Don’t be afraid to Talk - Podcast with James Lumumba

Why are men often afraid to talk about their mental health? In this special episode, James L is joined by guests Colm, Jack, and Michael for an honest conversation about men’s mental health, the challenges they face, and the importance of opening up. Together, we discuss growing up without healthy role models, how emotions are handled (or avoided) in many homes, the pressure to appear strong, the...

Are you in a relationship that leaves you feeling confused, anxious, or unsure of your self-worth? 🤔 James L sits down with transformational coach Ben Taylor from (Orlando, FL) to unpack toxic relationships, narcissism, and the path to healing. 🔹 What We Cover: - The subtle signs of toxic relationships and narcissism [03:04] - How confusion and self-doubt gradually take hold [04:16] - Why it’s s...

Dawn Hunter, an entrepreneur, lawyer, and public health consultant, connecting from Florida to share her deeply personal story of resilience and growth. Dawn opens up about growing up in a military family impacted by trauma, domestic violence, parentification, and the challenges of navigating childhood in an environment filled with secrecy and unrest. Together, James and Dawn discuss breaking gene...

Welcome back to "Don't Be Afraid to Talk." In this episode, host James L sits down with Gerry Ryan, the driving force behind the Tolka River Project, a community-based addiction rehabilitation center in Dublin. Gerry shares his journey from working at the renowned Coolmine Therapeutic Community to reopening Tolka River Project nearly two decades ago. Together, they dive into what mak...

Curious about co-parenting and how to truly put your child's wellbeing first during a separation? This week on “Don’t Be Afraid to Talk,” James L sits down with clinical psychologist and co-parenting coach, Tiffany Rochester, to dive deep into the realities, challenges, and unexpected joys of co-parenting. In this powerful episode: 💡 Tiffany shares why being kind to yourself is the real first...

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we delve into the journey of grief with Jason, a devoted father from Atlanta, Georgia. Jason shares his profound experiences raising his son, Zachary, who was born with Eagle Barrett syndrome, a rare condition that brought unique challenges to their family. In this candid conversation, Jason opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting a child with m...

Dr. Jody Amen, a seasoned psychotherapist with 27 years of experience. Dr. Amen shares insights on family dynamics, how relationships can become toxic, and strategies for managing these challenging interactions. Listeners are encouraged to keep an open mind as they navigate the conversation. Key Highlights: • Understanding the dynamics of toxic family relationships • How to recognize when a family...

In this episode, host James L sits down with men’s coach Don Gies for a real and refreshing conversation about masculinity. Don shares his journey to self-discovery, the importance of mastering both masculine and feminine energies, and why balancing these is essential for a fulfilling life. We tackle why vulnerability is hard for men, why traditional roles are shifting, and how men can reclaim pur...

In this episode, James L sits down with peaceful parenting coach Luke Adsit, joining us all the way from Florida. Luke shares his journey from traditional discipline to conscious, connection-focused parenting—drawing from years of research, personal growth, and one-on-one coaching. We dive deep into: Natural consequences vs. punishment and rewards Understanding children's motivations and emoti...

In this episode, we welcome Sean Blake, a courageousvoice in the fight against anorexia. Sean shares his personal journey of recovery from the eating disorder, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs along the way. He discusses his experience with the documentary "Anorexia and My Family and Me," highlighting the importance of using his voice toraise awareness. As he reflects on his life in his 40s...

In this episode, James sits down with Robin, a Garda from Clare, who shares his powerful journey of overcoming childhood trauma and advocating for mental health awareness, particularly among men. Robin discusses his experiences with dyslexia, the impact of being sexually abused by a female childminder, and the long path to healing that included therapy and meditation. Topics Covered:  Childhood ex...

In this episode of "Ask the Therapist," host James is joined by Nikki G, a recovery coach and educator specializing in religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Nikki shares her personal journey as a survivor of a narcissistic family system and her experiences in five different cults. She discusses the concept of "cult hopping," where individuals seek new communities after leaving...

