What is the reality of political life and how does it affect our MPs? Can they be the real human beings that they are? In this podcast, TaSC members Robbie Curtis and Mick Cooper talk to Labour MP Alex Sobel, as he discusses his journey from environmental and anti-fascist activism to representing an ‘unwinnable’ Labour constituency. With a much-appreciated openness, Alex sheds light on the personal and professional challenges of political life, providing a candid look at some of the mental health challenges faced by politicians in 2025. Alex talks about the stress and isolation that can come with the role, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being amidst the relentless demands of public service.

There are systemic challenges that can threaten the capacity for parliament to represent all human beings. Alex goes on to discuss parliamentary issues like lack of designated seating, irregular hours, and frequent travel that can create a non-family-friendly environment, especially for those with young children or separated families. Alex also discusses the prevalence of undiagnosed neurodiversity among MPs and the limited mental health support available. Alex advocates for more inclusive practices that accommodate the diverse needs of politicians, highlighting the importance of effective representation.

Alex underscores Leeds' significant contributions to arts and culture; and shares insights into being a Jewish MP, addressing antisemitism within political spaces and the distinction between Jewish identity and Israeli government policies. We round off the episode by tackling the broader implications of misinformation in today's digital age, stressing the crucial role of truth in preserving democratic values. This episode invites listeners to explore the multifaceted world of politics and the pressing challenges today's politicians face.

Imagine growing up with a constant sense of shame, only to realize later how powerful unshaming witnesses can be in healing that wound. This episode features the insightful David Bedrick, a teacher, counselor, and author, who sheds light on the profound impact of shame on our personal development. Through intimate stories, he reveals how his challenging upbringing, marked by his father's violence and his mother's denial, shaped his understanding of the dual role witnesses play in either perpetuating or alleviating shame. David’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder of how crucial it is to validate and believe in each other's experiences to foster genuine self-acceptance and transformation.

We navigate through the intricacies of intersectional oppression and systemic dehumanization, diving into gender-based insults and the cultural forces that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Our conversation emphasizes the necessity of differentiating between individual and systemic oppression when addressing these issues. Recognizing these oppressive messages’ historical roots, we explore solidarity and empowerment as vital tools for healing. David shares how healed individuals can act as catalysts for collective healing, challenging societal norms while supporting others in similar struggles, illustrating the potential for a transformative ripple effect throughout society.

Our discussion takes us further into the realms of consciousness and representation, where we examine how historical oppression continues to influence power dynamics today. Understanding these dynamics is key to fostering meaningful connections and personal growth. We also touch on the concept of shame, questioning whether it can ever be constructive in encouraging just actions. Throughout the episode, we explore how healing can be a pathway to becoming one's true self, engaging authentically with one's passions and purpose. By reflecting on personal experiences and insights from influential figures, we invite listeners to embark on their own journey of self-realization, honoring their unique calling in life.

The Unshaming Way - Weekend Workshop

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Website: https://www.davidbedrick.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.bedrick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DBedrick

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/david-bedrick-jd-dipl-pw

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

Maryam Riaz is a Muslim BACP-accredited psychotherapist and senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. In this interview with Robbie Curtis, she shares her unique experiences navigating the world of psychotherapy training and academia and the relevance of social justice for counselling training and practice, a current Leeds Beckett counselling student.

As the only person of colour during her counselling training and the first person of colour to open a private practice in Bradford city centre, Maryam shares some of her experiences of racism and prejudice, and advocates for all counselling and psychotherapy training providers to embed themes of social justice and societal discrimination into their training programmes. Maryam offers perspective on working within a hospital chaplaincy team in Bradford, where she collaborated to enhance cultural and faith awareness in mental health settings. She brings to light how her foundations in Islamic psychotherapy have shaped her integrative approach, blending spirituality and pastoral care seamlessly into her practice.

The podcast explores the role of liberation psychology in personal and professional growth. Maryam discusses the need for therapists to address internalized oppression and biases, as detailed in her chapter ‘Social Justice Informed Therapy and Racially Minoritised Individuals’, co-authored with Nahid Nasrat, in ‘The Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies: Power, Politics and Change’ (Sage, 2023). Maryam highlights the challenges and opportunities of working in diverse yet often segregated communities, advocating for systemic change through genuine collaboration and inclusion. In going beyond tokenistic approaches to diversity, Maryam emphasises the necessity of empathy and non-judgmental support in creating a more inclusive therapeutic environment. In academia, Maryam illuminates the importance of merging academic research with community engagement to drive social justice and systemic change.

Maryam shares her insights on how diverse representation in education enriches learning experiences and prepares students for real-world applications. With a focus on social justice, Maryam emphasises the impact of diverse voices in education, and shows how embracing these differences can foster significant personal and professional growth for students.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents