In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we sit down with Luke Barrow—founder of the men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity 2PintsDeep. From sharing his emotions online to receiving over 150 messages from men who resonated, Luke’s story is proof that vulnerability can spark real change.

🧠 Men’s Mental Health & Vulnerability

• Why Luke feels more like a man today than ever before
• The power of expressing emotions in male spaces
• What it was like to open up publicly for the first time

💬 Therapy, Healing & Dreaming Bigger

• Why therapy isn’t just for when you’re at your worst
• What Luke still struggles with today
• His vision for a life of peace, purpose, and freedom

🏫 Prevention Starts Young

• Why we need to teach emotional language and skills in schools
• Tailoring mental health support to different communities
• The North East & North West’s rising suicide rates

🏃 Running & Connection

• How Luke’s run club “Two Miles Deep” is changing lives
• Why men are craving connection post-lockdown
• What running does for Luke mentally

📲 Real Impact

• How strangers have supported the mission
• Quantifying the success of grassroots mental health charities
• The relatable, honest approach 2PintsDeep is using to reach men

🎧 If you care about real conversations, suicide prevention, and reshaping how men experience emotion—this is one you don’t want to miss.

You can follow 2PintsDeep here 👇

https://www.instagram.com/2pintsdeep

In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we sit down with Lee, ShredFast instructor — a fast-growing online HIIT and kettlebell training platform — to hear his raw and powerful story of transformation through trauma, fitness, faith, and mental resilience.💥 Hitting Rock Bottom- Smoking weed daily, maxing out credit cards, getting arrested, and battling inner demons- Struggling with anxiety, escapism, and saying yes to things he didn’t want to do- Considering taking his own life in the midst of overwhelming darkness🧠 Mindset, Faith & Mental Strength- How finding faith in his lowest moments gave him a reason to fight back- The mindset shift that helped him stop escaping and start taking control- Quitting a safe 9–5 job to become his own boss and become a ShredFast instructor and personal trainer💪 From Weak to Warrior- Transforming from mentally and physically weak to his strongest self yet- Creating a lifestyle around HIIT, kettlebell workouts, and discipline- Why discomfort, structure, and showing up every day changed everything🔥 ShredFast & Helping Others- Building a thriving online fitness community and redefining what success looks like- Helping others become mentally and physically unstoppable🎧 This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with purpose, battling anxiety, or ready to turn pain into power and build a bulletproof mindsetYou can keep up with the great work Lee is doing below 👇Lee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelaverty17/ShredFast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shred.fast/📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod

In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we sit down with Reiss to unpack the complex relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and identity—and the powerful transformation that followed his decision to quit drinking.🍷 Alcohol, Anxiety & EscapismUsing alcohol to numb anxiety without even realising itWhy quitting alcohol helped him finally face his emotionsHow alcohol is the only drug we have to justify not usingThe health risks and hidden stats around drinking culture🧠 Mental Health, Masculinity & Social PressureSocial shedding—losing friends when you stop drinkingHow people react when your choices challenge their lifestyleNot feeling “enough” after facing racial abuse at schoolLearning to live on your own terms and avoid future regrets💬 Honest Reflections & IdentityWhy Reiss isn’t sure he’ll ever drink againFeeling unsupported by "friends" during his sobriety journeyTrying to rewrite the narrative and live life forward🎧 This episode is for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, navigating anxiety, or striving to live more intentionally.You can keep up with Reiss below 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reiss_silva11/ 📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@valuexchangepod?feature=sharedSubscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives. https://www.valueexchangepod.com/

In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we sit down with strength and conditioning coach Reiss Silva to explore what truly separates good coaches from great ones, especially in the world of combat sports.🥊 Strength & Conditioning for FightersWhat strength and conditioning actually is—and why it mattersWhere most combat athletes go wrong in their training and preparationHow Reiss helps fighters maximise talent, build trust, and buy into the long-term plan🧠 Mindset, Struggles & SimplicityBoth Reiss and I share personal challenges in our “Struggle With” segmentRed flag or green flag? We play a game tailored to fightersReiss opens up about the little things that bring him joy—and why they matter🔥 Training & RecoveryThoughts on making weight the right wayOverrated vs underrated: visualisation, ice baths, fasted cardio, neck trainingMorning routines and building consistency💬 Male Mental HealthDoes Reiss speak to his male friends about mental health?Live on the podcast—Reiss texts a friend to check in on themWhy those conversations still feel hard for many men🦍 Bonus Banter100 men vs 1 gorilla—who’s winning?Top 5 UFC fighters of all timeReiss flips the script and puts me in the hot seat🎧 If you care about combat sports, coaching, or men’s mental health—this is a must-listen.You can keep up with Reiss below 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reiss_silva11/ 📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod Subscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives. https://www.valueexchangepod.com

