The weekly update where I fill in the mental health journal and chat to you all live via Twitch and YouTube about how my week's been, how your week's been, and how you're all doing. This episodes final thoughts were regarding the fact that in the UK people needing mental health care were having to wait over 28 days to get treatment. I address this and also free-style into talking about our obligation to become a better community that can do it's bit to also support those in need of care - or who are going through a hard time. We'd love to get a conversation going, so if you have any thoughts, or something you'd like to add to the show to talk about in the next episode, please send me a message via the website, discord server or social media channels. If you enjoy the show and want to put a couple pennies in the tip jar, I'd be very grateful if you would consider leaving a donation to mind via the website linkLinks:Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon websiteDiscord ServerSupport the showLink Tree Support the show

The weekly update where I fill in the mental health journal and chat to you all live via Twitch and YouTube about how my week's been, how your week's been, and how you're all doing. This episodes final thoughts were regarding the fact that in the UK people needing mental health care were having to wait over 28 days to get treatment. I address this and also free-style into talking about our obligation to become a better community that can do it's bit to also support those in need of care - or who are going through a hard time. We'd love to get a conversation going, so if you have any thoughts, or something you'd like to add to the show to talk about in the next episode, please send me a message via the website, discord server or social media channels. If you enjoy the show and want to put a couple pennies in the tip jar, I'd be very grateful if you would consider leaving a donation to mind via the <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chattygeekhiddendragon2022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website link</a> Links:<a href="https://chattygeekhiddendragon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon website</a> <a href="https://discord.com/invite/gf962mqk?utm_source=Discord%20Widget&amp;utm_medium=Connect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord Server</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> <a href="https://linktr.ee/chattygeekhiddendragon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link Tree</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Mental Health Journal: Week 27

LifestyleLast time I talked about my diet, and the many different fads I try. I have been trying to eat a bit healthier which is going okay, but it hasn’t been perfect. I think for me the key is to allow myself some treat-ish days – where I’m allowed to get a Jacket Potato or something. Then it makes the days where I eat really healthy not seem so bad. As far as exercise though I’ve been doing well. It’s been pretty active the last few weeks – we’ve turned up a couple of dials in the Tang Soo do classes, and also, we’ve been doing a bit of decorating in the house and working on decorating the back yardLearning9th June was the Open day at Northern Guild – it was absolutely brilliant. Absolutely great people. In a couple weeks’ time I am invited to go to an introduction to training day at the Northern Guild so that will probably be the next steps for me.I’ve got a safeguarding course I need to do, so I’ll let you know how that goes. Plus, I had Tim Heale on, and he told me about the mental health first aid coursed so I’m going to be looking at one of those to do too.My Mental HealthLast time we had done a bit of a walk, and a bit of work painting the back yard. Recently we’ve done more work to that, I’ve been putting some trellis up and hanging pots and making it look pretty, plus the wife has been busy staining pallets and planting things and it looks awesome. We’ve got one of those hanging egg chairs in the kitchen, and it’s only a small back yard but you can sit there and look out and see the baby conifer we’ve got planted and the bees on the lavender and it’s really good for my mental health to just be in the moment and soak the back yard up. Physical HealthAs far as physical health is concerned – I’m doing pretty good. Drinking more water, and as I’ve said I’ve turned the TSD classes up a notch, and like the last few weeks I’ve been getting around a 1400 calorie burn from 1:15 which is awesome. ESO on Xbox. I’m still level 41! I just haven’t had any time to play really the last few weeks as I’ve been doing other things. But hopefully I’ll get chance to get back into that soon. What am I watching?On Netflix currently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls.We are up to speed on Stranger Things that is intense. Looking forward to 1st July for 2nd partAlso, on Disney+ we have finished Obi Wan. I really liked it but some parts were a bit meh. Ms Marvel we’ve also been watching on Disney+. I like it, it’s quite “teenager” but that’s obviously the target audience but I do quite like it. Final Thoughts?May all beings be free of suffering. May I maintain my faith. With reality there is no division.May nothing &amp; nobody be excluded.May I remember to include myself.May I remember that all thoughts, words, and actions have a consequence.My entire situation is because of me. Allow me to accept it. May I remember that real [treasure] cannot be found outside a polluted mind, but only by looking within. Pay attention, and do not distort with judgement. May I continue to work to investigate and purify the mind. May I drop my addiction to happiness. May I drop my aversion to pain. When practicing the way, we mitigate the aggravation caused by our KarmaStay alert! Cut down mistruth! I dedicate my practice to all beings#TalkingSavesLivesAnd that’s it. Stay Chatty Geeks! Links:Discord Server Support the show

LifestyleLast time I talked about my diet, and the many different fads I try. I have been trying to eat a bit healthier which is going okay, but it hasn’t been perfect. I think for me the key is to allow myself some treat-ish days – where I’m allowed to get a Jacket Potato or something. Then it makes the days where I eat really healthy not seem so bad.  As far as exercise though I’ve been doing well. It’s been pretty active the last few weeks – we’ve turned up a couple of dials in the Tang Soo do classes, and also, we’ve been doing a bit of decorating in the house and working on decorating the back yardLearning9th June was the Open day at Northern Guild – it was absolutely brilliant. Absolutely great people.  In a couple weeks’ time I am invited to go to an introduction to training day at the Northern Guild so that will probably be the next steps for me. I’ve got a safeguarding course I need to do, so I’ll let you know how that goes.  Plus, I had Tim Heale on, and he told me about the mental health first aid coursed so I’m going to be looking at one of those to do too.My Mental HealthLast time we had done a bit of a walk, and a bit of work painting the back yard. Recently we’ve done more work to that, I’ve been putting some trellis up and hanging pots and making it look pretty, plus the wife has been busy staining pallets and planting things and it looks awesome.  We’ve got one of those hanging egg chairs in the kitchen, and it’s only a small back yard but you can sit there and look out and see the baby conifer we’ve got planted and the bees on the lavender and it’s really good for my mental health to just be in the moment and soak the back yard up. Physical HealthAs far as physical health is concerned – I’m doing pretty good. Drinking more water, and as I’ve said I’ve turned the TSD classes up a notch, and like the last few weeks I’ve been getting around a 1400 calorie burn from 1:15 which is awesome. ESO on Xbox. I’m still level 41! I just haven’t had any time to play really the last few weeks as I’ve been doing other things. But hopefully I’ll get chance to get back into that soon. What am I watching? On Netflix currently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls. We are up to speed on Stranger Things that is intense. Looking forward to 1st July for 2nd part Also, on Disney+ we have finished Obi Wan. I really liked it but some parts were a bit meh.  Ms Marvel we’ve also been watching on Disney+. I like it, it’s quite “teenager” but that’s obviously the target audience but I do quite like it. Final Thoughts?<ol><li>May all beings be free of suffering. </li><li>May I maintain my faith. </li><li>With reality there is no division.</li><li>May nothing &amp; nobody be excluded.</li><li>May I remember to include myself.</li><li>May I remember that all thoughts, words, and actions have a consequence.</li><li>My entire situation is because of me. Allow me to accept it. </li><li>May I remember that real [treasure] cannot be found outside a polluted mind, but only by looking within. </li><li>Pay attention, and do not distort with judgement. </li><li>May I continue to work to investigate and purify the mind. </li><li>May I drop my addiction to happiness. </li><li>May I drop my aversion to pain. </li><li>When practicing the way, we mitigate the aggravation caused by our Karma</li><li>Stay alert! Cut down mistruth! </li><li>I dedicate my practice to all beings</li></ol>#TalkingSavesLivesAnd that’s it. Stay Chatty Geeks! Links:<a href="https://discord.com/invite/gf962mqk?utm_source=Discord%20Widget&amp;utm_medium=Connect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord Server</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Mental Health Journal: Weeks 24, 25, 26

