Aged 24 in Ibiza, Matt Haig’s life changed forever when he had a breakdown. Now 49 he has returned to the island, facing his past head on, returning with a whole new perspective, more optimism, and now, a new book called ‘The Life Impossible’.

Matt has sold over 9 million copies of his books worldwide, and they have been translated into 58 languages. His bestselling book ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ has touched millions of lives and was game changing for many people with depression and anxiety. Since then, his novel The Midnight Library has become a global phenomenon and spent over 50 weeks on the Sunday Times bestseller charts and over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller charts.

In this episode, as well as talking about the new book, Matt discusses returning to Ibiza, hope and sobriety. He also talks about surprising early forays in writing, how an adult diagnosis of ADHD helped him look at his younger self differently and how his experience of social media and mental health has impacted his children's relationship with it too. It feels like a whole new chapter in Matt’s life and we’re delighted to have him on to talk about it.

Vote for Changes at the British Podcast Awards!

Voting is open until 29th August. Just click this link and search for Changes.

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Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes.

Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes

Please Note: The transcript is automatically generated in case you come across any typos or misquotes during your reading. Enjoy the episode.

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Hello folks, for this episode I took myself into the rave shed and reflected on the big changes that have taken place in my life over the last year.

It’s my birthday week, as I’m a Cancer I am trying to extend it into a whole month. I love any excuse for a party so there will be one of those happening for sure, but I also love, more and more, an opportunity to reflect and remember the events of my life, partly because my memory is so shite that if I don’t make the effort to remember, things disappear, but also because by understanding how I’ve evolved (or not) in the past, it gives me clarity on looking forwards. Reflection helps me to understand what I want and what I don’t want and this always feels settling, in a way.

The episode holds quite the gamut of changes. I cover taking up old hobbies with surprising results, making new friends, internalised ageism, resolving body issues, loneliness, perimenopause, hopefulness and loads more. I hope you enjoy it.

Also I’d love to hear about any changes YOU went through in the last year. Have a think and let me know by sending a short voice note to changespod@gmail.com

Thanks, as always, for listening.

Vote for Changes at the British Podcast Awards!

Voting is open until 29th August. Just click this link and search for Changes.

https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting

GET IN TOUCH

Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes.

Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes

Please Note: The transcript is automatically generated in case you come across any typos or misquotes during your reading. Enjoy the episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation is astonishing. Prepare to be completely engrossed and moved beyond belief by the phenomenal Decca Aitkenhead. The Chief Interviewer at the Sunday Times, Decca talks so beautifully with a warmth and lightness that contrasts with what she has lived through. The love story between her and her late husband Tony is like nothing else you have ever heard before.

Tragically, in 2014, Decca Aitkenhead’s husband Tony died while they were on holiday in Jamaica with their two young sons. A life shattering change. Here, Decca talks about why Tony was the most interesting person she has ever met - himself transforming his life in very surprising ways and describes how, throwing all logic out of the window, he completely changed her life. She also reflects on that fateful day, suddenly being a single mum and magical thinking.

Decca Aitkenhead’s top tier journalism has seen her interviewing the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Clinton and Johnny Depp. Her long list of writing achievements include the Catherine Pakenham Award, Interviewer of the year and the BBC’s Russell literary prize. Her memoir ‘All At Sea’ was nominated for the 2017 PEN Ackerley prize and tells her story with a raw vulnerability and depth.

Caution: this episode discusses sudden death, cancer and references drug addiction.

Buy Decca's book 'All At Sea' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-at-Sea-Decca-Aitkenhead/dp/0008142149

Read Decca's articles for The Times here: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/decca-aitkenhead

GET IN TOUCH

Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes.

Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes

Please Note: The transcript is automatically generated in case you come across any typos or misquotes during your reading. Enjoy the episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.