Stories and Stanza is a podcast for curious minds hosted by Abhra Pal - poet, storyteller & public speaker. The show is charting in the top mental health podcasts across the US, UK, and Canada. Through two distinct series, the show explores the human experience with honesty, depth, and literary intention.Between The Lines brings intimate conversations with writers and creators uncovering the vulnerability behind their craft, the stories that shaped them, and the creative struggles that lead to transformation. Fail With Me features raw, unfiltered conversations with doctors, psychologists, and mental health advocates exploring emotional intelligence, resilience, and the courage i...
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Nov 14, 2026 · 55:13
Send us Fan Mail #CouplesTherapy #Relationships #MentalHealth Most couples say they come to therapy because they can't communicate. Couples therapist Dr Alyona Cerfontyne says…
Nov 8, 2026 · 1:24:43
Send us Fan Mail Why is change so hard, even when we know better? In this Fail With Me conversation, relationship coach and author Laziena Hodge returns to Stories and Stanza to…
Nov 1, 2026 · 45:49
Send us Fan Mail What if the strongest leadership lessons are learned in places where you have no authority at all? In this episode of Fail With Me on Stories and Stanza, Abhra…
Oct 17, 2026 · 43:38
Send us Fan Mail “If you want to be a writer and you’ve put pen to paper already, you are a writer.” Diana Rampton trained as an engineer and spent years working in construction…
Oct 17, 2026 · 49:20
Send us Fan Mail What if you didn’t have to be a good poet to heal through poetry? In this episode of Stories and Stanza, I’m joined by Margaret Bryden, a licensed Clinical…
Oct 11, 2026 · 43:27
Send us Fan Mail What did you have to perform in order to survive? That's the question writer, trauma educator and memoirist Lisa Lacy puts at the centre of this conversation.…
Oct 10, 2026 · 10:38
Send us Fan Mail World Mental Health Day Community Talk: Men’s Mental Health, Support Systems & Real Change | Stories and Stanza Live ft. Joelle Camille Host Abhra reflects on…
Oct 4, 2026 · 36:33
Send us Fan Mail #StoriesAndStanza #BetweenTheLines #PeterGunn #EpicPoetry #CreativeDiscipline "Embrace the suck. Embrace the mud." Peter Gunn learned that lesson crawling under…
Sep 24, 2026 · 1:07:20
Send us Fan Mail "Use your words," we tell our children. But what if they don't have the words yet? In this Fail With Me conversation, clinical psychologist Dr David S. Marcus…
Sep 24, 2026 · 1:02:09
Send us Fan Mail Why doesn't self-awareness lead to change? Shadow journaling coach Oliver Mann, author of Shadow Journaling: A Field Guide to Personal Alchemy, explains why…
Sep 11, 2026 · 47:04
Send us Fan Mail What happens to your sense of self when the job you gave years to suddenly no longer needs you? In this Fail With Me episode, Abhra sits down with Claire, a…
Sep 11, 2026 · 1:22:15
Send us Fan Mail #StoriesAndStanza #Septemics #HumanBehaviour #SelfImprovement #EmotionalIntelligence "95% of the problems in industrialised society are because people don't…
Sep 6, 2026 · 47:50
Send us Fan Mail GNiYQGXxQongx5BIPosv "This is what it feels like to be alive. Does anybody recognise it?" Dancer and choreographer Alexandra Beller believes that's the question…
Aug 23, 2026 · 50:49
Send us Fan Mail #WritingAsHealing #PTSD #MentalHealth #StoriesAndStanza #Resilience "I decided I didn't want to be afraid all the time." That one decision changed everything for…
Aug 15, 2026 · 31:09
Send us Fan Mail What does it mean when your life looks perfect on the outside but something feels deeply off inside? In this episode of Fail With Me, I sit down with Charu…
Aug 10, 2026 · 42:07
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you pass a mic around a library table and ask four writers why they keep showing up? This is the first ever in-person episode of Stories and…
Aug 9, 2026 · 47:05
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host speaks with writer Diana Gunn about her writing journey from starting at age eight and using NaNoWriMo to build…
Aug 2, 2026 · 40:06
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, I sit down with writer, musician, and cancer fighter Ray Hartjen to talk about his brand new novel, The Iranian Fiasco — a…
Jul 25, 2026 · 56:13
Send us Fan Mail Relationship coach, YouTube creator, and author Stacy Rocklein joins Stories and Stanza to discuss her mission to eradicate loneliness by helping people feel…
Jul 23, 2026 · 43:09
Send us Fan Mail #dyslexia #neurodiversity #learningdisability Russell Van Brocklen, the Dyslexia Professor, reveals the writing-based method that helped students jump 8 grade…
Jul 10, 2026 · 1:00:02
Send us Fan Mail What if your political identity has less to do with facts and more to do with personality and conditioning? In this episode of Stories and Stanza's Fail With Me…
Jun 23, 2026 · 1:15:00
Send us Fan Mail We know our love languages. We've read about attachment styles. We've even set boundaries. So why do we still struggle to stay connected when conflict hits? In…
Jun 21, 2026 · 1:07:34
Send us Fan Mail What happens when men are told to toughen up, push through, and never ask for help? In this episode of Stories and Stanza — recorded in solidarity with Men's…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:11:05
Send us Fan Mail What is mindfulness, really? And what happens when we confuse achieving with living? In this episode of Fail With Me — Stories and Stanza's series on mental…
Jun 7, 2026 · 42:51
Send us Fan Mail What if the hardest part of getting help isn't the therapy itself — it's knowing where to start? In Part 2 of our conversation with counsellor and…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:22:46
Send us Fan Mail What if violence could be predicted — and stopped — before it ever happens? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions, who…
May 18, 2026 · 59:20
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Robert Rickelmann for an unflinching conversation about a life shaped by mental illness and…
May 17, 2026 · 43:16
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host sits down with writer, illustrator, and mental health advocate Mia Mason to explore her book Worry's Whispers — a collection of illustrated…
May 10, 2026 · 1:01:37
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra and guest David Allen Brown discuss reframing a “midlife crisis” as a midlife renaissance, exploring how…
May 4, 2026 · 1:02:06
Send us Fan Mail In this Stories and Stanza “Between the Lines” episode, host Abhra interviews writer Áine , an Irish immigrant living on the U.S. East Coast, about how…
Apr 27, 2026 · 54:21
Send us Fan Mail Host Abhra speaks with Melbourne-based counselor and media creator John of Your Listener Counseling about reframing failure and reducing mental health stigma.…
Apr 23, 2026 · 56:30
Send us Fan Mail In this intimate conversation on Stories and Stanza, Teri shares how lived experience with trauma — including surviving a 14-year emotionally abusive marriage —…
Apr 17, 2026 · 33:29
Send us Fan Mail Marissa Germain, who lives in the DC area and whose family ties to Haiti shaped her work and writing. Germaine discusses her debut novel, It’s Always Mango…
Apr 13, 2026 · 49:29
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza (Fail With Me), the host Abhra speaks with Kendall, a mental health advocate, mom, and author, about reframing failure, the…
Apr 13, 2026 · 49:16
Send us Fan Mail Iran’s Organized Resistance, 1988 Massacre Warnings & the Call to End Appeasement | Zolal Habibi In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host interviews Zolal…
Apr 3, 2026 · 53:21
Send us Fan Mail In this poignant Stories and Stanza episode, we sit down with Katie Rizzo as she shares her deeply personal journey following her son's passing from a drug…
Mar 31, 2026 · 1:00:30
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, Abhra speaks with healer, chanel, and author Jo Worsfold. They discuss how writing can be a powerful tool for personal…
Mar 24, 2026 · 37:15
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza (Fail With Me), host Abhra speaks with Saw Myint, a Burmese Australian based in Sydney, about mental health challenges in a…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:32:21
Send us Fan Mail In this Stories and Stanza episode, host Abhra and psychologist Silvia Russen discuss why pop psychology and viral mental-health advice can distort clinical…
Mar 13, 2026 · 51:47
Send us Fan Mail In this Stories in Stanza episode, host Abhra welcomes guest Doug Belkofer to discuss how childhood-formed beliefs like “I don’t matter” or “people always leave”…
Mar 9, 2026 · 53:46
Send us Fan Mail In this Stories in Stanza conversation, host Abhra welcomes back Somia Sadik to explore how creativity is linked to healing, resilience, and inner peace. They…
Mar 2, 2026 · 49:04
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host speaks with Tracy Whitton about her book 365 Days of Nervous System Care , a practical response to widespread…
Feb 8, 2026 · 42:33
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the nuances of healthy relationships, focusing on how embracing change in love can lead to profound personal growth. We discuss the…
Dec 27, 2025 · 57:18
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we explore the journey of healing from a "toxic relationship" and the profound impact of "narcissistic abuse." Discover…
Nov 30, 2025 · 52:32
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza', host Abhra chats with Sam Malone, a distinguished spoken voice coach at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.…
Nov 15, 2025 · 29:38
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra speaks with poet Priyanzel, about her journey into writing and the emotional depth that poetry brings to life.…
Nov 1, 2025 · 45:56
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra talks with Denise Michelle, a self-love alchemist, coach, writer, and hypnotherapist. They discuss the journey…
Oct 19, 2025 · 1:20:34
Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of 'Stories and Stanza', host Abhra dives deep into the transformative practice of shadow journaling with Oliver Mann, a renowned…
Oct 11, 2025 · 50:03
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra is joined by psychologist Patty from Chicago to dive into the complexities of generational trauma,…
Sep 22, 2025 · 46:20
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes back Brooke Bounce, a breakthrough coach known for simplifying complex concepts. Together, they dive…
Sep 7, 2025 · 44:24
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra engages in an intimate conversation with health coach Megan Gaul on the mind-body connection in weight loss.…
Sep 5, 2025 · 52:34
Send us Fan Mail Discover the surprising secret to making relationships successful with Puya Delavar! In this video, Puya shares his top tips and strategies for building strong,…
Aug 17, 2025 · 52:39
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we welcome author and peace builder Somia Sadiq as she discusses her debut novel 'Gajarah.' Somia explores the cultural…
Aug 9, 2025 · 59:32
Send us Fan Mail Join relationship coach, Jeanell Greene, as we dive into the unexpected confessions that emerged at a Coldplay concert! From shocking infidelity revelations to…
Aug 9, 2025 · 1:01:43
Send us Fan Mail Jamie Hughes is a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in…
Jul 14, 2025 · 56:47
Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra welcomes special guest Melanie Weller, an expert in athletic training and physical therapy.…
Jul 6, 2025 · 50:42
Send us Fan Mail This video explores the concept of "eustress," or positive short-term stress, presenting it as a "healthy workout" for your brain. Learn how the right amount of…
Jun 28, 2025 · 1:02:13
Send us Fan Mail Jamie Hughes is a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in…
Jun 20, 2025 · 46:48
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Stories and Stanza," the host, Abhra discusses the origins and impact of imposter syndrome with guest Manicaa, a self-development coach and…
Jun 14, 2025 · 49:46
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories in Stanza, we dive into the realm of failure and resilience with Trent Miles, a former ESL teacher turned health advocate from…
Jun 7, 2025 · 53:02
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' we dive deep into the healing journey of Ellie Laliberté from Ontario, Canada, who shares her experiences and insights…
May 30, 2025 · 39:21
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' we welcome Jen who shares her profound insights on how emotional states filter our perception of reality. From her…
May 27, 2025 · 1:02:07
Send us Fan Mail Join us in this episode of Stories and Stanza as we talk to Aaron Marcus, a writer, actor, and acting coach. Aaron shares invaluable insights on pursuing a…
May 9, 2025 · 40:58
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra is joined by Oliver to explore the transformative power of shadow work and journaling in addressing mental…
May 4, 2025 · 41:03
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Sreya Sarkar, a public policy analyst turned fiction writer. Sreya shares her journey from writing…
Apr 26, 2025 · 42:51
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful conversation with author Diane Clarke as we discuss her book, The Bracelet. Get to know the inspiration behind the story and the…
Apr 20, 2025 · 41:54
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra interviews Bruce, a writer based in Melbourne, about his creative process and journey with his book 'Devil's…
Apr 20, 2025 · 41:35
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a new episode of Stories and Stanza with your host Abhra. In this episode, Abhra speaks with special guest Rosemary, a poet, novelist, and doctor.…
Apr 4, 2025 · 58:49
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra sits down with Carolina Bakker, the Rat Race recovery coach, to discuss the impacts of workplace trauma,…
Mar 23, 2025 · 1:01:10
Send us Fan Mail Dr. Saroj Dubey shares his wisdom to building resilience and overcoming failure. Learn how to transform yourself and develop emotional intelligence with…
Mar 16, 2025 · 43:49
Send us Fan Mail If you're struggling to find purpose after experiencing profound grief, this video offers guidance on healing and finding meaning again. In this heartfelt…
Mar 8, 2025 · 37:18
Send us Fan Mail Join Irina Shehovsov on her astonishing journey to heal and empowerment. In this podcast, she shares her story of overcoming trauma and personal growth to…
Feb 28, 2025 · 41:57
Send us Fan Mail Gregory Halpen's inspiring podcast on authenticity in life coaching is a must-listen for anyone in the coaching industry. Learn from one of the best in the…
Feb 22, 2025 · 40:41
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra is joined by Anumeha Gupta, an Ayurvedic wellness counselor and theta healer, who helps mothers manage and…
Feb 16, 2025 · 38:58
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' Abhra interviews Jeff, a tech veteran and founder of 'Divorce Daddy,' about his journey through a painful…
Feb 7, 2025 · 41:28
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of your mind and discover how to break your mental resistance to achieve personal growth and development. In this motivational video, we…
Feb 1, 2025 · 42:27
Send us Fan Mail Do you often feel like you're just pretending to be something you're not? Like you're just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud? You're not alone.…
Jan 26, 2025 · 44:36
Send us Fan Mail Could mental health awareness be holding you back? In this video, we'll explore the impact of mental health awareness on your personal growth and success. We…
Jan 21, 2025 · 36:40
Send us Fan Mail Finding Light in Darkness: Embracing Failure and Transformation with Rhonda Linn Join Abhra, a writer based in Melbourne, on 'Stories and Stanza' as he converses…
Jan 17, 2025 · 1:02:03
Send us Fan Mail Understanding Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence with Preeta In this enlightening episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra from Melbourne talks with…
Jan 12, 2025 · 49:39
Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Kristen Carter, an experienced exercise physiologist and wellness coach, to discuss the…
Dec 27, 2024 · 58:38
Send us Fan Mail Learn how to master mindful weight loss beyond diets and exercise in this video. Discover the key to sustainable weight loss through mindful eating and healthy…
Dec 23, 2024 · 24:49
Send us Fan Mail Join us on CW Rose's author journey as she discusses her debut fantasy novel 'Ocean Song' in this exclusive author interview. Get inspired by her story and learn…
Dec 16, 2024 · 55:54
Send us Fan Mail Fail With Me: Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Overcoming Failure Unlock the secret to a happier, healthier you! Emotional intelligence is the ultimate…
Dec 14, 2024 · 37:37
Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey through history and fantasy with the Ghost Train in Japan. Explore the eerie world of Japanese Folk Horror in this immersive experience! Join…
Dec 8, 2024 · 45:55
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra converses with Natasha, who shares her profound journey of living with hemiplegic migraine, a rare and…
Dec 4, 2024 · 42:45
Send us Fan Mail Stories and Stanza Podcast In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes back author and editor Andrea Barton to discuss her new mystery novel, A…
Dec 2, 2024 · 31:20
Send us Fan Mail Overcoming Fears and Finding Connection: Danielle's Journey with Teida — Stories and Stanza In this heartfelt episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes…
Nov 29, 2024 · 1:13:00
Send us Fan Mail Listen to this podcast with Eva Angvert to learn how to overcome anger and anxiety. As a somatic coach, Eva shares valuable insights on managing emotions for a…
Nov 22, 2024 · 57:49
Send us Fan Mail Join Dr. Saloni as she dives into finding purpose beyond success in this enlightening life coaching session. Discover the power of healing and self-awareness in…
Nov 18, 2024 · 27:11
Send us Fan Mail Explore the fascinating world of intimacy and creativity as we delve into the mind of a talented writer, Z M Alcock. Host Abhra, poet and creator of the 'Stories…
Nov 14, 2024 · 37:30
Send us Fan Mail Discover the secrets of storytelling in this thrilling podcast episode with a book coach! Uncover writing tips and tricks that will elevate your narrative game.…
Nov 4, 2024 · 30:03
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful video, we're exploring the game-changing concept of vulnerability in mental health. By embracing vulnerability, we can break free from the…
Oct 31, 2024 · 40:51
Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to captivate your audience with interactive fiction! Learn from this author interview on how to create engaging and immersive stories. Join us…
Oct 19, 2024 · 30:19
Send us Fan Mail Join us in this episode of 'Stories and Stanza' as we welcome Shirley, a family therapist with a unique perspective on failure and grief. Shirly has a Master of…
Oct 11, 2024 · 49:09
Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Stories in Stanza, we dive deep into the life story of Jessica Renfelt, founder of Resilience Coaching by Jessica Ann. Jessica…
Oct 5, 2024 · 31:44
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Stories and Stanza! Join Abhra and Neha (from Creative Space 😊) as they discuss the journey of creating meaningful content on YouTube amidst…
Sep 29, 2024 · 39:45
Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Stories in Stanza podcast as we delve into the creative journey of Leilena Durrette, an independent author of the Kira Raymond trilogy. Lelina…
Sep 22, 2024 · 47:27
Send us Fan Mail Love, Loss and Lessons - Healing Relationships through Compassion and Forgiveness: A Conversation with Relationship Coach Jeanell Greene Welcome, Jeanell Greene!…
Sep 14, 2024 · 31:04
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra converses with a special guest about embracing vulnerability and redefining failure. They discuss personal…
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