Onward Shift Podcast | Mental Health in Construction

In this episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Rosie Dhoopun to explore sound baths, drumming circles, grief and emotional expression. Rosie shares the deeply personal story of losing her son Bryn, who was born with Trisomy 18 and lived for six months and how drumming became part of her journey through grief. The conversation also explores why so many men may feel uncomfortable trying unfamiliar forms of support, what actually happens during sound baths and drumming circles and whether these spaces can offer another way to slow down, release emotion and reconnect with yourself. Vish starts the conversation openly sceptical, describing it as a little “woo-woo” but ends it far more curious and willing to experience both for himself. Sometimes looking after your mental health isn't about finding one perfect solution. It's about staying open enough to find what works for you.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around child loss, complex pregnancy, grief, depression and previous overdose attempts.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:49 Rosie's Journey Into Drumming04:40 Bryn's Story & Complex Pregnancy09:00 Living With a Life-Limiting Diagnosis12:12 Grief & Mental Health14:31 “This Sounds a Bit Woo-Woo”17:20 What Is a Drumming Circle?20:17 Can Drumming Release Emotion?22:50 Why Men Are Afraid of Their Emotions27:54 Breaking the Stigma29:51 What Actually Is a Sound Bath?35:40 ADHD, Neurodiversity & An Overactive Mind38:32 What Happens at Your First Sound Bath?42:18 Sound Baths vs Drumming Circles45:54 Find Rosie47:51 Why Don't More Men Try These Spaces?51:42 Finding the Support That Works for You52:02 How Are You?🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/ CONNECT WITH ROSIEWebsite: www.labyrinthofnurture.co.ukSubstack: https://labyrinthofnurture.substack.com/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/033cvHRBJARjICTmlWrZRM?si=3226d5a106a24ff0

“I don't think I ever had a cocaine problem. I always had a cocaine solution.”James Erskine went from recreational cocaine use to taking four to five grams a day, experiencing paranoia, hearing voices and almost destroying the family he loved most. Today, he is three years clean. In this powerful episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, James sits down with Vishal Narbheram to tell the full story of how addiction slowly took control of his life and what it took to get it back.James explains how cocaine initially fitted into a lifestyle that didn't seem dramatically different from those around him. Nights out became after-parties. Occasional use became regular use. Boundaries he once believed he'd never cross slowly disappeared. Eventually cocaine wasn't just something James did. It became part of who he thought he was. The conversation explores people pleasing, validation, entrepreneurship, self-worth and the constant search for approval that existed underneath his addiction. James then shares the reality of where cocaine eventually took him: using several grams every day, becoming convinced his wife was having an affair, hearing conversations that weren't happening, believing there were hidden cameras inside his home and eventually questioning everyone around him. His addiction nearly capsized his family. James speaks candidly about the impact on his wife and children, the promises he broke, the guilt he continues to work through and the moment he finally entered rehab.The second half of this conversation focuses heavily on what happened next.Rehab. Therapy. Narcotics Anonymous. Accountability. Community. Making amends. Rebuilding trust and ultimately learning that recovery isn't simply about removing cocaine.As James says: “Recovery is abstinence plus change.”James also explains why there isn't one perfect road to recovery. What works for one person might be rehab, a 12-step fellowship or therapy. For someone else it could look completely different. The important thing is finding what helps you get better. This is an incredibly open conversation about addiction, identity, family, recovery, guilt, shame and learning to appreciate the simplicity of ordinary life again.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes detailed conversations about cocaine addiction, drug use, paranoia, hallucinations and the impact addiction can have on families.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:19 Childhood, Identity & Early Life06:00 Finding Your Authentic Self11:52 Entrepreneurship, Success & Validation19:37 James's Introduction to Cocaine22:22 When Recreational Use Became Something More25:42 People Pleasing & Cocaine29:57 Breaking Promises & Losing Integrity33:57 The Belief That “I'm Not Good Enough”38:04 How Addiction Affected James's Family40:07 Four to Five Grams a Day & Losing Reality46:16 Self-Sabotage & Rock Bottom49:48 Entering Rehab53:40 Building a Recovery Community56:07 Narcotics Anonymous & Finding His Tribe58:20 Rebuilding Trust01:00:36 There Is No Perfect Recovery01:03:43 Finding Happiness in Simplicity01:06:20 Guilt vs Shame🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠⁠  Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠⁠  CONNECT WITH JAMESSearch James Erskine on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.Narcotics Anonymous - ⁠https://na.org #CocaineAddiction #AddictionRecovery #Recovery #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #NarcoticsAnonymous #Rehab #AddictionAwareness #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PeoplePleasing #FamilyRecovery #SelfDiscovery #OnwardShift #Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Dave Harris to explore a journey shaped by adversity, resilience and personal growth. Dave reflects on growing up after his parents separated, never quite feeling like he belonged and spending much of his early life searching for identity and purpose from travelling the world to building a career in construction leadership, he shares the lessons learned through pressure, responsibility and discovering where his true strengths lay. 