Getting to know TimTim currently works with the Portsmouth and Gosport History Group. They are running a Falklands 40 year anniversiary exhibition at the Explosives museum in Gosport. Tim tells us how he was in Northern Ireland at the time of the end of the Falklands war. PSYOPS - Psychological OperationsTim spent some years in the British Army proving psychological operations. This is the ability to look at a target audience and change an attitude ardor behaviour. In his experience Tim spends just over 10 years with 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group. He does seven operational tours in the discipline, including two tours of Kosovo, and one in Macedonia, and Kabul. Tim describes how he fell in love with Afghanistan, and how much of a wonderful place it was. Time as a Unit Welfare OfficeThen for 8 years, Tim works as a Unit Welfare Officer. He works in a team of 3 people, for London Central Garrison, with three incremental companies of foot-guards - being 9 Company Grenadier Guards, 7 Company Coldstream Guards, and F Company Scotts Guards. This is along with the 5 Foot-guards Bands (Welsh and Irish Guards). As well as this, there is London District Headquarters and London Central Garrison Headquarters. The work involves looking after the welfare of all persons who operate within these companies, from Housing needs, Medical and Dental Needs, and Mental Health needs. As well has his extensive experience within the British Army, Tim also has extensive experience in the field of Rugby, American Football, Hang Gliding, Telemark Skiing, and Offshore Sailing! Tim tells us about his many experiences sailing up to the Baltic, and sailing around Denmark and Sweden. Two Years ago Tim also sails around the UK, and he tells us of the rescue of Artie the Ship's Cat! Tim learned how to Telemark Ski in Norway in the Wintertime, and he tells us how he learned to do this. In 2005 the Army put a team together to go to Les Menuires to take on the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines in a Telemark Skiing competition. The following year the Army Telemark Association set up a competition called the British Telemark Championships held in Rauris, Austria. In 1982 Tim got posted to the Army Hang Gliding Centre in Sennybridge, in the Brecon Beacons. On day 1 of turning up at the Centre, Tim is taught how to hang glide. He tells us how he was taught the basics of hang gliding, despite being there as the Storeman Clerk of the Centre. After progressing, he then tells us how he eventually became a hang gliding instructor. Mental Health SpotlightTim tells of his experience working in TRIM - this is the Trauma Incident Management Unit. This entails understanding what happens when somebody experiences a traumatic incident. This doesn't have to be a conflict related incident - this could also be a road traffic accident. When there has been a traumatic incident, a team comes together to assess a number of factors. This includes wether people have been directly involved in the incident or if they were on the peripheries. The team also decides whether an individual requires one-on-one treatment, small group treatment, or treatment as part of a larger group. The main goal of the group is to explain to people that is okay to experience certain feelings regarding what they have witnessed. Loss of sleep, and reliving the incident in the witnesses mind are all common occurrences for somebody who has been involved in a traumatic incident. Mentions in this Episode. The Tim Heale Podcasts - Ordinary People's Extraordinary StoriesTim Heale on YouTube Support the show

Getting to know TimTim currently works with the Portsmouth and Gosport History Group. They are running a Falklands 40 year anniversiary exhibition at the Explosives museum in Gosport. Tim tells us how he was in Northern Ireland at the time of the end of the Falklands war. PSYOPS - Psychological OperationsTim spent some years in the British Army proving psychological operations. This is the ability to look at a target audience and change an attitude ardor behaviour. In his experience Tim spends just over 10 years with 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group. He does seven operational tours in the discipline, including two tours of Kosovo, and one in Macedonia, and Kabul. Tim describes how he fell in love with Afghanistan, and how much of a wonderful place it was. Time as a Unit Welfare OfficeThen for 8 years, Tim works as a Unit Welfare Officer. He works in a team of 3 people, for London Central Garrison, with three incremental companies of foot-guards - being 9 Company Grenadier Guards, 7 Company Coldstream Guards, and F Company Scotts Guards. This is along with the 5 Foot-guards Bands (Welsh and Irish Guards). As well as this, there is London District Headquarters and London Central Garrison Headquarters. The work involves looking after the welfare of all persons who operate within these companies, from Housing needs, Medical and Dental Needs, and Mental Health needs. As well has his extensive experience within the British Army, Tim also has extensive experience in the field of Rugby, American Football, Hang Gliding, Telemark Skiing, and Offshore Sailing! Tim tells us about his many experiences sailing up to the Baltic, and sailing around Denmark and Sweden. Two Years ago Tim also sails around the UK, and he tells us of the rescue of Artie the Ship's Cat! Tim learned how to Telemark Ski in Norway in the Wintertime, and he tells us how he learned to do this. In 2005 the Army put a team together to go to Les Menuires to take on the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines in a Telemark Skiing competition. The following year the Army Telemark Association set up a competition called the British Telemark Championships held in Rauris, Austria. In 1982 Tim got posted to the Army Hang Gliding Centre in Sennybridge, in the Brecon Beacons. On day 1 of turning up at the Centre, Tim is taught how to hang glide. He tells us how he was taught the basics of hang gliding, despite being there as the Storeman Clerk of the Centre. After progressing, he then tells us how he eventually became a hang gliding instructor. Mental Health SpotlightTim tells of his experience working in TRIM - this is the Trauma Incident Management Unit. This entails understanding what happens when somebody experiences a traumatic incident. This doesn't have to be a conflict related incident - this could also be a road traffic accident. When there has been a traumatic incident, a team comes together to assess a number of factors. This includes wether people have been directly involved in the incident or if they were on the peripheries. The team also decides whether an individual requires one-on-one treatment, small group treatment, or treatment as part of a larger group. The main goal of the group is to explain to people that is okay to experience certain feelings regarding what they have witnessed. Loss of sleep, and reliving the incident in the witnesses mind are all common occurrences for somebody who has been involved in a traumatic incident. Mentions in this Episode. <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1118723" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Tim Heale Podcasts - Ordinary People's Extraordinary Stories</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5yMRa9kz0eGTr_3DFlSfGtHLLNeD0rg0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Heale on YouTube</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

..meets Podcaster Tim Heale!

