Alison Spittle ‘The compulsion to eat was stronger than wanting to live’

Fatiha El-Ghorri: 'When you are confronted with your bias, you explore it'

Jul 6, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope?, host John Robbins sits down with comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about identity, resilience, and the challenges of carving out a path in the public eye. Fatiha, known for her stand-up comedy and television appearances, opens up about her upbringing in a large, blended family, reflecting on the profound impact of losing her father at a young age and the subsequent struggles her mother faced. The discussion moves into the complexities of cultural and gender expectations. Fatiha shares her experiences with marriage and the difficult journey of leaving a toxic relationship, providing raw insight into the realities of the housing crisis and the sisterhood she found while navigating life in a women’s shelter. She also challenges the assumptions people make about her as a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, explaining how she navigates the pressures of representation while staying true to her authentic, often bold, comedic voice. The two explore how being confronted with one’s own biases can lead to growth, and why it is essential to remain open to the diverse lived experiences of those around us.

Your Correspondence #5

Jun 29, 202654 minSummary

In this correspondence episode of How Do You Cope?, the host engages with listeners by addressing their reflections and questions regarding previous episodes. The conversation centers on the complexities of addiction, shame, and the formative nature of life events. The host discusses the visceral, often hidden nature of food addiction, emphasizing that the compulsion to binge is frequently rooted in a deep sense of shame rather than a lack of discipline. Building on these themes, the dialogue expands to the impact of childhood trauma and parental absence, suggesting that individuals have the power to reshape the narrative surrounding these formative moments. The episode also highlights the importance of finding healthy, soothing habits—not as replacements for addiction, but as part of a journey toward self-acceptance. By answering thoughtful inquiries about navigating anxiety, societal expectations of relationships, and the search for turning points in recovery, the host fosters a space for vulnerability. Ultimately, the discussion promotes the idea that coping with life’s challenges is a continuous process that requires self-compassion, patience, and the courage to confront the narratives we tell ourselves.

Sam Bagshaw: The Gratitude List

Jun 25, 202611 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope?, host John sits down with guest Sam Bagshaw to explore the power of gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset. Despite facing the unique challenges of living with a stammer, Sam shares how he navigates social interactions, career ambitions, and travel with resilience and optimism. The conversation centers on Sam’s personal gratitude list, which highlights the importance of supportive family, the independence gained through solo travel, and the confidence he has developed by sharing his journey online. Beyond his personal reflections, Sam provides valuable insights into how society and businesses can become more inclusive. He discusses the anxiety often caused by phone-based interactions and proposes practical solutions, such as digital forms that allow individuals to indicate a speech impediment in advance. By fostering this awareness, Sam believes that both businesses and individuals can create a more accessible environment for those who experience communication barriers. Throughout the discussion, Sam demonstrates how surrounding oneself with positive influences and challenging personal limits can lead to significant personal growth and a deeper sense of self-assurance.

Sam Bagshaw: 'My stammer isn't stopping me'

Jun 22, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope, host John Robins speaks with content creator Sam Bagshaw, who has gained significant social media attention for his videos documenting his life with a stammer. The conversation explores the challenges Sam has faced since developing a stammer at age four and his journey from avoiding public speaking to proactively putting himself in challenging situations. Sam shares insights into the physical and emotional experience of stammering, describing it as a "block" that can be exacerbated by nerves and pressure. He discusses the evolution of his relationship with his speech, moving away from a desire to hide it toward a mindset of acceptance and openness. A key focus of the discussion is how Sam uses everyday interactions—such as ordering at a drive-thru or attending speed dating—as a way to build confidence and challenge societal perceptions. Additionally, the two discuss the role of physical exercise, particularly running, in regulating breathing and helping manage speech-related anxiety. Sam offers practical advice for those navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of patience, self-compassion, and the value of being authentic in public.

Kelsey Waghorn: The Gratitude List

Jun 18, 202619 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope?, host John sits down with Kelsey Waghorn to explore the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of establishing daily habits for mental well-being. Reflecting on her own journey, Waghorn discusses how she incorporated a gratitude practice into her routine as a tangible way to process pain and navigate difficult chapters of her life. She explains that the exercise, which involves identifying three things she is grateful for and one thing she has learned each day, does not always need to be profound; sometimes it is as simple as noticing a good cup of coffee or the absence of bad weather. Throughout the conversation, the two discuss the discipline required to turn these practices into automatic habits. Waghorn also shares her perspective on setting boundaries, emphasizing the necessity of being protective of one’s time and energy after enduring trauma. The episode concludes with a live practice of the "three and one" exercise, providing listeners with a practical example of how to implement this tool to foster a more positive outlook, even during challenging times.

