What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance? 👀
In this episode of What’s The Tea?, we ask ourselves, what advice would we give our younger-self. We talk feedback on our mental health and working episode, hotels in toilets, and Lydia keeping an eye on the pets.
🎧 Listen, laugh, and reflect with us — and maybe think about what you’d tell your younger self.Let us know.
What advice would you give the younger version of you?
💬 Episode Summary
Feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like work has started running you instead of the other way around? You’re not alone — and this week’s What’s The Tea? is all about finding your balance again.
Andy and Lydia unpack practical mental health tips for working life, from building simple daily routines and setting healthy boundaries, to managing workload, stress, and communication with your manager. Whether you’re still working through burnout or returning to work after mental health leave, this episode offers encouragement, structure, and plenty of empathy — because you deserve to do well without falling apart doing it.
Looking at
How to build daily routines that actually stick.
Ways to manage your time and reduce stress.
Setting clear boundaries with work and technology.
Communicating your needs confidently and calmly.
Planning a successful, supported return to work after time off.
And as always, we finish with this week’s Weird News, featuring an incredible story about a $1 million treasure haul found off the coast of Florida. Yes, really — sometimes the gold’s still out there! 🪙
🧠 Key Topics Covered
Managing mental health at workCoping with burnout and work stressReturning to work after mental health leaveBuilding better routines and boundariesWorkplace wellbeing and communicationFinding motivation and balance again
________________________________________
☕ Thanks for Listening
Thanks for listening to What’s The Tea? — the podcast where Andy and Lydia talk about mental health, real life, and everything in between.
Don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast app.
Leave us a comment or share the episode with someone who might need a little reminder: you’re doing better than you think. 💛
In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andy talk through the kind of week where everything feels a bitoff-kilter. There are stories about cats in inflatable collars, tweenagers turning thirteen, and small adulting wins that deserve recognition.
The main focus is neurodivergence — whatit means, why awareness is increasing, and how people experience conditionssuch as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s and sensory processingdifferences. The conversation also looks at practical ways to navigate everydaylife, sharing tools and resources that can make things easier, from wellbeingapps to sensory-friendly clothing.
As always, the episode rounds off withsome unusual news stories — including a mystery wedding guest at the wrongvenue and Chinese toilets that only dispense paper after you watch an advert.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
👉 Subscribe on your preferredpodcast app or watch via the YMCA Exeter YouTube channel for more conversations that mix real-life experiences, wellbeing ideas, and the occasional odd newsstory.
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🎙️ We're back from summer break! We talk holiday mishaps, weird news (slug prankster + astronaut scam), the kindness round-up, and a deep dive into building trust.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite app. You can also watch full episodes on the YMCA Exeter YouTube channel.
And hey — if you’ve spotted an act of kindness worthsharing, drop us a message. We’d love to give it a shout-out in a future episode!
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In this episode of What’s the Tea?, Andy and Lydiachat with Jeremy, the Exeter Housing Manager at YMCA Exeter.
From the realities of youth housing support in the UK to the time he hung someone out the window! Jeremy shares an honest look at life behind the scenes of housing.
Links & Extras:
👉 Find out more about YMCA Exeter: https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk
👉 Follow What’s the Tea? on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations about life, work, and the random things in between.
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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In this remote edition of What’s the Tea?, Lydia and Andy share real anxiety and stress-busting tips from listeners, explore how music, connection, and even ridiculous dancing can help improve your mental health, and wander into tangents about car technology, Marvel movies, and K-pop.
💬 In this episode we talk about:
🧠 Coping with Anxiety & Stress – music playlists (Divorce Dadcore), daily check-ins, and Andy’s Drunk Giraffe Dance stress release technique.
🐾 Special Guest Wanda the Cat.
🚗 Advancements in Car Tech – from manual sunroofs to app-controlled heating and Microsoft Teams in your car.
🎬 Movie Reviews with a Mental Health Twist – Marvel’s Thunderbolts (grief, imposter syndrome, comparison) and K-pop Demon Hunters (identity, second chances, ridiculously catchy music).
📰 Weird News – The banned “Send Me to Heaven” phone-throwing app and a highway closed by thousands of runaway hot dogs.
