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

Comedian Ali Woods joins host Yinka to open up about his personal mental health journey — from hitting rock bottom during university and learning to journal his feelings to supporting his best friend through severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Ali shares how toxic masculinity stops men from asking for help, why vulnerability is a sign of strength, the life‑changing lessons he learned, and the one message he'd give his younger self. We also discuss the devastating reality that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 35, how to be a better friend, and why putting yourself first isn't selfish. Raw, funny, heartfelt and unflinching — this conversation is essential listening for anyone wanting to understand men's mental health, break stigma, and learn how to support the people they love.

🔓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 Ali Woods: Website: https://www.aliwoodsgigs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliwoodsgigs/ YouTube: ⁨@AliWoodsGigs⁩

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliwoodsgigs

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🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here.

🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays

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Hosted by Yinka Yesufu

Produced by Tim Roe

In Episode 88 of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we're joined by electrician, mental health advocate, and Founder of Onward Shift, Vish Narbheram.

This is a raw and honest conversation about what it's really like navigating mental health as a young man working in the trades—an industry known for high pressure, long hours, and a culture that often tells men to "just get on with it." Vish opens up about his own journey:

• Struggling with mental health challenges early in his career

• The realities of working in a high-risk, high-pressure environment

• Making the decision to seek help and go through therapy

• Breaking down stigma in traditionally tough, male-dominated spaces

We also dive into the mission behind Onward Shift—a growing movement focused on connecting construction workers and tradesmen with the mental health support they need, in a way that actually works for them. This episode highlights:

• Why mental health in the trades is often overlooked

• The barriers stopping men from reaching out for support

• The importance of accessible, relatable mental health services

• How peer-led initiatives like Onward Shift are changing the game

This isn't just about one man's story—it's about an entire industry that needs better support, better conversations, and real change. Tune in to hear how lived experience, honesty, and action can make a difference where it's needed most. If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Conversations like this can save lives.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Vish & Onward Shift via:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with leading male suicide researcher Dr. Susie Bennett to unpack one of the most urgent yet under-addressed public health crises of our time: male suicide. Globally, men account for the majority of suicide deaths—yet the issue remains critically under-researched, underfunded, and poorly addressed by existing systems. In this eye-opening conversation, we move beyond awareness and into what truly matters: evidence-based action that can save lives. Dr. Bennett brings clarity, compassion, and cutting-edge research insights as we explore:

• Why male suicide continues to be overlooked despite the scale of the crisis

• The societal, cultural, and psychological factors uniquely impacting men

• Gaps in current research, policy, and mental health services

• What the data actually tells us—and where it's often misunderstood

Practical, actionable steps that individuals, communities, and systems can take right now This episode is not just a conversation—it's a call to action. If we are serious about reducing male suicide, we must start translating rigorous research into real-world solutions that reach men where they are. Whether you're a mental health professional, policymaker, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers essential insights into how we can collectively shift the narrative and create meaningful change. Tune in now and join the movement to turn evidence into action. If this episode resonates with you, please share it. Conversations like this can save lives.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Susie's vital work via the links below:

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

In this deeply moving episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with Nigel Linacre to explore every parent's worst nightmare—losing a child to suicide.

Nigel shares the story of his son George, a talented bass player, and the unimaginable moment his life changed forever. What follows is an honest, raw conversation about grief, guilt, and the questions that never quite go away. But from that pain came something powerful. Nigel opens up about how his grief evolved into The Grief Opera—a unique and emotional musical project that has helped others process loss, find connection, and feel less alone. This episode is not just about loss—it's about love, legacy, and the importance of speaking up when life feels overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation could be the reminder that you're not alone—and that help is always within reach.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Nigel and The Grief Opera on the following links:

• Instagram
• The Grief Opera Website
• Facebook
• YouTube

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with comedian Gary Hyland for a raw and deeply moving conversation about his journey through loss and recovery. Gary opens up about the life-altering experience of losing his father to suicide when he was just five years old. He reflects on how that early trauma shaped his mental health throughout his life and the challenges he faced growing up in the shadow of grief. We dive deep into: - Navigating Childhood Grief: The long-term impact of losing a parent at a young age. - Breaking the Stigma: Gary's personal struggles with mental health and the reality of living with depression and anxiety. - The Power of Therapy: How professional support transformed Gary's life and gave him the tools to find peace. - The Strength in Vulnerability: Why Gary now advocates for open conversations and why talking is a vital part of his daily life. This episode is a must-watch for anyone struggling with their own mental health or for those looking to understand the transformative power of therapy. Gary's story is a testament to the fact that while we cannot change our past, we can heal from it.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Gary on the following links:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Hot Water Comedy Club Profile

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, comedian, MC, and promoter Daniel Inniss shares a deeply personal conversation about racism, mental health, and loss as Yinka fires several loaded and direct questions his way.

