Episode 10: From Broken Silence to Strength: Vinny’s Story

Episode 10: From Broken Silence to Strength: Vinny’s Story

In this episode of Don't Look At Me In That Tone Of Voice, Vinny shares his harrowing childhood experiences of abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the long road to remembering and healing. He discusses the impact on his family especially his wife, the role of counselling and support groups, and the small acts of love that helped him survive. This candid conversation highlights resilience, the importance of connection, and finding help when you feel alone.

Episode 9: From Rock Bottom to a Movement: The Story Behind Blind

This episode follows a founder’s raw journey from addiction, relapse, and the loss of his mother to launching a mental-health clothing brand and a free community support project. He explains how the message "believe life is never done" grew from personal struggle into purpose. Listen to how fundraising, a chance encounter at Morecambe Parkrun, and weekly walk-and-talk meetups transformed ideas into an expanding, free support network for recovery, youth outreach, and anti-bullying work across the city.

Episode 8: From Pain to Hope: Jake Mills Story

Host John Smallwood talks to Jake Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and creator of the Hub of Hope, about his journey from severe depression and a suicide attempt to building the UK’s largest directory of mental health services. Jake describes his personal struggles, the gaps he found in mental health support, and how the Hub of Hope — now listing thousands of services and connecting people to help — was created to make local support easy to find. The episode highlights lived experience, practical help-seeking, and the importance of community and education in mental health.

Episode 7: Men's Talk: support for men in the Community

Host John Smallwood speaks with Lynn Dolan, founder of Men's Talk, about how the group began, grew to three venues, and supports men’s mental health across the city. They discuss peer support, training, community activities, outreach to veterans and isolated men, and practical ways listeners can reach out or join the group.

Episode 5: The Other Side of the Battle: How His Struggle Changed Our Home

In this personal episode host John Smallwood sits down with his wife Danielle to explore the impact of his mental health crisis on their marriage, children and daily life. Danielle shares how she coped, the fear and anger she felt, gaps in support services, and what helped them begin to heal as a family. The conversation closes with a powerful poem urging men to speak up, and offers a message of hope and practical encouragement for partners and loved ones supporting someone through mental health challenges.