Trauma, Training & Transformation with Dr James Alder Exploring how movement heals the mind.

James Alder
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

Hosted by Dr James Alder, Chartered Psychologist and former military coach, Trauma, Training & Transformation explores how physical training can rebuild confidence, restore identity, and calm the nervous system after trauma. Drawing on psychology, sport, and lived experience, each episode dives into real stories of recovery and resilience, from veterans, athletes, and everyday people finding strength through movement. Through honest conversation and grounded psychological insight, Dr Alder unpacks how exercise, discipline, and community can turn survival into growth. Whether you’re a coach,

  1. 2d ago

    From Homelessness & a Broken Neck to World Wrestling Bronze!

    From Homelessness & a Broken Neck to World Wrestling Bronze! 🥉💪 He was homeless as a teenager. At 18, he broke his neck and woke up paralysed. Decades later, he became a World Wrestling Bronze Medallist. In this powerful episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, Dr James Alder sits down with Clint Kingsbury, former Canadian international wrestler, MMA fighter and wrestling coach, to uncover an extraordinary story of childhood adversity, trauma, mental health, resilience and recovery. 🔥 From homelessness to the world stage, Clint reveals how wrestling saved his life, providing purpose, discipline and hope during his darkest moments. 💔 At just 18, a devastating spinal injury left him paralysed on his left side following emergency surgery. Facing depression, anxiety and an uncertain future, Clint began an extraordinary journey of physical rehabilitation and psychological recovery. 🥉 Against the odds, he returned to international wrestling, represented Canada and, in 2025, achieved an incredible comeback by winning bronze at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Hungary. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: Childhood trauma, poverty and homelessness How wrestling saved his life Breaking his neck at 18 and waking up paralysed The hidden mental health struggles of injury recovery Mental toughness, resilience and overcoming adversity Athletic identity, retirement and life after professional sport His remarkable return to World Championship wrestling at 48 The power of physical activity, purpose and self-belief This isn't just a wrestling story. It's a powerful conversation about mental health, trauma recovery, sport psychology and the human capacity to rebuild after adversity. 💬 Can sport change your life? Can resilience be developed through adversity? Share your thoughts in the comments! 📺 WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:Search Trauma, Training & Transformation 👍 LIKE this episode if Clint's story inspires you.💬 COMMENT with your biggest takeaway.🔄 SHARE to inspire someone facing adversity.🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations about trauma, mental health, resilience and the transformative power of sport. "Your greatest victory isn't always the medal you win, but the life you rebuild when everything seems lost." #ClintKingsbury #Wrestling #BrokenNeck #ParalysisRecovery #MentalHealth #MentalToughness #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #TraumaRecovery #SportPsychology #WrestlingMotivation #InjuryRecovery #InspirationalStories #WorldWrestlingChampionships #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  2. Oct 29

    Living with BPD, Mental Health Struggles & Finding Strength Through Rugby

    Living with BPD, Mental Health Struggles & Finding Strength Through Rugby | Donna Rose 🏉 What happens when the toughest battles aren't fought on the rugby pitch, but within ourselves? In this powerful episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation — Exploring How Movement Heals the Mind, Dr James Alder welcomes Donna Rose, Saracens Women rugby player and Wales Women international, for an honest and inspiring conversation about living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), mental health struggles, emotional regulation, social anxiety, identity and finding strength through rugby. From her journey in women's rugby, including Havant Women's Rugby, to representing Saracens Women Rugby and Wales Women's Rugby, Donna shares how sport has helped her navigate emotional challenges, overcome self-doubt, build confidence and develop a sense of belonging. Donna opens up about describing BPD as her “superpower,” the importance of vulnerability, psychological resilience and why mental toughness isn't about hiding our struggles but learning to understand ourselves. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: 🏉 Mental health in women's rugby, Saracens Women and Wales Women 🧠 Living with BPD and understanding intense emotions ❤️ Overcoming social anxiety, self-doubt and mental health stigma 💪 Finding strength through vulnerability and resilience 🔥 Rugby, emotional regulation and psychological wellbeing 🏉 The importance of grassroots rugby, including Havant Women's Rugby 🌍 Identity, belonging and life beyond elite sport This is more than a rugby story. It's a conversation about mental health, self-acceptance and discovering strength in the parts of ourselves we once struggled to understand. 🎧 WATCH & LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE — OUT NOW! ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/search/Trauma%20Training%20Transformation 🎙️ Also available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Search Trauma, Training & Transformation with Dr James Alder. 💬 Can sport help us manage our emotions, overcome self-doubt and find a sense of belonging? Share your thoughts in the comments. ❤️ LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to help raise awareness of mental health in sport and support more open conversations about BPD and psychological wellbeing. “Strength isn't the absence of struggle. It's finding the courage to understand yourself, embrace your differences and keep moving forward.” #DonnaRose #BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #SaracensWomen #SaracensRugby #WalesWomenRugby #HavantWomensRugby #WomensRugby #RugbyMentalHealth #MentalHealthInSport #SportPsychology #EmotionalRegulation #PsychologicalResilience #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  3. Oct 22

