The Stress Sessions

After a three month hiatus, The Stress Sessions is back with Series Two!

If this is your first listen to my podcast, then 'welcome'! Thanks for tuning in; it means a lot. I'm Luke and I suffer with anxiety and depression, having been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) about five or six years ago.

Since the last episode back in October, it hasn't been all plain sailing for me... in that little break, I've been busy recording lots of great podcasts for you to listen to, relate to and maybe even learn a thing or two in the process. Oh, and I've also moved house, changed jobs, have re-sought professional help about my own mental health, I think there might be a global pandemic going on... and, as I type this, am currently without internet access. To say that it's been challenging would be an understatement!

So, what fantastic guest do I have for you in week one? Well, he's a professional footballer, he's 21, contracted to Manchester City (currently on loan at Doncaster Rovers), has been capped by the Welsh national team numerous times, and suffers from mental ill-health.

I really enjoyed recording this episode because: 1) I LOVE football and 2) It was SO refreshing to chat to someone 10 years my minor in a high-profile position, playing in a predominantly masculine sport about his mental health.

So, without further avail, please welcome Matt Smith to The Stress Sessions podcast!

Oh, and if you enjoy the episode or any of the others, please share with friends, family, or anyone who you think they may help.

IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!

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On a side note, I'm not a professional in this field, nor do I claim to be. These podcasts are purely based on my own, personal experiences, and those of my guests, alongside some simple hints and tips along the way.

If you are suffering from a mental illness, there are lots of amazing charities that will be able to help you by offering professional advice. You'll be able to find these here.

Thank you

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Hi everyone! I've been looking forward to releasing this episode all week... it's one of the best I've recorded - not just because I personally enjoyed chatting to someone that I haven't had the chance to properly catch up with for a while, but because it was the first time I have talked about I few of the topics that came up.

So, what can I say about Episode 10: The One With the Grand Finale?

Well, it's full of coping techniques, a very frank discussion on suicidal thoughts, how 2020 has completely changed our outlooks on life... and about Paul's new acting career.

It's a good one - and also the last of this series - so, sit back, relax, and enjoy Episode 10 of The Stress Sessions.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and for continuing to download, share and subscribing to this rollercoaster ride of a podcast!

See you in 2021 :)

Peace and love, Luke

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Apologies in advance to all of my other guests, but I was VERY EXCITED to record this episode. Episode Nine: The One With the Legendary Gills Striker (and *Lewis Hamilton).

It was SO, SO CLOSE to the wire, but at 21:59 on transfer deadline day, I managed to sign up former Gillingham FC, Reading, Brentford and Sheffield Utd striker, Carl Asaba, to come on and chat football (obviously) and all things mental health on The Stress Sessions.

With over 100 career goals, appearing in two Division Two Play-off Finals, and after coming up against the likes of ex-England international, Rio Ferdinand, it's safe to say Carl didn't find it too difficult finding the back of the net.

I even got the chance to see him score in one of the Play-off Finals for Gillingham FC at the old Wembley Stadium. And although the Gills didn't win the match against Manchester City (bloody Paul Dickov and Shaun Goater), it was such a memorable day as an eight or nine year old fan.

But what happened once he retired at the age of 33 due to injury? How was it dealing with mental health issues over 20 years ago as a footballer? What does he think about Mesut Ozil being left out of the current Arsenal squad, but is still bagging £350,000 a week?

Well, you'll need to listen to Episode Nine to find out!

(*Disclaimer: Lewis Hamilton is Carl Asaba's dog... the F1 World Champion sadly doesn't make an appearance on this episode).

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Here we bloody go. Episode Eight: The One With the Big Announcement.

This week, I talk about World Mental Health Day - the MASSIVE competition with Percy's BBQ Milton Keynes. You might even find out the winner...

I also talk about my learnings, having watched the 'Freddie Flintoff: Living With Bulimia' programme, which recently aired on BBC1, the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace, starting a new job and Mental Health First Aider training - which I have just booked onto! 

Have a lovely week and, of course, please download, like, share and let me know what you think. Thank you for your continued support.

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It's time to check in. Grab your mobile and phone a friend, family member or colleague.

Everyone needs a little chat about how they're feeling from time to time and this is the chance for you to speak to one of your mates who you've not had the chance to natter to for a while. Or your brother, Auntie or cousin that you might have had a heart-to-heart with yesterday. Even Will from work, Carol from the corner shop, Mohammed your mechanic. They all have feelings, which means they'll all need to borrow an ear from time to time.

Go on, make someone's day a little bit better. You'll feel better for it, trust me.

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Yo, yo, yo! A HUGE thank you for downloading episode seven, and for your continued support.

This is The One With the Memory Jog.

It was great to record, as I got to have a natter with the amazing Jess Robson, Founder of Run Talk Run, a global mental health running group where people are free to run and talk without judgement or competition. It's amaaaaaaaaaaazingggggggggg.

I've recently become the leader of the Milton Keynes group (@RunTalkRun_MK), so was keen to sit down and discuss all things running, how it can really help your mental health, and a few other bits and pieces along the way!

Again, cheers for downloading, and make sure you give The Stress Sessions a little share with your friends and family - and let them know about Run Talk Run too!

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It's here, it's here, episode six is here! The One With the Transatlantic Guests.

I was really nervous about recording this one because it was the first time I've had two guests one the show at the same time - one a Californian influencer, Miss Adrienne Finch, and the other a former social worker and graduate from Columbia University, Mary Albertoli - who both work at The Shift.

The Shift is a groundbreaking multi-platform docuseries and social movement to erase the stigma around youth mental health. And the work they're doing is amazing - check it out.

Turns out, both Adrienne and Mary were totally lovely and we had a great chat about an American history of mental health in the media, the take of two continents on the Covid-19 pandemic, the stigma around men's mental health, helping the youth of today understand mental health, and much, much more! All in about 45 minutes.

So you're in for a right treat.

Pop in those headphones, or turn those speakers up loud, to hear the dulcet tones of an Essex-sounding bloke (me) talking to two Californians!

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IT'S MOOOOOONDAY 💃. 

HERE WE BLOODY GO! Episode Five. It's here. Straight after Episode Four.

In this episode I'm ALLLLL BYYYYY MYYYYSEEEEEELF. But it's not all doom and gloom. I've got a whiskey on the rocks going. It's lovely. And I'm talking about the past week, answer a few questions that you lot have sent in, World Suicide Prevention Day and much, much more. 

It's a little bit shorter than usual. Just a little 30 minutes. So give it a download, subscribe while you're at it and give me a few shout outs on the @StressSessions Instagram if you're in a particularly good mood! 

Thanks and have a bloody lovely week! 

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Hello! Have I got an ABSOLUTE TREAT for you all this week - Episode Four: The One With the Colonel Sanders Beef.

In this episode, I'm speaking to Kayleigh (sister of one of my wife's best mates), who's previously suffered from postnatal depression. And believe me, I learnt A LOT. SO MUCH. Mainly because I haven't got kids, and didn't really know anything about the topic... so a lot of research went into this (TRUST ME DADDY)!

You may have noticed that postnatal depression has been a somewhat 'hot topic' this week, with actor Sheridan Smith speaking out openly about her experiences on national television, and artist, Paloma Faith announcing that she did a WHOLE TOUR whilst suffering in silence. So, so brave. 

Like I said, this one's really interesting, whether you're male, female... have suffered from postnatal depression, or haven't. So, grab a tea. Grab a coffee. Get some Digestives. Dunk 'em, and pop this on.

Have a lovely, lovely week.

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After a two-week break, The Stress Session is back with Episode Three: The One With the Ankle Model.

This time round, I'm speaking to my good friend, Emma, who's an Assistant Headteacher. As some of you will know already, lots of children are due to go back to school next week.

For all the worried parents out there whose little (or big) ones are heading back to the classroom, you can find out what they can expect, how mental health education is being integrated into the curriculum, and what else the education system is doing to help your kids grow up in a VERY daunting world.

Oh, and we might even talk about that time we went on holiday to Spain...

Put the kettle on and let you ears have a good old listen.

Thanks to everyone who's listened to the podcast already - we've now hit over 500 downloads which is AMAZING. Let's go for that big 1,000, so make sure you're sharing, subscribing, following the @StressSessions Instagram account and liking all that lovely content :)

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