Shows
GoodEnoughChatsPerfectionism and the long tail of burnout, with Dan Bowsher☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchats After more than 35 conversations listening to other men’s stories, the tables turn – and it’s Dan’s turn in the chair.In this episode, guest host Ben Rogers interviews Dan Bowsher, founder and host of GoodEnoughChats, about his own experience of burnout, anxiety and clinical perfectionism.Dan talks about the years he spent pushing himself to exhaustion, the collapse that forced him to stop, and the long, uneven recovery that followed. He reflect...
2025-11-271h 14
GoodEnoughChatsRedundancy and rediscovering your identity, with Ben Robins☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsWhen Ben Robins was suddenly made redundant after eight years in a job he’d built from the ground up, it shook both his confidence and his sense of identity.I triggered some deep reflection, confronting how much of his self-worth was tied to work, and how patterns of over-giving and self-criticism had left him burnt out and unfulfilled.Through therapy and gradual change, Ben began rebuilding with more self-compassion and a clea...
2025-11-2056 min
GoodEnoughChatsIntroversion, anxiety, and burnout recovery, with Peter Shearman☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/GoodEnoughChats ☕Peter Shearman’s story will resonate with anyone who’s ever pushed themselves too hard for too long.A lifelong introvert working in a world that rewards extroversion, Peter spent years trying to meet expectations that didn’t quite fit. Over time, the constant pressure to perform, please and stay “on” caught up with him — leading to anxiety, exhaustion and eventually burnout.During the pandemic, things reached a breaking point. Disconnected from decision-making...
2025-11-131h 14
GoodEnoughChatsSurviving suicide and the power of faith, with Barry King☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsBarry King has lived with clinical depression for much of his adult life.In 2016, feeling exhausted and believing that those around him would be better off without him, Barry attempted to take his own life. He was found unconscious, taken to hospital and spent three days in a coma. Doctors didn’t expect him to survive – but against all odds, he woke up with no lasting physical damage.Barry credits his survival to his...
2025-11-061h 32
GoodEnoughChatsEmbracing ADHD & neurodiversity in your 50s, with Gary Lewis☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsGary Lewis has spent much of his adult life battling anxiety, self-criticism and a constant sense of frustration – feelings that, for years, went unexplained.In this episode, Gary talks about the long road to understanding himself, from struggling through school and early jobs to finally being diagnosed with ADHD in his 50s. He describes how that discovery reframed his past, helped him find self-acceptance, and gave him new energy and optimism for the future.
2025-10-301h 27
GoodEnoughChatsFrom feeling lost to finding space, with Rob Dawson☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsThis episode traces Rob Dawson’s journey from feeling lost as a kid growing up in Lincolnshire to building a life he never expected on the other side of the world.Rob talks openly about drifting through his early years, unsure of what he wanted, but increasingly clear on what he didn’t. After walking away from academia, a serendipitous nudge toward arborism took him to New Zealand, where he found something that had been missing: space – both lit...
2025-10-231h 16
GoodEnoughChatsSocial anxiety, impossible comparisons, and spotting early indicators, with Simon Spencer☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsIn this episode, Simon Spencer reflects on his experiences of social anxiety, emotional fatigue, and the challenge of resisting constant self-comparison.He talks openly about how these issues first showed up in his teenage years, how they shaped his 20s, and how things have gradually improved as he’s learned to recognise his own needs more clearly.Simon also speaks about the role running has played in helping him maintain balance, how he’s...
2025-10-161h 26
GoodEnoughChatsBurnout, depression, and late diagnosis ADHD, with Matt Hocking☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchats Matt Hocking opens up about what happens when years of pressure, emotional over-functioning, and unprocessed trauma finally catch up with you, and how a late diagnosis of ADHD has helped him to start making sense of it all.Matt talks about hitting a wall after trying to push through months of mental and physical exhaustion. He describes feeling completely shut down, dissociative, and unable to access any of the tools that used to help him cope....
