Lockdown is opening up and socialising is now a thing again, what better topic to discuss than introversion and extroversion? In this CHAT episode, Brain Dump collabs with Gem from First Impressions to share thoughts on this fascinating topic. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? How do you know? Please give the epsiode a share and let us know! Links: First Impressions  Gem’s Instagram The Power of Introverts | Susan Cain  How to Leverage Being an Introvert | Simon Sinek Introverts vs Extroverts | AsapScience

Jessie has come along way in her journey with her mental health. From being overwhelmed by obsessive thinking and intrusive thoughts to now living a more mindful life. We're really lucky to have Jessie share her story with us on Brain Dump. Please like and share this episode if you enjoyed it.   Jessies's Links: Bigger Than My Jessies's Recommendations: The OCD Project Alegra Kastens Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Sally M. Winston & Martin N. Seif

It's the beginning of the year - we're all probably in a bit of a hump with Covid and the miserable weather. Here is an "Ask Me Anything" episode for a bit of fun. Questions were submitted by friends and fans of the show. If your question didn't get answer, don't worry I'm sure we'll do another in the future! I hope you find this episode entertaining and engaging. How would you answer the questions?

After meeting Gemma on the 'Let’s Talk: Disabilities in the Workplace' panel, I talked with her about her journey into disability education and blogging. In this episode, Gemma shared her personal experiences with her condition called Brittle Bone and the steps we can take to improve our understanding and inclusivity for all. Gemma's Links: gemturner.com twitter - @gem_turner Instagram - gem_turner Facebook - Gem Turner disabled blogger and consultantYouTube - Gem Turner Blogs Articles:  The Do's and Don'ts Helping disabled people   YouTube: Disability Identity    Gem's recommendations: Shani Dhanda  - @shanidhanda Nina Tame - @nina_tame  Jessica Kellgren-Fozard - @jessciaoutoftheclosetBooks: Break the Mould by Sinead Burke

Robin is one of the few people on this planet who has completed a swim across the English Channel. After Robin's brother lost his battle with addiction and depression, Robin was motivated to complete a swim across the English Channel to raise awareness for mental health. In this episode, we dive deep into the epic journey of Robin's swim and how the loss of his brother impacted him. Brain Dump links: @Brain_Dump_Pod Facebook The Brain Dump Group Resources: Thetford & Brandon Times rethink @rethink_ Channel Swimming Association CSPF Octavia's episode

We are very lucky to have Tanisha on Brain Dump who is a wonderfully creative and compassionate person. In this episode, Tanisha shares with us her journey from being a young carer and struggling with her mental health to becoming the inspiring kindhearted person she is today.  We also explore how racism plays a part in impacting people's mental health and the vital concepts to help educate ourselves in order to tackle racism. Brain Dump links: @Brain_Dump_Pod Facebook The Brain Dump Group Resources: Tanisha's Instagram - @Blacksugarising Off the Record Bristol Books: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad Natives by Akala  White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

In this episode, we're very lucky to have the tech wizard that is Dan Bate. Dan gives us an insight into the basics of coding, life as a programmer, and the future direction of computer science in a rapidly changing industry.    If you like the episode please like and share or even get involved in the community on the BD Facebook Group.   Brain Dump links: Twitter Facebook The Brain Dump Group   Resources:  Udemy Codecademy

Since lockdown, a lot of us are feeling the magnitude of our thoughts. This echo chamber can be very toxic at times and cause a whole array of mental health issues. Showing us a truly incredible transformation out of such a crisis is this episode's guest: Yaz Wolfe. In this episode, Yaz speaks on her experience with anorexia and depression and how accepting her vulnerability allowed her to recover. Yaz has gone from strength to strength and now spends her days helping others with their own mental health. I hope you can get as much out of this interview as I did. Please like and share if you enjoyed! Brain Dump links: @Brain_Dump_Pod Facebook Page The Brain Dump Group Yaz's recommend books: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk  The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck In the Realm of the Hungry Ghost by Gabor Maté The Epigenetics Revolution by Nessa Carey  The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami The Player of Games by Iain Banks Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Other references: Esther Perel - Experts on Experts with Dax Shepard Clint Smith: The Danger of Silence Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

Continuing on the academic theme, this week we are hosting Joe Matthews on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted field of behavior and with a particular focus on smoking cessation. Joe brings to light the issues and hurdles that people face when wanting to break bad habits, exploring commercial influences and culture. I found this episode really interesting and I hope you do too. Get in touch and let us know what you think! Twitter: @joe__matthews @Brain_Dump_Pod Facebook Page The Brain Dump Group Joe's book recommendations: How to Stop Smoking by Prof Robert West Drink? by Prof David Nut

Firstly, I hope you are all well and are coping in lockdown - here is a little something to keep you entertained. Monty and I are back with this C.H.A.T episode on our wacky thoughts on what to do in a zombie outbreak. Heavily influenced by Max Brooks' book and our own experiences, we explore the dos and don'ts if the dead were to rise. We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on what you would do in a zombie outbreak (we know you've thought about it?!?). Post your thoughts and idea on the 'Brain Dump Facebook Group' or tweet your ideas to @Brain_Dump_Pod. You might get a mention in the next episode! Links below: The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks Bristol City Council Zombie Contingency Plan Brian Dump Facebook Group