Getting to know Theron and Hermes AuslanderTheron and Hermes Auslander make up 2 thirds of the Scuttlebutt Crew. The third member of the Scuttlebutt crew is also Morpheus - who is out on duty currently so couldn't be with us. Hermes Infiltrated the US military 5-10 years ago. The Scuttlebutt Crew occasionally discuss topics relating to the aspects of the military that might upset "Uncle Sam". For this reason Hermes remains anonymous and we are unable to show any identifying features. Hence why if you watch the video you will only see the "Hand of Hermes!" (more on that later!). Theron introduces us to the Scuttlebutt podcast. About the Scuttlebutt PodcastThe Scuttlebutt Podcast is a podcast that talks about anything and everything. It started out as a place for people to get real, and talk about topics in a frank and honest way. Theron lists one of the mottos of the Scuttlebutt: Openly HonestlyEarnestlyA safe place to talkHermes talks about how there is a universally desire to be able to talk honestly and openly. He explains that there are some environments where talking openly and honestly is controlled, i.e. there are some topics that may be restricted. Also, it maybe only be able to talk about a topic if you are in agreement with the entity that controls the forum. The Scuttlebutt Podcast provides a 10/10, no holds barred forum where people can talk about whatever they want and have whatever opinion they want. He describes how you will sometimes see a person in Uniform appear on the show with a pen-name avatar. After a few drinks it is nice to be able to give the guest the feeling that they can get things off their chest and give their opinion without worrying about repercussions. So, What is it you're drinking on or smoking on?...The Scuttlebutt CrewTwisted Tea.....Theron describes his love of Twisted Tea - a selfless act that surely deserves the support and sponsorship deal that Theron works so tirelessly to achieve. Come on, Twisted Tea - show a bit of love for these wonderful people!It's all a bit Alien to me!Hermes presents himself to the world as an alien that came down to Earth many years ago. For most of his life, Hermes felt like a bit of an outsider, outside of Theron's companionship. This started at time of the beginning of his Art journey, and he expressed this through his amazing works which you can find and admire here.When did you land? Hermes explains that the "landing" process can be likened to a coming of age, of starting to figure out who you are. He describes the difference between this period, and being a younger being - where you have not yet collected enough data to really start to learn who you are. Theron was around at this time, and this is when they made their lifelong bond and formed their friendship. You realise it's easier to figure out the kind of person you DON'T want to be, [rather] than the person that you want to. Sort of setting an aspiration - I'll just cross things off the list until by process of elimination I'm left with the person I want to be. Theron, Translator of Aliens. Hermes expresses his gratitude for having Theron as his translator. Mentions in this EpisodeThe Scuttlebutt Podcast - where you can find links to the podcastsScuttlebutt Patreon Page - where you can contact the Scuttlebutt Crew any time of the day Support the show

Getting to know Theron and Hermes AuslanderTheron and Hermes Auslander make up 2 thirds of the Scuttlebutt Crew. The third member of the Scuttlebutt crew is also Morpheus - who is out on duty currently so couldn't be with us. Hermes Infiltrated the US military 5-10 years ago. The Scuttlebutt Crew occasionally discuss topics relating to the aspects of the military that might upset "Uncle Sam". For this reason Hermes remains anonymous and we are unable to show any identifying features. Hence why if you watch the video you will only see the "Hand of Hermes!" (more on that later!). Theron introduces us to the Scuttlebutt podcast. About the Scuttlebutt PodcastThe Scuttlebutt Podcast is a podcast that talks about anything and everything. It started out as a place for people to get real, and talk about topics in a frank and honest way. Theron lists one of the mottos of the Scuttlebutt: <ol><li>Openly </li><li>Honestly</li><li>Earnestly</li></ol>A safe place to talkHermes talks about how there is a universally desire to be able to talk honestly and openly. He explains that there are some environments where talking openly and honestly is controlled, i.e. there are some topics that may be restricted. Also, it maybe only be able to talk about a topic if you are in agreement with the entity that controls the forum. The Scuttlebutt Podcast provides a 10/10, no holds barred forum where people can talk about whatever they want and have whatever opinion they want. He describes how you will sometimes see a person in Uniform appear on the show with a pen-name avatar. After a few drinks it is nice to be able to give the guest the feeling that they can get things off their chest and give their opinion without worrying about repercussions. <blockquote>So, What is it you're drinking on or smoking on?...</blockquote>The Scuttlebutt CrewTwisted Tea.....Theron describes his love of Twisted Tea - a selfless act that surely deserves the support and sponsorship deal that Theron works so tirelessly to achieve. Come on, Twisted Tea - show a bit of love for these wonderful people!It's all a bit Alien to me!Hermes presents himself to the world as an alien that came down to Earth many years ago. For most of his life, Hermes felt like a bit of an outsider, outside of Theron's companionship. This started at time of the beginning of his Art journey, and he expressed this through his amazing works which you can find and admire <a href="https://www.hermesauslander.com/photo-albums" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.When did you land? Hermes explains that the "landing" process can be likened to a coming of age, of starting to figure out who you are. He describes the difference between this period, and being a younger being - where you have not yet collected enough data to really start to learn who you are. Theron was around at this time, and this is when they made their lifelong bond and formed their friendship. <blockquote>You realise it's easier to figure out the kind of person you DON'T want to be, [rather] than the person that you want to. Sort of setting an aspiration - I'll just cross things off the list until by process of elimination I'm left with the person I want to be. </blockquote>Theron, Translator of Aliens. Hermes expresses his gratitude for having Theron as his translator. Mentions in this Episode<ul><li><a href="https://www.hermesauslander.com/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Scuttlebutt Podcast</a> - where you can find links to the podcasts</li><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/hermesauslander" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scuttlebutt Patreon Page</a> - where you can contact the Scuttlebutt Crew any time of the day</li></ul> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

..meets the Scuttlebutt Crew!

