In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Jean welcomes Nicole Pedra, a model, actress, influencer, and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the tender age of 10. Nicole shares her remarkable journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood with MS, offering an honest look into the challenges of navigating life with a chronic illness.While MS is typically diagnosed in adults, it is exceedingly rare in children. Only about 3-5% of MS cases are diagnose...
In this raw and heartfelt conversation, Jean sits down with her close friend, supermodel, actress and founder of Gurls Talk, Adwoa Aboah. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of pain – both visible and invisible. Adwoa opens up about her personal struggles with mental health and addiction, sharing how pain manifested in her life from a young age, how it felt isolating, and the powerful journey to learning how to cope.Adwoa discusses the importance of acknowledging pain, the role sha...
In this episode, Jean welcomes supermodel and actress Abbey Lee to discuss her 20-year journey with endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting over 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide—approximately 190 million. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility. Abbey shares her personal experiences, from her first symptoms in childhood to enduring years of misdiagnoses befor...
Jean welcomes Laura Mason, an autoimmune wellness blogger, chef, and the creator of Love Chef Laura. Laura shares her inspiring journey of healing from Hashimoto's and Rheumatoid Arthritis, her love for culinary arts, and the transformative therapies that have helped her manage chronic pain and transform her life. Highlights: Introduction to Laura MasonLife-changing Diagnosis: Laura's journey through being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while raising young children.Creating a S...
Long COVID has affected an estimated 65 million people worldwide, leaving many to navigate life with ongoing symptoms.Long COVID, a condition affecting an estimated 65 million people worldwide, can bring a wide range of lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, and respiratory issues, often lasting for months or even years.In this heartfelt episode, Jean speaks with Lilly Downs, an advocate for long COVID recovery, who shares her personal journey through illness, resilience...
In this compelling episode, Jean Campbell and Edward Burgess Wells sit down with world-class photographer Jamie Hawkesworth. Jamie shares his remarkable journey from amateur photographer to photographing the covers of VOGUE, diving deeply into his decade-long struggle with chronic back pain and how it has influenced his work and life. This episode explores the intersection of creativity and pain, resilience in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, and the transformative power of d...
In this episode, influential stylist, fashion director, and one of Jean's most dear friends, Julia Sarr-Jamois, shares her candid experience with pain, anxiety, and OCD, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.Julia recounts how the sudden changes in her life, including isolation and uncertainty, triggered anxiety and OCD symptoms, leading to severe panic attacks. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, affects approximately 1-2% of the global population, with millions more experiencing intr...
In this episode, Jean is joined by Farideh Banafshei, a counseling psychologist nearing the completion of her doctorate. They discuss Farideh's journey from working in finance to transitioning into psychology, driven by her own experiences of imposter syndrome and stress in high-pressure environments. Farideh highlights the pressures women face in professional settings, the impact of perfectionism, and the ways society's unrealistic expectations can lead to mental health issues. She shar...
Approximately 1 in 7 men suffer from male pelvic pain, a condition often endured in silence due to societal stigma and pressure. Premature ejaculation affects about 30% of men at some point in their lives, while other pelvic health issues, such as chronic prostatitis and pelvic floor dysfunction, are also prevalent.Today, Jean and Edward chat with Tony Kosoko, a leading physical therapist in pelvic health, who specializes in addressing these issues and advocates for breaking the silence to im...
Chronic bladder pain is a condition that significantly impacts the lives of millions of women globally. Despite its prevalence, many women suffer in silence due to the private nature of the condition, societal stigma, and a lack of awareness.Jean introduces her friend Isabel, who has endured chronic bladder pain since her teenage years. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of living with a condition in such a sensitive area, how it affects sex, the impact of a chronic illness on pers...
Today, Jean is joined by Rosemary Ferguson, a 90s icon turned nutritionist, to explore the profound impact of nutrition on pain management. Rosemary shares her journey from the runway to becoming a nutrition expert, driven by her passion for holistic health. Together, they delve into the importance of gut health, discussing how our diet can influence overall well-being and alleviate chronic pain.They also tackle the effects of diet culture, including its influence on both female and male body...
In today’s episode, George Cortina courageously shares his poignant journey through the immense grief of losing friends to the AIDS crisis, which had a profound and lasting impact on his life. Despite the weight of this loss, George has discovered a path forward, grounded in sobriety, service, and an unwavering commitment to his core values. Through his resilience and gratitude, he exemplifies the strength to move beyond tragedy and find meaning and purpose in life.George is currently the Fas...
I am delighted to be joined today by my esteemed agent, the iconic Richard Habberly. In this episode, Richard shares a deeply personal and poignant narrative, reflecting on his journey through addiction and the transformative power of learning to become teachable.Richard grew up in East London in the late 70s amidst the burgeoning scene of youth cults. He left home at 17 and was an integral part of the club kid scene which is documented in his book Memorabilia published by Idea books.He drift...
Today, Jean is joined by the incredibly inspiring Marti Hines, a dedicated advocate for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As a Black woman living with MS, Marti shares her powerful journey, shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering determination, offering invaluable insights into the intersection of race, gender, and chronic illness. Marti's advocacy work not only highlights the struggles but also celebrates t...
Today we are thrilled to have Dr. Charlotte Small, Chief Medical Officer at the UK’s Leva Clinic, on the podcast. The Leva Clinic, based in the UK and integrated with NHS services, specializes in personalized chronic pain management, advocating for individualized treatment approaches tailored to each patient's needs. In this episode, Dr. Small shares her innovative work and stresses the importance of advocating for yourself. Dr. Small also discusses conditions such as fibromyalgia, certain ty...
In this episode teacher, author, and founder of the School of Womanly Arts, Regena Thomashauer, shares with us her transformative journey to reclaiming her sensuality, self-worth, and feminine power. Regena Thomashauer (a.k.a. “Mama Gena”) is a best-selling author, media personality, and founder and CEO of the School of Womanly Arts.She’s on a mission to help women reclaim their power by tapping into the divine feminine and infusing their lives with the lost art of pleasure. Thomas...
My incredible friend Camille Charriere joins me today on the podcast to candidly explore her journey through infertility with a mix of vulnerability and wit, aiming to support others facing similar challenges and break the stigma surrounding infertility. Camille Charriere, London-based writer and broadcaster, fashion expert / taste-maker and pioneer of digital culture.Camille is an LVMH Prize Jury member, television presenter (Canal+, Paris Mode), broadcaster (Fashion: No Filter, the tra...
In this episode, Dr. Wayne Kampers delves into his innovative approach to managing chronic pain through the principles of neuroplasticity. Dr. Wayne Kampers started his career as the medical director of a busy GP practice in Canada, frustrated by the limitations of ten-minute mental health consultations. Seeking more time to understand his patients, he moved to the UK and specialized in psychiatry.With over 35 years in medicine and 25 years as an Integrative Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. ...
This week fashion icon Penelope Tree discusses her very personal battle with an eating disorder and her path to finding hope.Penelope Tree was born in New York where she attended school. At the age of 16 she was scouted by Richard Avedon at Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball.Thanks to the encouragement of Diana Vreeland, Richard Avedon and Guy Bourdin, she soon became a top model and in 1968, she moved to London to live with David Bailey and continued to work with him for the next few years...
Ed Burgess-Wells opens up about his lifelong struggle with something many of us take for granted: sleep. He delves into the profound implications of sleep deprivation on both mental and physical health, sharing personal insights and challenges he's faced along the way. Ed also discusses how establishing a consistent routine has been crucial in managing his insomnia, emphasizing the power of mind over matter.Ed Burgess-Wells is a meditation instructor that has been practising meditation for 23...