
Matt Holman Talks Mental Health
By Matthew Holman
Everyone has a story about mental health - this half hour chat will help us to see how we can open our own discussions around this very important area.
Grab a cuppa or head out for some fresh air, and take a listen.

Matt Holman Talks Mental HealthFeb 17, 2021

176. Mark Cuschieri talks about a life changing event and his passion for people
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Mark to talk about his journey with mental health. Mark and I have known each other for many years through our mutual connection and love for the travel industry. Mark talks in this episode about a life event and how this helped to ignite his passion for life and other humans. Mark is the volunteer Chair of the GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) and truly passionate about implementing change for a better future for all.

175. Debi John talks Parenting, Pausing, Play and Connecting
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Debi to talk about her journey with mental health.
Debi talks about her career in education and how through her experiences of helping others she has committed herself to improve mental health, wellbeing and relationships through play.
This episode is a great listen for any parents out there who are struggling with their own children. Apologies as we lost connection in the middle for a minute (and I did some padding) before Debi rejoined (I think she was playing with my anxiety).
You can find our more about Debi's company Play Healing here: https://www.playhealing.com/

174. Andrew Smith talks Anxiety and Wellbeing
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Andrew to talk about his journey with mental health. Andrew has lived with anxiety since his early teen years and we talk about how over the years, and through a number of low points, he is now working hard on keeping himself well. He now works in mental health and is an advocate of all things wellbeing.

173. Mesi Balog talks moving to the UK, and Workplace Mental Health
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Mesi to talk about her journey with mental health. Mesi talks in this episode about the moving to the UK 10 years ago and finding her pathway through the corporate world. Talking about the struggles to settle, and some challenging relationships on the journey. She is now a solopreneur having started her first business 'Treat Your Staff': https://www.treatyourstaff.co.uk/

172. Natalie Welch talks Abuse, Bereavement and Powerlifting
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Nat to talk about her journey with mental health. Nat has been through a number of experiences that have help to define her passion for keeping her mental health positive, from being in an abusive relationship, bereavement and finding strength through therapy and powerlifting. You can watch Natalie's TEDx Talk here: • Reimagining Labels: The Impact on Sel...

171. Mike Turlin talks Bipolar, Suicide and the Construction Industry
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Mike to talk about his journey with mental health. Mike is very open about his experience with depression, bipolar and his suicide challenges. He has taken his personal experiences and is now a champion for improving mental health and wellbeing in the Construction Industry. He wants to help drive change to improve the help in the future. You can follow Construction Buddies here: https://constructionbuddies.co.uk/ Or the Bentley Mental Health: https://bentleymentalhealth.com/

170. Sadie Cole talks anxiety, depression and suicide
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Sadie to talk about her journey with mental health. Sadie talks about developing severe anxiety at 18 and the following challenges through life with anxiety and depression. This episode also talks about her attempted suicide. You can connect with Sadie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-cole/

169. Charlotte Storey talks Bullying, Physical Trauma and Leader Empowerment
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with Charlotte to hear her incredible and inspiring journey through life. Charlotte has an incredible and inspiring story from her early life growing up in Coventry, a career in acting and music, physical trauma and recreating a life to help and support others by empowering leaders in the future. You can find out more more about Charlotte and her work here: https://charlottestorey.com/

168. Emily Nuttall talks Eating Disorders, Autism and helping raise awareness
Emily is a lived experience expert doing an incredible job at raising awareness of eating disorders, autism and supporting people with neurodiversity and mental health challenges. She is certainly an inspirational person.
If you would like to know more about Emily and her passion you can find out more about her here: https://linktr.ee/emilyn93?fbclid=PAAaZetDPLpHsJMYqmKgIVlsCElCzVQqoatMHOcKRGgx0jBFbICBjj2w6cAHU

167. Laura Hearn talks Eating Disorders, Neurodiversity and the power of storytelling
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Laura to talk about her journey with mental health.
Laura and I have known each other for a number of years and in this episode she talks about her eating disorder, helping to change BBC Culture around mental health with the 'Open up' campaign, and how she is passionate about real human stories.
You can find out more about Laura's work here: https://www.awaywithwords.media/

166. Mark O'Brien talks motor neurone disease, mental health and a world record attempt!
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Mark to talk about his journey with mental health. Mark talks openly about his recent diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND / ALS) and how this has impacted his mental health, and sharing the news with his family. Mark is an inspiration to others and he is taking a positive approach to the future that includes a world record swimming event! You can find out more about the event and donate to MND here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-obrien-mndworldrecordswim

165. Alex Kington talks Anxiety, Phobias and Therapy
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with Alex to hear her journey with mental health. Alex shares her personal experience with low mood, anxiety and finding a pathway through therapy including tapping and EMDR - (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Alex is a freelance Marketing Expert and talks is passionate about helping inspire and energise others. You can sign up to her 'Spark' newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/46da55c58897/thespark-sign-up