JournalLifestyleMy main thing I’ve been looking at is my diet. I’ve been struggling with not taking enough food into work, and then I get absolutely starving, and then eat too much of the wrong foods. So, I’ve made a commitment to myself to make sure I take enough food in to work. LearningTomorrow is my Open day at Northern Guild – so I’m going to be talking to some of the lecturers and students about pursuing some sort of education and qualification in therapy / counselling. I’m really looking forward to that. Future GuestsAs of today, we have 2 confirmed guests, and about 3 that are not far off being confirmed. The confirmed one will be on the 10th of June and that will be our good friend Hermes Auslander, and Theron too, both from the Scuttlebutt Podcast. Do check that podcast out. You’ll see details of the other upcoming ones as and when I am able to confirm dates. The second guest we have will be the wonderful Tim Heale on the 16th of June. Tim is ex-forces and has extensive experience with relation to the welfare of officers and helping people deal with traumatic events. He also has a podcast himself called Ordinary people’s extraordinary stories – as part of the Tim Heale podcast. So do check that out!GuestingI am also going to be a guest on a couple of episodes. Two confirmed dates now are the 20th of June I’ll be guesting on the Saving Brothers podcast, so shoutout to those. Saving Brothers is a mental health podcast so be sure to check that out.  On 1st July I am going to be on a comedy podcast called the True Crime Podcast – which I think is going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to be talking to Eric about my naughtier times as a younger more stupid person, so I’m really looking forward to that. On 8th July I’ll be guesting on GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp which is a lovely little 30minute podcast which pretty much chats about anything and everything so be sure to check that out. My Mental HealthI’ve had a good week this week. The long weekend was of great benefit to me, I did a nice walk at Gibside with the wife which did me a load of good – and we also painted the back yard wall – which made the Wife happy. And as they say: happy wife, happy life! Which is true! I can see a bit of wobbliness with my worrying about taking too much on, but I’m just keeping a close eye on that for now. Physical HealthLast week I said I was aiming to do some morning exercised coupled with some meditation sessions before work. Full disclosure I only managed one day, but I’m going to take that as a victory, and maybe aim for more than one day this week. I also managed to go over some of my senior forms which was great as they are still fully absorbed in the muscle memory so I’m happy about thatESO on Xbox. ESO I’m doing good. Currently level 41! And still loving it. Still think it’ll be a while before I’ve gone through enough of the story to catch up with everybody who is currently going to be exploring the High Isle, but I’m getting there. I’m currently in Grahtwood for the Aldmeri Dominion faction. I’ve completed all the Anchors in that area but haven’t got any dungeons done yet. What am I watching?Currently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls, which is quite pleasant to watch and nice and easy viewing after Becky and myself have finished watching the Friends, on Netflix. Also, on Disney+ we are obviously going through Obi-Wan, and I noticed that another episode has dropped so really looking forward to watching that probably with my tea after this stream.Stranger things – we haven’t started watching this one yet, but we’ll be getting into that at some point. We also watched the Adam Project on Netflix. This was fantastic highly recommended.  Support the show

JournalLifestyle My main thing I’ve been looking at is my diet. I’ve been struggling with not taking enough food into work, and then I get absolutely starving, and then eat too much of the wrong foods. So, I’ve made a commitment to myself to make sure I take enough food in to work. Learning Tomorrow is my Open day at Northern Guild – so I’m going to be talking to some of the lecturers and students about pursuing some sort of education and qualification in therapy / counselling. I’m really looking forward to that. Future Guests As of today, we have 2 confirmed guests, and about 3 that are not far off being confirmed. The confirmed one will be on the 10th of June and that will be our good friend Hermes Auslander, and Theron too, both from the Scuttlebutt Podcast. Do check that podcast out. You’ll see details of the other upcoming ones as and when I am able to confirm dates. The second guest we have will be the wonderful Tim Heale on the 16th of June. Tim is ex-forces and has extensive experience with relation to the welfare of officers and helping people deal with traumatic events. He also has a podcast himself called Ordinary people’s extraordinary stories – as part of the Tim Heale podcast. So do check that out! Guesting I am also going to be a guest on a couple of episodes. Two confirmed dates now are the 20th of June I’ll be guesting on the Saving Brothers podcast, so shoutout to those. Saving Brothers is a mental health podcast so be sure to check that out.  On 1st July I am going to be on a comedy podcast called the True Crime Podcast – which I think is going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to be talking to Eric about my naughtier times as a younger more stupid person, so I’m really looking forward to that. On 8th July I’ll be guesting on GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp which is a lovely little 30minute podcast which pretty much chats about anything and everything so be sure to check that out. My Mental Health I’ve had a good week this week. The long weekend was of great benefit to me, I did a nice walk at Gibside with the wife which did me a load of good – and we also painted the back yard wall – which made the Wife happy. And as they say: happy wife, happy life! Which is true! I can see a bit of wobbliness with my worrying about taking too much on, but I’m just keeping a close eye on that for now. Physical Health Last week I said I was aiming to do some morning exercised coupled with some meditation sessions before work. Full disclosure I only managed one day, but I’m going to take that as a victory, and maybe aim for more than one day this week. I also managed to go over some of my senior forms which was great as they are still fully absorbed in the muscle memory so I’m happy about that ESO on Xbox. ESO I’m doing good. Currently level 41! And still loving it. Still think it’ll be a while before I’ve gone through enough of the story to catch up with everybody who is currently going to be exploring the High Isle, but I’m getting there. I’m currently in Grahtwood for the Aldmeri Dominion faction. I’ve completed all the Anchors in that area but haven’t got any dungeons done yet. What am I watching? Currently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls, which is quite pleasant to watch and nice and easy viewing after Becky and myself have finished watching the Friends, on Netflix.  Also, on Disney+ we are obviously going through Obi-Wan, and I noticed that another episode has dropped so really looking forward to watching that probably with my tea after this stream. Stranger things – we haven’t started watching this one yet, but we’ll be getting into that at some point.  We also watched the Adam Project on Netflix. This was fantastic highly recommended.  <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Mental Health Journal: Week 23

