Ella Podcasts

Ella Podcasts by Lotusland Productions
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Society & Culture

Tough times are hard to navigate. We share experiences, feelings and tools to cope and become resilient. Unpack what weighs us down - loss, grief, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, disappointment, sadness and change. Feel less alone and take away ideas to lift that dark cloud and face the future. Sprinkled with humour. Creator / Host: Ella Sherman & Clinical Psychologist: Dr Jonathan Marshall with Two Special Guests per episode.

  1. 6h ago

    Ethical Exits: Don’t Sign Until You Know Your Rights

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Being made redundant can feel deeply personal, even when you know it is a business decision. The shock, shame and stress of losing your job can make it incredibly difficult to think clearly — yet that is often the exact moment you are expected to review documents, understand your rights and negotiate your exit package. B4BA6E1 330pm 11th August 2026 - V2.txt In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall, Renee Conklin and Dr Tang Bek Wuay to explore the emotional and practical realities of redundancy, from how companies should handle difficult exit conversations to what employees can negotiate beyond severance pay. In This Episode * Why redundancy can feel like rejection or betrayal * How companies can make exit meetings more compassionate * What to do if you are too shocked to think clearly * Why you should never sign documents without reading them properly * What you may be able to negotiate beyond cash * Bonuses, notice periods, medical benefits, visas and deferred compensation * When it may be worth speaking to an employment lawyer * Why “non-negotiable” does not always mean there is no room to ask * The emotional impact of redundancy * How to talk about redundancy with future employers Key Takeaways * A redundancy decision is about a role, not your personal worth. * Try to gather as much information as possible before agreeing to anything. * If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. * Exit packages may include much more than severance pay, including benefits, notice periods, bonuses, repatriation, visa arrangements and outplacement support. B4BA6E1 330pm 11th August 2026 - V2.txt * Be specific about what you are asking for and why it matters to you. * Read every document carefully, especially restrictive clauses such as non-competes. * If redundancy seriously affects your ability to function day to day, professional support can be important. B4BA6E1 330pm 11th August 2026 - V2.txt Conclusion Redundancy is one of the most stressful career experiences a person can go through. But even in that difficult moment, understanding your options, knowing what to ask for and protecting your interests can make a significant difference to what happens next. Keywords: redundancy, retrenchment, severance package, redundancy negotiation, job loss, employment rights, exit package, career advice, HR advice, redundancy meeting, non-compete clause, job search, workplace mental health, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #Redundancy #JobLoss #CareerAdvice #HR #Severance #Employment #Workplace #CareerChange #MentalHealth #JobSearch Guests: Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist, Marshall Consulting Renee Conklin, HR Career Coach Dr Tang Bek Wuay, Organisational Psychology Support the show

  2. Sep 28

    Menopause at Work: Why Are Women Still Expected to Suffer in Silence?

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Why are so many women still expected to manage menopause quietly while performing at the highest level of their careers? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, I’m joined by Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist at The Other Clinic; Latha Prasad, Corporate Change Consultant; and Kathleen Ngkaion, International School Administrator, to talk openly about menopause in the workplace, the impact it can have on confidence and performance, and why so many women still feel misunderstood, judged or unsupported.  We explore the physical and emotional reality of perimenopause and menopause, from sleep disruption, brain fog and anxiety to heavy periods, fatigue and reduced confidence, and ask why these symptoms are still so often treated as a personal problem rather than a workplace issue.  In This Episode * Why menopause is still taboo in many workplaces * How symptoms can affect concentration, confidence and job performance * Why women may be wrongly perceived as less capable * The impact of sleep deprivation, brain fog and anxiety * Why some women leave senior roles during menopause * Whether menopause policies are actually meaningful * The role of ageism and sexism at work * Why support and flexibility matter * How employers can create more inclusive workplaces Key Takeaways * Menopause symptoms do not mean a woman has become less competent. * Lack of awareness can lead to symptoms being mistaken for poor performance. EDACCE1 11am 22nd April 2026 - V3.txt * Workplace policies need to offer practical support, not just acknowledgement. * Flexibility, understanding and open conversations can make a significant difference. * Women should not have to hide what they are going through to appear “professional”. * Education and support can help women feel more empowered and less isolated. Conclusion Menopause is a normal stage of life, yet many women still feel pressure to go through it invisibly. The question is not whether women can continue to perform at work. It is whether workplaces are willing to create the conditions that allow them to do so. Guests: Ella Sherman, Creative Writer, Lotusland Productions Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other Clinic Latha Prasad, Corporate Change Consultant Kathleen Ngkaion, International School Administrator Support the show

  3. Sep 21

    Back to the Office — or Backwards? Is Remote Work Really the Future?

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Did working from home give employees their lives back — or did it quietly damage collaboration, learning and workplace culture? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore one of the biggest workplace battles of the post-pandemic era: work from home versus return to office. Is the debate really about productivity — or is it about trust, control and how senior leaders believe work should look?  Dr Ronina Stevens and I sat down with Andrew Goldstein and Jeff Paine to discuss whether hybrid working is here to stay, why some leaders are still pushing employees back into offices, and whether younger workers are missing vital opportunities to learn, build relationships and develop their careers. In This Episode * Is working from home more productive? * Why some CEOs still want everyone back in the office * Whether remote work is really a trust issue * The hidden cost of commuting * Why younger employees may benefit from office time * How remote work affects mental health and isolation * AI, remote working and the future of jobs * Why hybrid working may offer the best of both worlds Key Takeaways * Where someone works matters less than whether clear goals and outcomes are being achieved. * Remote work can improve flexibility and quality of life, but it can also reduce informal learning and connection. * Long commutes can significantly affect energy, wellbeing and work-life balance. * Office culture still has value — particularly for mentoring, relationships and collaboration. * There is unlikely to be one working model that suits every role, industry or employee. Conclusion The working world has changed — and employees increasingly expect flexibility. The question now isn’t simply office or home. It’s whether companies can create a working model built around results, trust and what people actually need to perform at their best. Keywords: work from home, return to office, hybrid working, remote work, future of work, workplace productivity, employee wellbeing, office culture, work life balance, remote workers, workplace flexibility, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #WorkFromHome #RemoteWork #HybridWorking #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity Guests: Dr Ronina Stevens, Clinical Psychologist, The Other Clinic Victoria Toy, Lawyer Jeff Paine, PS Engage Government Relations for Tech Industry Support the show

    Back to the Office — or Backwards? Is Remote Work Really the Future?

  4. Sep 14

    Why Confidence Comes After Action | Rebuilding Your Body, Habits & Self-Belief

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! What if waiting to feel confident is the very thing keeping you stuck? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore why body confidence often doesn’t come first — action does. Small, consistent choices can help rebuild self-belief, energy and a healthier relationship with your body after a period of feeling disconnected or neglecting yourself. Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Amanda Lim, Metabolic Health Coach, and CK Karkhanis, Celebrity Hair Stylist, to explore body confidence, healthy habits and the small changes that can help people feel better in themselves. One of the key ideas in the conversation is simple: you don’t wait until you feel confident to start. You start, and confidence follows. In This Episode * Why action often comes before confidence * The power of taking small, realistic steps * How consistency helps rebuild self-belief * Why sleep should be one of the first habits you fix * The importance of working with your natural rhythm * Why extreme routines aren’t always necessary Key Takeaways * Confidence is built through action, not waiting. * Small habits are often more sustainable than dramatic changes. * Better sleep can improve how you feel physically and mentally. * Consistency matters more than perfection. * You don’t need to overhaul your whole life to begin feeling better. Conclusion If you’ve been feeling disconnected from your body or frustrated with yourself, the answer may not be a huge transformation. Sometimes it starts with one small decision, repeated consistently. Keywords: body confidence, healthy habits, self-confidence, consistency, sleep, wellbeing, fitness motivation, body image, self-care, lifestyle change, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #BodyConfidence #HealthyHabits #Wellbeing #SelfConfidence #Sleep #Lifestyle #FitnessMotivation #SelfCare Support the show

  5. Sep 7

    How Do You Survive Grief? Losing a Child, a Parent & Learning to Live With Loss

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! What happens when someone you love dies - and life carries on, even though you feel completely changed? In this deeply personal episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Dr Jane Tuomola and Sapna Makwana to talk openly about grief, bereavement and the overwhelming pain of losing someone you love. Dr Jane shares the heartbreaking experience of losing her daughter Sofia on the day she was born, while Sapna reflects on losing her father at just 56. Together, we explore what grief really feels like, why everyone processes loss differently, and how support, therapy, community and meaning can help people learn to live alongside it.  In This Episode * Is losing someone we love the most painful experience in life? * Why grief looks different for everyone * Coping with the death of a child * Losing a parent and facing anticipatory grief * Why delayed grief is so common * How couples and families grieve differently * The role of therapy, support groups and community * Finding meaning after loss * How to honour someone’s memory while continuing to live Key Takeaways * There is no “right” way to grieve. * Grief can bring sadness, anger, relief, guilt and even numbness. * Support from people who simply stay present can make an enormous difference. * Delayed grief is real and may emerge long after a loss. * Healing does not mean forgetting — it means finding a way to carry the loss with you. * Remembering and honouring someone can become part of moving forward. Conclusion Grief changes us. We may never stop missing the people we love, but with time, support and self-compassion, the pain can become more manageable and life can slowly expand around the loss. Keywords: grief, bereavement, losing a child, losing a parent, coping with death, grief counselling, mental health, delayed grief, bereavement support, healing after loss, death of a loved one, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #Grief #Bereavement #MentalHealth #Loss #Healing #GriefSupport #Counselling #Psychology #CopingWithLoss Support the show

  6. Aug 31

    Are We Promoting the Wrong People? Why So Many Leaders Can’t Actually Lead

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Why do so many people reach senior positions without ever becoming effective leaders? In this episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Dr John Isaac and Gary Brooks to explore what separates genuine leadership from simply having authority, a title or seniority. We discuss why high performers are often promoted into roles they’re not suited for, whether leadership is something you’re born with or can learn, how toxic leaders damage organisations, and whether executive coaching can really turn a poor leader into a good one.  BB697E2 3pm 23rd June 2026 - V2.txt In This Episode Why great performers don’t always make great leadersThe difference between leadership and managementWhether leadership is innate or learnedWhy trust matters more than statusThe danger of narcissistic and toxic leadershipHow poor leaders damage teams and cultureWhether executive coaching can genuinely change someoneWhy the best leaders often focus on developing othersKey Takeaways Leadership is about influence, trust and direction, not just position.Promoting someone for technical ability alone can backfire.Great leaders empower people rather than control everything.Being liked is not the same as being effective.Executive coaching can help, but only if the leader genuinely wants to change.Sometimes the strongest leaders are not the loudest people in the room.Conclusion Leadership isn’t about being the most senior person, the loudest voice or the biggest personality. The real test is much simpler: do people trust you enough to follow you when it matters?  BB697E2 3pm 23rd June 2026 - V2.txt Keywords: leadership, bad leadership, executive coaching, toxic leadership, leadership skills, management, workplace culture, leadership development, narcissistic leaders, people management, business leadership, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Management #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Business #PeopleManagement #CareerDevelopment Support the show

  7. Aug 24

    Past Lives: Real Memories or Made Up? The Controversial Truth About Hypnosis

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Past Lives: Real Memories or Made Up? The Controversial Truth About Hypnosis Can hypnosis really unlock memories from another lifetime, or is your mind simply creating an incredibly convincing story? Past life regression remains one of psychology’s most controversial subjects. While there is strong evidence that hypnotherapy can help with certain conditions, whether people can genuinely access memories from previous lives is a very different question. In this fascinating episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Stephen Lew, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Integrative Psychotherapist, and Pooja Bakhshi, Clinical Hypnotherapist & Past Life Regression Therapist, to ask where science ends and something much harder to explain begins. We explore extraordinary stories of people seemingly experiencing other lives under hypnosis, whether these memories could instead be symbolism or forgotten information, and why some people report physical and emotional changes after regression therapy. Dr Jonathan also brings a more sceptical scientific perspective, arguing that while some cases are remarkable, the evidence for past lives is far from conclusive. In This Episode * Does hypnotherapy actually work? * Are past life memories real or imagined? * Can sceptics experience past life regression? * Why do people recall traumatic deaths and dramatic lifetimes? * Can regression help explain unexplained fears, emotions or physical symptoms? * Could hypnosis accidentally create false memories? * What would proof of reincarnation mean for how we live today? Key Takeaways * Hypnosis has recognised therapeutic applications, but it does not work equally well for everyone. * Past life regression remains scientifically unproven and highly debated. * Therapists may work with what emerges during regression whether they interpret it literally or symbolically. * Memory work can be powerful, but it can also uncover difficult or destabilising emotions. * Some reported past life experiences remain extremely difficult to explain. Conclusion Whether you believe we’ve lived before or think past life regression is simply the extraordinary power of the human mind, this conversation raises a fascinating question: What if some of the things affecting us today didn’t begin in this lifetime? Keywords: past life regression, hypnotherapy, hypnosis, reincarnation, past lives, subconscious mind, trauma therapy, psychology, regression therapy, false memories, spiritual healing, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #PastLives #Hypnotherapy #Reincarnation #Hypnosis #Psychology #PastLifeRegression #TraumaHealing #SubconsciousMind Support the show

  8. Aug 17

    COVID Jabs - Were We Protected or Controlled?

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Did the COVID pandemic protect society—or expose just how quickly fear, pressure and distrust can divide us? In this controversial episode of Ella Podcasts, Dr Jonathan and I sat down with Brad Bowyer and Iris Koh to revisit one of the most polarising periods in recent history: COVID, vaccine mandates, medical autonomy, public trust and the psychological impact of being either compliant or resistant. The conversation brings together sharply different viewpoints. We explore why some people trusted authorities and medical guidance, why others questioned mandates, how families and friendships were fractured, and why so much distrust still remains years later. Brad and Iris also share their personal experiences of speaking out against vaccine mandates and the social, professional and legal consequences that followed, while Dr Jonathan offers a psychological perspective on fear, conformity, group pressure and why people respond so differently to authority. Who Is This Video For? This episode is for anyone still reflecting on COVID, lockdowns, vaccine mandates, medical freedom, public trust and the long-term psychological fallout of the pandemic. In This Episode * Why COVID created such intense division * Vaccine mandates and the debate over medical autonomy * Fear, conformity and group psychology * The social cost of questioning the dominant narrative * Why trust in governments, institutions and medicine was damaged * The lingering psychological impact of lockdowns and social exclusion * Whether trust can ever be rebuilt * What might happen if another pandemic arrives Key Takeaways * COVID exposed deep differences in how people respond to fear, uncertainty and authority. * Social pressure and ostracism had lasting psychological consequences. * Oversimplified messaging can damage trust, even when the intention is public safety. * Medical decisions become especially divisive when autonomy and collective responsibility collide. * Rebuilding trust requires transparency, accountability and space for disagreement. Conclusion COVID was not only a health crisis—it became a crisis of trust, identity and social cohesion. Whether you agreed with the mandates or opposed them, the experience changed relationships, institutions and the way many people think about authority forever. This episode does not ask everyone to agree. It asks whether we can still listen to one another after one of the most divisive periods of our lives. Keywords: COVID vaccine mandates, medical freedom, vaccine debate, COVID lockdowns, medical autonomy, public trust, pandemic psychology, groupthink, conformity, vaccine hesitancy, COVID trauma, Ella Podcasts #EllaPodcasts #COVID19 #VaccineMandates #MedicalFreedom #MedicalAutonomy #PublicTrust #Pandemic #MentalHealth #Psychology #FreedomOfChoice Support the show

    COVID Jabs - Were We Protected or Controlled?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Tough times are hard to navigate. We share experiences, feelings and tools to cope and become resilient. Unpack what weighs us down - loss, grief, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, disappointment, sadness and change. Feel less alone and take away ideas to lift that dark cloud and face the future. Sprinkled with humour. Creator / Host: Ella Sherman & Clinical Psychologist: Dr Jonathan Marshall with Two Special Guests per episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Ella Podcasts by Lotusland Productions
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ella Podcasts
  • Show Website
    Ella Podcasts

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