The Mood Booster Podcast

Ep. 11 Reflecting on: Criticism

Criticism... it stings, sticks, and sometimes shapes how we see ourselves.
In this episode, we have an open and honest chat about handling negative comments, both online and in real life. Marcus reflects on a recent experience in Morocco where unkind remarks about his appearance brought up old insecurities. We also open up about the unspoken comparisons we sometimes make between each other and how that plays into self-worth.
Despite it all, Marcus shares how he is also feeling the most confident he ever has, and we explore how self-image, friendship and support can help us navigate critical voices... especially our own.
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Ep. 10 Reflecting on: The Importance of Our Oceans

The oceans cover over 70% of our planet, but how often do we stop to think about what they mean to us?
In this episode, Charlie takes the lead, diving into his passion for marine conservation and reflecting on his time studying the oceans at university. We share facts, memories and awe-inspiring moments from nature documentaries (specifically, Oceans with David Attenborough) and get into the devastating impact of bottom trawling, a destructive industrial fishing practice harming marine ecosystems.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We explore the joy, curiosity and calm that the ocean brings, and discuss small, meaningful ways we can all play a part in protecting it.
Whether you’re a deep-sea enthusiast or just love a paddle at the beach, this episode will leave you thinking a little more deeply about the water that connects us all.
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Ep. 9 Reflecting on: Holidays

Sea, cities, exploring… and sometimes, a bit of stress?
In this episode, we take a lighter look at holidays. From our favourite getaways to the types of holidays we love most. We talk about why holidays can be such a boost for wellbeing, but also how they can sometimes bring their own pressures and expectations.
We reflect on the joy of switching off, the anxiety of taking time off work. We reflect on our favourite holidays, and delve deep into what they meant to us. Plus, we chat about our own upcoming travel plans and what we’re most excited for.
Whether you’re a beach lounger, city wanderer or adventure-seeker, this episode is your laid-back reminder that holidays don’t need to be perfect, they just need to feel good for you.
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Ep. 8 Reflecting on: Moving House

We’re sitting in our old house, now empty, echoey, and filled with memories... reflecting on a week of boxes, chaos, and change.
In this episode, we talk about the stress of moving house and all the emotions it brings up. We share how the last week has felt, from the overwhelm to the excitement, and reflect on our own childhood experiences of moving, and how they’ve shaped how we see “home” today.
We explore how moving isn’t just a practical upheaval, but an emotional one too, often triggering memories, identity shifts, and big feelings we didn’t expect.
Whether you’re gearing up for a move or just feeling nostalgic for places you’ve lived, this is a reflective and personal episode about transition, memory, and what it means to leave a space behind.
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Ep. 7 Reflecting on: Role Models

What makes someone a role model, and can they actually do more harm than good?
In this episode, we reflect on the idea of role models and why the people we look up to can shape how we see ourselves. From celebrity idols to quiet everyday influences, we unpack what it really means to be a role model, who our own role models are, and how those relationships evolve.
We also explore Albert Bandura’s famous Bobo doll study to understand the psychology of imitation, influence, and how social learning plays into identity and wellbeing.
Whether you’ve been shaped by mentors or just want to rethink who deserves a pedestal, this one’s for you.
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Ep. 6 Reflecting on: Birthdays

Birthdays: love them, dread them, or just let them pass quietly?
In this episode, we celebrate Charlie’s big 25th birthday and reflect on why he prefers a more low-key celebration. We dive into the idea of whether it’s okay not to celebrate, the pressures birthdays can bring, and how to find joy in the small, meaningful moments they offer.
We explore the social and emotional layers of birthdays, how they can act as milestones, reflections, and sometimes gentle reminders to appreciate where we are in our journey.
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Ep. 5 Reflecting on: Hobbies

Hobbies might sound like a luxury, but they’re one of the most powerful tools we have for identity, joy, and wellbeing.
In this episode, we talk about how we get into hobbies, how we fall out of them, and what it takes to reignite those sparks as adults. We explore the psychology behind why hobbies matter, using Self-Determination Theory as a framework to explain how autonomy, competence and connection help us thrive.
From wholesome crafts to chaotic side quests, we share our own experiences and offer gentle encouragement to find (or return to) the things that bring you joy, even if you’re not “good” at them.
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🔗 Academic Reference:Deci & Ryan’s Self-Determination TheoryLearn more: https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/theory/
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Ep. 4 Reflecting on: Receiving Compliments

Since launching The Mood Booster Podcast, we’ve been receiving more compliments, which sounds great… until you realise how hard it can be to actually accept them.
In this episode, we reflect on why compliments often feel awkward or uncomfortable, diving into the psychology of self-verification, image regulation, and why praise doesn’t always align with our internal self-image. We explore how to move past the knee-jerk “oh this old thing” and start to internalise kind words in a way that supports real confidence.
We also discuss a brilliant study on compliment acceptance and share our own journeys around self-belief, validation, and finding the confidence to show up authentically.
An episode for anyone learning to say “thank you” and mean it.
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🔗 Academic Reference:“Accepting Compliments”Read the study here
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TikTok: @themoodboosterpodcast
Website: www.themoodbooster.co.uk
 
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⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate & review, it helps so much!
 

Ep. 3 Reflecting on: Transitions

Life is full of transitions. Some we choose, others take us by surprise. In this episode of The Mood Booster Podcast, we talk about what makes transitions so challenging from a psychological perspective. Whether it’s moving house, launching a creative project, or stepping into a new phase of life, our brains resist change, even when it’s for the better.
We discuss the mental load of transitions, the emotional complexity of leaving something behind, and how we work to optimise this process. Plus, we reference a fascinating study on how our brains process change and memory adaptation.
If you’re in the middle of a transition, big or small, this episode is for you. We hope you enjoy it, and if you do, please leave us a rating and review. It helps more people discover the podcast!
📲 Follow us for more:👉 Instagram: @themoodboosterpodcast👉 TikTok: @themoodboosterpodcast👉 YouTube: @TheMoodBoosterPodcast🌍 Website: www.themoodbooster.co.uk
📚 Academic References:
Smith, S. M., & Diba, K. (2016). "Modulation and mechanisms of memory replay." Neuron, 89(4), 699-714. Read the study here
🎥 Prefer video? Watch this episode on YouTube! @TheMoodBoosterPodcast
⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, please rate & review, it helps so much!

The Mood Booster Podcast Trailer

Two friends come together to discuss wellbeing, introspection and their journey to becoming better people. The podcast makes reference to ideas of building a likeminded community, working through difficult emotions and experiences and finding joy in every day life. We also lean on scientific research to guide these discussions and ensure our evolution aligns with the best evidence available to us.