Ella Podcasts

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!Why does desire change so much over time — and what happens when the spark starts to fade?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan Marshall and I speak to Louise Sullivan and Dr Angela Tan about desire, arousal, chemistry and what it really takes to maintain intimacy in long-term relationships.We explore the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, why mismatched libido is so common, how stress and hormones affect attraction, and why couples often misinterpret a drop in desire as a sign that something is wrong with the relationship.In This Episode* The difference between desire and arousal* Why spontaneous desire often changes over time* What responsive desire really means* Why couples experience mismatched libido* Whether you can genuinely get the spark back* How stress, hormones and daily life affect desire* The importance of communication and emotional safety* Why novelty does not have to mean something extreme* How to create more intimacy in long-term relationships* The impact of social media on body image and sexualityKey Takeaways* Desire and arousal are not the same thing.* A drop in desire does not automatically mean a relationship is failing.* Responsive desire is common, especially in long-term relationships.* Couples need to understand each other’s “brakes” and “accelerators”.* Stress can make it much harder to access pleasure and connection.* Intimacy depends heavily on feeling safe enough to communicate honestly.* Novelty can be as simple as curiosity, touch and breaking familiar routines.ConclusionLong-term desire may not look like the intense chemistry of a new relationship, but that does not mean it has disappeared.Sometimes the spark is not gone. It simply needs to be understood differently.Keywords: desire, arousal, libido, intimacy, long-term relationships, sexual wellness, responsive desire, chemistry, relationships, sex and relationships, emotional intimacy, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #Desire #Intimacy #Relationships #SexualWellness #Libido #EmotionalIntimacy #LongTermRelationships #ConnectionGuests:Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist, Marshall ConsultingLouise Sullivan, Somatic Coach & Sexologist BodyworkerDr Angela Tan, Medical Doctor & Sexual Wellness SpecialistSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!What happens to your confidence when the career, status or success you built your identity around suddenly disappears?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall, Simon J. Littlewood and Samir Kothari to explore how job loss, unemployment, financial setbacks and failure can affect confidence, identity and self-worth.In This Episode* Why career setbacks feel so personal* How unemployment and rejection affect confidence* The difference between confidence and self-worth* Rebuilding after job loss or financial failure* Whether setbacks make us stronger* How to move forward when your original plan no longer worksKey Takeaways* Your job is part of your identity, but it should not define your entire worth.* Repeated setbacks can seriously damage confidence.* Supportive people, positive routines and challenging negative self-talk can help you rebuild.* Failure does not automatically make you stronger, but it can become an important teacher.* Sometimes recovery means changing direction rather than returning to what you had before.ConclusionConfidence is easy when life is going well.The real test comes when things fall apart and you have to find the courage to keep going.Keywords: confidence, resilience, career setback, job loss, unemployment, failure, self-worth, career change, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #Confidence #Resilience #CareerSetbacks #JobLoss #SelfWorth #CareerAdvice #PersonalGrowthGuests:Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist, Marshall ConsultingSimon J. Littlewood, Journalist & Best-Selling AuthorSamir Kothari, Fund ManagerSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!If you truly love animals, should you always adopt rather than buy?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Ronina Stevens, Victoria Toy and Kim Norman to explore the emotional, ethical and practical debate around adopting pets versus buying them from breeders or pet shops. We discuss why people still choose to buy pets when shelters are full, the difference between ethical breeders and puppy mills, the realities of adopting rescue animals, and whether people fully understand the time, cost and responsibility involved in bringing a pet into their lives.In This Episode* Why people choose to buy rather than adopt* The difference between ethical breeders and puppy mills* Whether certain breeds are chosen for image or status* Why shelters can sometimes make adoption difficult* The real cost of owning a pet* What first-time adopters should expect* The psychological benefits of living with animals* Why rescue animals may need extra patience and time* Whether pets are becoming more central to our emotional lives* The importance of choosing a pet intentionally, not impulsivelyKey Takeaways* Buying a pet is not automatically unethical, but where and how you buy matters.* Ethical breeders should prioritise animal welfare over profit. * Rescue animals are not necessarily unhealthy or difficult.* Pet ownership involves ongoing costs, time, vet care and lifestyle changes.* Some rescue animals need time to build trust, but that process can be incredibly rewarding.* Shelters and adopters both benefit when the match is realistic and well thought through.