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Dave opens up about experiencing a stress-induced heart incident while managing a high-pressure construction project. He explains how that moment forced him to question what "normal" really looked like and why returning to the life that nearly broke him was never going to be the answer. Together, Vish and Dave discuss leadership, respect, trust, mental health, self-awareness and why building authentic relationships is just as important as delivering successful projects. They also explore practical ways construction professionals can better monitor both their physical and mental wellbeing before reaching crisis point. This is an honest conversation about pressure, purpose and becoming the person you were always meant to be.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health, stress, heart health and emotional wellbeing.

Key Topics

• Growing up after parental separation
• Searching for identity and purpose
• Leadership lessons from construction
• Building trust and authentic relationships
• Managing pressure in high-performance environments
• Dave's stress-induced heart incident
• Recognising the warning signs of stress
• Mental and physical health in construction
• Self-awareness and personal growth
• Why respect is the foundation of great leadership

Chapters

00:00 David's Upbringing and Early Life06:08 The Search for Identity and Escape13:33 Transitioning into Construction20:01 Navigating the Construction Industry26:02 The Importance of Relationships in Construction32:07 The Power of Authentic Conversations35:33 Facing Pressure: A Personal Journey44:33 The Impact of Stress on Health55:27 Principles for Life and Work

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

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🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠⁠

Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠⁠ 

You can find Dave Harris here: 

Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-harris-a6178a139/

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0JDdXuJ802VWZ4lFCAH2Vs?si=dd52b87074d04bf5 

In this deeply honest episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with marriage coach Evan Hendricks to explore a conversation that goes far beyond relationships. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences, people pleasing, shame and societal expectations can slowly disconnect men from who they truly are. Evan shares his own journey growing up feeling like he had to earn love through performance, carrying that mindset into adulthood, marriage and addiction before beginning the difficult work of rediscovering his authentic self. He speaks candidly about therapy, vulnerability, rebuilding trust after years of secrecy and why genuine freedom only comes when we stop living for other people's approval. The conversation also explores why so many men struggle to identify what genuinely brings them joy, how suppressing emotions affects relationships and why reconnecting with the passions we loved as children can be the first step towards healing. This is an open and thought-provoking conversation about identity, connection, emotional honesty and what it truly means to live authentically.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around childhood trauma, pornography addiction, sexual abuse, shame, and mental health. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• Growing up feeling the need to earn love and acceptance
• People pleasing and losing your sense of identity
• Childhood trauma and its lasting impact on adulthood
• Rebuilding trust and honesty within marriage
• Why vulnerability is one of a man's greatest strengths
• Therapy, self-discovery and emotional healing
• Reconnecting with childhood passions and authentic joy
• The importance of community and emotionally safe spaces for men
• Learning the language of emotions and healthy communication
• Living authentically instead of performing for approval

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
01:18 Evan's Early Life and Struggles
05:50 Teenage Years and People Pleasing
10:34 Determination and the Quest for Acceptance
13:10 Transition to Adulthood and Marriage Coaching
16:43 Coping Mechanisms and Addictions
19:56 The Search for Identity and Self-Discovery
25:49 Balancing Maturity and Playfulness
28:10 Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity
33:30 Vulnerability and Emotional Expression
37:47 Finding Freedom Through Honesty
40:16 Difficult Conversations in Relationships
43:12 Secrets, Shame and Rebuilding Trust
47:41 Grief, Trauma and Self-Compassion
51:35 Learning to Communicate Emotionally
56:09 Brotherhood, Community and Connection

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Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠ 

* Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠ 

* TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠ 

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠ 

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠ 

Follow the host Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ 

You can find Evan Hendrix here: 

Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-hendrix-b350a22b2/

Website - ⁠https://www.evanhendrix.com/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Tom Gold to explore the growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health and the transformative power of nature, vulnerability and community.

Tom shares his experiences working with men through outdoor experiences, bushcraft and community-led initiatives designed to help men reconnect not only with nature but with themselves and each other. 

