In this episode, Leaf and Elfie are joined by Jo Woolf, the writer in residence of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Jo is the author of The Great Horizon, a collection of stories about explorers and adventurers who have shaped our world. Jo shares her passion for the British Isles and their rich heritage of myths and legends. She tells us about some of the places that inspired her, such as Loch Ness, Stonehenge, Glastonbury and the Isle of Skye. She also reveals some of the lesser-known tales that are hidden in the landscapes, Join us as we discover the magic and mystery of Britain's natural and cultural wonders.

We speak to Ryan A Bush, founder of Designing the Mind,  and author of bestselling book, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture. Ryan discusses his new book, Become Who You Are (out to buy in 2024),  and on the show, provides listeners with invaluable insights and techniques to get into positive states through the path of self-becoming. 

Ryan A Bush is a designer and thinker focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. Ryan's central purpose is to provide wisdom, education, and expand human potential beyond the norm. 

Ryan has kindly provided a link for you to get a free copy of The Book of Self Mastery, which is a thoughtfully curated and commentated selection of passages from the wisest thinkers in history on the discipline of mastering yourself. 

And as mentioned on the show, you can apply to join Mindform! 

In this episode Dr. Palanisamy discusses his groundbreaking 5-step approach to treating and healing autoimmune conditions. 

Leaf and Elfie, delve into topics such as addressing toxins, healing infections, improving gut health, proper nutrition, and conscious rest. Dr. Akil’s unique blend of functional medicine, Ayurveda, and ancestral nutrition offers a natural and effective “root cause” approach to autoimmune disease management. His protocol aims to empower individuals to prevent and reverse autoimmune diseases, providing hope and practical guidance for those struggling with conditions like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, lupus, allergies, and eczema.

This episode is essential for those curious about autoimmune diseases and looking for practical ways to enhance their health.

In this episode we discuss pain with Kevin Hunt, a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years of clinical experience working with people suffering from persistent pain. In his groundbreaking book, Pain: The Ultimate Mentor, we challenge misconceptions about pain and explore Hunt's holistic framework on utilising your body and mind to live a better life.  A must-read for not only people suffering from persistent pain but a useful guide for all to have a greater understanding of our bodies to live a better life. 

In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Jay Shafer, the esteemed godfather of the tiny home movement and author of the renowned book, "The Small House Book."

Join us on a journey through the remarkable story of Jay Shafer, a true pioneer who has redefined the concept of home with his innovative designs and unwavering passion for simplicity. Discover the influence he has had on the tiny house movement, inspiring countless individuals to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and pursue their big dreams within small spaces.

In this interview, we delve into the philosophy behind the small house revolution and its impact on communities, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. Jay Shafer's expertise in crafting compact, functional spaces has made him an internationally recognized authority on the subject. Gain exclusive insights into his ingenious techniques for maximizing space, optimizing storage, and creating harmonious environments within tiny homes.

Whether you're a dedicated minimalist or simply curious about the possibilities of small space design, get ready to be inspired and empowered as we uncover the secrets of tiny living with the visionary founder himself. 

Check out Jay Shafer on his website

In this podcast interview, we sit down with Patrick Alley, author of Very Bad People, as he shares his experiences investigating human rights abuses across the globe.

Alley recounts tales of car chases through Cambodia and the bravery required to confront corrupt officials and criminals. His firsthand accounts of the political landscape in Cambodia provide a captivating listen, shedding light on the terrible atrocities committed by those in power. If you're a fan of true crime and investigative journalism, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we gain a new perspective on the harsh realities of our world and the fight for justice and human rights.


Patrick Alley co-founded Global Witness, an organisation investigating global corruption and environmental and human rights abuses. Check out his book Very Bad People. 

Also aired on RadioReverb

We speak with human rights barrister, Adam Wagner, about his new book Emergency State: How We Lost Our Freedoms in the Pandemic and Why it Matters.

Adam is the UK’s leading authority on the law relating to COVID-19. From 2020-2021 he was Specialist Advisor to Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into the government’s response to the pandemic and assisted in the writing of five reports.   
 
Adam founded and chairs the multi-award winning human rights education charity EachOther, set up the widely-read UK Human Rights Blog and hosts the UK’s leading human rights podcast, the Better Human Podcast. As well as being a trusted commentator on TV and radio explaining COVID-19 law to the public.

Follow Adam on Twitter  @AdamWagner1

Also aired on RadioReverb 

In this episode we speak to Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures, Marion Gibson from University of Exeter.

From Salem to rural Sussex - Marion investigates witch trials and what they can tell us about culture, politics, religion and gender throughout history.

Marion helps us explore questions:

Were women the only ones accused of casting spells?
What motivated communities to turn on their friends?
Why might some women be seen as dangerous and 'bewitching'?

Marion's book on witches in Essex, 'The Witches of St Osyth: Persecution, Betrayal and Murder in Elizabethan England', is now available.  And check out Marion's latest book, Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials, which investigates some of the most famous trials from the middle ages to the 18th century and takes us in new and surprising directions.  

In this episode we speak with Vegan Choice Award Winner, Ben Richardson AKA Ben the Forest Foodie. Ben is a writer, forest school teacher, blogger, photographer and vegan influencer. 

We speak to Ben about how an internship on an organic farm changed his life and turned him vegan! As well as how children benefit from forest schools and being in nature. We learn about forest bathing, finding calm at home, and how to make delicious vegan sushi! 

@bentheforestfoodie
✨ VEGAN CHOICE AWARD WINNER ✨
😊 PR, Staff Writer & Content @vlanduk 💚
Forest School Teacher 🌿
TikTok: bentheforestfoodie

Why do hugs feel good? 
Can hugs cure loneliness and depression? 
Is hugging a tree good for you?
What is the optimal length of time to hug for "feel-good" hormones? 
Can you hug yourself? 