🎵 Playlist of the week: Divorce Dadcore (Spotify)
🦒 The Drunk Giraffe Dance: Doctor Who clip
Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 On your favourite podcast app
📺 Watch on YMCA Exeter YouTube Channel
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to download royalty-free music for your next project.CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.Additional stock video thanks to Canva.
How do you support someone with addiction? Welcome back to What’s The Tea? – where two former support workers (and current professional tea drinkers) catch up over a cuppa to chat life, adulting stuff, and the weird news stories you didn’t know you needed.In this episode, Lydia and Andy dive into the challenges of supporting someone with addiction – not just the individual, but the supporter too. If you've ever found yourself helping someone through a tough time and wondered, “Am I doing this right?”, then this one’s for you.🧠 Lydia shares three wise, grounded tips for anyone walking alongside someone struggling with addictive behaviours – from setting boundaries to staying sane.☀️ Also this week:• The chaos and charm of summer holidays• Star of the Week nominations• A wild story of surviving 438 days at sea (seriously, what?!)• And yes… there’s an AI influencer at Wimbledon. She’s flawless. She’s blonde. She’s… not real.
________________________________________🧭 Need support or want to help someone who does?:Local addiction services for Exeter and Devon - https://www.waythrough.org.uk/find-support-near-me/together/
The Mind website has information on UK based organisations: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/recreational-drugs-alcohol-and-addiction/drug-and-alcohol-addiction-useful-contacts/
The NHS Nation Centre for Gaming Disorders: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/national-centre-gaming-disorders ________________________________________🫖 We’re not experts – just two mates having honest chats about things we all go through but don’t always talk about. So pour yourself a brew and press play.🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast app📺 Or watch us on the YMCA Exeter YouTube channel💬 Subscribe, share, and tag us with your Stars of the Week or weird news you’ve stumbled across.See you next time – and don’t forget to stay hydrated (with tea, obviously).________________________________________📢 Get Involved:Want to support YMCA Exeter’s new Torbay project? Whether you’re local, skilled in DIY, into sea sports, or just want to pray or donate, Click here https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/establishedpathways/ to get connected.Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea ---------April showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to download royalty-free music for your next project.CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.Additional stock video thanks to Canva. Video by jessica politi on Pixabay
What does stress look like to you?
Welcome to What’s The Tea? – the podcast where twoformer support workers grab a cuppa and try to make sense of life, stress, and whatever’s going on with zoo bears and aggressive dog leads this week.
From silent stress alarms to journaling hacks and NHSdog-walking injury stats (yes, really), this one's for anyone who's ever felt just a little bit overwhelmed… or tugged over by a Labrador.
❤️ Like what you hear?
📺 Watch the full episodeon the YMCA Exeter YouTube Channel
🎧Listen on your favourite podcast platform
☕Subscribe, leave a review, or tell us your weirdest dog-walking disaster
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A lighthearted look at anxiety — what it is, why it shows up, and how to manage it with tools like therapy, breathing, gaming, and the occasional lasagna.
🧠 In this episode:
Lydia and Andy dive deep into the world of anxiety — how it works, why it shows up uninvited, and what you can actually do about it.
Spoiler: it's not just yoga and herbal tea (though those are fine too).
🔧 We cover:
What anxiety really is and how it affects your brain (hello, amygdala)
Generalised anxiety vs. social anxiety
Medication, therapy, and that ever-elusive thing called balance
Practical tools that actually help:
Breathing techniques
Weighted blankets
Journaling
Video games as escape (Fortnite fans, unite)
Dancing it out like no one's watching
The sacred ritual of comfort movies and hot chocolate
Why your brain thinks emails are lions 🦁
The magic of Red Dead Redemption and Pride & Prejudice
🎮 Also featuring:
Weird news: Sheep stuck on a roof & Winnie-the-Pooh-style bear break-ins
Lasagna-based adulting
📚 Resources & Support:
Struggling with anxiety or want to learn more?
Visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Mind offers brilliant tools, symptom explainers, and guidance on how to speak to your GP.
🎵 April Showers by Kjartan Abel
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Video by Matthias Groeneveld – Pixabay
Welcome back to What’s the Tea? — where Lydia and Andy (two former support workers and full-time life jugglers) catch up over a cuppa or a bottle of water, depending on the weather… and hydration levels.
