When was the last time your brain really took a break? In a world where we are conditioned to believe in constant production, achievement and success, resting the brain can feel counterproductive, scary or even lazy. But according to author and neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli PhD, it’s completely essential.  After experience burnout in both his family members and himself, he began to research the impact giving our minds a proper rest has on our cognitive function – a concept he explores in his new book “The Brain at Rest” In this conversation, he explains what happens to the brain when it truly gets some downtime, the impact it has on our ability to be at our best – and tips on how to make sure you’re actually doing it. So if you want to find out more about the incredible power you can take from resting the brain, this episode is for you. Resources & Links https://drjosephjebelli.com/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Joseph Jebelli, PhD Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Isabel Losada is someone who really puts her money where her mouth is. Having decided to live more ethically, she took herself to task and worked to change every element of her life – from what she wears, to who she banks with, and what she eats. Her book “The Joyful Environmentalist” provides us all with a humorous and, yes, joyful take on how we can all make similar changes to our lives. She and Stephanie discuss the simple steps we can take to live in ways that support rather than destroy our planet. We learn about how to find real joy in living ethically, how it can help us save money and how to prioritise what really matters to us in life. In a world where we can feel constantly driven to buy, consume and waste, Isabel is a true inspiration.   Resources & Links    https://www.isabellosada.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIsabelLosada   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Isabel Losada Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

How much do you know and understand about perimenopause and menopause? It’s a stage of life that will affect each and every one of us – either directly or indirectly, but until a few years ago, was barely spoken about. Finally that conversation is getting louder – thanks to women like our guest Dr Naomi Potter. Naomi is a leading menopause expert, the founder of Menopause Care clinic, and co-author with Davina McCall of the bestselling book “Menopausing”.  In this episode she and Stephanie take a deep dive into perimenopause – when it can start, how it manifests, the potential impact on mental health and the weird symptoms it can present. They also discuss everything HRT – from the pros and cons, risks and benefits to alternative options, treatments and therapies. And take a good look at training and education, what needs to change and how families can really support women going through hormonal changes. Resources & Links https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/ https://drnaomipotter.com/menopausing-book-of-the-year-2023/  @dr_naomipotter  https://www.youtube.com/@Dr_NaomiPotter   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Naomi Potter Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Would you speak up if you knew it could risk everything? If you are Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, the answer is a resounding “yes”.  Now a Senior Fellow and Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, Eirliani was a victim of child sex abuse when growing up. But she found the strength to share her story – and give voice to others. She’s the co- founder of YAKIN - (Youths, Adult survivors & Kin In Need), which helps adult survivors of child sexual abuse, co-authored an award-winning book sharing the stories of twelve survivors, and went on to write her own memoir under a pen name. In 2022 she gained global recognition for resigning from Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council in protest against the rise in hate speech following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform; the council was dissolved four days later by Musk. Eirliani shares the turning point in her life which led to her vowing to give voice to the voiceless. She explains the trauma of recounting her abuse and telling others’ stories, and why it was all worth it. And she describes the wave of online hatred she received when she publicly resigned from the Twitter Safety Council – and why she’d still do it all again today. Content Warning: Strong language and discussions of child sexual abuse and online hate speech. Resources & Links:   @eirliani  @eirliani  @eirliani  linkedin.com/in/eirlianiarahman https://www.amazon.co.uk/Survivors-Breaking-silence-child-sexual/dp/9814794015 Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Eirliani Abdul Rahman, DrPH, MSc, FRSA Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Dr Liz O’Riordan is leading the way in getting us talking about cancer. She was 40 and working as a consultant breast surgeon when she herself was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. What she then went through opened her eyes to how women with cancer are treated, and all the things they aren’t told or warned about. She’s now changing the conversation with her books and online presence. In this episode she and Stephanie discuss how difficult it was to deal with cancer when you have insider knowledge of the potential consequences, all the symptoms she wasn’t expecting and how others can deal with them, the impact of cancer on mental health and sexual relationships, and the joy she’s found in reshaping her career. Content Warning: Discussions around cancer and sexual health. Resources & Links Books:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/oriordanliz/list/1I6SPSM9QQU6I?ref_=hype_hm_sf_e  @oriordanliz @DrLizORiordan Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Having a successful career whilst raising children can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge – but Dolly Jones wants to change that narrative. Dolly’s a former editor at Vogue, a digital consultant and author of “Leaving the Ladder Down”, a book which encourages us to think differently about working parents – for ourselves, our families and in the workplace. In this episode of How Do We Manage, Dolly explains why we should appreciate every type of mother and the roles they play – both those at home and at work. She advocates for a culture of speaking openly and honestly about family to employers and colleagues, putting aside mother guilt, accepting the joy of having both a job and a family – and celebrating the everyday wins.   Resources & Links  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladder-Down-Dolly-Jones/dp/0008431388    @dolly_jones  Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Dolly Jones Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

It’s one of life’s last remaining taboo subjects...Money.  What we earn, what we save and how we spend is mostly shrouded in secrecy. And in a world where the earning power and purse strings are still so often held by men, tackling the issue head on can be particularly challenging for women.  Today’s guest is on a mission to change that. Bola Sol is a financial advisor, a money columnist and the author of two books, “Your Money Life” and “How To Save It”, which aim to help us better understand how to manage our money. She is also making it her mission to empower women around the world to take control of their finances. Bola and Stephanie discuss what it was like being a woman of colour in the world of corporate finance, why schools are failing us when it comes to teaching kids about money, and why getting women in a room together to talk about all things financial is so important. Bola also shares tips on the best ways to invest, save, budget and educate our children around money. We can all come away from this episode a little richer. Resources & Links https://bolasol.co.uk/  @bola_sol  @bolasol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bola-sol/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Bola Sol Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Boundaries... it’s one of those words we hear all the time, but what does a healthy boundary really look and feel like? Do you know how to set your own and respect other people’s? In this episode Stephanie gets all the answers and so much more from best-selling author, therapist, and creator of the online platform “Struggle Care”, KC Davies. KC shares how her own addiction battles and mental health difficulties led her to a life providing help and support for others, how an ADHD diagnosis has shaped her own boundaries, and how to really ensure you’re treated with the respect you deserve in all your relationships. Resources & Links https://www.strugglecare.com/  https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters?lang=en Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: KC Davies Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

How much do you know about what the children in your life are seeing online? The average age at which young people first see porn is now just 13 – with more than a quarter accessing it by age 11. As governments worldwide grapple with the best ways to protect children online, the theme of today’s episode is both timely and necessary. And the guest is a force to be reckoned with. Tatiana Kotlyarenko is an award-winning international expert on human trafficking and violence against women and girls. In this conversation with Stephanie she explains the real dangers children are exposed to online, the impact it has on their brains, and how to best keep them safe. She talks about holding global corporations to account, the unseen and unheard victims, and the measures that are desperately needed to make real change. And she shares how she remains hopeful and finds joy in her own life. This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence and graphic content. Resources & Links    linkedin.com/in/tatiana-kotlyarenko-b0b4a63   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Tatiana Kotlyarenko Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

It’s something so many people struggle with at some point in their lives – a healthy attitude to food, eating, diet and body image. So how can we eat in a way that’s well adjusted, and step away from those damaging messages that come from both outside influences and our own inner critic? Priya Tew is an award-winning registered dietitian and nutrition professional who has an incredibly grounding, and practical approach to the way we eat, and think about our bodies. She and Stephanie discuss the online influences that can lead us astray, the myths and misconceptions around what a healthy diet looks like, and how Priya approaches food with her own children. Content warning: Discussions around diet and eating disorders. Resources & Links https://www.priyatew.com/  https://www.instagram.com/priya_tew/?hl=en Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Priya Tew Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow⁠ @HowDoWeManage

