In the seventy-third episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in author and men's mental health consultant, Toni. For legal reasons, for the purposes of this pod, we refer to Toni by her pseudonym, Ella Brooks, which she used to write the book, 'The Right Thing to Do: Reporting Rape in Britain's Criminal Justice System'. Toni’s journey is so deep and so important that we are dedicating this episode entirely to her book, which we’ll discuss in three parts as the book lays out. We discu...
Mar 21, 2021•2 hr 8 min
In the seventy-second episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with writer Freya India. Freya opines about various topics including politics, culture and analytical psychology. She has written for outlets including Quillette, Areo, Spiked and Evie. In this episode we discuss how subconscious beliefs can affect your mental health, overcoming adversity, male body image and getting co-signed by Jordan Peterson. We also discuss a major trauma Freya experienced when she was younger when...
Mar 14, 2021•44 min
We were delighted to welcome the first ever female guest onto our Mind On The Game series, Megan Hughes. Megan is currently playing for the Durham University Women's 2nd XI but has previously played for Leeds United Women in their academy as well as Yorkshire-based team, Guiseley Vixens. The importance of having a strong support network, juggling life with sport and managing her anxiety before games is on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent Follow Megan on social media below: Tw...
Mar 10, 2021•48 min
In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked in with UK Soul and Disco artist, DROZ. Sam as he is otherwise known hails from Essex, where there is a vibrant disco scene currently flourishing. Before embarking on his journey as DROZ, Sam was in another long-running Essex band called Beach For Tiger. We discuss his journey in BFT and going solo, big stage mishaps and authenticity in the music industry. We also discuss a heart condition Sam lives with called Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, h...
Mar 07, 2021•59 min
In the seventy-first episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with Olivia Foster. Olivia is a producer, director and writer. Olivia began her professional career in journalism but now works largely in branded content and podcasting. In this episode we discuss Olivia's professional journey, work-life balance, redundancy stigma, imposter syndrome and classism in media. We also discussed Olivia's experience of group therapy, the relationship between mental health and money and the imp...
Mar 04, 2021•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of Behind The Mic we checked in with Gospel R&B artist, Saint CJ. CJ's life could have gone down a very dark path but through his faith, resilience and the interventions of a few key people in his life, he was able to turn his life around. In this episode we discuss his musical journey, how his faith has shaped his life, suicide and self-harm. We also discuss his Asperger's Syndrome, how that was treated when he was in the education system, bullying and the work he's doing throug...
Feb 28, 2021•2 hr 35 min
In the seventieth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with mental health advocate and campaigner, Danny Bowman. Danny is the Campaign Head for mental health policy at think-tank Parliament Street and the Vice-Chair of male eating disorder charity, Male Voice ED. Danny has been on a rollercoaster journey with his mental health but is testament to how anyone, with the right support and with the right amount of bravery, courage and determination can overcome the toughest of menta...
Feb 24, 2021•45 min
In this episode of Mind On The Game, returning guest William Costello comes back onto the podcast to talk about his love affair with Gaelic Football. The Irish sport is a combination of rugby, football, handball and a bit of hockey as well and is a complete outlier in its uniqueness. The only sport that comes close to being as unique is Aussie Rules Football. In this shorter MOTG episode we discuss Will’s special relationship with the sport, how its given him joy and distraction, a nostalgic lin...
Feb 21, 2021•36 min
In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked in with Alex from Brass-House band, New Car Smell. New Car Smell describe themselves as 'three dudes making high-octane 200 horse-power Brass House'. In this episode we talk about self-expression, avoiding posers in the music scene, the stigma around busking and letting go of what other people think about you. We also discuss Alex's lived experience of insomnia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD), therapy and the impact that negative and interruptive...
Feb 17, 2021•2 hr 32 min
In the sixty-ninth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with James Bloodworth. James is a journalist, writer and broadcaster. He has written for outlets including The Guardian, New Statesman and UnHerd to name a few and is host of ‘The Modern Dating Economy Podcast’. He has written two books: ‘The Myth of Meritocracy: why working-class kids get working class jobs’ published in 2016 and ‘Hired: Six Months Undercover in Low-Wage Britain' published in 2019. In this episode we disc...
Feb 14, 2021•2 hr 44 min
In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked in with Netherlands-based producer, Jamaha. Jamie, as he is otherwise known, shot to viral fame with a track he put out called 'Mic Mac' which sampled quotes from English football manager, Mick McCarthy alongside deep house beats. In this episode we discussed Jamie's music journey, rediscovering old skills and going viral. We also discussed his lived experience of depression, anxiety and the shame and stigma he felt during difficult periods with hi...
Feb 09, 2021•56 min
In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked in with French producer HOLOW. Arthur, as he is known to his friends, discusses the highs and lows that come with working in the music industry, knowing who to trust and evolving your sound to reflect your authentic self as an artist. We also discussed Arthur's lived experience of a mental health condition called derealisation and how it affects him in his day-to-day life. As always, #itsokaytovent Listen to HOLOW on streaming platforms below: Spot...
Feb 06, 2021•52 min
In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked in with Megan from UK synth-pop band, Amour. We discuss Megan's musical journey, their experience of stage fright, resilience and ignoring the opinions of others. We also explore their non-binary journey of gender discovery, grief, fitting in and the impact that Covid-19 has had on her university degree and mental health. As always, #itsokaytovent Listen to Amour on streaming platforms below: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jtSlf9rgPplntKCG...
Feb 03, 2021•49 min
In the sixty-eighth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast we checked in with Founder & Owner of blOKes, Tom Home. blOKes aims to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for men to open up about their mental health, connect with other likeminded people and tell a #MaleTale. In this episode we discuss the blOKes journey and the ups and downs that have come with it. We also discuss Tom's lived experience of anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) whilst at North...
Jan 30, 2021•59 min
In the sixty-seventh episode of The Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to author and poet Dominic Stevenson. We deep-dived into Dom's latest book ‘Get Your Head in the Game: An exploration of football's complex relationship with mental health’. Unemployment stigma, depression, life expectations and inclusivity were all on the menu as well. As always, #itsokaytovent You can purchase Get Your Head In The Game here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/get-your-head-in-the-game/dominic-stevenson/9781786...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked-in with DJ B.O.V. B.O.V or Callum as he is otherwise known is based in Manchester and is at the start of his DJing and producing journey. In this episode we discuss Callum's university life and the 'Hot Fuzz' town he studied in, coming out of his shell, perseverance and normalising mental health amongst your friends. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow DJ B.O.V on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.o.v_dj/ Music: @pataw...
Jan 13, 2021•30 min
In the sixty-sixth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to Claire Johnson. Claire is a massive pillar of support for people across the online mental health community and through the voluntary work she does as a mental health mentor and advocate. In this episode we discuss her illustrious professional career, working on the 2012 London Olympics, the Yorkshire Moors murders and even dating 70s rock stars. We also discussed her mental health mentor work, unsociable working hours and sel...
Jan 10, 2021•57 min
In this episode of our Reel Stories series, we checked-in with Joseph Martin. Joseph is an actor and writer who trained at the East 15 acting school. He has starred in productions including 'JEFF WAYNE’S THE WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE' and Jude Taylor’s new digital musical 'MAKE ME INFAMOUS!' Imposter syndrome, panic attacks, validation, sexuality and more are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Joseph on social media below: Instagram: http...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 20 min
In the sixty-fifth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we spoke to Alex Oyebola. Alex is a Vent Champion and works in education. Anxiety, faith, resilience, aerophobia and the black experience of mental health are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Alex on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.lexi_/ Music: @patawawa - Strange: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d70wfeJSEvk
Jan 02, 2021•42 min
In the sixty-fourth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Kate Baguley. Kate is the co-founder of the 'Up North Books' podcast, which discusses and celebrates all things northern literature so more people can read about this varied and often underrepresented part of the UK. Dealing with life’s challenges, the importance of managing your physical and mental health, FOMO and more are on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Up North Books on soci...
