Ways to Wellbeing

Laughter therapist, Natalie Gilray tells Jeff Zycinski how she turned to laughter therapy as her career in social work hit the burn-out point.

Author S.G. MacLean is interviewed by Jeff Zycinski in front of a live and lively audience at the new Inverness Festival of Walking & Wheeling. She speaks about the importance of walking and cycling in her creative process, describes the creepiest place in Inverness and makes a bold prediction about the Scottish Cup Final.

Jeff Zycinski speaks to John Beattie, the former rugby internationalist turned BBC radio presenter. In a wide- ranging conversation they talk about the benefits of walking and cycling and John's fears about dementia after too many head knocks in his sporting careers.

Ruari Gordon is the Fun Palaces ambassador in Inverness. He tells Jeff Zycinski how the project encourages people to recognise their own creativity and use the public spaces and venues normally reserved for so-called highbrow arts.

Jeff Zycinski talks to Jo De Sylva and Bruce MacGregor who describe their roller-coaster of a year.  Radio producer Richard Melvin tells all about the background to his hit song 'Santa's a Scotsman' with a surprise appearance from BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce.

Jeff Zycinski talks to Shetland-based author, musician and broadcaster Tom Morton. He talks about surviving two heart attacks and about his various 'life adventures'.

A special edition for Book Week Scotland recorded at Waterstones bookshop in Inverness.  Grace Nicoll invites author Barbara Henderson to square up against actor Karen Bartke as they each recommend their favourite life-enhancing books from five different categories.  The live audience decides who wins.

"Scammed out of a fortune, I begged for food in the Philippines, now I'm homeless in the Highlands'.

Community campaigner Elsie Normington makes good things happen for families in the Highlands, especially parents of children with special needs.  In this edition of Ways to Wellbeing she talks to Jeff Zycinski about the new Haven respite centre taking shape in Inverness and shares her strong views on the policy of inclusion in Scottish schools.

Kate, Nicola and Jeff with a short update on all that's happening at Partnerships for Wellbeing, including good news about our award winner Dave Greer and plans for a festival of walking and wheeling next year.

New York musician Lach moved to Edinburgh ten years ago and says he's found happiness with a philosophy of life that doesn't let anyone else define his success. He talks to Jeff Zycinski about his new novel Langdimania and why it's always important to "get outta the house" and have "kind adventures".

Loose Women regular Kaye Adams shares her worries about turning sixty and reveals why she agreed to take part in the forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Along the way she talks about life, death, hearing loss and why the criticism she gets from radio listeners sometimes hurts,

Jeff Zycinski goes to the banks of the River Ness to find out why some NHS authorities are prescribing fishing as a way to ease anxiety and depression.  Retired fireman David McDiarmid says he does it to relax while former breast cancer patient Geraldine Connah says she goes out into the river to enjoy the beauty of her surroundings and appreciate life.

Jeff talks to fellow mouth cancer survivor Paul Roebuck. In an emotional conversation they compare memories of their diagnosis, the experience of major surgery... and the important support of family and friends.

Author John Dempster talks about his strict Brethren religion and how its influence and that of his parents impacted on his childhood, early adulthood and his mental health.

Jeff Zycinski talks to fellow Easterhouse school-friend Paul Curran who is now one of the most sought-after opera directors in the world. Paul tells how his parents disowned him when he was 16 because he wanted to be a dancer. That dream ended after an on stage injury but led to new beginnings and a lifetime of happiness and success. .

Jeff talks to Helen Black, the Service Manager at the Salvation Army's Resettlement centre in Inverness.  Helen and her team work with vulnerable adults - some as young as 16 - helping them cope with independent living and providing everything from advice about benefits to pots and pans.

Nicola and Jeff talk to Inverness-based author John Burns. He talks about his love of the hills, his days in a mountain rescue team and the new book he's writing about hot tenting.  Can you really put a wood-burning stove in a tent and do you need to be naked if you do that?

Nicola and Jeff talk about the fun and fear around gambling and hear from gambling support worker, Mike Youatt who describes how children as young as 4 year old got started on the road to problem betting.

Nicola and Jeff talk to Janice Clyne who admits to being obsessed with fermentation and the importance of feeding the good bacteria in our gut.  Janice believes smart food choices involving plenty of fibre and lots of diversity can actually repair some of the damage done by years of bad diets.  And don't get her started on artificial sweeteners!