Normalising Pressure, Emotions and Breaking Patterns

Before we get started, we just wanted to say a quick sorry about the sound quality in this episode. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a technical issue during the recording, which has resulted in some distortion in the audio. We've done our best to clean it up, but unfortunately we couldn't remove it completely. We really appreciate your understanding and hope it doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the conversation. In this episode, Lise Thorne turns the tables on Kerrie, the usual host of That's Life, or Is It?, for a candid conversation about abuse, recovery, friendship, motherhood, writing and the experiences that shape us. Kerrie describes the harrowing opening scene of her book, including the moment she told herself to "stand up" to the bullying she was experiencing 04:07. Lise Thorne and Kerrie discuss how abusive relationships can isolate people from friends and make them feel responsible for everything 06:52. Kerrie explains why she wanted to raise awareness of narcissistic behaviours and help people recognise that they're not alone 09:50. Lise Thorne shares how a lawyer helped her recognise narcissistic traits in her own former relationship 10:39. Kerrie talks about the purpose of writing Stand Up: The Life Stories of Jennie Lee, from helping one person leave an abusive relationship to processing her own past 16:01. The conversation explores shame, pride and why abuse can remain invisible even to the people closest to you 07:47. Kerrie reflects on the catharsis of writing honestly about her experiences and the "whole new woman" she felt she became through the process 16:45. Kerrie explains why Jennie Lee became a protective layer for herself and her children, while giving her room to explore different life stories 26:27. Kerrie discusses the next story in the series, focused on Django and his journey through a very dark period 27:07. Lise Thorne and Kerrie talk about storytelling as a way to share support, challenge shame and remind people they aren't walking difficult paths alone 27:42. Kerrie reflects on discovering writing as a new passion 28:46. Content note This episode includes detailed discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, narcissistic behaviour and the impact of abusive relationships.

In this heartfelt episode, Kerrie sits down with David Munro Jones to explore the reality of supporting a loved one through anorexia and the many challenges that accompany both the condition and its complications.  David Munro Jones: Executive and Leadership Coach, Operations Director for IAPC, sharing his personal journey alongside his wife, Yvonne. The early signs and origins of Yvonne's eating disorder, tracing back to childhood trauma and family dynamics 05:01. The progression of medical issues, from IBS and its stress links, to multiple hospitalizations and spells in an eating disorders clinic 03:37, 11:12. The transition to full-time care, including the emotional impact of bringing a partner to, and returning from, residential facilities 13:00. Navigating multiple crises, including an ICU stay, care home admissions, and a life-threatening decline described as "end of life" 16:36, 21:17. The ongoing effects on both partners' day-to-day lives 24:37, routines, and personal ambitions, plus the complexity of self-care and feeling guilt when managing time apart 28:00. Reflections on family dynamics, including the experience of Yvonne's sons and the conversations around diagnosis, interventions, and regrets 29:34. The value of open communication, acceptance, and the importance of not leaving anything unsaid 31:38. Insights on empathy and the role of coaching skills in facing personal adversity 32:24. Key Takeaways Many eating disorders have roots in childhood experiences and traumas. Anorexia's physical toll can be compounded by other health problems and can disrupt every aspect of life for both patient and partner. Support systems—medical, psychological, and familial—are crucial, but personal communication and acceptance remain central. The journey includes moments of humor and the importance of not postponing meaningful conversations. Self-care for carers is difficult but vital, with guilt and emotional exhaustion an ongoing challenge. Memorable Quotes "When you get to the point of acceptance... you deal with what is, not what might be or what was. It's a lot more comfortable." — David Munro Jones 31:41 "Never presume, never assume, never take anything for granted." — David Munro Jones 32:32 "Talk and be communicative... just recognizing what we need to do." — Kerrie 36:32 Resources UK Eating Disorder Support: BEAT Support for carers: Mind – Carers Support Podcast Contact & Stories: Jenny Lee Life Stories

In this episode, Kerrie welcomes father and son duo Tom Clowes and Ben Clowes to discuss Ben's remarkable journey: his personal challenge to ride every single London TfL bus route (excluding night and school-only routes). At just 16, Ben has already completed 302 out of 589 routes, documenting his progress with careful planning, spreadsheets, and a physical map. Key Discussion Points Introducing Ben: Ben Clowes, 16, student at Kingston College studying Travel and Tourism and passionate about exploring London by bus (00:44). The Challenge: Ride every regular London bus route, at least two stops per bus, excluding night and school buses (01:30). Inspiration: Inspired by transport YouTuber Geoff Marshall (02:47). Progress So Far: Over halfway through, with over 300 bus routes completed in two years (04:01). Favourite Routes & Surprises: Highlights include the tiny H2 route and discovering how TfL buses go beyond London's borders (13:15). Planning & Logistics: Sophisticated tracking with spreadsheets and maps; trips range from short opportunistic rides to all-day adventures (08:27). Balancing Safety & Independence: Discussion on parental concerns and strategies for staying safe while exploring London (09:18). Time Management: How Ben fits his bus challenge around college and other commitments (11:13). Cost of the Challenge: Travels are mostly free thanks to a Zip card for under-18s, with occasional minimal costs (19:12). Community & Joys of the Journey: Making friends with bus drivers, the joy of seeing London overland, and fun family/friend involvement (15:32). Notable Quotes "It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I'm doing progress and I'm having fun doing it." – Ben Clowes (06:55) "The best way to see London, in my opinion, is by bus." – Ben Clowes (16:00) Super Loop Buses: New express routes that will soon be added, extending Ben's challenge even further (22:22). What's Next: Ben considers challenges abroad or in the travel industry after completing the TfL buses (5:10).   Thank you for listening to "Kerrie: That's Life…Or Is It?" Stay curious and keep exploring!

In this episode, Kerrie is joined by longtime friends Lindy and Adam to discuss the intertwined journeys of alcoholism, faith, and enduring friendship. Adam shares his candid experiences as a recovering alcoholic, while Lindy offers perspective as a supportive friend and fellow Jehovah's Witness. The episode also dives into how faith—in particular, becoming Jehovah's Witnesses—provided both Lindy and Adam with a renewed sense of hope, structure, and community. Through their shared experiences, the trio illustrates the transformative power of connection, whether through spiritual discovery or unwavering friendship. Their open dialogue emphasizes the importance of empathy, resilience, and belonging, offering listeners both practical insight and inspiration for navigating life's challenges. Throughout, Kerrie seamlessly guides the conversation, encouraging vulnerability and highlighting the strong bonds that sustain us even through life's darkest moments. Together, they explore: The ups and downs of their party days and when things began to change (06:06) Adam's realization and "rock bottom" that led him to seek help (05:06) The challenges and complexities of recovery and support (12:54) The role of spirituality and their shared journey to becoming Jehovah's Witnesses (15:08; 20:20) Loss, change, and the unexpected consequences of transformation—including losing friends but strengthening the bond between them (22:24) Notable Discussion Points Recognizing Addiction: Adam opens up about his path from "extreme drinking events" to acknowledging he had a problem with alcohol, and ultimately attending his first AA meeting (03:29; 05:06). Support Systems: Lindy describes providing support, structure, and empathy, showing what friendship looks like during recovery (13:07). Social and Genetic Factors: Exploration of the genetic and chemical components of addiction and the societal lens on drinking (15:13; 17:30). Key Quotes "If you want to find help, anything's possible... and if you've got a really good friend to help you, even better." – Adam (27:03) "If you want to find out what life is about, take the time and examine the Bible... when you understand that, it gives you hope." – Lindy (27:38)

John Pugh and Paul McGee, aka The SUMO Guy, join Kerrie for this show to explore the zest of life and the trigger behind the movement Shut Up and Move On, which has led Paul to be one of the UK's leading speakers and bestseller on self-help and resilience. Spirituality, adversity and honesty have solidified this friendship, from Paul's illness with ME and a church play to the life enjoyed today. Laced with laughter and a dash of football.   www.thesumoguy.com  

The Show welcomes back Emily De'ath and guest Polly Burn to explore why we tend to put ourselves under pressure when we can make the choice not to. However we know that's easier said than done. This show provides routes to breaking those patterns. Maybe that's not 'just life.'

Orla Bance and Emily De'ath join show host Kerrie Dorman to pick apart why mums are prone to guilt. Do dads feel the same? These three have been brought together by CCR3 a new and improved science recognising the values of a person. It can play an intrinsic part in increasing awareness levels and understanding what makes us tick. Emily the 'giverer' explains how she is using it to help other women, whilst Orla shares why no one gets away. You can learn more and order the first book here   

This show welcomes Alex Kinnear Mellor, author of Cancer Works, balancing your career with not dying, published in 2024. Alex wrote this insightful and inspirational memoir, having survived cancer, choosing to keep her job as Global Head of Communications, working all the way through. Alex is joined by her then right-hand lady, Tegan, who shares what it was like to work with Alex during this brutal time, her tenacity, her changing appearance, and her efforts to promote curiosity in the workplace about cancer. Alex shares how, as a family, they approached her illness, the importance of therapy and protecting her young son whilst being as honest as possible. You can learn more and order the first book here 

Show host Kerrie Dorman chats with her two siblings, exploring the root cause of their close relationship, the death of their mum at the age of 51, and the effect that had on them. Slightly strange film fetishes make the agenda too! Light-hearted until discussing the impact of the book Stand Up had on them. You can learn more and order the first book here