Whats The Tea?

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andytalk about unfinished tasks, distracted brains, ADHD traits, doomscrolling, laundry, healthy habits, gaming backlogs, and why even simple life admin can sometimes feel like a boss battle.They also share practical tools and ideas that can help,including:ScreenZen — an app Lydia uses to limit social mediaand shopping app use by creating a pause before opening distracting apps.Finch — a self-care app that works a bit like adigital pet, where looking after yourself helps your little character grow.BitePal — an app Lydia suggests to Andy as a more funway of tracking food, hydration, and healthier habits.Plus, Lydia shares an exciting update from YMCA Exeter’s newsupported accommodation in Paignton, and Weird News brings us a bear costume insurance scam and a table-tennis-playing robot.Find out more about new housing from YMCA Exeter here:https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/establishedpathways/What’s The Tea? is hosted by Lydia and Andy, twoformer support workers catching up over a cuppa and trying to navigate life, one conversation at a time.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe, and you canalso find What’s The Tea? on your favourite podcast platform.---------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.Any Additional stock video thanks to Canva.

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andy are joined by Georgia, a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner at YMCA Exeter, to talk about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), young people’s mental health, social anxiety, and practical tools that can help.They chat about CBT vs counselling, thoughts, feelings and behaviours, worry diaries, behavioural experiments, and how parents and carers can support children with their fears and worries.We also mention Helping Your Child with Their Fears and Worries by Cathy CreswellFind out more about YMCA Exeter’s CWP Wellbeing service:https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/services/cwpwellbeing/Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe, and you can also find What’s the Tea? on your favourite podcast platform.Music: April Showers by Kjartan Abelhttps://kjartan-abel.com/libraryLicensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

In this episode of What’s The Tea?, Lydia and Andy chat about the everyday lies we tell ourselves, from “I’ll do it later” and “I work better under pressure” to “everyone else is coping better than me.” We talk all things, procrastination, perfectionism, burnout, imposter syndrome, overthinking, and the pressure of adult life.Alongside their usual life updates and Gold Stars, they explore why so many of us delay tasks, aim for impossible standards, and convince ourselves that everyone else has life more sorted. There’s also a Weird News section featuring stolen Kit Kats and pilots meowing on air traffic control, so it’s not all emotional damage and to-do lists.

What’s the real difference between introverts and extroverts — and why do some people leave a social event buzzing while others need to lie down in a dark room afterwards? In this episode of What’s the Tea?, Lydia and Andy unpack introversion, extroversion, social batteries, and the people who sit somewhere in the middle.We chat about what it actually means to recharge, why introversion is not the same as shyness, and how easy it is to burn yourself out by saying yes to too much. There’s also some really honest conversation around managing your social calendar, protecting your energy, and recognising that even the “life and soul of the party” might still need recovery time afterwards.In this episode, we talk about:Introverts, extroverts, and ambivertsSocial energy and why people recharge differentlyWhy social anxiety and introversion are not the same thingManaging your diary so you do not burn outThe value of alone time, smaller groups, and meaningful connectionWhy extroverts and introverts can actually balance each other out pretty wellThere’s also the usual catch-up, including holiday excitement, life updates, and a conversation that somehow ends up in Weird News territory — featuring free pints in Leeds and crows in Sweden being trained to collect cigarette butts. Honestly, the crows may be the most productive guests we’ve never had.If you’ve ever wondered why some days people feel fun and other days they feel like admin, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe, and you can also find What’s the Tea? on your favourite podcast platform.Music:April Showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/libraryto download royalty-free music for your next project.Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

How do you move house without losing your mind — and actually settle into a new place? In this episode, we share practical tips, real experiences, and a few things we definitely didn’t expect along the way.We’re back! After a slightly unexpected break (more on that in a second…), Lydia and Andy return to What’s the Tea? — two former support workers catching up over a cuppa and trying to navigate adulting… In this episode we talk about moving house — what it’s really like, why it’s so stressful, and some genuinely helpful tips to make it a little bit easier (and slightly less overwhelming).We also address the reason for the delay in this season… Andy ended up in hospital with a pretty serious chest infection. He’s now on the mend — and very grateful for the NHS — but safe to say, it wasn’t quite the planned start to the year.A few things we chat about in this episode include:Practical tips for moving house (planning, packing, and not losing your mind)Why breaking big tasks into smaller steps actually helpsBudget-friendly moving options (including “AnyVan”)The importance of takeaways on moving day 🍕And how to make a new place feel like home (candles highly recommended)We also talk about settling in, looking after pets during a move, and why organisation (even a little bit of it) can go a long way.And of course… it wouldn’t be What’s the Tea? without Weird News:A 171-foot chocolate train made from Belgian chocolate (yes, really)The great debate: should chocolate go in the fridge… or even the freezer?!Don’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:https://podfollow.com/whatstheteaMusic:April Showers by Kjartan Abel.Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to download royalty-free music for your next project.Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

