The Happy Employee Podcast

(Warning - this episode contains discussion of suicide throughout)For this very special video episode of The Happy Employee Podcast, our Director of Training Mike was privileged to sit down for a conversation with Vicki Vidler, Founder of the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide.Mike spoke to Vicki about the Consortium, her inspiration for founding the organisation, her own personal knowledge and experience around the subject of suicide and the aspirations that she has for suicide prevention moving forward.Vicki was a wonderful guest with not only an inspirational story, but a drive to affect real, systemic change in the most important field imaginable.To learn more about the Consortium and contribute your support, head over to www.suicidepreventionconsortium.org.

*(WARNING: this episode discusses the subject of suicide in depth and at length - please exercise self-care and call Samaritans on 116 123 or Papyrus UK on 0800 068 4141 if you find yourself in distress)*In this illuminating, thought-provoking and deeply personal episode we are joined by Andy Airey, Tim Owen and Mike Palmer - also known as '3 Dads Walking'.Andy, Tim and Mike are connected in a way that they never would have wished to be. After tragically losing their daughters Sophie, Beth and Emily to suicide, the three dads communed not only through their shared experience but an unshakeable desire to change society for the better.The guys spoke to our director Mike about their personal stories, the understanding of suicide they possessed prior to the loss of their daughters, the incredible fundraising campaign for Papyrus UK that has helped them to process their grief, petitions for change, the inimitable power of peer support and their current focus - lobbying for compulsory, age-appropriate suicide prevention education as part of the national curriculum.We are unbelievably thankful to Andy, Time and Mike for giving so much of their precious time to talk to us and share their campaign with you, our valued listeners. They are used to talking to the Prime Minister these days, so to spare some time for little old Start Within feels really quite humbling!Please, please, please listen to this episode - it is so important and we all have a part to play. Find out more about 3 Dads Walking here and pledge your support today.Listen and subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts.*(WARNING: this episode discusses the subject of suicide in depth and at length - please exercise self-care and call Samaritans on 116 123 or Papyrus UK on 0800 068 4141 if you find yourself in distress)*

In this episode we are joined by Jo Clarke, Head of Training, Consultancy and Business Development at Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind, a local mental health charity that is working hard to destigmatise and educate on the relationship between menopause and mental health.During our discussion with Jo, we discussed the approach that society has often taken to the menopause, the potential symptoms a woman may experience from a mental health perspective, the impact that these challenges can have in the workplace and what we can all do to raise awareness and facilitate a more inclusive culture around this important issue.We also touch on the role of men in this conversation, with Mike sharing his own initial reservations on engaging with the subject of menopause.This is one of the most important and revealing podcasts to date - be sure to let us know what you think and subscribe for all of our upcoming episodes of The Happy Employee Podcast. Enjoy!

We are extremely proud to welcome another fantastic author on to the podcast, with Mike joined by Angela Kirwin, author of the must-read Criminal: How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All.Angela spoke brilliantly not only on her experiences as a social worker within the British prison system, but also shared with us her journey in social care inspired from a young age, the impact that her career has taken on her mental health and the lessons she has learned about the absolute necessity for self-care. With admirable honesty and vulnerability, Angela also opened up on the growing understanding she has for her ADHD and the cathartic release that she finds through writing.We also couldn't have Angela on without getting her take on the prison system itself and some of the conclusions she has reached in her work in this specialist field.Criminal is an incredible read and we hope we did it justice with this conversation!

It’s been a little while but we are back with a bang, with a very special guest indeed!Sam Delaney is a successful and extremely experienced journalist, broadcaster, podcaster and author, with his new book, 'Sort Your Head Out', out now in all good bookshops 📚With disarming authenticity, Sam takes us through his own journey to emotional maturity, shares lessons learned in sobriety, celebrates the power of vulnerability and explains how, above all else, we can make it easier for the average Jack the Lad to talk about this scary mental health stuff.It was a genuine privilege to speak to Sam and we have no doubts that you will love listening to this conversation with him.(Warning - this episode contains some adult language)

Jonny Benjamin MBE is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer and vlogger. He is also the founder of youth mental health charity Beyond, as well as the author of The Book of Hope - an inspiring and moving collection of 101 honest stories that illustrate human strength and resilience.This feature-length conversation is a powerful one, covering a range of emotive topics and giving Mike the chance to meet one of his mental health heroes!(Warning - this episode contains mention of suicide)

After a little (deserved) break, Abbey and Mike are back! This personal episode delves into experiences of running on empty and why it is important to slow down for our mental health. We also cover stress vs burnout, how to address it and what we can do to cope.

