In this bonus episode, Lizzie and I speak about the pins and needles caused by the social concept of 'cool'. From aloof antisocial behaviour, perceived social statuses, censoring oneself, to warm and natural connection, we reflect on the liberation of the self and how progress is never made when everyone maintains the status quo.

Link for Soaring Segment

The Mix: support for under 25s

Mind: for better mental health

Shout: 24/7 Helpline

Samaritans: 24/7 Helpline

Under a brilliant blue sky, Ana and I speak about the pins and needles of feeling not good enough. From intentional self-development, anticipating rejection, the self-consciousness of being both not enough and too much, the conflict between personal choices and everyone else, fluctuations in confidence and positive outlook, to remembering perspective over ego, this is the eleventh and final episode of the first season!

Link for her chosen Soaring Segment

Ana as the Lead in a New Television Series

@anastasiamartin11

The Mix: support for under 25s

Mind: for better mental health

With a breathtaking view before us, Bella and I speak about the pins and needles of itching to take action. From how to move out of a rut, comparison with other people's productivity, scepticism towards creative careers, the place of the arts in society, to self-belief and being honest about hopes, this is the tenth constructive conversation of the series. 

Bella's Music

@is_a_bellaluca

The Arts Quotation From 'Dead Poets Society' 1989

The Mix: support for under 25s

Mind: for better mental health

Out in the dear town of St Andrews, Rob and I speak about the pins and needles of lows not involving professional help. From chance difficulties, expectations around University, surface-level perceptions, the move from home and homesickness, men's mental health, to looking ahead as a young adult, this is the ninth constructive conversation of the series.

CW: anxiety and depression mentioned

Link for his chosen Soaring Segment

Movember: men's mental health

Mind: for better mental health

Samaritans: 24/7 helpline

In the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Nessa and I speak about the pins and needles of discomfort either when you're restless or sluggish. From pent-up energy, boredom and idleness, the joys and challenges of stand-up comedy, nerves and confidence, boundaries and self-control, to sidestepping clichés around meditation, this is the eighth constructive conversation of the series.

Link for her chosen Soaring Segment

Headspace Meditation: a practice rooted in ancient history and a topic of modern science

Mind: for better mental health

Nessa's Stand-Up Comedy

On a hot summer day by the river, Pary and I speak about the pins and needles of extremes. From the highs when performing creatively and around people, the lows when spending time alone, judgement and preconception, affirmations and visualising, to being content regardless, this is the seventh constructive conversation of the series. 

Link for her chosen Soaring Segment

Pary's Music: @paradismusic

Amidst the breeze and rustling leaves in Regent's Park, Katie and I speak about the pins and needles of adolescence. From choosing how and with whom to spend your time, social pressure, different lifestyles at university, to knowing, accepting and not changing yourself, this is the sixth constructive conversation of the series.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Leon and I speak about the pins and needles of uncertainty. From moving countries and changing environments, comfort zones, overthinking, to self-confidence, this is the fifth constructive conversation of the series. 

*Please Excuse Audio Quality - Recorded Virtually*

His Soaring Segment: "An Aymara poet said to Vicente Huidobro: 'The poet is a god, don't sing about rain, poet. Make it rain.'" pg. xiii of The Cambridge Companion to Latin American Poetry.

In the peaceful Orleans House Gardens, Soph and I speak about the pins and needles of anxiety. From what it is and the experience, OCD tendencies, opening up and going to therapy, to self-worth and celebrating progress, this is the fourth constructive conversation of the series. 

CW: anxiety and OCD

Scarlett Curtis

Florence Given

Sarah Powell

Michelle Obama

Elizabeth Gilbert