The Forge Within Podcast - Lived Experience Survivor Stories on Mental Health & Childhood Trauma

A Conversation with Marcus Chapman: Domestic Abuse Victim, Living with ADHD & Loosing a Child

This week’s episode of The Forge Within Podcast is a heavy one. I sat down with Marcus Chapman, and what he shared… is the kind of story that doesn’t come out easily. We talked about growing up in chaos, being misunderstood, getting kicked out of school, feeling angry, and finding himself pulled into the wrong environment from a young age. But this isn’t just a story about a rough start. It’s about what happens when life keeps hitting you… again and again. Marcus opened up about: * Being in an abusive relationship and not speaking about it * Fighting through false accusations and years in the court system * Turning to drugs just to survive and keep going * Losing a child… and the impact that had on him as a man * Falling into depression, addiction, and a place where he didn’t want to wake up anymore And one line really stuck with me: 👉 “It got to the point where I was going to sleep hoping I wouldn’t wake up… and waking up wishing it would be my last day.” That’s how real this conversation gets. But what makes this episode powerful… is that Marcus is still here. At one point, he had a choice, keep going down that path… or change his life. And he chose to live. This episode isn’t about having the answers. It’s about what it actually looks like when someone hits rock bottom… and finds a way to come back from it. If you’ve ever felt like everything is against you… like you’re stuck in a cycle you can’t break… this one will hit home.

A Conversation with Mathew Phillips: Loss, Responsibility & Becoming the Person Others Rely On

In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam sits down with Mathew Phillips for a deeply honest and reflective conversation about grief, responsibility, and the unseen weight people carry whilst suffering with their mental health. Mathew shares his journey from an early experience of loss, one that left more confusion than understanding and how that shaped the way he processed emotion growing up. As life moved on, that early confusion turned into a search for identity, belonging, and stability. Becoming a young father and taking on responsibility at a young age forced him to grow quickly, often before fully understanding himself. But this conversation goes deeper. Mathew opens up about the defining moments that changed the course of his life, including the loss of his stepson following a tragic accident, and the emotional reality of trying to support everyone around him while dealing with his own grief. He speaks honestly about what that period felt like: Holding everything together on the outside, while falling apart internally. Now working as a residential social worker, Mathew reflects on how his lived experiences shaped his purpose — using what he’s been through to support and protect others. Together, Sam and Mathew explore: * The impact of early loss and emotional confusion * Growing up while carrying responsibility too soon * Grief, trauma, and the pressure to stay strong * The reality of supporting others while struggling yourself * Turning pain into purpose through helping others This episode is not about having everything figured out. It’s about understanding the weight people carry and what it means to keep showing up despite it. If you’ve ever felt responsible for others while struggling yourself, this conversation will resonate. ---------------------------------------- 🎧 Listen, reflect, and remember — you don’t have to carry it alone.

A Conversation with Sam Wilkes: Childhood Trauma, Pressure, Fatherhood & Rebuilding Yourself

This week on The Forge Within Podcast, we dive deep into mental health as Sam shares his personal lived experience with mental health challenges and the pressures of fatherhood. This raw and honest episode breaks mental health stigma by shedding light on the silent struggles many endure. Sam reflects on early internal battles, the weight of expectations, and his journey towards self-awareness and forgiveness. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about addiction recovery, overcoming childhood trauma, and the courage it takes to speak openly. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or alone in your mental health journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that you're not alone and healing is possible.

A Conversation with Gethin Hayward: Trauma, Identity, Transition & Finding Where You Belong

In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam sits down with Gethin Hayward for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about mental health, childhood trauma, and what it truly means to find where you belong. Gethin shares his early experiences, including the challenges he faced with his biological mam, and how these early traumas shaped his sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. He also opens up about his journey with identity, transitioning from female to male and how this process affected his mental wellbeing and self-understanding. The discussion moves into his adoption by the parents he now calls mam and dad, a defining chapter that brought stability, support, and a much-needed sense of belonging. Together, Sam and Gethin explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma on mental health, the struggles of identity and acceptance, and the importance of connection and safe relationships in recovery. This episode also touches on the resilience needed to rebuild oneself after difficult beginnings, highlighting that healing is a personal and unique journey. If you’ve ever struggled with your identity, your past, or mental health stigma, this conversation will resonate deeply. Because sometimes, the journey isn’t just about where you come from, it’s about discovering who you truly are.

A Conversation with Zac Winwood on Music, Creativity & Protecting Mental Health During Uncertainty

In this compelling episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam David Wilkes talks with Zac Winwood about mental health, childhood trauma, and the healing power of music and creativity. Zac shares his lived experience navigating periods of emotional struggle, especially during the 2020 lockdown and transitions after time in America. Through music, sport, and other creative outlets, Zac found vital tools for protecting his mental wellbeing and fostering resilience. Together, they delve into how uncertainty and the weight of change impact mental health and address the stigma many face when seeking support or discussing addiction recovery. This candid conversation emphasizes the importance of purpose and healthy coping mechanisms in overcoming challenges and breaking mental health stigma. Listeners will find encouragement in Zac's story, a reminder that mental health challenges can arise from complex experiences, and finding meaningful outlets can be a lifeline on the path to recovery and personal growth.