Life After Vaccination

In episode one, Matt shares stories, sounds and reflections from vaccination day. Starting from the day before, with reflections on the past year, and then, recordings from the big day.

In this episode, Matt starts with a reflection on something that should have been at the end of episode one. And then, picking up from last Sunday afternoon, we go through the days after dose one, checking in on symptoms and side effects, including one, unexpected reaction.

This week's episode opens with reflections on the nature of anxiety, set to the backdrop of a week where everything has changed, yet, nothing has really changed. Then, we jump in to the second part of Matt's conversation with Jess Clark, where the discussion moves to themes of resilience and routines in the face of changing circumstances. Finally, the episode closes with two single breath mindfulness exercises.

This week's episode opens with an unexpected inspiration for mental health advice. But in a song about Ariana Grande's ex's there is also a way to deal with the worries of coming out of lockdown. The episode then moves on to the ways lockdown has been difficult for each of us in different ways, and how by seeing in others things we recognise in ourselves, we can bring about more open conversations that will hopefully help make the months ahead easier.

This week's episode explores the topic of loneliness, Including lockdown loneliness, both in moments of celebration and moments of sadness, and how it has impacted LGBTQ+ young people (with a brief diversion in to the topic of conversion therapy). The episode ends with a mindfulness meditation to help find acceptance of ourselves, even in all our mess an uncertainty. For anyone listening with kids, please note, there is one s-bomb in this week's episode, at 13:29.

This week's episode looks back to one year ago, and ahead to one year from now. From the innocent naivety of the first weeks of lockdown, to imagining the impossible — what life will be like one year from now.Hank Green's 'How Will Post Pandemic Behaviour Change?' VideoHank Green's Post-Covid Behaviour Change Alignment Chart

This week's episode reflects on the power of vaccines to help us forget about vaccines; about the power of vaccines to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers; and how anxiety can increase as our post-lockdown future becomes our post-lockdown present.

It's a big week, as life life is slowly resurected, with the rule of six outdoors, and shielding coming to an end. The week's episode documents the stories, and the sounds, of each little step, each day, as life begins to open up once more.

As life opens up, this week's episode opens up about some of the struggles and strategies that this week brought with it. Links: https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/mental-health/coping-with-change-curious-mindset-benefits/497304

Food is not just fuel, but deeply social. This week's episode delights in food that fuels the body, that expresses the love of friendship, and that is shared and delighted in together.Eat Up (Audiobook)Original Blood Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe (Saved Story on Instagram)

This week's episode opens with a follow up from last week's topic, further inspired by an Observer interview with Nigella Lawson. Then, a text message arrives, vaccination appointment two is book, an orange twirl is eaten, and some reflections on what this second shot really means.Links: Nigella in Observer Food Magazine

Follow along with vaccination appointment number two, breakfast afterwards, and a catch up on side effects later in the week.

Two weeks after dose two, what freedoms does (and maybe should) "maxination" bring?Links:“What are No-Vaxxers Thinking? (The Atlantic)

Another stage of lockdown easing is announced, with cautious cuddling included, but, when just a few days later concerns about new varients rise, will the protection of vaccination take the weight we need it to?

Thursday night lateral flow testing. Friday morning baking “I’ve Missed You Like Mad” Cookies. And, after much waiting, hugging.Links:Original Cookie Recipe (Jane’s Patisserie)

This week's episode celebrates the arrival of the Great British summer with talk of summer album soundtracks, and making summer plans on a summer bucket list.

A little lightness this week, with a run down of a few of my current favourites from the worlds of books/audiobooks, TV, food, music and other things.Links:You Will Get Through This Night by Dan Howell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HZFLP34/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HMMH1YM74DY8JA1BX5TYDr John Cambell on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CampbellteachingClaire Saffitz, Desert Person on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClaireSaffitzxDessertPersonGlow Up on iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p099yzf0/glow-up-britains-next-makeup-star-series-3-episode-1Sour — Olivia Rodrigo (Spotify Link): https://open.spotify.com/album/6s84u2TUpR3wdUv4NgKA2j?si=NP2cwqK2RcShOUc1ppYOkw

There is only one way to learn patience, and that's the hard way...

In this week’s episode, we get a little phylosophical, and think about what makes for a comfortable pace.