2025-10-091h 42
GoodEnoughChatsShame and the legacy of feeling othered, with Martin Lathbury☕ Support the show through Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/goodenoughchatsMartin Lathbury is a social media professional and retro gaming fan who grew up feeling like he didn’t quite fit. In this episode, he talks openly about the long shadow of childhood bullying, the experience of being “othered” as a gay man, and how years of internalised shame left him emotionally detached, anxious, and isolated.It was only after things started to spiral – withdrawing from friends, struggling at work, and questioning everything – that Martin realised something needed to ch...
2025-10-0259 min
GoodEnoughChatsBurnt out, estranged, and starting again, with Mark JenningsIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats, Mark Jennings talks candidly about the inner pressure to succeed, where it came from, and the devastating impact it eventually had on his health, relationships, and identity.Mark shares how a lifetime of striving to meet other people’s expectations led to burnout, the breakdown of his marriage, and a complete collapse of confidence during a job in London. That, combined with pneumonia and a deep sense of emotional disconnection, left him barely functioning — and ultimately estranged from his parents.But he also speaks hone...
2025-09-251h 22
GoodEnoughChatsGrief, divorce, isolation, and finding a path back, with John LyonsIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats, John Lyons opens up about the series of life events that brought him to the edge, and the path he took to find his way back.John shares how the sudden death of his younger brother, a cancer diagnosis, and the breakdown of his marriage just before the first UK lockdown created a perfect storm that left him isolated, depressed, and seriously contemplating taking his own life. But he also talks honestly about what helped him survive it: therapy, medication, moments of clarity, and above all, the bond with...
2025-09-181h 20
GoodEnoughChatsSeason 3 Wrap and Future PlansWe’ve just wrapped Season 3 of GoodEnoughChats, 10 new episodes featuring 10 incredibly generous, diverse, and honest stories.In this wrap-up, host Dan Bowsher reflects on the conversations shared this season and offers a quick look ahead to what’s coming next. From taking a short break over the summer, to planning new ways to expand the impact of the podcast, this is a brief pause to mark how far the project has come, and where it might go from here.Huge thanks to all the guests in Season 3: Simon, Imi, Ben...
2025-07-1005 min
GoodEnoughChatsFamily life with a high-functioning alcoholic partner, injury, and bankruptcy, with Jason HossIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats, a men’s mental health podcast on a mission to destigmatise these issues, one chat at a time, Jason Hoss shares his story with rare honesty and resilience. He talks about what it was like to live for years with a partner struggling with high-functioning alcoholism, while raising two young children, battling financial hardship, and rebuilding his life after injury and career collapse.Jason is a business resilience professional, and the irony isn’t lost on him. He’s applied the same mindset – “run towards th...
2025-07-031h 18
GoodEnoughChatsComing out, slowing down, and learning to speak up, with Harry RichardsIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats – a men’s mental health podcast on a mission to destigmatise these issues, one chat at a time – filmmaker Harry Richards shares his journey of coming out as a gay man after years of hiding that part of himself.He talks about the weight of secrecy, the fear of rejection, and the slow, sometimes painful process of learning to tell the truth—even to himself.Harry reflects on how his mental health was shaped by living in the closet, how the pandemic gave him space to...
2025-06-261h 03
GoodEnoughChatsLearning to live with anxiety, with Joe GloverIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats – a men’s mental health podcast on a mission to destigmatise these issues, one chat at a time – Joe Glover shares what it’s really like to live with anxiety while building a business, raising a young family, and trying to stay human in the middle of it all.He talks honestly about how anxiety shows up in his body, the frustration of feeling overwhelmed during moments that are meant to be joyful, and his journey towards accepting the help he needs. As with all the...
2025-06-191h 05
GoodEnoughChatsIdentity, growing in confidence, and the power of therapy, with Shanil NayeeIn this episode, Shanil Nayee talks candidly about identity, confidence, and mental health as one of small number of Asian men working at a senior position in a high-pressure industry. He reflects on the early career moments that led him to therapy, the generational and cultural dynamics that shaped his emotional world, and the impact that gaining greater self-awareness has had on his career and wellbeing. Now a Mental Health First Aider and part of the steering group for State of Us – a PR industry network focused on increasing aw...