This week, we’re handing out gold stars - Why? Because adulting is hard, and sometimes you need a little glittery affirmation for doing the sensible things — like going to the dentist or cooking yourself a healthy meal. Seriously. Let’s normalise celebrating the “boring-but-brilliant” wins.
We also dive into what it’s like to move into a new place — whether you’re settling into your own flat, supported accommodation, or your mate’s spare room. We share loads of practical advice for:
Making your home feel like your space
Finding the trip switches without panicking in the dark
Registering with a new GP (and why it’s a top priority!)
Exploring your local area like a treasure hunt (bonus points if you use Facebook groups or make a map)
Plus, there’s a quick shoutout to the Finch app, a cute and gamified way to buddy up and reward healthy habits with your digital pet bird. Because sometimes buddying up can help with new habits.
🎉 Weird News Corner 🎉
Monopoly shockers! Turns out we’ve all been playing it wrong (seriously — read the rules), and a real-life bull went rogue in Birmingham before heading to a new life in Norfolk. It’s all happening.
👂 Takeaways:
Be kind to yourself when doing the basics.
Ask questions — no one’s born knowing where the boiler switch is.
You deserve a safe, comforting home (yes, even if it smells like twelve different scented candles).
Moving is a lot. It’s okay to take your time, change things up, and ask for help.
💬 Like what you hear?
Don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast app or watch us on YouTube via YMCA Exeter.
📩 Got your own weird news story or a gold star moment to share? Let us know!
Catch you next time! ✌️
After a two-month gap, Lydia and Andy are back behind themics and trying to remember how to podcast.
We then catch up on Lydia’s big life changes: a newjob, new responsibilities, and a move to Torbay. She gets real about how change impacts her mental health, how she’s navigating the unknown, and why Jeremy’s shaved head needed a warning.
Andy offers some thoughtful reflections (and jabs), and thetwo share practical tips on coping with change—from journaling and self-talk to listing who you are to stay grounded during transitions.
💥 Weird News Segment:
🎵 New segment jinglealert! Lydia unveils the Weird News jingle she made. It’s catchy. It’schaotic. It’s deeply Lydia.
📢 Get Involved:
Want to support YMCA Exeter’s new Torbay project? Whether you’re local, skilled in DIY, into sea sports, or just want to pray or donate, Click here https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/establishedpathways/ to get connected.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library todownload royalty-free music for your next project.
CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.
Additional stock video thanks to Canva.
🎧 Episode Summary:We sit down with joint CEOs of YMCA Exeter, Si and Gareth, to find out what it’s really like leading together. From bacon sarnie job clubs and social work, to God-given vision and building homes during a pandemic, this one’s packed with laughs, leadership wisdom, and a whole lot of heart. This one covers a lot. Whether you’re curious about how two people can share the top job, or just want to know if YMCA had internet back in the day—this one’s for you.
🗂️ Topics Covered:• Why there are two CEOs—and how that even works• The power of relationships in leadership (with or without candles)• From social work and hotel management to faith-fueled charity life• What it means to lead with vision and caution• Creating affordable homes during COVID: the Sidwell Studios story• Advice they’d give their younger selves• How faith shapes their leadership—and their day-to-day
⏱️ Episode Timestamps:• 0:00 – Welcome to our “special guest” CEOs (banter included)• 1:55 – How joint leadership actually works (and why it makes sense)• 3:57 – Disagreements and decision-making (hint: it’s not a duel)• 5:45 – What do CEOs actually do? Hint: more than spreadsheets• 7:50 – How they each ended up at the YMCA• 12:15 – Mental health and recovery: real talk from Si• 14:17 – What’s changed since the early days (one computer, many hats)• 16:30 – What makes the YMCA special to them• 20:01 – Advice for their younger selves• 21:55 – What they’re most proud of• 24:37 – What is Sidwell Studios and why it matters• 27:08 – How they’re keeping the YMCA stable in a shaky economy
💬 Notable Quotes:“Relationship is the key—if you haven’t got that, you can’t make good decisions.” – Gareth“Support work is an incredible job. You can accomplish so much with it.” – Si“Vision is great, but without caution, it’s just risk. We do both.” – Gareth
🙌 Shoutouts:• Jeremy.• The entire YMCA staff for their questions (even the tricky ones!)
