Mind Cake: Mental Health, Laughter and Life Stuff

Why do people still believe in ghosts and the paranormal? Lee and Paul chat with Uncanny’s resident sceptic Deborah Hyde, editor of The Skeptic Magazine, to uncover the psychology behind the paranormal. From moon myths to memory glitches and why fear sometimes feels good, this funny, thought-provoking episode explores what makes us believe the unbelievable.

This Halloween, Mind Cake brews up something a little different.Lee and Paul are joined by Swailes from The Bell Witch Podcast — a self-proclaimed good witch who believes real magic is about connection, compassion, and caring for the planet.Together, they chat about:✨ Why witchcraft is less hocus-pocus and more mindfulness🌿 How rituals, grounding, and nature can support mental health🔥 The healing power of folklore and finding meaning in the mysterious💫 And why kindness might be the most potent spell of allIt’s thoughtful, funny, and full of the kind of magic that doesn’t need a wand.So light a candle, pour a brew, and join the coven.Sign up to the Mind Cake Newsletter here🕯️ Mind Cake: stirring up conversations about mental health, one slice at a time.

🎙️ Chris Ingram: Racing, Resilience & RallyingIn this episode of Mind Cake, we sit down with British Rally Champion Chris Ingram, who opens up about life in the fast lane — from his rise as the youngest British driver ever to win the European Rally Championship to losing everything during COVID and fighting his way back.Chris talks candidly about:🏁 The mental resilience needed to compete at elite levels🧠 The stigma surrounding mental health in professional sport🚗 The unique bond and trust between driver and co-driver💥 The setbacks that tested his confidence — and how he rebuilt it💪 Why giving up was never an optionHis journey is a powerful reminder that even the fastest drivers face their own battles. This conversation is for anyone fascinated by motorsport, resilience, or the human stories behind success.This week we’re also joined by guest co-host Peter Green from Greeno Eats, who brings his trademark curiosity and humour to the discussion.🎧 Listen now to discover how speed, strategy, and self-awareness collide on the road to success.💬 Share your thoughts:📸 Instagram — @mindcakepodcast🧠 Catch up on past episodes — linktr.ee/mindcake#ChrisIngram #Rallying #MentalHealth #Motorsport #Resilience #MindCakePodcast #SportsMindset #GreenoEats #Wellbeing #Motivation #Inspiration

🎙️ Ep. 50 – Anne Widdecombe: Politics, Pressure & The PasoRecorded inside a bee pod, because why not?What do you get when you mix a political heavyweight, two pals reflecting on 50 episodes and the gentle hum of 60,000 bees? An episode that’s part celebration, part provocation — and 100% Mind Cake.In this special milestone instalment, Lee Crompton and Paul Beeson sit down with the inimitable Anne Widdecombe to talk mental health, public scrutiny, reality TV resilience and why “nothing lasts forever.”🔥 Expect discussion on:Anne’s take on the mental health conversation — controversial, yes, but revealingThe difference between stress, struggle and serious illnessWhat Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother taught her about pressureFreedom of speech in the age of social mediaThe unexpected calm of bee therapyLove her or loathe her, Anne doesn’t hold back. And that’s what makes this episode worth hearing — not to agree, but to listen, reflect and keep the conversation going.🎧 Listen now and celebrate 50 episodes of curiosity, chaos and cake.💬 Let us know what you think📸 Follow us on Instagram @mindcakepodcast🧠 Catch up on past episodes via linktr.ee/mindcake

What does a box of tangled old cables, a Turkish delight cake and a Netflix documentary about waste all have in common?They’re all in this episode—along with a deep, funny and practical chat about how clutter affects our mental health.This week on Mind Cake, we’re joined by Kerri from KC’s Clutter Cure, a professional declutterer who’s seen it all—from overflowing sock drawers to garages that haven’t seen a car since 1998. Kerri takes us through the psychology of clutter, how it impacts our wellbeing, and why the simple act of tidying might be more therapeutic than you think.We cover:🧠 Why clutter increases anxiety and stress (and it’s not just laziness)📦 What your “clutter tolerance” says about your emotional load🔌 That one box of cables we all pretend we might need someday🍰 A surprise cake chat (yes, Turkish delight is involved)📉 Why things are designed to break—and how that fuels our throwaway culture🏭 A peek at the scale of global waste, the rise of fast-consumption, and what China’s mega shipping ports say about our modern livesKerri also shares practical, compassionate tips for:Letting go of sentimental items without guiltCreating systems that work with your natural habitsReframing decluttering as emotional self-care—not punishment“The brain is incapable of being both creative and anxious at the same time.” — KerryWhether you’re a minimalist in training or still hoarding cables “just in case,” this episode will give you permission to let go—and breathe a little easier.🎧 Listen now and start decluttering more than just your living room.LINKS:Buy Now! The Shopping ConspiracyPulls back the curtain on the world's top brands, exposing the hidden tactics and covert strategies used to keep all of us locked in an endless cycle of buying, no matter the cost.https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81554996KC's Clutter Curehttps://kcscluttercure.com/Facebook page