LifestyleLast week I sold my big, inefficient car and I picked up the much cheaper and efficient hybrid. I absolutely love it! So that’s going to be saving me some money which will help towards my Diploma in Therapy / Conselling. StudyworkI’ve recently been going through the prospectus for my local college, and I’ll be attending the open day next Thursday so I’m really looking forward to hearing what they’ve got to say. DiscordDiscord is very slowly building we got one new member last week, but I think it’s going to be a while before people are able to take full advantage of it. Future GuestsAs of today we have 1 confirmed guest, and about 3 that are not far off being confirmed. The confirmed one will be on the 10th June and that will be our good friend Hermes Auslander and possibly Theron too, both from the Scuttlebutt Podcast. Do check that podcast out. You’ll see details of the other upcoming ones as and when I am able to confirm dates. GuestingI am also going to be a guest on a couple of episodes. Two confirmed dates now are the 20th June I’ll be guesting on the Saving Brothers podcast, so shoutout to those. Saving Brothers is a mental health podcast so be sure to check that out. On 8th July I’ll be guesting on GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp which is a lovely little 30minute podcast which pretty much chats about anything and everything so be sure to check that out. My Mental HealthOn the whole I’ve been mostly fine this week. I had a bit of high following the changeover of cars. Yesterday I had a mini-slump where I’d got myself worked up about trying to fit everything in, but Tuesday is my training day and THAT SEEMED TO HELP A LOT. Plus I got a pretty good bill of health from my GP saying I’m in fairly good shape so that was good to hear. I think yesterday and today though I’ve been experiencing a bit of anxiety with relation to my physical health which is interesting so maybe I’ll have to keep an eye on that. Also it’s now Jubilee time so were enjoying having the Thursday and Friday off so no doubt I’ll be able to squeeze some ESO streaming in – but as a priority I think I really want to go out on a nice walk with the wife or do something nice with her to get out a bit. Maybe visit our local National Trust site Gibside for a nice walk along the river, something like that. Also Ingram Valley has been recommended so maybe we’ll try that. Physical HealthThis is something that I really want to turn around now and do some more things with. My physical training has been on the back burner for a while other than my weekly training class, just getting pre-occupied / obsessed with the CGHD stuff and re-hashing things. So I really want to get back into that and maybe start doing some bitesize portions of daily training again – perhaps some yoga or just my QiGong or breathing excercises. I really feel like that’s been lacking recently. ESO on Xbox. ESO I’m doing good. Currently level 39 and just about to hit the level 40 mark. Pretty much got all my skill points that I wanted for my warden, so I’m investing most things now in my crafting and sneakiness etc. Remember I’ll be streaming from time to time and if you want an update for when that is you can always join the Discord server or keep an eye on the Twitter or FB page. What am I watchingCurrently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls, which is actually quite pleasant to watch and nice and easy viewing after Becky and myself have finished watching the Friendses on Netflix. Also on Disney+ we are going through Obi-Wan, and I noticed that another episode has dropped so really looking forward to watcing that probably with my tea after this stream.  Support the show

Lifestyle Last week I sold my big, inefficient car and I picked up the much cheaper and efficient hybrid. I absolutely love it! So that’s going to be saving me some money which will help towards my Diploma in Therapy / Conselling. Studywork I’ve recently been going through the prospectus for my local college, and I’ll be attending the open day next Thursday so I’m really looking forward to hearing what they’ve got to say. Discord Discord is very slowly building we got one new member last week, but I think it’s going to be a while before people are able to take full advantage of it. Future Guests As of today we have 1 confirmed guest, and about 3 that are not far off being confirmed. The confirmed one will be on the 10th June and that will be our good friend Hermes Auslander and possibly Theron too, both from the Scuttlebutt Podcast. Do check that podcast out. You’ll see details of the other upcoming ones as and when I am able to confirm dates. Guesting I am also going to be a guest on a couple of episodes. Two confirmed dates now are the 20th June I’ll be guesting on the Saving Brothers podcast, so shoutout to those. Saving Brothers is a mental health podcast so be sure to check that out. On 8th July I’ll be guesting on GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp which is a lovely little 30minute podcast which pretty much chats about anything and everything so be sure to check that out. My Mental Health On the whole I’ve been mostly fine this week. I had a bit of high following the changeover of cars. Yesterday I had a mini-slump where I’d got myself worked up about trying to fit everything in, but Tuesday is my training day and THAT SEEMED TO HELP A LOT. Plus I got a pretty good bill of health from my GP saying I’m in fairly good shape so that was good to hear. I think yesterday and today though I’ve been experiencing a bit of anxiety with relation to my physical health which is interesting so maybe I’ll have to keep an eye on that. Also it’s now Jubilee time so were enjoying having the Thursday and Friday off so no doubt I’ll be able to squeeze some ESO streaming in – but as a priority I think I really want to go out on a nice walk with the wife or do something nice with her to get out a bit. Maybe visit our local National Trust site Gibside for a nice walk along the river, something like that. Also Ingram Valley has been recommended so maybe we’ll try that. Physical Health This is something that I really want to turn around now and do some more things with. My physical training has been on the back burner for a while other than my weekly training class, just getting pre-occupied / obsessed with the CGHD stuff and re-hashing things. So I really want to get back into that and maybe start doing some bitesize portions of daily training again – perhaps some yoga or just my QiGong or breathing excercises. I really feel like that’s been lacking recently. ESO on Xbox. ESO I’m doing good. Currently level 39 and just about to hit the level 40 mark. Pretty much got all my skill points that I wanted for my warden, so I’m investing most things now in my crafting and sneakiness etc. Remember I’ll be streaming from time to time and if you want an update for when that is you can always join the Discord server or keep an eye on the Twitter or FB page. What am I watching Currently me and the wife are going through Gilmore Girls, which is actually quite pleasant to watch and nice and easy viewing after Becky and myself have finished watching the Friendses on Netflix. Also on Disney+ we are going through Obi-Wan, and I noticed that another episode has dropped so really looking forward to watcing that probably with my tea after this stream.  <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Mental Health Journal: Week 22

JournalGot Married   1st May. It was an incredible day. I had some time off after the wedding and as always with me and a bit of time off, it actually gave me the opportunity to recenter and come up with ideas as to how I can do more for the community. So there’s quite a few things I’ve wanted to do off the back of some of the ideas that I’ve had, so I put the podcasts and interviews on hold for a bit. But I’m just about ready to get started again and so I thought I would tell you about those today. HDDD are back!HDDD’s are back, they are going to be weekly, but are also going to be much shorter – I don’t want the Hump Day episodes to disrupt your listening of the other shows, but I think it’s going to be important for me to share my own progress and have a means of providing you with updates – without making guests on the main CGHD streams to be waiting around whilst I read a load of stuff out. Mental Health CareersI’ve done some soul searching over the last few months, and I’ve come to the conclusion that my calling is definitely mental health. When I’m doing mental health stuff whether through CGHD or whatever, I feel like I’m contributing something with my life. So I’ve decided that I’m going to be on a transition from my current career in the construction industry to have more involvement with mental health. As I do manage to get into some form of study work I’ll also use the HDDD podcasts to keep you updated of how I’m getting on. How I’m coping with the transition, and the workload. How that’s effecting me mentally, what I’m learning etc. Hopefully this might inspire others who are thinking of also making a change who knows. The CGHD Discord ServerThe Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon Discord Server is now up and running. You can find a link for that on the website, and I’ll be dropping in most days to catch up with you all and check in, see how you’re all doing etc – please join and feel free to use that. On the Discord server, there is also a hidden section for our Patreons. So in an effort to make sure that I remain financially okay, for a bit of help I’ve started a Patreon site. This site will be going live over the weekend and there’ll be an announcement when that does go live. PatreonThe patreon site is there to give you the opportunity if you want to show you support for the podcast and other content to do that. It’s set in a similar theme to the rest of our content, very light hearted and fun, but with a serious message. So there are three tier options if you want to support us on Patreon, and they are priced at £3, £6 and £12 per month. And these memberships are called the Chatty Chickens, the Welcome Warriors, and the Friendly Dragons respectively. Finally, you’re going to see the hashtag #TalkingSavesLives at the bottom of my posts. I think this is an important message to get out there. #talkingsaveslivesFacilitating conversations around mental health, and allowing them to happen without any feelings of discomfort for either talker or listener is essential and the way that we keep moving forward in our attempt to improve social health and how as decent people we can work toward a healthier community. Links:Discord ServerPatreon Support the show