Reflecting on his parents' journey from Barbados to Yorkshire, Daniel opens up about the discrimination they faced and how those experiences shaped his own life. He also speaks candidly about the challenges he's encountered, the impact of losing friends to suicide, and how modern society continues to affect mental health and wellbeing. This is an honest, thought-provoking episode about resilience, identity, and navigating life in today's world. What You'll Hear: -Growing up with Caribbean heritage in Yorkshire -Racism and discrimination across generations -Personal challenges and life experiences -Losing friends to suicide and coping with grief -The impact of modern society on mental health -Reflections on resilience, identity, and wellbeing

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Daniel on the following links:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

We're syncing our diaries to EST, as we're delighted to welcome comedian Liam Nelson, who opens up about living with Marfan Syndrome, undergoing multiple open-heart surgeries, and finding his voice in the world of stand-up comedy.

From growing up 7 feet tall and feeling different, to navigating betrayal in friendships, Liam shares the highs and lows of his unique journey.

Discover how he turned challenges into humour, built meaningful friendships, and now inspires others with his story of resilience, perseverance, and laughter.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Liam on the following links:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Information on Marfan Syndrome

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, comedian Wilson Milton joins us for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show.

We go far beyond comedy. Wilson opens up about growing up, the experiences that shaped him, and how childhood wounds can follow us into adulthood and parenthood. This episode explores generational cycles, fatherhood, accountability, healing, and what forgiveness really means — especially when it comes to family. There are laughs. There are hard truths. And some moments hit deep. If you're navigating fatherhood, working through childhood trauma, or trying to become a better man than the one you were raised by, this episode is for you.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Growing up and how early experiences shape identity

• Parenting while healing your own inner child

• Breaking generational cycles

• Forgiveness — what it is and what it isn't

• Emotional honesty in men

• How comedy can be a coping mechanism

• Doing the inner work while raising kids

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Milton on the following links:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Wilson's Comedy Club, Ramsgate

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Website: https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com/ Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

Episode 81 of The Hurt Locker Podcast features rising star of comedy Alfie Dundas, joining us for a deeply honest conversation about grief, growth, and learning to live with loss.

Alfie opens up about losing his younger brother Louie at a young age and how that experience shaped him into someone who feels older and wiser beyond his years. In this episode, we explore: The impact of sibling loss and carrying grief through adulthood Going to therapy and learning how to process pain instead of burying it The emotional maturity that can come from loss early in life Alfie's ambition to reach his full potential in the comedy industry How he keeps pressure, drive, and expectations in check while staying grounded This is an episode about love, loss, healing, and finding meaning moving forward. Raw. Reflective. Human. Content warning: bereavement, grief.

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Alfie on the following links:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Website

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions

This week on The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with comedian and author Adam Bloom for a deeply honest conversation about mental health, fatherhood, and the stories we carry beneath the surface.

Adam opens up about his experiences living with bipolar disorder (hypomania), and how it has shaped his inner world, relationships, and day-to-day life. In this episode, we talk about: Mental health and hypomania — and what it really feels like from the inside The pain of relationship breakdown and separation The emotional weight of not living with his children full-time Intrusive thoughts and learning how to live alongside them How comedy can be both a shield and a lifeline Why Adam wrote his best-selling book Finding Your Comic Genius — and what it taught him about creativity, vulnerability, and being a man This is an episode about identity, loss, resilience, and the quiet work of rebuilding. Raw. Thoughtful. Human. Episode out now Content warning: bipolar disorder, intrusive thoughts, relationship loss

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.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope

Guest information

Follow Adam on the following links:

• Instagram
• Finding Your Comic Genius

Listen, rate, follow, and share

The Hurt Locker Podcast New episodes (most) Tuesdays. Please rate, review, and share to help more men find the support they need. Listen everywhere: SPOTIFY | APPLE | YOUTUBE | AMAZON Follow us on Instagram: @thehurtlockerpod Follow us on TikTok @thehurtlockerpod Hosted by Yinka Yesufu Produced by Tim Roe @courageousproductions