We’re back! Lydia and Andy are reunited for the first episode in a little while — two former support workers catching up over a cuppa and trying to navigate adulting… although Andy immediately loses his drink, so we’re starting strong.In this episode we chat about New Year’s resolutions (yes, it’s March — yes, we’re still doing it), why they can put way too much pressure on us, and why reflection and realistic goals are often a better shout than the classic “new year, new me” panic.We also hand out Gold Stars for adulting wins — including Lydia’s big move to Paignton, and Andy’s genuinely brilliant solution to losing his inhaler: an AirTag and a bit of Blu Tack. Problem solved. Probably. Unless the AirTag becomes the new thing that goes missing…A few things we mention in this episode include:The Hero App : https://tryhero.app/ Finch App (habit + wellbeing support): https://finchcare.com/(A goal for 2026: use it 90% of the year 👀)And because it wouldn’t be What’s the Tea? without it… Weird News is back:Thousands of bags of chips washing up on a beach near Eastbourne (salted by the sea… served with sand?)And the Oxford word of the year: “rage-bait” — content designed to wind people up for clicksDon’t forget to find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:https://podfollow.com/whatstheteaMusic:April Showers by Kjartan Abel. Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to download royalty-free music for your next project.Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Well. Here it is. We leave 2025, with the Christmas Party Special. No sign of anything approaching serious conversationJust a couple of silly games. Can you guess Andy's character - before he can?See you in 2026. ---------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.Any Additional stock video thanks to Canva.

It’s Christmas Eve… allegedly. In true What’s The Teafashion, Lydia is jingling with festive energy, while Andy is doing his best impression of a man emotionally allergic to tinsel. Together we dive into the joys, stresses and social expectations wrapped up in the holiday season — fromHallmark movies in November, to secret Santas, to the pressure of “perfect Christmas dinners” where nobody sweats and nothing burns (so, definitely fiction).We chat about boundaries, busyness, gift pressure, being alone at Christmas, and how to look after your wellbeing during a season that canfeel a lot.Also… cucumbers. And cats. And time-traveling postcards.Wherever you’re spending Christmas — with family, withfriends offline, friend online, with your cat, with your Switch, Playstation, XBox, or with the What’s The Tea crew — we’re glad you’re here.Merry Christmas from Lydia & Andy! ---------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.Any Additional stock video thanks to Canva.

We chat with Steve, our maintenance manager, about life behind the scenes of supported housing – from toilets and blocked drains to faith, hope, and why learning to paint a wall might be the most underrated life skill.. ---------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.

In this week’s episode, Lydia and Andy dive into a listener question that hits right at the heart of their work: “How did you become a support worker?”Between the nostalgia of gold-star sticker charts, mac andcheese triumphs, swans derailing Scottish trains, and a French groom turning his wedding tux into a billboard (yes, really), the two former support workers peel back the curtain on their journeys into frontline youth work — the highs, the heartbreaks, the unexpected detours, and the long-term impact that still keeps them going.Grab a cuppa (unlike our hosts who, predictably, forgottheirs) and settle in for a thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly moving conversation.☕ Episode SummaryLydia and Andy catch up on their week — Youth MattersAwards, chronic tiredness, garlic honey experiments, and a nostalgic love letter to sticker reward charts — before diving into a listener question from Jack:“Why did you become a support worker in the first place?”Andy shares how a computing degree, a tech-support job, and a well-timed email from a mate changed the direction of his life.Lydia talks about losing her long-term dream of joining thepolice, her placement at Walk Ministries, discovering her faith, and realising the work she’d always been drawn to: helping young people change the trajectory of their lives.They reflect on the long-term wins — former residentsinviting them to weddings, introducing their children, graduating uni — and why these moments made the hard days worth it.Plus: YMCA Exeter updates (including the huge news about new homes opening in Paignton), the rise of the Untitled Gaming Podcast, and another round of Weird News.🔗 Links More information about the PaigntonProject:  https://www.ymcaexeter.org.uk/urgently-needed-housing-for-young-people-in-torbay/Walk Ministries (mentioned byLydia): https://walkministries.org.uk/ ---------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.

Feel like your phone is helping run your life? In this episode, we dive into the apps that we find help — from wellbeing and focus tools to budgeting and bedtime stories.With apologies for the occasional coughing fit.🎧 Featured Apps:Finch • Stress Watch • Trolley.co.uk • Petrol Prices • Duolingo • Yucca • Bento Focus • Picnic • Endel • Smiling Mind • Claude AI • Calm • Notion • Goodreads • Emma • Rise • Vinted • Splitwise • TikTok • Threads • Instagram📰 Weird News Highlights:🐊 Crocodile discovered in Derbyshire canal (spoiler: it was stuffed)💪 Egyptian wrestler pulls ships with his teeth💬 Join the conversation:👉 What’s your favourite app that secretly runs your life?👇 Comment below or tag us using #WhatsTheTeaPodcast🎥 Subscribe on YouTube | 🎧 Follow on Spotify | 💻 Visit ymcaexeter.org.uk

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 SummaryFeeling 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 atHow 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 CoveredManaging 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 ListeningThanks 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 • Finch App – wellbeing & self-care companion• Endel – soundscapes for focus, relaxation, and sleep• Focus Keeper / Flow – Pomodoro timer apps with calming music• Comfort Clothing UK – sensory-friendly t-shirts for children and adults (comfa.co.uk)• Fidge Jewellery – fidget necklaces and earrings• Grammarly – writing support (with discounts via Student/DSA schemes)• Trello – task management and organisation• Notion + Todoist – notes, dashboards, and productivity planning• Sensory Soothing Toolkit – build a personalised toolkit for regulating overwhelm (worksheets available online) 👉 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. ---------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.

🎙️ 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! ---------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.

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. ---------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.

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 clipListen & Subscribe:🎧 On your favourite podcast app📺 Watch on YMCA Exeter YouTube Channel---------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 ---------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.

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 anxietyMedication, therapy, and that ever-elusive thing called balancePractical tools that actually help:Breathing techniquesWeighted blanketsJournalingVideo games as escape (Fortnite fans, unite)Dancing it out like no one's watchingThe sacred ritual of comfort movies and hot chocolateWhy 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-insLasagna-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 AbelRoyalty-free music for your next project: https://kjartan-abel.com/libraryLicensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International)Additional stock video thanks to CanvaVideo 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 spaceFinding the trip switches without panicking in the darkRegistering 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  ---------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  ---------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.

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/2025/02/25/belgians-furious-after-centuries-old-custom-of-drinking-live-fish-is-banned-22624522/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  ---------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.

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 ForestWeird News stuff and photos and things can be found…https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/04/this-entire-town-plays-a-brutal-16-hour-football-game-shrove-tuesday-22666655/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  ---------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.

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 abouthttps://www.talktoangel.com/blog/7-tips-to-use-social-media-mindfullyhttps://www.npr.org/2020/11/16/935296990/french-school-warns-parents-not-to-throw-kids-over-the-gatehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly50k8zypmo ---------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.

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 ---------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.

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   --------- 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.

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   --------- 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   --------- 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.

This week, we dive into talking about boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how we can establish healthy boundaries in our relationships. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, setting boundaries is a key part of maintaining mutual respect and understanding. This week’s Weird News looks at                •             The man who ran a marathon while stopping at all the Greggs around Newcastle (a true pastry-fueled adventure!).                •             The unexpected escapade of the drunk squirrel   We mention further resources to help understand boundaries at http://TherapistAid.com.   Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.   --------- 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.

