Wisdom on the School Run

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Inclusion, Mental Health, Social media, self-awareness, eating disorders, youth perspectives, intergenerational dialogue, environmental responsibility, phone addiction, netball

Insights on Addiction, Body Image, and Environmental Responsibility

Liv Maudsley explores the profound impacts of social media, mental health struggles, and the importance of self-awareness, while shedding light on generational differences and the ongoing journey towards understanding and inclusion.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood hosts an enriching conversation with Liv Maudsley, touching on various aspects of social media's influence, addiction, and personal journeys of recovery. Liv, a vibrant college student and co-host of The School Run podcast, introduces insightful perspectives on how different generations interact with social media and the broader implications on mental health and societal expectations. Joanne brings her own experiences into the discussion, exploring how algorithms shape our viewing habits and the pervasive nature of targeted advertising. Together, they untangle the complexities of digital life and its effects on modern society.

Liv Maudsley is no stranger to the pressures of today's world. A talented netball player who switched positions due to external perceptions about her height, Liv opens up about her struggle with anorexia triggered by the competitive nature of her sport and societal pressures for perfection. She recounts the harrowing journey through her eating disorder, the lack of adequate support during her recovery, and the ongoing challenges she faces in maintaining wellness. Beyond her battles, Liv remains a passionate advocate for mental health, inclusion, and sustainability, bringing a youthful yet profoundly wise voice to the episode. Her efforts extend to her podcast, The School Run, where she and her mother share poignant life insights and engage with guests to provide diverse perspectives to their audience.

Throughout their conversation, Joanne and Liv cover an array of significant topics. They discuss the addictive qualities of social media, the generational divide in digital engagement, and the pressing environmental concerns that loom over the future. Liv's decision to delete TikTok and Snapchat becomes a focal point, highlighting her quest for a more present and meaningful existence. The dialogue also explores the challenges of discerning truth from misinformation, the evolving attitudes toward recycling and sustainability, and the mutual need for intergenerational understanding.

A key takeaway from this episode is the crucial balance between digital engagement and mental well-being. Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing the pressures of social media, fostering genuine connections, and advocating for both personal and planetary health. Whether you're navigating your own digital habits or supporting someone through recovery, this episode offers meaningful guidance to enrich your journey. Tune in to hear Liv's poignant story and join the conversation on creating a more inclusive and mindful world.

Published: 10.10.2024

Recorded: 30.06.2024 Episode Length

Duration: 1:00:12

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
The Inclusion Bites Podcast #129: Wisdom on the School Run
Other Links
seechangehappen.co.uk SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Hooks

Phone as an Escape: “I know that some of my friends, their phone is like an escape from the real world And they think, well, TikTok, I can look into someone else’s life and and I’d I can get out of my life for a while.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:09:00 → 00:09:15]

“Generation’s Key Concerns”: “I think we’re very heavy, our generation, on 1, mental health and 2, diversity diversity and inclusion. I think they’re both 2 very hue and and the planet and sustainability. I think those 3, I would say, are kind of the main 3 in our generation.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:15:19 → 00:15:39]

Title: “Supporting Friends Through Transition”
Quote: “I support anyone because I think your life is your life and you live it the way you feel most comfortable to live it.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:17:27 → 00:17:36]

**The Importance of Passion in Life Choices**: “Do what you love because then the drive to work hard, the drive to push through and carry on will come from passion and love for what you’re doing.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:21:06 → 00:21:12]

“Generational Perspectives on Environmental and Social Issues”: “I hear a lot that we’re, you know, the snowflake generation and we’re very maybe because we’re so we really wanna help the planet and diversity and inclusion, and that’s not been traditional because older generations haven’t had the education or or awareness of that.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:23:07 → 00:23:27]

Mutual Respect Across Generations: “Their experience is different. And to understand they have the right to that opinion, you know, whether we like it or not, they’re gonna say what they’re gonna say and that’s absolutely fine.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:24:15 → 00:24:25]

