How To Gain Control Over Your Mind, The Healing Power of Discomfort & The True Essence of Happiness with Dr Alok Kanojia #561

When life doesn’t unfold the way we hoped, it can be tempting to see that as failure. But what if it was those moments that actually shape us the most? This week, I’m delighted to welcome Eliud Kipchoge back to the show for a second incredible conversation - recorded just days after he completed the 2025 London Marathon. Eliud is a Kenyan athlete who is widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time. He has won two successive Olympic marathons and 10 major titles. And of course, he’s the only athlete to have ever run a marathon in under two hours, which he did back in 2019 in Vienna as part of the 1:59 challenge. But as you’ll hear in this conversation, his wisdom goes far beyond running as Eliud shares the life lessons that have shaped his journey - not just as an athlete, but as a human being. You’ll also hear: Why Eliud believes discipline is what creates freedom - and how keeping promises to yourself builds the self-trust needed to face life’s hardest moments Why failure is not the opposite of success, but, instead, the soil where wisdom grows How running has become a metaphor for life - with its highs, lows, unexpected challenges and the need to keep moving forward How Eliud not being able to finish his last Olympic marathon taught him more than any victory ever could The true power of community, humility, and purpose - and why Eliud still cleans toilets at his training camp despite being a global icon How planning, consistency and positive thinking guide his life - and why he believes ego is something we must all learn to let go of Throughout our conversation, Eliud speaks with warmth, humility and compassion. He challenges the idea that goals alone define success - reminding us that it’s the process, the discipline and the way we show up every day that truly counts. Whether you’re a runner or not, this episode is an invitation to reflect on your own mindset, your values, and your relationship with setbacks. Eliud shows us that progress isn’t always linear - and that real growth often happens in the moments we never planned for. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Thanks to our sponsors: https://join.whoop.com/livemore http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/567   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How can we create new habits – and stick to them? Is it really a case of will power, motivation, then repetition? Or could there be a simpler approach?   Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.   Today’s clip is from episode 452 of the podcast with Harvard Professor, and a leading behavioral scientist, Michael Norton.   We can all make short-term changes, but so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours last. In this clip we explore the difference between rituals and routines, and Michael shares why turning our desired habits into rituals can be really helpful in making them stick for the long term. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/452 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Many of us are so busy keeping up with life, that we forget to check in with ourselves. We follow the rules, meet expectations and strive for success – yet still feel disconnected, stuck or unfulfilled. True purpose can feel elusive, like something we’re always searching for but never quite finding.   This week, I’m joined by Kirsty Gallagher to explore how reconnecting with who you truly are can lead to a life of greater meaning, alignment, and joy. Kirsty is a renowned meditation and yoga teacher, a spiritual coach, and Sunday Times bestselling author of several books - including her latest, Your Cosmic Purpose.   In our conversation, we discuss: Why your true purpose is to be yourself, not to chase status, success or approval How to start listening to your own truth, even if you’ve spent a lifetime tuning in to everyone else’s Why spending time in stillness is so important The role of discomfort and “internal conflict” as signs you’re out of alignment Why trusting the timing of your life is essential and how your most painful experiences may be guiding you to greater clarity and purpose The importance of celebrating your progress How to reclaim your power by learning to make conscious, intentional choices - even when you are unable to change your external circumstances Throughout this conversation, Kirsty shares stories from her own journey, from corporate burnout to spiritual awakening, and offers practical tools to help you reconnect with the part of you that already knows the way.    This conversation may feel a little different from others I have had on this podcast. It leans more into the emotional and spiritual aspects of health and healing, but if you listen with an open heart and mind, I truly believe there is something in it for everyone.    At its core, it’s a powerful reminder that you are the expert of your own life. Your truth matters. Your voice matters. And your purpose, however small or quiet it may seem right now, is already within you. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://timeline.com/livemore https://thriva.co https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/565   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Today’s guest is the author of the iconic book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, which first came out over 10 years ago and has sold millions of copies all around the world. In fact, the book has been somewhat of an international sensation and is as popular today as it ever has been.   Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.   Today’s clip is from episode 336 of the podcast with professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.   In this clip we discuss the meaning of trauma and how it’s different from stress, how traumatic experiences leave an imprint in our bodies, and why he thinks that body-oriented therapies such as yoga could play a vital role in beginning to heal.   Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/336 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

