What started as a light-hearted interest in the weather grew into a significant online following, and then into something far more meaningful. Windy shares how his son’s heart condition changed everything, shifting his focus from forecasts to fundraising, awareness, and action around cardiac health.

We talk about heart screening for young people, why early checks matter, and how easily these conversations are avoided until it’s too late. Windy speaks openly about the emotional impact on his family, the responsibility he feels using his platform, and the quiet determination behind the charity work he now champions.

There’s a grounded honesty running through this conversation. No drama, just someone who understands how fragile life can be and chooses to use his voice well.

We also explore authenticity, showing up as yourself online, and why appreciating the ordinary days matters more than we think.

A thoughtful, moving conversation about heart health, responsibility, and what bravery looks like when life gives you a sharp wake-up call.

As ever, I finish by asking the same question I ask everyone.

What does brave mean to you?

Gavin opens up about anxiety and how it shaped his book, Confidently Lost. We get into glimmers too, those tiny sparks of joy that can pull you back from the edge on a rough day. He shares a simple example of spotting one in the middle of a stressful morning, and how it shifted everything.

We talk about how success changes as you get older, the power of being fully present, and why your energy matters more than anything you say.

It’s honest, warm and full of reminders that vulnerability isn’t a weakness. If you’ve been feeling a bit lost lately, this one’s a good companion.

George talks about growing up under the usual banners men get handed; be tough, don’t cry, sort yourself out. He lays out the pressure cooker many boys are raised in and how those early rules still shape men long into adulthood. There’s a moment where he describes realising he’d spent years trying to be a version of himself that never quite fit. It’s the kind of line that makes you stop the recording and stare into the middle distance for a bit.

We get into mental health, vulnerability and why being honest about how you’re doing is no weakness. George speaks openly friendships and the weight of expectations.

This episode is a reminder that men need space to tell the truth about their lives; that self-compassion isn’t indulgent; and that bravery sometimes looks like saying “I’m not okay.”

If you’re raising boys, loving men, working with men or you are a man trying to make sense of the rules you grew up with, this one’s worth your time.

Key Points:

Caroline's early life and meeting her husband, Steve. The impact of Steve's sudden death and the challenges of grieving. Caroline's "Triangle of Recovery" and the role of therapy. The importance of community support and practical help. Caroline's journey to finding hope and strength through writing and advocacy.

Resources:

Caroline's book: "Daddy Blackbird" Charities: Doctors in Distress, SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)

Hashtags: #SuicideAwareness #HealingJourney #Resilience

Call to Action: If you know someone struggling, reach out and offer support. Specific questions can make a big difference.

Mentioned in this episode:

Firewalkscotland can be found here

www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Firewalk Scotland

Key Takeaways:

Cat's early career and the unexpected health challenges she faced. The impact of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia on her life and career. How Cat redefined her identity and found new purpose. The role of strategic boundaries and energy management in her recovery. Insights into the "spoon theory" and its application in daily life.

Quotes:

"This is something that's happening to me; it's not who I am." "Brave is just doing life."

Hashtags: #Resilience #ChronicIllness #PersonalTransformation #CatPaterson

Call to Action: Listen to Cat's full story and discover how you can apply her insights to your own life. Subscribe now for more inspiring episodes!

Mandy speaks with raw honesty about the silence, the shame, and the strength it took to navigate a system that often forgets the mother in the story. This is not just a story about loss and reunion, it's a story about resilience, grace, and what it means to be truly seen.

What We Talk About:

• Mandy’s early life and the family dynamics that shaped her
• The moment everything changed at fifteen
• Navigating stigma, secrecy and survival
• The emotional journey to reunion with her first son
• How they built a beautifully blended family
• Her advice for young mothers, birth parents, and the professionals supporting them

Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever doubted your strength, this episode will remind you what humans, especially women are capable of. Mandy’s courage is quiet but fierce, and her words will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Hashtags:

#BraveConversations #Resilience #Motherhood #BirthMothers #AdoptionStories #Inspiration

Call to Action: Tune in to hear Mandy’s full story of bravery, heartbreak, and healing.

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review, it helps us bring more powerful stories to light.

https://substack.com/@mandytemple

Description: Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with Amy Keene, a psychosociologist and CEO of Good Shout. Amy shares her journey through a squiggly career in advertising, her passion for teaching people to use their voices, and the importance of embracing one's weirdness. Discover insights on overcoming societal norms, the power of honesty in the workplace, and the revolutionary act of being not normal.

Key Topics:

Amy's unique career path and the founding of Good Shout The role of emotion in effective learning Overcoming societal pressures to conform The concept of "weirdism" and its empowering effects The importance of honesty and directness in professional settings

Quotes:

"Learning won't stick unless you feel it." "True bravery is doing whatever it takes to stand by your morals."

https://goodshoutcommunity.com/

Their presence helps deter violence, supports local peace efforts, and amplifies the voices of those affected by conflict to the international community.

