SoWhoCaresAnyway

SoWhoCaresAnyway E47 Learning To Live

In this episode I’m joined by Beryl Palmer | LinkedIn,x a social worker and senior leader whose own experience of burnout, illness and disconnection led her to re‑examine how she was living — and ultimately to retrain as a sophrologist.
This conversation follows on from Episode 23 with Dr Jane Stevens MD, MBA, PhD | LinkedIn, where we first touched on sophrology and the harmony we often forget in chaotic systems. You don’t need to have heard that episode, but if you did, you’ll recognise some of the threads we pick up again here. With Beryl, the focus shifts, from understanding sophrology to exploring what happens when it’s lived, practiced and applied in real‑world care settings, and what it can open up for people working in demanding roles.
Beryl talks openly about the years she spent “living on a diet of stress,” the moment she realised she’d lost her sense of self, and the slow, steady process of reconnecting mind, body and identity. She describes sophrology as both a simple toolkit and a deeply transformational practice — something that can help people reset in the middle of a working day, or guide them through profound personal change.
Together we explore:
what sophrology is and where it comes from
how Beryl’s own burnout became a turning point
the difference between “outside‑in” and “inside‑out” living
why clinicians, social workers and carers are so vulnerable to stress and compassion fatigue
how simple mind‑body practices can support emotional resilience
the importance of teaching mental‑health skills before crisis
how sophrology is being used in schools, retreats and health and social care teams
what happens when people begin to notice the early signals of stress rather than waiting for collapse
This is a gentle, grounded conversation about learning to live differently, with more awareness, more balance, and more connection to ourselves.
Resources
Sophrology in Social Work Education Exploring an innovative mind‑body method to support student wellbeing and resilience https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UDV9Y7RQXPPYV9XA76GC/full?target=10.1080/02615479.2026.2636685
NICE Guidelines: Mental Wellbeing at Work (2022) NICE recommends that employers offer yoga, mindfulness and meditation as evidence‑based support for staff wellbeing.Sophrology uniquely brings all three together in one structured method.https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212
Out in the Field — Health & Social Care Retreats Retreats designed to support the wellbeing, reflection and restoration of people working in health and social care.https://outinthefield.org/
Free Online Sophrology Group Session Join a free session hosted by the Sophrology Academy.https://www.sophroacademy.co.uk/events/
Book: The Sophrology Method by Florence Parot A practical introduction to sophrology and its mind‑body techniques.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophrology-Method-mind-body-techniques-healthier/dp/1856753867/
Sophrology Vimeo Channel Short videos and guided practices from the Sophrology Academy.https://vimeo.com/user228831104
2‑Minute Animation: What is Sophrology? A simple visual explanation of the method.https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1031474215
Beryl Palmer — Sophrologist Learn more about Beryl’s work, training and practice.http://www.berylpalmer.com/

SoWhoCaresAnyway E46 Just Name It

In this episode I’m joined by nurse and researcher @sandradyer_05, whose lifelong commitment to justice, equity and care has shaped her work across primary care, palliative care and now her PhD at King’s.
We talk about the roots of that commitment — from the peace movement and community activism of the 1980s to the moments in practice when health inequalities became personal and deeply human.
Our conversation moves from local experience to global responsibility. Sandra speaks openly about why events in Gaza matter to nurses here in the UK, the ethical duty to protect people wherever they are, and the emotional and professional risks of speaking up.
We explore the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, the loss of colleagues, the barriers to aid and education, and the courage it takes to advocate for others — in small everyday acts as much as in public spaces.
This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about what it means to name what we see, and what care asks of us in an interconnected world.
Resorces
Nurses4palestine2024
Médecins Sans Frontières
 

SoWhoCaresAnyway E45 The Quiet Work of Listening

In this short solo reflection, I share a moment that reminded me how change really happens — not through training days or modules, but through being listened to and recognised.
I met with a woman who’d been trying for years to get the right support. She wasn’t lacking knowledge; she was lacking recognition. And when she said, “People improve when they feel listened to,” it stopped me in my tracks.
This episode explores how being seen helps people reconnect with their own strengths, and how small moments of attunement can bridge the gap between what we know and what we do. Sometimes we can’t fix everything — but being present can still make a difference.
If you’re interested in the micro‑moments that shape care, this reflection is for you.

SoWhoCaresAnyway E44 Do With Can Do

Do With, Can Do: What Happens When Communities Lead — with Tim Mason
In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Mason, who leads Rotary Direct Membership. But this isn’t really a conversation just about Rotary, it’s about what happens when people come together to strengthen the places they live.
We explore how small gestures, shared action, and “doing with” rather than “doing to” can transform communities. Tim shares real examples of people creating change, from local peer groups to nature‑based projects to creative, cultural initiatives, and why Rotary’s evolving model is opening new doors for busy people who still want to make a difference.
A gentle, hopeful conversation about belonging, connection, and the power we all have to shape our communities.
 
