It was great to sit down and talk with Brianna recently about sex and about the Juice Box App. Sex, like mental health, is something often not spoken about which needs to change. Myself and Brianna discussed sexual encounters, failing sexual health education and respect. Juice Box is a free app with paid functions available. The free functions include tips to learn about your body and what you like, becoming more body positive and developing your sexual experiences. App: Juice Box @JuiceBoxApp |...
Jul 23, 2018•41 min
It was really interesting to sit down and chat with Poppy about young people's mental health and how we can support more conversations, understanding and knowledge about mental health wellbeing, as well as illness. Poppy's books 'Don't worry be happy' and "You're a star' have been written for children aged 7 to 11. But importantly there is plenty in the books to encourage the whole family to talk about mental health, including a range of activities and information about basic CBT and mindfulness...
Jul 16, 2018•44 min
Welcome to episode 101, today I talk with Maddi, an awesome MH Advocate. Maddie talks about her experience with mental health and some of the different campaigns she has been involved with. I am sure there will be more projects that you can join in with because Maddie seems very proactive in the MH campaigning world. So make sure to go follow her on social media. Guest: Maddie @_BitterInsanity | MyBitterInsanity.com Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com
Jul 09, 2018•1 hr 2 min
A quick thank you to everyone that has supported the podcast by downloading, listening, engaging and participating in the podcast over the last 100+ episodes. Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | www.MikeOpenJournal.com
Jul 02, 2018•13 min
This episode I talk to Dr Bunmi Aboaba about mental health in sport particularly football, a topical sport with the FIFA World Cup currently taking place. Dr Bunmi Ababa also discusses her work with Adebayo Akinfenwa and other professionals invested and passionate about mental health. Guest: Dr Bunmi Ababa @soberadvantage | thesoberadvantage.com Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com
Jun 26, 2018•53 min
Welcome to my podcast, I hope you enjoy it. Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com
Jun 23, 2018•4 min
I have been talking on and off with Amy for a few weeks and we finally managed to sit down and talk about our mental health illness experiences. It was lovely to just kick back and chat with someone I have only spoken to via email before this recording. We discuss campaigning, including believe in happy, the workplace, social and peer pressure, writing and post natal depression. I consider myself lucky to hear and be able to share Amy's story. Backing intro music: www.bensound.com Guest: Amy @Am...
Jun 18, 2018•53 min
This episode focuses on Damo's mental health World Cup Draw, hosted and carried out by yours truly. Damian's idea of involving everyone in the World Cup at the same time as raising funds for Mind is a great one. Entry into the competition was £2, but many of you have donated more than that. So a massive thanks. The winner will receive a £50+ self care package from Damo. Competition Host: Damo @DamianSmith85 Podcast Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | www.MikesOpenJournal.com
Jun 14, 2018•15 min
It was great to sit down and talk to Abbie and hear more about her story recently. We talk youth services, self stigma, Time to Change, personal challenges and mental health illnesses. I am already looking forward to talking with Abbie again, as we wanted to keep going, but it would have been about 2 or 3 times longer, hahahaha. Intro backin music: www.bensound.com Guest: Abbie @AbbieVolunters | www.SearchingForAStrongerMe.com Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | www.MikesOpenJournal.com
Jun 11, 2018•1 hr 1 min
It was great to have Rebecca back on the podcast as we sat down to talk mental health campaigns and podcasts. We talk about how Rebecca started KeepTalkingMH and encouraging others to talk about mental health. Followed by the cool side of podcasting and sharing the conversation. Guest: Rebecca @BekaLombardo | RebeccaLombardo.com Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com Backing intro music: bensound.com
Jun 04, 2018•59 min
After many months we are finally back! Join myself, Matt and Wes as we talk about this episodes topic religion. Well... kinda, for like the last 10 minutes. This episode turned into more like three guys chatting casually without a topic and just checking in on each other. I love hearing what these guys are up, in their own lives as much as in their podcast life. So it was great to get in our first MegaCast of 2018. Worry not religion fans, we start the conversation and we will continue it, next ...
May 28, 2018•55 min
Welcome. What do you think of the new music? Hopefully you like it. I would love to be able to include some more music in the future to. This episode is me (attempting) reading out the nominees for the Mental Health Blog Awards in July. I really should have allowed more time for myself but Im busy getting ready for Mental Health Awareness Week at work, so its just a quick one. Congrats to the nominees, but more so yay to everyone that writes and talks about mental health in whatever form. You ar...
May 10, 2018•21 min
It was so interesting to talk with Adam this last week. Hearing about his story was I think more thought provoking because it follows Julie's in Ep92, their stories are so different and thats one of the things I love about this podcast, getting to hear and share all these unique stories. Some are similar, some are vastly different, but every one is unique. Big thanks to Adam for sharing his story. Discussed: Blackpool Time to Change Hub - https:www.facebook.com/blackpoolttchub/ Adam's Snowdon Tr...
May 07, 2018•53 min
In this episode I sit down with Julie in another UK meets North America podcast. Julie talks about her experiences and a vicious cycle of abuse. Starting as a child with an abusive mother, Julie's story and our discussions includes survival, writing, out of body experiences, talking to spirits, finding the confidence to talk about your own story and Julie's book 'This Does Not Leave This House'. Julie's story includes experience not previous discussed on this podcast. It was interesting and thou...
Apr 30, 2018•1 hr 13 min
It was a joy to talk with Lee about male mental health and Lee's current/ upcoming projects. We discuss our thoughts on Project 84, male stigma, mental health and how it can be linked to our favourite sports. Lee provides a honest insight to his recent Fulham to Reading walk and the upcoming Fulham to Birmingham walk. Discussed: CALM @theCALMzone | thecalmzone.net Guest: Lee @matchwornshirt1 | just giving.com/fundraising/fulham2birminghamwalk Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com...
Apr 23, 2018•38 min
Following our recent relationship conversation, myself and Bex talk about our reactions to media coverage of 'Amber's Sex Rules'. We discuss one night stands, causal sex, friends with benefits, the importance of respect and consent. Along with straight sexuality assumptions, LGBT recognition and sexual stigma. We also shout out our Sex Vlogger recommendations. Laci Green - https://www.youtube.com/user/lacigreen Hannah Witton - https://www.youtube.com/user/hannahgirasol Guest - Bex @bexhelen | be...
Apr 16, 2018•1 hr 8 min
In this episode I am joined by Bex as we talk relationships. We discuss our own experiences, how we have felt in relationships and some of the things we have struggled with, including: love, being cared for and keeping your own identity. We will be back to talk more about relationships and sex in the future. Listen to Bex's story on her first visit to Mike's Open Journal - https://soundcloud.com/mikesopenjournal/ep74-discussion-with-bex Guest: Bex @BexHelen | www.bexhelen.com Host: Mike @Mike_Do...
Apr 09, 2018•1 hr 7 min
It was great to sit down and talk wrestling with Amer. Having hear about Amer's story in Ep70, we focused in on our mutual passion of wrestling and more specifically WWE. As we enter April, Wrestlemania is just around the corner. So we discussed some memorable Mania moments and our thoughts on this years event. Towards the end of this episode we mention a few projects and campaigns. They are: Amer's 10k in Kew Gardens for Mind - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amerformentalhealth #Fulham2...
Apr 02, 2018•1 hr 20 min
Jodie is back! This episode myself and Jodie reflect back on the recent Time to Change Young Champions event, plus our thoughts and experiences of the day. We talked about self stigma, employability and got a bit of an update on how Jodie has been recently. Its a great opportunity to hear open and honest thoughts from an active mental health campaigner about how its not all red carpets, filming and talking to the press. It can still be about getting out of bed and getting that first foot on the ...
Mar 26, 2018•1 hr 23 min
This quick 5 minute chat turned into 30, oops. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be a facilitator at Time to Change's Young Champions event. It was informative and inspiring. The Young Champions are amazing! It was also great to hear from Glenn Close, Jonny Benjamin and Shea Wong. Big thanks to Joss and all the TTC Young Champions Links mentioned in episode: Children and Young People's Programme https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-us/what-are-we-doing/children-and-young-people Time to Chan...
Mar 11, 2018•29 min
This episode I speak to Christopher Paul Jone, The Breakthrough Expert, about anxiety, phobias and flying. Along the way we discuss our own experiences, and I let Christopher analyse my thoughts around my recent flight to Ireland. Currently (26-02-2018), you can request a FREE phobia breakthrough kit at http://christopherpauljones.net/fear-phobia/ Guest: Christopher Paul Jones @breakthruexpert | facebook.com/ChristopherPaulJonesTheBreakthroughExpert/ | www.christopherpauljones.net Host: Mike | @...
