In this episode, Jake S – A.K.A PunkChef41 – opens up about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a chronic illness that causes him to experience tens (sometimes hundreds) of seizures every day.

The condition influences every aspect of his work and family life, and he talks openly about the impact it has on his mental health, and the role his YouTube channel, and the community he’s building through it, play in giving him the structure, purpose, and connection he needs.

Here are the timestamps for each of the core questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

2:46 Introduction and why Jake decided to share his story

7:59 How was your last week?

10:32 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

36:04 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

50:03 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Jake about his experiences, reach out to him via

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Punkchef41

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punkchef41

Jake’s podcast, ‘It’s Me It’s Me It’s FND’, can be found here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RSjTADQCw9tA4Udnutf0L?si=29c481209cd94351

He also mentioned the visible app, which you can find here on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makevisible.visible

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

David Eakins talks about how the impact of his Dad’s sudden death, followed shortly after by the incredibly traumatic circumstances surrounding the birth of his first child affected him, and how his poorly handled return to work took him to the very brink of suicide.

He discusses the events that nearly cost him his life, the systemic failures he experienced in the workplace, and the moment that pulled him back from the edge. He reflects on the five years he spent hiding his pain with drugs and alcohol, and the turning point that got him to opening-up, and set him on the path he’s now on – transforming the way mental health is thought about and handled in the workplace.

Here are the timestamps for each of the core questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

2:57 Introduction and why David decided to share his story

9:29 How was your last week?

13:24 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

53:58 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

1:06:10 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with David about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-eakins-makingworkplacewellbeingmorehuman/

David also talked about Talk Club, more information on which can be found here: https://talkclub.org/

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

In this episode of GoodEnough

Chats, Chris Frederick shares his story with raw honesty and powerful clarity. A two-time suicide attempt survivor, Chris talks openly about the events that led him to those moments, and the journey he’s taken since to help others find their way forward.

From growing up in a fractured household, to navigating life as a black man in spaces that often felt excluding, Chris reflects on how silence and years of suppressed emotion nearly cost him everything.

But he also shares what happened next, the incredible work he does, including shining a light on suicidality in the black community through Project Soul Stride, and the role his love of Star Wars has played in his healing process.

Here are the timestamps for each of the five core questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

2:15 Hello to Chris Frederick

3:26 Introduction from Chris

5:57 Why have you come onto the show today?

24:39 How was your last week?

33:30 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

45:52 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

1:10:13 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Chris about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfrederick/

Follow and find out more about Project Soul Stride here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-soul-stride/

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

In this episode, Ben Rogers shares the quiet, lasting impact of being targeted for his weight from childhood through adulthood, and how he’s reshaped his life to protect his wellbeing.

Ben speaks openly about the legacy of bullying, self-esteem issues, and toxic male social dynamics. He reflects on how it feels to carry that history into his 30s, and the choices he’s made, from distancing himself from certain social circles to finding connection online and in female friendships.

Ben’s story is one of reflection, resilience, and choosing better for yourself, even when others won’t. If you’ve ever had to carry something someone else put on you, this one might stay with you.

Here are the timestamps for each of the five questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

2:25 Hello to Ben Rogers

4:49 Why have you come onto the show today?

6:16 Proper intro (Dan’s mistake!)

7:24 How was your last week?

9:23 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

36:25 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

57:13 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Ben about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-rogers-7a056b54/

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

In this honest and generous conversation, Imi de Daranyi talks through his lifelong journey with mental health, how early childhood experiences left a lasting imprint, and how only in his 50s did he finally begin to understand and unpack what had been simmering under the surface for decades.

Imi shares what anxiety and stress really felt like for him, how anger started showing up more often, and how therapy (twice, at two very different points in life) helped him completely reframe his approach to both.

He shares a range of the things he’s done and learned to help better manage his mental health in this discussion, ranging from managing anxiety spikes through to removing new alerts and social media apps from his phone.

Whether you’re in the fog of it right now or just trying to build better habits for the future, Imi’s calm, clear insight is worth your time.

If something lands with you, leave a comment or share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Here are the timestamps for each of the five questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

2:00 Hello to Imi de Daranyi

4:16 Why have you come onto the show today?

11:05 How was your last week?

18:35 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

38:33 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

54:04 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

During the conversation, several sources/suggestions are made by Imi:

The Healthy Minds app: https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app/

Ruby Wax’s books, Frazzled and others: https://www.rubywax.net/books

Forrest Hanson’s Being Well podcast: https://www.forresthanson.com/being-well

If you'd like to chat with Imi about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imidaranyi/

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here: https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Simon Millington joins Dan for a raw and thoughtful conversation about grief, burnout, and finding your way back to yourself. From losing his father to suicide at the age of six, to wrestling with his own health after years of stress and substance use, Simon’s story is painfully honest and quietly hopeful.

He opens-up about how a chronic illness forced him to slow down, tune in, and start listening to his body, and why he wants to help others do the same.

We talk about everything from emotional self-regulation and gut health to why shaking like a zebra might actually help you feel calmer. Simon also shares a powerful exercise that helped him reconnect with his purpose (you’ll want to try it).

Here are the timestamps for each of the five questions we cover in the show:

0:00 Dan’s opener and overview

1:24 Hello to Simon Millington

5:37 Why have you come onto the show today?

15:52 How was your last week?

27:52 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

42:58 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

58:43 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Simon about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-millington/⁠

Get all the info you could possibly need about the show here:⁠https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats⁠

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/⁠

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), ⁠https://www.thecalmzone.net/⁠

Samaritans, ⁠https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/⁠

Mind, ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/⁠

Danis joined by Adam Driver, who talks about anxiety, grief, and his relatively recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Adam is passionate about destigmatising men's mental health and he shares his experiences with an honesty that will help many to hear.