What if your dreams are more than just random brain noise?Renowned dream psychologist Ian Wallace joins Mind Cake to explore how understanding your dream life can unlock emotional growth, creativity — and even control.In this fascinating episode, we’re joined by psychologist and dream expert Ian Wallace to uncover what our dreams are really trying to tell us — and how we can use them to navigate emotional challenges in waking life.💤 From recurring nightmares to flying fantasies, we explore:🌙 The surprising connection between our emotions and recurring dream themes💭 How dreams act as emotional problem-solvers — not just random brain static🛌 Lucid dreaming: can you really learn to control your dreams?🧠 Why understanding your unconscious mind can boost your mental health and creativity🤖 The eerie overlap between dream logic and artificial intelligence (yes, really)Ian also shares his unique perspective on why every dream has meaning, and how we can shift from fearing our dream world to working with it.If you’ve ever woken up wondering what the hell was that about? — this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and explore the psychology of dreaming in a whole new way.LINKSIan Wallace's WebsiteMind Cake Newsletter

What happens when the man behind Atari’s most infamous video game becomes a therapist?Howard Scott Warshaw joins us to talk burnout, chaos addiction, and how programming skills can actually make you a better communicator — and a better human.In this episode of Mind Cake, we sit down with Howard Scott Warshaw, aka the Silicon Valley Therapist, to explore how a lifetime of high achievement, adrenaline addiction, and public failure became fuel for healing — his own and others’.We talk about:🎮 How programming and therapy both rely on language, negotiation, and clarity🔥 The “firefighter complex” — thriving on chaos until it burns you out🧠 Why workaholics and high achievers struggle with emotional health🤝 Attachment theory, decision-making under ambiguity, and choosing partners for growth👾 The psychology of gaming, "Doers vs. Beers", and the danger of chasing high scoresIf you’ve ever worked in a high-pressure environment or felt the weight of doing more, being more, or never stopping — this one’s for you.🗣️ Links:Howard’s book, Once Upon Atari The Silicon Valley Therapist🎧 Subscribe, share, and review if this episode hits home.Your support helps us reach more curious, creative minds.

What if your anxiety isn’t from this life at all?Renowned hypnotist John Koenig joins Mind Cake to explore how past life regression can reveal hidden wounds — and help us heal them in the present.Is it possible that our deepest fears, relationships, or patterns come from lives we’ve lived before?In this fascinating episode of Mind Cake, we’re joined by John Koenig, a certified hypnotist and past life regression therapist from Rhode Island. With decades of experience helping clients explore their subconscious, John brings a grounded, engaging approach to a topic many find mysterious — or even taboo.Together, we explore:🔮 What past life regression actually involves — and who it's for🌌 Why our souls might choose specific lives to learn from💔 How unresolved patterns — like low self-esteem or toxic relationships — may link back to earlier incarnations🧘‍♂️ John’s own past life discoveries and what they taught him about grief, karma, and growth📚 Why exploring past lives isn’t about fantasy — but about healing in the presentWhether you’re curious, sceptical, or open-minded, this episode offers a grounded, surprising take on how exploring your inner world can transform your outer one.🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: what might your past lives be trying to tell you?LINKSUniversal Mind Map: Oracle Meditation System for Personal Transformation (Guidebook)My Autobiographies: An Introduction to Past Life Exploration for Personal and Spiritual GrowthThe Universal Mind DeckMind Cake Newsletter

Can ancient Stoic philosophy help you survive modern mental chaos?Coach Benny Voncken joins Mind Cake to share how journaling, presence, and perspective can transform how we handle anxiety, burnout, and even grief.In this powerful solo-hosted episode of Mind Cake, Paul Beeson speaks with Benny Voncken, a Stoic coach who helps people navigate the chaos of modern life through ancient philosophy — with humour, honesty, and real-world tools.Together, they explore:🧘‍♂️ How Stoicism builds resilience in the face of stress, grief, and anxiety🖊️ The power of journaling to uncover clarity and calm⚰️ Why reflecting on mortality can actually deepen joy and purpose🤝 The importance of open conversations among men in breaking shame cycles🛠️ Simple Stoic practices to foster presence, gratitude, and emotional balanceBenny shares personal stories, accessible wisdom, and a few mind-bending truths about how our relationship with control, fear, and community can shift everything.🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to live well — even in a messy world.Link:Benny Voncken Website

What does it take to walk from the top of Europe to the bottom — alone?Poet and mental health advocate Kit Birks shares her story of eating disorders, addiction, and how walking and poetry became a path to survival.In this raw and inspiring episode of Mind Cake, we speak to Kit Birks, a mental health advocate, poet, and solo adventurer, whose upcoming record-breaking walk from Norway to Greece is a powerful metaphor for recovery.Kit opens up about:💔 Her experience with anorexia, bulimia, and substance abuse — and the difficult road to healing🚶‍♀️ How walking, nature, and poetry became her tools for survival🧠 The stigma around addiction and how speaking out saved her life🗺️ Her upcoming world-record solo hike to raise awareness for suicide prevention✍️ Why creativity — especially poetry — can be a profound form of therapyWith humour, honesty, and zero self-pity, Kit shares how she transformed pain into purpose and found meaning in movement.🎧 Tune in for an episode about courage, connection, and the healing power of putting one foot in front of the other.https://www.justgiving.com/page/stridebeyondsilencehttps://www.kitbirks.com/#explore #nordkapptogavdos #worldrecord #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #solotrek #stridebeyondsilence

Can facing death help us live more fully?In this powerful episode, former BMJ editor Dr. Richard Smith explores why we need to rethink how we talk about — and prepare for — our own dying.Why do we struggle to talk about death — even though it’s the one thing guaranteed to happen to all of us?In this powerful episode of Mind Cake, we’re joined by Dr. Richard Smith — former editor of the BMJ and lifelong advocate for better conversations around mortality.We explore:💀 Why our culture hides from death — and how that avoidance affects our mental health🧑‍⚕️ The medicalisation of dying, and why families and communities should take a bigger role⚖️ The ethics of assisted dying, and how medicine is failing many at the end of life🌍 What we can learn from how other cultures face mortality🧘‍♂️ Why confronting death now can help us live with more purpose, connection, and peaceDr. Smith also discusses his widely debated view that cancer can be a “gentle” way to die, and why embracing discomfort around death might just be the key to a better life.🎧 This is not a morbid conversation — it’s a hopeful, honest one. Tune in.LINKSThe LancetMind Cake Newsletter

How does a mother’s grief spark a global movement?In this moving episode, Phil and Wendy from the Little Princess Trust share how one little girl’s legacy now gives hope — and hair — to thousands of children with cancer.When five-year-old Hannah passed away from cancer, her family turned their grief into something extraordinary — creating the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children facing hair loss, free of charge.In this episode of Mind Cake, we speak with Phil and Wendy about how a single act of kindness became a global movement — and a lasting legacy of love.Together, we explore:💔 The personal story behind the charity’s founding — and how Hannah’s memory lives on through every wig🌍 How hair donations from 128 countries have transformed over 18,000 young lives💖 The emotional and psychological impact of hair loss in children — and how a wig can restore confidence, identity, and hope🧪 Why the Trust now also funds millions in groundbreaking childhood cancer researchThis isn’t just a charity story — it’s a reminder of the power of empathy, community, and courage in the face of heartbreak.🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will move you, uplift you, and maybe even inspire you to cut your hair for a cause.Links:✂️ Learn more or donate to the Little Princess Trust