164. Katy Lee talks Physical Disability, PTSD, Obesity, and CBT
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with Katy to hear her incredible and inspiring journey with physical disability and mental health challenges. Katy is very open about her early life and the impact of a number of challenges that have made her the strong, resilient and positive person that she is today. We also talked about her incredible weight loss journey and helping others through her Facebook page Darceys Diner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/305889910079008/

163. Dave Rogers Talks Life Changes and New Futures
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Dave to talk about his journey with mental health. In 2019 Dave decided to change the direction of his life, he was tired of being tired. His journey is about self-discovery, life changes and how he has now created his own world and workplace. Dave is also the author of the book 'Fuelled Fit And Fired Up'. You can find our more about his work here: https://fuelledfitandfiredup.com/ You can follow Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-rogers-the-business-explorer/

151. Marie Greenhalgh talks Inclusion for all Young People
Marie is the head of Inclusion College Hampshire- https://inclusionhampshire.org.uk/ helping young people with mental health and neurodiversity challenges, who have previously been excluded to find help and support.

152. Andy Reddy talks Dyslexia
Neurodiversity Celebration Week Episode - Andy talks openly about his life with Dyslexia, the life challenges, and finding a pathway to helping support others on their journey through coaching.

154. Lucy Wilson talks Parenting and Autism
Lucy is the mum of 3.5 year old Bertie. Bertie has Autism and in this episode we learn more about the impact to parenting and helping a young child with their developmental needs.

155. Laura Wallis talks ADHD
In this episode Laura and I discuss her diagnosis of ADHD as an Adult in 2018, and how this has changed her life to help others through her work in Debating Mental Health - https://www.debating-mh.co.uk/

156. Dylan Jones talks Autism
Neurodiversity Celebration Week Episode - Dylan provides us with his perspective on growing up with Autism, being diagnosed at 7/8 years old, and his passion for vintage vehicles, in particular his 2 vintage tractors.

157. Angus Baskerville talks Aspergers and ADHD
In this inspirational conversation Angus tells a very powerful story of his journey through life with Aspergers and ADHD. He is a great advocate for supporting the rise of Autism Awareness, and building a business providing support to events through a passion for magic.

158. Lucy Williams Talks ADHD
Lucy is a returning guest to the podcast (Episode 72 - Postnatal Depression), and in this episode we talk about her diagnosis of ADHD in December 2022.
Lucy is the co-owner of The Little HR Department - https://www.thelittlehrdepartment.com/

160. Michael Hubbard talks Dysphonetic Dyslexia
In this episode Michael tells us about his diagnosis of dyslexia at University. He now provides coaching to help people to understand their habits, and using his unique perspective created Make your Habits

161. Nairobi Dorta talks ADHD
In this episode Nairobi shares her journey with ADHD, from her diagnosis in Venezuela when she was 16, to now working for The Loddon Foundation helping to support young people with severe autism.

162. Will Blundell talks Autism
I am so happy to have Will return to record another episode of the podcast with me. We first sat down and recorded together in 2021 (episode 88), and for this recording we focused on how Autism has been a part of Wills' life.

159. Lucy Hine talks ADHD
In this episode Lucy talks about her recent diagnosis of ADHD at 37 years old. Lucy has always known that she was different, but the diagnosis has really helped her to better understand herself from a positive perspective.
Before her diagnosis Lucy wrote and published a book with the aptly named title of: Born to be Different - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-be-Different-Lucy-Hine/

150. Jess Meredith talks ADHD
In this episode Jess talks openly about her recent diagnosis of ADHD, and how she has used the positive elements to help create a business focused on accelerating neuro-inclusion in Organisations and Schools - https://www.differingminds.co.uk/

149. Lillian Crawford talks Autism
Neurodiversity Celebration Week Episode - Lillian talks openly about her life with Autism, and whilst only receiving an official diagnosis in her early 20's she is now doing amazing things to help others understand and adjust to support those with ND challenges.

148 - Depression, Relationships and Pageantry with Deborah Thomas
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Deborah, to talk about her journey with mental health.
Deborah discusses her journey following a number of life events leading up to her mental health challenges in 2017. We discussed Depression, Suicidal thoughts, finding love and her passion for Competing in Pageantries.
As part of her pageantry role as Mrs Stockport Atlantic, Deborah is focused on helping to support local community activities.

147 - 2 Year Anniversary - the past 12 months... and the future...
The podcast is 2 years Old - 147 episodes have been recorded and launched! This episode is a celebration and thanks, and also an update on plans for the future. our company Simpila, and the past 12 months on a personal level. Thank you to all those who have followed this journey, so far...