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea ---------April showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to download royalty-free music for your next project.CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.
Ever worried about failing? In this episode, we talk, thefear of failure—how it shows up, where it starts, and how to reframe it. Covering Schools, and job interviews to bizarre Michelin-starred desserts.
If you've ever doubted yourself, felt behind in life, orwondered what a dessert that smells like an old book might taste like... you're in the right place.
💬 Notable Quotes:
“Failure isn’t the end—it’s just feedback.” – Andy
“I think we should embrace failure as part of life... Says the person afraid offailing.” – Lydia
“That kick didn’t define me. How I responded to it did.” – Gareth Southgate(quoted)
🧁 PS:
Would you eat a $362 dessert that smells like an oldbook? Asking for a friend. Who has deodorised butter.
Links & Mentions:
📱 Rise App – the sleep tool we mentioned -
🎓 Gareth Southgate: RichardDimbleby Lecture – a brilliant talk on leadership, courage, and learning from failure.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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We’re talking TV, movies, and books that we’ve been readingrecently, Lydia is trying out The Rise Sleep App, and we’ve been watching Adolescenceon Netflix.
To the surprise of no one, we have things to say about Adolescence.We also chat Arcane, Last One Laughing, and the game Everyone’s Gone To TheRapture.
Weird News stuff and photos and things can be found…
https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/23/student-scared-diy-paid-tradesman-180-change-batteries-22774905/
Details about the Rise app are here https://www.risescience.com/
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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First things first. Sorry about the quality of my voice attimes in this episode. (And my ability to remember words) It turns out I didn’t hide being ill very well!
We talk Mindfulness, what does it mean to be mindful?
What are the benefits of mindfulness, What do we mean by all this anyway?
We also talk International Womens Day, The Finch App – again, and weird news.
And we celebrate Lydia getting 100% on Finchy Forest
Weird News stuff and photos and things can be found…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgdywl32vxo<- The lady who needed remote control help
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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Ever checked something on Instagram, and then looked up hours later? We chat about that, and wonder if we can use social media more mindfully?
We also talk when Andy found the Tardis at We The Curious in Bristol, sleep, being late for school, and the news reports of people being eaten by whales.
See below for more info on what we’ve talked about
https://www.talktoangel.com/blog/7-tips-to-use-social-media-mindfully
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/16/935296990/french-school-warns-parents-not-to-throw-kids-over-the-gate
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly50k8zypmo
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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Do you ever get a feeling of looking around, and feeling outof your depth? That feeling that everyone else has their act together? This episode we take a look at Imposter Syndrome, and ways to deal with it.
We also talk weird news – and how thrown we get recording on a different day to normal.
There might be a moment where we squabble a little. We’resorry about that. Also. Sorry about the Egg Puns… They cracked us up a little bit…
The episode is also a little long.
Again.
Sorry.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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Last week we talked Goals or New Years Resolutions, but whatever you want to call it, habits are one of those things that can help us made positive changes.
But how do you start healthy habits?
A few things we mention in this include:
The Finch App: https://finchcare.com/
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_7_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People
We also talk round eggs, and tomatoes on bridges – AND… we have a SUPER SPECIAL GUEST in the studio… who distracts us a little bit.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
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download royalty-free music for your next project.
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Happy New Year!
Its our new years episode so obviously we need to talk all things New Years Resolutions… Right? Or is it better to talk about goals and new years goals?
We also chat Spotify Unwrapped, Taylor Swift, The Three Things Challenge, and using Jeans as form of defence.
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to
download royalty-free music for your next project.
CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.
Its our Christmas Finale,
And we talk almost all things Christmas, and trying to navigate it all – and some of the disappointments that come with it
This is also the second attempt at making this episode. We might be a little unhinged as a result.
We mention mind.org.uk here’s the link - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-and-mental-health/
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.
Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: https://podfollow.com/whatsthetea
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April showers by Kjartan Abel.
Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to
download royalty-free music for your next project.
CC BY-SA 4.0 Attributi on-ShareAlike 4.0 International.