Episode 26: Paul Sunderland on co-dependency

Paul Sunderland - revered psychotherapist - spills the beans on co dependency, what it is and what it is not.

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How to Stay Sane in an Insane
World – The Podcast

Formerly known as 'Shed Talks'

Hosted by Jeremy Thomas—renowned speaker, author, mental health advocate, and survivor.

This podcast explores mental health, resilience, and the ways we cope when life throws its toughest challenges at us. Jeremy speaks with guests from film, music, literature, business, and beyond, each sharing their own experiences with mental health and the strategies they’ve used to overcome adversity.

Each episode features fascinating and accomplished guests—from bestselling authors and musicians to industry leaders, athletes, and mental health experts—who open up about their struggles, triumphs, and the coping strategies that have helped them along the way.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone, this podcast is here to help you navigate the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Saying Goodbye to Shed Talks – A New Chapter Begins

We’re bringing everything under one roof. Jeremy Thomas’s podcast, talks, and one-to-one mentoring are now part of How to Stay Sane in an Insane World—a unified platform for open, honest conversations about mental health. Formerly known as Shed Talks, the podcast remains the same at its core—real stories, real strategies, and real conversations—just with a name that better reflects the bigger picture.
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Meet the Host -
Jeremy Thomas

Drawing from his own experiences with bipolar disorder and addiction, he hosts the acclaimed podcast How to Stay Sane in an Insane World, to share real stories, expert insights, and practical tools for resilience.

With a background in the music industry and credits including the Emmy-winning documentary Stephen Fry – The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to every conversation—mixing wisdom, wit, and hard-earned lessons on what it takes to stay afloat.

What are ‘Lifejackets’?

Lifejackets in this podcast refer to the personal tools and rituals that keep us afloat in the waves of life. Whether it’s a film, tv show, music, a favourite book, a crossword puzzle, or the steady presence of a dog, these are the things that keep us afloat. Everyone needs their own lifejackets—small but essential things that help us stay sane in an insane world.

Most Popular Episodes

Here are some of the most popular episodes:

Carol Morley

Film director Carol Morley discusses the impact of her father’s tragic death when she was just 11, her feelings of loss and abandonment, and how she navigated these challenges to find her path in filmmaking.

Carol Morley was wonderful to interview, mainly because of her honesty, lightness of touch, humour and overall insight into her own mental health issues and problem. Born and brought up in Stockport, Manchester alongside her sister Jayne, and now well-known broadcaster brother Paul.

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simon-w

Simon Woodroffe

Founder of YO! Sushi, Simon shares his experiences with childhood trauma, self-esteem issues, and his journey through recovery via 12-step programs, highlighting the importance of hope and resilience.

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Rachel Jones

Special needs teacher Rachel Jones talks about the powerful effects of wild water swimming on self-esteem, managing autoimmune disease, and raising twins as a single mother.

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What Listeners Are Saying

Real stories from our audience on how ‘How to Stay Sane in an Insane World’ has inspired, informed, and made a difference.

Thank you Jeremy for your time, effort and enthusiasm. Having you share your story along with tips and advice was really fantastic, it was the perfect way to end the event. Your character and personality made it so engaging, and I am quite sure it will be remembered by the Alliance. Thanks again and I have my millionaire peg in pride of place on my desk!
George Wilkins
Alliance Procurement Manager, MCIPS, TRU West
Fear and shame make the prison of mental illness in families worse. Jeremy's talks are important. They are compassionate, informative, honest and very funny; humanising what can be distressing for the sufferer and those around them. I wish I'd heard him speak as a young person.
Hermione Norris
Actress
“Jeremy is an engaging and entertaining speaker with a message that every HR department and every family in the nation should listen to.”
Simon Woodroffe OBE
Founder of YO! Sushi and YOTEL

Listen to All Episodes

Explore the full archive of inspiring conversations and expert insights on mental health and resilience.

Paul Sunderland

Episode 26: Paul Sunderland on co-dependency

Larry Lamb

Episode 25: Larry Lamb discussing his childhood, career, ambition and mental health

Episode 22: Carol Morley – From Drinking at 11 Years Old, Hacienda Club at 16, to a Big Time Screen Director

Episode 21 (Extension): Simon Woodroffe’s Lifejackets – “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”

Episode 21: Simon Woodroffe – From Boarding School bullying to Yo! Sushi Empire

Episode 20: Rachel Jones – Wild Swimming, Autoimmune Battles & Single Parenthood

Episode 19: Paul Unwin – Survivor’s Guilt, Casualty & Living Without Regret

Episode 18: Harvey Lisberg – Managing 10CC, Gambling & Sharing a Bill with The Rolling Stones

