About this episode

This episode explores the impact of boarding schools on resilience and dissociation, highlighting struggles faced by ex-boarders in relationships and emotional regulation.

Many boarding schools claim they build resilience. But what if what they often create is something else entirely? In this episode, I explore the difference between true resilience and dissociation, and why so many ex-boarders struggle with relationships, emotional regulation, connection and rest later in life. Drawing on the work of Barbara Fredrickson, Emma Seppälä, Joy Schaverien, Nick Duffell and others, I share: Why becoming “bulletproof” is not resilience How trauma narr...

More episodes of An Evolving Man Podcast

• Why Criticism Feels So Painful for Ex-Boarders · May 6, 2026 · 16 min
• Crowds & Power at Boarding School | Why We Joined In (And How to Forgive Ourselves) | Piers Cross · April 27, 2026 · 12 min
• Third Culture Kid, Boarding School Survivor, Humanitarian | Peter Sykes’ Powerful Story | AEM #158 · April 17, 2026 · 1h 10m
• The Loss of Identity at Boarding School | Shame, Conformity & Healing · April 15, 2026 · 15 min
• UK Child Protection: Grooming | Safeguarding Failures | What Schools Aren’t Telling Parents | AEM #157 · April 10, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Boarding on Insanity Screening in Glastonbury (18th April) | Trauma, Leadership & Group Healing · April 8, 2026 · 7 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the An Evolving Man Podcast podcast page.