The Just Checking In Podcast

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...

In this episode of our Behind The Mic series, we checked-in with two members of North-East London band, See You At Home, Josh and Charlie. We discussed the SYAH journey, Josh and Charlie's lived experience of anxiety, how they support each other's mental health as a band and much more. As always, #itsokaytoventYou can listen to See You At Home on streaming platforms below:Bandcamp: https...

In the first ever episode of our new series, 'Reel Stories' we checked-in with Dan Dawes. Dan is a writer, actor, producer and Artistic Director of London-based storytelling company, Idle Discourse. In this pod we discussed Dan's theatrical journey, classism in the industry and the camaraderie he enjoys working with other actors and creatives. We also discussed his lived experience...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked-in with Matt Fallon. Matt has been DJing for over 8 years in the Brighton club scene where he started his DJing journey whilst studying at Sussex University, as well as London where he resides now. The stresses of being a promoter, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fitting in and developing life skills are all on the menu for this episode. As always...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked-in with Jacob aka Strawberry Station. Jacob is a UK Future-Funk producer. Originally from Leicester, he is currently living in Toronto, Canada. Jacob's music production journey, isolation, imposter syndrome, panic attacks, self-care and much more are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytoventYou can listen to Strawberry Station...

Our special guest for this episode of Behind The Decks is one half of French-House duo, Funky District, Arthur Grunheid. The story of Funky District, the dark side of the music industry, their fantastic new EP 'Poolside Club' and defying people's expectations are all on the menu. As always, #itsokaytovent You can listen to Funky District on streaming platforms below: Spotify: https:...

In this episode of Mind On The Game, we checked-in with Patrick McColgan. Pat works in sports marketing for a football sponsorship agency and is a part-time football journalist. He has written for the likes of These Football Times & Libero Magazine. He is also the Founder of Flat Back Four, a collection of articles covering all aspects of the beautiful game. Pat's football career, the dar...

In the fifty-sixth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast we checked-in with Lottie Swinyard. Lottie is a Vent Champion and PHD Cancer Researcher at Barts Cancer Institute. Lottie's academia journey, grief, anxiety and recovery are all on the menu for this episode. As always, #itsokaytovent You can read the article Lottie wrote on Vent about her Dad here: https://vent.org.uk/double-whammy-de...

In the fifty-fifth episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, we checked-in with Bryony Clark. Bryony is co-founder of 'Not Another Podcast'. Bry and her co-host Kym they chat about everything from music, life experiences to people wearing backpacks on packed trains, which is a big pet peeve of Bryony's! The story of NAP, health anxiety, grief and stepping out of your comfort zone are...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we checked-in with AmyElle. Amy is a DJ, producer, vocalist and song-writer extraordinaire. Originally from Dundee in Scotland, Amy recently released her debut single 'Down With Me' which has had support from the likes of Jaguar on her Radio 1 Introducing show. Sexism in dance music, work-life balance, grief and much more is on the menu for this episo...

In the fifty-third episode of the Just Checking In Podcast, our Founder Freddie Cocker checked-in with a very close friend and one he has known since his sixth-form college days, Reemul Balla. Freddie and Reemul were in the same social group together and have been friends for over 10 years. Reemul is a NCTJ qualified freelance journalist. He has had articles published in a variety of London-based...

In this episode of Behind The Decks, we spoke to Future-Funk producer, Mélonade. Originally from Scotland, Ewan has been part of the UK Future-Funk scene for over 5 years. In this pod we discussed the launch of his new album, 'Splash!', managing a full-time job alongside music, the importance that rugby had on him growing up and of course, a mental health chat! As always, #itsokaytoventF...