LAST EPISODE OF SERIES TWO AND FOR THE FORSEEABLE!

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Author interview. 

Picture this: a woman, not just any woman, but a transformational doula, writer, and teacher, who bares her soul through her words and turns her challenges into empowerment. That’s Ebony Gilbert for you, the incredible author of 'This Skin I’m In'. In this collection of profound poems, she takes us on her journey of healing and transformation, a journey that spans experiences from motherhood to sobriety to ADHD.

You might ask, what sets Ebony's poetry apart? It's her raw and honest account of her life that resonates so deeply with readers. Her work is a weave of personal tales, from her role as a doula comforting birthing mothers to her path to sobriety and managing ADHD. Ebony also shares her struggles with body image, a universal issue for many, and how she has used it as a source of strength. The beauty in Ebony’s work is not just her ability to write about her own experiences, but how she encourages others to open up about their own.

This episode is a deep dive into life’s darker aspects, such as trauma and addiction. Ebony courageously discusses her encounters, revealing personal experiences that led to a heart-rending poem, 'Make Mine a Large'. Ebony's journey is one of transformation and healing; a testament to the power of poetry and the human spirit. So, join us as we examine the complexities of vulnerability, recovery, and the healing power of words with the incredible Ebony Gilbert.

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Friendaholic continued…

Ever wondered why some friendships outlast marriages, while others fizzle out like a weak firework? Elizabeth Day navigates the intricacies of human connection, from the complexities of social homeostasis to the impact of fertility on friendships. Discover Glennon Doyle's three criteria for a solid friendship and the psychology behind why our blood pressure might rise when dealing with unpredictable friends.

Dive right into a 21st-century conundrum - the role of social media and messaging apps in shaping our friendships. Are they truly boosting our psychological wellbeing, as suggested by a 2019 study by Dr Linda Kay and Dr Sally Quinn? Or are we losing our ability to connect and communicate genuinely? Hear about Elizabeth's experiences with Instagram and WhatsApp, her reflections on ended friendships, and how the theory of attachment by British psychologist John Bawlby has influenced her understanding of relationships.

Lastly, ponder on the true value of friendships - how many years does it take to consider someone a best friend? Can having a childhood best friend shape our future wellbeing? We explore a 2020 poll and several scientific studies that offer intriguing insights. We also discuss Nietzsche's concept of star friendships and whether dormant friendships still play a part in our lives. The conversation ends with a captivating comparison of the generosity of spirit as a measure of friendship. Tune in for a refreshing, in-depth discussion about the ties that bind us.

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No intro this episode - let’s just get straight into it! 

Have you ever questioned the dynamics of your friendships? Can you imagine those dynamics being influenced by your childhood trauma or even societal norms? We're exploring the fascinating world of friendships, and you're invited along for the ride! Inspired by Elizabeth Day's eloquent book, we traverse the nuances of companionships through her personal anecdotes and delve into the impact of the pandemic on our social lives. We critically examine gendered assumptions in anthropology and discuss a study indicating how childhood trauma shapes our adult friendships.

Now, let's talk about a rather poignant issue - the alarming lack of close friendships among men. Drawing upon data from the UK 2019 and 2021 government polls, we unpick how toxic masculinity can stifle emotional expression, leading to social isolation. We compare different generations, shedding light on the necessity of tight-knit social circles for our well-being. From bridging age gaps in friendships to coping with the sting of being ghosted, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of human connection. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us for a thought-provoking conversation!

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2 min clip from main episode. 

What did a plant show us about circadian rhythm? Is it down to sunshine or is it innate?

Ever wondered how your sleep pattern or circadian rhythm really works? This episode will unravel the fascinating world of sleep science and shed light on its profound insights. Your body clock, with its intricate design, not only dictates your sleep and wake cycle but also wields power over your mood, eating habits, body temperature, and even metabolic rate - the number of calories your body burns to sustain life. Moreover, we'll delve into how these rhythms can differ amongst individuals and various groups, adding another level of complexity to the sleep conundrum.

On this enlightening journey, we'll also recount the ground-breaking experiments of a scientist named Jean Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan, conducted in 1729. de Mairan's subject was none other than the Mimosa pudica plant, intriguingly referred to as the "sleeping leaves" by Darwin. This unique plant, which droops its leaves when night falls, seemingly going to sleep, was placed in a sealed, dark box by De Mairan. What he observed defied logic - the plant had developed its own circadian rhythm, independent of daylight. The implications of these findings continue to shape our understanding of sleep and circadian rhythms today. Tune in to satisfy your curiosity and gain a better understanding of your own sleep patterns!

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2 min clip from main episode. 

Ever wondered why sipping a late-night macchiato at your favourite café seems perfectly reasonable, yet the mere thought of brewing a pot at home borders on lunacy? Discover the quirky and confounding relationship between coffee and our bodies, as we expose how time, location, and the world's most widely consumed psychoactive stimulant, caffeine, play into our coffee-drinking habits. 

Prepare for a jolt as we reveal caffeine's sneaky tactics in manipulating our internal sleep timers - it's not quite the harmless pick-me-up we've been led to believe. The shocking truth about the half-life of caffeine and its lasting impact will leave you rethinking your evening espresso. Think you're safe with decaf? Get ready to have your world rocked as we unmask the little-known secret of decaffeinated coffee and its hidden caffeine content. This conversation promises to be as stimulating as that double-shot cappuccino you love. So, get your brew on and join us for this eye-opening discussion.

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Are you ready to uncover the fascinating realm of sleep and how it impacts every facet of our lives? We promise to take you on an illuminating journey, diving deep into the world of circadian rhythms, the healing properties of sleep, and the profound impact it has on memory, creativity, and physical attractiveness. We also venture into the world of caffeine and its surprising effects on our sleep patterns, highlighted by a captivating experiment involving spiders and substances such as LSD, marijuana, coffee, and alcohol.

As we progress, we turn our focus to the darker side of sleep deprivation, revealing alarming consequences like increased aggression and weight gain. We explore how diverse sleep patterns like monophasic and biphasic sleep can influence our lives and delve into the intriguing cultures of siesta for their potential benefits on longevity. With some compelling insights into the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the pervasive myths about sleep durations, and the dangers posed by blue light, we guide you towards better understanding your sleep and its significance. We conclude our session with some practical strategies for reducing phone use before bed, shedding light on the underrated importance of napping, and offering you the tools to truly optimize your sleep for better health and well-being. So, gear up for an enlightening and sleep-enhancing conversation.

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A key message from Essentialism in 2 mins.

Can the art of film editing provide us with the keys to a more structured and fulfilling life? We're promising you an enlightening journey as we delve into this unique perspective. Drawing inspiration from the world of cinema and the often unrecognised but pivotal role of film editing, we spotlight the work of Michael Kahn, an award-winning editor, and reflect on how his craft mirrors our lives. 

As we navigate this intriguing concept, we dive into the art of life editing, beginning with something as commonplace as your wardrobe. Sharing from our personal experiences, we reveal how making cuts and decisions - from decluttering the closet to refining our choices - impacts various facets of our lives. The journey doesn't stop at clothes; we journey deeper into the art of decision-making, drawing eye-opening interpretations from the Latin roots of the term. So, let's embark on this thought-provoking exploration of life editing together and discover how this subtle art can lead to a more organised and rewarding life.

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The first book for season 2 is Greg Mckeown's Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.

An awesome book with loads of tips on how to be more focused and more successful in life.

This episode is not fully edited but will be edited when I have time. Right now I'm following Greg's lead and getting what is ESSENTIAL out to you. Let me know what you think of the unedited version by reaching out on insta @christinabooks. Enjoy! 

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