James Hansen, a remarkable individual with deep insights into addiction and recovery. From facing his own addiction diagnosis 14 years into sobriety to navigating the complex landscape of mental health disorders, James Hansen shares his journey of resilience, growth, and transformation. He opens up about his experiences with substance abuse, the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD, and the pivotal mome...

In this episode, Jordan (Jo), a survivor of Munchausen by proxy abuse, and Dr. Marc Feldman, a researcher from Alabama, discuss Jo's story and the impact of medical abuse. Jo shares their experience as a survivor and their work with Munchausen Support, an organization aiding those affected by this type of abuse. Dr. Feldman adds his expertise to shed light on the issue. This insightful episode...

In this episode of "Ask the Expert," Peggy, a childhood trauma survivor, former therapist, and author, joins the host to discuss coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into the unconscious ways we develop coping mechanisms early in life and how they continue to impact us into adulthood. Peggy explains the concepts of denial, avoidance, minimization, and rationalization, highlighting...

In this episode of Ask the Therapist, Tammy, a clinical mental health counselor and psychotherapist, discusses her journey with managing anxiety. She shares her experience of calming her anxious part, highlighting the importance of self-care and self-compassion. Tammy also talks about her background as a therapist practicing internal family systems therapy, which she further explores in her podcas...

What has breathwork done for you? This podcast features an interview with Lauren, a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator from Scotland. Lauren shares her journey and experiences, including her childhood, living with a physical disability caused by an autoimmune response as a result of a viral infection. She also discusses the loss of her parents and her journey of self-parenting. Shownotes: 00:0...

How occupational therapy can help people? Padraig, a mental health occupational therapist based in Cork. Padraig specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders, working with both teenagers and adults. He has a background in social care and holds a master's degree in positive psychology and coaching. Chapters : Definition of occupational therapy and its focus on fun...

Our latest episode is a testament to the strength of human will and the power of transformation. I sat down with an awe-inspiring guest, Nick who candidly shared his turbulent journey, from wrestling with alcohol addiction to championing mental health awareness. Nick’s story, riddled with piercing highs and soul-crushing lows, shines a light on the importance of self-discipline and the valor in &#...

In this podcast episode, Hilary, a psychotherapist, discusses the Change Triangle and the importance of understanding and processing emotions. The Change Triangle is a tool that helps individuals recognize and navigate their emotions, moving from inhibitory emotions (such as anxiety, shame, and guilt) to core emotions (such as anger, sadness, fear, joy, excitement, and sexual excitement). Hilary e...

Dr. Tim van Wanrooij is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Dublin. He specializes in working with individuals and couples, helping them navigate their emotions and relationships. Dr. Tim has a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and the impact they have on our relationships and overall well-being. In this episode, James and Dr. Tim van Wanrooij delve into the comple...

In this episode, James invites Rob, a former Air Force aviator with 25 years of experience, who discusses his journey from serving in uniform to battling and overcoming PTSD. Rob shares deeply personal experiences such as managing guilt commonly associated with combat veterans and his rock-bottom moments fuelled by PTSD. He highlights the power of acceptance and the immense benefit of open communi...

Unlock the secret to thriving relationships as you tune in to our enlightening conversation with Shane, an expert speaker, educator, and marriage and family therapist. Get ready for a deep dive into the art of communication, something we often overlook but it plays a crucial role in the health of our relationships. Shane sprinkles the conversation with some practical advice on expressing feelings...

In this podcast episode, Grace Alice, an award-winning sex and intimacy specialist from Kerry, Ireland, discusses her journey to becoming a sex educator. In this episode we discuss contents from her book SEX Education and touch on topics such as CONSENT – REPRODUCTION – PROTECTION – RELATIONSHIPS. Join the conversation and learn how to approach discussions about sex and intimacy with warmth, compa...

Join us as we explore the fascinating topic of dynamic family roles with the esteemed Dr. Amara, a clinical psychologist with a decade-long experience in family and couples therapy. Our conversation centers around the influence of family history and generational patterns on an individual's mental health, challenging the notion that these issues are purely individual. Listen in as we discuss th...