In part one, a perfect storm pulled John Hirniak's life apart. In part two, he tells us how he found his way back and it started with admitting something was wrong. John takes us into the darkest place he's ever been: frozen by fear, crying alone in the back office, then putting on "the Johnny show" to sell a car an hour later. He's honest about the thoughts that crept in, and about the moment that stopped him, realising that suicide doesn't end the pain, it just passes it on to the people you l...
Jun 22, 2026•32 min•Season 3Ep. 5
From the outside, John Hirniak had built a great life. But it didn't start that way. Born half-Irish into real poverty, sleeping on a mattress on the floor, fetching water from the village pump because there was none in the house. John always knew he wanted his own business. Market stalls, watches, antiques, beds. Then, off the back of a £10 book called Four Wheels to a Fortune , he became a used car dealer and never looked back. Twenty-seven years in the trade. A house. A marriage people envied...
Jun 15, 2026•24 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Paul Stainton has done it all - club DJ, TV sports correspondent, BBC breakfast show host, business owner. But in part two, we get the bit most people never see: losing almost everything in the 2008 crash, and finding the nerve to start again. He talks honestly about hitting rock bottom, walking away from the BBC on principle, losing his company overnight to COVID and how it all led him to Peterborough Cathedral, where he's now fighting to keep a thousand-year-old building alive and bring a city...
Jun 08, 2026•27 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Paul Stainton grew up in a South Yorkshire pit village with no carpets, no central heating, and a dad who didn't much like to work. Twelve schools. Ten houses. Selling lettuces door-to-door for a few extra pennies. So how does a kid from that end up DJing to 2,000 people, reading the sport on the BBC Six O'Clock News, and running communications at Peterborough Cathedral? In Part 1 of this conversation, Paul sits down with Gary and Peter to trace it all back — the job he hated at British Aerospac...
Jun 01, 2026•25 min•Season 3Ep. 2
n this special episode of Inspired Men Talk , Peter Ely sits down with host and founder Gary Johannes to introduce something brand new for 2026: The Inspired Men Club a weekly, judgement-free space where men can simply be , talk if they want to, connect if they choose to, or just sit with a proper cup of tea and a decent biscuit. Supported by Peterborough United Foundation , the Armed Forces Covenant , and local community partners, this new initiative is designed to remove the barriers that stop...
Dec 16, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 1
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like life keeps hitting you from every angle, this episode will help you understand why… and what actually helps. In this episode of Inspired Men Talk, we sit down with Dan Riley, a man who faced three life-changing moments most people would never recover from . A gun pointed at his chest during a bank robbery. A wildfire forcing him to flee his home in the middle of the night. And a life-threatening cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Most men wo...
Jul 08, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 7
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like you’re not good enough — you’re not alone. In this episode of Inspired Men Talk, we have an honest conversation about men’s body image, self-esteem, and the pressure to look a certain way — something most men don’t talk about, but many silently struggle with. From social media and unrealistic standards… to comparison, confidence, and mental health… we explore what’s really going on — and what actually helps. We talk about: Why body image issues i...
May 23, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 6
What does it take for a 20-year-old from one of the UK’s most remote communities to make a national impact on policy, purpose, and mental health? Meet Innes Morgan , a driven young changemaker from Dunnet Head, Scotland, who is breaking stereotypes and leading conversations from the grassroots to government. In this episode of Inspired Men Talk , four solution-focused hypnotherapists representing four decades of experience sit down with Innes to explore his journey, from growing up in a rural vi...
May 05, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 5
If you’ve ever felt like you’re dealing with things on your own, or like something’s not quite right but you don’t know where to start, this episode will help you understand why—and what actually helps. In this episode of Inspired Men Talk, we talk about men’s health, why so many issues go unspoken or unnoticed, and how small things can build up over time, and what can actually help you move forward. This isn’t about lectures or overcomplicating things. Just real conversations about real life, a...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Inspired Men Talk , we speak with James Newell, a business owner and father of three, who shares his astonishing story of surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. But this is far more than just a survival story — it’s a deeply human account of overcoming childhood trauma, processing grief following the suicide of a parent, battling anxiety, and ultimately finding healing through therapy and connection. James opens up with raw honesty, warmth, and even humour, offerin...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 3
At seven years old he was told he'd never walk again. He decided the doctors were wrong. Pazbi Zavazki was diagnosed with stage four leukaemia just before his eighth birthday. He spent years in treatment, lost the ability to walk, and watched most of the kids on his ward not make it. Then at 30 he was diagnosed with ADHD — and realised he'd been rewiring his brain his entire life without knowing it. In this episode, Pazbi talks about what actually kept him going as a child, how a cancer diagnosi...
