In this episode of the podcast, Tony welcomes Jean Hansen from Clarity Healthcare to discuss the phenomenon of post-holiday blues and strategies to overcome them. Gene explains that the excitement leading up to holidays often results in a spike in dopamine, which can lead to a drop in mood once the holiday ends. She emphasises that this feeling is normal and temporary, and offers practical tips for listeners to manage their expectations and pressures as they return to work or study after a break.Gene suggests that individuals should reassess the expectations they place on themselves, particularly in the early weeks of the new year, and to practice self-compassion. She also highlights the importance of scheduling small sources of joy and autonomy into daily routines, as well as the need for organization to ease the transition back to work. The conversation touches on deeper issues such as burnout and the importance of seeking support when feelings of distress persist beyond the initial adjustment period.Take AwaysPost-holiday blues are a normal, temporary response.Adjust your expectations for the first few weeks back.Schedule small joys into your daily routine.Self-compassion is key during transitions.Seek support if feelings of distress persist.

In this podcast episode, Tony and Garrett Huston, a psychologist from Clarity Health Care discuss the challenges of loneliness during the holiday season and provide strategies for coping.

They emphasise the importance of acknowledging feelings, setting realistic expectations, and fostering connections with others.

The conversation also touches on the significance of found family, managing family dynamics, and the power of gratitude.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out for help when needed and to treat themselves with compassion during this time.

In this engaging conversation, Tony and Jonty Hardy discuss the dynamics of running a family business, Design Street, and the impact of generative AI on the creative industries.

They explore the importance of maintaining a human touch in creative work, how to avoid creative slop and the challenges posed by AI in the creative space and share valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jonty emphasizes the significance of understanding one's business, knowing customers, and building a strong team to navigate the evolving landscape of creativity and technology.

Is mental health determined by our genes,our upbringing, or a mix of both?
In this episode, we explore the longstanding nature versus nurture debate through a grounded, practical lens.
We cover:
- Why it’s never just nature or nurture
- Why every person’s experience requires a case-by-case assessment
- The complexity and multifaceted nature of mental health
- Why settling at “50/50” doesn’t reflect reality
- How contributing factors vary from individual to individual
- Why this debate continues after decades of discussion
- Why no single, solid answer exists — and why that’s okay
This episode isn’t about choosing sides.
It’s about understanding the nuance behind one of the most foundational — and misunderstood — questions in mental health.
Listen in if you want a clear, honest exploration of a topic that affects all of us.

In this conversation, Leo Aspite discusses the challengesbusiness owners face, particularly the loss of passion for their businesses over time.

He emphasises the importance of understanding personal goalsand identifying gaps in business performance, particularly in sales.

The discussion also highlights the value of a collaborativeapproach and accountability in driving business success.

In this episode, Kris Cranfield discusses the importance of IT for small and medium-sized businesses, emphasising the need for reliable backup systems and the challenges of running a business.

Many small businesses neglect proper data backups, leading to potential data loss.

Tony shares his back up horror story with Google Drive.

Kris discusses his journey in the IT industry, the lessons learned over 25 years, and the significance of setting targets for business growth.

The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of work, particularly in hybrid environments.

In this conversation, Louise Lewis shares her experiencesnavigating workplace conflicts, particularly the challenges posed by contradictory directives from Directors as a Senior Manager.

She describes a pivotal moment of burnout that led to her decision to leave her position, highlighting the psychological and physical toll of such environments.

Louise discovered that the big 4 pay lip service to mental health.

In this conversation, Tony and Alan Stevens delve into the nuances of non-verbal communication and its significance in understanding mental health. They discuss how facial expressions, body language, and subtle changes in behaviour can indicate emotional distress.

Alan emphasises the importance of empathy and the need for gentle, supportive conversations rather than direct probing. The discussion highlights the role of observation in recognizing signs of mental health issues and the importance of being present for others without overwhelming them with questions.