The Choice Space

Dr Lee David
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The Choice Space is a podcast for busy people who want to pause, reset and make wise choices — without overhauling their lives to get there. Hosted by Dr Lee David — GP, CBT therapist and author — each episode offers practical tools, expert insights and evidence-based strategies to support your mental wellbeing, energy and focus. From burnout and boundaries to healthy habits, menopause and inner critics, this is your space to reflect and move forward — one small, meaningful step at a time.

  1. The Emotional Power of Literature and Stories

    4D AGO

    The Emotional Power of Literature and Stories

    In a world of constant notifications and competing demands on our attention, many of us feel too busy to read. Yet books and stories offer something increasingly rare – a quiet, immersive space where we can reflect, feel and make sense of our experiences. In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David is joined by Dr Charley Baker, Associate Professor of mental health at the University of Nottingham, to explore how literature helps us understand psychological distress, identity and experiences that do not fit neatly into clinical language. They discuss reading as an active process that can restore energy, broaden perspective and deepen empathy. Stories allow us to encounter complex emotions, stigma and trauma from the inside, in a space that feels safer and more intimate than other media. The conversation explores how literature can help us find language for difficult experiences, challenge preconceptions and strengthen connection – with others and ourselves. They reflect on the role of fiction in clinical understanding, the value of poetry and shorter forms when concentration is low, and how sharing books can become an act of care that strengthens relationships. Rather than presenting reading as something we should do, this episode invites a gentler approach – noticing what draws us in, allowing ourselves to stop when a book does not connect, and recognising that stories can meet different needs at different times. This is a grounded conversation about how literature can support understanding, connection and emotional wellbeing. Key moments 00:57 Why reading offers a different kind of space in a fast-paced world 02:18 Charley’s journey into literature, mental health and the health humanities 04:18 How stories build empathy and broaden perspective 06:03 Immersion, representation and feeling understood through fiction 10:58 Literature and understanding self-harm 15:11 Finding language for trauma and complex experiences 17:19 Choice Pause – opening space for creativity and curiosity 19:57 Reading as nourishment and active recharge 23:32 Sharing books as connection and enacted kindness 31:07 Listening to our needs and finding our own relationship with reading 33:48 Audiobooks and new ways of accessing stories 39:44 Permission to stop reading what doesn’t connect  About the guest Dr Charley Baker is an associate professor of mental health at the University of Nottingham. Her work explores literature, mental health and the health humanities, focusing on how stories support understanding of distress and lived experience. Her clinical interests include domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, self-harm, suicide and OCD, and how narrative approaches can support people experiencing distress. Instagram: @CharleyBakerTheBookPusher About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    41 min
  2. Reframing What It Means To Be Selfish

    MAR 4

    Reframing What It Means To Be Selfish

    For many people, the word selfish is linked with guilt and a sense of having done something wrong. It’s often understood as putting yourself first at the expense of others, which can lead to a habit of placing your own needs last. In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David is joined by Suzy Reading, psychologist and author of How to Be Selfish, to offer a different perspective. Suzy reframes selfishness as allowing your needs, feelings and limits to matter, rather than being overridden by everyone else’s. Together, they explore why many caring people label themselves as selfish for resting, setting boundaries, expressing emotions or asking for support. Guilt is examined as a signal of values and care, not proof that something is wrong, and how quickly self-criticism can take hold when expectations feel relentless. They discuss how selflessness is often learned early, shaped by family roles, cultural messages and ideas about being “good”, particularly for women and parents. Lee and Suzy reflect on how neglecting our needs can lead to exhaustion and burnout, and why attending to ourselves supports healthier relationships. The episode also explores boundaries as practical ways of taking responsibility for wellbeing. Suzy shares simple tools drawn from psychology, movement and nervous system regulation, alongside a Choice Pause to help listeners check in during moments of pressure. This is a reflective conversation about developing a kinder relationship with yourself and letting go of the idea that worth is earned through self-sacrifice. Key moments 00:00 Why selfishness is associated with guilt 04:09 Reframing selfishness as allowing your needs to matter 05:27 Selflessness, identity and putting yourself last 07:09 Guilt as a signal of care and values 09:32 Depletion, exhaustion and burnout 11:43 Where fear of selfishness comes from 13:24 Parenting and modelling emotional honesty 16:06 What boundaries are and how they work 18:38 Requests, agreements and responsibility 26:06 A simple grounding practice 31:49 Noticing nourishment and awe 37:27 Kind self-talk About the guest Suzy Reading is a chartered psychologist and self-care and self-advocacy expert with three decades of experience across psychology, yoga and personal training. She supports people to develop sustainable habits and heal their relationship with self. Suzy is the author of The Little Book of Self-Care, The Self-Care Revolution, Self-Care for Tough Times and her latest book, How to Be Selfish. You can connect with Suzy on LinkedIn and Instagram - @suzyreading About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    44 min
  3. Creating Space Around Body Image

