In this final episode of Emotipod, host Frances Butt looks for hope in dark times, and chiefly references one of the best books ever written: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Every adult should read it at least once. Many thanks to all participants and listeners over the three series, which will remain available to listen to again. -- Mus…

...the Big One! In this penultimate episode of Emotipod, host Frances Butt talks to Internal Family Systems coach Alex Bollag, about shame, a sensitive topic for everyone. For excellent writings by Alex and to find out more about Internal Family Systems, visit her website, The Healing Life Buy The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren -- Music: Fra…

Stories of heroes and villains, good versus (preferably conquering) evil, have always been with us, and extremely popular. But have they always been conflated with our views of daily life and people, which seem to have become so polarised? Why does do more people these days seem to be either worshiped or vilified? . Having listened to the brilliant…

Dissatisfaction or discomfort with one's appearance - we all have a little bit, but the beauty and slimming industries as well as popular culture feed the body shaming and 'othering' that can lead to very serious dysmorphic disorders like anorexia, addictions, extreme plastic surgery, etc. Host Frances talks to peri-menopause, body image and confid…

What is MHFA? Mental Health First Aider and trainer Fabiola Doano fills in the details to host Frances Butt. Trigger warning: this episode includes some references to sexual assault. Here is a link to Fabiola's Mental Health First Aid training courses: http://www.apoyocourses.co.uk And her LinkedIn page: Fabiola Doano, LinkedIn You can also find ou…

An overblown sense of pride and self-importance in political leaders and high-achievers is nothing new. Hubris is a very human thing and we’ve always been susceptible. Join host Frances Butt in this very short solo journey through a few artistic and real-life examples of hubris. - Music: Frances Butt Join Frances on Instagram: @francesbbristol or L…

What is the Jungian 'human shadow'? Is it only the worst of ourselves, that we hide from ourselves and the world, or is there more to it? Host Frances Butt explores with interior design psychologist Michelle Armitage. Michelle's website - Light & Frank Music: Frances Butt Join Frances on Instagram: @francesbbristol or LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fran…

As a performer, artist or just as someone aiming to promote your business, do you ever worry that you're bragging rather than sharing your talents, and that this might be harming rather than hindering you? Host Frances Butt consults women's business network founder Sarah Cook and Internal Family Systems coach Alex Bollag to find out how to distingu…

Rage, not being an everyday emotion (ideally not at least), can be hard to understand and deal with. It isn’t ‘nice’ either. So we don’t talk about it that much - but maybe we should… Step forward intrepid interior designer Zoe Hewett of stylemongersofbristol.co.uk to share experiences of rage with host Frances Butt. - Music Intro: Frances Butt La …

... or manners? Are they the same thing? Is etiquette just a relic of the upper echelons of society, or does it still exist in various forms? No answers promised, no solutions, just explorations. Host Frances Butt chats to friend Hilary Lewis about etiquette, convention and rules. - Music: Titles/credits: Frances Butt The Blue Danube, Johann Straus…

Well, we all make them, but we don't always enjoy them. Yet mistakes, as commercial photographer Marcus Ahmad tells host Frances Butt, are essential to creativity. If you're feeling crushed by a recent screw-up, we hope this conversation might help soothe. You're not alone. Click here for Marcus Ahmad's photography website And here for Vivian Maier…

This episode is for anyone struggling with being consistent at work. Sarah Cook, founder of a successful women's business network, was for some years an advisor on social media marketing; something most self-employed must learn to use these days. Sarah's not a 'corporate creature', despite descriptive words like 'networking' and 'marketing' attache…

Are we talking about our moral compass, or just general tidiness and orderliness, when we use the word 'conscientious'? And do we get our meanings mixed up? Frances talks to Michelle Armitage, an expert in interior design psychology, about conscientiousness, with Michelle's excellent book, Your Design Personality at Home as their starting point. Mi…

Why does resentment often prove so hard to get rid of, once it sets in? Countless relationships, artistic collaborations and businesses have folded because of it. In this second episode of Series 3, host Frances is joined by Hilary Lewis, who shares her personal perspective on feelings of resentment and making possibly unfair judgments about others…

Why does cheekiness cheer us up? It's a mysterious but wonderful art, and some people are really good at it. Comedy legends and cheeky chars Dolly and Gracie are a case in point. They share with host Frances Butt a little of what's involved in their particular nostalgic brand of cheek, a week before they walk once again among the crowds at the Good…

Here we go again! Emotipod returns September 2023 with more great discussions on the curious things we come up against as human beings. Host Frances Butt recaps Series 1 and 2, and introduces Series 3. Join Frances on Instagram: @francesbbristol or LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francesbvoice Or visit Frances's website: francesbutt.com…

In this final episode of Series 2, Creative Blocks, Dr. Nicola Harker shares with host Frances Butt her experience of burnout, re-education, recovery, and her subsequent journey towards helping many other people who burn out. Being overwhelmed and overworked, crashing and burning is all too common. The question is, how to avoid it? . The Thinking T…