2025-06-1258 min
GoodEnoughChatsChronic illness, daily seizures & finding purpose through community, with Jake S, aka PunkChef41In this episode, Jake S – A.K.A PunkChef41 – opens up about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a chronic illness that causes him to experience tens (sometimes hundreds) of seizures every day.The condition influences every aspect of his work and family life, and he talks openly about the impact it has on his mental health, and the role his YouTube channel, and the community he’s building through it, play in giving him the structure, purpose, and connection he needs.Here are the timestamps for each of the co...
2025-06-051h 04
GoodEnoughChatsGrief, trauma, burnout, self-medication, and stepping back from the brink, with David EakinsDavid Eakins talks about how the impact of his Dad’s sudden death, followed shortly after by the incredibly traumatic circumstances surrounding the birth of his first child affected him, and how his poorly handled return to work took him to the very brink of suicide. He discusses the events that nearly cost him his life, the systemic failures he experienced in the workplace, and the moment that pulled him back from the edge. He reflects on the five years he spent hiding his pain with drugs and alcohol, and the turning point that go...
2025-05-291h 12
GoodEnoughChatsSurviving suicide, and turning recovery into discovery, with Chris FrederickIn this episode of GoodEnoughChats, Chris Frederick shares his story with raw honesty and powerful clarity. A two-time suicide attempt survivor, Chris talks openly about the events that led him to those moments, and the journey he’s taken since to help others find their way forward.From growing up in a fractured household, to navigating life as a black man in spaces that often felt excluding, Chris reflects on how silence and years of suppressed emotion nearly cost him everything.But he also shares what ha...
2025-05-221h 15
GoodEnoughChatsBody shaming, bullying, and its legacy, with Ben RogersIn this episode, Ben Rogers shares the quiet, lasting impact of being targeted for his weight from childhood through adulthood, and how he’s reshaped his life to protect his wellbeing.Ben speaks openly about the legacy of bullying, self-esteem issues, and toxic male social dynamics. He reflects on how it feels to carry that history into his 30s, and the choices he’s made, from distancing himself from certain social circles to finding connection online and in female friendships.Ben’s story is one of reflection, resilience, and choosi...
2025-05-151h 08
GoodEnoughChatsAnxiety, anger, and learning to just be, with Imi de DaranyiIn this honest and generous conversation, Imi de Daranyi talks through his lifelong journey with mental health, how early childhood experiences left a lasting imprint, and how only in his 50s did he finally begin to understand and unpack what had been simmering under the surface for decades.Imi shares what anxiety and stress really felt like for him, how anger started showing up more often, and how therapy (twice, at two very different points in life) helped him completely reframe his approach to both.He shares a range...
2025-05-081h 00
GoodEnoughChatsGrief, chronic illness, and substance use, with Simon MillingtonSimon Millington joins Dan for a raw and thoughtful conversation about grief, burnout, and finding your way back to yourself. From losing his father to suicide at the age of six, to wrestling with his own health after years of stress and substance use, Simon’s story is painfully honest and quietly hopeful. He opens-up about how a chronic illness forced him to slow down, tune in, and start listening to his body, and why he wants to help others do the same. We talk about everything from emotional self-regulation an...
2025-05-011h 08
GoodEnoughChatsBipolar disorder, anxiety, and grief, with Adam DriverDanis joined by Adam Driver, who talks about anxiety, grief, and his relatively recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder.Adam is passionate about destigmatising men's mental health and he shares his experiences with an honesty that will help many to hear. He talks about the loss of both of his parents in 2017, and the maelstrom of emotions it triggered.He walks us through the experience of his low mood, how he responds to it, and what others can do to help their loved ones who are starting to struggle.
2025-03-2555 min
GoodEnoughChatsAdverse Childhood Experiences, CPTSD, and his later-life autism diagnosis, with John BirkillJohn Birkill joins Dan to share his mental health story, from the impact Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) had on him at a very young age, through to being diagnosed more than four decades later with autism and Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in his 50s.John also talks about his experience of anti-depressants and therapy, spending time in prison, and the passion he has for normalising men's conversations about mental health.Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to...
2025-03-2046 min
GoodEnoughChatsGrieving the loss of his baby daughter and creating a legacy of joy, with Mike TrillowMike Trillow joins Dan to share his story about the loss of his baby daughter, Ivy, to a rare genetic condition when she was just four and a half months old. Not only does he talk with incredible grace about the raw experience of the grief he and his wife share, but he also discusses how he's able to process Ivy's passing, and the family's determination to bring as much joy to the world as possible in her memory. One of the key reasons Mike wanted to take part...
2025-03-1852 min
GoodEnoughChatsComing through crushing lows, addiction, grief and shifting relationships, with Steve JacksonSteve Jackson joins Dan to talks about fluctuations in his mental health throughout his life, from feeling suicidal in his 40s, dealing with addiction, grief and the challenge of changing relationships. Now in his late 60s, Steve's an accomplished drummer who has toured and recorded with major artists in his career. Throughout this conversation he reflects on the lessons he's learned - and continues to learn every day - about managing his mental well-being.As part of this, he talks about the non-profit, A Band of Brothers, which he...
2025-03-1346 min
GoodEnoughChatsLearning to accept an autism diagnosis in your mid-50s, with Nick HartDan is joined by Nick Hart to talk about how a later-life autism diagnosis has put into context some of the mental health challenges he's faced.We talk about how his diagnosis helped explain certain things for Nick, and the difficulties he is now experiencing in coming to terms with it. Nick talks in a very measured and clear way, explaining patiently how he has struggled with his mental health, the things that cause him particular challenges, and some of the things he's learned about managing his well-being.
2025-03-111h 08
GoodEnoughChatsBurnout and its legacy for a business leader, with James PicklesJames Pickles joins Dan to share how he got to the point of burnout in his career and its long-lasting effects on him. James is incredibly open about his experiences and regularly shares advice and frank updates about how he's navigating through challenging times through his LinkedIn activity (see link below to follow/connect with him).James and Dan were first introduced to each other a couple of years ago by a mutual friend, and his support and encouragement helped press GoodEnoughChats into action.This chat is full of...
2025-03-061h 01
GoodEnoughChatsADHD and the delayed impact of a life spent campaigning against big business, with Mark DoddsDan is joined by Mark Dodds to talk about the mental health challenges he's faced, and how a relatively recent diagnosis of ADHD has helped him to understand his responses and behaviors throughout his life.He talks openly about what has caused him difficulties, some of the things he's learned about managing his well-being, and his hopes for the future.Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Mark's answers:0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and Mark5:36...
2025-03-041h 16
GoodEnoughChatsPerinatal mental health struggles for fathers, with Jon AspinoxJon Aspinox joins Dan to talk about his struggles with mental health after becoming a father for the second time. Following the very difficult birth of his first child, the trauma of the experience came back to haunt Jon in the build-up, during and after the birth of their second child.Recognising that care is necessarily centred on the mother and the baby during pregnancy, birth, and post-natal stages, Jon's difficulties were compounded by a sense that he had very few places to turn for help. He's come forward...
2025-02-2759 min
GoodEnoughChatsPTSD and the challenge of adapting to 'normal' life after clearing mines in conflict zones, with David GillDan is joined from New York by David Gill who opens up about how the stiff upper lip he (and many other Brits) have been encouraged to embrace came back to bite him. Our chat covers an awful lot of ground. David's career has taken some interesting twists and turns, arguably one of the most challenging of which was clearing landmines.He's been through difficult times, not least working for two bucks an hour and sleeping in a hammock at a craft brewery, and the dramatic consequences of neglecting...