Apr 02, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Description: Dating in 2025 is harder than ever, especially for men. With dating apps creating unrealistic expectations and rejection becoming a daily struggle, it's no surprise that men's mental health is suffering. In this powerful episode of Inspired Men Talk , hosts Peter Ely, Benn Baker-Pollard, and Gary Johannes sit down with Eamer Draper , a straight-talking dating coach, to unpack the challenges modern men face in dating and relationships. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ The hid...
Mar 05, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this compelling episode of Inspired Men Talk , host Gary Johannes and co-hosts Peter Ely and Chris Johannes welcome Brian de Gruchy, a South African recovering addict, bipolar advocate, and mental health champion. Brian bravely shares his candid journey, from facing addiction and mental health struggles to embracing vulnerability and rebuilding his life. Growing up on the tough streets of Johannesburg, Brian opens up about his battles with ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as th...
Dec 11, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Discover the transformative power of Andy’s Man Club in this heartfelt episode of Inspired Men Talk . Stuart Fawcett shares his inspiring journey from struggling with anxiety and isolation to becoming a regional lead for Andy’s Man Club, a peer-to-peer support network changing lives across the UK. Learn how open conversations, mutual support, and simple acts of kindness create a safe space for men to connect, share, and heal. Whether you’re seeking support or looking to raise awareness, this epi...
Nov 20, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Welcome to Inspired Men Talk ! A solution focused hypnotherapist, here with co-hosts today Peter, Gary and Benn. Today, we’re honoured to welcome Vanessa White , a highly respected relationship and divorce coach, to discuss the realities of domestic abuse and its impact on men. Together, we’ll explore insights, practical tools, and supportive perspectives for navigating difficult relationships, recognising hidden forms of abuse, and finding ways to rebuild. Join us for an inspiring conversation ...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this emotional and inspiring episode of Inspired Men Talk , Graham Baker shares his journey from police officer to full-time photographer, while navigating immense personal challenges. Graham opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his baby daughter during childbirth and how the grief affected his mental health, leading to years of depression. As a father, he reflects on the difficulty of processing such a loss, while feeling societal pressure to stay strong. Graham found healing through Str...
Oct 12, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this powerful episode, Casey Parram walks us through his life journey, from abandonment and emotional struggles to building a successful business and becoming a father. With an open heart, he shares how his experiences of loss, his turbulent football career, and, later, the challenges of fatherhood all shaped his personal and professional life. Now a successful business coach, Casey uses his past to help others find balance, clarity, and fulfilment. Timeline of Key Events: Childhood: Casey gr...
Oct 12, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this podcast episode titled "Don't Lose Hope," the hosts of Inspired Men Talk interview Dominic Brister, a former teacher turned charity founder, who shares his inspiring journey and the creation of the organisation Don't Lose Hope . After witnessing the lack of mental health support for children, Dominic left his 15-year teaching career to fully dedicate himself to this cause. The charity, based in Lincolnshire, supports mental health through a community garden, café, and counselling service...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 25
🔍 Understanding Youth Mental Health: Insights from The OLLIE Foundation 🔍 In this eye-opening episode of Inspired Men Talk, we dive deep into critical discussions around youth mental health, suicide prevention, and the pivotal work of The OLLIE Foundation. Join our host, Gary Johannes, and guests from The OLLIE Foundation—Chris Sibley, one of the founders, and Debbie Roberts, the CEO—as they share powerful stories and essential information about supporting mental health in young people. 🎥 Key...
Aug 30, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Welcome to this episode of Inspired Men Talk, where we delve into a critical topic: men's reluctance to embrace complementary health services. In a world where mental health and well-being are paramount, many men hesitate to explore alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices. Join our hosts, Gary, Peter, and Ben, as they discuss the societal pressures, skepticism, and misconceptions surrounding men's health. We'll uncover the barriers preventing men from seeking ...
