The Hurt Locker Podcast — The Podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.

In Episode 92, we speak with Shocka (real name Kenneth Erhahon) — a conscious grime artist, published author, and mental health advocate from Tottenham, London. He rose to prominence as one-third of the grime collective Marvell, alongside Double S and Vertex.   In this open and honest conversation, Shocka shares his personal journey: being sectioned four times, dealing with the heavy stigma and sh...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with Ox4Real — also known as Ox Monica's Son — to explore his journey from growing up in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, to building a new life in the UK.   Ox opens up about the culture shock of moving to London at age 9, the challenges of growing up under a strict African father, and the absence of maternal affection that shaped his early yea...

In this honest and open conversation, Scottish comedian and actor Joe McTernan joins The Hurt Locker to discuss his career journey, grief, and mental health. Joe shares what it was like growing up without his mother, the five-year battle with severe depression he kept hidden, how comedy became both a career and a coping mechanism, and why he now speaks openly about topics many men are taught to ke...

Comedian Ali Woods joins host Yinka to open up about his personal mental health journey — from hitting rock bottom during university and learning to journal his feelings to supporting his best friend through severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Ali shares how toxic masculinity stops men from asking for help, why vulnerability is a sign of strength, the life‑changing lessons he learned, and the...

In Episode 88 of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we're joined by electrician, mental health advocate, and Founder of Onward Shift, Vish Narbheram. This is a raw and honest conversation about what it's really like navigating mental health as a young man working in the trades—an industry known for high pressure, long hours, and a culture that often tells men to "just get on with it."   Vish opens up about...

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with leading male suicide researcher Dr. Susie Bennett to unpack one of the most urgent yet under-addressed public health crises of our time: male suicide.   Globally, men account for the majority of suicide deaths—yet the issue remains critically under-researched, underfunded, and poorly addressed by existing syste...

In this deeply moving episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with Nigel Linacre to explore every parent's worst nightmare—losing a child to suicide. Nigel shares the story of his son George, a talented bass player, and the unimaginable moment his life changed forever. What follows is an honest, raw conversation about grief, guilt, and the questions that never quite go away. But from that...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with comedian Gary Hyland for a raw and deeply moving conversation about his journey through loss and recovery.   Gary opens up about the life-altering experience of losing his father to suicide when he was just five years old. He reflects on how that early trauma shaped his mental health throughout his life and the challenges he fac...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, comedian, MC, and promoter Daniel Inniss shares a deeply personal conversation about racism, mental health, and loss as Yinka fires several loaded and direct questions his way. Reflecting on his parents' journey from Barbados to Yorkshire, Daniel opens up about the discrimination they faced and how those experiences shaped his own life. He also...

We're syncing our diaries to EST, as we're delighted to welcome comedian Liam Nelson, who opens up about living with Marfan Syndrome, undergoing multiple open-heart surgeries, and finding his voice in the world of stand-up comedy. From growing up 7 feet tall and feeling different, to navigating betrayal in friendships, Liam shares the highs and lows of his unique journey. Discover how he turned ch...

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, comedian Wilson Milton joins us for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show. We go far beyond comedy. Wilson opens up about growing up, the experiences that shaped him, and how childhood wounds can follow us into adulthood and parenthood. This episode explores generational cycles, fatherhood, accountability, heal...

Episode 81 of The Hurt Locker Podcast features rising star of comedy Alfie Dundas, joining us for a deeply honest conversation about grief, growth, and learning to live with loss. Alfie opens up about losing his younger brother Louie at a young age and how that experience shaped him into someone who feels older and wiser beyond his years. In this episode, we explore:  The impact of sibling loss an...

This week on The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with comedian and author Adam Bloom for a deeply honest conversation about mental health, fatherhood, and the stories we carry beneath the surface. Adam opens up about his experiences living with bipolar disorder (hypomania), and how it has shaped his inner world, relationships, and day-to-day life. In this episode, we talk about:  Mental health an...

This week on The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with Tevin Everett — award-winning comedian, screenwriter, and U.S. Military veteran — for a conversation that moves between laughter, loss, and lived experience. Tevin opens the door on several layers of his Hurt Locker, including:  PTSD from military service — and how it shows up long after leaving the battlefield  Losing friends in combat and wh...

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we're joined by Roman Harris — former London Fire Brigade firefighter and newly crowned 2025 Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year — for a vital conversation about the unseen mental toll of frontline work. Roman speaks openly about his time with the London Fire Brigade, where repeated exposure to emergencies and human suffering led to vicario...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with comedian and storyteller, Iain Anderson, for one of the most raw and honest conversations we've ever had on the podcast.   Iain opens up about his lived experience of homelessness, addiction, and severe mental health struggles, including surviving suicide.   With warmth and vulnerability, he walks us through the darkest chapters of his...

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, Yinka sits down with Jamie Dennis, CEO of Mandem Meetup — a grassroots UK charity dedicated to men's mental health, wellbeing, and community support.  Mandem Meetup builds inclusive, judgment-free spaces where men can connect, talk, and support one another through weekly meetups and activities — from talking circles to hikes, football sessions, creative...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian and Founder of the Ginger Giggle Club, Ben Summers, for an open and honest conversation about abandonment, trauma, and dealing with pain. Trigger Warning: Contains mature themes, including mental health struggles, abandonment and bereavement.   This episode explores:   The impact of his father's leaving at an early age...

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian and writer Joe Wells for an open and honest conversation on a range of mental health experiences that have shaped his comedy and outlook on life as a new dad.   This episode explores:   The frustrations and challenges Joe faced within school as an autistic learner with OCD, and how therapy and diagnosis have impacted his mental...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate, Darryl Craig, for an open and honest conversation on how a torturous childhood of domestic violence, abuse and bereavement has impacted his mental health and why now, after two decades, he has the strength to share and speak up to encourage others to do the same. Trigger Warning: Cont...

In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with award-winning comedian, writer and broadcaster Robin Ince for a raw and deeply moving conversation about authenticity, identity, men's mental health, and the emotional cost of pretending to be someone you're not.   Robin opens up about the moments that forced him to question who he really was, how creativity helped him rediscove...

We're thrilled to welcome award-winning alternative comedian, Stephen Catling, to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health. Expect a wide and wonderful conversation from comedic style and influences, to ablism in the workplace, as Stephen opens up on his various mental health challenges he faces. *TRIGGER WARNING* This open conversation shares references to loss by suicide, suicidal thought...

This time, Yinka and Tim are delighted to welcome Mental Health Advocate, Keynote Speaker and Founder of the Unbeaten movement, Dean Daniel, to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health. Expect an open and honest conversation on the powerful story of how chronic pain and mental health challenges transformed Dean into a dedicated Mental Health Advocate who's breaking the stigma around mental...

We're excited to welcome comedian Phil Henderson to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health experiences. Phil opens up about being a new dad has forced him to grow, balance comedy with parenting and face parts of himself he wants to work on- all while finding the humour in it. *TRIGGER WARNING* This open conversation shares references to loss by suicide towards the end of the episode. If y...

This time, Yinka and Tim are delighted to welcome ADHD coach and founder of ADHD Remapped, Matthew Menzies, to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health. Expect an open and honest conversation on the struggles Matthew faced before he received his late diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, and how he uses these to coach others. *TRIGGER WARNING* This open conversation shares references to suicide, de...