In this episode of Brave Conversations, I’m joined by Windy Wilson, a familiar and trusted voice to many across Scotland.

What started as a light-hearted interest in the weather grew into a significant online following, and then into something far more meaningful. Windy shares how his son’s heart condition changed everything, shifting his focus from forecasts to fundraising, awareness, and action around cardiac health.

We talk about heart screening for young people, why early checks matter, and how easily these conversations are avoided until it’s too late. Windy speaks openly about the emotional impact on his family, the responsibility he feels using his platform, and the quiet determination behind the charity work he now champions.

There’s a grounded honesty running through this conversation. No drama, just someone who understands how fragile life can be and chooses to use his voice well.

We also explore authenticity, showing up as yourself online, and why appreciating the ordinary days matters more than we think.

A thoughtful, moving conversation about heart health, responsibility, and what bravery looks like when life gives you a sharp wake-up call.

As ever, I finish by asking the same question I ask everyone.

What does brave mean to you?

Gavin Oattes joins me for a brilliant chat about the messy bits of life, the funny bits, and the small moments that keep us going. He talks about his journey from comedy to teaching, and why playfulness shouldn’t disappear just because we’ve become adults with bills.

Gavin opens up about anxiety and how it shaped his book, Confidently Lost. We get into glimmers too, those tiny sparks of joy that can pull you back from the edge on a rough day. He shares a simple example of spotting one in the middle of a stressful morning, and how it shifted everything.

We talk about how success changes as you get older, the power of being fully present, and why your energy matters more than anything you say.

It’s honest, warm and full of reminders that vulnerability isn’t a weakness. If you’ve been feeling a bit lost lately, this one’s a good companion.

Season 3 opens with a bang. No easing in gently; we’re diving straight into the deep end with George Bell, author of Be A Man About It, a book that’s making a lot of folk rethink what masculinity actually means.

George talks about growing up under the usual banners men get handed; be tough, don’t cry, sort yourself out. He lays out the pressure cooker many boys are raised in and how those early rules still shape men long into adulthood. There’s a moment where he describes realising he’d spent years trying to be a version of himself that never quite fit. It’s the kind of line that makes you stop the recording and stare into the middle distance for a bit.

We get into mental health, vulnerability and why being honest about how you’re doing is no weakness. George speaks openly friendships and the weight of expectations.

This episode is a reminder that men need space to tell the truth about their lives; that self-compassion isn’t indulgent; and that bravery sometimes looks like saying “I’m not okay.”

If you’re raising boys, loving men, working with men or you are a man trying to make sense of the rules you grew up with, this one’s worth your time.

Join Caroline as she shares her heartfelt journey of healing after the loss of her husband to suicide. Discover her path to resilience, the power of therapy, and the importance of community support.

Key Points:

Caroline's early life and meeting her husband, Steve. The impact of Steve's sudden death and the challenges of grieving. Caroline's "Triangle of Recovery" and the role of therapy. The importance of community support and practical help. Caroline's journey to finding hope and strength through writing and advocacy.

Resources:

Caroline's book: "Daddy Blackbird" Charities: Doctors in Distress, SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)

Hashtags: #SuicideAwareness #HealingJourney #Resilience

Call to Action: If you know someone struggling, reach out and offer support. Specific questions can make a big difference.

Mentioned in this episode:

Firewalkscotland can be found here

www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Firewalk Scotland

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Good Girl Deprogramming" with Michelle Minnikin, an organisational psychologist and author. Michelle shares her personal journey of breaking free from societal expectations and the pervasive "good girl" conditioning that affects women from a young age. Through candid discussions, she reveals the tools and insights that helped her and others reclaim their true selves. Join us as we uncover the layers of conditioning, challenge the status quo, and empower listeners to live authentically and unapologetically.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Cat Paterson, a confidence coach who has transformed her life through resilience and determination. In this episode, Cat shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic illness and how it led to a profound personal transformation.

Key Takeaways:

Cat's early career and the unexpected health challenges she faced. The impact of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia on her life and career. How Cat redefined her identity and found new purpose. The role of strategic boundaries and energy management in her recovery. Insights into the "spoon theory" and its application in daily life.

Quotes:

"This is something that's happening to me; it's not who I am." "Brave is just doing life."

Hashtags: #Resilience #ChronicIllness #PersonalTransformation #CatPaterson

Call to Action: Listen to Cat's full story and discover how you can apply her insights to your own life. Subscribe now for more inspiring episodes!

Description:In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Brave Conversations, Lee sits down with Mandy Temple—who gave birth the day after her 15th birthday, after concealing her pregnancy until just days before. Her son was adopted, and what followed was a journey marked by heartbreak, hope, and an extraordinary reunion years later.

Mandy speaks with raw honesty about the silence, the shame, and the strength it took to navigate a system that often forgets the mother in the story. This is not just a story about loss and reunion, it's a story about resilience, grace, and what it means to be truly seen.

What We Talk About:

• Mandy’s early life and the family dynamics that shaped her
• The moment everything changed at fifteen
• Navigating stigma, secrecy and survival
• The emotional journey to reunion with her first son
• How they built a beautifully blended family
• Her advice for young mothers, birth parents, and the professionals supporting them

Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever doubted your strength, this episode will remind you what humans, especially women are capable of. Mandy’s courage is quiet but fierce, and her words will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Hashtags:

#BraveConversations #Resilience #Motherhood #BirthMothers #AdoptionStories #Inspiration

Call to Action: Tune in to hear Mandy’s full story of bravery, heartbreak, and healing.

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review, it helps us bring more powerful stories to light.

https://substack.com/@mandytemple

Title: Embracing Weirdness and Authenticity with Amy Keene

Description: Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with Amy Keene, a psychosociologist and CEO of Good Shout. Amy shares her journey through a squiggly career in advertising, her passion for teaching people to use their voices, and the importance of embracing one's weirdness. Discover insights on overcoming societal norms, the power of honesty in the workplace, and the revolutionary act of being not normal.

Key Topics:

Amy's unique career path and the founding of Good Shout The role of emotion in effective learning Overcoming societal pressures to conform The concept of "weirdism" and its empowering effects The importance of honesty and directness in professional settings

Quotes:

"Learning won't stick unless you feel it." "True bravery is doing whatever it takes to stand by your morals."

https://goodshoutcommunity.com/

Jenny who was Director, University of London International Programmes Undergraduate Laws programme, joins the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) sends people to the West Bank to serve as human rights observers, offering protective presence, documenting violations, and standing in solidarity with Palestinian communities under occupation.

Their presence helps deter violence, supports local peace efforts, and amplifies the voices of those affected by conflict to the international community.

To find out more click here

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

Kim Hawes spent ten years of her impressive career with one of the most notorious rock bands ever, Motörhead. She was then headhunted to become one the very first female tour managers in the world. Reminiscing on some wild stories from her touring days, as well as reflecting on being a women in such a male dominated industry. Recently receiving recognition for her achievement as a Pioneer for Women with an Honorary Fellows from UCLAN. Kim is an educator, author, coach and mentor.

Kim's book, Lipstick and Leather, and can be found here

Kim's Instagram

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.