In this powerful episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, I sit down with Stephen Melling to hear his incredible journey from addiction to transformation. He opens up about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, years spent in and out of rehab, and the turning point that changed everything—running.🏃‍♂️ How Running Saved His LifeWhile in rehab for the last time, Stephen found running, a habit that not only helped him stay sober but also led him to start a running club—now a community interest company— the Recovery Group - supporting people battling addiction, mental health struggles, and those coming out of rehab.💭 Overcoming Mental BattlesHe shares his personal experience with suicidal thoughts, the heart-breaking letters he wrote to his children, and his ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia.🧘 Healthy Dopamine & Mental WellbeingNow in a much better place, he talks about his self-care routine and how he gets his dopamine in a healthy way through:✅ Running & exercise✅ Cold water exposure✅ Meditation & journaling✅ Inner child healing✅ Gratitude & self-care🎧 This episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and so much authenticity for anyone struggling with addiction, mental health, or looking for positive life changes.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on men’s health, fitness & mental well-being!You can keep up with the great work Ste is doing below 👇Instagram: instagram.com/therecoverygroup_You can also support the Recovery Group and the amazing work they do here 👇https://www.gofundme.com/f/coast-to-coast-110-miles-run-for-recovery Join them for a run here 👇🍀 Every Sunday at 9am📍Sefton Park, Liverpool.📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod Subscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives. https://www.valueexchangepod.com/

In Episode 12, I sit down with Kieran Anders from Dad Matters to discuss a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves—fatherhood and men's mental health during the perinatal period.

Kieran is a passionate advocate for dads, working with Dad Matters to support dads mental well-being before and after childbirth.

In this episode, we cover:

🔹 The reality of paternity leave for dads and shared parental leave

🔹 How men’s hormones change when they become fathers

🔹 The struggles dads face after birth: sleep deprivation, anxiety, and emotional suppression

🔹 Why dads aren’t screened for postnatal depression

🔹 The work Dad Matters does to support new fathers

🔹 How perinatal mental health teams work and why mums and dads experience parenthood differently

🔹 Kieran’s personal story: from his first job to his dream of becoming a teacher

🔹 The role of alcohol in men’s social lives—why it’s easier to go to the pub than join a football team

🔹 The ‘How Are You, Dad?’ campaign and why men struggle to answer honestly

🔹 The emotional impact of losing his own father

Fatherhood isn’t just about providing—it’s about mental health, identity, and connection.

This episode is essential listening for new dads, expecting fathers, and anyone who wants to understand the mental load of modern fatherhood.📢

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge the stigma around men's mental health!

#Fatherhood #MensMentalHealth #PaternityLeave #PostnatalDepression #DadMatters #HowAreYouDad #MentalHealthAwarenessYou can keep up with Dad matters below:

www.instagram.com/dadmattersuk/

https://youtu.be/pLWnRUxcuf8

New Dad Workshop – Dad MattersDad Matters – Supporting Dads in Greater Manchester to have the best possible relationships with their families.Keep up with the latest podcast episodes by following us on your favourite platform! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valuexchangepod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valuexchangepod/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@valuexchangepod?feature=shared

In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we sit down with Kofi Josephs—a GB basketball player, model, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker—to discuss his journey through sports, mental health, and business.🏀 Basketball & Overcoming Struggles- Making the GB basketball team before he was ready and the challenges he faced- Moving to America on a basketball scholarship and experiencing culture shock- Hand-painting a basketball court for the Commonwealth Games—and nearly getting murdered on that trip🧠 Mental Health, Social Shedding & Personal Growth- Going to therapy for the first time and confronting deep personal struggles- Social shedding—losing friends while elevating in life & the "crabs in a barrel" mentality in Birmingham- Starting a mental health business and delivering powerful keynote talks👨‍👦 Breaking Generational Curses- Growing up without a father and the impact it had on his mindset- His mission to break cycles and create a better future- The fickle nature of social media and why real impact matters more🌍 A Bigger Purpose- How he wants to change the world beyond basketball and business- The mindset shifts that helped him push past obstacles and create success🎧 This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about basketball, personal growth, mental health, and entrepreneurship.You can keep up with the great work Kofi is doing below 👇Instagram: instagram.com/dejkoafInstagram: instagram.com/whynotimh/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kofi-josephs/Website: https://www.whynoti.co.uk/ 📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod Subscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives. https://www.valueexchangepod.com/

In this episode of The Value Exchange Podcast, we dive deep into everything you need to know about fueling for half and full marathons. Whether you're a seasoned runner or tackling your first race, this episode has you covered!💡 What We Covered:✅ How to fuel before, during, and after your marathon☕ The role of caffeine in boosting performance and endurance💧 Hydration strategies to keep you going strong💊 The supplements runners should take for optimal performance and recovery🛡️ How to avoid common running injuries and stay on trackJordan Fagbola, a former professional footballer and experienced sports nutritionist, brings a wealth of knowledge to marathon and half marathon running. With expert advice on training and nutrition, Jordan provides practical tips you can apply to optimize your performance and recovery for both half and full marathons.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on men’s health, fitness & mental well-being!You can keep up with the Jordan below 👇Instagram: www.instagram.com/oba.nutrition/

Website: Home
📩 Want to support the podcast or join our community?Follow us on socials below 👇TikTok: tiktok.com/@valuexchangepodcast Instagram: instagram.com/valuexchangepod

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@valuexchangepod?feature=shared

In Episode 7, I sit down with Owen, an avid runner and former personal trainer, as he shares his ongoing journey of recovery from an eating disorder.

Owen opens up about the struggles he’s faced, from eating as little as 900 calories a day to tying his self-worth to productivity and performance. Therapy has been, and still is a crucial part of his recovery, but he’s honest about the challenges of seeking help and the flaws in the assessment process for eating disorders.

Running became an escape from his eating disorder, replacing his obsession with body image with a focus on performance. However, he candidly shares the difficulties he’d face if running were ever taken away from him.

In this episode, we cover:- The reality of Eating Disorders and the common misconceptions

- The dangers of calorie counting using apps like MyFitnessPal

- How misinformation about nutrition can fuel disordered eating

- The importance of rest days and how to overcome feeling unproductive

- The impact of social media on body image and how to stop comparing yourself to others

We also discuss his inspiring efforts to raise awareness by completing 21 running events in 12 months for the eating disorder charity BEAT, including marathons, half marathons, and more.

Whether you're interested in running, mental health, or breaking down misconceptions about eating disorders, this episode offers honest insights into recovery, resilience, and the importance of seeking help before hitting rock bottom.

You can keep up with Owen below!

https://www.instagram.com/owen.runsvseds/

Keep up with the latest podcast episodes by following us on your favourite platform!

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valuexchangepod

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Subscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives.

https://www.valueexchangepod.com/

In Episode 7 of The Value Exchange Podcast, we discuss one of the most important yet misunderstood topics: trauma.Trauma can impact every area of life—from mental and physical health to relationships and beyond. In this episode, we unpack the research and realities of trauma, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and explore how they shape who we are.Join us as we discuss:- What is trauma? The psychological and physical realities.- What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? Exploring the ACE questionnaire - The impact of ACEs and trauma on the immune system, mental health, and relationships.- Protective factors that promote resilience and healing.- Can you heal from trauma? What does the process look like?- Can you ever truly forget trauma, or is it always part of your story?- Hypervigilance: How trauma affects the brain and body.- Trauma-informed practices and how they help create safer spaces for healing.- Books that can guide you on your healing journey.Whether you’re a trauma survivor, a professional in mental health, or someone eager to understand the profound effects of ACEs and trauma, this episode is packed with insights and hope.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on more thought-provoking conversations about mental health, fitness, and well-being.You can keep up with Dave and his work on the below channels:Instagram: instagram.com/thrive.mcr Facebook: facebook.com/thrivemcr Keep up with the latest podcast episodes by following us on your favourite platform! Subscribe to the newsletter for podcast exclusives. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valuexchangepod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valuexchangepod/