CAUTION: If you are taking antidepressants or any other psychiatric medication, do not stop or adjust your dosage without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Coming off these medications without proper guidance can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Always seek professional advice before making changes to your treatment.   Did you know that nearly one in five UK adults - and almost one in four women - are currently taking antidepressants? Yet according to my guest this week, the fundamental theory behind these prescriptions may be built on remarkably shaky ground. Joanna Moncrieff is Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry at University College London, consultant psychiatrist for the NHS, and the author of the groundbreaking book, Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth. In our thought-provoking conversation, Joanna explains how the widely accepted belief that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance or serotonin deficiency has little scientific evidence to support it. This theory, which became popularised in the 1990s through pharmaceutical industry marketing, has fundamentally changed how we view our emotions and mental health. Joanna and I discuss: Why the difference between antidepressants and placebos in clinical trials is just two points on a 54-point depression scale - a remarkably small difference that may not be clinically significant How the diagnosis of depression itself is subjective and based on criteria that Joanna describes as "completely made up", rather than objective biological markers The concerning side effects of SSRIs that are often underreported - including emotional numbness, sexual dysfunction that can persist even after stopping medication, and in some cases, an increase in suicidal thoughts How pharmaceutical marketing campaigns in the 1990s fundamentally changed our cultural understanding of depression from a natural human response to life circumstances to a "chemical imbalance" requiring medication Why withdrawal from antidepressants can be extremely challenging, particularly at lower doses, and why reducing medication requires careful, gradual reduction that many doctors aren't trained to manage Whether visiting your GP should be your first option when experiencing low mood, and how alternatives like exercise, mindfulness and addressing underlying life issues might be more effective Throughout the episode, Joanna encourages us to view our emotional responses as meaningful signals rather than medical disorders that need chemical correction. She believes we've been disempowering people by teaching them that negative emotions represent a deficiency rather than a natural human experience that can guide us toward necessary changes in our lives. This conversation isn't about telling anyone what to do with their current medication, but rather providing information to make truly informed decisions. If you or someone you know has ever taken antidepressants or been diagnosed with depression, this episode offers a perspective that could fundamentally change how you view mental health treatment in the future. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://boncharge.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://join.whoop.com/livemore    Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/563   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

You probably already know that your diet can hugely influence how well you feel, but did you know that the food you choose to eat can change the make-up of your entire body, all the way down to the health of your cells? Feel Better, Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.   Today’s clip is from episode 485 of the podcast with internationally renowned physician, food scientist and bestselling author, Dr William Li. In this clip, we explore the intricate relationship between what we eat and how our bodies function and Dr Li shares how certain foods can stimulate and protect our vital stem cells, which enhances our body’s natural ability to regenerate and heal. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/485 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

