Leaf & Elfie: Curious Talks
"Curious. Novel. Expert."
Join Leaf and Elfie as they talk to fascinating experts from different fields and backgrounds. Learn from the insights of a neuroscientist who studies the effects of meditation, a human rights activist who fights for social justice, and a vegan bodybuilder who challenges stereotypes. Launched in May 2020, this podcast covers topics such as psychology, self-improvement, social change and futuristic tech.
Episodes
30 episodes since 2020
Wild food: Interview with chef and forager Christian Amys
In this episode we sit down with Christian Amys, renowned wild food forager and chef who wowed audiences on MasterChef: The Professionals. Chris shares his fascinating journey into the world of foraging, exploring how his passion for wild ingre...
July 05, 2024
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:02:11
Jo Woolf: Epic Women Explorers
We have the absolute pleasure of welcoming Jo Woolf back onto the show. Jo passionately discusses women explorers who broke taboos by venturing out to explore the world. This episode exposes bold, brave, and expert women who often trave...
June 30, 2024
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55:10
Severe allergies and plant-based living with Oli Weatherall, Editor at V-Land UK and MNU Certified Nutritionist
🎧 🌱🚫 In this episode we discuss veganism and allergy awareness with the insightful Oli Weatherall.Oli raises awareness of living with severe allergies through articles, interviews, and speeches in various media outlets such as the BBC, ...
April 09, 2024
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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59:33
Freedom to Run: Interview with filmmakers Dr. Cairsti Russell and Stephen Sheriff
In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming and eye-opening documentary “Freedom to Run.” The film follows two remarkable groups of runners: one from Scotland and the other from Palestine. Marathon running: a symbol of persevera...
March 08, 2024
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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55:28
Britain’s Landmarks and Legends: Interview with author Jo Woolf
In this episode, Leaf and Elfie are joined by Jo Woolf, the writer in residence of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.Jo is the author of The Great Horizon, a collection of stories about explorers and adventurers who have shaped ou...
December 06, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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58:48
Designing the Mind: Interview with bestselling author Ryan A Bush
We speak to Ryan A Bush, founder of Designing the Mind, and author of bestselling book, Designing the Mind: The Principles of Psychitecture. Ryan...
September 06, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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57:54
Fighting Autoimmune Disease: Interview with Dr Akil Palanisamy
In this episode Dr. Palanisamy discusses his groundbreaking 5-step approach to treating and healing autoimmune conditions. Leaf and Elfie, delve into topics such as addressing toxins, healing infections, improving gut health, prope...
August 06, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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57:53
Pain: Interview with leading physiotherapist and author Kevin Hunt
In this episode we discuss pain with Kevin Hunt, a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years of clinical experience working with people suffering from persistent pain. In his groundbreaking boo...
July 02, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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59:29
Living in a Tiny Home: Interview with small living pioneer, Jay Shafer
In this episode, we have the honor of hosting Jay Shafer, the esteemed godfather of the tiny home movement and author of the renowned book, "The Small House Book."Join us on a journey through the remarkable story of Jay Shafer, a true pi...
June 07, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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57:57
Fighting Corruption: Interview with Patrick Alley, Co-Founder of Global Witness
In this podcast interview, we sit down with Patrick Alley, author of Very Bad People, as he shares his experiences investigating human rights abuses acro...
May 10, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:00:27
Emergency State: Interview with Adam Wagner, human rights advocate and barrister
We speak with human rights barrister, Adam Wagner, about his new book Emer...
February 06, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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59:48
History of witchcraft: Interview with Prof. Marion Gibson from University of Exeter
In this episode we speak to Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures, Marion Gibson from University of Exeter.From Salem to rural Sussex - Marion investigates witch trials and what they can tell us about culture, politics, relig...
January 18, 2023
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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59:22
Ben The Forest Foodie: Interview with vegan influencer Ben Richardson
In this episode we speak with Vegan Choice Award Winner, Ben Richardson AKA Ben the Forest Foodie. Ben is a writer, forest school teacher, blogger, photographer and vegan influencer. We speak to Ben about how an internship on an or...
November 02, 2022
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57:39
The science of hugging: Interview with Prof. Sebastian Ocklenburg
Why do hugs feel good? Can hugs cure loneliness and depression? Is hugging a tree good for you?What is the optimal length of time to hug for "feel-good" hormones? Can you hug yourself? In this episode...
May 03, 2022
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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55:56
This will Make You Laugh: lnterview with laughter yogi Pete Cann
In this episode we speak with the No.1 Laughter Yoga UK Facilitator, Pete Cann. Join along with some laughter exercises, and discover the therapeutic benefits of laughing including:Bonding with family, friends and...
April 05, 2022
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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59:17
Can virtual reality make us more caring? Interview with Professor Matthew Cotton
Virtual reality is more widely used than ever before - from virtual documentaries on social issues to the Metaverse and dance-off simulators. But can it be used to make us more empathetic? In this episode we we speak with Professor...
February 20, 2022
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:00:09
Space is Cool as F***: Interview with author Kate Howells from the Planetary Society
On this podcast we speak with Kate Howells, who represents The Planetary Society. We discuss defending earth, aliens, other worlds, space exploration and priorities.Kate is the author of
June 05, 2021
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:20:02
Giving up Porn. Interview with sex and addiction therapist Mig Bennett
Is watching porn bad for you?Free websites and smart phones make it easier than ever to watch porn - and billions of us are doing just that. But some scientists are starting to worry about the consequences and there is a growing movemen...
February 02, 2021
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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56:01
Living in a Cult: Interview with former Scientologist, Chris Shelton
In this episode Leaf and Elfie meet former Scientology member Chris Shelton and talk about his 30 years of experience in the organisation.Chris now exposes Scientology and the psychology behind destructive cults. Watch chris on ...
October 26, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:49:18
Hogwood Farm vs. Vegans: Interview with Viva! Founder, Juliet Gellatley
In 2020, animal welfare charity Viva! launched 'Hogwood: A Modern Horror Story'. The documentary film is presented by Jerome Flynn and exposes the harrowing conditions on a Warwickshire pig farm. Their undercover footage ultimately forced big b...
August 20, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:05:11
The Politics of Vegetarianism: Interview with MP Henry Smith
Brexit, animal welfare, legislation, schools, health - the food choices that we make are political. How does vegetarianism fit in? In this 'Vegetarian Special' podcast interview we speak with longtime animal rights campaigner, vege...
August 20, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:25:48
Quantum Science and Psychedelics: Interview with Dr Carl Johan Calleman
In this episode Leaf and Elfie talk with Dr Carl Johan Calleman on the subject of Mayan Quantum Science and Psychedelics. Dr Calleman is recognized as a world authority on the Mayan Calendar and his latest book ‘Quantum Science of Psych...
August 11, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:09:03
Get out of your comfort zone to beat anxiety: Interview with Ben Aldridge
To overcome anxiety and panic attacks, Ben Aldridge delves into the world of stoicism, Buddhism, CBT and extreme challenges. Ben's new book, How to be Comfortable with being Uncomfortable, is based on experiences building...
July 30, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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51:20
Young men in prison - what happens next? Interview with A Band of Brothers
It's a sad fact that young men often really struggle in our society.95% of prisoners are men80% of the homeless population is male 13 men every day will commit suicide In this episode we speak with Hugh Newton, who leads...
July 16, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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59:24
What is boredom? Interview with cognitive neuroscientist, James Danckert
Boredom. We've all experienced it from time to time, but what does it actually do? Can it make us angry? Make us depressed? Slowly kill us? Or does it serve a less clear and more positive function?In this episode we speak to a Professor...
June 29, 2020
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:01:26