Anorexia, Keeping the Humor and never leaving anything unsaid

Anorexia, Keeping the Humor and never leaving anything unsaid

In this heartfelt episode, Kerrie sits down with David Munro Jones to explore the reality of supporting a loved one through anorexia and the many challenges that accompany both the condition and its complications. * David Munro Jones: Executive and Leadership Coach, Operations Director for IAPC, sharing his personal journey alongside his wife, Yvonne. * The early signs and origins of Yvonne's eating disorder, tracing back to childhood trauma and family dynamics 05:01. * The progression of medical issues, from IBS and its stress links, to multiple hospitalizations and spells in an eating disorders clinic 03:37, 11:12. * The transition to full-time care, including the emotional impact of bringing a partner to, and returning from, residential facilities 13:00. * Navigating multiple crises, including an ICU stay, care home admissions, and a life-threatening decline described as "end of life" 16:36, 21:17. * The ongoing effects on both partners' day-to-day lives 24:37, routines, and personal ambitions, plus the complexity of self-care and feeling guilt when managing time apart 28:00. * Reflections on family dynamics, including the experience of Yvonne's sons and the conversations around diagnosis, interventions, and regrets 29:34. * The value of open communication, acceptance, and the importance of not leaving anything unsaid 31:38. * Insights on empathy and the role of coaching skills in facing personal adversity 32:24. Key Takeaways * Many eating disorders have roots in childhood experiences and traumas. * Anorexia's physical toll can be compounded by other health problems and can disrupt every aspect of life for both patient and partner. * Support systems—medical, psychological, and familial—are crucial, but personal communication and acceptance remain central. * The journey includes moments of humor and the importance of not postponing meaningful conversations. * Self-care for carers is difficult but vital, with guilt and emotional exhaustion an ongoing challenge. Memorable Quotes * "When you get to the point of acceptance... you deal with what is, not what might be or what was. It's a lot more comfortable." — David Munro Jones 31:41 * "Never presume, never assume, never take anything for granted." — David Munro Jones 32:32 * "Talk and be communicative... just recognizing what we need to do." — Kerrie 36:32 Resources * UK Eating Disorder Support: BEAT [https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/] * Support for carers: Mind – Carers Support [https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-support/] * Podcast Contact & Stories: Jenny Lee Life Stories [http://jennylee.co.uk/]

Ben, TfL Buses and the Challenge

In this episode, Kerrie welcomes father and son duo Tom Clowes and Ben Clowes to discuss Ben's remarkable journey: his personal challenge to ride every single London TfL bus route (excluding night and school-only routes). At just 16, Ben has already completed 302 out of 589 routes, documenting his progress with careful planning, spreadsheets, and a physical map. Key Discussion Points * Introducing Ben: Ben Clowes, 16, student at Kingston College studying Travel and Tourism and passionate about exploring London by bus (00:44). * The Challenge: Ride every regular London bus route, at least two stops per bus, excluding night and school buses (01:30). * Inspiration: Inspired by transport YouTuber Geoff Marshall (02:47). * Progress So Far: Over halfway through, with over 300 bus routes completed in two years (04:01). * Favourite Routes & Surprises: Highlights include the tiny H2 route and discovering how TfL buses go beyond London's borders (13:15). * Planning & Logistics: Sophisticated tracking with spreadsheets and maps; trips range from short opportunistic rides to all-day adventures (08:27). * Balancing Safety & Independence: Discussion on parental concerns and strategies for staying safe while exploring London (09:18). * Time Management: How Ben fits his bus challenge around college and other commitments (11:13). * Cost of the Challenge: Travels are mostly free thanks to a Zip card for under-18s, with occasional minimal costs (19:12). * Community & Joys of the Journey: Making friends with bus drivers, the joy of seeing London overland, and fun family/friend involvement (15:32). Notable Quotes * "It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I'm doing progress and I'm having fun doing it." – Ben Clowes (06:55) * "The best way to see London, in my opinion, is by bus." – Ben Clowes (16:00) * Super Loop Buses: New express routes that will soon be added, extending Ben's challenge even further (22:22). * What's Next: Ben considers challenges abroad or in the travel industry after completing the TfL buses (5:10). Thank you for listening to "Kerrie: That's Life…Or Is It?" Stay curious and keep exploring!

Alcoholism, Friends and Faith

In this episode, Kerrie is joined by longtime friends Lindy and Adam to discuss the intertwined journeys of alcoholism, faith, and enduring friendship. Adam shares his candid experiences as a recovering alcoholic, while Lindy offers perspective as a supportive friend and fellow Jehovah's Witness. The episode also dives into how faith—in particular, becoming Jehovah's Witnesses—provided both Lindy and Adam with a renewed sense of hope, structure, and community. Through their shared experiences, the trio illustrates the transformative power of connection, whether through spiritual discovery or unwavering friendship. Their open dialogue emphasizes the importance of empathy, resilience, and belonging, offering listeners both practical insight and inspiration for navigating life's challenges. Throughout, Kerrie seamlessly guides the conversation, encouraging vulnerability and highlighting the strong bonds that sustain us even through life's darkest moments. Together, they explore: * The ups and downs of their party days and when things began to change (06:06) * Adam's realization and "rock bottom" that led him to seek help (05:06) * The challenges and complexities of recovery and support (12:54) * The role of spirituality and their shared journey to becoming Jehovah's Witnesses (15:08; 20:20) * Loss, change, and the unexpected consequences of transformation—including losing friends but strengthening the bond between them (22:24) Notable Discussion Points * Recognizing Addiction: Adam opens up about his path from "extreme drinking events" to acknowledging he had a problem with alcohol, and ultimately attending his first AA meeting (03:29; 05:06). * Support Systems: Lindy describes providing support, structure, and empathy, showing what friendship looks like during recovery (13:07). * Social and Genetic Factors: Exploration of the genetic and chemical components of addiction and the societal lens on drinking (15:13; 17:30). Key Quotes * "If you want to find help, anything's possible... and if you've got a really good friend to help you, even better." – Adam (27:03) * "If you want to find out what life is about, take the time and examine the Bible... when you understand that, it gives you hope." – Lindy (27:38)

Dancing, SUMO and being Father Christmas

John Pugh and Paul McGee, aka The SUMO Guy, join Kerrie for this show to explore the zest of life and the trigger behind the movement Shut Up and Move On, which has led Paul to be one of the UK's leading speakers and bestseller on self-help and resilience. Spirituality, adversity and honesty have solidified this friendship, from Paul's illness with ME and a church play to the life enjoyed today. Laced with laughter and a dash of football. www.thesumoguy.com [https://www.thesumoguy.com/]

Normalising Pressure, Emotions and Breaking Patterns

The Show welcomes back Emily De'ath and guest Polly Burn to explore why we tend to put ourselves under pressure when we can make the choice not to. However we know that's easier said than done. This show provides routes to breaking those patterns. Maybe that's not 'just life.'