Able to Care

Able Training Support Ltd
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Join host Andy Baker (author, speaker and educator) for Able Training’s care-focused podcast Able to Care. For paid and unpaid caregivers, teachers and parents to better understand themselves and those they support. With twice-weekly episodes covering understanding people, promoting self-care and resilience, signposting support and services, strategies to reduce stress and distress, promoting good practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all. Includes special guest experts, caregivers and those with lived experience.

  1. 2D AGO

    Is It Lying or Coping? Understanding Children’s Behaviour for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers

    “He’s lying.” It’s a phrase heard in classrooms, homes and care settings every day - often said with certainty. But what if that certainty is where we get it wrong? In this solo episode, behaviour specialist Andy Baker challenges one of the most common assumptions in parenting, teaching and caregiving: that lying is always a conscious choice. Instead, he explores a deeper perspective - that behaviour, including lying, is often a strategy to cope with fear, shame, stress or lack of skills. Through a relatable school scenario and practical step-by-step guidance, Andy breaks down how our responses can either build honesty… or unintentionally teach children to hide. If you support children or vulnerable individuals, this episode will help you move from reaction to understanding - without losing boundaries. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – “He’s lying” - the assumption we rarely question 01:00 – Behaviour as a coping strategy 01:40 – The school scenario: caught with the evidence 02:00 – Certainty vs understanding 02:30 – The hidden assumption behind “lying” 03:00 – Confirmation bias and labelling 03:30 – A better question: what was the behaviour doing? 04:00 – Stress, needs and behaviour explained 05:00 – Why punishment can make lying worse 05:30 – The 5-step approach begins 05:40 – Step 1: De-escalate the identity attack 06:30 – Step 2: Separate facts from feelings 06:50 – Step 3: Teach a replacement behaviour 07:30 – Step 4: Focus on repair, not punishment 08:00 – Step 5: Reflect when calm 09:00 – Why children can’t learn in survival mode 09:30 – Applying this beyond children (adults & dementia) 10:30 – When lying is actually confusion or memory 11:00 – The key takeaway: test before you label 11:30 – The arm-folding exercise (habit vs awareness) 12:30 – Final reflections and practical application 🔑 Three Key Messages Behaviour is often a strategy, not a character flaw. What looks like lying may actually be a child trying to cope with fear, shame or overwhelm. Punishment without understanding can reinforce the behaviour. If lying protects a child from distress, punishment teaches them to hide it better - not change it. Connection and curiosity create lasting change. When we understand the “why” behind behaviour, we can teach better skills instead of reinforcing fear. 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? You’re a parent, teacher or caregiver dealing with “lying” behaviours You want practical strategies that go beyond punishment You’re looking to balance boundaries with empathy You want to understand behaviour at a deeper, psychological level You’re supporting children, young people or vulnerable adults under stress 📚 Resources Mentioned Able Target System (ATS) – Practical framework for behaviour support Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge – Andy Baker 🌐 Able Training & Podcast Links Podcast: https://www.able-training.co.uk/podcast Website: https://www.able-training.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-support Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingsupport Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletrainingsupport 💬 A question to reflect on If a child feels safer lying than telling the truth… what does that say about the environment they’re in?

    15 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Understanding Autism Beyond Behaviour: Science, Hope and Practical Support for Parents and Caregivers