It's never a great feeling when you're giving your all but people just aren't into it. In this penultimate episode of Emotipod Series 2, Creative Blocks, host Frances Butt once again seeks help from her friends, creatives and coaches, to discuss experiences of indifference and possible ways of dealing with it. Guests: Lisa Jones psychotherapist Knu…

It's all too common to say 'yes' to something we should have said 'no' to, and vice versa. Why do some of us have so much trouble with this? How can we learn to exercise better judgment and self-control, if at all? Host Frances Butt discusses with artistic friends the tricky balance of saying 'yes' to the right stuff, and 'no' to things that won't …

Is it a mortal sin, to procrastinate? Or can it sometimes be the right thing to do? Host Frances Butt discusses the ins and outs of putting things off, with a series of helpful artistic friends. Guests and links: Helen Gill, writer Hannah Rose Platt, singer-songwriter Elizabeth Mikellides, digital artist Oliver Lee, copywriter & Alexander Technique…

It's definitely a thing. Our attention spans are more severely challenged these days then ever before, and sadly shorter as a result. What can creatives do to help stay on course? Host Frances Butt talks to friends (and family) about their experiences and strategies. Guests & Links: Lisa Jones, psychotherapist Dan Butt, TV editor Sarah Cook, networ…

It's never nice being on the receiving end of snobbery, but it's common - after all, if we're honest with ourselves, we're all capable of being snobby about something or other. Prejudice is more serious and difficult to deal with. Can artists build more resilience to snobbery and prejudice if they need to? Host Frances Butt discusses these things w…

Many artists succumb to envy - some to the point of feeling demotivated and pessimistic about their own creative output. But can it be a positive thing? Host Frances Butt and guests discuss experiences and opinions about envy. Guests: Lisa Jones psychotherapist Oliver Lee, copywriter & Alexander Technique teacher Victoria Firth, performer, theatre …

Being all over the place hardly helps get things done; yet making art is often kind of messy. It can sometimes be tricky to balance creating spontaneity, freedom and flow, without descending into more general chaos. Are some of us just fated to be disorderly, or can we get a little better at being more organised without 'forfeiting our artistic sou…

A lack of confidence can really hold back even the most talented of artists and performers, but self doubt often goes with the creative territory. With the help of friends, host Frances Butt peers into the spectrum of confidence, including those unpleasant extremes we'd rather not be associated with - arrogance and narcissism. Guests and links: Lis…

Creative people are often sensitive to criticism and find it hard to take. Can you get better at it? Host Frances Butt talks to friends about various kinds of critique and criticism and how best to weather it. Lisa Jones psychotherapist Maria Linnemann composer and guitarist Claudia Aurora, singer-songwriter Helen Gill, writer Birdsmith (Katie Bird…

Host Frances Butt talks to friends about the thorny issue of making a living or a decent side-hustle from artistic endeavours. Very few people manage make a mint from their art; but, strangely and unfairly, there is a degree of stigma and shame attached to not doing so. How can we ditch those feelings? Guests and links: Tirke Linnemann cellist Knud…

Host Frances Butt talks to creative and expert friends about their experiences of failure, different attitudes towards it, and whether it's possible to get better at failing if you find it horribly painful. Guests and links: Tim Bentinck actor John Telfer actor Amos Childs, music producer Quincy Medwynter Duvallon Lohan transformational coach Lisa …

Host Frances Butt talks to creative, business and health-practitioner friends about the qualities of staying power. Can it be learned and improved, or is it innate? Guests and links: Lisa Jones, psychotherapist and performer Sarah Cook, networking director Hannah Rose Platt, singer-songwriter Helen Gill, writer Grit, by Angela Duckworth Join France…

Self-promotion is often conflated with boasting... yet how can people know about your work if you won't tell them about it and you can't afford a publicist? Host Frances Butt and friends discuss the emotional conundrums and blocks about promoting your own artwork, and explore possible strategies for managing misgivings and feeling better about gett…

Frances Butt and friends explore the tricky subject of mediocrity. Nobody likes their work to be thought of as mediocre; but... are you OK just being - OK? Guests: Lisa Jones, psychotherapist Knud Stüwe, guitarist and oud player Amos Childs, music producer Oliver Lee, copywriter & Alexander Technique teacher -- The Thinking Toolbox -- (profanity wa…

Being turned down or having work turned down can be upsetting. Can it be made any easier? Frances asks seasoned performers and coaches for their experiences and views. Guests & Links: Lisa Jones psychotherapist Tim Bentinck actor John Telfer actor Quincy Medwynter Duvallon Lohan transformational coach Rushana Khusainova marketing lecturer & soft sk…

Frances talks with performer friends about their experiences of stage fright, explores the nuts and bolts of it, and seeks strategies for dealing with it. Guests & Links: Lisa Jones, psychotherapist Tim Bentinck, actor John Telfer, actor Claudia Aurora, singer-songwriter Amos Childs, music producer Maria Linnemann, guitarist and composer Victoria F…