Dec 30, 2020•46 min
In this episode of our Mind On The Game series, we checked-in with 1st XV rugby player at Ashford RFC in Kent, Aaron Bowes. We discuss Aaron's rugby journey including his playing days at Sussex University and the life skills the sport gave him. Self-confidence was also on the menu, where Aaron discussed the impact that getting his ears pinned back had on him and his mental health. Aaron's friendship with our Founder Freddie Cocker is a bonus topic with some funny stories and jokes so make sure y...
Dec 27, 2020•54 min
In our final Just Checking In Pod before Christmas, we wanted to do something a little different. Grief is something all of us have felt more aware of or affected by this year, given the pandemic we have been living through. In this episode, our Founder Freddie Cocker speaks about a close friend and former work colleague, Matt, who he lost to a Sudden Cardiac Death in 2017. Matt's passing affected everyone in the company he worked for. Freddie talks about the impact that losing Matt had on him. ...
Dec 24, 2020•16 min
In the sixty-second episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we spoke to Alexandra Kaschuta. Alex is a writer, commentator and the founder of her own writing platform 'Sort Alex Out'. In this episode we discussed Alex's love of writing and topics she has written about including the dating economy, feminism, politics and the mental health implications around each of those. We also discussed Alex's ADHD diagnosis, ex-pat culture and social integration. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Alex...
Dec 23, 2020•55 min
In this episode of our Behind The Mic series, we checked-in with Julian aka MC Saabii Boi. Julian is a Master of Ceremonies, event host and entertainer. He is also part of UK music and events collective SoFar Sounds London, which brings communities together to experience live shows. Crowd management, self-confidence, Julian's experience in the British Army and the black mental health experience are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow MC Saabii Boi on social...
Dec 20, 2020•1 hr 18 min
In the sixty-first episode of the Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to journalist and documentary film-maker, Jake Hanrahan. Jake is the founder of independent conflict journalism platform, Popular Front. Popular Front is conflict journalism done differently. They report on the parts of war big media rarely acknowledges and talk to people they'll never find. Jake has worked for outlets including HBO, VICE News, Esquire, Frontline PBS, ProPublica, BBC News and The Guardian. In this podcast we dis...
Dec 13, 2020•2 hr 51 min
In the sixtieth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Daniel John. Dan is the founder of mental health platform 'You, Me & Anxiety'. In this episode we discussed the origins of the platform, becoming a podcast host and producer and his own mental health journey which included his experiences of anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, religion and much more. As always, #itsokaytovent Follow You, Me & Anxiety on social media platforms below: Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouMeAndAnx...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked-in with Harry from UK Dream-Pop band, VICTORS. Hailing from Leeds, we discussed the journey of VICTORS, the mental health impact of the streaming wars on musicians, anxiety, FOMO and music being taken seriously as a life choice in the education system. As always, #itsokaytovent Listen to VICTORS on streaming platforms below: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/163g9TCjTPJMjem8Iwv6iN?si=97_6axhwS7Gs2Ka3bPfubA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chan...
Dec 05, 2020•1 hr 7 min
In the fifty-ninth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Florence Craig. Flo works as a journalist and social media producer for BBC Reel, telling stories about amazing ideas, people and places. In this episode we talk about Flo’s journalism journey, her Welsh roots, comparison culture in journalism and self-care when it comes to social media. We also talk about two long-term health conditions called Crohn's Disease and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and how they have affec...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 11 min
In the fifty-eighth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Kyle Hawker. Kyle is an artist and the founder of 'Acrylics by Kyle', where he crafts acrylic prints for pleasure and commissions pieces for clients! In this pod we discussed Kyle's journey as an artist, anxiety, depression, perseverance and overcoming the challenges life throws at you. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Acrylics by Kyle on social media and find out how to commission him for your own print belo...
Nov 28, 2020•42 min
In the fifty-seventh episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Jay Fisher. Jay is the founder of 'anotherletterj', a poetry platform with words for your dark times, good times and all the times in between. He is also the founder of his own photography business, 'Jay Fisher Photography'. In this pod we discussed his love of poetry, photography and roller-blading as well as the relationships which have shaped his life and his mental health. We also talk about his experiences of t...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 8 min
