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

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/]

Turning Evidence Into Action – Tackling the Male Suicide Crisis with Dr. Susie Bennett. EP87.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with leading male suicide researcher Dr. Susie Bennett to unpack one of the most urgent yet under-addressed public health crises of our time: male suicide. Globally, men account for the majority of suicide deaths—yet the issue remains critically under-researched, underfunded, and poorly addressed by existing systems. In this eye-opening conversation, we move beyond awareness and into what truly matters: evidence-based action that can save lives. Dr. Bennett brings clarity, compassion, and cutting-edge research insights as we explore: * Why male suicide continues to be overlooked despite the scale of the crisis * The societal, cultural, and psychological factors uniquely impacting men * Gaps in current research, policy, and mental health services * What the data actually tells us—and where it's often misunderstood Practical, actionable steps that individuals, communities, and systems can take right now This episode is not just a conversation—it's a call to action. If we are serious about reducing male suicide, we must start translating rigorous research into real-world solutions that reach men where they are. Whether you're a mental health professional, policymaker, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers essential insights into how we can collectively shift the narrative and create meaningful change. Tune in now and join the movement to turn evidence into action. 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 Susie's vital work via the links below: * Website [https://malesuicideresearch.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettsusie/] 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/]

Nigel Linacre | Losing My Son to Suicide: How Grief Became The Grief Opera | EP86.

In this deeply moving episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with Nigel Linacre to explore every parent's worst nightmare—losing a child to suicide. Nigel shares the story of his son George, a talented bass player, and the unimaginable moment his life changed forever. What follows is an honest, raw conversation about grief, guilt, and the questions that never quite go away. But from that pain came something powerful. Nigel opens up about how his grief evolved into The Grief Opera—a unique and emotional musical project that has helped others process loss, find connection, and feel less alone. This episode is not just about loss—it's about love, legacy, and the importance of speaking up when life feels overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation could be the reminder that you're not alone—and that help is always within reach. 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 Nigel and The Grief Opera on the following links: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.grief.opera/] * The Grief Opera Website [https://thegriefopera.org/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100093939280065] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheGriefOpera] 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/]

Gary Hyland | How Therapy Healed My Childhood Trauma. EP85.

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with comedian Gary Hyland for a raw and deeply moving conversation about his journey through loss and recovery. Gary opens up about the life-altering experience of losing his father to suicide when he was just five years old. He reflects on how that early trauma shaped his mental health throughout his life and the challenges he faced growing up in the shadow of grief. We dive deep into: - Navigating Childhood Grief: The long-term impact of losing a parent at a young age. - Breaking the Stigma: Gary's personal struggles with mental health and the reality of living with depression and anxiety. - The Power of Therapy: How professional support transformed Gary's life and gave him the tools to find peace. - The Strength in Vulnerability: Why Gary now advocates for open conversations and why talking is a vital part of his daily life. This episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling with their own mental health or for those looking to understand the transformative power of therapy. Gary's story is a testament to the fact that while we cannot change our past, we can heal from it. 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 Gary on the following links: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/garyhylandcomedian/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Garyhylandcomedian/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@garyhyland6731] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@garyhylandcomedy] * Hot Water Comedy Club Profile [https://www.hotwatercomedy.co.uk/comedian/3660/gary-hyland/] 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/]