If last week was a little chaotic, we’re a little unhinged in this one. Sorry about that – I don think I slept well before or something. With the nights getting longer, this is THE time to experiment with cooking different food. We chat what we cook, where we get cooking inspiration from,  as well as living with food intolerances. In Weird news with question what the plural of Cactus is. That thing about Prince Charles? Find more information about That here https://metro.co.uk/2024/10/11/king-charles-flew-a-prototype-ufo-canada-1975-21777839/ --------- 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 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

This week is a little chaotic, maybe we had too many coffees or something. Sorry for the slice of unpredictable behaviour in this one. We chat a few things in this one: Should housemates talk about their plans when they’re going away? We also talk Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD. Which according to The NHS Website is :”SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.” Weird News Wise…. We look at Star Trek Frogs, and Steel Conkers. Hear The Star Trek Frogs - https://metro.co.uk/2024/10/15/newly-discovered-star-trek-frogs-make-noises-like-a-sci-fi-film-21797475/ 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 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

This week, Lydia shares about her training in supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse. While Lydia approaches this in an interesting and insightful way, the topic is obviously a serious one. If this subject upsets you in anyway, please look after yourself. We mention a number of ways to obtain support. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 The Mens advice line is 0808 8010327 Womens Aid. https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/ Restored. https://www.restored-uk.org/ FearFree: https://www.fearfree.org.uk/ Safe Lives https://safelives.org.uk/ National Domestic Abuse Helpline website. https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Mens Advice Line Website https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ Safe Foundation. https://wearesafe.org.uk/   --------- 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 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

(Not) 5 Tips for looking after yourself, and showing self care. We took a vote for this weeks episode, the result? “5 Tips for looking after yourself” It seems that we’re not very good at keeping to short lists. Also we’ve recorded on a different day this week! On Monday! On Monday morning. That wasn’t wise of us. We sound like it’s a Monday. Sorry about that. https://metro.co.uk/2024/09/05/mystery-worlds-oldest-whale-found-100-year-old-harpoon-21555558/ https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/escape-into-autumn   --------- 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 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Due to holidays, its been a while since we’ve done this, so please forgive our ramblings to start with.   Its like we didn’t catch before we pressed record (We did, but you wouldn’t think it) As implied by the title, we do talk about grief, what it is, what to expect, and a few ideas on how to deal. We do get serious every now and then in this one, with that in mind I almost called this episode “fumbling through grief”, and maybe I should have done.  We also talk DeadPool and Wolverine, only slight spoilers for the movie,  but more for Logan – so please look out for that. (But it has been out for a while now) We do talk about grief quite a bit, please look after yourself if the topic brings up anything for you.  If you’d like to either explore this some more, or look into further support, please take some time to explore the links below. https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/ https://cariadlloyd.com/griefcast https://www.goodgrieffest.com/events/david-kessler-finding-meaning-the-sixth-stage-of-grief/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/support-and-self-care/ https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/child-of-light https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Three weeks in, and the podcast featuring two former support workers get to talk about budgeting. Now we thought this would be a shorter podcast, but seems that two former support workers really have stuff to say about budgeting. Sorry about that. We mention the following… https://withplum.com/ - the automatic savings app. https://monzo.com/ https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/content/dam/mse/downloads/forum-1pchallenge-v1.pdf?%3F%3F – The 1p challenge https://www.trolley.co.uk/ - The price comparison thing https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ We use the word “pot” in this one. For this, and the patchy sound. We apologise. But mosty about the over use of the word “pot” (We have the podcast version here on Spotify / Apple Podcasts - 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 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Well, we’ve managed to get to our second episode, and we might have the start of a format emerging. (For this one at least, the next episode is already looking different) We talk riots in England, chat a bit more about loneliness, also look out for power cuts, and why Andy doesn’t know much about ovens.   We talk loneliness and parenthood.  For the dads there is Dadsnet at https://www.thedadsnet.com/ and (for those in Exeter) Dads Domain https://homestarteemd.org.uk/dads-domain-news/ Ideas for future topics? Drop us a message! Side Note. It was suggested by friend of the podcast Chris, to call this episode What's the tea, 2 Tea, 2 Furious. We figured maybe not…

Well this is our first one. The first cup of tea (or coffee if you will). And sometimes, well, sometimes the first one is a little different from all the others afterwards. We basically chat who we are, we talk about loneliness, bottle tops, and socks. That thing about bottle tops? Find more info here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/people-only-just-discovering-how-33274238 Ideas for future topics? Drop us a message @ymcaexeter on all good social networks. 3dbb2c1d769324929b37db1f15472683b8b7c485