To find out more about Rotary and potentially becoming a direct member visit; 
Direct Membership - Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland
Rotary Clubs | Rotary International

SoWhoCaresAnyway E43 Subliminal Joy

In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz, Senior Multi‑Professional Practice Educator and host of The International Care Collective. Sam brings a rare blend of compassion, cultural humility and deep commitment to the people who leave their homes, families and communities to join the NHS.
Together, we explore what it really means to start again in a new country, not just professionally, but emotionally and culturally.
We talk about:
why people choose to come to the UK
the emotional labour of leaving everything familiar
the quiet power of pastoral support and belonging
how MDT culture can feel radically different
the subtle challenges people face, and what helps
Sam also shares the idea of subliminal joy: the quiet fulfilment that comes from helping someone grow, settle or simply feel seen.
This is a conversation about courage, culture and the humanity behind our workforce. And it leaves you with one simple reminder... Take a listen
Resources
The International Care Collective https://linktr.ee/international_care_collective?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=59351f0f-162f-4264-b700-41daf3550d21

SoWhoCaresAnyway E42 Intelligent Kindness

A short reflection on Intelligent Kindness.In this solo episode, I share a small moment from a recent meeting that stayed with me, a moment that showed what Intelligent Kindness can look like in practice.A gentle story about presence, listening, and the micro‑moments that shape how we care for one another.If it resonates, please share it. Ripples matter.

SoWhoCaresAnyway E41 Rewiring, Rebuliding, Becoming

In this deeply honest and eye‑opening conversation, I’m joined by
Lucy Wilson, founder of The Matrescence Empowerment Programme, to explore the profound biological and identity transformation that happens when someone becomes a mother.
Matrescence isn’t a metaphor. It’s a real, measurable neurological and hormonal shift, one that reshapes how a person thinks, feels, relates and copes. And yet, most people have never heard the word.
This episode isn’t just for those who are pregnant or parenting. It’s for partners, families, leaders, colleagues and communities, because when we understand what this transition actually involves, we change the way we support the people going through it.
Lucy shares her own story of trauma, anxiety, loneliness, and the moment she realised that “nobody was coming to save me”, a turning point that began her healing.
Together we explore:
what matrescence actually is
why so many women feel lost, overwhelmed or unlike themselves
how the brain rewires during pregnancy and early parenthood
the impact on partners, families, workplaces and society
why naming this transition matters for mental health and retention
the cultural silence around matrescence — and why it needs to change
the importance of community, compassion and early support
This is a conversation about biology, identity, belonging, and the emotional labour that so often goes unseen. Whether you’re a parent, a partner, a leader or simply someone who cares about human wellbeing, this episode will stay with you.

So Who Cares Anyway E40 Human Nature

In this episode, I’m joined by James Farrell, chartered environmentalist, accredited coach, and founder of both the Natural Coaching Company and the Human Nature Partnership. James brings a rare blend of ecological insight, systems thinking, and deep care for human wellbeing.
🌱 Together, we explore what it really means to reconnect with nature, not just through access, but through relationship.James shares how nature connectedness shapes our mental health, our sense of purpose, our communities, and even our pro‑social and pro‑environmental behaviours.
🌍 We talk about:•  childhood memories and early threads of connection•  belonging, rootlessness, and finding place•  how ecosystems mirror human systems•  why nature is a missing piece in current policy conversations
🌿 James also lifts the lid on:•  green social prescribing•  biophilic design•  the government’s current review into mental health, ADHD and autism•  and why nature needs to be part of that conversation
This is a conversation about repair of ourselves, our systems, and our relationship with the natural world. And it begins with something simple: stepping outside and noticing

So Who Cares Anyway - E39 From Knowing, To Understanding, To Acting

In this solo episode, I share key learning from my NIHR Knowledge Mobilisation Fellowship, exploring how we develop the workforce to better meet the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Drawing on four workshops with people with lived experience, families, carers, and staff across sectors, I explore three core insights:•  It’s not just what staff know, it’s what they need to feel and understand.•  Trust has been eroded, and rebuilding it requires intention and consistency.•  Inclusion must be active, relational, and genuinely shaped by people’s voices.I also share some of the “golden threads” that emerged, and why the real work begins when we move from knowing → understanding → acting
 
Resources and Links 
New fellows take the lead in turning health research into action
 
 
 

So Who Cares Anyway - E38 Our experiences are never wasted

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tony Jones, retired GP, educator, clinical leader, and someone whose career has been shaped by a deep belief that our experiences are never wasted.Tony spent four decades in general practice, GP education, and system leadership. His roles included Programme Director, GP Tutor, and West Kent Training Hub Lead, as well as work with West Kent CCG and the Health Care Partnership before retiring in 2025. Alongside his professional life, Tony is married with three adult children and one grandchild, a trustee for three charities, a gardener, gym‑goer, and open‑mic enthusiast. He is also a committed Christian and is now training in lay leadership.In our conversation, Tony reflects on the early moments that shaped him, the anxiety and self‑doubt he carried into training, and how those experiences became the foundation for the support he later offered to hundreds of GPs through CLIC Clinical Leadership programme.We explore emotional intelligence, reflective practice, imposter syndrome, risk culture, and the quiet power of asking why we do what we do. Tony shares stories of trainees who found their confidence, stepped into leadership, or stayed in the profession because someone believed in them.This is a conversation about care, calling, and the courage to understand yourself so you can better support others. It’s about kindness, leadership, and the small decisions that shape who we become, in medicine and beyond.