Big Bad Beautiful Brains

About MelissaMelissa Harrison is an award-winning novelist and nature writer whose work spans fiction, children’s books, and journalism. She contributes a monthly Nature Notebook column to The Times and writes regularly for FT Weekend, The Guardian, and The New Statesman. Her most recent novel, All Among the Barley, won the European Union Prize for Literature and was named a Book of the Year by several major publications. A Suffolk resident, Melissa has also published acclaimed collections of her nature writing, including The Stubborn Light of Things, and continues to share her reflections through her Substack newsletter Witness Marks. Melissa’s new book, The Given World, comes out on May 14thKeywordscomplex trauma, PTSD, neurodivergence, childhood impact, psychological effectsSummaryIn this conversation, Melissa Harrison explores the profound effects of complex trauma on her life, particularly how childhood experiences shape adulthood. She distinguishes between PTSD and complex trauma, emphasizing the cumulative nature of the latter and its neurological and psychological impacts. The discussion also highlights emerging research on complex trauma as a form of acquired neurodivergence.TakeawaysI'm figuring out how my childhood shapes my adulthood.Complex trauma affects my brain.PTSD comes from shocking and sudden events.Complex trauma is the accretion of difficult events.There's a growing body of research on complex trauma.Complex trauma leaves lasting marks neurologically.Complex trauma can lead to neurodivergence.Understanding trauma is essential for healing.Childhood experiences have long-term effects.Research is evolving on trauma and its impacts."How my childhood shapes my adulthood""Complex trauma is the accretion of difficult events""Complex trauma as a form of acquired neurodivergence"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights01:36 Saying Hello02:08 What's a song or sound that's been stuck in your head recently?04:36 What's something you've been curious about lately?11:09 If you had to describe how your brain works in three words, what would they be and why?13:40 What's something you're still figuring out?19:06 What's something about everyday life that's easy for you, but hard for others, or the other way round?26:15 Have you found any approaches that make the world better for you?33:42 If you had a free day with no plans, how would you spend it?36:14 What's something that makes you lose track of time.38:19 What's the best advice you've ever been given?42:06 What's something you're excited to learn or try in the future?45:04 What's one thing you'd like listeners to take away from this conversation?45:49 What's next for you?

The conversation with Frankie Rose covers various themes, including the concept of art as a mission, managing overwhelm, finding quiet in different ways, coping with a busy brain, creating structure for wellness, and small things that bring joy. Frankie shares insights into her experiences and challenges, offering valuable perspectives on these topics. The conversation explores the themes of finding calm and centeredness, the zone of creativity, the best advice and resilience, learning and disconnecting, and embracing imperfection and uniqueness. It emphasizes the value of resilience, trying hard, and the importance of engaging in real-world activities while disconnecting from technology.TakeawaysArt as a missionManaging overwhelmFinding quiet in different ways Resilience and the value of trying hardThe importance of disconnecting from technology and engaging in real-world activitiesChapters00:00 Art as a Mission09:28 Figuring Out Burnout16:08 Creating Structure for Wellness21:19 Small Things That Bring Joy27:27 The Best Advice and Resilience42:52 Embracing Imperfection and Uniqueness

About MikeMike Keen is a chef and adventurer based in the east of England, dedicated to exploring ancestral diets and their role in shaping sustainable global food systems. He spends much of his time immersed in indigenous communities, adopting traditional eating practices to uncover insights into how humans have sustained themselves for millennia.AI SummaryIn this conversation, James and Mike delve into the evolution of human diets, exploring the hunter-gatherer, agricultural, and industrial phases. They discuss the importance of curiosity and anthropology in understanding our past, the challenges of modern politics, and the need to rethink success and happiness in a capitalist society. The conversation also touches on the joy of cooking, the value of embracing failure as a learning tool, and the significance of living life to the fullest.Chapters03:14 Musical Inspirations and Storytelling06:12 Curiosity and Anthropology09:16 The Chaos of Thought12:15 Education and Curiosity14:55 Politics and Public Perception18:07 The Nature of Success and Capitalism20:52 Personal Realizations and Life's Journey25:52 The Fork in the Road: Wealth and Responsibility29:52 The Nature of Failure and Growth36:36 Embracing Failure: A Path to Resilience40:23 The Importance of Happiness Over Success47:32 Adventures in Learning: Skills and Experiences50:17 Life Lessons: Perspective on Time and Happiness

Hello everyone! I hope you're doing well. Just a little voice note from me to say that Season Two will be out later this month.