In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Prof. Sebastian Ocklenburg about the science of hugging to find out answers to these questions and understand his research on social touch.

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D., is a professor for research methods in psychology at the Department of Psychology at MSH Medical School, Hamburg, Germany.

In this episode we speak with  the No.1 Laughter Yoga UK Facilitator, Pete Cann. Join along with some laughter exercises, and discover the therapeutic benefits of laughing including:

• Bonding with family, friends and colleges
• Techniques to release happy hormones 
• how to laugh when life isn't very funny

Find out more on Pete's website or visit his youtube channel for inspiration.  
https://www.youtube.com/c/PeteCann-TheLaughterMan

Virtual reality is more widely used than ever before - from virtual documentaries on social issues to the Metaverse and dance-off simulators. But can it be used to make us more empathetic? 

In this episode we we speak with Professor Matthew Cotton, Professor of Public Policy at Teesside University, UK. 

We discuss the use of VR in expanding our own experiences and seeing if the technology could have lasting impact on how we perceive other people.

Professor Matthew Cotton is a Lecturer at Teesside University and author of the book Virtual Reality, empathy and ethics 

On this podcast we speak with Kate Howells, who represents The Planetary Society. We discuss defending earth, aliens, other worlds, space exploration and priorities.

Kate is the author of Space Is Cool As F***, a science columnist for The Editorial Magazine, and creator, writer, and producer of the digital series Whoa. 

Kate serves on the Government of Canada's Space Advisory Board and is a trusted media source for expertise and analysis of Canadian space policy. 

Go to www.planetary.org for more information - sign up for the newsletter or/and become a member of The Planetary Society.

Is watching porn bad for you?

Free websites and smart phones make it easier than ever to watch porn - and billions of us are doing just that. But some scientists are starting to worry about the consequences and there is a growing movement away from pornography led by young men negativity affected by "the new drug".

We talk with experienced sex therapist Mig Bennett to find out some of the side effects of porn addiction. Mig works with individuals  where pornography, online sexual encounters, multiple affairs or use of sex workers is negatively affecting their lives and relationships.

To find out more about Mig's work with individuals and couples visit: www.migbennettrelationshipcounselling.co.uk

For more information and online support please visit:

No Fap Community  www.nofap.com
The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity www.atsac.org.uk 

In this episode Leaf and Elfie meet former Scientology member Chris Shelton and talk about his 30 years of experience in the organisation.

Chris now exposes Scientology and the psychology behind destructive cults.

Watch chris on Youtube or on his website: www.mncriticalthinking.com

In 2020, animal welfare charity Viva! launched 'Hogwood: A Modern Horror Story'. The documentary film is presented by Jerome Flynn and exposes the harrowing conditions on a Warwickshire pig farm. Their undercover footage ultimately forced big brand like Tesco to rethink their relationship with the company, but only after the animal-loving British public reacted to shocking scenes of abuse.

Does the exposé highlight one 'bad apple' in the industry, or does it completely shatter the consumers' idyllic image of farming?

In this interview, we meet Viva charity Founder and Director Juliet Gellatley and find out about the UK's factory farming industry.

Warning: Contains descriptions of animal cruelty that some listeners may find disturbing.

To watch the documentary visit Amazon: Hogwood: A Modern Horror story
For vegan recipes, advice and details of Viva's charitable work: Viva website

Brexit, animal welfare, legislation, schools, health - the food choices that we make are political. How does vegetarianism fit in? 

In this 'Vegetarian Special' podcast interview we speak with longtime animal rights campaigner, vegetarian and Conservative MP Henry Smith about the the challenges facing the UK.

• How might Brexit impact food standards e.g chlorinated chicken?
• Should care homes cater for our dietary choices in later life? 
• What are issues around animal welfare legislation? 
• Should dolphins be criminalised for getting high on puffer fish? 

To follow MP Henry Smith on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HenrySmithUK

In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Dr Carl Johan Calleman on the subject of Mayan Quantum Science and Psychedelics.

Dr Calleman is recognized as a world authority on the Mayan Calendar and his latest book ‘Quantum Science of Psychedelics’ launched this year on worldwide release.

We hear his theory that explains how psychedelics interact with the human mind to create altered states that may further the continued evolution of consciousness.

Website:  www.callemen.com
Amazon book link: Quantum Science and Psychedelics

To overcome anxiety and panic attacks, Ben Aldridge delves into the world of stoicism, Buddhism, CBT and  extreme challenges.

Ben's new book, How to be Comfortable with being Uncomfortable, is based on experiences building a resilient mind and body by getting out of his comfort zone in weird and wonderful ways including:

• Taking ice baths
• Climbing mountains
• Queuing unnecessarily 
• Inducing vertigo 
• Memorising a deck of cards
• Having an outrageous clothes day 

We talk to Ben about his 'Anti-bucket List' and learn his tips for overcoming anxiety and living a fuller, more exciting life.

Why not get uncomfortable and experience personal growth gained from pushing yourself to the limit? Join Ben's following online for more information.

www.benaldridge.com 
Instagram: @dothingsthatchallengeyou
Twitter: @iambenaldridge

It's a sad fact that young men often really struggle in our society.

95% of prisoners are men
80% of the homeless population is male
13 men every day will commit suicide

In this episode we speak with Hugh Newton, who leads the training at award-winning charity 'A Band of Brothers'. The organisation has an unorthodox approach to "re-fathering" young men and takes inspiration from the rites of passage ceremonies in African culture.

The charity has been successful in dramatically reducing the reoffending rate of young men and brings along with it a greater sense of community for men of all ages.

For more information about the charity visit www.abandofbrothers.org.uk

Follow on Twitter @band_brothersuk

Like on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABOBcommunity