About Basingstoke

Communicast Ltd

About Basingstoke is the podcast network for Basingstoke, UK. On this channel we'll share our main shows on topics including Business, Community, Wellbeing, Home & Family, and Leisure. You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to "Launch About Basingstoke." HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR We're proud to be supported by IncuHive with their new location at Stephenson Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke offering dedicated offices, hot desks, and amazing business support. Find out more at incuhive.co.uk and tell them you heard about them at About Basingstoke. BE PART OF IT We would love to hear about you, your business, your organisation, your passion! Contact us via aboutbasingstoke.com/contact MESSAGE US Send us a WhatsApp - be brave and make it a voice message and your voice might be on the show!

  1. 9 sep

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE - Doomscrolling and Comparison

    In this episode, host Marie explores the subtle ways daily digital habits, specifically doomscrolling and online comparison, impact our mental well-being. Drawing insights from TJ Power’s The DOSE Effect, she breaks down the difference between cheap "fast dopamine" hits from our phones and the slower, more fulfilling activities that genuinely nurture us. The episode also highlights practical, local ways to disconnect, featuring an interview with Kirsty from the charity Sport in Mind, along with details on inclusive fitness classes in Basingstoke. Key Takeaways Comparison is an Unfair Game: Comparing our daily real life to someone else’s curated highlights online creates a moving finish line that steals our joy.Fast vs. Slow Dopamine: Digital notifications provide instant, fleeting dopamine hits, whereas slower, effort-based pursuits (like reading or walking) leave us genuinely satisfied.Attention is a Finite Resource: Just like money or time, our attention is limited; we need to decide whether to invest it in meaningful experiences or hand it over to algorithms.Scrolling as Avoidance: We often reach for our devices to escape boredom, loneliness, or difficult emotions, only to end up feeling more drained.Small Steps to Disconnect: Engaging in intentional "slow dopamine" hobbies for just 30 minutes can help reset our brain's reward system and restore presence. Bulleted Outline 00:00 – Introduction: Marie introduces the topic of digital habits and asks listeners to reflect on their daily screen time.01:10 – The Trap of Doomscrolling & Comparison: Exploring how morning news overload and highlight-reel comparisons impact mood.03:15 – The Science of Dopamine: Discussing TJ Power’s The DOSE Effect and the shift from effort-based rewards to quick digital fixes.05:00 – Reclaiming Attention: Why being present matters and how mindless scrolling disconnects us from life's simple joys.06:30 – Guest Segment (Sport in Mind): Kirsty shares how physical activity and community programs support mental health.09:10 – Local Spotlight: Information on Inclusive Champions fitness classes at Basingstoke Aquadrome.10:20 – Weekly Challenge: A practical 30-minute "slow dopamine" hobby challenge to replace screen time.12:00 – Outro: Final thoughts on setting boundaries and a preview of the next episode on movement and emotional regulation. About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE - Doomscrolling and Comparison
  2. 12 ago

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE - The Pressure to Cope

    In this episode, Marie explores the heavy, often unspoken expectations we face to "keep going" no matter what life throws at us. Following up on previous discussions about overwhelm and high-functioning anxiety, this conversation dives into why so many of us feel compelled to wear an "I've got this" mask and how to reframe what "coping" really means. Key Takeaways & Discussion PointsThe "I've Got This" Mask: Why societal and personal expectations pressure us to hide our struggles, leading to exhaustion.The Invisible Rucksack: A metaphor for the unseen burdens—work stress, relationship challenges, grief, and health concerns—that everyone carries quietly.Understanding Coping: Why coping isn't a simple "yes or no" state, and how you can be successful or functional while still needing support.Reframing "Being a Burden": Why asking for help isn't a sign of weakness or a burden, but an opportunity for connection and kindness.Circles of Control exercise: A practical tool using three concentric circles to categorize life's stresses:Control: Your direct actions, choices, boundaries, and how you spend time.Influence: Relationships and workplace dynamics you can affect, but not entirely determine.Concern: Broader world events, the economy, or other people's decisions that lie outside your power.Featured Community Organizations Cruse Bereavement Support: UK-based charity offering free bereavement support, guidance, and a national helpline for adults and young people.Website: www.cruse.org.ukHelpline: 0808 808 1677Natural Basingstoke: A local charity promoting mental well-being and community connection through local nature conservation.Website: www.naturalbasingstoke.org.uk Weekly Action StepTake a piece of paper and draw three concentric circles labeled Control, Influence, and Concern. Pick one thing weighing on your mind today, place it in its respective circle, and assess: If it's in Concern, can you stop expecting yourself to fix it?If it's in Influence, what is one small action step?If it's in Control, what is your very next step?Support Resources Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7) Next Episode Preview: Putting Our Phones Down — Exploring digital disconnect and mental well-being. -- About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE - The Pressure to Cope
  3. 10 ago

    NATURAL BASINGSTOKE - Can Basingstoke balance new housing with nature recovery?

    In this podcast, Natural Basingstoke's Jack is joined in his garden by Jill, leader of the charity, to discuss the key environmental challenges facing the borough of Basingstoke. They dive into the threats posed by rapid housing development, water abstraction from local chalk aquifers, and habitat fragmentation. Jill outlines Natural Basingstoke’s vision for nature recovery, including establishing a local nature recovery forum, mapping green/blue corridors, and utilizing nature-based solutions. Key Topics Covered: Introduction to Natural Basingstoke: Overview of the local charity advocacy work in the borough.Current Environmental Concerns: The impact of proposed thousand-home developments on water resources and local wildlife habitats.Water Security & Chalk Streams: Threats facing local chalk aquifers from pollution and over-abstraction, and the need for stronger protections.Building in Harmony with Nature: The importance of mapping green corridors and buffer zones around ancient woodlands and rivers.Nature-Based Solutions: Using natural infrastructure (e.g., sustainable drainage and reed beds) to tackle flooding and pollution cost-effectively.Action Plans & Proposals:Establishing a Nature Recovery Forum with local stakeholders.Creating a local Nature Recovery Network Map alongside development plans.Issuing a "Call for Sites for Nature" to identify areas for restoration.Recent Local Progress: Highlights from the local MP's green roundtable and recent council action on water security.How to Get Involved: Engaging with local representatives, screening nature documentaries, and taking small actions at home. Connect & Contact: Facebook & Instagram: @NaturalBasingstokeEmail: admin@naturalbasingstoke.org.uk This podcast was produced by Natural Basingstoke. -- About Basingstoke is Basingstoke's Podcast Network supported by IncuHive, now open at Houndmills. We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

    NATURAL BASINGSTOKE - Can Basingstoke balance new housing with nature recovery?

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About Basingstoke is the podcast network for Basingstoke, UK. On this channel we'll share our main shows on topics including Business, Community, Wellbeing, Home & Family, and Leisure. You can also listen to the live stream version of our new daily shows at aboutbasingstoke.com/live or ask Alexa to "Launch About Basingstoke." HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR We're proud to be supported by IncuHive with their new location at Stephenson Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke offering dedicated offices, hot desks, and amazing business support. Find out more at incuhive.co.uk and tell them you heard about them at About Basingstoke. BE PART OF IT We would love to hear about you, your business, your organisation, your passion! Contact us via aboutbasingstoke.com/contact MESSAGE US Send us a WhatsApp - be brave and make it a voice message and your voice might be on the show!