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— WHAT WE DISCUSS

Issues discussed on Jeremy's Podcasts

  • Episode 1: Tim Clark: Rock & Roll, Recovery & Robbie Williams – Stories of substance abuse, addiction, and recovery in the music industry.
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  • Episode 2: Charlie Mortimer: Addiction, Fast Cars & Finding Happiness – A raw look at heroin, cocaine, and alcohol addiction.
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  • Episode 5: Heroin, Harrods & Heartbreak: Karen Cowan’s Untold Story – A personal account of growing up in a family affected by addiction.
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  • Episode 13: Lord Brooke: Power, Addiction & the Road to Redemption – A journey through alcoholism, food addiction, and sex addiction towards recovery.
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  • Episode 22: Carol Morley: Drinking at 11, Hacienda at 16, & Big Time Filmmaking – How alcohol and self-medication shaped Carol’s early years.
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  • Episode 8: Ian Rankin: Gangs, Panic Attacks & The Dark Nights of the Soul – The bestselling author shares his experience with panic attacks and anxiety.
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  • Episode 10: A.L. Kennedy: Brain Fog, Boxing & Baking Her Way Through the Chaos – A discussion on toxic thoughts, brain fog, and mental clarity.
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  • Episode 15: Jan Ravens: Schizophrenia, Celebrity Mastermind & Finding Her Voice – A personal journey through self-doubt, anxiety, and overcoming fear.
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  • Episode 4: Roma Hooper: Love Actually, Audrey Hepburn & Surviving the Unimaginable – A powerful story of grief after suicide and finding purpose.
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  • Episode 6: Dick Moore: Bullying, Rugby & Surviving the Loss of a Son – A heartbreaking yet hopeful discussion on losing a child to suicide.
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  • Episode 7: Gordon Darroch – All The Time We Thought We Had – A moving conversation about grief, loss, and resilience after a spouse’s terminal illness.
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  • Episode 16: Nick Drake: Genius, Tragedy & the Truth Behind the Music – Exploring loss in the music world and mental health struggles.
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  • Episode 5: Heroin, Harrods & Heartbreak: Karen Cowan’s Untold Story – A discussion on growing up in a household affected by bipolar disorder.
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  • Episode 12: Danny Evans: Music, Mania & Life in the Fast Lane – The highs and lows of bipolar disorder in the music industry.
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  • Episode 14: Nicky Chinn: Hit Records, Bipolar Battles & Buying Two Rolls-Royces in a Day – The legendary songwriter opens up about his lifelong battle with bipolar disorder.
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  • Episode 18: Mary Ryan: BPD, Bullies & Cold-Water Swimming – A deep dive into the stigma of BPD and one woman’s journey toward healing.
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  • Episode 4: Roma Hooper: Love Actually, Audrey Hepburn & Surviving the Unimaginable – Losing a loved one to suicide and finding strength.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 6: Dick Moore: Bullying, Rugby & Surviving the Loss of a Son – Coping with the suicide of a child and working toward awareness.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 16: Nick Drake: Genius, Tragedy & the Truth Behind the Music – Understanding mental health struggles and suicide in the music industry.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 11: Tim Lott: Bowie, Bad Trips & the Beauty of Cheesy Musicals – How an ADHD diagnosis later in life helped Tim make sense of his past.
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  • Episode 20: Rachel Jones: Wild Swimming, Autoimmune Battles & Single Parenthood – Navigating ADHD while balancing family life and personal well-being.
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  • Episode 5: Rage, Betrayal, Heartbreak… and Cats? Mike Fisher on Anger Management – Expert insights on handling anger in a healthy way.
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  • Episode 9: Nathan Horrocks: Jockey Life, Anorexia & The Horse That Saved Him – A deep discussion on anorexia in the world of professional jockeys.
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  • Episode 5: Heroin, Harrods & Heartbreak: Karen Cowan’s Untold Story – Coping with childhood trauma in an aristocratic but dysfunctional family.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 15: Jan Ravens: Schizophrenia, Celebrity Mastermind & Finding Her Voice – Growing up in a household dominated by mental illness and its effects.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 19: Paul Unwin: Survivor’s Guilt, Casualty & Living Without Regret – Overcoming trauma through storytelling and therapy.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 7: Gordon Darroch – All The Time We Thought We Had – Finding hope after loss.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 10: A.L. Kennedy: Brain Fog, Boxing & Baking Her Way Through the Chaos – How creativity and nature help with resilience.
    Open Episode
  • Episode 21: Simon Woodroffe: From Boarding School Bullying to Yo! Sushi Empire – A story of reinvention, entrepreneurship, and resilience.
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Got a mental health story to share?

Whether it’s your own journey, someone you know, or just a suggestion who’d make a great guest, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch!

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