In a world that’s never been more comfortable, why are so many people struggling?   This week, my guest is Dr. Alok Kanojia, medical doctor, psychiatrist and one of the world’s foremost authorities on mental health for the gaming community. He is known online as Dr K and is the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform that provides content and coaching to help young people take control of their wellbeing and he’s also the author of the bestselling book: How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your Kids.   One of the things I like the most about Alok is his competence and expertise in both western medical and eastern philosophies: he has both trained to be a monk in India and he has a Western medical degree and practices as a psychiatrist.   During our conversation, you will learn: Why comfort might be the greatest threat to our mental health and how the brain and mind “rust” without regular use How technology is rewiring our attention and what ‘doom-scrolling’ is really doing to our brains Why our emotional regulation is weakening and how simple acts like taking the stairs can recondition the mind The difference between the brain and the mind and why understanding this could transform how we approach mental illness Why meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all and how finding the right technique for your brain can make all the difference The true meaning and essence of happiness The link between ancient wisdom and modern psychiatry, and why you may be the only person that is truly qualified to heal your mind. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to not only think differently, but to live differently, as well. Alok reminds us that healing doesn’t always require a prescription or a therapist, but it does require courage, awareness and a willingness to face discomfort.   Whether it’s choosing to take the stairs, sitting in silence for five minutes or resisting the urge to reach for our phones, each of these seemingly small acts are actually powerful tools that can help us feel calm, connected and in control. I hope you enjoy listening.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://thriva.co https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/561   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Cues are the small signals that we give and pick up that have a big impact. The head tilt, the smile, the open-palmed gesture – they all carry meaning that people intuitively understand. And if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or underestimated, you can change that by using the right cues. Everything from the way you walk into a room to how you stand, your choice of words to your intonation, can affect how people perceive you. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 254 of the podcast with an expert in body language and nonverbal communication, the wonderful Vanessa Van Edwards. Her book Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication is packed with practical tools and exercises to help you understand more about others – and communicate your own ideas with warmth and competence. Vanessa likes to introduce herself as a ‘recovering awkward person’. She certainly doesn’t come across as awkward anymore; in fact, she exudes confidence and charisma. In this clip, she shares how to discover your unique “flavour” of confidence and how small changes in your body language could create big shifts in how you’re perceived. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/254 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com.⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website

Our posture, our breath, the way our feet strike the ground – all tell the story of how we move through life. But how often do we pay attention to this story - or even rewrite it? Today’s returning guest on my Feel Better, Live More podcast believes that pain, stiffness and fatigue aren’t just things to manage – they’re messages. And when we learn to listen to the body with the right lens, we can move better, feel better and even live better. I’m delighted to welcome Lawrence van Lingen back to the show. Lawrence is a highly sought-after expert in biomechanics, bodywork and human performance. Described by Triathlete Magazine as ‘the genius of running,’ Lawrence has over 25 years’ experience working with elite athletes and everyday people.  He’s developed a unique approach that goes beyond traditional methods, blending a deep knowledge of movement, posture and breath to optimise performance and overall well-being. Lawrence works with some of the world’s greatest athletes to enhance their performance and help them with so-called ‘untreatable’ injuries. His online running workshops have become the backbone of remarkable athletic comebacks, and they’ve also helped many people worldwide move without pain and with greater enjoyment.  His first appearance back on episode 491 of this podcast really resonated with a lot of listeners, and I’m so pleased to be diving even deeper into his holistic philosophy. In this conversation, we explore a variety of topics, including: The life changing benefits of backward walking The relationship between our stress levels and the way that we move Why most of us are over-breathing and the implications of doing so The true role of the diaphragm – not just for breathing, but also for spinal alignment, emotional balance, and nervous system regulation How modern habits like sitting, shoe-wearing and screen use are affecting us Why your feet are more than just a base – they’re a sensory system that guides your balance, posture and power How fascia – the body’s connective tissue matrix – influences everything from flexibility to feeling grounded  Why stretching alone often doesn’t resolve tightness – and how restoring communication in the body is the real key to lasting change Lawrence’s clear explanations and everyday metaphors bring the body’s complexity to life. What emerges is a truly empowering message: your body isn’t broken, it’s just been misunderstood. And with awareness, patience and the right input, it knows exactly how to heal and realign itself. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://timeline.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/559   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn’t about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 495 of the podcast with author, internationally renowned philosopher, and founder of The School of Life, the wonderful Alain de Botton. Alain is known for his thoughtful, often humorous take on the complexities of modern life. In this clip, Alain explains a concept that he calls ‘cheerful pessimism’ which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life might actually lead to greater fulfilment. His message of hope and understanding about the shared human experience of suffering and complexity is both comforting and inspiring and his thoughtful and practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life. Alain’s latest book: A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From The School of Life. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/495 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com.⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website