What does it take to perform magic when your mind is working against you?Illusionist Daniel Bower joins Mind Cake to reveal how he manages anxiety, performance pressure — and why connection is the real trick behind every show.In this entertaining and revealing episode of Mind Cake, magician Daniel Bower pulls back the curtain on the world of live performance — and shares how magic became his therapy.With over 16 years of experience (including working with Marvin’s Magic), Daniel opens up about how his craft helps him stay grounded, even while battling anxiety, hecklers, and the pressure to always “dazzle.”We explore:✨ The real magic: building connection, joy, and presence through performance🎭 The emotional toll of live shows — and why close-up magic can be more stressful than the big stage🧠 Daniel’s personal mental health journey, and how illusion became a form of healing🪞 What magicians and therapists have in common when it comes to attention, misdirection, and trustThis isn’t just a behind-the-scenes look at the world of magic — it’s a heartfelt conversation about performance, identity, and why doing what you love can sometimes be the bravest act of all.🎧 Tune in for a surprising, honest, and magical episode that reveals what’s really going on behind the sleight of hand.LINKSBower MagicMarvin's Magic – Marvin's Magic WorldwideMind Cake Newsletter

Struggling with poor sleep, brain fog, or anxiety? It might be your tongue.In this episode of Mind Cake, myofunctional therapist Karese Laguerre explains how breathing patterns affect focus, energy, and mental health — and how simple changes can unlock real results.What if your tongue posture was silently sabotaging your focus, sleep, and mood?In this eye-opening episode of Mind Cake, we’re joined by Karese Laguerre, a leading myofunctional therapist, who breaks down the powerful connection between breathing, oral health, and mental clarity.Together we explore:😮‍💨 Why mouth breathing disrupts sleep, increases anxiety, and worsens brain fog👅 How tongue posture affects everything from posture to mood regulation🧠 The science behind myofunctional therapy and how it rewires breathing for better focus and calm🧘‍♀️ Simple daily exercises you can try at home to improve energy, concentration, and restfulnessKarese delivers practical advice and deep insight with humour and clarity, showing us that better breathing might be the wellness fix we’ve all overlooked.🎧 If you’ve been feeling tired, wired, or foggy — this is the episode your nervous system needs.Links:🌬️ Explore Karese Laguerre’s work

Feeling anxious, wired or overwhelmed?Discover how sound baths can help you access calm, clarity, and rest — instantly.Tommy from The Sonic Den joins us to explore the science and magic behind sound healing.What if the fastest way to calm your nervous system... was sound?In this restorative episode of Mind Cake, we speak to Tommy from The Sonic Den, a former rock musician turned sound therapist, who now helps people access deep calm through sound baths and healing frequencies.Whether you're sceptical or sound-curious, this conversation opens the door to a powerful, often-overlooked tool for well-being.We explore:🔔 What actually happens in a sound bath — and why instruments like gongs and bowls affect us so deeply🧬 The science of 432Hz frequencies, brainwave states, and parasympathetic activation🎸 Tommy’s journey from music teaching and performance to healing through sound🌌 Real stories from his clients: anxiety release, emotional breakthroughs, and long-awaited restTommy's approach is grounded, warm, and full of practical insight — perfect for anyone looking to slow down and tune in.🎧 Plug in your headphones, lie back, and discover how sound can shift your state — fast.

Are your screens rewiring your brain?Psychologist Dr. Aaron Balick joins Mind Cake to explore the real psychological toll of digital life — and what you can do to take back control.Are you in control of your screen… or is it in control of you?In this timely episode of Mind Cake, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Balick, a psychologist, author, and expert in cyber-psychology, to unpack the true impact of technology on our mental health.From social media doomscrolling to the anxiety of constant notifications, we explore how modern tech affects the brain, emotions, and relationships — and more importantly, what we can do about it.We discuss:🔍 The neuroscience of screen addiction and why it’s so hard to unplug📱 How social media reshapes our identity, self-esteem, and emotional regulation🧠 Why “digital overwhelm” is fuelling anxiety, burnout, and loneliness🧘‍♂️ Simple practices to build digital boundaries, reclaim your focus, and reconnect with the presentWhether you’re feeling chronically distracted, endlessly online, or just curious about how to reset your relationship with tech, this episode offers the insight — and relief — you’ve been craving.🎧 Tune in to understand the digital mind — and how to protect your own.LinksDr Aaron Balick Deep Work by Cal Newport Balance App

It’s Christmas Eve, and the Mind Cake team is throwing a festive bash! In this special holiday episode, we’re joined by some very special guests from past episodes who pop round to join the party. Expect laughter, surprises, and plenty of light-hearted holiday chaos as we reflect on the year and celebrate with some Mind Cake-style cheer. So grab a mince pie, settle in, and join us for a Christmas Eve like no other—packed with good vibes, a sprinkle of wisdom, and maybe a little too much eggnog. Merry Christmas from all of us at Mind Cake!