Are you excited or frightened by AI? Is it helping us cope with everyday life more effectively – or destroying human creativity and agency?  These are some of the big questions tackled in today’s conversation with Greg Beato – a tech writer and co-author of the book “SuperAgency - What Could Possibly Go Right With Our Future”. Written with LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, the book explores the ways we can make AI work for us rather than against us – and encourages us all to get excited about the possibilities of the future. Greg and Stephanie discuss why AI is the biggest technological breakthrough in 300 years, what it means for our concept of privacy, the dangers it might present, and how to really use AI to our advantage.  This chat is a deep dive into what the future of technology can and will look like and how to really embrace it. Resources & Links http://www.superagency.ai. Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Greg Beato Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

In 2008, shortly after he’d qualified as as doctor, Dr Stuart Farrimond was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. He was forced to leave medical practise, but went on to become a science educator, an international bestselling author and a broadcaster. In this very special episode Stephanie and Dr Stu talked about the mental health condition which, by chance, led to his brain tumour diagnosis, and how he coped with those two illnesses alongside one another. Dr Stu gave us practical tips and techniques for living a healthy life, including his belief that a good night’s sleep provides the most crucial foundation for living well. Sadly, shortly after recording this, Dr Stuart’s condition deteriorated, and he passed away peacefully with friends and family around him in May 2025. This episode goes out in his memory, and with thanks to his wife Grace, for allowing us to share his story and his wisdom.   Content warning: This episode includes discussion around eating disorders, mental health issues and cancer treatment.   Links & Resources https://stuartfarrimond.com/ @realdoctorstu The Science of Flavour, released in the UK on July 31st 2025.   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck   Guest: Dr Stuart Farrimond  Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Tova Leigh is a breath of fresh air. Having originally trained as a lawyer, and then an actress, she became an online sensation when she started sharing her feelings about motherhood in a blog that went viral. Since then she’s become a content creator, performer, best-selling author, and leads international women’s retreats.  Her thoughts on being a woman and everything it involves are honest, often hilarious, and nothing is off the table. In their conversation, Tova and Stephanie discuss the importance of women’s stories, her new book Good Girls Gossip, how she tackles “mother guilt” and why she’ll never stop speaking up. Content Warning: This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Resources & Links https://lnk.to/GoodGirlsGossip www.TovaLeigh.com  Facebook  Instagram  TikTok  YouTube Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Tova Leigh Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

The safety of our children online is a massive issue for parents, carers, guardians and governments worldwide. As amendments to the UK Online Safety Act come into force this week, this is the second part of a conversation with Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, a leading voice on children’s rights in the digital environment , who was instrumental in the creation of the Act. In this, Part 2, we take a more in depth look at the UK Online Safety Act – how it came about and what it means for children. Baroness Kidron explains the huge global challenges of creating a digitally safe space for children, how we can all hold big tech corporations to account, and the importance of appreciating what’s around us in the real world, away from our screens. Don’t forget to go back and listen to Part 1, in which we hear about Baroness Kidron’s early career as a filmmaker, and how children provide the real voice behind all her work. Resources & Links https://beeban.com/ https://5rightsfoundation.com/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

Keeping children safe online is a massive global challenge, and Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE has been a huge force for establishing standards for digital safety and privacy across the world.  This conversation was recorded in July 2025 just before an amendment to the UK Online Safety Act came into force, to further protect children from harm, and we’re releasing it in two parts. A crossbench peer in the UK House of Lords, Baroness Kidron was instrumental in the creation of the act, and the Age Appropriate Design Code. And that came after her early success as a filmmaker, with directing credits including “Oranges are Not the Only Fruit” and “Bridget Jones 2 - Edge of Reason”.  In this, Part 1, Baroness Kidron explains how a childhood illness took her behind the camera, what she’s learnt from children worldwide on how they really feel about tech, and the one thing all parents could do to really make a difference. Part 2 will be released on 29th July, and explores the creation of the UK Online Safety Act, the huge global challenges of creating a safe space online for children, how we can all hold big tech corporations to account, and the importance of appreciating what’s around us in the real world, away from our screens. Resources & Links https://beeban.com/ https://5rightsfoundation.com/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