2025-02-251h 05
GoodEnoughChatsBatophobia and anxiety, low mood and depression, with Tom PaucTom Pauc opens up about his experiences dealing with Batophobia - a fear of tall objects, or of tall objects falling down - and the influence this has on his everyday life.He also discusses dealing with low mood and depression and talks about some of things he's realised help him have the best chance of maintaining good mental health - with a big emphasis on sleep.I'd never heard of batophobia before we recorded this, and that's despite knowing Tom for nearly 10 years. Tom's a podcast host these...
2025-02-2043 min
GoodEnoughChatsHiding OCD, late diagnosis, and using creativity to wrestle back control, with Alan SowersbyDan is joined by Alan Sowersby to talk about about his OCD diagnosis, 25 years after he first showed signs of the condition. We discuss how OCD has affected his day-to-day life, what he's been through to help him better manage its impact on him and his family, how things have changed since he retired during the lockdown, and why he decided to tell his story in a new book, 'Breaking My Silence'.There is a ton of stuff in this conversation that helps explain OCD's disruptive impact on someone's...
2025-02-181h 00
GoodEnoughChatsThe before, during, and after of experiencing an acute mental health episode, with Steve MorrisSteve Morris joins Dan to open up about his experience of an acute mental health episode that he experienced a decade ago. He explains how he noticed the physical signs before the psychological effects truly took their toll, what happened to him as a result, and the impact it has had on his ability to manage his mental health since. Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Steve's answers:0:00 Introduction to GoodEnoughChats and Steve 4:27 Why are you sharing your...
2025-02-1857 min
GoodEnoughChatsBurnout, anxiety, grief and serious family health concerns, with Martin WrightMartin Wright joins Dan to talk about how work-related stress and serious family health concerns contributed to the escalation of his anxiety and burnout. He talks about the series of events that were beyond his control affected him, the impact it had on his mental health, what he's learned about himself in the process, and how it's shaped his ongoing mental health journey. Here are the timestamps for when each of our core questions is discussed, so you can fast-track to Martin's answers:0:00 Introduction...
2025-02-181h 05
GoodEnoughChatsShifting relationships and work-related stresses, with Chris CamptonChris Campton joins Dan to talk about his mental health story, spanning the last couple of decades. He touches on the challenges of negotiating shifting relationships, how he's developed coping mechanisms to manage his well-being over time, and, how, despite having a much better understanding today than in the past, he's had to accept that sometimes it's still possible to feel lost and overwhelmed.And because you should never work with animals, bonus points to Chris for dealing with his dog Hugo, who very clearly fancied getting some attention during our discussion!
2025-02-1859 min
GoodEnoughChatsThe legacy of dealing with illness, injury and lockdown, with Patrick Brownlee-Smith.In the first-ever episode of GoodEnoughChats, Dan is joined by Patrick Brownlee-Smith who talks about his physical and mental experience of lockdown. He talks openly about the key moments from his journey and what he has learned that might help someone else in the future. Amongst other things, he talks about the impact of lockdown on his wellbeing, the link between his physical and mental health, and some of the habits he’s formed to help reduce the likelihood of challenges in the future. Here are the timestamps for when each of our cor...
2025-02-1837 min
Life’s 2nd Act: A journey into finding direction and purposeDan's journey: learning that good enough... is good enough!In this episode, I speak with Dan Bowsher about his personal journey through breakdown, the challenges of midlife and the creation of his podcast, ‘Good Enough Chats’.
Dan shares his experiences with mental health, the importance of listening to friends, and the realisation that perfectionism can hinder personal growth.
The conversation highlights the significance of open discussions about mental health, especially among men, and the journey towards finding contentment and self-acceptance.
Takeaways
Burnout can manifest unexpectedly and lead to profound personal change.
Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to personal growth.
Creating a su...