Together, the conversation dives into emotional coherence, modern masculinity, identity, role models, and why so many men struggle to express emotion in today’s world.

The episode explores how outdoor environments can create psychologically safe spaces where men feel more comfortable opening up, reflecting and building genuine camaraderie. Tom also discusses the importance of slowing down, unplugging from technology and rediscovering simplicity in a constantly overstimulated world.

This is a grounded and honest conversation about masculinity, belonging, emotional wellbeing and the importance of creating spaces where men feel seen, heard and supported.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around men’s mental health and emotional struggles. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• The growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health
• The healing influence of nature and outdoor experiences
• Emotional coherence and vulnerability in men
• Brotherhood, camaraderie, and community support
• The pressures facing modern masculinity
• The impact of technology and overstimulation
• Positive male role models and identity
• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty
• Outdoor skills and practical wellbeing tools
• The importance of presence, listening, and connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Gold and His Background02:08 The Importance of Men’s Mental Health05:28 Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Talk09:22 The “Man Code” and Emotional Coherence11:30 Historical Perspectives on Masculinity14:50 Working with Gang Members and Transformation20:20 Nature’s Role in Mental Health25:03 The Significance of Feeling Insignificant29:11 Unplugging from Technology33:26 Challenges of Modern Masculinity36:22 The Changing Dynamics of Masculinity39:17 Traditional Courtesies and Respect43:53 Identity, Influence, and Male Role Models49:34 Presence, Listening, and Emotional Safety54:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Men56:54 Shared Experiences and Everyday Reality

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Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/ 

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/ 

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift 

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/ 

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com 

Follow the host Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/ 

You can find Tom Gold here: 

Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gold-42a288254/

Website - https://www.mensoutdoorgroup.co.uk

You can get 10% off Tom’s retreats here - https://onwardshift.com/mens-outdoor-group/

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, The podcast that opens a door into men's mental health. Real Men. Real Stories. Real Mental Health Conversations, host Yinka Yesufu sits down with Vishal Narbheram, founder of Onward Shift, for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, identity and resilience. Vish shares his personal journey through mental health struggles while working in the construction industry an environment where conversations around emotional wellbeing are often overlooked. He opens up about the pressures, the internal battles and the turning points that led him to seek therapy, understand emotional regulation and ultimately create Onward Shift a platform designed to make mental health support more accessible within construction. The conversation also explores wider themes, including race and diversity within the industry, the impact of societal expectations and social media on younger generations and the importance of building safe, supportive communities where men can speak openly without judgement. This episode is not just a story it’s a reflection on what happens when men begin to talk and the change that can follow when they do.

Key Topics

• Mental health challenges within the construction industry
• Emotional regulation and the role of therapy
• Race, diversity, and lived experience in construction
• The pressures facing young people today
• Building support systems and safe spaces for men
• The creation and mission of Onward Shift
• Turning personal struggle into purpose

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Credibility00:59 A Day in the Life: Routine & Structure02:50 Personal Background & Entry into Construction06:16 Race, Diversity & Industry Challenges10:51 Overcoming Racism & Building Resilience20:52 Recognising Mental Health Struggles30:28 Therapy & Emotional Regulation39:16 Talking to Youth & Breaking Stigma47:33 Mental Health in Construction52:18 Support Systems & Industry Change57:03 Onward Shift: Purpose & Platform01:00:45 Self-Care & Personal Responsibility01:04:36 Advice to Younger Self & Closing

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Links to Onward Shift:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠⁠

Website -  ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠⁠

Vishal Narbheram - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ ⁠

Links to The Hurt Locker Podcast:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100092582456788

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehurtlockerpod/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hurtlockerpodcast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehurtlockerpod

Website - https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com

Courageous Productions - https://www.instagram.com/courageous_productions/?hl=en

Tim Roe (production artist) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timroewp/