* Whether you adopt or buy, the biggest question is whether you can genuinely meet the animal’s needs for the long term. ConclusionAdopting a pet can save a life, but responsible pet ownership goes far beyond the decision to adopt or buy.It means understanding the commitment, doing your research and making sure the choice is right for both you and the animal.Keywords: adopt don’t shop, pet adoption, rescue dogs, animal rescue, buying pets, ethical breeders, puppy mills, rescue animals, pet ownership, animal welfare, dog adoption, pet responsibility, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #AdoptDontShop #PetAdoption #AnimalRescue #AnimalWelfare #RescueDogs #PetOwnership #Dogs #Cats #ResponsiblePetOwnershipGuests:Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other ClinicVictoria Toy, LawyerKim Norman, Legal Business DevelopmentSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!People Pleasing: When Being Nice Starts Costing YouWhen does being kind and considerate cross the line into constantly putting everyone else first?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Ronina Stevens, Simon J. Littlewood and Jasmin Dhillon to explore why some people feel such a strong need to please others, where that pattern begins, and what it can cost us in our careers, relationships and sense of self. We discuss why people pleasers often struggle to say no, avoid conflict, overwork, take on too much and find it difficult to advocate for themselves. We also look at how these patterns can show up in leadership, relationships and family dynamics, and why setting boundaries can initially feel selfish or uncomfortable. In This Episode* Where people pleasing begins* Why childhood and family dynamics can shape the need to be liked* How cultural expectations can reinforce people pleasing* Why people pleasers are vulnerable to burnout* The impact of weak boundaries at work* Why people pleasers may struggle with salary negotiations and promotions* How people pleasing can affect romantic relationships* Why some people stay in unhappy relationships for too long* The connection between guilt, conflict avoidance and self-sacrifice* How to start saying no without feeling like a bad personKey Takeaways* Being kind is not the same as abandoning your own needs.* People pleasing often begins as a way to maintain connection, approval or peace.* Constantly saying yes can lead to resentment, exhaustion and burnout.* Boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you are used to putting others first.* Saying no becomes easier with practice.* You do not need to over-explain every boundary you set.* Healthy relationships require give and take, not constant self-sacrifice.* Sometimes the first step is starting small and practising boundaries in lower-stakes situations. ConclusionYou can be caring, generous and supportive without sacrificing yourself in the process.The challenge is learning where kindness ends and self-abandonment begins.Sometimes the most important person you need to stop disappointing is yourself.Keywords: people pleasing, boundaries, saying no, self-worth, burnout, relationships, conflict avoidance, people pleaser, self-care, emotional wellbeing, toxic relationships, workplace boundaries, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #PeoplePleasing #Boundaries #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #Burnout #Relationships #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #WellbeingGuests:Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other ClinicSimon J. Littlewood, Journalist & Best-Selling AuthorJasmin Dhillon, Integrated Health CoachSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!Being made redundant can feel deeply personal, even when you know it is a business decision.The shock, shame and stress of losing your job can make it incredibly difficult to think clearly — yet that is often the exact moment you are expected to review documents, understand your rights and negotiate your exit package. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall, Renee Conklin and Dr Tang Bek Wuay to explore the emotional and practical realities of redundancy, from how companies should handle difficult exit conversations to what employees can negotiate beyond severance pay.In This Episode* Why redundancy can feel like rejection or betrayal* How companies can make exit meetings more compassionate* What to do if you are too shocked to think clearly* Why you should never sign documents without reading them properly* What you may be able to negotiate beyond cash* Bonuses, notice periods, medical benefits, visas and deferred compensation* When it may be worth speaking to an employment lawyer* Why “non-negotiable” does not always mean there is no room to ask* The emotional impact of redundancy* How to talk about redundancy with future employersKey Takeaways* A redundancy decision is about a role, not your personal worth.* Try to gather as much information as possible before agreeing to anything.* If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.* Exit packages may include much more than severance pay, including benefits, notice periods, bonuses, repatriation, visa arrangements and outplacement support. * Be specific about what you are asking for and why it matters to you.* Read every document carefully, especially restrictive clauses such as non-competes.