He talks about the loss of both of his parents in 2017, and the maelstrom of emotions it triggered.He walks us through the experience of his low mood, how he responds to it, and what others can do to help their loved ones who are starting to struggle.

The conversation also touches on family life, work-life balance, self-care, and routines, among plenty of other topics.

Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Adam's answers:

0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and Adam

3:17 Why are you sharing your mental health experiences with us today?

10:50 How has your last week been?

21:17 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

45:39 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

50:43 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Adam about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdriver1/

Why is GoodEnoughChats a thing?

There is a mental health crisis for men aged between their mid-thirties and early fifties, and one of the things we know can make a positive difference is encouraging men to open up about what's on their minds.

Each episode of GoodEnoughChats features a new guest who has volunteered to share their experiences to help destigmatise mental health amongst men.

The discussions are all centred on the same five questions, but each one tells a unique story that might be useful for someone else to hear. We want to build a bank of these chats so they are there for people when they need them.

If you're interested in sharing your mental health story to help others who might be going through something similar, you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn too: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowsher/

Find the show on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on all our socials via this link: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats⁠⁠

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

John Birkill joins Dan to share his mental health story, from the impact Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) had on him at a very young age, through to being diagnosed more than four decades later with autism and Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in his 50s.

John also talks about his experience of anti-depressants and therapy, spending time in prison, and the passion he has for normalising men's conversations about mental health.

Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to John's answers:

0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and John

2:34 Why are you sharing your mental health experiences with us today?

4:25 How has your last week been?

5:52 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

18:41 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

34:36 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with John about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-birkill-627653109/

If you'd like to come onto the show yourself, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dan Bowshe via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowsher/

Find the show on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on all our socials via this link: ⁠https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats⁠

Why is GoodEnoughChats a thing?

There is a mental health crisis for men aged between their mid-thirties and early fifties, and one of the things we know can make a positive difference is encouraging men to open up about what's on their minds.

Each episode of GoodEnoughChats features a new guest who has volunteered to share their experiences to help destigmatise mental health amongst men.

The discussions are all centred on the same five questions, but each one tells a unique story that might be useful for someone else to hear. We want to build a bank of these chats so they are there for people when they need them.

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

he Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Mike Trillow joins Dan to share his story about the loss of his baby daughter, Ivy, to a rare genetic condition when she was just four and a half months old.

Not only does he talk with incredible grace about the raw experience of the grief he and his wife share, but he also discusses how he's able to process Ivy's passing, and the family's determination to bring as much joy to the world as possible in her memory.

One of the key reasons Mike wanted to take part in the show was to shine a light on the incredible work being done to help families like his, while also highlighting the marked difference in support for Mums and Dads.

Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Mike's answers:

0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and Mike

3:00 Why are you sharing your mental health experiences with us today?

6:01 How has your last week been?

8:44 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

24:33 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

40:28 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Mike about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-trillow/

If you would like to find out more or support his fundraising efforts for the Oxford Hospitals Charity, go to: https://ivysgifts.co.uk/

Mike also talked about the children's book he's written and self-published, Angel Ivy. If you would like to order a copy, please visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Angel-Ivy-Michael-Trillow/dp/B0CND3XJTR

Why is GoodEnoughChats a thing?

There is a mental health crisis for men aged between their mid-thirties and early fifties, and one of the things we know can make a positive difference is encouraging men to open up about what's on their minds.

Each episode of GoodEnoughChats features a new guest who has volunteered to share their experiences to help destigmatise mental health amongst men.

The discussions are all centred on the same five questions, but each one tells a unique story that might be useful for someone else to hear. We want to build a bank of these chats so they are there for people when they need them.

If you're interested in sharing your mental health story to help others who might be going through something similar, you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn too: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowsher/

Find the show on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on all our socials via this link: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats⁠⁠

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Steve Jackson joins Dan to talks about fluctuations in his mental health throughout his life, from feeling suicidal in his 40s, dealing with addiction, grief and the challenge of changing relationships.

Now in his late 60s, Steve's an accomplished drummer who has toured and recorded with major artists in his career. Throughout this conversation he reflects on the lessons he's learned - and continues to learn every day - about managing his mental well-being.

As part of this, he talks about the non-profit, A Band of Brothers, which he joined as a volunteer mentor and regional publicist in 2022. The charity was born out of concern at the continuing escalation of self-destructive and anti-social behaviour among young men, and you can tell from the way he speaks about it how much he values what the organisation is doing for its clients AND its own people.

Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Steve's answers:

0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and Steve

3:13 Why are you sharing your mental health experiences with us today?

11:35 How has your last week been?

17:38 How has your relationship with your mental health evolved?

29:27 What have been the lightbulb moments for you?

38:18 If someone facing a similar problem came to you today, what's the most important thing they can do?

If you'd like to chat with Steve about his experiences, reach out to him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-jackson-silver-drummer/

For more information about A Band of Brothers, visit: https://abandofbrothers.org.uk/

If you're interested in sharing your mental health story to help others who might be going through something similar, you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn too: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowsher/

Find the show on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on all our socials via this link: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodenoughchats⁠⁠

Why is GoodEnoughChats a thing?

There is a mental health crisis for men aged between their mid-thirties and early fifties, and one of the things we know can make a positive difference is encouraging men to open up about what's on their minds.

Each episode of GoodEnoughChats features a new guest who has volunteered to share their experiences to help destigmatise mental health amongst men.

The discussions are all centred on the same five questions, but each one tells a unique story that might be useful for someone else to hear. We want to build a bank of these chats so they are there for people when they need them.

If you have been affected by some of the issues addressed in this conversation, please know that you are not alone and there are some fantastic places you can turn to for help, including (but by no means limited to):

NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans, https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind, https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/