“The Importance of Appreciating Nature”: “I do sometimes look at the nature and think like look how amazing this is and we’re not doing much to help it right now. And it’s so beautiful, and we should be super, super grateful for the world that we live in and for the for the things that we have which people before us haven’t had.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:26:00 → 00:26:21]

“Struggling with News Credibility”: “I never know what is, what to believe, what’s not, what’s slanted, what isn’t.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:30:45 → 00:30:51]

Understanding Passion Through Personal Experience: “Like for me, I had anorexia for 2 years, and I’m very passionate about, you know, eating disorders and very around food.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:33:13 → 00:33:24]

Viral Topic: Overcoming an Eating Disorder: “People say you can never fully recover from an eating disorder, you know, it’s impossible, you can’t do it. And I, whether that’s right or wrong, I choose not to believe it because I think, do you know what? I can fully recover because this is I’m not gonna let this, you know, take over my life completely because it it has done once and it’s not going to again, and I make that decision for myself.”
— Liv Maudsley [00:45:21 → 00:45:45]

Definition of Terms Used

Targeted Advertising

Definition: Targeted advertising refers to the practice of using data collected from individuals’ online activities to display advertisements that are specifically relevant to them.
Relevance: Targeted advertising is prevalent on social media platforms and influences the content users see, impacting their decisions and online behaviour.
Examples: Ads appearing on your Facebook feed based on your recent Google searches, Instagram ads for products you’ve shown interest in, or personalised ads in your email based on your shopping habits.
Related Terms: Personalised Marketing, Behavioural Targeting, Data Mining, Ad Tracking
Common Misconceptions: Many believe targeted advertising is entirely random or influenced by subjective factors, but it is heavily data-driven and tailored.

Self-Awareness

Definition: Self-awareness involves recognising one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours and understanding how they affect oneself and others.
Relevance: In the context of recovery from an eating disorder, self-awareness plays a crucial role in identifying triggers and managing personal health.
Examples: Reflecting on why one feels a certain way, understanding the impact of societal pressure, or recognising harmful patterns in one’s lifestyle.
Related Terms: Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Self-Reflection, Personal Insight
Common Misconceptions: Some may think self-awareness is innate and cannot be developed, but it is a skill that can be honed through practice and intention.

Diversity and Inclusion

Definition: Diversity encompasses the presence of differences within a given setting, while inclusion involves ensuring people of diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and integrated within a community or organisation.
Relevance: Promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial for creating environments where everyone feels they belong and can thrive, particularly in workplaces and schools.
Examples: Implementing policies that support all genders, races, and orientations, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and celebrating various cultural holidays.
Related Terms: Equity, Belonging, Cultural Competency, Social Justice
Common Misconceptions: Often, people conflate diversity with inclusion, thinking that merely having diverse individuals is enough without actively fostering an inclusive environment.

Eating Disorders

Definition: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health.
Relevance: Understanding eating disorders helps illuminate the pressures and struggles faced by individuals, such as Liv Maudsley, particularly in environments with high expectations and societal standards of beauty.
Examples: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and the various behaviours associated with these conditions.
Related Terms: Mental Health, Body Dysmorphia, Diet Culture, Psychological Therapy
Common Misconceptions: There is a widespread belief that eating disorders are solely about food and weight, whereas they are complex conditions rooted in psychological issues.

Netball Positions

Definition: Netball positions refer to the specific roles assigned to players in the sport, each with designated areas on the court they can occupy.
Relevance: Liv Maudsley’s switch from shooter to defence due to her height reflects the strategic nature of these positions and how physical attributes can influence one’s role in the game.
Examples: Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD), and Goal Keeper (GK).
Related Terms: Team Sports, Basketball, Handball, Athletic Strategy
Common Misconceptions: Some may think netball positions are interchangeable without understanding the specific skill sets and areas of the court associated with each role.