Dysfunctional

Josh Connolly
  • 4.8 (24)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I am shaking up the wellness industry and addressing the things that people usually avoid. With relentless curiosity and refusal to sweep things under the rug, this podcast is for those who crave truth over comfort and honesty over surface level BS. So, get yourself in the lotus position because I have no plan, no pretence and definitely no bypassing….. I’m Josh Connolly and this will probably be dysfunctional Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Mend or Move On? The Hardest Relationship Question, with Kate King

    2 DAYS AGO

    Mend or Move On? The Hardest Relationship Question, with Kate King

    This week on Dysfunctional I’m joined by Kate King, author of Mend or Move On. We talk about the question so many people live inside for years: should I stay and try to repair this relationship, or should I move on and finally choose myself? In this episode we get into: Why “mending” gets glorified and “moving on” gets shamed The 3 signs a relationship is genuinely toxic (not just difficult) Why leaving is rarely the “easy option” and what can escalate after you go Nervous system truth: you can’t regulate in an unsafe environment Needs vs “needy”, reciprocity, and reclaiming autonomy Kate’s book Mend or Move On is out now -  https://a.co/d/3igvgLz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m
  2. Beckham, Oprah & Estrangement: with Karl Melvin

    27 JAN

    Beckham, Oprah & Estrangement: with Karl Melvin

    In this episode, Josh is joined by Karl Melvin to unpack the recent Beckham estrangement headlines, Oprah’s conversation on family estrangement, and why this topic provokes such strong reactions. Together, they explore abuse, validation, projection, and what actually helps when families break down — especially when children and parenting are part of the picture. To sign up to the event secure your spot here - https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/parenting-through-estrangement-tickets-1979401930458?aff=oddtdtcreator Find out about Karl here - https://www.karlmelvin.com #beckham #estrangement  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m
  3. Bringing Home Your Inner Child

    13 JAN

    Bringing Home Your Inner Child

    In this solo episode of Dysfunctional, I walk through the six chapters of the Inner You process and share why this work has been so important in my own healing. We talk about intention, self-compassion, meeting the different versions of yourself, healing relationships, and what inner child work actually looks like in real life. This is an honest, grounded conversation about integration, emotional safety, and learning to come home to yourself. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, reactive, or unsure why certain things hit you so hard, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  4. Ditching the Spiritual Costume to Find Authenticity with Elaine Baxter

    6 JAN

    Ditching the Spiritual Costume to Find Authenticity with Elaine Baxter

    In this episode, I’m joined by Elaine Baxter, a breathwork facilitator who’s been through the full arc of modern wellness, from fixing and performing, to actually holding space in a way that’s real. We talk about ditching the “spiritual costume” and why so much of the healing industry rewards masks over authenticity. Elaine shares how breathwork helped her reconnect with feeling after years of numbness, grief, people-pleasing, and trying to hold everything together. We explore what trauma-informed actually looks like in practice, the difference between fixing and holding, and why safety, honesty, and grounded language matter more than aesthetics, labels, or vibes. This conversation is for anyone who wants deep work without the performance, and real healing without having to become someone they’re not. Elaine is a Breathwork Facilitator who has supported people in processing emotions through the breath since 2020 and is a qualified Inner You Breathwork Facilitator. At the heart of Elaine’s practice is a commitment to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space, where people are met without pressure to change and genuine healing can naturally unfold. https://www.instagram.com/rebalance_with_elaine https://misneachcentre.ie/allied-health-professionals/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m
  5. Post-Separation Abuse: When Leaving Doesn’t End the Control with Miranda Allen

    30/12/2025

    Post-Separation Abuse: When Leaving Doesn’t End the Control with Miranda Allen

    Leaving an abusive relationship doesn’t always mean the abuse stops. In this episode, Josh speaks with Miranda Allen, an ambassador for Mums in Need, about post-separation abuse and how control continues through courts, finances, smear campaigns, and children. Miranda shares her lived experience and why believing survivors matters more than ever. Learn more or support the work of Mums in Need: 👉 https://mumsinneed.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  6. Toxic Relationship Recovery with Jo Westwood

    23/12/2025

    Toxic Relationship Recovery with Jo Westwood

    In this episode of Dysfunctional, I’m joined by relationship recovery coach Jo Westwood for a deep, honest conversation about toxic relationships, codependency, and what real self-worth actually sounds like in practice. We talk about love bombing and how to spot it early, the moment “the switch” happens after commitment, and why being nice, polite, or endlessly understanding can quietly turn into self-abandonment. We also unpack why so many people rush to defend power, fame, and parents at all costs, using the viral Anthony Hopkins estrangement clip as a real-world example of how society struggles with accountability, family loyalty myths, and reading the energy behind someone’s words. This is a conversation about slowing down, trusting your instincts, and learning to say: “You don’t know me well enough yet.” And meaning it. We explore: The difference between love bombing and genuine connection Why codependent people can be manipulative without meaning to be The “special one” fantasy and how it keeps people stuck Why healthy relationships can handle a slow start Estrangement, boundaries, and the myth of unconditional family loyalty Politeness vs kindness, and why people-pleasing pushes people away Why abusive people don’t cut you off, and why survivors often have to This episode isn’t about blame, cancel culture, or perfect healing. It’s about self-reflection, personal responsibility, and building relationships that don’t require you to disappear to keep the peace. If you’ve ever felt confused, drained, or like you keep ending up in the same painful dynamics, this one’s for you. Find Jo: Website: http://jowestwood.com IG: http://instagram.com/jowestwood The Anti People Pleasing Podcast link: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-anti-people-pleasing-podcast/id1576679526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4av63LLVwYNt8MNMu8Ygar Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/The-Anti-People-Pleasing-Podcast/B08K61YDSF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 31m
  7. When Your Parent Is Murdered | Alex Williams on Childhood Trauma

    16/12/2025

    When Your Parent Is Murdered | Alex Williams on Childhood Trauma

    Alex Williams was eight years old when his mum was murdered by his stepfather. In this episode, Alex shares what it’s really like to grow up after extreme trauma, how it shaped his nervous system, identity, and relationships, and why “healing” is often misunderstood. Alex is an NHS mental health practitioner with over 20 years of experience and a suicide and self-harm prevention trainer. He brings both lived experience and frontline insight into what actually helps people after childhood trauma, and what doesn’t. We talk about: Growing up after domestic abuse and parental homicide Why safety matters more than therapy in the early stages of trauma The long-term impact of unprocessed grief in childhood Compassion fatigue in mental health and helping professions Why forgiveness is not required for healing How the mental health system labels people instead of holding them Phone addiction, numbing, and modern forms of escape Meaning, survival, and choosing a life after trauma This is a raw, honest conversation about loss, resilience, and what it means to live a good life after something unimaginable. If you grew up in dysfunction, abuse, or emotional neglect, this episode will likely resonate. Find Alex here - https//instagram.com/thealexjwilliams https//tiktok.com/thealexjwilliams https//www.linkedin.com/thealexjwilliams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m
  8. When Your Voice Has Trauma Too with Claire Delaney

    09/12/2025

    When Your Voice Has Trauma Too with Claire Delaney

    Trauma doesn’t just live in your head. It can shut down your voice too. Vocal coach Claire Delaney joins me to talk C-PTSD, nervous system survival, toxic industry culture, and finding your voice again. "Claire is a vocal coach who works with singers and actors whose voices have to hold up under real-world pressure. She’s coached performers across the West End, Broadway, and the National Theatre, and has worked for Italia Conti and ITV’s Mamma Mia: I Have a Dream.  Her approach is trauma-aware and shaped by the belief that you can’t separate a voice from the person using it. Her work blends science, psychology, and practical technique, with a lens shaped by lived-experience. She helps performers rebuild the physical, emotional, and technical foundations of their voice, aiming for long-term reliability, confidence, and self-trust to make singing actually enjoyable again." Instagram: @clairedelaney.vocalcoach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 15m
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

I am shaking up the wellness industry and addressing the things that people usually avoid. With relentless curiosity and refusal to sweep things under the rug, this podcast is for those who crave truth over comfort and honesty over surface level BS. So, get yourself in the lotus position because I have no plan, no pretence and definitely no bypassing….. I’m Josh Connolly and this will probably be dysfunctional Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Connolly
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Josh Connolly
  • Show Website
    Dysfunctional

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