Kelsey Waghorn: 'There’s nothing quite like someone telling you, "you are normal"'

Jun 15, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope?, host John Robbins sits down with Kelsey Waghorn to discuss her harrowing experience as a survivor of the 2019 White Island volcanic eruption in New Zealand. After suffering full-thickness burns across 45 percent of her body, Kelsey faced a grueling, years-long journey of physical recovery and profound psychological trauma. The conversation delves into the complexities of healing, with Kelsey explaining that the process was far from linear. She opens up about the reality of recovery fatigue, the trauma inherent in medical procedures, and the challenge of managing PTSD after witnessing the loss of colleagues and friends. Kelsey shares her perspective on how she learned to navigate her mental health, emphasizing the importance of finding the right therapeutic approach after initial attempts failed to provide relief. Throughout the episode, they touch upon the power of the mind as both a tool and a source of conflict. Kelsey reflects on how she moved through the isolation of her situation, ultimately finding ways to process her grief and reclaim her life. Her story offers a raw, insightful look at resilience and the courage required to survive life-altering catastrophes.

Scout Tzofiya Bolton: The Gratitude List

Jun 11, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope?, host John sits down with guest Scout Tzofiya Bolton for an intimate conversation focused on the practice of gratitude. Moving beyond previous discussions regarding mental health, incarceration, and creativity, the two explore how maintaining a gratitude list has served as a vital tool in Bolton's ongoing journey toward sobriety. Bolton shares the deeply personal items that anchor their daily life, emphasizing that the practice of acknowledging these small joys has significantly bolstered their resilience. The list is eclectic and heartfelt, ranging from the profound bond with their two children—who provide constant inspiration and joy—to the specific comforts that help navigate daily challenges. Bolton discusses the importance of small routines, such as monthly beauty treatments and a dedicated daily ritual centered around listening to the music of Elliott Smith. They also highlight the surprising solace found in the television series House M.D. and the simple, functional pleasure of sugar-free energy drinks. Throughout the conversation, Bolton reflects on the power of neuroplasticity and the conscious choice to focus on positivity to foster long-term personal growth and stability.

Scout Tzofiya Bolton: 'Trust the patient'

Jun 8, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope, host John Robins sits down with Scout Tzofiya Bolton, an author, poet, and broadcaster whose journey offers a profound look at the intersection of mental health, systemic failings, and personal resilience. Scout, who lives with schizoaffective disorder, recounts the long, difficult road to an accurate diagnosis and the recurring, seasonal nature of their manic and depressive episodes. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the inadequacies of the healthcare system. Scout shares the frustration of being dismissed as a nuisance—or misdiagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder—rather than receiving proactive psychiatric support. This neglect culminated in a 2023 prison sentence following an armed robbery committed during a state of severe psychosis. Despite the tragedy of that event, the conversation moves toward how prison inadvertently provided the structured care Scout previously struggled to access. By exploring their life through poetry and radio, Scout explains how they have managed to reclaim their identity and process the intense shame and guilt surrounding their past actions. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful call to "trust the patient" and emphasizes the necessity of early, compassionate mental health intervention.

Rhian Mannings: The Gratitude List

Jun 4, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of How Do You Cope, host John sits down with Rhian Mannings to explore the concept of gratitude as a powerful tool for navigating profound grief. Having experienced the tragic loss of her sons, George and Paul, Rhian shares her personal journey of finding hope even in the darkest circumstances. She discusses her philosophy of actively seeking out glimmers—small, positive moments or signs that offer comfort when life feels overwhelming. Throughout the conversation, Rhian reflects on the importance of community and open communication. She addresses the common discomfort people feel when speaking to those who are grieving, particularly regarding the subject of suicide, and emphasizes that saying something is almost always better than saying nothing at all. Rhian also highlights the moving work of her charity, Tish, and the significance of their Star Wall, a tribute that connects families and ensures no child is forgotten. From the simple joy of photography and the therapeutic nature of running to the deep emotional impact of music, Rhian offers listeners a poignant look at how gratitude and small, intentional actions can help sustain one’s spirit through life’s most difficult chapters.

Rhian Mannings: ‘Everyone grieves differently, there is no rule book’

Jun 1, 20261h 7mSummary

In this moving episode of How Do You Cope, host John Robbins sits down with Rianne Mannings, a woman who has endured profound, life-altering tragedy. In 2012, Rianne’s one-year-old son, George, passed away suddenly following a seizure, and just five days later, her husband, Paul, took his own life. Rianne opens up about the immediate aftermath of these losses, describing the cold, confusing, and impersonal process of dealing with authorities during such a traumatic time. She discusses the painful reality of having no support system in place, which contributed to the isolation that led to Paul’s death. Turning her grief into a powerful force for change, Rianne explains how she founded the charity 2 Wish. The organization works to ensure that no family is left alone after the sudden death of a child, providing bereavement support and creating private spaces in hospitals. Throughout the conversation, Rianne highlights the necessity of patience with oneself, the importance of maintaining routine for children, and the reality that everyone experiences grief differently. Her story is a testament to resilience, the healing power of open communication, and the importance of community in rebuilding a life after the unimaginable.