⚠️ Content note: this episode discusses a life-threatening brain injury, depression and suicidal thoughts.

⚠️ It also contains my guest's personal views on medicine and health. Nothing in this episode is medical advice. Full note and support services at the bottom.

On the 20th of August 1999, Andrew Jenkins was pronounced dead at the side of the road. Four weeks in a coma, four months in hospital, and a surgeon who told him he would never walk again. He walked in two weeks.

The harder recovery took far longer. For years he got up, put on a shirt and tie, went to work, and told no one how he felt. It was fifteen years before he went to counselling.

Today Andrew is a TEDx and keynote speaker. After 30 years in banking and insurance, including as a Lloyds Bank branch manager, he helps leaders and teams thrive through courage, connection and authenticity. His personal mission is to reduce the rate of suicide in men.

MY TAKE AS A PSYCHOLOGIST

What stayed with me most was Andrew's counsellor telling him he wasn't depressed, he was grieving. In my work, I see how often people carry the loss of an identity, a sport, a career or a role, without ever recognising it as grief. If you have lost a version of yourself and feel stuck, this episode is for you.

🔗 CONNECT

Andrew's website: andrew-jenkins.co.uk

Andrew on Instagram: @andrewjenkinsofficial

Andrew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewjenkins-coach

Work with me: marniemerrilees.com

Follow me: @marniemerrilees

New episode out now on Spotify, Apple & YouTube.

If it resonates, like and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Subscribe to keep up with future episodes. The psychological skills professionals use, made useful for everyday life.

I'm Marnie Merrilees, the High Performance Psychologist. Dream big, and go make it happen.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE

This episode contains discussion of a serious brain injury, depression and suicidal thoughts. Please take care when listening, and skip or pause if you need to.

Andrew also shares his own understanding of health and medicine, including views on vaccines and medication, on weight loss injections, and on the diagnosis of ADHD and depression in children. These are his personal views and his own account of his experience. They are not established fact, they have not been independently verified, and they do not represent my clinical view or the position of this podcast. My role in this conversation is to listen and to hold the space for Andrew's story, not to assess or endorse the claims made within it. Please do not act on any health claim made in this episode without speaking to a qualified professional who knows your circumstances. If you are worried about a child's mood or behaviour, please speak to your GP.

This podcast is for information and reflection only. It is not psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and listening to it does not create a therapeutic relationship between us.

💛 IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.

If you ever find yourself experiencing extremely difficult thoughts or at risk of self harm or suicide, please know there are services and people ready to support you right now.

For UK residents:

Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)

CALM, Campaign Against Living Miserably: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day)

Andy's Man Club: peer support groups for men, run by men. Check online for your local group.

Headway, the brain injury charity: 0808 800 2244 (free, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

If you are in crisis, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Marnie Merrilees | High Performance Psychologist

#HighPerformancePsychologist #BrainInjury #MensMentalHealth #AndrewJenkins #Podcast

⚠️ Content note: this episode discusses childhood sexual abuse, addiction and mental health.

⚠️ It also contains my guest's personal views on plant medicine, health and healing. Nothing in this episode is medical advice. Full note and support services at the bottom.

Matthew "The Spider" Morton survived a childhood no child should ever know, and was lost to addiction by the age of twelve. Most people, hearing where he started, wouldn't expect him to be here at all.

And yet here he is. Sober, fighting at the top of his sport, studying, and using his own story to help others still in the dark.

We talk about addiction, recovery, faith, and the discipline that rebuilt his life from nothing. A story of real courage, and of hope.

If his story speaks to something in your own life, please hear this: reaching out for support is never weakness. It's the bravest thing the strongest people do.

(00:00) Introduction

(07:54) Childhood

(12:04) Falling into addiction

(14:22) Discipline

(17:29) Lessons learned

(23:29) Life in addiction

(31:16) Turning point

(34:31) Rehab

(36:52) Baptised

(39:41) Bare knuckle boxing

(42:08) "Life changing" - the ayahuasca retreat

(49:40) Ambassador, Athletes Journey Home

(52:30) Western vs Eastern medicine

(01:08:50) Gratitude

(01:10:30) Trauma in the body

(01:16:37) Future plans

(01:24:58) Final words of advice

🔗 CONNECT

Follow Matthew: instagram.com/matthewmortonbkb

Work with me: marniemerrilees.com

Follow me: @marniemerrilees

I'm Marnie Merrilees, the High Performance Psychologist. Dream big, and go make it happen.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE

Please take care when listening, and skip or pause if you need to.

This episode touches on Matthew's personal experience of plant medicine and psychedelics as part of his own recovery. This is his lived experience only. It is not medical, therapeutic or professional advice, and it is not an endorsement of any substance or treatment. Some of the substances discussed are illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Please do not make decisions about your own health or recovery based on this episode. Always seek guidance from a qualified medical or mental health professional.

