A Dose of Wellbeing: the Pharmacist Support podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Paul Sunderland , our specialist addictions counsellor at Pharmacist Support. Paul shares his journey into addiction counselling and offers insight into the unique challenges faced by pharmacists, students, and trainees when it comes to seeking help. We discuss the types of addiction he supports with, what people can expect when they reach out, and the different kinds of support available depending on their circumstances. Paul also talks about the signs of addiction, common causes, and how working in pharmacy might increase vulnerability. Whether you're personally affected or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers reassurance and guidance on taking that first step towards help.

Resources 

To find out more about accessing our support services including addiction support, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/ 

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Show Notes

In this episode we explore what science tells us about the role of human connection, and ask why some people feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Can introverts benefit from social connection? What challenges do pharmacists face in staying connected—and how might that affect their mental health and performance? We also look at how technology, peer support, and workplace culture can influence our ability to build meaningful relationships, and ask what practical steps can help those feeling isolated reconnect with others.

Resources 

Exploring our social circles webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/exploring-our-social-circles/

Improving social skills and connections webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/improving-social-skills/ 

Staying connected with others webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/staying-connected-with-others/

Building positive workplace relationships webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/work-life/building-positive-workplace-relationships/

The Science Behind Wellbeing workshop: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php  

How we can help including counselling and peer support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by pharmacy publisher, events and awards organisers PharmacyShows.co.uk, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

What happens when you cut ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from your diet for a month? In this episode, the Pharmacist Support team shares their experience of ditching UPFs in pursuit of better health. They discuss the motivation behind the challenge, the biggest struggles, unexpected benefits, and whether they plan to stick with it. Did it change their relationship with food? What about social life? Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation. 

Resources

Curious about how food impacts mental health? Explore our free wellbeing workshop, Gut Feeling: Nutrition and Mental Wellbeing. This interactive session unpacks the gut-brain connection and provides actionable tips to improve your wellbeing through nutrition. Sign up for free on our Wellbeing Learning Platform. 

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

How does nutrition fit into pharmacy? Can food really be medicine? In this episode, we sit down with nutrition and lifestyle pharmacist Jazz McPhail to explore the powerful connection between diet, physical health and mental wellbeing. From the role of nutritional therapy in pharmacy to common dietary challenges faced by pharmacists, we dive into the science and practical applications of food as medicine.

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Resources 

Interested in how nutrition affects mental health? Check out our free wellbeing workshop, Gut Feeling: Nutrition and Mental Wellbeing. This interactive session explores the latest research on the gut-brain connection and offers practical tips to support your wellbeing through diet. Sign up for free on our Wellbeing Learning Platform.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

In this podcast we interview Lisa Simpson, who had the courage to make a major life change in order to follow her dream. Without ever having been there, she made a choice to move to the Isle of Islay in Scotland and bought its only pharmacy. She shares with us the reasons for making such a big life change and how it has impacted her and her husband. We hope you will enjoy this inspiring episode.

Resources

Ready to take steps towards living the life you want to lead? Our interactive workshop was created for those of us who feel we’d like to make a change in our lives, but aren’t sure where to begin. The workshop starts with an exploration of values and how these can inform our goals, then looks at goal-setting and habit formation. We look at habits of mind and how we can move through self-defeating thoughts, as well as how gratitude can help. Sign up for free on our Wellbeing Learning Platform.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

In celebration of the new year, join Melissa and Riven as they discuss living a life that is aligned with our values and enables us to move towards our dream life. They explore how to discover what our true values are, how to use them to enhance our life and ultimately how to move toward our ideal situation.

Resources 

Our Live the Live You Want to Lead  wellbeing workshop is available free for pharmacists, students and trainees by signing up to our Wellbeing Learning Platform:  https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

In this episode we sit down with Wellbeing Development Manager at Pharmacist Support, Melissa Cochrane. Melissa has developed a new wellbeing course called Gut feeling: Nutrition and mental wellbeing. In this episode, Melissa shares what this new course covers, information on why eating well is so important for your wellbeing and provides tips and tricks so you can better your mental wellbeing through what you eat. 

This podcast episode has been sponsored by our partners and leading provider of medicines Teva UK, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

To sign up to our free Wellbeing Learning Platform to access this new course, click here: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php 

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

In this episode we sit down with Director of Pharmacy at Royal United Hospital Bath and Integrated Care System Chief Pharmacist at Bath and North East Somerset Integrated Care Board, Uzo Ibechukwu. Uzo believes that implementing a plan around people, culture, health and wellbeing is the single most important part of any clinical strategy. And the most valuable role of any leader in healthcare is to create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, to have ambitions and goals outside the tried and tested, and to support them to surpass the leader themselves.  

In this episode, Uzo shares tips on how to create a more positive and healthy working environment, useful insights into how he got his team more engaged and involved in sharing feedback and how he overcame pushbacks to implementing wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. 

Resources

To access our Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture course for pharmacy managers, leaders and supervisors, please visit our website.

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast episode has been sponsored by our partners and leading provider of medicines Teva UK, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Show Notes

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Jay Badenhorst from the Pharmacists’ Defence Association to explore the impact of loneliness and isolation in pharmacy. Drawing on his experience supporting pharmacists through employment and regulatory challenges, Jay shares insights into how connection can protect wellbeing and why some roles may be more vulnerable to isolation. We discuss practical ways to build connection in the workplace, the role of peer support, and how personal experiences shape professional empathy. Whether you’re a trainee, locum, or working in a remote setting, this conversation offers valuable guidance on staying connected and supported.

Resources 

Exploring our social circles webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/exploring-our-social-circles/

Improving social skills and connections webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/improving-social-skills/ 

Staying connected with others webpage: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/family-life/staying-connected-with-others/

The Science Behind Wellbeing workshop: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php 

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast has been sponsored by pharmacy publisher, events and awards organisers PharmacyShows.co.uk, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Show Notes

How do you go from not knowing what you want to do, to leading a national charity by your early thirties? In this episode, Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, shares her journey from the finance sector into purpose-driven leadership. We talk about the challenges women face in senior roles, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why wellbeing—both personal and organisational—is central to sustainable success. Danielle also offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, from building confidence to embracing empathy and resilience. This conversation offers valuable perspective for anyone navigating their own leadership path.

Resources 

Ready to take steps towards living the life you want to lead? Our interactive workshop was created for those of us who feel they’d like to make a change in their lives, but aren’t sure where to begin. The workshop starts with an exploration of values and how these can inform our goals, then looks at goal-setting and habit formation. We look at habits of mind and how we can move through self-defeating thoughts, as well as how gratitude can help.  Sign up for free on our Wellbeing Learning Platform: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php .

Podcast sponsorship

This podcast episode has been sponsored by our partners and leading provider of medicines Teva UK, enabling us to further our mission to support the wellbeing of our pharmacy family.

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer 

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.