Shows
The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep030- Male domestic abuseOn this episode we focus on male domestic abuse. We are joined by Kevin Crimmons, a senior lecturer and nurse who spent years practising as a nurse in war zones. He was deployed to Belfast during the troubles, Belize, and the first Gulf War where he earned a Commander's Commendation for his work as part of a Burns Team. Kevin then completed a specialist course in Burns & Plastic Surgery at Queen Victoria East Grinstead. He was posted to the regional Burns Unit at the military hospital in Woolwich.Kevin tells us about his childhood and a...2025-07-011h 34The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep029 - Bereavement Special Guests Joe & Agnes Williams / Andrew Okell (Paul's Place)On this episode we focus on the theme of Bereavement. In 2015 Joe and Agnes used the Beacon Counselling Trust as service users, following the tragic loss of their son, Paul, to suicide. In 2017 they co-founded Paul’s Place Suicide Bereavement Support Service with Kathy Devlin. At this time, they also became volunteers within the charity. This primarily involved organising fundraising events, promoting the Paul’s Place service to external agencies, and co-hosting weekly peer support groups. They join us to talk about Paul and their own story. We are also joined by Andrew Okell of Paul's Place, who te...2025-06-011h 35The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep028 - Gambling; Special Guests David Quinti & Lauren Campbell.David Quinti is a founding member of the Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) and as well as acting as co-lead of Operations at GLEN he also works for BetKnowMore, another leading charity in the sector. He is a member of the Lived Experience Council at GambleAware and has expertise in the development of the lived experience community movement in Great Britain having been in recovery from gambling harms for over 10 years. His lived experience expertise informs his support of others and in tackling the stigma associated with gambling harms.Lauren Campbell of Beacon Counselling Trust, which is...2025-05-071h 04The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep027 - Reflection: Special Guests Steve Pilgrim & Jake MillsWe are joined by two more incredible guests for our 2nd Birthday to talk about reflection. Our first guest Steve Pilgrim is a drummer and singer-songwriter. With 4 released solo albums and being Paul Weller's drummer for over a decade Steve has toured the world and played with some incredible musicians. He is the founder of the 'BeOnePercent' charity and promoter at St Michaels Live. Steve talks about the stressors of being a professional musician, the tactics he uses to manage his mental wellbeing and the power of songwriting to create and express emotion. Our first ever guest J...2025-04-231h 27
The Man HugWorld Bipolar Day Special - special guest Theo JamesWorld Bipolar Day is observed annually on March 30th to raise awareness about bipolar disorder, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of the condition, which is also the birthday of Vincent van Gogh, who is believed to have had bipolar disorder. On this special episode we are joined by Theo James (@BipolarTed) who is a 38-year-old navigating the complexities of life with bipolar disorder. With a creative spirit and a love for storytelling, Theo channels both the highs and lows of this journey, trying to craft compelling narratives that resonate with many. During manic episodes, Theo experiences bu...2025-03-3054 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep025 - Awareness: Special Guests Chris Sibley & Jess GallierIn this episode we are joined by two amazing guests who having both been bereaved by suicide and found a desire to dedicate their lives to suicide awareness and prevention.Chris Sibley is one of the founders of the OLLIE Foundation. Having lost his son TJ to suicide Chris created the OLLIE foundation with two other people who had also lost children to suicide. The OLLIE foundation do incredible work and Chris tells us all about that along with his own experience. Jess Gallier, the 2019 Merseyside Woman of the Year winner set up the Martin G...2025-03-271h 23The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep024 - Guests Kristoffer Hughes & Hannah ToddOn this episode we focus on the theme of Death and Dying.We are joined by two more amazing guests: Kristoffer Hughes is chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, an author, Drag Queen and TV presenter. Kris worked as a coroner for 30+ years and his recent Television programme ‘Death With Kris’ saw him travel to India, Indonesia, the United States and Mexico in search of different – and better – ways of dealing with death. Kris joins us to tell us all about his journey and lived experience. We are also joined by local celebrant Hannah Todd, who runs...2025-02-191h 13