2024-12-2037 min
Beyond the TechnologyDemonstrating digital transformation - It's all about shifting the mindset: a strategy for delivering flexible learning at the University of ManchesterHost Elizabeth Newall welcomes Professor Dan George, Professor Jane Mooney and Professor Caroline Bowsher from the University of Manchester to discuss the work they have been doing to support digital transformation as part of Manchester's Flexible Learning Programme. In this episode of our mini-series on demonstrating digital transformation, Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist in the higher education and research directorate at Jisc, is joined by representatives of the Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) at the University of Manchester: Professor Dan George, associate vice president for blended and flexible learning, Professor Caroline Bowsher, university academic theme lead for the...
2024-09-0332 minBeyond the TechnologyDemonstrating digital transformation - It's all about shifting the mindset: a strategy for delivering flexible learning at the University of ManchesterHost Elizabeth Newall welcomes Professor Dan George, Professor Jane Mooney and Professor Caroline Bowsher from the University of Manchester to discuss the work they have been doing to support digital transformation as part of Manchester's Flexible Learning Programme. In this episode of our mini-series on demonstrating digital transformation, Elizabeth Newall, senior sector specialist in the higher education and research directorate at Jisc, is joined by representatives of the Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) at the University of Manchester: Professor Dan George, associate vice president for blended and flexible learning, Professor Caroline Bowsher, university academic theme lead for the...
2024-09-0332 min
Locking Castle ChurchBible In 2 Years - Joshua 1Dan Bowsher shares his thoughts on Joshua 1Click here for an intro to Joshua
2024-09-0115 min
Locking Castle ChurchBible In 2 Years - John Chapter 17Dan Bowsher shares his thoughts on John Chapter 17Apologies for the audio quality in this episode.Click here for the introduction to John
2024-02-1218 min
Deez Lug NutzSMART Modified Star Tom Buzze & JD BowsherIt's episode 35 of Deez Lug Nutz and we are on the scene with SMART Modified Tour star Tom Buzze. We discuss his career, his business, running the tour part time and his son's budding midget career.JD Bowsher stops by to help promote the upcoming Grand National Super Series event at Franklin County Speedway this weekend. We discuss the rules of the tour, the stars, the cars and her background in motorsports as a member of the legendary Bowsher family.Jody and Julian break down the CARS Tour AcceleratedGFX.com 315 from Ace Speedway. Connor Zilisch...
2023-05-151h 53
Surviving-ISH PodcastBethel Boys: The "Troubled" Teen Industry (TTI)Send us a textThe Bethel Boys: John Moody, Dan Edwards and David BowsherDan, Dave, and John endured and survived the “Troubled” Teen Industry together in the late 1990s. Each spent a year or two at the Bethel Baptist Boys Academy located in Lucedale, MS from 1996-1999. Now, they are focused on being warriors for the entire community of “Troubled” Teen Industry survivors by running a Facebook page and a ministry, as well as being active in the political movement against the TTI. Support the show
2023-02-091h 11
The Cosmic Pizza PodcastCosmic Pizza Podcast Episode 20 - Mark Bowsher In todays Episode Dan introduces his old friend Mark Bowsher the multi talented producer, director, author and podcaster.He regales us with some amusing stories about his early life with Dan and tells us about his production company Rabbit Island Productions.Mark also tells us about his work on HistoryHit the website full of history documentary's.Paul asks him about his first book, The Boy who Stole Time, about a boy who wants more time to spend with his dying mother and has to complete three tasks in a fantasy world in order...
2021-03-031h 20
Two Bees in a PodcastEpisode 23: Best Management Practices and Factors That Determine a Worker vs a QueenIn this episode we discuss the five best and worst commercial beekeeping management practices with Dan Aruell and Matt Hoepfinger from the Bee Informed Partnership (BIP). Then we hear from Dr. Julia Bowsher, to learn about her research on the factors that determine whether a female larvae will become a worker or queen bee. Q&A includes: I have a hive with screen bottom boards. I coat the removable, plastic bottom boards with canola oil or vegetable oil to collect ‘all the good stuff’ that falls to the bottom: varroa, small hive beetle, etc. I’ve heard of others who us...
2020-07-021h 16