Neil Shah is the Founder, Director and Chief De-Stressing Officer of The Stress Management Society and International Wellbeing Insights. He is a leading global expert on stress management and wellbeing, co-founder of the campaign group Recovery and best-selling author of many books including The 10-Step Stress SolutionTo mark Stress Awareness Month, we chat to Neil about why stress management is so crucial to our wellbeing, why having difficult conversations is more important than ever, how to reclaim control and what we can do to find a positive, constructive outlook at such a testing time.

For this episode, we are delighted to welcome Anastasia Vinnikova, Wellbeing Lead at the Bank of England, Co-Chair of the Thriving from the Start Network and founder of Winning Minds, a mental health resource for sportspeople.Anastasia shares her personal mental health journey with us and speaks powerfully on the importance of helping others to find their voice. This conversation also gives a fascinating insight into the current challenges that face our young people, the pressures that come with transition into the workplace and the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health support services. 

In honour of International Women's Day on 8 March 2021, we have put together this very special feature length episode, featuring not one guest but five!Each guest is a powerful strong woman, that we see as role models and an inspiration to other women in unique ways to each other. We talk to an RAF Sergeant, an Inclusion Advocate, a Mum Influencer, an Entrepreneur and a Psychologist.Each tell us their individual story including topics such as  gender bias and stereotypes and how these can affect our mental health.

Abbey talks to Martina Jean-Jacques from Frazzled Cafe about the importance of connections and community. 

To mark Time to Talk Day 2021, Mike sits down with mental health pioneer Rohan Kallicharan to discuss his incredible personal journey, the importance of conversations on wellbeing, how we can role model positivity and much more.startwithin.co.uk

We're back! Join us as we launch series two. Abbey and Mike chat about the January blues and offer their tips on  how we can beat them. We'll turn your 'Blue Monday' into 'YOU Monday'.

For the final episode in the series, Abbey and Mike round up with the most important thing we can do to support others - listening!startwithin.co.uk

This week we chat to a very special guest - Simon Blake OBE.Simon is the CEO for Mental Health First Aid England, as well as Deputy Chair for Stonewall and a Pride 365 Champion.Mike chats to Simon about his journey with social justice, the importance of humanity and kindness for our mental health and how as leaders, we can set the example for our people to build a happy and healthy workplace.startwithin.co.uk

Abbey shares a fascinating discussion with Richard Etienne. Richard is Deputy Head of Internal Communications for the Department for International Trade and heads the organisation's BAME network as co-chair. He is also a Masterclass Tutor for The Guardian, delivering his acclaimed introvert workshops.During the podcast, Richard shares his insight on working within 10 Downing Street, his personal experiences with discrimination and how we can better embrace diversity in the workplace. startwithin.co.uk

Special Guest Caroline Stocks is a successful lawyer that has turned her hand to crafting soap for keyworkers during lockdown. Caroline shares her story on overcoming burnout and moving away from the stigma attached to it. She also talks about her positive new venture, Smell BEEautiful, that is doing great work for people in the local community.startwithin.co.uk

Returning to work after a long period of absence can be a daunting and worrying experience. Combine that with a global pandemic, and feelings of anxiety could be quite common in the workplace.In this episode, Abbey and Mike discuss the anxiety that comes with returning to work and the challenges that many will face. They talk about what employees can do to ease their concerns, as well as how employers can prepare to support their teams.For more information head to startwithin.co.uk

In this episode, Mike is joined by special guest Matt Rodda. Matt is a Royal Air Force Training Instructor, who uses his passion for wellbeing to shape the current generation of military leaders.Matt and Mike discuss the use of positive psychology in the workplace and the importance of effective coaching and mentoring.He shares the lessons he has learned around mental health, as well as his desire to help others realise their potential.

Mike walks and talks us through the benefits of taking a stroll to improve our mental health. Either listen where you are, or pop your headphones in and take a walk with us!