The Hurt Locker Podcast — The Podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.

Welcome to The Hurt Locker — the space where we open the door on men's mental health, no filters, no masks, just real talk. This week, we're joined by comedian Vic Daniels for an incredibly honest, powerful conversation that goes far beyond the laughs. From growing up in Hackney and navigating boarding school life, to wearing a mask to protect those he loves, Vic shares how he's carried the weight of expectations, the sting of judgment from friends and family, and why asking for help felt like the hardest thing he could do.

He opens up about: - 🎭 Using comedy as a shield — and the pain when people don't see the work behind the smile ​

- 🤐 The silence around mental health in the Black community — why we don't talk, and who suffers in secret ​

- 😔 Depression, suicidal thoughts, and finally walking through the door to counselling ​

- 💪 Hitting rock bottom — homelessness, self-doubt, and finding his way back ​

- ❤️ The truth about putting on a brave face for the kids… and why we need to put our own masks on first ​

- ⚽ Liverpool FC, chess, paddle — and keeping moving so the thoughts don't catch up ​

- 🗣️ His message to 12-year-old Vic — and to anyone listening who's struggling right now Vic doesn't just tell his story — he gives permission for all of us to speak ours.

Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/

The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here.

🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays

🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod

🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod

Hosted by Yinka Yesufu

Produced by Tim Roe

Ricky Balshaw made history as a Paralympic silver medallist and Para-Driving World Champion before retiring from equestrian sport to become a stand-up comedian. This is his second time on The Hurt Locker — and he came back with more to say.

In this episode, Ricky opens up about: Performing comedy in Dubai — the culture, the rules, and what the headlines don't tell you His journey from Paralympic athlete to World Champion, and why he walked away Elitism and funding in Paralympic sport — and who gets left behind A raw, unplanned disclosure about grooming within his sport The mental health void athletes face when the funding — and the identity — disappears His dad's prostate cancer diagnosis, and the signs every man needs to know This one's heavier than the first. Men don't talk enough — Ricky does, and it matters. The Hurt Locker Podcast — opening the door on men's mental health. Subscribe for new episodes Drop your thoughts in the comments — this is a conversation, not a lecture Know a guest with a story to tell? Get in touch.

The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here.

🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays

🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod

🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod

Hosted by Yinka Yesufu

Produced by Tim Roe

Paul Drayton – actor, author, and former husband of comedian Alan Carr – joins us for a raw, deeply open conversation about growing up feeling like a misfit, self‑medicating from a young age, and the relief of a late‑life ADHD diagnosis that finally made sense of his whole life. Raised on the outskirts of Sunderland in a close‑knit but quiet era, Paul suppressed his sexuality, masked his differences, and turned to alcohol as comfort — describing his "washing‑machine brain" and drinking to quiet anxiety and shame. He shares the courage it took to come out to his family, his move to London to pursue acting, and the reality of living in someone else's shadow — publicly defined only as "the ex‑husband," his own story, talents, and struggles erased from the narrative.

He speaks honestly about:

✅ Being outed publicly as an alcoholic and the isolation/shame that followed

✅ Toxic dynamics, losing his voice, and hitting dark, suicidal lows

✅ What recovery actually means to him — no rigid "day‑counting," just daily honesty

✅ Discovering his ADHD later in life, family patterns, and lifelong people‑pleasing

✅ Writing his book "Ride or Die Trying" — reclaiming his story, donating profits to dog & animal welfare

✅ Being targeted by online blackmail/sextortion and speaking up to warn others

✅ Looking back at his dad, regret, and realising love sometimes looks like projects & connection

✅ That powerful turning point: finally auditioning for the role of himself

Warm, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful — Paul proves it's never too late to drop the mask, forgive your past, and put you first. 🔗 Get the book "Ride or Die Trying" https://amzn.eu/d/0alclLWs

The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here.

🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays

🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod

🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod

Hosted by Yinka Yesufu

Produced by Tim Roe

In this episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with actor and writer Ian Puleston‑Davies for one of our most open conversations yet. For many, Ian is known for his work across television, film and theatre — but behind the career, he has lived with Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder for most of his life. From the confusion and isolation in his childhood, to learning how to coexist with his condition as an adult and professional, Ian shares his story without filter. He explains how OCD has shaped his thinking, his choices and his resilience — and why it took him so long to feel comfortable talking about it. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like their mind works differently, or who feels they have to carry their struggles alone. A conversation about understanding, acceptance and the strength it takes to keep going. Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. Episodes on most Tuesdays Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe | Courageous Productions

Joining Yinka is Joe Jones – a Liverpool lad, former blue light worker, husband and dad who knows exactly what it is to hit rock bottom and find his way back. Nine months ago, Joe tried to take his own life. He spent four weeks in secure care, left with almost no support, and faced a system that told him to wait three to four months for help while he was still in crisis. Here, he opens up about: - Years of burying trauma from emergency service calls and personal loss ​ - The "be a man" mindset that kept him silent until he couldn't anymore ​ - The moment his dad broke that generational silence and showed him vulnerability ​ - The lasting impact on his wife, children and family ​ - How he's now redefining what it means to be a father – raising sons who know it's okay to feel, to ask, and to be loved ​ - His powerful 4,300 Lights project – honouring every man lost to suicide in one year ​ - Why we need to stop ignoring the crisis in mental health funding, blue light support, and how we talk about suicide ​ - The simple truth: we're stronger when we stop pretending we're fine. Raw, honest, unfiltered – and full of hope. Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ Find out more on Your Light Matters: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlightmattersuk YouTube: Your Light Matters – A Powerful Liverpool Tribute The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. Episodes on most Tuesdays Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe | Courageous Productions

The Hurt Locker Podcast opens the door to another powerful, unfiltered conversation — this time with Kevin Edward Turner MBE, Artistic Director and Co‑Founder of Company Chameleon. Awarded his MBE in 2025 for outstanding services to dance and mental health, Kevin's story is one of immense talent, deep struggle, and incredible resilience.

