Flex Your Feelings Podcast By Sam Bell and James Penney cover art

Flex Your Feelings

Flex Your Feelings

By: Sam Bell and James Penney
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A self-help and wellness podcast hosted by an 'almost sane' therapist and a 'former, all-round insecure idiot'. We take deep dives into important subjects whilst staying irreverently surface level, ensuring to have a laugh along the way. We welcome guests to share their passion and wealth of expertise as well as sprinkling in our own insights and experiences. Pull up a chair, settle in, and 'flex your feelings'. Sam Bell and James Penney Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Gage Masterson: Monogamy Is Not For Everyone!...How Ethical Non-Monogamy Changed My Life
    Jul 8 2025

    In this episode, Gage Masterson, star of the Reality TV Show, Channel 4's Open House: The Great Sex Experiment , and prominent figure in the realm of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), talks about his personal journey into the realm of ENM, as well explaining what ENM is, and how he feels about the social constructs and perceptions surrounding traditional monogamy. Gage shares insights on communication, boundaries, and the emotional complexities of jealousy within non-monogamous relationships. The discussion also touches on Gage's experiences in the swinging lifestyle and the importance of having open dialogue and non-judgmental attitude whilst navigating these relationships. The conversation explores the themes of connection, community, mutual respect and safety. We discuss the importance of building relationships beyond just sexual encounters, the challenges of coming out, and the creation of Swing Hub, a platform designed to provide a safe space for non-monogamous individuals. We also talk about the significance of friendship, support, and the gradual exploration of non-monogamous lifestyles.

    Insta Links:

    @magicgage

    @swinghubapp

    @Openhousethegreatsexexperiment

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Human First, Therapist Second: Do We Have Our Shit Together?
    Jun 10 2025

    In this episode we explore the complexities of being human first and then being professional second. James talks about his personal experiences with therapy, childhood dynamics, and the challenges of navigating relationships. He also talks about significance of connection, the impact of family on emotional health, and the journey of becoming a therapist. James talks about the impact of therapy on his emotional growth, and the importance of understanding his reactions and vulnerabilities. James shares valuing the significance of cultivating and maintaining inner peace, the process of apologizing and taking responsibility for his actions, and the role of authenticity in therapy. He shares how he feels the continuous journey of self-improvement and the balance between helping others and self-care is integral to a healthy life.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Pressure of Reality Shows

    00:09 Podcasting Behind the Scenes

    04:37 Misconceptions About Therapists

    07:08 Emotional Turbulence and Sensitivity

    09:15 Childhood Connections and Disconnections

    11:11 The Impact of Family Dynamics

    12:36 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Retreat

    14:14 The Path to Helping Professions

    16:10 Seeking Connection Beyond the Home

    18:01 Teenage Anger and Family Relationships

    18:57 The Turbulent Teenage Years

    22:19 Seeking Validation and Connection

    25:12 Moving to Wales: A New Family Dynamic

    29:06 Therapeutic Journeys and Self-Discovery

    32:44 Embracing Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence

    35:13 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Healthy Choices

    37:38 The Complexity of Emotions and Reactions

    41:46 Cultivating Inner Peace and Personal Responsibility

    45:40 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Development

    46:29 Embracing the Journey: Goals vs. Enjoyment

    47:24 Breaking Old Patterns: The Path to Happiness

    48:49 Becoming Your Best Self: The Journey of Change

    49:44 Role Modelling Authenticity: The Therapist's Journey

    50:54 The Importance of Self-Care: Finding Inner Peace

    52:46 Human First: The Therapist's Perspective

    54:07 Learning and Growing: The Continuous Journey

    56:06 Emotional Flexibility: Adapting to Life's Challenges

    Keywords

    mental health, wellness, therapy, emotional health, human experience, relationships, coaching, podcast, integrative therapy, personal growth, self-discovery, therapy, emotional growth, relationships, vulnerability, inner peace, personal development, authenticity, self-responsibility, healing





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    59 mins
  • Human First, Life Coach Second: Do We Have Our Shit Together?
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode we explore the complexities of being human first and then being a professional second. Sam talks about how he is himself first and then a life coach second. We discuss the importance of owning one's humanness, and the continuous journey of growth. Sam shares his personal experiences, such as the need for external validation, and the impact of family dynamics on self-worth, and much more. The theme of this conversation centres around the idea of what it means to “have your shit together” and how this is defined, from Sam's perspective.

    Chapters

    00:00 Navigating Teenage Distress

    24:14 The Challenge of social media

    50:35 The Importance of Being Real

    53:27 Reflections on Personal Growth

    55:03 Defining 'Having Your Shit Together'

    Keywords

    mental health, wellness, coaching, personal growth, self-discovery, validation, human experience, helping professions,emotional well-being, journey, self-perception, external validation, therapy, vulnerability, authenticity

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    53 mins
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