    Autism can feel overwhelming - not just for the person experiencing it, but for the parents, caregivers and professionals trying to support them. In this powerful conversation, Andy Baker is joined by Dr Theresa Lyons - international autism educator, Ivy League scientist, and founder of Navigating AWEtism. Blending scientific research with lived experience as a parent, Theresa challenges some of the most common assumptions about autism and offers a different lens: one that focuses on understanding the biology behind behaviour. Together, they explore why so many families feel lost in conflicting advice, how behaviour can be a form of communication rather than something to “fix”, and what it means to move from overwhelm to clarity. This episode is particularly valuable for anyone supporting autistic individuals who wants a more evidence-informed, compassionate and practical approach. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Introduction and setting the scene 01:00 – Why Google gets autism wrong 03:00 – What an autism diagnosis actually measures 05:00 – Why autism is often misunderstood 07:00 – The role of health in autism (and why it’s often ignored) 09:00 – Diet, inflammation, and individual differences 12:00 – Can autism change over time? Understanding outcomes 15:00 – Myths that may be holding families back 18:00 – Identity vs diagnosis: an important distinction 20:00 – Sensory processing and the nervous system 23:00 – What support looks like after diagnosis (and what’s missing) 24:30 – Biology behind behaviour explained simply 26:00 – Why behaviour is communication 28:00 – “Is it autism or behaviour?” - a better way to think 30:00 – Cognitive ability vs communication barriers 33:00 – Non-speaking individuals and hidden intelligence 36:00 – New research and early biological testing 39:00 – Moving towards more personalised autism understanding 42:00 – Avoiding overwhelm: making evidence-based decisions 44:00 – The Navigating Autism Matrix explained 46:00 – Real-life changes families have experienced 49:00 – Restricted eating and what might be behind it 52:00 – Supporting autistic adults with compassion 54:00 – Seeing the person on their best day 56:00 – What to do when you feel overwhelmed as a caregiver 59:00 – Theresa’s mission and final reflections 🔑 Three Key Messages Behaviour is not random - it’s communication. Whether driven by environment, biology, or unmet need, behaviour always tells a story. Autism is currently diagnosed by observation - not biology. Understanding underlying health, sensory, and neurological factors can open up new ways of supporting individuals. Clarity reduces overwhelm. When parents and caregivers move from reacting to understanding, they make more confident, effective decisions. 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? You’re overwhelmed by conflicting autism advice and want clearer direction You support a child or adult with autism and want to understand behaviour more deeply You’re interested in the science behind autism, not just the labels You want practical ways to support communication, wellbeing and development You’re looking for hope - without unrealistic promises 📚 Resources & Mentions Navigating AWEtism Platform – https://navigatingawetism.com Dr Theresa Lyons’ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphd/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/navigating_awetism/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingawetism Book reference (Amazon) – https://amzn.to/47nfk24 🌐 Able Training & Podcast Links Podcast: https://www.able-training.co.uk/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-support Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingsupport Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletrainingsupport 👤 About the Guest Dr Theresa Lyons is an international autism educator, Ivy League-trained scientist (PhD, Yale), and parent of a child with autism. She is the founder and CEO of Navigating AWEtism, a platform designed to translate complex autism science into practical, actionable strategies for families. She has supported parents in over 21 countries, helping them move from confusion to clarity using evidence-based approaches. 💬 A thought to leave you with If behaviour is communication… What might change if we focused less on stopping it, and more on understanding it?

