The Spotter

The first of two episodes for this November's men's mental health awareness month...

Keeping it true - raw - open.

I haven't opened up enough. I have lied to myself. I thought I was fine.

This Is my way of saying, I'm opening up, so please do It too.

It may feel dificult, you may feel anxious, scared or feel like there Is no safe space to do so.

This podcast is a safe space. Whether that's listening and reaching out. Messaging a friend. Striking up conversation off the back of an episode. Feeling like you are not going through something alone.

I make this podcast as a way of encouraging others to speak out.

Nobody should lift life alone.

No MAN should lift life alone.

We need to do better.

Check In on your friends. Your partner. Your Dad.

Call them. "How are you?". "Are you ok? Sure?"

Something as simple as "I'm here for you - remember that".

I don't have all the answers - but I know we can do more. We MUST.

Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected? In this solo episode, I share my journey through emotional turbulence and the power of therapy. I talk about the pivotal moments that led me to reassess my life, prioritise my mental health, and seek support.

If you’ve ever felt lost in your emotions or struggled to find your purpose, this episode is for you.

Earlier this year, I experienced an emotional breakdown and realised I wasn’t being true to myself. I talk about why it matters to speak openly about mental health, break the stigma, and create safe spaces for honest conversations. I also share my experience with therapy again and how just a few sessions helped me regain clarity and a sense of direction.

In a world that often glorifies busyness, my experience is a reminder to slow down, listen to ourselves, and prioritise our mental well-being. Ignoring what we’re feeling can lead to burnout, missed opportunities for connection, and a lack of fulfillment.

This episode is for anyone feeling the weight of life’s pressures, looking for encouragement, or wanting to have more meaningful conversations about mental health. Tune in for an honest exploration of growth, purpose, and the power of community.

Social media can isolate people, or it can build the kind of community that changes a life. We unpack how a simple Instagram connection turned into a real conversation about mental health, gym culture, confidence, and why opening up online does not have to be fake or performative.Rosie shares the story behind her Instagram page - building a page that mixes recovery, honest reflection, and debate around the topics people are often too afraid to question. I bring my own perspective from the other side of the screen, talking about how podcasting, lifting, and social media helped me find connection, and how we have learned that online relationships can become very real, very quickly.You'll discover why Rosie’s gym journey started with weight loss and self-doubt, how a bodybuilder coach changed everything, and why her move to a new coach and the Gym Joint helped her find a more balanced, sustainable approach. We also break down the darker side of fitness culture - the pressure to stay disciplined at all times, the stigma around tracking food, and why not every focused relationship with nutrition is an eating disorder.Rosie also opens up about what it means to be routine-driven, how fear of change almost stopped her from traveling, and why she’s now heading off on a four-week interrailing trip through France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, and the Netherlands! It is an honest, layered conversation about control, freedom, identity, and what happens when you stop living like your life has to fit perfectly around your fitness plan.

Excited for this one!

Joined by the owner of The Gym Joint in Bourne End (best gym in the south).

Ok - maybe I am a little biased considering it is my home gym.

In the world of fitness, opening a gym might seem like a glamorous venture, but as Aaron shares in this insightful conversation, the reality is often quite different.

From initial struggles to creating a thriving community, Aaron’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring gym owners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

We delve into the key takeaways from Aaron’s experience, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and the importance of building a supportive fitness community.

All whilst building a family, generating funds, keeping a level head and ensuring he gave himself the breathing room.

It is a really eye-opening conversation and I am excited to have Aaron on again in future to delve further into his journey.

28 snacks from my childhood!

How many did you also feast on?!?!

This special Q&A leads with questions from yourselves and we get deep into some answers. Mental health, life advice and my past. Its a range of questions!

Listen on and enjoy - lots of laughs in this one and some snacking to keep you entertained.

As always - thank you for tuning in and helping to encourage others to talk, open up and spot others in life, not just on the gym floor.

In this episode, Will shares his inspiring journey from musical theatre and performance to firefighting, his experiences with fatherhood, and the importance of mental health and opening up about personal struggles. We explore themes of resilience, masculinity, and the power of honest conversations.

It really was a change in tempo...

This was an eye-opener for me. Some of these insights around IVF I really had no idea about. Of course everyone's journey is unique, but this one was really deep and I feel it can shed light on these instances that do occur, but those that do not get spoken about enough.

We also delved deep into fatherhood! The ups, downs and all the inbetween (there is ALOT according to Will!). The importance of being that individual that will effectively shape and mould a human being. It really did make me think!

I loved this conversation. Myself and Will only met 3 months ago, but we have bonded over that time and wanted to get on the mic together to hopefully help Dads all over that may feel like they are alone in all that comes with being a father.

Let us know your thoughts!

Zara any myself haven't known eachother long.

Our interactions at the gym however have recently led us to talk more openly and deeply.

We spoke about getting on the podcast and seeing where it would take us and WOW...

I learned alot.

It truly is a blessing to be able to connect with so many individuals on this platform and provide insights than can help others.

Zara went into detail about many topics which I think we all have struggled with at some point in our lives.

She shares her personal journey through mental health, her struggles with high achievement targets she places on herself and self-discovery.

The podcast highlights the importance of vulnerability, therapy, and resilience.

Join us as we explore mental health, personal growth, and the transformative power of authentic connection.

BOOM!

The first (technically not!) guest of the year!

In this in-depth conversation, Rohan opens up about his journey from dentistry to coaching, mental health struggles, the importance of vulnerability, and balancing success with personal well-being.

A fantastic guy with a very interesting background. You will want to hear more from him!

Rohan is someone I respect massively so, he was high up on my list of guests to reach out to this year.

From starting in dentisty and working his way towards building a very successful coaching business, we delve into the inbetween parts that no one else sees...

Listen along - watch along - reach out and let me know your thoughts.

Remember - if you feel compelled to come on and talk knowing it could help someone, please do get in touch!

The recovery road is long...

And in Mum's case - it doesn't always end up 'fixing' you back to how you were before.

Fatigue.

Mobility issues.

Memory loss.

Confidence gone.

What next?

It's all been about 'getting through it'. As best as she could. And by GOD has she done that!

I am biased - she is my Mum - but she has really been through it. The diagnosis of AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in 2016 was the news we never expected to hear but, we quickly had to come to terms with it.

As did Mum.

The road ahead after this was long - uncertain - worrying - sometimes it felt like there was no end...

Fast forward some seriously tough years and we are now 8 years on.

8 years post that vital stem-cell transplant. Sourced by Anthony Nolan Charity: https://www.anthonynolan.org/

Happy 8th Birthday Carina AKA Mum - this episode is a celebration of that and some revisiting of those tough years.

Other links to amazing charities that do wonderful work (mentioned in the episode):

Encephalitis International: https://www.encephalitis.info/

Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Make sure to support the Always Forward movement and brand as well and get yourself some amazing clothing with important messages to showcase (use JJC10 for 10% off your order): https://www.alwaysforwardbrand.co.uk/

I always knew therapy wouldn't be an easy thing to do...But my god - it's worth the try.I had alot I needed to figure out, work on and acknowledge. It's allowing me to do so in a structured way without feeling like I'm being asked invasive questions.Talking truly does help.I try and encourage you all to do this via these episodes I put out. We really need to keep spreading this movement and spot eachother throughout life. Encourage eachother to talk. Listen without judgement. Provide safe spaces for those struggling.I'm looking forward to going forward on this journey. Alot has happened in my life that I haven't processed at all...It's time to face these events and try to move forward.Always forward!