The Man Hug

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 require...

In 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 nicel...

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...

In 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 th...

Theme: 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...

In 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 repres...

Theme: 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 Mi...

Theme: 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 peop...

We 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...

This 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 reflec...

 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 Merseysid...

This 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...

This 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 F...

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/petecityprice GYRO Liverpool - https://www.ypas.org.uk  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also...

Theme: 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/ @andrewnoon5 Send us Fan Mail Support th...

This 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....

On 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...

The 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 @SpiderWirral Chris's Twitter - @chriskirkland43 Mel's...

The 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 Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"...