In this next thought, we explore a pivotal realisation—how recognising that you're not alone can be a game-changer in mental health recovery & depression. David Sayers, a highly successful Managing Director, shares his personal turning point: sitting in a group therapy session, hearing someone else articulate their feelings with uncanny accuracy, and realising, this isn't just me. That moment of connection shifted everything, breaking the isolation that fuels depression.We discuss the importance of finding a support system—whether friends, family, or colleagues—who create space for open conversations, challenging stigma and how early intervention and organisations bridge the gap between needing help and receiving it.We also discuss the ongoing process of managing mental health, much like physical fitness—there's no ‘final destination,’ just continuous growth. We also discuss antidepressants, highlighting that while it doesn’t work for everyone, for many, it's a crucial tool in their recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the first step towards healing. If you’re struggling, reach out. The right conversation at the right time can be life-changing.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Follow David Linkdn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsayers1965Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1GxTikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYmLinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymCThreads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yLX - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2lWatch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep10)YouTube - https://bit.ly/3MKkU3uSpotify - https://bit.ly/3N5aXPqDavid Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQPodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs#MentalHealthAwareness#DepressionRecovery#BreakTheStigma

What if losing everything was the beginning of truly living?

Is Happiness a Choice?! Can you stop overthinking and just live in the now?! Today's quick thought is with Jonathan Goodwin, "The Daredevil," as he shares his incredible journey. A world-renowned escape artist and stunt performer, Jonathan survived life-threatening stunts before a 2021 accident left him paralysed. Despite this, his resilience and positive mindset have been truly inspiring.

Jonathan discusses how his near-death experience cemented his view on life, focusing on the present moment and finding beauty even through hardship. He explores how mental and physical pain are linked and how reframing struggles can help us grow. Jonathan also highlights how happiness is a choice, and by living in the moment, we can find peace, creativity and gratitude, no matter the circumstances.

About the “THOUGHT” series -
Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Follow Jonathan
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3P0IFHw
Twitter - https://bit.ly/3MOxr66
Hypnotherapy - https://calendly.com/changingyourmind/60min

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep9)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/43Gibik
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3qqQUSR
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1
Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs

#LiveInTheMoment
#ChooseHappiness
#MindsetShift

Anorexia isn't just about body image, social media and even control. Today, I welcome anorexia survivor Sophie Anderson who was hospitalised for months aged 12 for anorexia and is now 15 years in recovery! Today we uncover the hidden truths, damaging myths & misconceptions about anorexia and find recovery in the connections to addiction, trauma, family dynamics, genetics, emotional pain and finding the joy in food and who you really are. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with 5-20% of those affected dying from medical complications or suicide. On average, individuals may be unwell for 8 years before recovery, with 20% remaining chronically unwell. But this certainly isn’t solely a story of struggle-it’s a journey of finding strength, purpose and a wonderful life. Nearly half of those who battle anorexia make a full recovery, and this episode proves that healing is possible. Please share with anyone struggling.

Can you be happy & sober? In this powerful conversation with actor and Torchwood star Kai Owen, we delve into his journey of breaking free from alcohol and discovering true happiness without drinking. On this quick thought, Kai shares how he overcame binge drinking, found joy in sobriety, and learned to be present for his family, friends, and career. This clip is perfect for anyone questioning whether life can truly be fulfilling without alcohol. Tune in for an honest discussion about the challenges and rewards of living alcohol-free and how it can transform your life.

About the “THOUGHT” series -
Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Follow Kai -
Instagram - http://bit.ly/43nqUqE

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep7)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3BTJzkU
Spotify - http://bit.ly/419FbW8
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1
Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs

#SobrietyJourney #AlcoholFreeLife #HappinessWithoutAlcohol

Thinking about doing Dry January or even a dry 2025? Maybe you're sober curious or your drinking has become problematic? Either way, this episode is for you! Sober Dave needs little introduction...

