Introducing the 8th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Win Your Day” where our guest Joe Leask talks us through his weight loss journey and how taking accountability has shaped his mindset and motivation.

As characters come, they don’t get much bigger or better than Joe! In this conversation Joe talks openly about how always being the life and soul of the party took it toll, and how he turned his life around by embarking on an exercise and diet routine to lose an incredible 9 stone!!

Joe talks with so much love about his relationship with his son Sebastian, and opens up about how his life changed forever when Seb contracted meningitis as a baby. leaving him with very complex needs. With a lesson we can all learn from, Joe explains how Seb inspires him to focus on appreciating what you have in the here and now, and trying not to worry about what the future holds.

Joe is a huge advocate for walking and talking, and talks about the transformational impact becoming fit and healthy has had on his life. .

An absolutely inspiring conversation with a top lad, whose openness and motivation will inspire many others. Thank you Joe!

#mentalwellbeing #walkandtalk

#tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Bringing you the seventh episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast- “Strength in Vulnerability” - our guest Kev McIntosh gives an emotional account of his inspirational journey.

Kev is a Business Owner, Rugby Coach, Husband, Proud Dad and a friend to many and an all round top bloke! It was a pleasure to sit down with Kev and talk openly about how he has overcome some of the most difficult times of his life.

Exploring some very emotional topics, Kev gives us an insight into his mindset during a period of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts, and his subsequent journey to seeking support and living a full and happy life. Kev provides some inspiring reflections and in sharing his own experiences demonstrates how it is possible to turn a corner and see light at the end of the tunnel.

Ade and Kev also discuss their shared experiences of experiencing vulnerability and trauma from a father’s perspective, and open up about how such tough experiences can teach us to harness our vulnerabilities to make us stronger, better parents.

Kev shares his motivation for telling his story - to be open and honest and to help raise awareness and connect with people who are struggling. To provide hope and strength and demonstrate how powerful speaking out and accessing support can be. A truly remarkable man who’s openness and strength will inspire many others. Thank you Kev.

TRIGGER WARNING - This Podcast includes discussion around Suicidal Ideation, and reference to Paediatric Cardiac Conditions/Surgery.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginconstruction #cardiacparents #tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In our fifth episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast "Giving back to the best game in the world", our guest Mark Shotton, one of the founders of the leading Rugby Mental Health charity Looseheadz, gives us an inspiring insight into their work.

Mark talks us through why Looseheadz was established and their vision and ambitions for the future.

On a mission to place a Mental Health lead at every rugby club in the world, Mark describes how what started as a conversation between friends in a local rugby club has grown into the charity that Looseheadz is today.

Sharing his thoughts on how important it is for him to give back to a sport that has given him so much personally, Mark gives us his perspective on the power Rugby has to support mental well-being, and explores his views on what vulnerability means both on and off the pitch.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginrugby #tacklethestigma #looseheadz #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird