THE SHELF CONVERSATION

In this episode, Dr Khadija Owusu, a medical doctor, Founder of AKAYA Foundation and global health advocate joins us to discuss why representation in medicine is not enough, and what real reform in healthcare systems should look like. We explore: • Why Black women in the UK face disproportionate maternal health risks • The structural inequalities affecting ethnic minority communities • How girls’...

Content Episode This conversation examines the growing prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among UK military veterans, placing current research alongside lived experience. While PTSD affects an estimated 4 per cent of the general UK population, rates among current and former service personnel are significantly higher, particularly among those deployed to conflict zones and in comba...

In this powerful Christmas special of The SHELF Conversation Podcast sits down with global TV host, author, and philanthropist Nana Churcher for a deeply inspiring conversation on faith, purpose, and emotional resilience. Nana Churcher is widely known for her transformative storytelling through The Nana Churcher Show and bestselling books such as The Power of Your Words and Bigger Dreams. In this...

Episode Description In this episode of The SHELF CONVERSATION PODCAST, we explore Belonging, Burnout, and Bold Conversations: Rethinking Wellbeing in the Next Generation with Louise Lyons-Appiah, speaker, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Synkora Consulting, the UK’s first Gen Z–led EDI consultancy. Together, we unpack what belonging truly means for young people navigating systems not buil...

From Police Officer to Governor in Mental Health Trust In this episode, we explore the powerful journey of a Gospel Artiste who transitioned into policing and later into mental health leadership, now serving as a Governor and Community Engagement & Co-Production Manager for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services at the North London NHS Foundation Trust. Against the backdrop of the...

Mental health challenges in the corporate world aren’t just the result of burnout — they’re also about the quiet pressures we learn to carry, even behind the achievements everyone celebrates. Today’s episode features an Oxford History & Politics graduate, Amazon Best-Selling author and an aspiring solicitor as we unpack the emotional weight of high-performance spaces. We speak openly about wha...

In this thought-provoking conversation with Jacques Opoku, we delve into the intricate relationship between financial stress and mental wellbeing, exploring the often-overlooked costs that can lead to depression, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life. By examining the psychology behind our financial decisions, we can gain a deeper understanding of how financial education and literacy play a cr...

Kenneth Erhahon known on stage as Shocka is a British rapper, a mental health advocate, a TEDx speaker and an author of "A Section of My Life" who leads this conversation in navigating through his life as young Black man diagnosed with schizophrenia, a condition that later leads to his purpose in his life. This conversation shares the experiences of his childhood upbringing by a single mother in T...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into schizophrenia, exploring its clinical aspects, social influences, and the challenges surrounding access to care. We discuss the impact of cultural perceptions, health disparities, and the barriers that patients face in receiving proper treatment. We also break down treatment options, medication management, and practical advice for families and caregivers s...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Basirat “Bas” Osinaike, a Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist and Pharmacy Educator. We explore her early education, her path to university, and the inspirations that led her to pursue a career in pharmacy—specifically in mental health. Bas shares key moments from her career, including highlights, challenges, and pivotal experiences that shaped her expe...

In this podcast episode, we're joined by Vanessa Boachie to discuss the importance of therapy in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has proven to be highly effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to trauma and phobias.  Vanessa shares her insights on how talk therapy can p...

Discover the shocking truth about the intersection of occupational therapists, mental health, and the judicial system in this eye-opening video. Delve into the crucial role of occupational therapy in supporting mental health initiatives, especially within the context of prisons and workplaces. Learn from a TEDx speaker and social activist about the importance of mental health advocacy and the chal...

Dr. Jessica Katanga is a medical doctor and passionate content creator on a mission to empower YOU! She is a graduate from St George's University London in 2021 who currently works as a doctor at an inpatient unit for individuals with learning disabilities in Newcastle.   Her areas of focus are mental health, women’s health and health of Afro-Caribbean communities.  Dr. Katanga uses her platfo...

Nana Gyeabour, an experienced NHS clinical pharmacist and health content creator gets cozy in the couch to take us on a journey. Among the areas of our CONVERSATION were her journey through her early education, her journey through School of Pharmacy and health content creation. During our CONSULTATION, she showed her clinical knowledge prowess we delved in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also k...