Too Light Too Dark

What happens when someone living with mental illness , trauma , and suicidal ideation discovers that laughter can become a powerful tool for healing? In Episode 35 of Too Light Too Dark , we sit down with Dave Mowry , author of OMG That's Me , to explore his remarkable journey through mental health challenges , trauma recovery , depression , and finding hope in life's darkest moments. Dave speaks...

🎙️ Too Light Too Dark celebrates its 1-year anniversary with guest Rhett Nicholl in a deep, reflective conversation on healing, purpose, and identity . 🧭 Pillar: Identity & Transformation This episode is part of our Five Pillars framework - exploring personal change, rebuilding identity, and what it means to transform through lived experience. In this anniversary episode, we reflect on a year...

In Episode 34 of Too Light Too Dark , I sit down with Dr. Sarah Michaud for a powerful conversation about co-dependency, addiction, recovery, and the impact these patterns have on our relationships. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in addiction and codependency recovery, Dr. Sarah shares both professional insights and personal lessons from her own journey. We explore why co-dependent be...

Retired FBI Agent Eric Robinson joins Too Light Too Dark for a gripping deep dive into the investigations, psychological pressure, and real-life cases that stayed with him long after the files were closed. In Episode 33, we explore the human side of criminal investigations, the pursuit of truth, and the emotional weight carried by those who work in the darkest corners of society. From haunting mem...

Feel disconnected from your body? Trauma might be the reason. Sam Mishra breaks down how trauma shapes body perception and explains how to heal through nervous system regulation, dissociation awareness, and rebuilding self-awareness from the inside out. In this episode: How trauma shapes body perception beyond appearance Dissociation as a survival response from childhood into adulthood The link be...

In this special bonus episode of Too Light Too Dark , we sit down with the unorthodox recovery coach Tony Crowe to explore his unconventional approach to healing, discipline, and personal transformation. Tony shares raw insights from his coaching journey, challenging traditional recovery methods and offering a fresh perspective on mindset, resilience, and rebuilding from adversity. Check out Tony...

In this deeply personal episode of Too Light Too Dark , certified coach Jennifer Chase shares her lived experience as a person in long-term recovery, the child of an alcoholic, and a mother impacted by her son’s addiction. Her story spans addiction, abuse, generational trauma, and ultimately healing. This is not a surface-level conversation about recovery. It’s an honest look at how addiction affe...

This conversation explores how harm reduction frameworks like the Mersey Model challenge traditional approaches to addiction, mental health, and care systems. In this episode of Too Light Too Dark, Dr Simon Bratt explores harm reduction and The Mersey Model, challenging traditional drug policy and asking why systems built on punishment continue to fail vulnerable people. If we’re honest, the way w...

In this episode of Too Light Too Dark , we sit down with author J.F. Monroe to dive deep into the world of the Legacy of 4 trilogy. From the origins of the story to the challenges of writing a multi-book fantasy series, this conversation explores what it really takes to bring an epic vision to life. J.F. Monroe shares insights into worldbuilding, character development, and the realities of being a...

With Executive Coach and Organisational Consultant, Ben Neal - returning to the show for the first time since Episode 8. The conversation delves into the functionality of envy, its roots in the Biblical Corpus through Shakespeare, contemporary cinema and even toe dipping into the recent Manospehere documentary - looking at dependency, comparison culture, the destructive nature of unacknowledged en...

The conversation delves into the personal journey and advocacy work of a UK-based harm reduction advocate. It explores the evolution of harm reduction strategies, the impact of personal experiences and trauma, and the importance of safe supply in saving lives. The discussion also highlights the challenges and successes in harm reduction advocacy, the cultural influences on harm reduction, and the...

In this episode, Leon and Dr. Brett Grellier delve into the enigmatic world of dreams, exploring their significance, symbolism, and the messages they convey from the unconscious. They discuss personal dream experiences, the role of authority figures, the impact of childhood memories, and the collective unconscious. The conversation also touches on nightmares, lucid dreaming, and the importance of...

The conversation delves into the journey of recovery and transformation, highlighting the power of self-love and the impact of social connection and love. Richard Williams shares his personal journey of transformation, emphasizing the importance of self-love and the role of social connection in mental health and well-being. The conversation delves into the importance of fatherly guidance and mento...

The conversation delves into the power of movement and dance as a form of authentic expression, the intelligence of the body, the importance of authenticity and radical honesty, the role of acceptance and bravery, and creating a space for realness and self-expression. The conversation delves into the art of waiting, navigating the fall, movement as a form of healing, the power of walking, embracin...

The conversation delves into the topics of harm reduction, overdose prevention, and the impact of harm reduction services on drug-related deaths. It explores the challenges faced in the UK and Canada, the comparative study of harm reduction practices in different countries, and the impact of policy on drug use. The discussion also highlights the importance of dignity and empowerment in harm reduct...

The conversation delves into the work of Simon Bennett, an executive coach and founder of Challenge Yourself, Kindly. From abstract studies to immersive experiences in human realities, emphasisng the capacity for containing presence and the call to cultural humility. It explores the challenge of uncertainty and polarisation, as well as the importance of genuine curiosity and cultural humility in f...

Too Light Too Dark 2025 Review: The Moments That Defined the First Two Series dives into the episodes that ignited the strongest reactions and debate. From learning to sit in the dark to confronting masculinity and vulnerability, this review pulls apart key moments across multiple episodes that continue to fuel conversation. Featuring guest co‑host Damien Blazk , author of The Broken Stone Chronic...

In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we explore how trauma shapes identity, behavior, and the lifelong journey of self-discovery. The episode examines the personal, cultural, and socio-political roots of trauma, and how unresolved trauma patterns influence individuals, organizations, and society at large. We discuss the power of vulnerability and compassion as essential tools for healing, a...

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling—it impacts families, futures, and lives forever changed. In Episode 20 of Too Light Too Dark , Mark Astor confronts one of the most difficult and misunderstood subjects in mental health and law: addiction, accountability, and Florida’s Baker Act . This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about what really happens when someone reaches crisis—and...

What if the words we use keep people trapped in homelessness ? In this episode of Too Light Too Dark , we’re joined by Jay S. Levy , author and long-time social worker who helped shape the Housing First approach. Jay digs into the shadows in homelessness practice , how story and language influence care and recovery, and why meeting people where they are isn’t just a motto—it’s a practical, compass...

“ In this powerful episode, Jess from the Museum of Homelessness shares a rare frontline perspective on the systems shaping our communities. From navigating uncertainty to challenging the structures that often go unseen, Jess brings insight, honesty, and humanity to the conversation. Together, we dive into themes of resilience, compassion, and the unexpected moments of hope that emerge even in the...

Episode 16 delivers a gripping, emotionally charged deep-dive into the life of  David Breakspear —a man who moved from childhood trauma and systemic exclusion to becoming a powerful voice for criminal justice reform. Host Leon guides listeners through David’s early years as the youngest of six, a child searching for identity while silently carrying the weight of sexual abuse and undiagnosed neurod...

In this latest episode of "Too Light Too Dark," host Leon Eckford and guest Simon Binns delve into the intricate themes of masculinity and vulnerability. They explore how colonial history has shaped emotional expression, particularly within Caribbean families, and discuss the challenges men face in today's world regarding mental health and emotional openness. We discuss how societal norms shape ma...

Episode 15 of  Too Light Too Dark  features an inspiring and brutally honest conversation with U.S. military veteran, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker  Donald Dunn . In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of military life, transitioning out of service, building resilience, and rediscovering purpose after the uniform comes off. Donald shares his journey from deployment to civilian l...

What if you could train your mind to see possibilities where others see problems? In this episode of Too Light Too Dark , we sat down with Felix Riley , founder of Brilliant Thinking , to explore how changing the way we think can transform the way we live. Felix shares his insights on creativity, curiosity, and the surprising power of simple ideas that make a big impact. Whether you’re chasing ins...