* If redundancy seriously affects your ability to function day to day, professional support can be important. ConclusionRedundancy is one of the most stressful career experiences a person can go through.But even in that difficult moment, understanding your options, knowing what to ask for and protecting your interests can make a significant difference to what happens next.Keywords: redundancy, retrenchment, severance package, redundancy negotiation, job loss, employment rights, exit package, career advice, HR advice, redundancy meeting, non-compete clause, job search, workplace mental health, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #Redundancy #JobLoss #CareerAdvice #HR #Severance #Employment #Workplace #CareerChange #MentalHealth #JobSearchGuests:Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist, Marshall ConsultingRenee Conklin, HR Career CoachDr Tang Bek Wuay, Organisational PsychologySupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!Why are so many women still expected to manage menopause quietly while performing at the highest level of their careers?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist at The Other Clinic; Latha Prasad, Corporate Change Consultant; and Kathleen Ngkaion, International School Administrator, to talk openly about menopause in the workplace, the impact it can have on confidence and performance, and why so many women still feel misunderstood, judged or unsupported. We explore the physical and emotional reality of perimenopause and menopause, from sleep disruption, brain fog and anxiety to heavy periods, fatigue and reduced confidence, and ask why these symptoms are still so often treated as a personal problem rather than a workplace issue. In This Episode* Why menopause is still taboo in many workplaces* How symptoms can affect concentration, confidence and job performance* Why women may be wrongly perceived as less capable* The impact of sleep deprivation, brain fog and anxiety* Why some women leave senior roles during menopause* Whether menopause policies are actually meaningful* The role of ageism and sexism at work* Why support and flexibility matter* How employers can create more inclusive workplacesKey Takeaways* Menopause symptoms do not mean a woman has become less competent.* Lack of awareness can lead to symptoms being mistaken for poor performance. EDACCE1 11am 22nd April 2026 - V3.txt* Workplace policies need to offer practical support, not just acknowledgement.* Flexibility, understanding and open conversations can make a significant difference.* Women should not have to hide what they are going through to appear “professional”.* Education and support can help women feel more empowered and less isolated.ConclusionMenopause is a normal stage of life, yet many women still feel pressure to go through it invisibly.The question is not whether women can continue to perform at work. It is whether workplaces are willing to create the conditions that allow them to do so.Guests:Ella Sherman, Creative Writer, Lotusland ProductionsDr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other ClinicLatha Prasad, Corporate Change ConsultantKathleen Ngkaion, International School AdministratorSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!Did working from home give employees their lives back — or did it quietly damage collaboration, learning and workplace culture?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore one of the biggest workplace battles of the post-pandemic era: work from home versus return to office. Is the debate really about productivity — or is it about trust, control and how senior leaders believe work should look? Dr Ronina Stevens and I sat down with Andrew Goldstein and Jeff Paine to discuss whether hybrid working is here to stay, why some leaders are still pushing employees back into offices, and whether younger workers are missing vital opportunities to learn, build relationships and develop their careers.In This Episode* Is working from home more productive?* Why some CEOs still want everyone back in the office* Whether remote work is really a trust issue* The hidden cost of commuting* Why younger employees may benefit from office time* How remote work affects mental health and isolation* AI, remote working and the future of jobs* Why hybrid working may offer the best of both worldsKey Takeaways* Where someone works matters less than whether clear goals and outcomes are being achieved.* Remote work can improve flexibility and quality of life, but it can also reduce informal learning and connection.* Long commutes can significantly affect energy, wellbeing and work-life balance.* Office culture still has value — particularly for mentoring, relationships and collaboration.* There is unlikely to be one working model that suits every role, industry or employee.ConclusionThe working world has changed — and employees increasingly expect flexibility.The question now isn’t simply office or home. It’s whether companies can create a working model built around results, trust and what people actually need to perform at their best.Keywords: work from home, return to office, hybrid working, remote work, future of work, workplace productivity, employee wellbeing, office culture, work life balance, remote workers, workplace flexibility, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #WorkFromHome #RemoteWork #HybridWorking #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkLifeBalance #ProductivityGuests:Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other ClinicVictoria Toy, LawyerJeff Paine, PS Engage Government Relations for Tech IndustrySupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!What if waiting to feel confident is the very thing keeping you stuck?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore why body confidence often doesn’t come first — action does. Small, consistent choices can help rebuild self-belief, energy and a healthier relationship with your body after a period of feeling disconnected or neglecting yourself. Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Amanda Lim, Metabolic Health Coach, and CK Karkhanis, Celebrity Hair Stylist, to explore body confidence, healthy habits and the small changes that can help people feel better in themselves.One of the key ideas in the conversation is simple: you don’t wait until you feel confident to start. You start, and confidence follows.In This Episode* Why action often comes before confidence* The power of taking small, realistic steps* How consistency helps rebuild self-belief* Why sleep should be one of the first habits you fix* The importance of working with your natural rhythm* Why extreme routines aren’t always necessaryKey Takeaways* Confidence is built through action, not waiting.* Small habits are often more sustainable than dramatic changes.* Better sleep can improve how you feel physically and mentally.* Consistency matters more than perfection.* You don’t need to overhaul your whole life to begin feeling better.ConclusionIf you’ve been feeling disconnected from your body or frustrated with yourself, the answer may not be a huge transformation.Sometimes it starts with one small decision, repeated consistently.Keywords: body confidence, healthy habits, self-confidence, consistency, sleep, wellbeing, fitness motivation, body image, self-care, lifestyle change, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #BodyConfidence #HealthyHabits #Wellbeing #SelfConfidence #Sleep #Lifestyle #FitnessMotivation #SelfCareSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!What happens when someone you love dies - and life carries on, even though you feel completely changed?In this deeply personal episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Dr Jane Tuomola and Sapna Makwana to talk openly about grief, bereavement and the overwhelming pain of losing someone you love.Dr Jane shares the heartbreaking experience of losing her daughter Sofia on the day she was born, while Sapna reflects on losing her father at just 56. Together, we explore what grief really feels like, why everyone processes loss differently, and how support, therapy, community and meaning can help people learn to live alongside it. In This Episode* Is losing someone we love the most painful experience in life?* Why grief looks different for everyone* Coping with the death of a child* Losing a parent and facing anticipatory grief* Why delayed grief is so common* How couples and families grieve differently* The role of therapy, support groups and community* Finding meaning after loss* How to honour someone’s memory while continuing to liveKey Takeaways* There is no “right” way to grieve.* Grief can bring sadness, anger, relief, guilt and even numbness.* Support from people who simply stay present can make an enormous difference.* Delayed grief is real and may emerge long after a loss.* Healing does not mean forgetting — it means finding a way to carry the loss with you.* Remembering and honouring someone can become part of moving forward.ConclusionGrief changes us.We may never stop missing the people we love, but with time, support and self-compassion, the pain can become more manageable and life can slowly expand around the loss.Keywords: grief, bereavement, losing a child, losing a parent, coping with death, grief counselling, mental health, delayed grief, bereavement support, healing after loss, death of a loved one, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #Grief #Bereavement #MentalHealth #Loss #Healing #GriefSupport #Counselling #Psychology #CopingWithLossSupport the show

If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!Why do so many people reach senior positions without ever becoming effective leaders?In this episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Dr John Isaac and Gary Brooks to explore what separates genuine leadership from simply having authority, a title or seniority.We discuss why high performers are often promoted into roles they’re not suited for, whether leadership is something you’re born with or can learn, how toxic leaders damage organisations, and whether executive coaching can really turn a poor leader into a good one. BB697E2 3pm 23rd June 2026 - V2.txtIn This EpisodeWhy great performers don’t always make great leadersThe difference between leadership and managementWhether leadership is innate or learnedWhy trust matters more than statusThe danger of narcissistic and toxic leadershipHow poor leaders damage teams and cultureWhether executive coaching can genuinely change someoneWhy the best leaders often focus on developing othersKey TakeawaysLeadership is about influence, trust and direction, not just position.Promoting someone for technical ability alone can backfire.Great leaders empower people rather than control everything.Being liked is not the same as being effective.Executive coaching can help, but only if the leader genuinely wants to change.Sometimes the strongest leaders are not the loudest people in the room.ConclusionLeadership isn’t about being the most senior person, the loudest voice or the biggest personality.The real test is much simpler: do people trust you enough to follow you when it matters? BB697E2 3pm 23rd June 2026 - V2.txtKeywords: leadership, bad leadership, executive coaching, toxic leadership, leadership skills, management, workplace culture, leadership development, narcissistic leaders, people management, business leadership, Ella Podcasts#EllaPodcasts #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Management #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Business #PeopleManagement #CareerDevelopmentSupport the show