From a young age, Kevin was a gifted dancer, but his path was shaped by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that stayed with him. He went on to excel at a world‑class dance university — yet at the height of his training, he faced acute psychosis and was sectioned in his 20s. In this chat with Yinka, he openly shares what that time was like, how he found his way back, and how he turned his own pain into purpose. He went on to build Company Chameleon, using dance as a tool to connect, heal, and empower people from all walks of life. This episode pulls back the curtain on trauma, recovery, and how creativity can be a lifeline when everything else feels overwhelming — exactly the kind of honest conversation we're here for. Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. Episodes on most Tuesdays Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe | Courageous Productions

Martyn Davies, founder of **Sober Is Fun**, opens up honestly about his decades‑long battle with alcohol and drug addiction — and how an **adult ADHD diagnosis** finally revealed he'd been self‑medicating undiagnosed neurodivergence his whole life. He shares how undiagnosed ADHD fuelled impulsive behaviour, dopamine seeking, and substance use; the moment he decided to get sober; why he created Sober Is Fun to rewrite the story of recovery; and how life without alcohol can be brighter, fuller and genuinely fun. WHAT WE COVER: The hidden link between undiagnosed ADHD and addiction Self‑medication: why substances can feel like the only answer Getting diagnosed with ADHD later in adulthood The biggest challenges of early sobriety Why "sober" doesn't mean "boring" or "missing out" Building the Sober Is Fun movement and community CONNECT WITH MARTYN & SOBER IS FUN • Official site: https://soberisfun.co.uk • Instagram: https://instagram.com/soberisfun • All links: https://linktr.ee/soberisfun Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. Episodes on most Tuesdays Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe of Courageous Productions

In Episode 92, we speak with Shocka (real name Kenneth Erhahon) — a conscious grime artist, published author, and mental health advocate from Tottenham, London. He rose to prominence as one-third of the grime collective Marvell, alongside Double S and Vertex. In this open and honest conversation, Shocka shares his personal journey: being sectioned four times, dealing with the heavy stigma and shame attached to mental illness, and the moment he decided to stop hiding his truth. He explains how self‑love became the key to his recovery, and why he now speaks publicly to act as a "satnav for others" — guiding people through their own struggles and raising awareness across communities. Key Discussion Points - Background & Music Career: Growing up in Tottenham, forming the influential grime group Marvell, and life in the music industry ​ - Mental Health Challenges: Experiences of being sectioned four times, what that process feels like, and the emotional toll ​ - Stigma & Shame: The silence surrounding mental health in Black, urban, and creative communities ​ - Turning Point: Why he chose to stop hiding his struggles and speak openly ​ - The Power of Self‑Love: How self‑compassion and acceptance saved his life and supported long‑term recovery ​ - Mission & Advocacy: Using his platform as an artist and author to raise awareness, reduce isolation, and point others toward help ​ - Being a "Satnav for Others": How sharing his story helps people find direction when they feel lost. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ 🔓Guest information: Follow Shocka on the following: -Instagram: (@shocka_artist) • Instagram photos and videos -Book A Section of My Life: A Section of My Life: Amazon.co.uk: Shocka: 9781915680082: Books -WIKIPEDIA Page: Shocka - Wikipedia 🔓The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with Ox4Real — also known as Ox Monica's Son — to explore his journey from growing up in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, to building a new life in the UK.

Ox opens up about the culture shock of moving to London at age 9, the challenges of growing up under a strict African father, and the absence of maternal affection that shaped his early years. He shares his experiences of trauma after being shot in 2006, living with PTSD, and being sectioned twice — and how therapy, reading, and writing music became his path to healing. We discuss the stigma around mental health in Black and African communities, why he chose to speak openly about his struggles, and how his song "Make It Right" helped others feel less alone. Ox also reflects on the state of youth mental health, the impact of social media, inequality in society, and the true meaning behind his name — Ox For Real and Ox Monica's Son — as a tribute to his mother. An honest, raw, and inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and breaking the silence around men's mental health. 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/ 🔓Guest information: Follow Ox on the following: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ox4real/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ox4real/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oxmonicasson 🔓The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe

In this honest and open conversation, Scottish comedian and actor Joe McTernan joins The Hurt Locker to discuss his career journey, grief, and mental health. Joe shares what it was like growing up without his mother, the five-year battle with severe depression he kept hidden, how comedy became both a career and a coping mechanism, and why he now speaks openly about topics many men are taught to keep inside. He also talks about love, family, the pressure of social media, and the simple but powerful lesson he would give his younger self.

🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk/

🔓Guest information: Follow Joe McTernan on the following:

-Joe and Abi's Edinburgh Fringe Show: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/abi-carter-simpson-and-joe-mcternan-stand-up-couple

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

-YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54ORPtmfGDZ_1ScH9wHPiQ @joemcternan

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

The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here.

🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays

🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod

🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod

Hosted by Yinka Yesufu

Produced by Tim Roe