Do Dry Jan with @alcoholchangeuk here -

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january

Lastly, if you are interested in performing arts and incredible stories and journeys you must check out Matthew Jones' excellent podcast 'Life After Jazz Hands' here -

Thought 5: Andy Jeffery on Healing Childhood Trauma & PTSD. Author Andy Jeffery shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming childhood abuse, severe PTSD, and alcoholism. In this powerful thought, he reveals how equine therapy, acceptance, and even forgiveness became the foundation of his healing. Despite enduring unimaginable pain, Andy's story is a remarkable testament to the human capacity for transformation and growth. Today, he is one of the most peaceful and loving individuals I’ve ever met.This is a story of hope for anyone struggling—proof that healing is possible, no matter how difficult the past.About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Follow Andy and get his book - Website - https://bit.ly/3oIl4jKWatch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep5)Spotify - http://bit.ly/40FMSDwApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQYouTube - https://bit.ly/3ZDreylPodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs#PTSDRecovery#HealingFromTrauma#OvercomingAbuse

Gab Stone is an entrepreneur and talent agent whose skyrocketing career managing Olympic athletes came crashing down in one of the UK’s most infamous gambling stories.

Gab takes us behind the scenes of his high-pressure life during the London 2012 Olympics, where he managed 22 athletes, 13 of whom medaled, while privately battling a gambling addiction that eventually led to financial ruin and prison.

Now, nearly ten years into recovery, Gab opens up about rebuilding his life, finding purpose, and the urgent need for better awareness around gambling addiction. He speaks with brutal honesty about the shame, the relapses, and the surprising parallels between gambling and substance addiction.

This isn’t just a story about gambling—it’s about the human condition, resilience, and finding purpose and self worth after addiction. Tune in for a powerful conversation that challenges perceptions, inspires hope, and sheds light on an often-hidden crisis.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1
Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs

Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:15 Gab's rock bottom
5:50 Why gambling is like drugs & alcohol
8:20 How the behaviour of a gambling addiction mirrors substances
19:20 The neuroscience of gambling addiction
26:30 Poor mental health prior to addiction?
29:00 Using dreams
31:00 Powerless over gambling?
33:20 Withdrawal from gambling?
37:00 Gab's consequences and prison sentence
47:45 Celebrating recovery

For further support Gab recommends the following -

National Problem Gambling Clinic -
https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/addictions/national-gambling-clinic
GamCare -
https://www.gamcare.org.uk

Follow Gab
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gabstone9

Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL
X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!
YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fbqqZe
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Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

#GamblingRecovery #BreakingTheStigma #AddictionAwareness

[TW//References to suicide & sexual abuse] Former actor Maike Mullender's life is a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery. In this extremely frank conversation, she opens up about the devastating loss of her father to suicide, a shocking and traumatic family secret, and the unanswered questions that haunted her past.

She takes us through the mental health battles, the perfectionism, and dissociation that defined her childhood. But it doesn’t end there – Maike shares her brave journey through therapy, embracing uncertainty, and discovering inner peace.

From finding healing through yoga and meditation to accepting the complexities of her past, Maike's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. If you’ve ever struggled with accepting the past, trauma, self-worth, or finding your path forward, this episode is for you.

More -
Maike initially trained as an actor and performed on stage and TV. Her credits include North Square, The King and Us, Holby City, the Royal, Always & Everyone and Coronation Street, as well as The Gate Theatre and the Royal Exchange, Manchester.  After becoming frustrated with the sporadic nature of the work, she retrained as a Relate Couple and Young Peoples Counsellor, going on to work for Relate. She volunteers for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) & last year she wrote a book about her experience of growing up with a father with undiagnosed mental health issues who went on to take his own life.  Her book: The Confession: A Journey to Acceptance was published in 2023. She now works as a yoga teacher & for The LUNA foundation.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1
Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs

Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:30 Maike's rock bottom
8:30 Shocking moments in childhood
12:00 Childhood coping mechanisms ALL
14:45 Using adult relationships to fix childhood ones
15:50 Searching for answers
23:15 When not knowing can be OK
28:30 Forgiveness Vs acceptance
31:40 Dealing with doubt now
34:40 Yoga as therapy
39:30 Ongoing healing & working as a therapist
44:10 How to move through childhood trauma

Further support -
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - 0300 111 5065

Follow Maike
Facebook - https://bit.ly/3ZtQGJT
LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4fDHY1b
Website -https://www.maikemullenders.com
Book - https://amzn.to/3VbvEwW

Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL
X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!
YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fTWGB9
Spotify - https://bit.ly/4fTvJhc
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

#TraumaRecovery
#MentalHealthJourney
#acceptance