    Mental Toughness: Master Pressure & Build Confidence

    Mental Toughness: Master Pressure & Build Confidence | Edgar Chekera How do you build mental toughness, overcome self-doubt and perform under pressure when it matters most? In this powerful episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, I'm joined by Edgar Chekera, performance psychologist and founder of Psych-Chek, to explore the psychology of high performance, mental resilience, confidence, anxiety and emotional regulation. Why do we overthink under pressure? What's the difference between confidence and self-belief? And how can we develop the psychological skills needed to manage stress, overcome adversity and perform at our best? 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE: 🧠 Mental Toughness & Resilience – Developing psychological strength and managing setbacks. 🔥 Performance Anxiety & Pressure – Understanding overthinking, stress and performing when it matters most. 💪 Confidence vs Self-Belief – Building lasting self-belief and overcoming self-doubt. 🎯 Focus & High Performance – How elite performers manage pressure, maintain concentration and develop a winning mindset. 💭 Self-Talk & Anxiety – Understanding how our internal dialogue influences emotions, confidence and performance. ❤️ Emotional Regulation & Mental Health – Managing difficult emotions without suppressing them. 🤝 Overcoming Adversity – The importance of social support, resilience and personal growth. 🔍 Identity & Self-Worth – Understanding who you are beyond sport, work and achievement. 🎮 Psychology Beyond Sport – Exploring performance psychology, including the lessons we can learn from anime and competitive environments. Whether you're an athlete, coach, student, leader or professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into sports psychology, mental toughness, confidence, performance anxiety and personal development. 💬 "Mental toughness isn't about never experiencing pressure. It's about learning how to respond when it matters most." ▶️ YouTube – Trauma, Training & Transformationhttps://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 🎧 Spotify – Trauma, Training & TransformationSearch Trauma, Training & Transformation on Spotify. 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/psych_chek 🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@psychchek 🌐 Website:https://www.psych-chek.co.uk ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformationthroughtraining 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traumatrainingpodcast 📘 Facebook: James Alder 🔥 YOUR MINDSET MATTERS! If you've ever struggled with overthinking, anxiety, self-doubt or performing under pressure, this episode is for you. 👍 LIKE if you found this conversation valuable. 💬 COMMENT: What affects your performance most — pressure, overthinking or lack of confidence? 🔄 SHARE with someone who could benefit from developing greater mental resilience. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring mental health, performance psychology, exercise, resilience and transformation. Trauma, Training & Transformation — Exploring How Movement Heals the Mind. #MentalToughness #PerformancePsychology #SportsPsychology #MentalHealth #SelfConfidence #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalResilience #HighPerformance #SelfBelief #EmotionalRegulation #Overthinking #Mindset #PsychChek #EdgarChekera #TraumaTrainingTransformation 🎙️ WATCH & LISTEN🧠 CONNECT WITH EDGAR CHEKERA | PSYCH-CHEK💙 FOLLOW TRAUMA, TRAINING & TRANSFORMATION