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 27

    Attention-Seeking or Connection-Seeking? Understanding Behaviour That Challenges

    What if the biggest shift in behaviour support isn’t about techniques… but about how we think? In this solo episode, Andy Baker explores one of the most underrated skills in caregiving, education and parenting: intellectual humility. The ability to step back and question your assumptions can transform how you understand behaviour - whether it’s a child labelled “attention-seeking”, a student seen as “lazy”, or an adult perceived as “difficult”. Through relatable stories and practical examples, Andy challenges the way we interpret behaviour, showing how labels can block connection, fuel confirmation bias, and escalate situations. Instead, he introduces a more effective approach built on curiosity, emotional awareness, and understanding the hidden reasons behind behaviour. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to respond to behaviour that challenges - this episode will help you see things differently… and respond more effectively. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 - Attention-seeking vs connection-seeking: why framing matters 00:35 - The most underrated skill: intellectual humility 01:00 - Why we misread behaviour (and overestimate our understanding) 01:30 - The “bouncing ball” story: behaviour makes sense in context 02:30 - Why past experiences shape present reactions 03:00 - How small moments can create lasting emotional impact 04:00 - Invalidation, shame, and why “it doesn’t matter” doesn’t help 04:30 - The power of curiosity in behaviour support 05:00 - Why caregivers lose curiosity under pressure 05:30 - The problem with labels like “lazy”, “liar”, or “manipulative” 06:00 - How labels fuel confirmation bias 07:00 - Why labels create disconnection 07:30 - A better question: “Why this, why now?” 08:30 - Fixing vs managing behaviour - knowing the difference 09:00 - Communication beyond words: tone, body language and presence 10:00 - Why calm is the most practical intervention 10:30 - How assumptions leak through your communication 10:50 - De-escalation through alignment and connection 11:30 - Connection before correction in practice 12:30 - Key takeaway: labels create lazy thinking 13:00 - Why curiosity leads to better care and stronger relationships 13:30 - Turning curiosity into consistent practice (Able Target System) 🔑 Three Key Messages Labels aren’t explanations - they’re shortcuts. They often oversimplify behaviour and reinforce confirmation bias, limiting your ability to see the full picture. Behaviour always makes sense… in context. What looks like an overreaction might be completely logical when you understand someone’s past experiences. Curiosity creates connection - and connection changes outcomes. Asking “why this, why now?” helps you respond more effectively while maintaining boundaries and dignity. 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode? You’ll rethink common behaviour labels like “attention-seeking”, “lazy”, or “manipulative” You’ll gain practical tools to reduce conflict and improve communication You’ll learn how to balance empathy with boundaries You’ll understand how your mindset directly impacts the people you support You’ll walk away with a clearer, calmer approach to behaviour that challenges 📚 Resources Mentioned The Able Target System – A structured approach to behaviour support, de-escalation, and reflection Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge – Andy Baker’s book The Adaptive Caregiver (coming soon) – A model focused on improving wellbeing and quality of life through adaptive support 🌐 Links & Socials Website: https://www.able-training.co.uk/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-support Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingsupport Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletrainingsupport A thought to leave you with: If the behaviour makes no sense to you… is that about them - or about the limits of your current understanding?

    13 min

  4. MAR 24

    Why Wellbeing Matters in Care Homes: Dementia, Burnout and Better Support with Surraya Sadr

    When people think about care homes, they often picture routines, medication, and maybe a bit of bingo. But what if the most important part of care is the part we can’t easily measure? In this episode, I’m joined by Surraya Sadr, Head of Wellbeing and Lifestyle at Mindful Care, to unpack what wellbeing in care settings really means - especially for those supporting people living with dementia. We explore the emotional reality of being the person everyone leans on, why wellbeing roles are often misunderstood or undervalued, and how small everyday moments - not big activities - are what truly shape quality of life. If you’re a parent, teacher, caregiver or support professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about behaviour, connection and what “good care” actually looks like. 🧩 About Surraya Sadr Surraya brings a powerful blend of experience across youth work, occupational therapy and dementia care. Former Dementia Care Coach in the NHS Led wellbeing across 40+ care homes and 50 staff Finalist at the National Dementia Awards (Best Wellbeing Lead) Now Head of Wellbeing & Lifestyle at Mindful Care Her work focuses on improving dementia care, staff wellbeing, and practical, person-centred approaches that actually work in real settings. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Mindful Care: https://mindful-care.co.uk/ Wellbeing Forum (April 2026 – Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge) Email Surraya: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletraining/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-ltd-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abletocarepodcast 💡 Three Key Messages 1. Wellbeing is not an “extra” - it’s the foundation If someone doesn’t feel safe, connected or understood, no amount of task-based care will meet their needs. 2. The most important work is often invisible The conversations, the noticing, the small adjustments - this is where real care happens, but it’s rarely measured or valued. 3. You cannot pour from an empty cup (even if you try) Burnout doesn’t arrive loudly. It creeps in through disconnection, anxiety and emotional exhaustion - and many carers ignore it until it’s too late. ⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters) 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – What wellbeing roles really involve (beyond bingo) 06:00 – Why dementia care requires emotional skill, not just tasks 10:30 – Why wellbeing staff are undervalued in care homes 14:30 – Surraya’s journey into wellbeing and dementia care 18:30 – What’s improving in care homes (and what still isn’t) 22:30 – Signs you might be heading towards burnout 26:00 – Compassion fatigue and emotional load in care roles 30:00 – Why wellbeing fails in some care settings 34:00 – Adapting activities for different cognitive needs 38:00 – A real example of turning a struggling team around 41:00 – Why mental wellbeing is so hard to measure 45:00 – Realistic self-care (not bubble baths) 51:00 – How families can support wellbeing teams 55:00 – Common challenges shared in wellbeing forums 58:00 – Rethinking the “activities coordinator” role 1:02:00 – Final message: your worth as a caregiver 🎯 Why Listen to This Episode If you’ve ever: Felt like behaviour is misunderstood or labelled too quickly Been the one “holding everything together” for others Struggled with burnout, guilt or emotional exhaustion Wondered how to better support someone living with dementia Questioned why care systems focus more on tasks than people This episode will give you a different lens. Not a perfect framework. Not a checklist. But a more honest, human understanding of what care really requires. 🔄 A Thought to Take Away Surraya said something that stuck: “It’s not about big activities. It’s about the everyday moments.” And maybe that’s the challenge for all of us. Are we focusing on what’s visible… Or what actually matters?

    1h 2m

  5. MAR 20

    How to De-Escalate Behaviour: 4 Practical Steps That Actually Work

    Most behaviour doesn’t “come out of nowhere”. Whether you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, supporting a child with big emotions, or working in health, education or social care, there is nearly always a click, click, click moment before things escalate. In this episode, Andy Baker breaks down how to recognise early signs of distress, why logic often fails when the nervous system is activated, and what to do in those crucial seconds before behaviour takes off. For caregivers, teachers and parents, this episode offers practical tools for calmer responses, safer environments and stronger relationships – without slipping into control, shame or endless firefighting. Why Listen? If you ever find yourself thinking: “It came out of nowhere”, “They go from 0–100 instantly”, or “Nothing I say gets through”… …this episode gives you a different lens. You’ll learn how physiology drives escalation, how to reduce triggers you can influence, and how small adjustments can prevent big incidents. This is for anyone who wants fewer meltdowns, calmer homes, more regulated classrooms, and safer care settings. Three Key Messages Behaviour escalates physiologically long before it escalates visibly – if we miss the cues, we miss the opportunity. Connection beats correction in the early stages – logic only works once the nervous system feels safe. If you want fewer “big” incidents, get obsessed with the “small signals” – curiosity is the most underused de-escalation tool. Resources Mentioned Andy’s book Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge Able Training courses on behaviour management and de-escalation: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletraining/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-ltd-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abletocarepodcast

    16 min

  6. MAR 17

    Dementia Adventure: Keeping Life Meaningful After a Dementia Diagnosis

    In this powerful and heart-opening episode, Andy sits down with Ruth Thompson, who leads the dementia carer support services at Dementia Adventure. Ruth has spent years helping families understand dementia in a way that is honest, human and full of possibility. Together, they explore what carers most fear, how to see the person behind the diagnosis, why communication needs to change, and how even the smallest “adventures” can rebuild confidence for both the person living with dementia and the carer supporting them. This episode is especially meaningful for caregivers, teachers and parents who want to better understand behaviour, reduce anxiety, build trust and reconnect with the person they support. Ruth offers practical tools, lived experience, and gentle reframes that help families breathe again – without pretending the journey is easy. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Dementia Adventure (organisation homepage): https://dementiaadventure.org Unpacking Dementia – Facebook Live Series: https://dementiaadventure.org/unpacking-dementia/ Friends & Family Support Sessions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-thompson-677454227/ Email Ruth: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast ✨ Three Key Messages 1. Dementia is a journey, not a switch. The person is still there. The relationship is still there. What needs to change is how we approach communication, expectations and support. 2. Carers deserve support, boundaries and moments of joy. Guilt is common – but unsustainable. Carers must learn to accept help, create small adventures for themselves, and celebrate small wins. 3. Adventure is anything meaningful. It doesn’t have to be a holiday. A cup of tea in the garden, a walk around the block or listening to old music together can reconnect identity, memory and emotion. ⏱️ Timestamps – Your Chapter Guide 00:04 – Welcome to Ruth Introductions and the meaning behind “Dementia Adventure”. 01:20 – What does dementia adventure really mean? How the organisation reframes life with dementia. 02:51 – Explaining dementia honestly but without hopelessness Why the journey metaphor matters. 05:10 – What unpaid carers fear most The questions they arrive with and the lightbulb moments that follow. 07:28 – “Seeing the person before the condition” in real life Separating dementia symptoms from personality. 09:39 – Staying curious about who the person is now Small communication tweaks that change everything. 12:12 – The power of shared support Why community reduces shame and breaks isolation. 13:10 – Moving from labels to understanding behaviour Unmet needs, curiosity and prevention. 15:08 – Boundaries that protect rather than punish Christmas examples, people-pleasing and saying what you need. 16:19 – Accepting help without guilt Why carers struggle – and why they shouldn’t. 17:05 – Is it still safe to go on holiday with dementia? How Dementia Adventure assesses needs and supports families. 18:41 – A powerful story of trust-building and anxiety reduction One couple’s transformation during a holiday. 23:46 – Why change of environment sometimes helps Nature, routine and regulating cognitive load. 26:21 – Long-term benefits of adventure Research, photos, memories and returning families. 27:53 – The impact on carers Reconnecting as partners, not just as carers. 30:14 – Community, connection and ongoing relationships How families support each other year after year. 32:30 – What levels of need can be supported? Mobility, tailored trips, family holidays and flexibility. 35:46 – The guilt conversation Mood, motivation and the emotional load of caring. 40:16 – Most common questions on Facebook Live “What one thing can make life better?” 41:32 – Small local adventures anyone can try Supported days out, memory cafés, walking groups. 43:10 – Why familiar adventures still count The value of routine, simplicity and joy. 46:58 – Tiny adventures to big adventures From forest walks to ziplining and overseas trips. 48:21 – What research is teaching us Brain health, lifestyle changes and unmet needs. 51:22 – Why person-centred care isn’t new – but still isn’t universal The systemic challenges behind good dementia practice. 52:13 – Final advice: one small adventure this week Something that makes you smile – and reconnects you both. 💡 Why Listen to This Episode? If you’re supporting someone living with dementia – professionally or personally – this episode will remind you that: You are not alone. You don’t need a magic wand. Behaviour makes sense when you understand the need beneath it. Small changes in communication often unlock big wins. You deserve care, rest, boundaries and moments of joy too. Ruth brings compassion, clarity and practical wisdom to a subject many people whisper about but desperately need help with. 📲 Connect with Ruth Thompson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-thompson-677454227/ Dementia Adventure: https://dementiaadventure.org Unpacking Dementia Lives: https://dementiaadventure.org/unpacking-dementia/ 📲 Connect with Able Training / Able to Care Podcast website: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletraining/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-ltd-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abletocarepodcast

    56 min

  7. MAR 13

    How to Reduce Violence in Health and Social Care: Prevention That Actually Works

    Violence and high-risk behaviour aren’t “just part of the job” – yet many caregivers, support workers and educators quietly accept them as unavoidable. In this solo episode, Andy challenges that belief head-on. Using a real-world adult-care scenario, he explores what truly drives escalation, why incidents often look sudden even when they aren’t, and how teams unintentionally slip into blame, shame and control rather than prevention, planning and compassion. This episode gives parents, teachers and paid or unpaid carers a clear, practical lens for understanding risk: how to catch behaviours at “2 or 3” instead of “10”, how to hold boundaries without punishment, and how to replace firefighting with detective-level prevention. Whether you support children, adults with complex needs, or older people living with dementia, this message applies across the board: safety is a design choice, not wishful thinking. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Able Target System – Shared language and proactive planning for behaviour support. Train-the-Trainer programmes – Behaviour, physical intervention, and safer de-escalation training. Free resources & episodes: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast ✨ Three Key Messages 1. Violence is not “part of the job” – and normalising it harms everyone. When staff internalise danger as inevitable, burnout, turnover and defensive cultures follow. 2. Prevention beats crisis management every time. Most incidents become “unmanageable” because the early warning signs at 2, 3, 4 and 5 were missed, dismissed or deprioritised. 3. Boundaries are not the opposite of compassion. You can keep people safe, uphold expectations and act firmly – without humiliating, punishing or controlling those you support. ⏱️ Timestamps – Chapter Guide 00:00 – Naming the problem Violence is not normal, and accepting it damages staff and services. 00:23 – Episode focus Understanding harm behaviours without falling into punishment or control. 00:37 – The scenario Adult services… doorway blocked, objects slammed, staff frozen. 00:55 – The myth of “nothing works with him” Why we must examine earlier moments in the escalation chain. 01:17 – Missed opportunities at 2, 3, 4, 5 Prevention overlooked because “I’ve got no time right now”. 01:35 – “No time” becomes an escalating factor When deprioritisation plants the seeds for crisis. 02:08 – Shame, blame and defensive reporting Why “it wasn’t my fault” cultures stop learning. 02:57 – Intellectual honesty in incident review What really helps teams grow. 03:02 – Control mode in crisis Why stressed staff instinctively reach for punishment. 03:34 – When staff feel unheard The emotional cost of devaluing carers. 03:43 – The core problem: prevention is undervalued Organisations over-invest in crisis training, under-invest in early planning. 04:06 – Detective mode vs firefighter mode A simple tool for designing safer responses. 04:50 – The danger of living in “firefighter mode” Burnout, repeat incidents and organisational fatigue. 05:21 – Boundaries without punishment You don’t have to choose between being kind and being firm. 05:58 – When safety becomes control Why ‘winning’ the moment is the wrong goal. 06:19 – Applications across sectors Schools, parenting, foster care, dementia support. 07:04 – Schools: consequence overdrive Rubbers forgotten = detentions? Why this culture harms learning. 07:52 – Parenting: avoiding “daily enforcement mode” Boundaries + nurture = secure, calmer behaviour. 07:49 – Trauma and misinterpreted control Why children with trauma histories escalate under pressure. 07:57 – Dementia care: prevention wins again Environment, routine and communication over correction. 08:05 – Designing systems, not depending on heroics Why proactive culture is the real safeguard. 08:21 – The Able Target System Shared language, safer staff, predictable support. 08:33 – Closing message If you found this useful, please like, comment and share. 💡 Why Listen to This Episode? This episode is for anyone who has ever felt: “We only ever get called when it’s already a crisis.” “I’m scared to set boundaries in case I escalate things.” “We’re reacting all day and never getting ahead.” “I love this work, but I’m exhausted by constant firefighting.” Andy gives you practical tools to shift from reaction to prevention, challenge unhealthy workplace norms, and hold boundaries with humanity. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to keep yourself safe, support others with dignity, and reduce the emotional load on teams, parents and caregivers. 📲 Connect with Able to Care & Able Training Podcast Website: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletraining/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-ltd-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abletocarepodcast

  8. MAR 10

    18 Minutes of CPR: The Night That Saved Rob Jones’ Life

    Most cardiac arrests happen where we least expect them – at home, often in front of the people we love. Yet so many parents, carers, teachers and support workers quietly fear they’d freeze, forget what to do, or make things worse. This week’s guest, Rob Jones, understands that fear more intimately than most. Rob survived a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night because his wife Ruby began CPR on their bedroom floor. Eighteen minutes later, paramedics took over – but it was her hands that kept him alive. In this episode, Rob shares the real experience of collapsing without warning, what his family lived through in those terrifying minutes, and what recovery actually feels like when your heart has stopped twice. He explains why CPR training isn’t just a workplace tick-box – it’s a life skill that every home, school and community needs. Rob and his wife now run The Idiopath, using lived experience to train others in CPR, resilience and real-world decision-making under pressure. This is an honest, hopeful, deeply human conversation that will speak to carers, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to feel prepared rather than powerless in an emergency. 🔗 Resources & Guest Links The Idiopath – Website: https://www.theidiopath.com/ The Idiopath – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidiopath/ Rob Jones – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jones-8a2504161/ Contact Rob: https://metro.co.uk/2025/11/25/a-thud-night-started-worst-18-minutes-life-24790076/ Able to Care Podcast Hub: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast ✨ Three Key Messages 1. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Once a heart has stopped, you cannot make the situation worse. Even imperfect chest compressions give someone a chance they wouldn’t otherwise have. 2. CPR is a family skill, not a workplace skill. Most cardiac arrests occur at home. CPR training matters just as much for parents, older children, carers and teachers as it does for clinical staff. 3. Resilience isn’t toughness – it’s adapting when life changes shape. Rob explains how trauma reshaped his identity, his energy, his limits and his choices, and how The Idiopath now helps others build practical, everyday resilience. ⏱️ Timestamps – Chapter Guide 00:05 – Welcome & opening Andy introduces Rob and the conversation begins. 00:27 – The night everything changed Rob collapses; Ruby realises something is terribly wrong. 01:11 – Ruby’s response under pressure Instinct, panic and the moment CPR begins. 02:22 – Hearing the 999 call back Rob describes the shock of listening to real panic. 03:29 – Processing what happened The surreal reality of causing distress you can’t remember. 04:09 – Waking in hospital Confusion, wires and the slow realisation of cardiac arrest. 05:55 – 18 minutes of CPR The statistical reality: survival and brain damage concerns. 07:18 – Ambulance arrival and transfer of care Why CPR before crews arrive matters most. 08:29 – Returning to “normal” life Work, recovery, setbacks and the second heart stoppage. 09:41 – When the defibrillator fires The moment Rob’s ICD restarts his heart. 10:38 – Rethinking life, stress and purpose Turning lived experience into service. 11:14 – The birth of The Idiopath Using real stories to educate and prevent more loss. 12:23 – The fear of doing CPR “wrong” Why you can’t make a dead person more dead. 13:44 – Common myths and barriers Hurting someone, legal fears, rescue breaths and reality. 16:34 – Hands-only CPR in real life What it looks like and what training does (and doesn’t) prepare you for. 18:59 – CPR songs, rhythm and real-world limitations From ‘Staying Alive’ to questionable modern hits. 21:15 – What learners really ask Dragging someone from bed, tight spaces, “what if…?” 23:31 – Fear of being sued Why the Good Samaritan principles protect responders. 24:41 – Why YOU need CPR training Parents, carers, teachers – and why home is the highest-risk environment. 26:03 – Connecting with other survivors Support groups, trauma, and lived experience beyond the arrest. 28:07 – When CPR fails Honest conversations about loss and statistics. 31:23 – Living after cardiac arrest Invisible recovery, fear, identity and resilience. 34:49 – The Idiopath’s five pillars of resilience Tools for stress, energy, emotion and adaptation. 37:04 – Why people book CPR after hearing Rob’s story Lived experience creates behaviour change. 39:17 – Why small businesses need CPR too Barbers, shops, youth clubs and the silent risks. 40:28 – One action for listeners If you do just one thing: learn CPR. 41:32 – CPR as an act of love Preparing your future self – and protecting those you care for. 43:00 – Teaching children CPR Why early exposure matters and how young kids can learn safely. 46:04 – Where to find Rob & The Idiopath Contact information and next steps. 46:35 – Closing message from Andy Take the nudge: learn CPR today. 💡 Why Listen to This Episode? This episode is for anyone who has ever quietly wondered: Would I freeze? Would I know what to do? Could I really save someone I love? Rob’s story strips away the myths, the guilt and the fear around CPR. He and Andy talk frankly about panic, recovery, trauma, resilience, and the emotional aftermath that textbooks never mention. Whether you're a parent, a care worker, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to be ready for the unthinkable, this conversation will leave you more confident, more informed and more compassionate toward yourself. You don’t have to be fearless – you just have to be willing. 📲 Connect with Able to Care & Able Training Podcast Website: https://able-training.co.uk/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abletraining/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abletrainingexperience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/able-training-ltd-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abletocarepodcast

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About

Join host Andy Baker (author, speaker and educator) for Able Training’s care-focused podcast Able to Care. For paid and unpaid caregivers, teachers and parents to better understand themselves and those they support. With twice-weekly episodes covering understanding people, promoting self-care and resilience, signposting support and services, strategies to reduce stress and distress, promoting good practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all. Includes special guest experts, caregivers and those with lived experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Able Training Support Ltd
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 Able Training Support Limited.
  • Show Website
    Able to Care

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