Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast

Feeling like you don’t truly belong—no matter how hard you try—can leave you lonely, anxious, and questioning your self-worth. In this transformative episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, we unravel the real nature of belonging: what it means, why we ache for it, and how to find it from the inside out.

Hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry is joined by licensed clinical psychologist Meg McElvie, an expert in cognitive behavioral...

Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue are some of life’s most stubborn challenges—but what if the true cause, and the path to lasting relief, lies not in your body, but in your brain? In this eye-opening episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, we uncover the groundbreaking science of pain with renowned mind-body physician Dr. Howard Schubiner.

Learn how cutting-edge neuroscience reveals that most chronic pain and related co...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by modern life, increasingly stressed, isolated, or disconnected from the natural world? This enlightening episode uncovers the hidden crisis at the heart of our well-being—how today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced society is fundamentally at odds with our biological and emotional needs.

Join us as we dive deep with entrepreneur, writer, and systems thinker Alex Graybar, founder of the civic tech platform V...

Are you caught in the never-ending race for perfection, feeling burned out by hustle culture and the constant pressure to optimize every corner of your life? In this eye-opening episode, we reveal the truth about toxic striving, uncovering why it’s so hard to break free from relentless self-improvement, comparison traps on social media, and the modern epidemic of never feeling “good enough.”

Clinical psychologist and intuitive eatin...

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but do we truly understand its complex nature and the different ways it affects us? Dive into this enlightening episode as Dr. Ray Owen, a seasoned clinical and health psychologist, unravels the multifaceted world of grief. With over forty years in the National Health Service, Dr. Owen brings unparalleled insights into the universality of grief, its manifestations beyond just sadness, and how cu...

Achieve more while living joyfully—it's possible! In this insightful episode, Dr. Mary Anderson, a clinical psychologist and author, discusses the transformative concept of being a "Happy High Achiever." Dr. Anderson explores how the relentless pursuit of excellence can often entangle individuals in anxiety and stress and offers cognitive-behavioral strategies to rewrite this paradigm.

Listeners will learn to redefine...

Navigating the turbulent waters of parenting an anxious child might just hold the key to fostering resilience and emotional growth in both parents and kids alike. In this episode, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry engage in a meaningful dialogue about the reality of anxiety in parenting and how it not only affects parents but also their children.

They explore the evolutionary roots of anxiety, emphasizing that it's a natu...

Uncovering the tree that bends and thrives may just redefine how you approach mental well-being amidst life's storms. In this episode, Dr. Ross White, an acclaimed clinical psychologist, takes us on a journey through the metaphor of a tree that bends during turbulent times, drawing from his extensive work with high-performing individuals and culturally diverse populations. He shares how the Tanzanian proverb, "the wind do...

Unveil the secret to crafting a fulfilling life even amid turmoil. In this episode, Dr. Jenna LeJeune, a distinguished psychologist, engages in a profound conversation about what truly constitutes a meaningful life. She emphasizes the power of choice, challenging the notion that there is an inherent purpose to discover, and instead advocates for consciously deciding what principles and values we want our lives to embody.

The episode...

In this episode, Dr. Eric Morris, an associate professor at Latrobe University and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, challenges our traditional understanding of psychosis and mental health. With over 30 years of experience in both Australia and the UK, Morris brings a fresh perspective on how we view and treat unusual experiences often labeled as psychosis.

The conversation explores how the boundaries between what we consider "...

Unlocking the complexities of ADHD and perfectionism can be a game-changer for many seeking self-understanding and balance. In this episode, Michaela Thomas, a senior clinical psychologist, delves into how self-identification and formal diagnosis can transform lives in therapeutic and group coaching settings. She sheds light on the nuanced relationship between ADHD and perfectionism, explaining how perfectionism often suppresses jo...

In this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington welcome back clinical psychologist Debbie Sorensen to discuss the growing issue of parental burnout.

Sorensen, an expert on chronic stress and burnout, elaborates on the overwhelming pressures faced by modern parents and how societal expectations, economic pressures, and lack of support contribute to their exhaustion. The conversation also t...

In this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry are joined by Nike Oruh, a therapeutic specialist and clinical lead counselor at Edinburgh Napier University.

The discussion delves into the struggles young men face today, focusing on their search for purpose, the influence of social media, gender role shifts, and the need for safe spaces to express emotions.

The conversation emphasizes the ...

In this episode, Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry welcome back Dr. Jonathan Caspi, a sibling expert and family therapist, to discuss the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships.

Dr. Caspi delves into the complexities of sibling conflict, the importance of closeness, and the impact of perceptions of favoritism. He provides actionable strategies for parents to preempt conflicts, establish rules of engagement, and reinforce positi...

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Steve Graybar, a clinical psychologist from the University of Arizona.

They delve into the complex and sensitive topic of gender affirming care for minors. Dr. Graybar provides a nuanced analysis, advocating for a more comprehensive and research-based approach to gender affirming care. He emphasizes the need to reimagine the current model to include thorough psychological evaluation and family th...

In this episode of 'Life's Dirty Little Secrets,' hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry are joined by Dr. Russell Kolts, a clinical psychologist and professor at Eastern Washington University. They discuss the complexities of masculinity and anger in today's society.

Dr. Kolts shares insights on how societal expectations shape male behavior, the challenges men face in expressing emotions, and the importance of ...

In this episode of 'Life's Dirty Little Secrets,' hosts Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington delve into the transformative power of compassion and human connection in healthcare. Joined by pediatric nurse and humanitarian Becky Platt, who recently completed a mission in Gaza with Save the Children, they explore the profound impact of empathy in high-pressure medical environments.

The discussion spans heart-wrenching stor...

In this episode, we are joined by special guests Christopher Michaelson & Jennifer Tosti-Kharas. As co-authors of "Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work," they provide a compelling examination of how to find purpose and value in one's career.

The episode explores the privilege of questioning the worthiness of work and the generational shifts in work perception. From Christopher’s poignant refle...

In this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry talk to Carina Simmons, a consultant clinical psychologist from Barts National Health Service Trust, Royal London Hospital. Carina discusses the complexities surrounding youth interpersonal violence, the impact of social media, and the challenges faced by youth in managing emotions and mental health.

Emphasizing a holistic approach, Carina h...