  4. Oct 15

    Beyond Medication: Anxiety & Depression

    Beyond Medication: Anxiety & Depression 🧠💙 Can yoga, exercise, mindfulness and meditation help us manage anxiety and depression alongside conventional mental health treatment? In this powerful episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, I'm joined by Deepshikha Srivastava, Academic Coordinator at Regent College London, who openly shares her personal journey with anxiety, depression, panic attacks and mental health recovery. We explore the realities of living with anxiety and depression, seeking psychological support, taking prescribed medication and discovering additional ways to support mental wellbeing. From yoga for anxiety relief and the mental health benefits of exercise to grounding techniques, mindfulness, meditation and chanting, Deepshikha shares how these practices have helped her navigate difficult emotions and find greater calm. 💬 In this episode, we explore: Living with anxiety, depression and panic attacks Psychological therapy, medication and mental health support Yoga, exercise and movement for mental wellbeing Mindfulness, meditation and grounding techniques Chanting, emotional resilience and finding inner peace Building a personal mental health toolkit 💙 Mental health recovery isn't always about eliminating the struggle. Sometimes it's about discovering new ways to manage it. 🎙️ Watch, listen and connect: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 🎧 Spotify: Search Trauma, Training & Transformation 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformationthroughtraining/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@traumatrainingpodcast ❤️ If this conversation resonates with you, please LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE. Your support helps these important mental health conversations reach more people. This episode shares personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. #Anxiety #Depression #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyRecovery #PanicAttacks #YogaForAnxiety #ExerciseForMentalHealth #Mindfulness #Meditation #MentalHealthRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  5. Oct 8

    BIPOLAR, ADHD & AUTISM: THE BATTLE WITHIN

    BIPOLAR, ADHD & AUTISM: THE BATTLE WITHIN What happens when a military veteran faces a battle that physical strength alone cannot overcome? In this powerful episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, British Army veteran and former military Physical Training Instructor Ben “Simmo” Simpson shares his journey of living with bipolar II disorder, adult ADHD, autism and haemochromatosis. From severe bipolar depression and suicidal thoughts to navigating ADHD, medication, mental health challenges and life after military service, Ben opens up about the realities of living with multiple diagnoses. We explore how resistance training, physical exercise, daily routines and mental health support help him navigate life's challenges, alongside the loss of military identity and his journey towards finding purpose working for an ADHD charity. In this episode, we discuss: Bipolar II disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts Adult ADHD, autism and neurodivergence ADHD medication and its life-changing impact Exercise, resistance training and mental health Haemochromatosis and physical health Military transition, identity and belonging Finding purpose and rebuilding life after the Army This isn't just a story about mental illness. It's about resilience, identity, self-understanding and transformation. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GNTvzJg4pPFIe8dGrNrEv ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 📱 Follow the journey:Instagram: @transformationthroughtrainingTikTok: @traumatrainingpodcast 💬 What role has exercise played in your mental health journey? Share your experience in the comments. 👍 LIKE • SHARE • SUBSCRIBE to support honest conversations about mental health, military veterans, neurodivergence and the power of physical activity. Content note: This episode discusses depression and suicidal ideation. If you're struggling, please reach out for professional support. In the UK, Samaritans are available on 116 123. #BipolarDisorder #Bipolar2 #ADHD #AdultADHD #Autism #MentalHealth #ADHDMedication #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryMentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #ExerciseAndMentalHealth #LifeAfterTheMilitary #Neurodivergence #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  6. Oct 2

    When the Final Whistle Blows: Rugby, Identity & Starting Again

    When the Final Whistle Blows: Rugby, Identity & Starting Again | Daniel Sarginson What happens when the sport that gave you identity, purpose and success is no longer there? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, former professional rugby league player Daniel Sarginson opens up about the reality behind a successful career in elite rugby — and the struggles that existed beyond the pitch. Daniel speaks candidly about mental health, vulnerability, identity, anxiety and his battle with addiction, challenging the idea that strength means never showing weakness. He reflects on the highs of professional rugby, the pressures of elite sport, and what happens when your identity becomes inseparable from performance. But this is also a conversation about starting again. Daniel discusses learning to be vulnerable, rebuilding his identity beyond rugby, trusting his body, developing emotional resilience and finding a new sense of purpose after professional sport. 🎙️ Season 3, Episode 1 kicks off a new series of Trauma, Training & Transformation: Exploring How Movement Heals the Mind — conversations exploring exercise, trauma, mental health, addiction, recovery, resilience and transformation through lived experience and professional insight. ▶️ Watch, like, share and subscribe:http://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003 If Daniel's story resonates with you, please share the episode. You never know who might need to hear that vulnerability and strength can exist together. #DanielSarginson #RugbyLeague #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #MensMentalHealth #ProfessionalRugby #AthleteMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #LifeAfterSport #EmotionalResilience #ExerciseAndMentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  7. Sep 3