The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep023 - Young People - Special guests Juliette & Ryan from YPASIn this episode we explore the Adolescent brain, the current mental health landscape for children and adolescents and we are joined by two fantastic guests. Juliette and Ryan work in YPAS = Young Persons Advisory Service. They discuss the service and what they offer to both young people and carers along with an insight into current concerns, triggers and issues for young people.We had a main guest booked for this, but sadly, he is not well, so we decided to postpone his appearance until later in the year. Please visit YPAS at www.ypas.org.uk for m...2025-01-2055 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep022 - Resilience - Christopher Lee Power & Helen Gilbert (Samaritans)In this episode, we are joined by actor/director Christopher Lee Power. Christopher gives us an honest account of his childhood and youth in which there were numerous traumatic events such as sexual abuse, witnessing a murder, and issues with alcohol and drugs. Christopher discovered the world of performing and put all his energy into becoming an actor. He received his Oxford Diploma in Acting from Richmond Drama School, and training from prestigious institutions such The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and RADA. Christopher is also passionate about giving back and has established the Power Foundation to provide young p...2024-12-181h 29The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep021 - Abstinence - Ben Taylor The Magic Mod, Sam Batley & Dr Walter TasosaIn this episode we concentrate on the theme of abstinence. We have three more incredible guests. Ben Taylor aka The Magic Mod tells us his story of aspiration, rock n roll magic and his story of abstinence following a struggle with alcohol. Ben now inspires others and delivers his story honestly and openly.We are also joined by Sam Batley who is a self taught multi-disciplined artist basing his work in film photography, analogue collage and poetry. Sam was helped through the Damien John Kelly House and tells us his story and all of the amazing work that...2024-11-262h 05The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep020 - Change ft guests George Riley (State of Mind) & Debbie Rogers (Sean's Place)Episode 20 - Theme: Change.On this episode we are joined by two more fantastic guests. George Riley, who is an award-winning broadcaster and rugby league commentator who joined the State of Mind charity in 2018. George specialises in discussing the impact of media and social media on our mental health, the importance of exercise on mental wellbeing, and the dangers of alcohol in causing mental health problems, having been sober since 2019 following a crisis period in his own life. George joins us to share his own experiences and how he is currently managing his past battles with depression a...2024-10-171h 55The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep019 - Aspirations - Special Guests Ian Knott & Kit it Out!On this episode, we are joined by ex-professional rugby professional Ian Knott. Ian represented GB at Academy level and played Professionally for 13 years with Warrington Wolves, Wakefield and Leigh. During his time at Leigh, he captained the team to the treble, which included promotion to the Super League for the first time in the clubs history. After sustaining a severe back injury that required 5 back operations and a Morphine pump implant Ian fought and overcame severe depression as well as psychosis (hearing voices). Ian tells his story so openly and honestly and in doing so is hoping to help m...2024-09-261h 16
The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep018 - Special Samaritans episodeIn this special one-off Man Hug our Conleth is on set at the latest Samaritans film. The film has been created as part of world suicide prevention day and whilst they were filming Conleth got to interview the wonderful people behind it including some of the dancers and directors (Erin Kelly, Katie-Ann McCabe, Laura Macy, Jack Watson). Episode 17 was on the theme of the Arts and this links in nicely, enjoy. Team Man Hug. Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @The_Man_HugWe ar...2024-09-2355 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep017 - The Arts with guests Mersey Wylie, Martin Wallace & Tim Taylor.Theme: The Arts.In this episode we have three more amazing guests who all discuss the arts and mental health with personal stories and discussion.We are joined by the wonderful Mersey Wylie. Mersey is an incredible musician who talks about music and mental health with an insight into her own story and what men can learn from using music as a platform to express thoughts and feelings. Mersey also leads two choirs and discusses the power of community-based singing. We are also joined by award-winning filmmaker Martin Wallace who tells us all about the wonderful Ron...2024-08-291h 47The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep016 - NeurodiversityIn this episode we are joined by 4 amazing guests with the theme being: Neurodiversity. We are joined by Stephen Wynne, who lives with ADHD and works as a neurodiversity coordinator for Everton in the Community. We are also joined by Lynsey Boggan and Leanne Johnson, two wonderful nurses from Alder Hey Childrens Hospital's Austism Spectrum Disorder Team. And the service we shine a light on this month is the Zero Suicide Alliance, we are joined by Jade Corbridge who talks about their free online suicide prevention training.Send us a textSupport the show2024-07-171h 06The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep016 - NeurodiversitySend