How much environmental guilt do you suffer from? Knowing where to start in terms of living and working in a more sustainable way can feel like a never ending question, but this episode of How Do We Manage can help with that. Stephanie’s joined by Chief Country Officer at the Sustainable Markets Initiative, Xenia zu Hohenlohe. Xenia is an expert in sustainability, having spent years advising the tourism industry,  and is now working with major companies across the world to provide advice on how they can make real change for the better. She discusses what sustainability means in the real world, and the things we can all be doing to protect the planet – from how we travel, to how we eat and how we work and play. Resources & Links  ⁠xenia zu hohenlohe⁠ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Xenia ze Hohenlohe Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow ⁠⁠@HowDoWeManage⁠⁠

Neurodiversity is something that now affects all of us – whether it be something you live with yourself, or through the relationships you have with friends, loved ones, and your children.It’s estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the global population have a neurodiversity, whether it be autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or another condition. In this episode of How Do We Manage…? Stephanie meets Lucinda Miller – a naturopath and best-selling author, to discuss how some simple diet and nutrition swaps can really help brain function for those of us who are neurodiverse.  Lucinda’s recipe book “Brain Brilliance” focuses on the links between how we eat and our brain health. She talks with passion and honesty about her own diagnosis, how changes in diet changed her life, and the impact she’s had for both her own family and the families she works with. She provides helpful tips and practical advice on how to manage symptoms of neurodiversity through nutrition, and how to celebrate all the amazing gifts and qualities someone living with neurodiversity can bring to life.    Resources & Links  ⁠https://naturedoc.com/⁠ https://naturedoc.com/brain-brilliance/  @naturedockids  @LucindaNatDoc NatureDoc Health  NatureDoc  ⁠linkedin.com/in/lucinda-miller-4b5599⁠ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck  Guest:  Lucinda Miller Producer: Tory Pope  Production Manager: Angela Crago  Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino  The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios.  Follow @HowDoWeManage 

“My purpose in life is to bring joy and positivity to every person that I interact with”...The words of the guest for this episode, Charlie Dark, MBE. Charlie is a DJ, creative, founder of Run Dem Crew, and a true inspiration. In this episode he and Stephanie discuss his upbringing in 1970s Peckham in London, the school which both opened opportunities and presented real challenges, how he grounded himself through running, and the community he’s created to encourage others to do the same. If you’re in need of some motivation in your life, this episode is most definitely for you!   Resources & Links  @daddydarkrdc @rundemcrew https://www.rundemcrew.com/ Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Charlie Dark, MBE Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

How much time do you spend in the “mindless scroll?” Do you approach your social media with intention, or is it eating up your time, productivity and money in unhealthy ways? In this episode of How Do We Manage, Stephanie chats with social media expert, Matt Navarra. Matt is a consultant who advises major online platforms around the world including Google, Meta and the UN, and once managed the Twitter account for the UK Prime Minister David Cameron. He and Stephanie discuss how to use social media in a way that’s productive and not damaging, how to help our kids know what’s healthy and what’s not, the impact of Matt’s ADHD diagnosis on his career, and some easy tips to help us step away from our phones. Resources & Links Geekout Newsletter  mattnavarra  @mattnavarra  matthewnavarra  mattnavarra Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Matt Navarra Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage

If you’ve ever struggled to understand your hormonal balance and the impact it has on your physical and mental health each day, this episode is for you. Stephanie’s guest is General Practitioner, Lifestyle and Longevity Expert Dr Anita Raja. She and Stephanie take a deep dive into all things hormones...how they work, the areas of your health they can impact, how they affect mental health, and what to watch out for in perimenopause and menopause. They also discuss topics around how to be really seen, heard and understood by your GP, going with your gut on your health concerns, what longevity really means, and the mental health difficulties Dr Anita has herself had to cope with during her career. Resources & Links https://dranitaraja.com/https://www.instagram.com/dranitaraja https://x.com/dranitaraja https://www.tiktok.com/@dranitaraja   Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Dr Anita Raja Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage