The Just Checking In Podcast

In this episode of Behind The Mic we checked in with Gospel R&B artist, Saint CJ.CJ's life could have gone down a very dark path but through his faith, resilience and the interventions of a few key people in his life, he was able to turn his life around. In this episode we discuss his musical journey, how his faith has shaped his life, suicide and self-harm. We also discuss his Asperger&a...

In the seventieth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with mental health advocate and campaigner, Danny Bowman. Danny is the Campaign Head for mental health policy at think-tank Parliament Street and the Vice-Chair of male eating disorder charity, Male Voice ED.Danny has been on a rollercoaster journey with his mental health but is testament to how anyone, with the right support...

In this episode of Mind On The Game, returning guest William Costello comes back onto the podcast to talk about his love affair with Gaelic Football. The Irish sport is a combination of rugby, football, handball and a bit of hockey as well and is a complete outlier in its uniqueness. The only sport that comes close to being as unique is Aussie Rules Football. In this shorter MOTG episode we discus...

In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked in with Alex from Brass-House band, New Car Smell. New Car Smell describe themselves as 'three dudes making high-octane 200 horse-power Brass House'. In this episode we talk about self-expression, avoiding posers in the music scene, the stigma around busking and letting go of what other people think about you. We also discuss Alex's live...

In the sixty-ninth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast, we checked in with James Bloodworth. James is a journalist, writer and broadcaster. He has written for outlets including The Guardian, New Statesman and UnHerd to name a few and is host of ‘The Modern Dating Economy Podcast’.He has written two books: ‘The Myth of Meritocracy: why working-class kids get working class jobs’ published in 201...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked in with Netherlands-based producer, Jamaha. Jamie, as he is otherwise known, shot to viral fame with a track he put out called 'Mic Mac' which sampled quotes from English football manager, Mick McCarthy alongside deep house beats. In this episode we discussed Jamie's music journey, rediscovering old skills and going viral. We also disc...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked in with French producer HOLOW. Arthur, as he is known to his friends, discusses the highs and lows that come with working in the music industry, knowing who to trust and evolving your sound to reflect your authentic self as an artist. We also discussed Arthur's lived experience of a mental health condition called derealisation and how it affects...

In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked in with Megan from UK synth-pop band, Amour. We discuss Megan's musical journey, their experience of stage fright, resilience and ignoring the opinions of others. We also explore their non-binary journey of gender discovery, grief, fitting in and the impact that Covid-19 has had on her university degree and mental health. As always, #itsokaytovent...

In the sixty-eighth episode of The Just Checking In Podcast we checked in with Founder & Owner of blOKes, Tom Home. blOKes aims to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for men to open up about their mental health, connect with other likeminded people and tell a #MaleTale. In this episode we discuss the blOKes journey and the ups and downs that have come with it. We also discuss...

In the sixty-seventh episode of The Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to author and poet Dominic Stevenson. We deep-dived into Dom's latest book ‘Get Your Head in the Game: An exploration of football's complex relationship with mental health’.Unemployment stigma, depression, life expectations and inclusivity were all on the menu as well. As always, #itsokaytovent You can purchase Get You...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked-in with DJ B.O.V.B.O.V or Callum as he is otherwise known is based in Manchester and is at the start of his DJing and producing journey. In this episode we discuss Callum's university life and the 'Hot Fuzz' town he studied in, coming out of his shell, perseverance and normalising mental health amongst your friends. As always, #itsokay...

In the sixty-sixth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to Claire Johnson. Claire is a massive pillar of support for people across the online mental health community and through the voluntary work she does as a mental health mentor and advocate. In this episode we discuss her illustrious professional career, working on the 2012 London Olympics, the Yorkshire Moors murders and even dati...

In this episode of our Reel Stories series, we checked-in with Joseph Martin. Joseph is an actor and writer who trained at the East 15 acting school. He has starred in productions including 'JEFF WAYNE’S THE WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE' and Jude Taylor’s new digital musical 'MAKE ME INFAMOUS!'Imposter syndrome, panic attacks, validation, sexuality and more are a...

In the sixty-fifth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we spoke to Alex Oyebola. Alex is a Vent Champion and works in education. Anxiety, faith, resilience, aerophobia and the black experience of mental health are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can follow Alex on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.lexi_/Music: @patawawa - Strange: ww...

In the sixty-fourth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Kate Baguley. Kate is the co-founder of the 'Up North Books' podcast, which discusses and celebrates all things northern literature so more people can read about this varied and often underrepresented part of the UK.Dealing with life’s challenges, the importance of managing your physical and mental health, FO...

In this episode of our Mind On The Game series, we checked-in with 1st XV rugby player at Ashford RFC in Kent, Aaron Bowes. We discuss Aaron's rugby journey including his playing days at Sussex University and the life skills the sport gave him. Self-confidence was also on the menu, where Aaron discussed the impact that getting his ears pinned back had on him and his mental health. Aaron'...

In our final Just Checking In Pod before Christmas, we wanted to do something a little different. Grief is something all of us have felt more aware of or affected by this year, given the pandemic we have been living through. In this episode, our Founder Freddie Cocker speaks about a close friend and former work colleague, Matt, who he lost to a Sudden Cardiac Death in 2017. Matt's passing aff...

In the sixty-second episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we spoke to Alexandra Kaschuta. Alex is a writer, commentator and the founder of her own writing platform 'Sort Alex Out'. In this episode we discussed Alex's love of writing and topics she has written about including the dating economy, feminism, politics and the mental health implications around each of those. We also di...

In this episode of our Behind The Mic series, we checked-in with Julian aka MC Saabii Boi. Julian is a Master of Ceremonies, event host and entertainer. He is also part of UK music and events collective SoFar Sounds London, which brings communities together to experience live shows. Crowd management, self-confidence, Julian's experience in the British Army and the black mental health experien...

In the sixty-first episode of the Just Checking In Podcast we spoke to journalist and documentary film-maker, Jake Hanrahan. Jake is the founder of independent conflict journalism platform, Popular Front. Popular Front is conflict journalism done differently. They report on the parts of war big media rarely acknowledges and talk to people they'll never find. Jake has worked for outlets includ...

In the sixtieth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Daniel John. Dan is the founder of mental health platform 'You, Me & Anxiety'.In this episode we discussed the origins of the platform, becoming a podcast host and producer and his own mental health journey which included his experiences of anxiety, panic attacks, bullying, religion and much more. As always,...

In this episode of Behind The Mic, we checked-in with Harry from UK Dream-Pop band, VICTORS.Hailing from Leeds, we discussed the journey of VICTORS, the mental health impact of the streaming wars on musicians, anxiety, FOMO and music being taken seriously as a life choice in the education system. As always, #itsokaytoventListen to VICTORS on streaming platforms below: Spotify: https://open.spotify...

In the fifty-ninth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Florence Craig. Flo works as a journalist and social media producer for BBC Reel, telling stories about amazing ideas, people and places. In this episode we talk about Flo’s journalism journey, her Welsh roots, comparison culture in journalism and self-care when it comes to social media. We also talk about two long-term...

In the fifty-eighth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Kyle Hawker. Kyle is an artist and the founder of 'Acrylics by Kyle', where he crafts acrylic prints for pleasure and commissions pieces for clients! In this pod we discussed Kyle's journey as an artist, anxiety, depression, perseverance and overcoming the challenges life throws at you. As always, #itsok...

In the fifty-seventh episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Jay Fisher. Jay is the founder of 'anotherletterj', a poetry platform with words for your dark times, good times and all the times in between. He is also the founder of his own photography business, 'Jay Fisher Photography'.In this pod we discussed his love of poetry, photography and roller-blading...