Summary

In this heartfelt and compassionate episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with award winning grief coach Kate Nudds to explore the many forms grief can take and how we learn to live alongside it. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Kate explains how loss can show up through bereavement, estrangement, serious illness, pet loss and even anticipatory grief the pain of knowing loss is coming. Together, they unpack the physical and emotional impact grief can have on the body and mind and why vulnerability and safe spaces are essential during the grieving process. Kate introduces the concept of “continuing bonds,” explaining how healing does not mean forgetting but integrating the memory and meaning of what or who has been lost. The conversation offers practical tools such as journaling, writing letters, spending time in nature and simply learning how to sit with emotion rather than suppress it. This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to fix it is something to understand, honour, and navigate with compassion.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around bereavement, illness, and emotional loss. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• Different types of grief: bereavement, estrangement, anticipatory grief
• The physical and emotional effects of grief
• Continuing bonds and integrating loss
• Supporting others through presence and listening
• Journaling and expressive writing techniques
• The significance of pet loss
• Grieving serious illness or diagnoses
• Managing grief triggers and fluctuating emotions
• Nature and community as healing tools
• Creating safe spaces for vulnerability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Introduction
01:03 What Is Grief and Why It Matters
02:07 Understanding Loss Beyond Death
03:31 The Complex Relationship with What’s Been Lost
06:11 Physical and Emotional Effects of Grief
08:13 Continuing Bonds and Integration
09:35 Acceptance and Managing Pain
10:58 Different Grief Responses & Safe Spaces
13:00 What a Grief Coaching Session Looks Like
14:29 Vulnerability in Grief Support
16:10 Kate’s Personal Story
20:24 The Art of Listening
22:42 Practical Ways to Support a Grieving Friend
24:39 Grief Triggers and Emotional Waves
26:40 Grieving Someone Who Is Still Alive
28:41 Navigating Illness and Anticipatory Grief
30:56 Journaling and Expressive Techniques
33:37 Normalising Pet Loss
36:11 The Significance of Emotional Bonds with Pets
40:49 Multiple Losses in a Short Period
42:15 Finding Hope After Personal Loss
45:28 Accepting Grief Around Diagnoses
49:00 The Healing Power of Nature and Community
49:32 The Importance of Talking
51:18 Where to Find Support

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠

Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ 

You can find Kate here: 

Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenuddsgriefcoaching/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@grievethenachieve?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/grievethenachieve/

Website - https://www.grievethenachieve.co.uk

Summary

In this powerful and research-led episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram is joined by Dr. Susie Bennett, whose academic work focuses on understanding male suicide and the deeper cultural factors that influence men’s mental health. Dr. Bennett unpacks the alarming reality of male suicide rates and explores how masculinity, loneliness, emotional suppression and societal expectations shape men’s inner worlds. She introduces the concept of the “pain tank” a powerful analogy describing how accumulated emotional pain, when left unprocessed, can lead to suicidal thoughts. The conversation dives into emotional regulation tools, the impact of childhood adversity, the role of isolation and why community and connection are essential protective factors. Rather than framing suicide as weakness, Dr. Bennett reframes it as the result of overwhelming pain combined with limited coping mechanisms. This episode challenges cultural narratives around masculinity and highlights the importance of giving men language, connection, and practical tools to process emotion safely.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around male suicide, emotional distress, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care.

Key Takeaways

• Male suicide is deeply connected to cultural expectations around masculinity
• Emotional suppression increases psychological risk
• The “pain tank” analogy explains how accumulated distress builds over time
• Loneliness and isolation are significant suicide risk factors
• Emotional regulation skills can reduce suicidal vulnerability
• Suicide is often a response to overwhelming pain, not weakness
• Community and connection act as protective buffers
• Therapy is one of many tools available for emotional growth
• Childhood adversity can shape adult coping patterns
• Redefining masculinity is crucial for improving men’s mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Susie Bennett and Her Work
02:40 Why Men’s Mental Health Matters
05:09 Understanding Male Suicide Rates
07:53 Emotional Expression and Masculinity
10:39 Loneliness and Isolation as Risk Factors
13:24 Therapy and the Journey to Self-Understanding
15:41 The “Pain Tank” and Emotional Regulation
18:45 Cultural Influences on Men’s Mental Health
21:25 The Symphony of Suicidal Sorrow
24:06 Finding Personal Tools for Processing Emotion
26:59 Social Media and Mental Health Awareness
33:35 Societal Pressures on Men
34:42 The Importance of Connection and Support
36:27 Barriers to Seeking Help
38:29 Therapy and Emotional Literacy
40:54 Practical Emotional Regulation Tools
45:24 Root Causes of Male Suicide
48:10 The “Chord of Pain” Explained
53:38 Cultural Identity and Emotional Restriction
55:08 Building Community in a Disconnected World
01:02:53 The Impact of Failure on Men’s Mental Health
01:05:38 Performance Pressure and Isolation
01:10:41 Redefining Masculinity
01:17:28 The Evolution of Masculine Ideals
01:21:08 Community as Prevention
01:25:06 Childhood Adversity and Long-Term Effects
01:28:38 Resources and Final Reflections

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠

Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ 

Learn more about Dr. Susie Bennett on his LinkedIn profile here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettsusie/

See Susie’s website here: https://malesuicideresearch.com

Find Susie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/

Summary

In this powerful episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Paul Nash to explore a deeply honest journey through gambling addiction, ADHD, mental health struggles and personal transformation. Paul shares how gambling began in his university years and gradually escalated into an addiction that would cost him an estimated £100,000 over time. He speaks candidly about how diagnosed ADHD fuelled hyper fixation behaviours, the shame and secrecy that accompanied his addiction and the mental health challenges that followed. The turning point came when Paul reached out for support through GamCare a decision that marked the beginning of recovery from there, he began rebuilding his life, addressing not only his addiction but also his physical health. Paul went on to lose 55 kilograms as part of a wider transformation, facing health setbacks along the way but refusing to give up. This episode is about ownership, accountability, support systems and the reality that recovery is not a straight line. Paul’s story is a reminder that asking for help is strength and sometimes, just waking up is an achievement in itself.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around gambling addiction, mental health struggles, and recovery. Please listen with care.

Key Takeaways

• Gambling addiction can escalate gradually and quietly
• ADHD can significantly influence addictive behaviours
• Shame and secrecy often fuel addiction cycles
• Seeking help through organisations like GamCare can be life-changing
• Support systems are crucial during recovery
• Personal accountability plays a key role in long-term change
• Recovery requires both emotional and behavioural shifts
• Weight loss can become part of a wider mental health transformation
• Progress is not linear — setbacks do not equal failure
• Sometimes, simply getting out of bed is a victory

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Nash's Journey
10:14 The Start of Gambling Addiction
17:14 The Impact of ADHD on Gambling
23:33 The Escalation of Addiction
24:13 The Breaking Point
27:03 Seeking Help and Finding Support
29:50 The Importance of Accessible Support Services
32:16 Rebuilding Life and Personal Accountability
41:32 Weight Loss, Health Setbacks & Transformation
49:00 Advice for Recovery and Mental Well-being
55:00 “Just Waking Up Is a Win” — Final Reflections

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠

Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ 

Learn more about Paul Nash on his LinkedIn profile here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-nash-313b79204/ 

Get help with gambling addiction here: http://www.gamcare.org.uk

#GamblingAddiction #ADHD #AddictionRecovery #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #GamCare #RecoveryJourney #BreakingTheStigma #WeightLossTransformation #Resilience #AddictionSupport #MentalWellbeing #YouAreNotAlone #OvercomingAddiction 

Summary

In this powerful episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Brett Smith, Global Safety Director, to unpack a life defined not by tragedy but by resilience. At just 18 years old, Brett survived a horrific vehicle accident that left him without the use of his right arm. What followed was not just physical recovery but a far deeper battle with trauma, depression, addiction and suicidal ideation. Brett opens up about the years that followed the coping mechanisms that nearly destroyed him, the friend who called him out at his lowest point and the long road toward rebuilding his life, marriage and career. Now a leader in the construction industry, Brett is on a mission to revolutionise safety culture by putting mental health first. Through honest communication, peer support initiative, and creating safe spaces for vulnerability, he is proving that strength isn’t about silence it’s about connection. This is a conversation about trauma, redemption, leadership and what it truly means to meet people where they are.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around trauma, addiction, mental health struggles and suicide. Please listen with care.

Key Takeaways

• A single moment can completely change the trajectory of your life.
• Physical recovery does not automatically mean emotional recovery.
• Trauma left unprocessed can evolve into depression and addiction.
• Vulnerability is not weakness — it is leadership.
• Addiction can function as a coping mechanism for unresolved pain.
• One honest conversation can interrupt a suicidal spiral.
• Career success does not erase mental health struggles.
• Communication is the foundation of psychological safety.
• Construction must address mental health as seriously as physical safety.
• Creating safe spaces for men to speak openly can transform workplace culture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Meeting Brett
00:55 The Accident That Changed Everything
03:53 Hospitalisation & Physical Recovery
08:28 PTSD, Depression & Early Mental Health Struggles
16:21 Addiction, Suicide Ideation & A Critical Turning Point
18:57 Marriage, Fatherhood & Rebuilding Stability
25:37 Entering Construction & Finding Purpose
30:14 From Surviving to Leading
31:28 Identity, Growth & Self-Discovery
39:57 The Mental Health Crisis in Construction
46:21 Peer Support & Creating Safe Spaces
57:15 Revolutionising Safety Culture Through Vulnerability

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