off the apps. The episode also tackles sexual intimacy, attachment, hormones, and why some people bond quickly after sex, across all genders, while others need a slower, more deliberate pace.

A key takeaway:

Authenticity narrows the pool, but saves heartache. Being clear about who you are, what you want, and what you can offer is not “too much”, it’s essential. At the same time, Mila cautions against sharing deep trauma too early, emphasising that vulnerability should follow trust, not replace it.

This is a grounded, compassionate conversation about dating bravely, knowing yourself, and choosing compatibility over chemistry alone.

#TheHumanPetriDish #Relationships #DatingWisdom #CompatibilityOverChemistry #AuthenticDating #HealthyRelationships #Attachment #ModernDating #FirstDates #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologyOfLove #Boundaries #SelfAwareness #RelationshipScience

What happens when love leaves a mark? In this heartfelt episode of The Human Petri Dish, Andrew Boyton and relationship coach Mila Smith explore what it really means to date after a difficult ending. Whether you’re freshly single, still healing, or wondering if you’re ready to open your heart again, this conversation stirs curiosity, honesty, and compassion in equal measure.

Together, they unpack the tender questions: Are you ready to love? Are you ready to be trusted? Are you ready to care and share, again?

From the quiet ache of loss to the brave spark of new beginnings, this episode reminds us that healing isn’t linear, and that readiness isn’t about perfection, but presence.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too soon to move on, or felt nervous about opening up after being hurt,

 this episode offers gentle wisdom and grounded humour. Andrew and Mila bring empathy and playfulness to one of love’s most universal experiences: starting again.

Subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts. Have a story or question about healing and new love? Join our WhatsApp community and be part of The Human Petri Dish conversation.

#DatingAfterBreakup #HumanPetriDish #Healing #ReadyToLove #RelationshipPodcast #MilaSmith #AndrewBoyton #DatingPostBereavement  #DatingPostBereavement 

Welcome to The Relationship Lab: In this episode of The Human Petri Dish, host Andrew Boyton is joined by relationship coach Mila Smith and puts the microscope on dating dynamics. Are your romantic choices toxic, or is it you? Together, we explore dating behaviours, red flags, and boundaries in the messy experiment of human connection.

From subtle control patterns to outright destructive behaviours, Andrew dissects the signs of toxicity in relationships and offers practical guidance to identify, reflect, and respond.

This episode is both playful and serious, helping you examine your role and your partner’s role in the dating lab.

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I toxic?” or “Is my date toxic?”, this episode provides clarity, practical advice, and reflective experiments to improve your dating life. Learn to make choices that honour both yourself and others.

Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Want to discuss your dating experiments or ask questions? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!

#HumanPetriDish #ToxicDatingPodcast #AmIToxicInARelationship #DatingToxicitySigns #RelationshipBoundaryPodcast #Boundaries #Relationships #Dating #Flags #RedFlag

Welcome to the Lab! Welcome to The Human Petri Dish, where we stir up the science of relationships with a splash of humour and a pinch of wisdom! Join your host, Andrew Boyton, as he chats with the delightful relationship coach, Mila Smith.

In this episode, we dive into the colourful world of dating, exploring red flags, green flags, and everything in between.

Whether you're a seasoned dater or just testing the waters, prepare for a rollercoaster of insights, laughs, and aha moments. If you're ready to take your relationship game to the next level, this episode is for you!

If you’ve ever wondered whether someone’s behaviour is a warning sign or a green light, this episode provides clarity, actionable insights, and a fun, experimental approach to dating. Learn to make choices that support healthier, happier connections.

Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Have questions or stories about dating to discuss? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!

#HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RedFlags #GreenFlags #MilaSmith #RelationshipAdvice #Dating #ReadytoDate #Singles

Welcome to the Lab! Join the delightful duo, Mila Smith and Andrew Boyton, as they dive into the whimsical world of dating and relationships! In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of love, from the art of self-discovery to the magic of finding your perfect match.

With a sprinkle of humour and a dash of wisdom, Mila shares her secrets on avoiding dating disasters and embracing the quirks that make us unique. Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and aha moments as you learn to navigate the dating scene with clarity, honesty, and a whole lot of fun!

If you want to approach dating with clarity, honesty, and a sense of fun, this episode is your guide. Learn how to connect authentically, laugh along the way, and make wiser relationship choices.

Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Have questions or stories about dating to discuss? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!

Tags: #HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RelationshipAdvice #MilaSmith #SelfDiscovery #FindingLove #Singles #Loneliness

Welcome to the Lab! Get ready to dive into the delightful chaos of love with relationship expert Mila Smith and your ever-curious host, Andrew Boyton! In this episode, we unravel the tangled web of romance, exploring why finding "the one" might just be a myth and how emotional baggage can be your unexpected travel companion.

Mila shares her journey from relationship mishaps to matchmaking mastery, offering playful yet profound insights into trust, mutuality, and the art of loving wisely. Tune in for a rollercoaster of revelations and a sprinkle of humour as we navigate the wild world of relationships!

If you’re ready to explore the playful, messy, and enlightening side of love, this episode is your perfect companion. Learn to navigate dating challenges, recognize patterns, and approach relationships with curiosity, humour, and wisdom.

Listen now, like, subscribe, and share with friends. Want to discuss your dating experiences or ask questions? Join our WhatsApp community and bring your curiosity straight to the lab!

#HumanPetriDish #DatingPodcast #RelationshipAdvice #MilaSmith #TrustAndMutuality #Coaching #Relationships #DatingApps #Dating

Welcome to The Human Petri Dish, where we examine what makes modern connection thrive, or sometimes glitch.

In this episode, Andrew and Jericho take a closer look at reciprocity in digital communication, that delicate dance of give-and-take that defines how we connect online. From the emotional weight of a “seen” message to the artful placement of an emoji, they explore how intention, empathy, and curiosity can turn digital exchanges into genuine human connection.

It’s a conversation about presence in a world of pings and previews — and how understanding the psychology of response can help us build trust, care, and clarity through the screen.

Whether you’re managing a team remotely, texting a partner, or navigating online communities, this episode will help you reflect on how to communicate with care and clarity. Expect humour, honesty, and some “aha” moments about the modern language of empathy.

Andrew is a dedicated coach, counsellor, and consultant with over 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals. He works with people to gain inner peace, develop resilience, and build healthy, lasting relationships.

With care, commitment, and compassion, Andrew specialises in supporting individuals and organisations who are dealing with trauma, loss, or struggle, especially those who feel misunderstood, lost, confused, or hopeless. His work bridges psychology, leadership, and relational science to help people grow stronger together.

Mila is a certified relationship and dating coach dedicated to helping individuals build and maintain healthy, fulfilling connections. After spending years in the corporate world, she decided to pursue her true passion: guiding men and women in their quest to find ideal partners and cultivate lasting happiness in their relationships.

Drawing on her extensive experience and training, Mila provides insightful advice, practical strategies, and personalised support to empower her clients in achieving their relationship goals. Her approach blends humour, empathy, and realism — creating a safe space where people can rediscover trust, confidence, and joy in connection.

Listen, like, and share with friends — and if you’ve got your own digital dilemmas, we’d love to hear from you! Join our WhatsApp community and keep the conversation alive beyond the inbox.

#HumanPetriDish #DigitalConnection #Reciprocity #Empathy #Relationships #Dating #OnlineCommunication #Relationships #AndrewBoyton #MilaSmith #TheRelationshipLab

In this thought-provoking episode, Āndrew delves into the often-overlooked art of ending professional relationships with care and intention. They explore why goodbyes matter, not just personally, but organisationally and how companies can evolve their exit processes to foster trust, dignity, and long-term connection.

Through candid conversation and real-world insights, the duo highlights the emotional and cultural impact of professional endings, revealing how a human-centric approach can transform transitions into opportunities for growth and goodwill.

Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating change, this episode offers fresh perspectives on how to end well—and why every ending is also a beginning.

A dedicated coach, counsellor and consultant with 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families navigate life challenges to achieve their life goals. He works with people to gain inner peace, develop resilience, and build healthy, lasting relationships. With care, commitment, and compassion, he specialises in supporting individuals and organisations dealing with trauma, loss, or struggle, especially when feeling misunderstood, lost, confused, or hopeless.

Listen, subscribe, and share your reflections. How does your organisation say goodbye? What could ending well look like for you?

In this episode, Jericho and Āndrew delve into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of self-worth, purpose, and the critical role relationships play in our lives.

They discuss the importance of intentionality in relationships, the concept of connected autonomy, and how understanding the purpose of a relationship can lead to healthier, more sustainable connections.

Join them as they navigate the intricate dynamics of human interaction, offering insights and reflections that resonate on both personal and professional levels.