Introducing the 9th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Something good is around the corner” with our guest James Duckers. James bravely shares his experiences of dealing with tragedy and loss, and explores how learning to become more open with his feelings has helped him in all aspects of life.

An honest perspective from a leader within the NHS, reflecting back on the most challenging years of his life and holding onto the positive belief that there’s always something good around the corner.

James reflects on being introverted within a team environment and the power of opening up to others and developing resilience.

Huge thanks to James for his honesty, vulnerability and openness.

Trigger warning - this Podcast includes references to grief, parental loss and suicidal ideation.

#malementalhealthpodcast #openconversations #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Introducing the 8th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Win Your Day” where our guest Joe Leask talks us through his weight loss journey and how taking accountability has shaped his mindset and motivation.

As characters come, they don’t get much bigger or better than Joe! In this conversation Joe talks openly about how always being the life and soul of the party took it toll, and how he turned his life around by embarking on an exercise and diet routine to lose an incredible 9 stone!!

Joe talks with so much love about his relationship with his son Sebastian, and opens up about how his life changed forever when Seb contracted meningitis as a baby. leaving him with very complex needs. With a lesson we can all learn from, Joe explains how Seb inspires him to focus on appreciating what you have in the here and now, and trying not to worry about what the future holds.

Joe is a huge advocate for walking and talking, and talks about the transformational impact becoming fit and healthy has had on his life. .

An absolutely inspiring conversation with a top lad, whose openness and motivation will inspire many others. Thank you Joe!

#mentalwellbeing #walkandtalk

#tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Bringing you the seventh episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast- “Strength in Vulnerability” - our guest Kev McIntosh gives an emotional account of his inspirational journey.

Kev is a Business Owner, Rugby Coach, Husband, Proud Dad and a friend to many and an all round top bloke! It was a pleasure to sit down with Kev and talk openly about how he has overcome some of the most difficult times of his life.

Exploring some very emotional topics, Kev gives us an insight into his mindset during a period of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts, and his subsequent journey to seeking support and living a full and happy life. Kev provides some inspiring reflections and in sharing his own experiences demonstrates how it is possible to turn a corner and see light at the end of the tunnel.

Ade and Kev also discuss their shared experiences of experiencing vulnerability and trauma from a father’s perspective, and open up about how such tough experiences can teach us to harness our vulnerabilities to make us stronger, better parents.

Kev shares his motivation for telling his story - to be open and honest and to help raise awareness and connect with people who are struggling. To provide hope and strength and demonstrate how powerful speaking out and accessing support can be. A truly remarkable man who’s openness and strength will inspire many others. Thank you Kev.

TRIGGER WARNING - This Podcast includes discussion around Suicidal Ideation, and reference to Paediatric Cardiac Conditions/Surgery.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginconstruction #cardiacparents #tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In our fifth episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast "Giving back to the best game in the world", our guest Mark Shotton, one of the founders of the leading Rugby Mental Health charity Looseheadz, gives us an inspiring insight into their work.

Mark talks us through why Looseheadz was established and their vision and ambitions for the future.

On a mission to place a Mental Health lead at every rugby club in the world, Mark describes how what started as a conversation between friends in a local rugby club has grown into the charity that Looseheadz is today.

Sharing his thoughts on how important it is for him to give back to a sport that has given him so much personally, Mark gives us his perspective on the power Rugby has to support mental well-being, and explores his views on what vulnerability means both on and off the pitch.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginrugby #tacklethestigma #looseheadz #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

The second part of our Tackling it Together episode” Let your past make you Better, not Bitter” is here, with one half of Smash Life, Matt Smith. Smash Life offer inspirational talks, group work, mentoring and support for professionals and young people and was founded by brothers Matt & Andy Smith who grew up in the UK care system. In the second part of an inspiring conversation, Matt talks to us about his experiences of care and his passion to use his lived experiences to support young people and challenge and shape the mindsets of professionals. Matt explores the huge impact music has had on his journey and the cathartic power of music for processing trauma. Matt gives us a fascinating insight into the creative approach Smash Life take with young people, and the impact it has. Discussing key themes around the importance of connection and legacy, Matt speaks emotionally about the need for all young people to know that there is an adult in their life who really cares about them. A truly remarkable and inspiring story of two brothers and their passion and drive to achieve genuine change! #caresystem #demonstratingvulnerability#smashlife #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Bringing you the forth episode of Tackling it Together - “Let your past make you Better not Bitter” - an inspiring conversation with one half of Smash Life, Andy Smith.

Smash Life offer inspirational talks, group work, mentoring and support for professionals and young people and was founded by brothers Matt & Andy Smith who grew up in the UK care system.

In the first of two episodes, Andy discusses how his lived experiences have shaped the creation of Smash Life and the work that they are doing.

With themes around childhood trauma, attachment, reflection and resilience, Andy talks to us about how demonstrating vulnerability, really listening and genuinely recognising the needs of young people is key to building and maintaining authentic connections.

A truly remarkable and inspiring story of two brothers and their passion and drive to achieve genuine change!

#caresystem #demonstratingvulnerability#smashlife #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In the third episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Life on the Farm” our guest, Farmer and Chester RUFC legend Guy Ford gives us a fantastic perspective into the farming world.

Guy shares his pragmatic and refreshing approach to prioritising well-being, maintaining work life balance and changing the culture within the industry, as well as offering practical advice.

We discuss how personal loss can drive you to make positive changes, and and the importance of managing mental well-being within such a demanding and at times isolating role.

Big thank you to Guy for being so open, honest and authentic!

#farming #famerswellbeing #lifeonthefarm #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In our second episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast “Leading from the Heart”, Martin Christmas from Salvtech Ltd shares his thoughts, experience and insights as a business leader in a male dominated industry.

Exploring themes of vulnerability and resilience, and engaging in open and honest conversation about mental well-being and a shared experiences of loss by suicide, Martin talks candidly about how his experiences have shaped how he leads, communicates and treats others.

#braveblokes #compassion #leadership #podcast #tacklingittogether #leadingfromtheheart #salvtechltd #littleblackbird