Ben Driver is an artist, hair stylist and holistic therapist whose work is rooted in curiosity, connection and creative exploration. He describes himself as a gentle creative soul with a growing rebellious streak, moving through life with openness and a willingness to step into new experiences. Whether he’s painting, sketching, collaging or simply lying in a woodland listening to the world around him, Ben uses creativity as both expression and self-care. His mixed-media art mirrors the way his mind moves through different states — spontaneous, textured, abstract, and deeply reflective.James and Ben explore a variety of themes including the impact of music on emotions, the complexities of self-perception, and the importance of self-care and creative expression. They discuss navigating social interactions, the challenges of living in a fast-paced world, and the significance of finding peace in nature. Ben shares insights on personal growth, embracing change, and the beauty of connecting through differences, ultimately emphasizing the importance of authenticity in one's journey.Chapters02:16 Navigating Perception and Self-Reflection05:09 Understanding the Chaotic Mind08:14 Creative Outlets for Mental Clarity10:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery10:43 Embracing Individual Paths13:41 Finding Comfort in Nature16:28 The Balance of Social Interactions19:27 Slowing Down in a Noisy World22:22 The Art of Listening to Yourself25:25 Creating Meaning Through Art28:17 The Joy of Simple Pleasures30:53 The Importance of Being Open to Change33:44 Living Authentically36:45 The Beauty of Differences39:42 Bumbling with Intent

Kasey Brown is an author originally from Hertfordshire and now settled in Suffolk. She was diagnosed with ADHD in her late 20s, and her neurodivergence is woven into her perspective and writing. Her debut book – due for release very soon – explores themes of abuse, grief, trauma, alcoholism, and neurodivergence, offering an honest look at some of life’s hardest experiences.KeywordsADHDanimalscuriositymental healthmindfulnessmusicneurodiversitypersonal growthtrustworkplaceKasey Brown is an author originally from Hertfordshire and now settled in Suffolk. She was diagnosed with ADHD in her late 20s, and her neurodivergence is woven into her perspective and writing. Her debut book – due for release very soon – explores themes of abuse, grief, trauma, alcoholism, and neurodivergence, offering an honest look at some of life’s hardest experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:40 The Power of Music and Sound03:07 Curiosity and Exploration08:20 Understanding the Mind: ADHD and Masking11:02 Navigating Everyday Life with ADHD13:34 Building Trust and Acceptance in Workplaces16:58 The Joy of Animals and Connection20:09 Finding Balance in Nothingness27:44 Losing Track of Time with Family34:37 Life Lessons and Advice36:42 Future Aspirations and Learning38:02 Key Takeaways and Reflections

keywordsmusic, curiosity, attention, learning, AI, storytelling, personal growth, mental health, experience, knowledgetakeawaysMusic plays a nostalgic role in our lives.Curiosity is essential in understanding the world.Attention can take different forms and is dynamic.The balance between information, knowledge, and experience is crucial.AI lacks the human element of curiosity and meaning.Finding signal amidst noise is vital for clarity.Storytelling holds valuable lessons for navigating life.Personal growth often comes from unexpected experiences.Open-mindedness can lead to surprising insights.Expectations can hinder our ability to learn and grow.summaryJames and Ezra explore various themes including the role of music in life, the importance of curiosity, the dynamics of attention and learning, and the impact of AI on human experience. They discuss the balance between information, knowledge, and experience, emphasising the value of storytelling and personal growth through reflection. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating a noisy world and the significance of open-mindedness in discovering new insights.

About MarkMark Požlep — an artist from Slovenia whose work sits at the intersection of performance, travel, and social engagement. Mark creates what he calls durational performances — long, often physical journeys that place him in direct, embodied interaction with people and places. Through these experiences, he explores how art can question structures of power, provoke reflection, and connect us through shared moments of humanity. His work often unfolds across borders — geographically, politically, and emotionally — using media like travel logs, film essays, and documentary performance to translate the poetics of lived experience for audiences. At the heart of his practice is a question that feels especially relevant today: how can we truly understand experiences we haven’t lived ourselves?Keywordsart, creativity, water, curiosity, personal growth, emotional connection, process, understanding, joy, future aspirationsSummaryIn this conversation, Mark discusses his artistic journey, exploring themes of creativity, connection to water, and the emotional resonance of music. He reflects on the importance of curiosity in his work, the challenges of everyday life, and the joy found in small moments. Mark emphasizes the value of the creative process, the need for patience, and the significance of taking a pause before reacting. He shares his aspirations for the future, including learning new skills and continuing his artistic projects, while inviting listeners to consider their own processes of understanding and creation.TakeawaysWe need to understand experiences we haven't lived.Melancholic songs can provide comfort and uplift.Curiosity drives the need for understanding.The creative process is often more rewarding than the end result.Accepting that results take time is crucial.Finding joy in small moments can enhance our lives.Losing track of time in creativity is a flow state.Taking a pause before reacting can lead to better decisions.Learning new skills keeps the creative spirit alive.We are co-creators with the world around us.Sound bites"Accepting that results take time.""Little details make me smile.""We are co-creators with the world."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Festival Preparation02:30 The Power of Music and Melancholy05:17 Curiosity and Connection with Water07:47 The Creative Process and Understanding10:07 Navigating Everyday Life12:02 Finding Joy in Small Moments14:42 The Importance of Presence and Observation16:49 Flow States in Creativity19:04 Advice on Impulsivity and Reflection21:25 Future Aspirations and Learning24:03 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

