Suicide is now the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK and it’s rising fastest among young women.

But it is one of the most preventable causes of death, yet it remains one of the hardest things to talk about.

In this episode of Behind the Title, I'm joined by Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, to explore why the way we talk about suicide prevention matters just as much as whether we talk about it at all.

Simon challenges familiar mental‑health narratives, questions whether “it’s okay not to be okay” goes far enough, and explains why prevention shouldn’t be surrounded by fear, shame or awkwardness. Instead, he makes the case for everyday conversations, small actions, and shared responsibility not as a burden, but as something deeply human.

We also explore the personal cost of carrying difficult conversations, the hidden weight leaders and parents carry, and why avoiding the subject doesn’t keep people safe it keeps them silent.

The bravest conversations are the ones we avoid.

Listener note: This episode discusses suicide prevention. Please take care when listening

In any industry, job titles carry power, perception, and pressure. But behind every title CEO, CMO, CFO is a person navigating private challenges, mental health struggles, and silent turning points that shape who they are and how they lead.

Behind the Title is a candid podcast that pulls back the curtain on these personal stories.

Through honest, structured conversations with leaders at all levels, we explore the inner lives that fuel (and sometimes unravel) outer success.

Think of it as Alcoholics Anonymous for the media industry, but instead of substance, we talk about silence, stress, self-worth, and the systems that shape us.

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