Journal Got Married   1st May. It was an incredible day. I had some time off after the wedding and as always with me and a bit of time off, it actually gave me the opportunity to recenter and come up with ideas as to how I can do more for the community. So there’s quite a few things I’ve wanted to do off the back of some of the ideas that I’ve had, so I put the podcasts and interviews on hold for a bit. But I’m just about ready to get started again and so I thought I would tell you about those today.  HDDD are back! HDDD’s are back, they are going to be weekly, but are also going to be much shorter – I don’t want the Hump Day episodes to disrupt your listening of the other shows, but I think it’s going to be important for me to share my own progress and have a means of providing you with updates – without making guests on the main CGHD streams to be waiting around whilst I read a load of stuff out.  Mental Health Careers I’ve done some soul searching over the last few months, and I’ve come to the conclusion that my calling is definitely mental health. When I’m doing mental health stuff whether through CGHD or whatever, I feel like I’m contributing something with my life. So I’ve decided that I’m going to be on a transition from my current career in the construction industry to have more involvement with mental health. As I do manage to get into some form of study work I’ll also use the HDDD podcasts to keep you updated of how I’m getting on. How I’m coping with the transition, and the workload. How that’s effecting me mentally, what I’m learning etc. Hopefully this might inspire others who are thinking of also making a change who knows.  The CGHD Discord Server The Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon Discord Server is now up and running. You can find a link for that on the website, and I’ll be dropping in most days to catch up with you all and check in, see how you’re all doing etc – please join and feel free to use that. On the Discord server, there is also a hidden section for our Patreons. So in an effort to make sure that I remain financially okay, for a bit of help I’ve started a Patreon site. This site will be going live over the weekend and there’ll be an announcement when that does go live.  Patreon The patreon site is there to give you the opportunity if you want to show you support for the podcast and other content to do that. It’s set in a similar theme to the rest of our content, very light hearted and fun, but with a serious message. So there are three tier options if you want to support us on Patreon, and they are priced at £3, £6 and £12 per month. And these memberships are called the Chatty Chickens, the Welcome Warriors, and the Friendly Dragons respectively. Finally, you’re going to see the hashtag #TalkingSavesLives at the bottom of my posts. I think this is an important message to get out there. #talkingsaveslivesFacilitating conversations around mental health, and allowing them to happen without any feelings of discomfort for either talker or listener is essential and the way that we keep moving forward in our attempt to improve social health and how as decent people we can work toward a healthier community.  Links: <a href="https://discord.com/invite/gf962mqk?utm_source=Discord%20Widget&amp;utm_medium=Connect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Discord Server</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=74223922&amp;redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fchattygeekhiddendragon.com%2F&amp;utm_medium=widget" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/ChattyGeekHiddenDragon" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Mental Health Journal: Week 21

Corey Laine Hilton is a well respected, Amazon bestselling author and Certified Authenticity Coach.He has entertained thousands of clients internationally over the span of a 25 year career in the male exotic dance industry, laying the groundwork for his raw, mission driven message through his unique and colourful perspective. With life experience and dedicated research on the subject of self-worth, he reveals his 10 strongest personal values and the emotional feelings attached to them in a career most cannot comprehend. His insights have been seen on multiple social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube as well as podcasts focusing on mental health, spirituality and authenticity.As an authenticity coach, he has the ability to help men over 30 lacking emotional expression overcome subconscious blocks by utilizing his unique perspectives while providing his "Naked Truth" through his journey of self-discovery. He exposes his struggle between his authentic self and his onstage alter-ego in a foregone industry providing his audience with a view of the reality of what it was like being on the other side of the "Velvet Rope".Mentions in this EpisodeTake it Off WebsiteCorey's Book: Take it Off: Revelations of a Male Exotic Dancer (Amazon UK)In this Moment - BandINXS - BandSupport the show

Corey Laine Hilton is a well respected, Amazon bestselling author and Certified Authenticity Coach.He has entertained thousands of clients internationally over the span of a 25 year career in the male exotic dance industry, laying the groundwork for his raw, mission driven message through his unique and colourful perspective. With life experience and dedicated research on the subject of self-worth, he reveals his 10 strongest personal values and the emotional feelings attached to them in a career most cannot comprehend. His insights have been seen on multiple social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube as well as podcasts focusing on mental health, spirituality and authenticity.As an authenticity coach, he has the ability to help men over 30 lacking emotional expression overcome subconscious blocks by utilizing his unique perspectives while providing his "Naked Truth" through his journey of self-discovery. He exposes his struggle between his authentic self and his onstage alter-ego in a foregone industry providing his audience with a view of the reality of what it was like being on the other side of the "Velvet Rope". Mentions in this Episode<ul><li><a href="http://takeitoff.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Take it Off Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Take-Off-Revelations-Exotic-Dancer-ebook/dp/B09YTP2H9Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6YH1KAXKLIV0&amp;keywords=take+it+off+Corey+Laine+hilton&amp;qid=1651943812&amp;sprefix=take+it+off+corey+laine+hilton%2Caps%2C63&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Corey's Book: Take it Off: Revelations of a Male Exotic Dancer (Amazon UK)</a></li><li><a href="https://inthismomentofficial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In this Moment - Band</a></li><li><a href="https://www.inxs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">INXS - Band</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Author, Authenticity Coach and Ex-Male Exotic Dancer, Corey Laine Hilton

Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon is a fun and unique podcast where we share jokes, stories, hobbies, interests, and most importantly - we discuss mental health! Support the show

Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon is a fun and unique podcast where we share jokes, stories, hobbies, interests, and most importantly - we discuss mental health! <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon - Trailer