SummaryIn this conversation, Isiah and James explore the profound impact of music on mental health, the role of photography in expressing identity, and the challenges of navigating indecision and structure in creative processes. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, the rewarding nature of youth work, and the complexities of building personal friendships. The dialogue also highlights the significance of experiences in shaping happiness, the role of music in enhancing creativity, and the value of photo books in providing a deeper connection to art. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for new perspectives and the acceptance of imperfection in artistic expression.Keywordsmusic, mental health, photography, identity, youth work, self-reflection, friendships, experiences, creativity, photo booksTakeawaysMusic serves as a safe haven for mental health.Photography can be a powerful tool for exploring identity.Indecision and the need for structure often conflict.Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.Youth work provides valuable experiences and skills.Building personal friendships can be challenging.Experiences and memories shape our happiness.Witnessing growth in young people is rewarding.Music can enhance creativity and focus.Photo books offer a deeper connection to art.

In this conversation, Sophie and James explore various themes surrounding creativity, mental health, and the intricacies of artistic processes. They discuss the challenges of festival installations, the joy of music, and the importance of self-care. Sophie shares her experiences with maritime crafts and the significance of work-life balance, while James reflects on the impact of art consumption and the joy of everyday moments. The conversation culminates in insights about learning traditional crafts and the value of shared experiences in understanding oneself.About SophieSophie Giller is an artist working across sculpture, textiles, painting, and installation. Rooted in process, care, and the emotional life of materials, her practice explores how the things we make and keep reflect who we are. Working intuitively, she creates site-specific installations that respond to their social and historical surroundings while drawing on her own lived experience. Describing her work as exploring the “in-between”, Sophie reflects on the blurred spaces where ideas, emotions, and materials meet. Her work has been shown at the ICA, Saatchi Gallery, and Standpoint Gallery, featured in The Times, World of Interiors, and Time Out, and recognised by Bloomberg New Contemporaries and the Gilbert Bayes Award for Sculpture.Chapters00:00 Festival Installations and Challenges01:32 Musical Earworms and Processing Sounds02:43 Curiosity in Maritime Crafts03:46 Navigating Work-Life Balance05:19 Self-Care and Mental Health Strategies07:47 The Joy of Cats and Everyday Smiles09:48 Inspiration from Everyday Experiences13:39 The Impact of Art Consumption17:18 Learning Traditional Crafts19:52 Key Takeaways and Reflections

Keywordsart, creativity, Suffolk, sound, memory, dreams, social media, companionship, artistic process, festivalSummaryIn this conversation, Robin and James explore the intersection of art, memory, and the landscape of Suffolk. They discuss the power of sound and image in film, the importance of companionship with pets, and the challenges of navigating creativity in a digital age. Robin reflects on his artistic journey, the significance of memory and dreams, and the lessons learned from students. The conversation culminates in a discussion about balancing artistic expression with organizational responsibilities, particularly in the context of the Spill Festival.

Sophie the Great is a singer/songwriter with a wonderfully curious mind. She describes herself as “weird and interested in everything” – someone who’s always learning, always open, and ready to dive into whatever the world has to teach her.James and Sophie explore various themes including creativity, personal growth, and the importance of community. They discuss their musical inspirations, the challenges of navigating perceptions, and the significance of mindfulness and self-awareness. The chat covers the journey of understanding oneself, setting boundaries, and embracing authenticity while also highlighting the joy found in everyday moments and the beauty of nature. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.TakeawaysCreativity is a constant flow that cannot be turned off.Challenging comfort zones can lead to personal growth.Mindfulness is about being aware of your thoughts and feelings.Setting boundaries is essential for mental well-being.Self-talk can help clarify thoughts and reduce anxiety.Finding your community is crucial for support and understanding.Nature provides a calming space for reflection and peace.Daily rituals can enhance positivity and gratitude.Embracing independence allows for personal enjoyment and growth.Instant gratification can be detrimental; patience is key.

James Kindred and Andrew Laws delve into the themes of curiosity, creativity, and the distinct ways their brains function. They discuss the importance of asking questions, embracing chaos, and finding joy in everyday life. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating client relationships, the impact of school on work ethic, and the double-edged sword of hyperfocus. Ultimately, they emphasise the significance of transparency, personal growth, and the joy of discovery in both personal and professional realms.TakeawaysCuriosity is a gateway to learning and understandingAsking 'why' is crucial for personal growth.Embracing chaos can lead to creativity and innovation.Hyperfocus can be a powerful tool when harnessed correctly.Finding joy in everyday life is essential for well-being.Transparency in communication fosters better relationships.Navigating client relationships requires understanding and compatibility.The education system often stifles curiosity and creativity.Personal growth comes from learning on one's own terms.Balancing productivity with play is key to success.Keywordscuriosity, creativity, learning, anxiety, productivity, neurodiversity, chaos, transparency, work ethic, personal growth

Hosted by James Kindred, Big Bad Beautiful Brains is a podcast launching soon that dives deep into the quirks, challenges, and superpowers of brains that don’t always follow the rules. From ADHD to autism, anxiety to overthinking, energetic chaos to complete shutdowns, each episode is a raw and relatable chat with guests from all walks of life, ages, and neurotypes.