    FEB 25

    Creating Space Around Body Image

    Concerns about our bodies are common and part of being human. For some people, they remain occasional worries. For others, they begin to take up more attention, influence mood and shape everyday choices about food, movement, relationships and confidence. In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David is joined by Joanna Silver, a psychologist specialising in eating disorders and body image difficulties, to explore why appearance-related distress can become so persistent – and what can genuinely help. They discuss body image as something that exists on a continuum, from everyday dissatisfaction to more intense distress that narrows attention and reduces quality of life. Joanna explains how self-worth can become overly linked to weight or shape, why comparison often increases distress, and how cultural messages, family language and social media all shape how we relate to our bodies. Rather than framing body image as something to fix or eliminate, the conversation approaches it as a relationship – one that can soften and become more balanced over time. They explore why change is rarely linear, how shame thrives when concerns stay hidden, and why curiosity and kindness are often more helpful than self-criticism. The episode also includes a Choice Pause – a short, guided moment to help create space from comparison and reconnect with what matters in the present moment. This is a compassionate, practical discussion about understanding body image distress and finding steadier ways to care for our bodies, even on difficult days. Key moments 00:39 Why body image concerns are common and when they become more distressing 03:50 When self-worth becomes tied to appearance 07:12 How family, culture and language shape body image 09:16 Comparison, social media and increased distress 11:26 Signs body image concerns may be affecting daily life 15:27 Shame, secrecy and the value of talking 19:31 The Choice Pause creating space from comparison 22:04 Relating to body image as a relationship 28:47 Shifting focus from appearance to function 35:15 Body distress as a signal 40:34 Small steps towards a kinder relationship with the body  About the Guest Joanna Silver is a Counselling Psychologist who specialises in working with people affected by Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and body image problems.  She works as the Lead Psychological Therapist at Orri, a treatment centre for people with Eating Disorders.  I am passionate about bringing compassionate, evidence-based conversations about mental health and body image into the public space.   You can connect with Joanna via Linked in Beat eating disorders charity About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    43 min
  4. Finding Connection Through Singing

    FEB 18

    Finding Connection Through Singing

    There’s something quietly powerful about singing alongside other people. Music is known to support emotional wellbeing, and singing in a group brings breath, sound and attention together in a shared space. Shared voices and shared rhythm can create a sense of connection and ease, even when life feels busy or full. In this episode, Dr Lee David speaks with Glen Harvey – musician and long-standing choir leader with Rock Choir – about what he has observed over many years of bringing people together to sing, and why community choirs often become meaningful spaces for wellbeing and connection. They explore how singing supports both body and mind through breath, posture and movement, and how it can help people feel more present and settled without needing to analyse or fix anything. Glen shares why people from very different backgrounds are drawn to choir, and how a sense of belonging often develops naturally when the focus is on the shared experience rather than performance. The conversation also touches on the thoughts that can sometimes hold people back, such as self-criticism or worry about getting things wrong, and how community singing gently shifts attention away from judgement and towards being in the moment together. Highlights & Key Moments 00:00 Singing as a shared experience 02:08 Glen’s journey into choir leading 03:49 Why singing together feels different from singing alone 05:16 Stress, breath and the physical effects of singing 08:04 Posture, breathing and confidence 10:22 Thoughts that can hold people back from singing 13:10 Letting go of perfection in performance 18:40 The Choice Pause – settling with sound 22:13 Attention, anxiety and staying present 26:03 Music as a way of quietening a busy mind 27:00 Why people come to choir 29:37 Inclusivity, kindness and feeling safe in groups 33:21 A simple music-based takeaway About the Guest Glen Harvey is a versatile musician and choir leader with advanced skills as a vocalist, pianist and guitarist. He trained at the Academy of Contemporary Music and first became known as a semi-finalist on Pop Idol in 2003. He's been leading Rock Choirs for over 16 years, spreading harmonies and laughter across Hampshire, Berkshire, Northern Ireland and soon the Republic of Ireland.  A master of turning strangers into friends and choirs into families, he’s sung everywhere from Abbey Road to Wembley, for audiences of up to 20,000 people, from royalty to George Clooney. At home in Farnham with his wife Lisa and their three children, Glen swaps his microphone for gardening gloves, gym gear or a dinner menu. Whether on stage or in the garden, he’s all about growing joy – one song, one laugh, one memory at a time. Connect with Glen: Instagram @glenharveymusic Find out more about Rock Choir via their website About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    39 min
  5. Moving Beyond Shame Around Our Identity