us a Text Message.On this Man Hug, four amazing guests join us to talk about all things neurodiversity. We are joined by Stephen Wynne, who lives with ADHD and works at Everton in the Community as a neurodiversity coordinator. We are also joined by two wonderful Autistic Spectrum Disorder Nurses from Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital (Lynsey Boggan and Leanne Johnson). And we are also joined by Jade Corbridge from the Zero Suicide Alliance to talk about their amazing free online training. Support the Show.Follow us on Twitter https://t...2024-07-171h 04The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep015 - Comedy with Sam AveryTheme: Comedy. In this episode, we are joined by Comedian, author, and artistic director of the Comedy Trust Sam Avery. Sam talks about his journey in comedy, and parenting which led to the creation of his book 'Confessions of a Learner Parent' and how the Comedy Trust is providing some incredible courses on the power of humor for mental health. We also have a field report live from the Florrie Men's Walking Groups 24 hour walk.www.samaverycomedy.comwww.TheComedyTrust.comwww.TheFlorrie.orgSend us a textSupport the s...2024-06-191h 21The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep014 - Life After Suicide, with Angela Samata and Alfie FitzsimmonsIn this special episode we are joined by Angela Samata. Angela presented the BBC1 BAFTA nominated and winner of the Mind Media Award for Best Factual TV documentary, ‘Life After Suicide’. The film encouraged discussion and exploration of mental health issues, challenging the stigma of suicide. Describing her own experience and that of her children after her partner took his own life. Angela represents the views of those bereaved by suicide and was for 4 years, Chair, and is now Ambassador, of the Survivors of the Bereaved by Suicide nationwide charity.We are also joined by 14 year old Alfi...2024-05-1351 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep013 - The Mind - Dr John Parrington and Jake MillsTheme: The Mind.We are joined by special guest Dr John Parrington, associate professor in cellular and molecular Pharmacology at University of Oxford. John has published numerous books on subjects such as the Mind and Consciousness. John answers some important questions on the power of the human mind and describes his lived experience of losing his sister to suicide.We are also joined by Jake Mills of Chasing the Stigma, who was our first ever guest to give us a one year update.Send us a textSupport the showFollow...2024-04-0858 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep012 - Masculinity - Jeff Charles of the Masculinity Unplugged and filmmaker Tom Van Den HurkTheme: Masculinity.We are joined by Jeff Charles of the Masculinity Unplugged Podcast. Jeff’s story is one of inspiration and hope. Jeff discusses falling into criminal activity, finding comfort in food and battles with binge eating and the impact this had on his mental health causing suicidal ideation. Jeff changed his life around using physical exercise and therapy and now helps many young people in educating around the importance of speaking openly about your mental health.We are also joined by Tom Van Den Hurk one of the film makers for the new short documentary ‘A litt...2024-03-141h 34The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep011 - Pivotal Points - Michael Branch and Paul GladwellWe are joined by ex-professional footballer Michael Branch who shares with us his journey from academy player to professional at his boyhood club Everton and the pressures that came with. He openly discusses how he fell out of love with playing and how a bad decision cost him a 7 year sentence in Her Majesty’s Pleasure! That was a turning point and a counsellor helped to support him in turning his life around. Michael now works with some of the cities most vulnerable young people through Everton in the Community and also set up a running group focused on ta...2024-02-171h 14The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep010 - Tragedy - Sheila Coleman from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Phil Roberts of JourneyMEN WirralThis months Man Hug is on the theme of Tragedy, events in which we can not predict. We are joined by two wonderful guests.Sheila Coleman from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign who talks to us about the effects that such a tragedy had on so many families who she worked closely with and others within her community. Her tireless campaigning and advocacy has been so inspirational to many. Upon reflection Sheila offers a wonderful insight and advice for what men can do post trauma.We are also joined by Phil Roberts CEO of Journeymen and a...2024-01-141h 28The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep - 009 Memories - Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash (Frankie goes to Hollywood) and Nat Gavin (Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio) This episode focuses on the soundtrack to our lives. Utilizing the work of Playlist for LIfe and how special music is in our lives and memories.In this December Christmas special Nasher discusses his experience with Frankie Goes to Hollywood and his life as a Celebrant, along with adding the soundtrack to his life. We are also joined by Nat Gavin who tells us all about the amazing work Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio do.Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @T...2023-12-071h 20The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep008 - Happiness - Dr Sice (The Boo Radleys) and Mark Myers from Fishing the MindThis month's Man Hug is on the theme of Happiness. We are joined by Dr Sice, lead singer of the Boo Radleys, Psychologist and Author. He talks about his own battle with depression and how he has become a Doctor of Psychotherapeutic Psychology helping hundreds of clients with their own mental health difficulties. He also discusses his one man show “The secret of Happiness”.We are also joined by Mark Myers, creator of the Fishing the Mind project who discusses how fishing has helped him with depression following the loss of a family member and how the proje...2023-11-091h 13The Man HugThe Man HUG - Ep 007 - Community w/ Matty Caine of First Person CIC and Timo Tearney & Tony Caveney from The FlorrieThis Man Hug focuses on the theme of Community.We are joined by Matty Caine who is an RMN and CEO of First Person CIC. Matty talks openly and honesty about losing his mum and the diagnosis he was given of Psychotic Depression. Matty has since created a service with no borders that enable simple quick access for mental health support.We are also enjoyed by Timo Tearney and Tony Caveney from The Florrie who run men’s walking groups and guitar groups that are bringing people together to connect and feel part of a community.2023-10-111h 26The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep006 - Sexuality and mental health - Pete Price and Chris Porter GYRO (YPAS)On this Man Hug we are joined by legendary broadcaster Pete Price. Pete bravely discusses his horrific experience of Aversion Therapy. We are also joined by Chris from local charity YPAS who runs an LGBTQ+ group for young people.Pete Price https://linktr.ee/petecitypriceGYRO Liverpool - https://www.ypas.org.uk Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @The_Man_HugWe are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" Hosted by:2023-10-041h 09The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep005 - Grief, Crisis & Hope - Alan Gibbons, and Andy Noon of James' PlaceTheme: Grief, Crisis & Hope!This episode of the Man Hug features author and independent councillor Alan Gibbons. Alan discusses the grief process following the tragedy of losing his eldest son Joe. Twitter: @mygibbo We are also joined by Head of Centre at James’s Place Andrew Noon, which is a men’s suicidal crisis centre.https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/@andrewnoon5Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @The_Man_HugWe are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The...2023-08-221h 20The Man HugThe Man Hug - 004 - Music and Mental Health - Malik Al Nasir of Malik and the OGs, and Si Egan of Mind That MusicThis episode is on the theme of Music & Mental Health. We are joined by special guests: Malik Al Nasir, author, poet and Gil Scott Heron protege. Malik discusses his story in the childhood care system and how meeting Gil changed his life. We are also joined by Si Egan of music mental health charity Mind that Music, who discusses the amazing work going on in their Liverpool city centre studios.Malik Al Nasir twitter: @MalikAndTheOGsInstagram: MalikandtheOGsMind that Music:Instagram: mindthatmusicofficialWebsite: https://www.mindthatmusic.org.uk S...2023-07-171h 14The Man HugThe Man Hug - Ep003 - Connectiveness - w/ Colin Dolan & Matt Lyon and Daniel RocheOn this Man Hug, the hosts are joined by three special guests; Colin Dolan and Matt Lyon from Liverpool Football Therapy, and Daniel Roche from Andy’s Man Club, who all talk about their own personal stories involving connecting with others to enable recovery.Find Liverpool Football Therapy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/LiverpoolFT_on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/footietherapy/ and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolFootballTherapy/Support Liverpool Football Therapy via Go Fund Me - https://gofund.me/830e431aFind Andy's Man Cl...2023-06-2458 minThe Man HugThe Man Hug 002 - Addiction - Chris Kirkland and Mel BowenThe 2nd edition of the Man Hug is on the theme of ‘addiction’ and features two special guests Chris Kirkland (former professional goalkeeper) and musician Mel Bowen. Find info about Positive Parcel here - https://positiveparcel.com Find more info on the Spider Project here - https://www.spiderproject.org.uk or find them on Twitter at @SpiderWirralChris's Twitter - @chriskirkland43Mel's Twitter - @bowen_melSend us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @The_Man_HugWe are also...2023-05-241h 10The Man HugThe Man Hug 001 - Jake Mills of Chasing the StigmaThe debut Man Hug Podcast in which the four hosts discuss Men’s Mental Health alongside special guest Jake Mills of Chasing the Stigma. Jake talks about his personal story and how you can learn to signpost people to support using the Hub of Hope app.Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Instagram - @The_Man_HugWe are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" Hosted by:Dean McShaneConleth KellyIan...2023-04-191h 09