Aug 14, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
From RAF veteran to mental health champion: Stuart Bratt's journey shatters the stigma around men's mental health. In this eye-opening Inspired Men Talk episode, discover how losing two friends to suicide sparked a mission to challenge toxic masculinity and "ManUp" culture. Stuart shares his powerful story of founding Tough Enough to Care, a charity revolutionizing support for men's mental health: Free peer support groups across the UK 24/7 text helpline for immediate assistance Innovative outre...
Jul 23, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 22
🧠 **Unlocking Men’s Mental Health: An Essential Conversation with Claire Noyell** 🧠 In this powerful episode of Inspired Men Talk, we delve into critical aspects of men's mental health with Claire Noyell, a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist and Pharmacist. Join us as we explore essential topics, break down stigmas, and provide actionable insights for improving mental and physical well-being. 📌 Highlights: Claire's unique journey from pharmacy to hypnotherapy Addressing the stigma around men’s h...
Jun 26, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Welcome to "Inspired Men Talk," where we lead with an in-depth exploration of anxiety, exploring its origins, impacts, and management strategies. Our podcast features four solution-focused therapists from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to often-stigmatised issues surrounding men’s mental health. Today, we unpack the complexities of anxiety, from its triggers in our everyday lives to the physiological responses it provokes. By sharing personal stories and scientific insig...
Jun 03, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Welcome to another episode of Inspired Men Talk, a podcast that breaks the silence on men's mental health. Today, we are joined by Jason Firmager, a therapist with a rich background in hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy, among other areas. Jason's journey into therapy was driven by his own personal challenges and a profound desire to understand the complexities of the human mind. Beyond his personal experiences, Jason has been particularly attuned to the struggles men...
May 15, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode of "Inspired Men Talk," the hosts delve into the complexities of friendship among men. They discuss what friendship means, the challenges of forming and maintaining friendships as adults, and the crucial role of honesty and vulnerability. The conversation covers how friendships evolve from childhood to adulthood, influenced by careers and personal growth. They also explore how settings like workplaces can impact these relationships. Concluding with advice on nurturing friendships...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Welcome to " Inspired Men Talk " the podcast where solution-focused therapists share openly and honestly about men's mental health. In today’s episode, we're thrilled to host James Wand , author of " Autism and ADHD: A Father's Perspective. " James, a seasoned plumber and father of three, discusses his personal journey with mental health challenges and the neurodivergence of his children. His experiences shed light on the pressures and realisations that come with fatherhood and seeking help. Tun...
Apr 15, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Step into the heart of Inspired Men Talk, where our latest episode is an absolute game-changer for anyone captivated by the rollercoaster journey from adolescence to adulthood. Gary, alongside Peter, Ben, and Chris, dives into the rarely spoken realities of growing up male. This episode navigates the tumultuous waters of youth with empathy and understanding, discussing everything from the trials of puberty to identity crises and the challenge of societal expectations. Each host brings a unique p...
Apr 01, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of "Inspired Men Talk," we navigate the complex terrain of mental health in the realm of elite sports , a subject often shrouded in silence due to prevailing stigmas. Gary, Chris, and Ben, alongside their esteemed guest Chris Ramsey, MBE , embark on an open and candid discussion. With his extensive background as the Technical Director and Head Coach at Queens Park Rangers, Ramsey enriches the conversation with his 45-year journey through the highs and lows of football. From playe...
Mar 18, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this unmissable episode of "Inspired Men Talk," we dive deep into the life and evolution of Nathan 'Nice' Murdoch , a renowned professional street artist with roots deeply embedded in the gritty graffiti culture of Peterborough, UK. Growing up in the Eastfield estate, Nathan shares a raw and unfiltered look into his journey from a mischievous teenager dabbling in petty crimes and graffiti to becoming a celebrated artist who has left a vibrant mark on the streets full-time for almost six years...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Welcome to Inspired Men's Talk Podcast: The Bond Beyond Words This week, dive deep into the heart warming world of "Man and Man's Best Friend." Join us as we unravel the layers of love, loyalty, and lessons learned from our furry companions. From the tail-wagging joy of dogs to the silent companionship of cats and beyond, we explore how these animals shape our lives, mend our hearts, and influence our mental health. Gary, Ben, Peter, and Chris share personal anecdotes, laughter, and insights int...
Feb 19, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 13
