Thrive with ‘DrD’

Join ‘DrD’ Dorianne Weil in conversation with Daryl Brown as he shares his very personal story of deep depression, failed suicide in the London Underground, losing both legs and his subsequent journey from survival to thrival.

This story comes in World Mental Health Awareness Month*, and Daryl's message is one of challenging the stigma of mental illness and mental health; finding your voice and experiencing the healing power of support.

He and Dorianne also talk about the importance of authentic vulnerability; of questioning assumptions and being kind and compassionate to yourself.

*The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

These days we aim simply for survival .. getting through another day. What can we learn from couples who Thrive? Do they have less challenges or fewer problems? Of course not! It’s not whether there are difficulties .. it’s how they deal with them that determines Thrival.

Join ‘ DrD ‘ as she answers your questions and discusses 3 characteristics of healthy couples:

1. Space but not distance. Closeness but not intrusion

2. Task Negotiation - who does what around here?

3. Communication: how to talk so your partner listens. And how to listen so your partner talks.

In the latest Thrive with 'DrD' podcast, clinical psychologist Dorianne Weil explores the five stages of grief and how they relate to the state of the world due to the Coronavirus pandemic. What stage are you at - anger, denial, bargaining, sadness or acceptance? 'DrD' helps to make sense of our state of mind at this unprecedented time. She explores the concept of global mourning, and looks at why there's been an increase in the divorce rate.

Has your relationship taken strain over the past several months of lockdown living? Many couples have been together 24/7 - whereas previously they'd have time apart during the working day, and would reunite in the evening. 'DrD' Dorianne Weil has received numerous emails around this topic, and has some very practical advice for repairing or building a stronger relationship.

'DrD' Dorianne Weil is breaking with the podcast's regular format this week, in order to respond to some of your questions around living and surviving - and thriving - in this so-called new normal. 'DrD' - a clinical psychologist - has three key pieces of advice for those of us who're trying to cope in the coronavirus pandemic, including those who’re working on the frontline. It's practical advice that everyone coping in this pandemic needs to know, and share with loved ones. She also has a really profound comparison with the after effects of the horrific 9-11 terror attacks in New York in 2001. Read more here

Gaynor Young, an acclaimed actress and opera singer, had just performer in a play at the State Theatre in Pretoria when tragedy struck. During a change in scenery on stage, Gaynor took one false step and found herself tumbling off the stage, and ultimately down five floors to the basement level. It was an horrific fall of 18 metres onto a concrete floor. Gaynor broke almost every bone in her face and body and suffered a brain hemorrhage. What kept her going? She says it was the healing power of love. Gaynor never, ever gave up. Join ‘DrD’ and Gaynor as they talk about her journey to survival and then thrival. Gaynor's blog

Your personal energy levels determine it all, says leadership and business coach Colin Hall - who has over 60 years of business experience and who runs the 'Learning to Lead' programme. "If your energy's low, your brain is not fully functional," he tells 'DrD'. Colin is the ex-CEO of WoolTru, and the former MD of South African Breweries. He believes that all effectiveness is related to energy. So, how do we charge our batteries in a sustainable way, especially when your energy is your most precious resource, while negative energy is your heaviest burden? In this podcast, you'll find practical tips on how to charge your battery. Colin's website

Your innermost dominant thought becomes your outermost ‘tangible reality’. That's the belief of Dr John Demartini, Human Behavioural Specialist, Educator, Internationally Published Author and Business Consultant. He talks to 'DrD' about how to understand negative self talk – where it comes from and what purpose it serves; why you don't need to “fake it ‘til you make it” – he says authentic confidence is a natural by-product of living in alignment with your highest values; and how to develop authentic confidence – by focusing your energies on goals that naturally inspire you! Listen here...

* Note this episode was recorded before the national lockdown.

Did you know that people who are happier have substantially higher income; get sick less often and recover more quickly; have higher tolerance for pain, more tolerance for stress and less memory loss?

*Justin Cohen - bestselling author, global speaker and transformational coach - believes there are practical things you can do every day to be happier. In this podcast, he speaks to 'DrD' Dorianne Weil about the science of happiness.

*Along with Harvard professor Matt Killingsworth, Justin Cohen was the positive psychology expert on the global 'Joy takes you further' happiness campaign. He hosted Gurus on CNBC Africa where he interviewed some of the world’s leading experts on success. He is the host and coach on Mnet’s 'The Single Wives' starting on the 3rd of September. Justin is a doctoral candidate at Middlesex University in London.

Parenting in a digital world - where real predators roam - can be really tricky. ‘Be in Touch’ was initiated by Josh Ramsey to educate, connect and protect families and schools, and enable our children to ‘thrive’ in this current digital world. In this podcast, Josh and 'DrD' discuss essential interventions and how to maximise technology safely for the benefit of our children.

They also tackle:

• Screen time – quality over quantity

• Digital Family Alliance Forum – keeping your family connected

• Device\App\Game settings

• Parental insurance and control – prevent cyber-attacks and predatory grooming Be In Touch website