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. AI and the Future of Work: Will Jobs Be Replaced or Transformed?

    4D AGO

    AI and the Future of Work: Will Jobs Be Replaced or Transformed?

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! AI is moving faster than most people expected, and with it comes a growing sense of uncertainty about jobs, careers, and the future of work. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of artificial intelligence and whether it will replace jobs or fundamentally change them. While some see AI as a powerful tool for efficiency and growth, others are increasingly concerned about automation, layoffs, and long-term job security. This conversation breaks down what AI actually is and why it is often misunderstood. Rather than true intelligence, AI is built on pattern recognition at scale, which makes it powerful, but also limited. We also explore the psychological impact, from displacement anxiety to the way people are beginning to form relationships with AI systems. In this episode I’m joined by: • Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist and former professor  • Duncan Reed, C-suite leader in technology transformation with experience at Microsoft, AWS, and Workday  • Jeff Paine - Managing Director of PS Engage Global Government Relations Quotes: • “AI is not intelligent in the way we understand it, it recognises patterns.”  • “Nobody is very sure what their job will look like in a few years.”  • “It’s more likely jobs will change than completely disappear.” Takeaways: • AI is built on data and pattern recognition, not true intelligence  • Job displacement is happening, but full replacement is unlikely in the short term  • Many companies are still experimenting and not fully adopting AI at scale  • Human judgement and context remain essential  • AI is more likely to reshape roles than eliminate them entirely  • Rapid change is driving uncertainty and anxiety Timestamps: 0:00:07 Introduction to AI and job concerns  0:01:03 What AI actually is  0:03:01 Psychological impact and displacement anxiety  0:04:17 Why companies are slow to adopt AI  0:07:23 Why many AI projects fail beyond pilot stage  0:10:52 Real-world use of AI in business  0:16:38 Timeline of job automation and layoffs  0:20:13 Will AI replace jobs or reshape them  0:21:42 Impact on professions and human roles  0:23:21 Risks and misuse of AI  0:27:03 Automation, robotics, and future jobs  0:31:06 Government response and future support Conclusion: AI is not just a technology shift, it is a human one. While there is disruption, there is also opportunity. The challenge is not simply whether jobs will disappear, but how we adapt to what comes next. 🎧 The latest episode of Ella Podcasts is now live. Watch on YouTube, or Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or Buzzsprout. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:  https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/ #AI #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #Careers #Technology #Automation Support the show

    33 min
  2. How to Deal With a Toxic or Narcissistic Boss Without Losing Yourself

    APR 28

    How to Deal With a Toxic or Narcissistic Boss Without Losing Yourself

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Most people will face a difficult boss at some point in their career. But when that boss is narcissistic, controlling, or lacking empathy, it can slowly erode your confidence, mental health, and sense of self. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore what it’s really like to work under a toxic boss and why so many people stay longer than they should. From workplace politics and micromanagement to emotional strain and loss of confidence, this is an honest conversation about a reality many people experience but rarely talk about openly. In this episode I’m joined by:  • Dr Jonathan Marshall, Clinical Psychologist and former professor  • Chris J Reed, LinkedIn expert and personal branding specialist  • Sandy Bansal, Headteacher, International School Together, we explore:  • the traits of narcissistic and toxic leaders  • how power and workplace dynamics shape behaviour  • the psychological impact of working in a toxic environment  • why people stay in unhealthy roles for years  • how to protect your confidence and mental wellbeing  • when it’s time to leave and move on This episode is a reminder that no job is worth sacrificing your mental health. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:  https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts ⭐ The Podcast is available on your favourite platforms:  👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast... 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GTmqCX... 👉 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/759... 🔗 Stay Connected With Us  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/ 🎬 Suggested videos for you:  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA #careeradvice #toxicboss #workplaceculture #mentalhealth #careergrowth #leadership #ellapodcasts Support the show

    27 min
  3. Child Abuse and Trauma: Why Survivors Stay Silent and How It Affects Adult Life

    APR 24

    Child Abuse and Trauma: Why Survivors Stay Silent and How It Affects Adult Life

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! This episode includes discussion of child abuse and trauma. Child abuse is one of the most difficult and uncomfortable topics to talk about, yet it affects far more people than we realise. Many survivors carry the impact quietly for years, sometimes decades, without fully understanding how deeply it has shaped their lives. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of childhood abuse and its long-term psychological effects. From fear, shame, and silence to the way trauma shapes relationships, self-worth, and behaviour in adulthood, this is an honest and deeply personal conversation. We also challenge common misconceptions about abuse, including why children often don’t speak up and why it can remain hidden in plain sight. In this episode I’m joined by: • Dr Jonathan Marshall, clinical psychologist and former professor  • Dr Nina Stevens, clinical psychologist specialising in childhood trauma and family systems  • Simon J Littlewood, sharing his personal experience of abuse Takeaways: • Child abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect  • Abuse is often carried out by someone the child knows, not a stranger  • Fear, shame, and confusion are key reasons children do not speak up  • Trauma can affect relationships, self-esteem, and behaviour well into adulthood  • Many survivors struggle with guilt and feelings of worthlessness  • Healing is possible at any stage of life through support, therapy, and connection Timestamps: 0:00:07 Introduction and trigger warning  0:01:44 Types of abuse and misconceptions  0:03:12 Why children stay silent  0:12:04 Long-term impact and family dynamics  0:19:44 Male survivors and silence  0:30:21 Repetition of trauma in adult relationships  0:41:19 Therapy, recovery, and support  0:53:05 Final advice and message Conclusion: What happened to you was not your fault. Survivors are not broken, and they are not alone. While trauma can have lasting effects, it does not have to define the rest of your life. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a therapist, support group, or trusted person can be the first step towards healing. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations:  https://www.youtube.com/@EllaPodcasts ⭐ Available on your favourite platforms:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music 🔗 Stay Connected With Us  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-sherman/ 🎬 Suggested videos:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA #mentalhealth #trauma #childabuse #psychology #healing Support the show

    55 min

  4. APR 13

    MeToo, Epstein & Weinstein: Power, Truth and the Cost of Allegations

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Few topics divide opinion as deeply as the MeToo movement. What began as a necessary reckoning-giving voice to those who had been silenced—has also raised difficult, uncomfortable questions about truth, power, and what happens when allegations are tried in the court of public opinion. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, Ella Sherman is joined by Dr Jonathan Marshall, Simon J Littlewood, and Samir Kothari to explore the evolving landscape of harassment allegations, media narratives, and the tension between believing survivors and protecting due process. This is a nuanced, thought-provoking conversation about justice, perception, and the complexity of human behaviour-where emotion, evidence, and public judgement don’t always align. Together, we explore:  • How the MeToo movement has reshaped conversations around harassment and abuse  • Whether the pendulum has shifted too far—or is still correcting past injustice  • The role of social media in amplifying allegations and shaping public opinion  • How power, money, and status influence accountability  • The psychological complexity of memory, trauma, and delayed reporting   • The reality of false accusations—and how common they actually are  • The tension between “believe survivors” and the need for evidence-based judgement  • Why public narratives can overshadow more hidden, systemic forms of abuse   • How modern workplace dynamics, culture, and fear are changing relationships between men and women  • What balanced, fair systems might look like in a world of heightened sensitivity and scrutiny KEY TAKEAWAYS • The MeToo movement has been critical in surfacing hidden abuse—but it also raises complex questions about fairness  • Trauma, memory, and reporting are not always linear or clear-cut  • False accusations are a real, though smaller, part of the wider conversation  • Public judgement can be swift—and lasting—even without full evidence  • Power dynamics shape both abuse and accountability  • Supporting victims and ensuring due process are not mutually exclusive—but require careful balance This episode does not offer easy answers.  Instead, it invites you to sit with the complexity. Because in a world of headlines and hot takes, the truth is rarely simple—and understanding requires more than taking sides. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@EllasPodcasts-z9v?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089 🎬 Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I MeToo movement, sexual harassment, false accusations, workplace culture, power dynamics, social media impact, trauma psychology, public opinion, justice system, gender dynamics #MeToo #Justice #WorkplaceCulture #PowerDynamics #SocialMedia #MentalHealth #GenderDebate #EllaPodcasts #TruthMatters Support the show

    58 min

  5. APR 9

    How to Get a Promotion or Pay Rise - Without Begging for It

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Everyone wants to get paid what they’re worth and be recognised for their work. You’re told that if you perform well, stay loyal, and deliver results, the promotion or pay rise will follow. But in reality… it often doesn’t. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we unpack why career progression isn’t just about performance. From workplace politics and perception to confidence and timing, this conversation looks at what actually drives promotions and salary increases, and why so many capable people get overlooked. If you’ve ever felt like asking for a pay rise turns you into someone holding a begging bowl, you’re not alone. And more importantly, it doesn’t have to be that way. Joining me are: 🔹 Ella Sherman – Host, Ella Podcasts 🔹 Dr Jonathan Marshall – Clinical Psychologist and former professor 🔹 Chris J Reed – LinkedIn expert and personal branding specialist 🔹 Aya Alimkulova – HR & Beyond podcast host and regional sales expert Together, we bring honest perspectives, practical strategies, and a few uncomfortable truths into a conversation about how careers really work behind the scenes. Together, we discuss: • whether promotions are really about performance, or perception and politics • why some average performers move up faster than high performers • how visibility and personal branding impact your career progression • how to ask for a pay rise without damaging your internal reputation • why documenting your achievements throughout the year matters more than you think • how to clearly communicate your value in a way that gets recognised • when negotiating aggressively works and when it can backfire • why having another offer can completely change the conversation • what really happens with counteroffers and why they’re not always a win • the reality of “quiet quitting” and how it affects your long-term career KEY TAKEAWAYS • Hard work alone does not guarantee career progression • Promotions are influenced by visibility, perception, and internal politics • If you don’t ask, you are unlikely to get a pay rise • Confidence in negotiation comes from preparation and evidence • You need to actively communicate your value, not assume it’s seen • Counteroffers and aggressive negotiation can have hidden consequences • Long-term career growth requires strategy, not just effort Your company will always optimise for its own interests. The question is, are you doing the same for yours? If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to move forward in your career, this episode will give you a more realistic lens, and practical ways to approach your next conversation. Support the show

    28 min

  6. MAR 27

    Addiction Explained: Is It a Disease, a Choice, or a Response to Pain?

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Few issues affect as many people, as quietly and as deeply, as addiction. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of addiction — not just as a behaviour, but as something far more complex. Is addiction a disease, a choice, or a coping mechanism? And why do some people recover, while others struggle to break the cycle? From alcohol and drugs to social media, work, gambling and even exercise, addiction can take many forms - often hiding in plain sight.   Joining me are: 🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Clinical psychologist and former professor 🔹 Nick Jonsson – Executive coach specialising in addiction recovery and behavioural change 🔹 Avni Martin – Leadership coach and inner transformation specialist Together, we unpack the psychology, biology and emotional drivers behind addiction — and what it really takes to overcome it. 💬 In this episode, we discuss: * whether addiction is a disease, a choice, or something in between * how trauma, pain and unmet emotional needs can drive addictive behaviour * why addiction is often less about pleasure — and more about escaping discomfort * the role of dopamine, habits and environment in reinforcing addiction * why some addictions are socially accepted (like alcohol) while others are criminalised * whether you need to hit “rock bottom” to recover — and why that idea may be misleading * how relapse happens and why it’s often part of the recovery journey * the importance of replacing addiction with healthier structures, habits and community * how stigma, shame and judgment can prevent people from seeking help * the difference between high-functioning addiction and visible breakdown ⸻ 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Addiction is rarely just about willpower — it often has deeper emotional roots * Trauma and pain can significantly increase vulnerability to addiction * You don’t need to hit rock bottom to start recovery * Healing often requires addressing emotional, mental and physical layers * Community, connection and support are critical for long-term change * Replacing habits — not just removing them — is key to recovery * Relapse doesn’t mean failure — it can be part of the process * With the right support, change is possible for most people ⸻ Addiction isn’t just about substances or behaviours — it’s about what we’re trying to escape, avoid, or feel. This episode is a reminder that behind every addiction is a human story — and that recovery begins not with judgment, but with understanding. Support the show

    57 min

  7. MAR 25

    Too Old to Be Hired? The Truth About Ageism Nobody Talks About

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! From being seen as experienced and capable… to suddenly being “too old,” “overqualified,” or “out of touch”—ageism is one of the most overlooked and accepted forms of discrimination in modern society. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of ageism in the workplace, in culture, and in how we see ourselves. Why does growing older—something every single one of us will experience—so often come with bias, assumptions, and exclusion? This conversation challenges the idea that youth equals value, and asks a deeper question: what are we losing when we dismiss experience, wisdom, and lived perspective? Joining me are: 🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Psychologist and former professor 🔹 Simon J. Littlewood – Journalist, business advisor, and author 🔹 Samir Kothari – Investment fund manager And myself, Ella Sherman. Together, we explore ageism from psychological, cultural, and economic perspectives—unpacking where it comes from, how it shows up in real life, and what needs to shift. Drawing from personal experiences, workplace realities, and broader societal trends, this episode looks at the tension between youth-driven culture and the undeniable value of experience.   🧠 In this episode, we discuss: * why ageism is often ignored compared to other forms of discrimination * how fear of aging shapes attitudes toward older people * the role of media and tech culture in reinforcing youth bias * why older workers are often seen as less adaptable or less valuable * the reality of being “too senior” or filtered out in hiring processes * how experience and “crystallised intelligence” differ from youthful adaptability * whether retirement culture has unintentionally fuelled ageism * how social media distorts perceptions of success and relevance * the economic and structural factors behind workplace age bias * the importance of intergenerational collaboration and “reverse mentoring” 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Ageism is deeply embedded in culture—but rarely challenged * Fear of aging plays a major role in how society treats older people * Experience, wisdom, and long-term thinking are often undervalued * Many industries still rely heavily on older leadership—despite youth-focused narratives * Workplace systems and hiring processes can unintentionally reinforce bias * Staying mentally, socially, and physically engaged can shape how we experience aging * Connection across generations benefits both younger and older people * Aging is not decline—it is a different kind of strength 💬 Final thought Getting older should not mean becoming invisible. This episode is a reminder that age is not a limitation—it’s context, experience, and perspective. And in a world obsessed with what’s new, we may be overlooking the very people who understand it best. Support the show

    54 min
  8. Why Breakups Hurt So Much (And How to Heal After Heartbreak)

    MAR 19

    Why Breakups Hurt So Much (And How to Heal After Heartbreak)

    If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you! Few things shake us as deeply as the end of a relationship. Breakups can feel like grief, rejection, confusion, and loss all at once. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore why relationships end, why some people stay too long, why others move on quickly, and what heartbreak really asks of us when love falls apart. This is a deeply human conversation about attachment, hope, and the stories we tell ourselves when someone leaves. Because breakups are rarely just about one moment—they’re often shaped by unmet needs, fear of abandonment, changing identities, resentment, or the painful realization that two people are no longer growing in the same direction. Joining me are:  🔹 Dr. Jonathan Marshall – Psychologist and former professor  🔹 Ina Hammer – Men’s emotional health and wellbeing coach  🔹 Samir Kothari – Investment fund manager sharing personal perspectives Together, we discuss:  • why relationships really break down  • how attachment styles shape love and loss  • why heartbreak can feel like trauma  • the role of social media in modern relationships  • whether trust can be rebuilt after infidelity  • what actually helps when you’re healing Key takeaways: • Breakups are rarely simple—even when the relationship wasn’t right • Healing takes time and isn’t linear • Missing someone doesn’t mean they were right for you • Letting go often means seeing the relationship clearly • You don’t have to rush your healing Heartbreak can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t last forever. With time, support, and honesty, it is possible to find your way back to yourself. 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@EllasPodcasts-z9v?sub_confirmation=1  🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/816892014485089  ============================= 🎬Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqS0f0cwbE  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgaf77yQ2EQ  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbUgWPRRsNA  ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSj-OtNqX4I  ================================= ✅ About Ella Podcasts. Welcome to Ella Podcasts, a space where we openly talk about tough times and the struggles that come with them. Hosted by Ella Sherman and clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Marshall, this podcast shares personal experiences, feelings, and practical tools to help you cope and build resilience.  We discuss topics like loss, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life changes, offering support and understanding. Each episode includes insights from two special guests to help you feel less alone and find ways to face challenges with hope and a touch of humor. Join us for honest conversations that lift the weight off your shoulders and guide you through life's difficult moments. 🔔 Looking for real talk about life’s struggles? Subscribe for honest conversations, expert advice, & helpful tools to help manage life’s toughest moments. Support the show

    55 min
See All (21)

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
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ella Podcasts
  • Show Website
    Ella Podcasts