146 - Depression and Suicidal Thoughts with Priya Chahal
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Priya, to talk about her journey with mental health.
Priya is open in her conversation about her bouts of depression over the past 4 years, to the point that she felt suicidal. Through her recovery she is now using her experiences to help others. The closing quote from Priya is: "Be strong now, because things will get better, it might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever”
You can find out more about Priya and her work here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-ruby-chahal-775a72a3/

145 - Anxiety and living with an Eating Disorder with Em Holding
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Em Melissa, to talk about her journey with mental health.
We discuss living with an eating disorder and the continuing journey of recovery. Em shares her insights into her own challenges and how she has the support of close friends and family, and made adjustments to her self care routines. She has a great perspective and we are hoping this helps others on their journey.
You can find out more about Em and her work here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-holding/

144 - The often misunderstood illness ME/CFS/PVFS and Counselling with Melissa Gale
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human and fellow Mental Health First Aid Instructor Melissa, to talk about her journey with mental health.
We discuss growing up with Anxiety, stigma and discrimination to mental health, developing ME, and travelling to recover and the journey to being a Counsellor, Youth and Adult MHFA Instructor, and supporting charity.
You can find out more about about her work here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagale/

143 - Trauma, Chronic Pain and Disability with Isaac Kakone
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Isaac to talk about his journey with mental health.
In 2019 Isaac had a serious traumatic physical accident that changed his life for ever. In this episode he talks about disability, chronic pain and how his use of medication and drugs almost saw him end his life on a number of occasions. Thankfully Isaac has made changes to his life and now speaks publicly about his experience, motivating and inspiring others who are struggling.
You can find out more about about his work here - Recovery through Values - https://www.recoverythroughvalues.com/
You can follow Isaac on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-kak... Or instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaack3.0/

142 - Bipolar, Suicide, ADHD and Event Wellbeing with Helen Moon
[Episode mentions suicide] - In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Helen to talk about her journey with mental health.
Helen talks about her life long challenges and the key moments that impacted her mental health. We talk about Bipolar, suicide, her journey to motherhood, neurodiversity and developing a social enterprise to help others.
Helen is the founder and CEO of EventWell® the Event Industry’s trailblazer and not for profit Community Social Enterprise and charitable organisation, dedicated to educating, campaigning and supporting better mental health and wellbeing in events and creative industries.- You can find out more here: https://eventwell.org/
You can follow Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenmoon/

Menopause - A conversation and sharing perspectives
In this episode we hear perspectives of menopause from 3 of the Simpila Mental Health Team, Kerry B Tonks, Louisa Downs and Matt Holman.
To support menopause awareness month and world menopause awareness Day on 18th October.
All views and opinions shared in this episode are individual and based upon personal experience. As with all discussions there are many perspectives that we can and should always acknowledge and consider. We are not subject matter experts, but passionate about improving awareness, education and support in the future for all females who will or have experienced menopause. #ownyourmenopause
Find out more about The Menopause Charity: https://www.themenopausecharity.org/
Find out more about The Fawcett Society: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/

140 - Autism, Parenting and Heartful Healing with Guy Shahar
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Guy, who shares wonderful insights into the world of Autism and healing.
We had a very interesting conversation about our perspectives and experiences of Autism, and also focused on the role of parents. If you are concerned about the development of your child this is a good episode to tune into.
You can watch Guy's TEDx 'The beautiful reality of autism' - https://youtu.be/S8Nb2FDmQo4
Find out more about Guy's work through Heartful Healing: https://heartfulhealing.co.uk/

139 - Trauma, Anxiety and Recovery with Louisa Downs
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Louisa who shares wonderful insights into her journey with mental health.
Louisa focuses her story over a clearly defined period of 12 months, where there have ben a number of traumatic challenges for both her and her husband to work through. At the end of the episode she also outlines 3 objectives that she set to make changes to her life... find out how she is progressing with these.
You can find more information or connect to Louisa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-downs-she-her-hers-a5a401112/

138 - Physical Health, Depression, and Male Parental Leave with Michael McSperrin
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Michael who shares her wonderful insights into his mental health journey.
Michael talks openly about his many years of struggles with depression and anxiety following a physical operation in his late teens. This episode also discusses suicidal thoughts and how Michael is now encouraging more men to talk about mental health.
He is also currently taking parental leave to take care of two young children, whilst his wife continues to run her cafe business in Krakow, Poland.
You can find more information or connect to Nick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcsperrin/

137 - Anxiety, Self-Awareness and Fancy Dress Dad with Nicholas Jemetta
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Nick who shares her wonderful insights into his mental health journey with Anxiety.
Through Nick's work he is helping to revitalise work cultures & empowering product teams.
We also discussed an incredibly lifting experience that Nick had during the Covid Lockdowns that earned him the title in Media of Fancy Dress Dad.
You can find more information or connect to Nick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjemetta/