To find out more click here

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

Kim's book, Lipstick and Leather, and can be found here

Kim's Instagram

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Aiden-Cowie-Comedy/61551644597927/

https://www.instagram.com/aidencowiecomedy/reels/

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

Watch BBC Documentary 'The Merthyr Mermaid' here.

Find out more about Cath on her own website here.

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

Simon also founded the charity Another Way, a youth-led community focusing on empowering people to live with kindness towards our planet. To find out more check out: Another Way

"The Habits of Happiness" is available online from Waterstones and other book shops.

To connect with Simon on LinkedIn

Brave Conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast productions.

She helps ‘always on’ Female Founders & Leaders create momentum, financial freedom & flexibility in their businesses without burning out. She combines her expertise in coaching, breath-work, mindfulness, somatics and nervous system regulation to support her clients to master their body and mind to thrive in life and business.

To find more on Nikki, check out: breathingmindful.co.uk

Brave conversations is edited and produced by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media Podcast Productions.

Through the foundation, Gary has worked tirelessly to raise funds and provide crucial support for wounded, injured, and sick veterans—offering small grants that make a big difference in rebuilding lives. In support for Help for Hero's, the charity organises fun runs, quiz nights, and much more to help rebuild lives.

You can find more information about the charity here: https://captainseathmemorialfund.blog/

Brave Conversations is produced and edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media Podcast Productions.

Alongside her clinical role, she has spent 20 years working for National Education for Scotland, developing, delivering and assessing educational workshops.

Publishing multiple articles on women’s health, recruitment and retention of GP’s and workforce in The Scotsman, Press & journal, Guidelines UK, Dr Joseph has developed her desire to get more workplace support and help into communities by co-founding The Doctor Explains in 2022.

Brave Conversations is produced and edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcast production.

His talk, My Secret War, has inspired thousands, and his work challenges the way we think, talk, and act when it comes to mental well-being. Traveling the world, Steve wants to help relieve the stresses of mental health people are feeling in their lives with his inspiring story.

His book, Open the Bleed Off - Unleashing Mental Health in the Workplace available here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/open-the-bleed-off/s-g-beedie//9798868211522

And you can watch his TED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sXX4wrDas

Brave Conversations is edited and mixed by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

She is a trainer in Mental Health First Aid, and her work as an eating disorder campaigner has led to national media appearances, including on ITV's Lorraine, Channel 5, STV, The Jeremy Vine Show, and Radio 1.

In this Brave Conversation, Tina sheds light on the difficult childhood and upbringing that have led her to her current campaigning path.

Brave Conversations is edited and mixed by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media.

He is a film producer/director, writer, climber, musician, and member of Lochaber Mountain Rescue in the Scottish Highlands.

His experience of post-traumatic stress and his pathway back to wellbeing, including barefoot running, is the subject of his book Out of Mind (link to Waterstones online).

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

For this special episode to mark the end of season 1 of Brave Conversation, we invited listeners to send voicenotes sharing their own thoughts on bravery.

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This episode of Brave Conversations was edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts, and MultiTrack 2024 production fellow Antonia Gospel.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Watch Holly's acclaimed documentary film 'As Prescribed'.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

We chat about the impact of the Covid pandemic on identity and mental health, the importance of understanding mental health from a male perspective, and the need for open conversations and safe spaces.

This episode comes with a trigger warning as we discuss sensitive issues including suicide. There are sources of support below.

If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, there are people you can talk to for support. In an emergency, always dial 999. You can also contact your GP, The Samaritans, or suicide prevention support charity CALM.

Brave Conversations is edited by Ailish Hunter at Bespoken Media podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

She emphasises the importance of being bold and brave as many women tend to minimise themselves, and fail to showcase their true abilities. 

Laurie helps her clients identify their career goals and provides practical guidance on CVs, applications and Linkedin visibility.

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What does brave mean to you? Send Lee a Whatsapp voicenote with your thoughts - we may be able to include some of what you say in upcoming episodes: 07974841957

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

It has become an inclusive community that supports mental health and provides a sense of purpose. Participating allows people to let go of self-judgement and find freedom and joy in their bodies.

NESD has also raised over £140k for the charity MIND.

Find out more about taking part here.

This episode of Brave Conversations was edited in part by 2024 MultiTrack Fellow Antonia Gospel.

Donna is a Sunday Times best selling author. Her ninth book of poems "Growing Brave" is released on the 3rd of September. 

Her website is here.

The school mentioned in the episode is here.

Find Love Your Period on Instagram here.

This episode was edited and mixed by Ailish Hunter from Bespoken Media.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Madeleine shares her story of having been brutally and multiply raped as a young teenager, as part of a mission to end shame, stigma, and silence. She's an author, public speaker, and hosts her own 'Unbroken - healing through storytelling' podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

Be brave with Firewalk Scotland

To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Scotland, visit www.firewalkscotland.co.uk

Find My Family, Mental Illness... and Me here

Find the Our Time charity homepage here

Anna's podcast is The Big Drink Rethink.

Find Kavita online here.

Elke's website is here.

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