Empowering Voices || Stefano Di Rico’s Journey from Peer Support to Mental Health Advocacy

From Ring to Recovery // GB Boxer Lesley Sackey on Fighting Forward After Abuse

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Lesley Sackey Trigger warning: Domestic Abuse  Summary: In this deeply moving episode, Lesley Sackey —former GB boxer, gold medalist, and founder of Fight Forward and Pillow.ai—shares her journey from athletic success to surviving domestic abuse, and, ultimately, empowerment. Behind the medals was a story rarely told: one of surviving an abusive relationship and rediscovering her strength through the sport she once dominated. Lesley speaks candidly about reclaiming agency through physical training, confronting societal assumptions around abuse, and building platforms to support women on their journey from surviving to thriving. Her story is a call for awareness, resilience, and community. Connect with us on:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/maxim.app/]  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxim-vr-app/] Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Elite Football || Pressure, Purpose & Presence: Ana Lameiras on Empowering Young Athletes Through Mindset & Mentorship

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Ana Lameiras  Trigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges  Summary: In this episode, we’re joined by Ana Lameiras, a mindset coach, sports psychology advisor, and mentor with a deep understanding of the pressures young athletes face—especially from her dual perspective as both a practitioner and mother of two football players. Ana reflects on the emotional and psychological development athletes undergo while navigating identity, academic stress, and media scrutiny. She shares insights from her work as a PFA mentor, where she supports players through leadership development, mental health guidance, and emotional intelligence training. From the unique challenges of female footballers to the importance of authenticity, Ana emphasises empowering athletes not just to perform, but to truly understand and care for themselves beyond the pitch. Connect with us on:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/maxim.app/]  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxim-vr-app/] Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Professional Basketball || Sergio Lumari on Pressure, Identity & Mental Health in Sports

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Sergio Plumari Trigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges  Summary: In this episode, former professional athlete Sergio Lumari opens up about the intense mental pressures faced by young athletes. Starting their careers as children, athletes are often thrust into high-stakes environments where performance is expected both physically and mentally. Sergio discusses how the constant scrutiny from social media and the public’s perception of athletes as “machines” can prevent honest conversations about mental health. He highlights common struggles such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, especially as athletes navigate transitions like retirement and entering the corporate world. Sergio stresses the importance of building resilience, developing psychological toolkits, and recognizing athletes as multidimensional human beings beyond their talents. Connect with us on:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/maxim.app/]  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxim-vr-app/] Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ [www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠] Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Empowering Diversity || Keisha York on Founding BiPP and Tackling Racial Inequities in Mental Health

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Keisha York Trigger warning: General discussion of mental health challenges  Summary: In this episode, Keisha York, founder of the Black People and Psychiatry and Psychology Network (BiPP), discusses the significant racial inequities in the mental health field. With a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Organizational Psychiatry and Psychology, Keisha felt isolated as one of the few Black students in her programs. This sense of alienation, coupled with a curriculum that predominantly presented a Eurocentric view of mental health, motivated her to create BiPP. She emphasizes the need for decolonizing mental health education and increasing representation within the field to address systemic disadvantages faced by Black individuals. Connect with us on:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/maxim.app/]  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxim-vr-app/] Website: ⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠ [⁠⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠⁠] Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week

Empowering Voices || Stefano Di Rico’s Journey from Peer Support to Mental Health Advocacy

Host: Ryan McIlhennon Interviewee: Stefano Di Rico Trigger warning: Anxiety/depression Summary: In this insightful episode, 19-year-old Stefano Di Rico, a youth mental health campaigner and activist, shares his journey into mental health advocacy. Sparked by the need among his peers for advice and support, Stefano's involvement grew as he connected with national charities like Young Minds. He discusses the challenges in youth mental health, such as long waiting lists, the lack of preventive care, and the need for comprehensive education and early intervention in schools. Stefano emphasizes the importance of peer support, cultural shifts in mental health perception, and involving lived experiences in policymaking. Connect with us on:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@maxim.app⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/maxim.app/]  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠/in/maxim-vr-app⁠⁠⁠  [https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxim-vr-app/] Website: ⁠www.maxim-vr.com⁠ [www.maxim-vr.com] Don't forget to subscribe to Maximize Mental Health for new episodes every week