Lee Hopkins (he/him/his) is a transgender man who helps people create lasting friendships. After struggling with loneliness most of his life, he's tried various ways to resolve it— including moving across the US twice, then creating his own successful American Idol-style karaoke club to transitioning from female to male. He’s learned the only way to create meaningful connections is through loving himself.As we get to know more about Lee, it isn't long before we come to learn that this is an individual who hasn't been a stranger to loneliness for the majority of his life. Throughout his life, Lee has travelled across the country to try and overcome his loneliness and meet new people. He explains how it can be okay to be vulnerable, which he feels is a necessity to be able to make a connection. Mentions in this episode:Patterns of Possibility websiteMore possibility!Squeek and Sausage - a card based escape room game. Nerd Herd Discord serverWall-EBreath of the WildSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Lee Hopkins (he/him/his) is a transgender man who helps people create lasting friendships. After struggling with loneliness most of his life, he's tried various ways to resolve it— including moving across the US twice, then creating his own successful American Idol-style karaoke club to transitioning from female to male. He’s learned the only way to create meaningful connections is through loving himself.As we get to know more about Lee, it isn't long before we come to learn that this is an individual who hasn't been a stranger to loneliness for the majority of his life. Throughout his life, Lee has travelled across the country to try and overcome his loneliness and meet new people. He explains how it can be okay to be vulnerable, which he feels is a necessity to be able to make a connection.  Mentions in this episode:<ul><li><a href="https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patterns of Possibility website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/morepossibility" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">More possibility!</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Asmodee-NLK02-Unlock-Squeek-Sausage/dp/B01N5HMTOW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Squeek and Sausage - a card based escape room game. </a></li><li><a href="https://discordservers.com/server/497135836987654146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nerd Herd Discord server</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WALL-E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wall-E</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breath of the Wild</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Transformation and Connection Coach Lee Hopkins

Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon is a Podcast and Live Stream about our hobbies and passions, AND promoting conversations about mental and social health.

Emily describes her self as a spiritual seeker, a tarot reader, a story telling strategist, and a deep believer in the power and importance of community. For a long time, Emily had a singular ambition of working on Broadway, and being in and around the broadway community. She explains that she did actually do this for a long time, working as a broadway publicist and an entertainment publicist. Pre-pandemic, Emily had worked for a number of different companies and started her own company. She explains however how she got to the point where she didn't really understand how she got where she was, and wasn't completely happy with where she was. It wasn't long after this that the pandemic hit. Emily tells us how this was a fortuitous time as it allowed her the opportunity to deeply consider what she wanted to do with her life. Mentions in this episode:Emily's instagram account: emilyannemcgPlaybill MagazineEmily's links page.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Emily describes her self as a spiritual seeker, a tarot reader, a story telling strategist, and a deep believer in the power and importance of community. For a long time, Emily had a singular ambition of working on Broadway, and being in and around the broadway community. She explains that she did actually do this for a long time, working as a broadway publicist and an entertainment publicist. Pre-pandemic, Emily had worked for a number of different companies and started her own company. She explains however how she got to the point where she didn't really understand how she got where she was, and wasn't completely happy with where she was. It wasn't long after this that the pandemic hit. Emily tells us how this was a fortuitous time as it allowed her the opportunity to deeply consider what she wanted to do with her life. Mentions in this episode:<ul><li>Emily's instagram account: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilyannemcg/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">emilyannemcg</a></li><li><a href="https://www.playbill.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Playbill</a> Magazine</li><li>Emily's <a href="https://www.emilymcgillentertainment.com/links/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">links page.</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Tarot Card Reader Emily McGill

This episode we were blessed to have the wonderful company of...Laura Boanas!Laura is owner of her own business, "Hello Moon Creative"Getting to know Laura..Laura is a tattoo artist based in Redcar, Cleveland UK. She is massively into anime and all things nerdy. She is also a massive fan of Lord of the Rings. She loves dogs and cheese, but hates pies! She likes to travel, and has an affinity for Japan, and hopes to be able to travel there again some day. Lauras main focus of tattoos are anime, but she also provides a mix such as Disney, pop culture and traditional Japanese styles - specialising on colour and dot work. She finds that providing a tattoo session can be a bit like a therapy session - possibly due to the intimate nature of being tattooed. Before being a tattoo artist, she used to work as a legal secretary in a criminal defence law firm. She describes it as the worst job she's ever had - absolutely destroying her mental health. Generally this involved working with suspected criminals on a daily basis, and being spoken to very poorly with zero respect. She has always loved tattoos, but making the leap into being a tattoo artist was a difficult process. Laura has always struggled with confidence, and the pressure of providing a good piece on somebody was a massive challenge for her. As well as the online business where Laura sells various merchandise, she also collaborates with another artist to sell custom pins. When asked how she manages to do all this, she says that unfortunately how she does this is that she doesn't sleep much. She describes this as something she is currently working with. She is currently trying to do more work on her social life and spend less of her energy on her work. When you listen to her daily day routine, it's no surprise that she intends to do this!Give it a Go!For Give it a Go, Laura recommends bubble baths, long walks, and good cardio sessions. Laura currently still uses the treadmill and cross trainer, but explains how she will dance on the cross trainer. Laura is kind enough to explain her bubble bath technique: Run the hot tap until it is at its hottest. When filling, pour in a "good slug" of bubble bath. "Gjush" it really aggressively until you have a good level of water (about up to wrist level)Swill the water to make sure you have a good spread of bubbles, and that the bubbles aren't just forming under the tap.Continue the Gjush/Swill technique repeatedly so that fresh bubbles continue to form under the taps. Note that as the bath fills, the Gjush/Swill needs to also rise to keep agitating the higher level of the water. Another fantastic tip for good vibes and lifting the soul is a good bit of dancing. Laura explains how she will "aggressive dance to anything" whether it is a bit of Seal, or Savage Garden, another of her favourites. Mentions in the EpisodeLaura's Instagram Account: Hello_Moon_CreativeSailor MoonSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