    FEB 11

    Moving Beyond Shame Around Our Identity

    Shame is rarely spoken about openly, yet it quietly shapes how many people see themselves and relate to others. It can affect how safe we feel, whether we believe we belong and how harshly we judge ourselves. For many people, shame grows from repeated experiences of feeling different, criticised or not quite fitting in. In this episode, Dr Lee David speaks with Simon Lyne – CBT therapist with specialist experience in shame, identity, sexuality and trauma – about how shame develops, why it can feel overwhelming and how it becomes closely tied to our sense of self. They explore shame as a deeply human response linked to our need for connection and acceptance, often shaped early in life through family relationships, school experiences and social messages. Simon describes how shame differs from guilt and how it can drive patterns such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, withdrawal or anger as ways of coping. The conversation also looks at the cumulative impact of repeated comments, assumptions and experiences of exclusion, particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals and others from marginalised groups, and why this makes shame harder to shift through individual effort alone. Alongside this, Lee and Simon discuss how compassion – from others and towards ourselves – can help dismantle shame, supporting values-led choices, connection and resilience. This is a grounded conversation about naming shame gently, finding safe relationships and creating room for self-acceptance in everyday life. Key moments 00:00 Shame, identity and belonging 03:08 What shame is and why it runs so deep 06:14 Shame and the sense of being fundamentally wrong 09:50 How shame shapes behaviour in adult life 11:23 Why shame thrives in secrecy 14:09 The impact of repeated exclusion and micro-messages 15:31 Compassion as a way of softening shame 18:39 Choice Pause – a moment of self-kindness 28:57 Guilt versus shame and self-blame 37:46 Choice Space Takeaway – small steps towards kindness and connection About the guest Simon Lyne is an accredited CBT therapist, psychosexual psychotherapist, and published author practising within the NHS and private practice. His specialised areas include shame, sexuality, working with queer communities, and relational trauma. He combines CBT with EMDR and compassion-based approaches, offering nuanced, client-centred support. https://simon-lyne.squarespace.com/ About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    39 min
  6. Changing How We See Weight And Health

    FEB 4

    Changing How We See Weight And Health

    Weight is often treated as a simple matter of willpower or discipline, yet for many people it carries a heavy burden of shame and judgement. Conversations about weight can feel exposing and personal, making it harder to seek support or make changes that genuinely improve health. In this episode, Dr Lee David is joined by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi – GP and lifestyle medicine specialist – to explore why shame is so closely linked to weight, and why focusing only on the number on the scales often misses what really matters. They discuss obesity as a complex, long-term health condition shaped by biology, genetics, environment, stress, sleep and social context, rather than personal failure. Hussain shares insights from his clinical work, including how stigma – sometimes within healthcare itself – can undermine confidence, motivation and access to care. The conversation looks at why behaviour change is rarely linear, how self-criticism can derail progress, and why compassionate, realistic approaches are more likely to support long-term health. They also discuss weight-management medication – when it may be helpful, why it attracts stigma, and how informed decision-making can support wellbeing. This is a thoughtful discussion about shifting the focus from weight to health, understanding the forces that shape our choices, and finding kinder, more sustainable ways to care for our bodies. Key moments 00:00 Health gained versus weight lost 02:02 Personal experiences of shame and weight 03:33 Why weight is seen as a personal failing 05:30 Stigma, bias and their impact on care 07:19 Self-criticism and behaviour change 10:33 The value of shared support 12:44 Why advice alone rarely leads to change 15:40 The wider drivers of obesity and environment 22:38 Understanding weight-management medication 27:11 Making health decisions without shame 30:46 Why change is non-linear 33:18 Environments that support healthier choices 37:10 Measuring success through health, not scales  About the Guest Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi is a GP with an extended role in lifestyle medicine and personalised care lead for the Leamington PCN. He is the RCGP lifestyle and physical activity champion, heads the UK’s first PCN-based fitness club, appears as a TV on This Morning and GMB and is parkrun’s Health Partnerships lead. He is also a trustee at ThinkActive, sits on the advisory board for Swim England and leads the Red Whale Lifestyle and Obesity medicine courses. Outside work, he’s is a keen triathlete who has represented his country.   You can find Hussain on Instagram and LinkedIn Find the Red Whale obesity medicine course  About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    39 min
  7. Rethinking Our Relationship With Alcohol