136. Living with Bipolar and helping support others with Catherine Stratta
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Catherine who shares her wonderful insights into her journey with Bipolar Disorder. Catherine has taken her life journey and now uses it to provide support to individuals, families, friends and supporters to know more about Bipolar.
You can find more information or connect to Catherine here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-stratta/

135. Burnout, Depression and Career Coaching with Claudia Warias
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Claudia to talk about her journey with mental health.
Claudia talks about how the workplace brought her to the point of not being able to feel. She was struggling with Burnout and Depression and needed to make some life changes. In early 2022 Claudia launched her own business, providing Career and Mindset Coaching to help ambitious professionals makeover their career and rewire their mindset.
You can find out more about Claudia's work here: https://www.claudiawarias.com/

134. Severe Anxiety, Supporting Communities and Wellbeing with Lildonia Lawrence
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Lildonia to talk about her journey with mental health.
Lildonia talks about her personal experiences growing up with severe anxiety as a teenager, becoming a yoga teacher and wellbeing trainer. Lildonia also does amazing work to help support conscious conversations for allies discussing all things race and diversity.
You can find out more about Lildonia's work here: http://www.movewithlildonia.com/

133. Depression, Suicide and Fun Tunes with Sam Cande
*TRIGGER WARNING* - this conversation talks about suicide - Please do take care listening.
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Sam to talk about her journey with mental health.
Sam talks about her personal experiences growing up as a troubled teenager, through to her own depression and sadly the loss of her best friend Jenni to suicide in early 2022.
Sam is the co-founder of Responsible Futures and you can find out more about her work here: https://responsiblefutures.info/

132. Growing up with Anxiety and Low Mood with Hannah Buckland
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Hannah to talk about her journey with mental health.
Hannah is a Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid Instructor. Hannah tells a wonderful story covering the journey of her life, growing up with anxiety, performing, travelling and finding a pathway to helping others.
You can find out more about Hannah here: https://www.everykind.co.uk/

131. Sobriety and Mens Health with Rob Joines
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Rob to talk about his journey with mental health.
Rob and I met back at a Business Travel Industry Awards Event in late 2021 and we got to know about each others stories over the past months. Rob talks openly about how changing his relationship with alcohol has had a significantly positive impact on his life.

130. Bereavement, Depression and Loneliness with Kerry B Tonks
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human and my wonderful colleague Kerry B Tonks to talk about her journey with mental health.
Kerry joined Simpila Mental Health on 9th May 2022 (during Mental Health Awareness Week) and in this episode she speaks openly about her experiences including the loss of her dad, grieving through pregnancy, depression, and living with greater awareness of mental health challenges.
She is an incredible Mental Health First Aid Instructor and someone who really understands the importance of talking and normalising the conversations of mental health.

MH2 Supporting Pedal The Premiership with Stuart Baker
In this episode Stuart Baker talks about his May 2022 challenge to Pedal the Premiership and visit all 13 Premier League Rugby Clubs to raise awareness of Mens Mental Health and Suicide.
Stuart and the team are raising money for the charity LooseHeadz Foundation - https://justgiving.com/fundraising/pe... #TackleTheStigma
Stuart previously joined me to record more of his journey with Mental Health for episode 63 back in March 2021.

127. Bipolar Disorder, Self-Harm, Supporting others with Holly Solo-Hawthorn
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Holly to talk about her journey with mental health.
Holly and I met originally back in February 2019 when she was a delegate on a Mental Health First Aid Training Course. She has an amazing journey and part of her story I still talk about today in my training (you will have to listen to find out more!).
Holly has now taken her personal journey living with Bipolar to move her work to helping others, she has now become a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and in particular is helping to support more people working at events and festivals.

128. Physical Disability and Mental Health with Brett Heising
In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with the Amazing Human Brett to talk about his journey with mental health.
Brett and I met back in April 2021 when we were invited to participate in a conference panel session. Brett talks openly about his journey living with Cerebral Palsy and how through his life with disability he is helping to raise awareness of disability and access the right support when travelling for leisure and work.
Brett is the founder of BretApproved - http://brettapproved.com/ providing his stamp of approval to the top accessible destinations.

125. Schizoaffective disorder, Suicide and the Charity BEYOND with Jonny Benjamin MBE
In this episode I had the absolutely pleasure to sit down and chat with the Amazing Human Jonny Benjamin.
Jonny is an absolute legend of the Mental Health world talking openly about his own personal journey through childhood challenges, dark thoughts, his psychotic episode that lead to him being sectioned and suicidal thoughts and attempt.
Jonny is now using his position to help improve Mental Health across education and has co-founded the charity: BEYOND. https://wearebeyond.org.uk/
On 9th February 2022 Beyond are hosting their Schools Festival. Last year over 1200 schools participated. You can find out more here: https://nowandbeyond.org.uk/
Jonny is also the co-founder of the incredible This Can Happen Conference.