Matthew also shares his own understanding of health, medicine and healing, including views on plant medicines, on conventional and pharmaceutical medicine, and on nutrition. These are his personal views and his own account of his experience. They are not established fact, they have not been independently verified, and they do not represent my clinical view or the position of this podcast. My role here is to listen and to hold the space for Matthew's story, not to assess or endorse the claims made within it. Please do not act on any health claim in this episode without speaking to a qualified medical professional who knows your circumstances.

This podcast is for information and reflection only. It is not psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and listening does not create a therapeutic relationship between us.

💛 IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.

If you are struggling, or at risk of self harm or suicide, there are people ready to support you right now. Please use these numbers the moment you need them.

For UK residents:

Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Andy's Man Club: free peer support groups for men. Find your local group online.

NAPAC, for people abused in childhood: 0808 801 0331 (Mon to Thu 10am–9pm, Fri 10am–6pm)

The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818, for anyone aged 16+ affected by rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence

Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222 (free, 24/7, with live chat)

If you are in crisis, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Outside the UK: search for your local mental health crisis services and make a note of the numbers.

Marnie Merrilees | High Performance Psychologist

⚠️ Content note: this episode discusses men's mental health, suicide, bullying and depression.

⚠️ It also describes running through serious injury without medical support. Please don't copy that. Full note and support services at the bottom.

At 22, Charlie Sutherland ran from Melbourne to Sydney in 17 days, then 700km in 7 days, 26 laps a day of Centennial Park in Sydney, to raise money and awareness for men's mental health and suicide prevention charity Men's Minds Matter.

But this conversation is about far more than miles. Charlie talks about being bullied at school, the lowest point of his life after injury, and the crash in purpose when a huge goal is finally done. He is also the man who always talks: to his mum, to his mates, in tears if he needs to be. That openness is the thread running through everything he does.

WHAT WE COVER

- Getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and why your limits are lower than you think

- Bullying, and rebuilding confidence through kickboxing and BJJ

- Why men don't speak, and what changes when they do

- Injury, depression, and the loss of purpose after a big goal

- Social media, authenticity, and showing the real you

MY TAKE AS A PSYCHOLOGIST

What stayed with me most was how freely Charlie talks with the people around him, tears included. In my work I see how much lighter men carry things when they have that outlet, and how heavy life becomes without it. If you are holding something on your own, this episode is for you.

🔗 CONNECT

Follow Charlie: instagram.com/charlie_sutherland10 | tiktok.com/@charlie_sutherland | youtube.com/@charliesutherland10

Charity: Men's Minds Matter, UK suicide prevention

Work with me: marniemerrilees.com

Follow me: @marniemerrilees

New episode out now on Spotify, Apple & YouTube.

If it resonates, like and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Subscribe to keep up with future episodes. The psychological skills professionals use, made useful for everyday life.

I'm Marnie Merrilees, the High Performance Psychologist. Dream big, and go make it happen.

⚠️ CONTENT NOTE

This episode contains discussion of male suicide, bullying, depression and mental health. Please take care when listening, and skip or pause if you need to.

Charlie describes running long distances on serious injuries, including stress fractures, without medical support. I admire his resilience enormously, and I would want anyone attempting a challenge like this to have proper medical support around them. Please do not treat pushing through injury as something to copy.

This podcast is for information and reflection only. It is not psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and listening to it does not create a therapeutic relationship between us.

💛 IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.

If you ever find yourself experiencing extremely difficult thoughts or at risk of self harm or suicide, please know there are services and people ready to support you right now.

For UK residents:

Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)

CALM, Campaign Against Living Miserably: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day)

Andy's Man Club: peer support groups for men, run by men. Check online for your local group.

If you are in crisis, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Marnie Merrilees | High Performance Psychologist

#HighPerformancePsychologist #MensMentalHealth #UltraRunning

Welcome to Marnie Merrilees, High Performance PsychologistPodcast @MarnieMerrilees. Where we discuss psychology and psychological skills for high performance.

In this episode, my special guest Jamie Bates discusses his kickboxing journey from childhood to his goal of becoming world champion.

Jamie starts the discussion by reflecting on his recent kickboxing fight Hadia vs Bates on June 29th at Rome Sports Palace. We discuss the highs and lows of Jamies professional kickboxing career; What it takes to come back from injury; Work life balance; Relationships inside and outside of sport; Fatherhood and much more! We also talk about the psychology of high performance and give insight into some of the psychological techniques we used to help Jamie mentally prepare for his most recent fight after being out of the ring for 18 months.

