The Forge Within Podcast - Lived Experience Survivor Stories on Mental Health & Childhood Trauma

This week’s episode of The Forge Within Podcast is a heavy one. I sat down with Marcus Chapman , and what he shared… is the kind of story that doesn’t come out easily. We talked about growing up in chaos, being misunderstood, getting kicked out of school, feeling angry, and finding himself pulled into the wrong environment from a young age. But this isn’t just a story about a rough start. It’s abo...

In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast , Sam sits down with Mathew Phillips for a deeply honest and reflective conversation about grief, responsibility, and the unseen weight people carry whilst suffering with their mental health. Mathew shares his journey from an early experience of loss, one that left more confusion than understanding and how that shaped the way he processed emotion growing...

This week on The Forge Within Podcast, we dive deep into mental health as Sam shares his personal lived experience with mental health challenges and the pressures of fatherhood. This raw and honest episode breaks mental health stigma by shedding light on the silent struggles many endure. Sam reflects on early internal battles, the weight of expectations, and his journey towards self-awareness and...

In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam sits down with Gethin Hayward for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about mental health, childhood trauma, and what it truly means to find where you belong. Gethin shares his early experiences, including the challenges he faced with his biological mam, and how these early traumas shaped his sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. He also ope...

In this compelling episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam David Wilkes talks with Zac Winwood about mental health, childhood trauma, and the healing power of music and creativity. Zac shares his lived experience navigating periods of emotional struggle, especially during the 2020 lockdown and transitions after time in America. Through music, sport, and other creative outlets, Zac found vital too...

In this inspiring episode, Dan Newman shares his personal journey with alopecia and the profound impact it has had on his mental health and self-acceptance. He opens up about the emotional challenges, including feelings of stigma and vulnerability, that arose from his diagnosis and how childhood trauma shaped his resilience. Discover how Dan transformed his struggles into a mission to support othe...

In this heartfelt interview, Chloe Lewis shares her journey with ME and fibromyalgia, diagnosed at age 12, and the profound impact of childhood trauma on her mental health. She opens up about her struggles with self-harm, addiction recovery, and the challenges of confronting mental health stigma. This episode explores the importance of safe spaces, community support, and authenticity in healing. C...

Real Talk on Losing Both Parents to Suicide & Breaking the Cycle. In this episode of the Forged Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jacob Lowe, who shares his profound journey through childhood trauma, loss, and the struggles of mental health. Jacob recounts his chaotic upbringing, losing both parents to suicide, and the impact of addiction on his fam...

Real talk on mental health stigma and resilience: Marcia Bailey shares her survivor story of neglect and the impact on mental wellness. In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam Wilkes talks to Marcia Bailey, who shares her harrowing journey of growing up in an abusive environment marked by neglect and systematic failures. From her earliest memories in a rough neighbourhood to the chal...

Real talk on mental health stigma and addiction: Daniel Richards discusses his journey through recovery and personal growth. In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Daniel Richards about his journey through mental health struggles, addiction, and recovery. Daniel shares his experiences of hiding behind masks, the impact of family...

Real talk on mental health stigma and chronic pain: Emma Moseley-Strand shares her story of endometriosis and resilience. In this episode of the Forged Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes speaks with Emma Moseley-Strand about her long journey with endometriosis and its profound impact on her mental health and identity. Emma shares her experiences of isolation, dismissal from medical professional...

Real talk mental health conversation: An 18 year old shares his views on mental wellness, faith, and personal growth during challenging times. In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast , I sit down with my son for an open and honest conversation about his experience of mental health. We talk about how Covid impacted him, what it was like navigating friendships and relationships during that time,...

In this very first episode of The Forge Within Podcast , my mother and I sit down and talk honestly about what it’s like to love someone who is struggling, the quiet worry that lives in families, and how survival affects more than just one person. This episode isn’t about blame. It isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about understanding. This podcast is for people who’ve survived things they never h...