    The Great Outdoors: How Nature, Movement & Adventure Improve Mental Health

    The Great Outdoors: How Nature, Movement & Adventure Improve Mental Health Can spending more time outdoors genuinely improve our mental health, resilience and wellbeing? In this episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, I’m joined by Dawson Isner from The Great Outdoors to explore the powerful relationship between nature, movement, outdoor adventure and the mind. From ✈️ flying and 🎣 salmon fishing to 🥾 trekking, Dawson shares what adventure has taught him about overcoming fear, stepping outside your comfort zone, patience, solitude, resilience and being fully present. We explore why modern life can leave us disconnected from nature, whether controlled risk and physical challenge can help us grow, the difference between solitude and loneliness, and why getting outdoors may offer something increasingly difficult to find in a world of constant screens, notifications and stimulation: space to think, move and reconnect. We also ask a deeper question: Are we going outdoors to escape our lives—or to understand them more clearly? If you’re interested in mental health, nature therapy, outdoor exercise, hiking, adventure, resilience, personal growth, stress management, mindfulness, wellbeing or the psychology of movement, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Trauma, Training & Transformation: Exploring How Movement Heals the Mind ▶️ Watch & subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/@JamesAlder-003🌲 Dawson Isner – The Great Outdoors: http://www.youtube.com/@TheGreatOutdoors26🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GNTvzJg4pPFIe8dGrNrEv 👍 If you enjoy the episode, like, comment, share and subscribe. It helps the podcast reach more people interested in the connection between physical activity, psychology and mental health. “Sometimes we don’t need to escape our lives. We need to step outside long enough to see them differently.” #MentalHealth #TheGreatOutdoors #Nature #OutdoorAdventure #MentalWellbeing #Resilience #Hiking #ExerciseAndMentalHealth #Movement #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #OvercomingFear #NatureAndMentalHealth #OutdoorLife #TraumaTrainingTransformation

  8. Aug 27

    Strength & Conditioning: Why Mental Health Matters as Much as Physical Performance

    Strength & Conditioning: Why Mental Health Matters as Much as Physical Performance What if becoming a stronger athlete isn’t just about building a stronger body? In this episode of Trauma, Training & Transformation, I’m joined by Dr Angela Sorensen to explore the powerful connection between strength and conditioning, athlete mental health, sport psychology and physical performance. We discuss why mental resilience matters in sport, how training and movement can influence confidence and wellbeing, and why coaches need to recognise the person behind the performance. We explore: 🏋️ Strength & conditioning and athlete mental health🧠 Mental resilience and psychological strength in athletes💪 How exercise can support confidence and self-esteem🏃 Injury psychology, fear and returning to sport👀 Recognising behavioural changes in athletes🤝 The importance of the coach-athlete relationship❤️ Why vulnerability can be a sign of strength📈 Why progress should be measured by more than wins and performance🔥 Developing athletes who are physically and mentally resilient Because strength isn’t just what you lift—it’s also what you can carry mentally. If you’re an athlete, strength and conditioning coach, sports coach, sport psychologist, student or anyone interested in mental health and human performance, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Trauma, Training & Transformation: Exploring How Movement Heals the Mind ▶️ Watch the full episode and join the conversation. 👍 Like💬 Comment🔄 Share🔔 Subscribe for more conversations exploring exercise, psychology, trauma, resilience and human performance. #StrengthAndConditioning #AthleteMentalHealth #SportPsychology #MentalHealth #MentalResilience #SportsPerformance #MentalStrength #AthleteWellbeing #StrengthTraining #SportsScience #ExercisePsychology #AthleteDevelopment #TraumaTrainingTransformation

See All (51)

About

Hosted by Dr James Alder, Chartered Psychologist and former military coach, Trauma, Training & Transformation explores how physical training can rebuild confidence, restore identity, and calm the nervous system after trauma. Drawing on psychology, sport, and lived experience, each episode dives into real stories of recovery and resilience, from veterans, athletes, and everyday people finding strength through movement. Through honest conversation and grounded psychological insight, Dr Alder unpacks how exercise, discipline, and community can turn survival into growth. Whether you’re a coach,

Information