We started the Oxfordshire Recovery College Podcast in early 2020, and haven’t looked back since..
We’ve found this podcast another platform to connect with students, tutors, volunteers and anyone else in the wider community that’s interested in learning more about mental health, wellbeing, and what you can do to look after yourself and others. Our podcasts are based on a wide range of subjects so have a look below to find the list of our different episodes – we hope there’s something in there for everyone, no matter how you’re feeling.
You can listen to our podcast on your usual podcast streaming platforms – do leave us a review if you enjoy listening, and help us spread the word!

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/oxfordshire-recovery-college-podcast/id1505308221

Anchor:
https://anchor.fm/oxfordshire-recovery-college

We welcome all feedback and if you have any suggestions for future episodes or ways you are looking after your own wellbeing or any other suggestions then please get in touch. If you are enjoying these podcast please feel free to share with others and helps us spread the word!

You can also find our podcast available on other platforms, just type in the words ‘Oxfordshire Recovery College’ to find us

Happy listening!

Series 4

Bonus Episode – December 2021: Happy Un-Christmas!

In this special episode for December 2021, Jilly, Jo and Stephanie chat about why Christmas can be stressful, especially as it’s often linked to painful memories and emotions. We share tips on how we can leave behind ideas of a perfect Christmas and make it our own kind of  celebration – a celebration which works for us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Prepare to laugh and cry whilst listening! Click here to listen on Anchor FM – Happy Un-Christmas!

S4, Episode 4: Anxiety is My Superpower

In this episode, Andy, Karen and Stephanie talk about the skills and resilience we learn when struggling with anxiety – and how we can channel our anxious energy to make it our super power. Anxious people have to learn to face down their fears everyday – and this takes courage and determination. We hope this episode gives you food for thought about the positive traits of the anxious personality. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Anxiety is my Superpower 

S4, Episode 3: The Easing of Restrictions

In this episode, Clare, Jo and Tina look together at life slowly returning to ‘normal’ for many of us, with the opening of shops and outdoor eating following another lockdown and we discuss the worries and anxieties that can come with this. We also discuss how we will individually be approaching all these changes, and how we can be kind to ourselves during this time – after all, what one person might be comfortable doing, someone else may not. We acknowledge everyone’s different views on what is happening and the changes around us, and how people can react to these changes differently. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: The Easing of Restrictions

S4, Episode 2: Easter Eggs and Mental Health

This is a podcast about celebrations and how we use special events across the year to mark the passage of time and feel more positive about the everyday. Stephanie chats with ORC tutors Vera and Sreeja about how they have got through the dull days of lockdown, and what gives their lives meaning. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Easter Eggs and Mental Health

S4, Episode 1: Rambling – on foot, and in words

In this episode Stephanie talks to Roy Peach about walking and writing. Roy is walking 1083 miles by May to raise money for Restore – and he’s doing it one step at a time in local walks around Oxford. Roy’s also a writer and developed ORC’s Creative Writing course, so we get talking about all kinds of creative journeys, how to deal with setbacks and freeing your imagination. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Rambling – on foot, and in words

Series 3

S3, Episode 3: Coping with January

In this episode we look at how we can cope with January. For some, this can be a really difficult time of year; January is always a long, cold month and with another lockdown now in place this just adds to the difficulty. Together we look at ways in which we can look after ourselves through January, discuss the the things that help us and share some useful tips to help others along the way. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: S3, Episode 3 – Coping with January

S3, Episode 2: Holding onto Hope

Holding onto Hope is a podcast investigating what hope is and how we can build a greater sense of hope in difficult times. Head of ORC Stephanie talks to Recovery college tutors Tam, Peter and Jo, and consultant clinical psychologist Khadija about what hope means to them. Together, we come up with lots of different ways to feel more hopeful about the future, including thinking creatively around challenges and looking for hope in the present moment. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: S3, Episode 2 – Holding onto Hope

S3, Episode 1: Coping with Christmas

To kick off Series 3, we are starting with Coping with Christmas – a podcast for anyone who might struggle with any aspect of Christmas. Head of ORC, Stephanie, talks to Recovery College tutor Bill, Restore’s CEO Lesley Dewhurst and Oxfordshire MIND’s Katie about how they cope with Christmas. The podcast ends with a summary of different things to try to look after your mental health and wellbeing through the festive season. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: S3, Episode 1 – Coping with Christmas

Series 2

S2, Episode 5: Spirituality and Mental Health

Our last podcast in Series 2 focuses on the subject of Spirituality and Mental Health, looking at Spirituality in the round from both a religious and non-religious perspective. This weeks’ guests on the podcast approach the subject from a personal viewpoint, on how spirituality has had an impact on their lives in general, as well as on their mental health in particular. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Episode 5 – Spirituality and Mental Health

S2, Episode 4: Running on Oxford Time

This podcast starts by pondering on the psychology of lateness, but turns into a podcast about making the most out of everyday life, and introduces listeners to the joys of bullet journalling. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Episode 4 – Running on Oxford time

S2, Episode 3: Train yourself happy

Train yourself happy is our third podcast in Series 2, in which our guests this week explore the relationship between mental health and exercise. Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Episode 3 – Train yourself happy

S2, Episode 2: Life’s simple pleasures

In this podcast we discuss what some of the simple pleasures of life are to us, particularly ones that we might have noticed during the last few months. We also look at how we have each found ways to incorporate some of the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our everyday lives.

Click here to listen on Anchor FM: Episode 2 – Life’s simple pleasures

S2, Episode 1: Hope is the thing with feathers

We’re back with our brand new Series of the Oxfordshire Recovery College Podcast! Episode one, Hope is the thing with feathers, is about how the everyday pleasure of watching birds can increase our sense of hope and wellbeing

To listen to our first episode of Series 2 on Anchor, click here: Episode 1 – Hope is the thing with feathers

Series 1

Episode 5: Sleep

Our fifth and final episode of The ORC Podcast Series 1 focuses on Sleep. We look into how sleep can have both such a positive and negative impact on many functions of the body, as well as our mental Health. As mentioned in the podcast, for those in the Thames Valley area, you can access the brilliant Sleepio app which provides a range of exercises to help you with your sleep: www.sleepio.com/NHS

Episode 4: Cooking (on a budget and basics)

Our fourth episode is slightly extended because we did a podcast from our kitchens! We looked at how to cook during the current lockdown as well as tips on how to cook on a budget. Alongside of this we made a Tuna mousse (souffle to some!) Listen to the podcast to find out the recipe!

This is our hat-trick (3rd) episode of the Oxfordshire Recovery College Podcast. We are joined by three co-hosts, two of whom are students of the College. In this episode we discuss how it feels to have a panic attack, including tips and techniques that can help you with this. This includes an introduction to Mindfulness, which comes onto our second section of this episode in which we are joined by Dr Vernon (Clinical Psychologist) to guide us through a short mindfulness session. 

Episode 2 focuses on those with lived experience of mental health and using this experience positively. Re-capping and adding to our 5 Ways to Wellbeing, and looking at living on your own during this time.

During the Recovery College’s first podcast we cover the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and what we’ve been doing to keep ourselves healthy and maintain our wellbeing during this time. We discuss useful hints and tips for you to try out too, including a simple pasta recipe!