The Hurt Locker Podcast — The Podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.

Shocka | A Section of My Life- How Self-Love Saved Me | Mental Health & Recovery. EP 92.

In Episode 92, we speak with Shocka (real name Kenneth Erhahon) — a conscious grime artist, published author, and mental health advocate from Tottenham, London. He rose to prominence as one-third of the grime collective Marvell, alongside Double S and Vertex. In this open and honest conversation, Shocka shares his personal journey: being sectioned four times, dealing with the heavy stigma and shame attached to mental illness, and the moment he decided to stop hiding his truth. He explains how self‑love became the key to his recovery, and why he now speaks publicly to act as a "satnav for others" — guiding people through their own struggles and raising awareness across communities. Key Discussion Points - Background & Music Career: Growing up in Tottenham, forming the influential grime group Marvell, and life in the music industry - Mental Health Challenges: Experiences of being sectioned four times, what that process feels like, and the emotional toll - Stigma & Shame: The silence surrounding mental health in Black, urban, and creative communities - Turning Point: Why he chose to stop hiding his struggles and speak openly - The Power of Self‑Love: How self‑compassion and acceptance saved his life and supported long‑term recovery - Mission & Advocacy: Using his platform as an artist and author to raise awareness, reduce isolation, and point others toward help - Being a "Satnav for Others": How sharing his story helps people find direction when they feel lost. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 🔓Guest information: Follow Shocka on the following: -Instagram: (@shocka_artist) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/shocka_artist/] -Book A Section of My Life: A Section of My Life: Amazon.co.uk: Shocka: 9781915680082: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Section-My-Life-Shocka/dp/1915680085] -WIKIPEDIA Page: Shocka - Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shocka] 🔓The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

Ox4Real Monica's Son | Trauma, Healing & Knowledge of Self | EP91.

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with Ox4Real — also known as Ox Monica's Son — to explore his journey from growing up in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, to building a new life in the UK. Ox opens up about the culture shock of moving to London at age 9, the challenges of growing up under a strict African father, and the absence of maternal affection that shaped his early years. He shares his experiences of trauma after being shot in 2006, living with PTSD, and being sectioned twice — and how therapy, reading, and writing music became his path to healing. We discuss the stigma around mental health in Black and African communities, why he chose to speak openly about his struggles, and how his song "Make It Right" helped others feel less alone. Ox also reflects on the state of youth mental health, the impact of social media, inequality in society, and the true meaning behind his name — Ox For Real and Ox Monica's Son — as a tribute to his mother. An honest, raw, and inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and breaking the silence around men's mental health. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 🔓Guest information: Follow Ox on the following: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ox4real/ [https://www.instagram.com/_ox4real/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ox4real/ [https://www.facebook.com/Ox4real/] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oxmonicasson [https://linktr.ee/oxmonicasson] 🔓The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

Joe McTernan | Comedy, Acting, Grief & Mental Health | EP90.

In this honest and open conversation, Scottish comedian and actor Joe McTernan joins The Hurt Locker to discuss his career journey, grief, and mental health. Joe shares what it was like growing up without his mother, the five-year battle with severe depression he kept hidden, how comedy became both a career and a coping mechanism, and why he now speaks openly about topics many men are taught to keep inside. He also talks about love, family, the pressure of social media, and the simple but powerful lesson he would give his younger self. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 🔓Guest information: Follow Joe McTernan on the following: -Joe and Abi's Edinburgh Fringe Show: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/abi-carter-simpson-and-joe-mcternan-stand-up-couple [https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/abi-carter-simpson-and-joe-mcternan-stand-up-couple] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_mcternan/ [https://www.instagram.com/joe_mcternan/] -YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54ORPtmfGDZ_1ScH9wHPiQ @joemcternan [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC54ORPtmfGDZ_1ScH9wHPiQ] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeMcTernanComedy/ The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

Ali Woods | Supporting a Friend in Crisis & How Journaling Improves Mental Health. EP89.

Comedian Ali Woods joins host Yinka to open up about his personal mental health journey — from hitting rock bottom during university and learning to journal his feelings to supporting his best friend through severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Ali shares how toxic masculinity stops men from asking for help, why vulnerability is a sign of strength, the life‑changing lessons he learned, and the one message he'd give his younger self. We also discuss the devastating reality that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 35, how to be a better friend, and why putting yourself first isn't selfish. Raw, funny, heartfelt and unflinching — this conversation is essential listening for anyone wanting to understand men's mental health, break stigma, and learn how to support the people they love. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] 🔓Guest information Follow Ali Woods: Website: https://www.aliwoodsgigs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliwoodsgigs/ YouTube: ⁨@AliWoodsGigs⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCY2iqL9YBviFz1jwgJP-x8g] Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliwoodsgigs [https://www.tiktok.com/@aliwoodsgigs] The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

Vishal Narbheram | Mental Health in Construction: Therapy & Onward Shift. EP88.

In Episode 88 of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we're joined by electrician, mental health advocate, and Founder of Onward Shift, Vish Narbheram. This is a raw and honest conversation about what it's really like navigating mental health as a young man working in the trades—an industry known for high pressure, long hours, and a culture that often tells men to "just get on with it." Vish opens up about his own journey: * Struggling with mental health challenges early in his career * The realities of working in a high-risk, high-pressure environment * Making the decision to seek help and go through therapy * Breaking down stigma in traditionally tough, male-dominated spaces We also dive into the mission behind Onward Shift—a growing movement focused on connecting construction workers and tradesmen with the mental health support they need, in a way that actually works for them. This episode highlights: * Why mental health in the trades is often overlooked * The barriers stopping men from reaching out for support * The importance of accessible, relatable mental health services * How peer-led initiatives like Onward Shift are changing the game This isn't just about one man's story—it's about an entire industry that needs better support, better conversations, and real change. Tune in to hear how lived experience, honesty, and action can make a difference where it's needed most. If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Conversations like this can save lives. Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope [https://hubofhope.co.uk/] Guest information Follow Vish & Onward Shift via: * Website [https://onwardshift.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/] Listen, rate, follow, and share The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod [https://www.instagram.com/thehurtlockerpod/] Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod [https://www.tiktok.com/@thehurtlockerpodcast] Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ [https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/] Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timroewp/] @courageousproductions [https://www.instagram.com/courageous_productions/]