Feb 26, 2018•56 min
This episode I speak with Daniel about fitness and mental health. We discuss depression, low mood, lack of motivation and how that can be affected by and effect physical health. Daniel talks about his own experience and how he now encourages others to use physical activities to support improved mental health. Guest: Daniel | @Daniel_Avner_Fitness | @Daniel_Avner1 | facebook.com/danielavnerpersonaltraining Host: Mike | @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com
Feb 19, 2018•1 hr 13 min
Recently I spoke to John about his story and the start to his blogging life. Including volunteering, fundraising, community and charity work. It was interesting to hear about the trials and challenges that are part of John's 2018 £100,000 fundraising project too. Guest: John | @TheStoryOfJS | TheStoryOfJohnSennett.com Host: Mike | @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com
Feb 12, 2018•52 min
What a week to release this podcast. I have spent 3 days this week with Rob and that was after we recorded this podcast. It has been great to spend time Rob and hear more about his journey and experiences with mental health and his continuing activism in raising awareness. We talk about CPSL Mind, STOP Suicide (stopsuicidepledge.org), Time to Change and Time to Talk Day (time-to-change.org.uk). Guest: Rob | @RobTalksMH | RobTalksMentalHealth.com Host: Mike | @Mike_Douglas_ | MikesOpenJournal.com...
Jan 29, 2018•1 hr 13 min
In this episode I talk with Jodie about Time to Change and Time to Talk Day 2018 and all the important discussions that hopefully... that will be happening on Thursday 1st February 2018. Full resources from Time to Change can be found at - https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time-talk-day-2018 Guest: Jodie | @JodieVolunteer | justagirlinterrupted.com Host: Mike | @Mike_Douglas | MikesOpenJournal.com
Jan 22, 2018•50 min
Welcome back to Mike's Open Journal and to 2018. In this episode I talk briefly about the podcasts that I am listening to. *New 'Discussions with' episodes coming soon. Ep80 includes: Mental Health Hour - @MentalHealth_Hr Keeping It Candid - @KIC_Podcast Smark Plug Wrestling - @TheSmarkPlug Stripcast - @SpinnersNSaints Football Ramble - @FootballRamble On the Continent - @OTCPod My Dad Wrote a Porno - @dadwroteaporno UK True Crime - @ UKTrueCrime Casefile True Crime - @case_file Friday Night...
Jan 17, 2018•19 min
I hope you are having a good December. This episode I am sharing my convocation with Sophie from a couple of weeks back. We talk meeting via social media, the positives and some of the negatives that can come from online peer to peer support groups. Sophie talks about her experience in social and group settings, along with her progress this year. I mention some recent guests that have amazingly spoken about their own story, but now also talk about mental health in a wider sense to encourage othe...
Dec 26, 2017•47 min
Ep78 sees me talk mental health and body image with Hannah. This episode is (hopefully) an insight and introduction to the larger convosation we will be having new year. Where we will be talking in more detail about body image, eating habits, actions and support. This episode has gone up a little later than planned, so Hannah's early December project mention may have passed, but be sure there will be more coming from Hannah in 2018! Guest: Hannah @hannahloo12345 Host: Mike @Mike_Douglas_ | Mikes...
Dec 17, 2017•40 min
I was a bit naughty, sorry Hannah and Sophie you have been bumped back a week to make way for a Mike ramble. I have struggled lately and wanted to share some of the ups downs and whats been going on. Big Thanks to Chloe for allowing me to include her music in this episode. Mentions for: Hannah (https://twitter.com/hannahloo12345) Soph (https://twitter.com/PetalsofPerfect) Burger King (https://twitter.com/BurgerKingUK) Songs Play 1 (https://www.sonos.com/en-gb/shop/play1.html) Chloe Adams (https:...
Dec 09, 2017•27 min
I recently spoke to Jess about mental health and our lives. Jess speaks about her experience talking as a Time to Change volunteer, visiting Universities and newsrooms to encourage others to talk about mental health. In the last few days (thanks for the timing, hahaha) Jess has changed names to Jacob. To find out more about Jacob's story please check the links below. Guest: Jacob - @JacobALPeople https://thebeginningofabetterworldweb.wordpress.com Host: Mike - @Mike_Douglas_ MikesOpenJournal.com...
Nov 27, 2017•1 hr 4 min