This week on Mind Cake, we are thrilled to host the legendary video game designer Howard Scott Warshaw, the creative mind behind iconic Atari games like Yar's Revenge and the infamous E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Join us as Howard takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from the dawn of video gaming to his transition into psychotherapy. In this episode, we explore: 🎮 The Atari Days: Howard shares his experiences at Atari, the unique work culture, and the creative process behind developing Yar's Revenge, one of Atari's best-selling games. 💡 Creative Challenges: Discover how Howard tackled the seemingly impossible task of creating the E.T. game in just five weeks, and the lessons learned from this high-pressure project. 🧠 Mental Health Journey: Howard opens up about his personal struggles, the impact of his career on his mental health, and how becoming a therapist transformed his life. Howard's story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the human spirit. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that delves into the highs and lows of a pioneering career in video games and the healing journey that followed. #MindCakePodcast #VideoGameHistory #Atari #MentalHealthAwareness #Creativity #Resilience Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! Explore More Once Upon Atari: How I Made History by Killing an Industry by Howard Scott Warshaw Watch Atari: Game Over trailer on IMDb

From Pain to Purpose: Karen Roberts’ Journey of Transformation | EP 32 🔥 Can lifestyle changes unlock true transformation? In this episode of Mind Cake, we dive deep with Karen Roberts, founder of Vivendus, to explore how she turned chronic pain into a life-changing mission. From overcoming autoimmune struggles to building a thriving coaching business, Karen’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. 🔍 What you’ll discover:✅ Healing Through Diet – How the autoimmune protocol helped Karen manage arthritis without medication✅ Ditching Alcohol – The unexpected clarity and purpose she found after giving up drinking✅ Breaking Free from Perfectionism – Insights on overcoming impostor syndrome, people-pleasing, and self-doubt✅ Cold Water Therapy – The mental and physical benefits of cold water swimming for stress relief and mindfulness✅ Life Coaching & Fulfillment – How Karen helps clients navigate burnout, boundaries, and finding purpose 💡 Feeling stuck? Struggling with self-doubt? Curious about the power of small lifestyle shifts? This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical strategies, and powerful takeaways for anyone looking to redefine their path. 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward your own transformation! If this episode resonates with you, share your thoughts in the comments!👇 #MindCakePodcast #LifeCoaching #HealingThroughFood #AutoimmuneWellness #PersonalGrowth #ColdWaterTherapy #Empowerment Links Visit Vivendus Find Karen on LinkedIn Phoenix Helix - https://phoenixhelix.com/ Mental Health, Coaching, Personal Development, Transformation, Autoimmune Protocol, Karen Roberts, Vivenus, Self-Care, Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, People Pleasing, Boundaries, Cold Water Swimming, Clarity Of Thought, Nutrition, Healing Journey, Mindfulness, Life Coaching, Emotional Resilience, Overcoming Challenges

What does it take to challenge every expectation — including your own?Ultra-runner Rachel Macpherson joins Mind Cake to talk baldness, grief, endurance, and mental resilience in a world obsessed with appearances.What happens when you stop trying to fit in — and start chasing what fuels you?In this bold and honest episode of Mind Cake, we meet Rachel Macpherson — ultra-runner, mental health advocate, and unapologetically bald. From grief to growth, marathons to mindset shifts, Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that stepping outside the norm is where real transformation begins.We explore:💇‍♀️ Why Rachel shaved her head — and what it taught her about beauty, control, and identity🏃‍♀️ How she went from non-runner to ultra-athlete in just 2.5 years🧠 Mental resilience through personal loss, and how discomfort became her teacher🚫 The benefits of a social media detox on self-image and wellbeing🍔 The weirdest thing she’s ever eaten mid-race (yes, it involves gravy)Rachel doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle — and that’s what makes her story so powerful. If you’ve ever felt stuck, pressured to conform, or unsure how to push forward, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to run your own race — both on the trail and in life.LinksRachel Macpherson is fundraising for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)Little Princess Trust[littleprincesses.org.uk](https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk)Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)[thecalmzone.net](https://www.thecalmzone.net)Right Said Fred[rightsaidfred.com](http://www.rightsaidfred.com)Born to Run (Book)[Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/1861978774)