Host Frances Butt talks to writers, musicians, performers and psychotherapist Lisa Jones about what creative block means, its causes, and what can be done to get past it to inspiration and productivity again. Guests & Links: Lisa Jones, psychotherapist Helen Gill, writer A.A.Abbott, crimewriter Oliver Lee, copywriter & Alexander Technique teacher H…

Why does imposter syndrome occur? Why do so many of us feel unworthy and undeserving, as though we're going to be caught out as frauds - even when we're doing wonderful work? Host Frances Butt talks to various artists and guest psychotherapist Lisa Jones about the topic, and what can be done about it. Guests & Links: Lisa Jones psychotherapist Eliz…

In the first episode of Emotipod Series 2: Creative Blocks... ...host Frances Butt talks to various friends about what they understand by the term 'perfectionist'; whether they think it's a good or a bad thing, and whether it's played any part of their education or training. Resident expert psychotherapist Lisa Jones also explains how perfectionism…

More stories, wisdom, encouragement, and helpful strategies for anyone with chronic pain, from musician Chrissy Van Dyke, coach Alex Bollag, psychotherapist Lisa Jones and medicinal herbalist Clare McQuade. If you suffer with chronic pain you're not alone, and there is hope... Part 2 of 2 Profanity warning: occasional swearing In order of appearanc…

Chronic pain is an emotional roller coaster. Host Frances Butt talks to three excellent women with extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of chronic pain, and the huge variety of emotions that can go with it. Why does pain hang around? What kinds of things do people try to help themselves? What kinds of things get in the way of progress?…

Introducing a new flavour of Emotipod podcasts, this time tackling the many kinds of struggle that can be involved in art-making. Host Frances Butt explains how she'll be talking to various artists and experts about obstacles like perfectionism, writers' block, stage fright, imposter syndrome, rejection, and many more. Episode 1, Perfectionism, wil…

Artist and Dynamic Emotional Integration practitioner Sue Barclay talks to Frances Butt about how important it is for her to be able to express her feelings through her painting, as well as how helpful it is to better understand and engage with our emotions. https://www.suebarclay.com https://www.instagram.com/suebarclayart/ The Language of Emotion…

Wildlife screen composer David Poore and ex-screen composer Frances discuss the role of music in movies, TV dramas, documentaries and of course wildlife films. Conversation also covers conscious and subconscious influences in composition, and the electronic software that has revolutionised the industry these past few decades. David is perhaps best …

Few creative arts can match hairdressing for its direct, personal importance and influence on people. Bristol's best-known hairdresser Doug Hobbs talks to host Frances Butt about the roots (pun intended) of his career. Their discussions cover the craft of cutting and colouring, the importance of building a brand, client relationships, and the gener…

Bringing 1940s and 50s style into today and totally living the aesthetic, Mars Dilbert shares her artistry, her need for self-expression and her love of history with host Frances Butt. Mars' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_on_mars96/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLfpM17e/ - - Recorded March 2022 Music: Frances Join Frances on Instagram:…

The Archers is a daily or weekly must for millions of listeners, in the UK and worldwide. Long-standing stars of the longest drama series in the world, actors Tim Bentinck (David Archer) and John Telfer (Alan Franks), share their characters' stories with Frances Butt, discuss the appeal and the many enduring, endearing qualities of this much-loved …

Extraordinary pianist and musical explorer Edward Chilvers explains to host Frances Butt a few basics about his mission to push the boundaries of harmonic and polyrhythmic possibility. Edward's website Youtube channel Facebook page Instagram Buy 31 Pieces, CD or download Contact Edward (via website) - - Recorded March 2022 All music: Edward Chilver…

Artist and art therapist Laura talks movingly to host Frances about the often-demanding but rewarding practice of clinical, psychotherapy-based art therapy. Laura's website: https://www.laurabutt.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurakbutt - - Recorded January 2022 Music: Frances Join Frances on Instagram: @francesbbristol or LinkedIn: link…

World-renowned photographer Paul Graham joins host Frances Butt to talk about the ways he works, empathically documenting moments of the world and people's lives as they present themselves, as well as the impact of the pandemic on his work and on life in general. You can find writings on and by Paul here: https://www.paulgrahamarchive.com And his M…

Leila Nabih charts her career path towards becoming a children's illustrator, and talks with host Frances Butt about the warm, safe, cosy feelings most often associated with the pictures in children's books, as well as some of her influences and projects Leila’s website: https://www.leilanabih.com Facebook/Instagram: @leilanabihillustrations https:…

Solo performer Victoria Firth creates entertaining, courageous one-woman shows tackling emotive issues, using elements of comedy, clowning and performance art. Victoria talks to host Frances about her journey from arts administrator to solo performer, the theme of care running through her work, and how she uses her wisdom and experience to help oth…

Wendy White tells host Frances Butt her story and motivation behind 'My Mood Stars', the brilliant little toys she has designed to help children with their emotions. Wendy's website: https://www.wendywoo.uk/mymoodstars/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mymoodstars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymoodstars41/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/my…