    JAN 28

    Rethinking Our Relationship With Alcohol

    Alcohol is woven into many people’s daily lives as a way to unwind, connect or mark the end of the day. For some, it can also become a way of managing difficult emotions, stress or disconnection, often without feeling like a “problem” in the traditional sense. In this episode, Dr Lee David speaks with Navneet Singh – psychotherapist and addiction specialist – about how people develop relationships with alcohol and why those relationships can be hard to change, even when drinking starts to feel unhelpful. They explore what alcohol offers emotionally and socially, and how it can act as a short-term way of regulating feelings such as overwhelm, shame or boredom. Navneet describes how drinking patterns are often shaped by earlier experiences, trauma, identity and the need for connection. The conversation also looks at why knowledge alone is rarely enough to create change, and how boredom, disconnection and loss can increase the pull towards alcohol. Together, they reflect on the role of compassion, curiosity and supportive relationships in creating more choice and flexibility around drinking. This is a thoughtful discussion about understanding what alcohol does for us, noticing patterns gently and finding alternative ways to meet underlying needs. Key moments  00:00 Exploring our drinking patterns  02:13 How alcohol fits into culture and social interaction  04:50 Language, shame and why labels can get in the way  07:18 Alcohol as pleasure, avoidance and emotional regulation  12:46 Trauma, shame and alcohol as an unhealthy medicine  16:29 Why change is hard and often slow  17:56 Boredom, disconnection and the pull towards alcohol  23:48 Choice Pause – creating space around urges  27:09 Why support and community are so important  40:12 Choice Space Takeaway – inquiry, connection and small steps  About the guest Navneet Singh is a psychotherapist, group facilitator and addictions specialist. He works with NHS Practitioner Health and in private practice, bringing an integrative approach shaped by clinical experience, leadership roles and long-term personal recovery.  His earlier career in hospitality and involvement in establishing a residential rehabilitation programme in India inform his understanding of high-pressure environments and culturally sensitive care. He holds an MSc in Addictions from King’s College London, is a registered member of UKCP, BACP and Addiction Professionals, and works with clients in English, Hindi and Punjabi.  You can contact Navneet via his websites:  www.addictionsrecovery.co.uk www.navsinghpsychotherapy.com About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    43 min
  8. Finding a Way Through Winter Low Mood

    JAN 21

    Finding a Way Through Winter Low Mood

    Winter can be a difficult time for many people. Shorter days, less light and increased pressures at work and home can affect mood, energy and motivation, making everyday life feel heavier and harder to manage. In this episode, Dr Lee David speaks with Dr Helen Garr – Medical Director at NHS Practitioner Health – about finding a way through low mood in the winter months. They explore why winter often amplifies stress and emotional strain, and how expectations around productivity and “pushing on” can clash with what our bodies and minds really need at this time of year.  The conversation looks at permission, balance and self-awareness, offering practical ways to check in with ourselves, recognise early signs of struggle and understand when extra support may be needed. Together, they reflect on the value of movement, light, connection and small, nourishing actions, as well as compassion, psychological safety and supportive relationships.   This is a thoughtful discussion about understanding winter low mood and finding realistic, compassionate ways to care for ourselves – and knowing when and how to reach out for support.  Key moments  00:00 Why winter can make low mood harder to manage  02:10 NHS Practitioner Health and its role  04:24 Hope, recovery and supporting healthcare professionals  05:23 Psychological safety and workplace culture  08:10 Being your “best self” under pressure  10:57 Why winter amplifies emotional stress  14:40 Permission, balance and expectations  17:35 Checking in with yourself and noticing early signs  25:18 Talking openly about hopelessness and suicidal thoughts  28:21 The Choice Pause –  pace for positive action  32:42 Support, connection and “your crew”  43:42 Choice Space takeaway – simple steps to support winter mood  About the guest Dr Helen Garr is Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health, a national service supporting Healthcare professionals with mental health and addiction difficulties. She is a GP and recognised leader in wellbeing and mental health, with a background in psychology and nursing. Helen has worked extensively in student health at the University of Nottingham Health Service and continues to work in out-of-hours general practice. She is a former Public Health England Clinical Champion for physical activity, a former Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and currently serves as Wellbeing Lead for Nottinghamshire LMC. Helen is known for her engaging speaking style and commitment to compassionate leadership in healthcare. Outside of work, Helen enjoys open water swimming (mainly in the summer), running half marathons (slowly) and walking her chocolate Labrador, Eileen. About the host Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

The Choice Space is a podcast for busy people who want to pause, reset and make wise choices — without overhauling their lives to get there. Hosted by Dr Lee David — GP, CBT therapist and author — each episode offers practical tools, expert insights and evidence-based strategies to support your mental wellbeing, energy and focus. From burnout and boundaries to healthy habits, menopause and inner critics, this is your space to reflect and move forward — one small, meaningful step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Lee David
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Choice Space
  • Show Website
    The Choice Space

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