It’s a discussion I am sure you will enjoy and find extremely informative. Jamie gives great behind the scenes insights into the world of competitive kickboxing which you would only gain access to by being part of the life long journey of competitive kickboxing as Jamie has.

Jamie is very open and honest and the information Jamie shares will be invaluable to fellow kickboxers and fighters alike wanting to work their way up the ranks. Jamies story truly is a journey of dedication, commitment, hard work and resilience… Dream Big and Go Make it Happen!

Meanwhile, put any questions you have in the comments section and as always, thank you for your interest in high performance psychology!

LISTEN ON: All major Podcast platforms.

FOLLOW: ‪@MarnieMerrilees across ALL Social Media platforms.

I am proud to say Jamie Bates is part of my team of sponsored professional athletes! Jamie is the most talented kickboxer in the North East of England, with an impressive professional record of 27-8. Ranked 5th in the welterweight world rankings, number 1 in the UK in K1, and in the Glory top ten, Jamie is without a doubt a standout athlete! We have been working together on the psychology of high performance, and I must say Jamie's dedication and commitment to the sport are unparalleled. Currently signed with Glory, the world’s premier kickboxing league, we are confident that Jamie's future holds great promise, and we have no doubt he will be a World Champion very soon.

FOLLOW: Jamie Bates Instagram: instagram.com/jamie_bateskbFacebook: facebook.com/jab89X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/JamieBates89Special Thanks to Jamie Bates Sponsors:@jordanwilliams97 @msksportsinjuryclinic @unit29fitness @cbdlifeuk @delta_9_hydroponics_uk @[email protected] Reggie Tribusis LandscapingJake Hall Roofing! Special thanks goes to Denis Hazon for recording this Podcast Episode. Facebook (Denis Hazon New)facebook.com/profile.php?id=100033789994146

In this episode, my guest Mick Terrill, World Champion Heavyweight Bare Knuckle Boxer reveals his physical and mental preparation for his upcoming fight to defend his BKFC World title TERRILL vs HUNT on 27th April 2024 in Los Angeles.

Its a discussion that I'm sure everyone, whether your a fan of bare knuckle boxing or not, will find interesting and informative especially with regards the mental preparation leading up to a big fight and the dedication and hard-work required to be a World Champion BKFC.

Show Notes:

Introduction

Marnie Merriless introduces herself and describes her background in psychology, specializing in high performance.

Introduction of guest Mick Terrill, World Champion in heavyweight bare-knuckle boxing.

Main Discussion Topics:

The Psychology of Combat Sports: Insights into the mental toughness required in bare-knuckle boxing.

Training and Preparation: Mick Terrill discusses his training regimen and mental preparation for fights.

Overcoming Adversity: Techniques and strategies for handling pressure and setbacks.

Performance Psychology: Marnie and Mick discuss how psychological principles can be applied to enhance performance in high-stakes environments.

Closing Thoughts

Summary of key takeaways about mental resilience and performance.

Closing remarks from both the host and the guest.

Resources Mentioned

Mention of specific books, articles, or previous studies related to performance psycho

Welcome to Marnie Merrilees, High Performance Psychologist Podcast @MarnieMerrilees. Where we discuss psychology and psychological skills for high performance and everyday life.

In this episode, my guest Mick Terrill, World Champion Heavyweight Bare Knuckle Boxer reveals his physical and mental preparation for his upcoming fight to defend his BKFC World title TERRILL vs HUNT on 27th April 2024 in Los Angeles.

Its a discussion that I'm sure everyone, whether your a fan of bare knuckle boxing or not, will find interesting and informative especially with regards the mental preparation leading up to a big fight and the dedication and hard-work required to be a World Champion BKFC.
 
FOLLOW:  @MarnieMerrilees on ALL Social Media Platforms.

FOLLOW: Michael Terrill
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006751023886
https://www.instagram.com/mick_terrill/

Mick Terrills Sponsors :
O'Tools Gym: https://www.facebook.com/otooleshealthandfitnessgym
Computer Clinic: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057319424518
The Straightener Show: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094669764479
Team Valley Service & MOT Centre.
Gabriel Spirits.

Show Notes:

Introduction

• Main Discussion Topics
  • The Psychology of Combat Sports: Insights into the mental toughness required in bare-knuckle boxing.
  • Training and Preparation: Mick Terrill discusses his training regimen and mental preparation for fights.
  • Overcoming Adversity: Techniques and strategies for handling pressure and setbacks.
  • Performance Psychology: Marnie and Mick discuss how psychological principles can be applied to enhance performance in high-stakes environments.
• Closing Thoughts
  • Summary of key takeaways about mental resilience and performance.
  • Closing remarks from both the host and the guest.
• Resources Mentioned
  • Mention of specific books, articles, or previous studies related to performance psychology