This episode we were blessed to have the wonderful company of... <h1>Laura Boanas!</h1>Laura is owner of her own business, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hello_moon_creative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Hello Moon Creative"</a>Getting to know Laura..Laura is a tattoo artist based in Redcar, Cleveland UK. She is massively into anime and all things nerdy. She is also a massive fan of Lord of the Rings. She loves dogs and cheese, but hates pies! She likes to travel, and has an affinity for Japan, and hopes to be able to travel there again some day. Lauras main focus of tattoos are anime, but she also provides a mix such as Disney, pop culture and traditional Japanese styles - specialising on colour and dot work. She finds that providing a tattoo session can be a bit like a therapy session - possibly due to the intimate nature of being tattooed. Before being a tattoo artist, she used to work as a legal secretary in a criminal defence law firm. She describes it as the worst job she's ever had - absolutely destroying her mental health. Generally this involved working with suspected criminals on a daily basis, and being spoken to very poorly with zero respect. She has always loved tattoos, but making the leap into being a tattoo artist was a difficult process. Laura has always struggled with confidence, and the pressure of providing a good piece on somebody was a massive challenge for her. As well as the online business where Laura sells various merchandise, she also collaborates with another artist to sell custom pins. When asked how she manages to do all this, she says that unfortunately how she does this is that she doesn't sleep much. She describes this as something she is currently working with. She is currently trying to do more work on her social life and spend less of her energy on her work. When you listen to her daily day routine, it's no surprise that she intends to do this! Give it a Go!For Give it a Go, Laura recommends bubble baths, long walks, and good cardio sessions. Laura currently still uses the treadmill and cross trainer, but explains how she will dance on the cross trainer. Laura is kind enough to explain her bubble bath technique: <ol><li>Run the hot tap until it is at its hottest. </li><li>When filling, pour in a "good slug" of bubble bath. </li><li>"Gjush" it really aggressively until you have a good level of water (about up to wrist level)</li><li>Swill the water to make sure you have a good spread of bubbles, and that the bubbles aren't just forming under the tap.</li><li>Continue the Gjush/Swill technique repeatedly so that fresh bubbles continue to form under the taps. </li><li>Note that as the bath fills, the Gjush/Swill needs to also rise to keep agitating the higher level of the water. </li></ol>Another fantastic tip for good vibes and lifting the soul is a good bit of dancing. Laura explains how she will "aggressive dance to anything" whether it is a bit of Seal, or Savage Garden, another of her favourites. Mentions in the Episode<ul><li>Laura's Instagram Account: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hello_moon_creative/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hello_Moon_Creative</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_Moon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sailor Moon</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Tattoo Artist Laura Boanas

Francesca was born in California. She was brought up in an affluent part of California in a place called Palo Alto, home to Stanford University and part of Silicon Valley. It was during 8th Grade at school that she starting to get the feelings that she didn’t look how she felt she should. This resulted in the decision to get a treadmill and go on the treadmill for hours after school. This led to a loss of 50lbs over the course of 3 months – which Francesca points out is a very dangerous amount of weight to loose over such a short space of time, especially as a 13 year old.After graduating from high school early, Francesca moved to Seattle and pursued a degree in the Art of Cooking, which she completed. Francesca has always found food interesting, from eating and cooking, but also its ties to culture and politics amongst over things. From the Art of Cooking, Francesca decided to then study International Business studies. It was during this time that Francescas eating habits changed from compulsive exercise and restricted eating, to binge eating. At the time, although she felt something was maybe wrong with her eating habits, she was reluctant to accept this as she didn’t feel she was ticking the boxes that would typically be signs of any official eating disorder. This is something she wouldn’t talk to anybody about and hid it from her friends. Se completed her studies and begun work in Corporate Finance. After three years of work, she quit her job in consulting – right before the start of the Pandemic. At this time Francesca begun working with a dietitian, as she starting working and studying macros. It was when she was working with this dietician, that the dietician started to notice the indicators of an eating problem. At the end of the six weeks of working with this dietician, she was referred to a specialist. It was while she was working with this specialist that she started working on something called intuitive eating. This process is what allowed her to heal.Mentions in the EpisodeKaleidoscopeFM - a podcast by Francesca MeffertIt's Not About the Food - a podcast by Stefani ReinoldThe Dear Body Podcast - a podcast by Jesse JeanInuyashaSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Francesca was born in California. She was brought up in an affluent part of California in a place called Palo Alto, home to Stanford University and part of Silicon Valley. It was during 8th Grade at school that she starting to get the feelings that she didn’t look how she felt she should. This resulted in the decision to get a treadmill and go on the treadmill for hours after school. This led to a loss of 50lbs over the course of 3 months – which Francesca points out is a very dangerous amount of weight to loose over such a short space of time, especially as a 13 year old. After graduating from high school early, Francesca moved to Seattle and pursued a degree in the Art of Cooking, which she completed. Francesca has always found food interesting, from eating and cooking, but also its ties to culture and politics amongst over things. From the Art of Cooking, Francesca decided to then study International Business studies. It was during this time that Francescas eating habits changed from compulsive exercise and restricted eating, to binge eating. At the time, although she felt something was maybe wrong with her eating habits, she was reluctant to accept this as she didn’t feel she was ticking the boxes that would typically be signs of any official eating disorder. This is something she wouldn’t talk to anybody about and hid it from her friends. Se completed her studies and begun work in Corporate Finance. After three years of work, she quit her job in consulting – right before the start of the Pandemic. At this time Francesca begun working with a dietitian, as she starting working and studying macros. It was when she was working with this dietician, that the dietician started to notice the indicators of an eating problem. At the end of the six weeks of working with this dietician, she was referred to a specialist. It was while she was working with this specialist that she started working on something called intuitive eating. This process is what allowed her to heal. Mentions in the Episode<ul><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/kaleidoscopefm/id1557757508" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KaleidoscopeFM - a podcast by Francesca Meffert</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/its-not-about-the-food-intuitive-eating-anti-diet/id1332841133" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's Not About the Food - a podcast by Stefani Reinold</a></li><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dear-body-podcast/id1460137502" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dear Body Podcast - a podcast by Jesse Jean</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuyasha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inuyasha</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Nutrition Student Francesca Meffert

with Jared AlticJared's day job is for the Church where he works as a preacher. He also serves voluntarily on call as a Police Chaplain, whereby he has a pager and is required to attend as a first responder when there has been a death on the scene. He describes his role as a "Mental Health Paramedic", and his primary concern is to care for the mental health of victims, family of victims, witnesses and also his own Police officers and colleagues following a traumatic event. Jared talks about his experiences as a Police Chaplain. He describes it as a shock to the system, having to meet people who are probably having the worst day of their lives, and see that over and over again. The job of a Chaplain is to provide support and information for the family of victims, and to explain the process. Police officer are unable to do this all the time because many times at a crime scene they need to be checking for danger. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

with Jared Altic Jared's day job is for the Church where he works as a preacher. He also serves voluntarily on call as a Police Chaplain, whereby he has a pager and is required to attend as a first responder when there has been a death on the scene. He describes his role as a "Mental Health Paramedic", and his primary concern is to care for the mental health of victims, family of victims, witnesses and also his own Police officers and colleagues following a traumatic event.  Jared talks about his experiences as a Police Chaplain. He describes it as a shock to the system, having to meet people who are probably having the worst day of their lives, and see that over and over again. The job of a Chaplain is to provide support and information for the family of victims, and to explain the process. Police officer are unable to do this all the time because many times at a crime scene they need to be checking for danger. <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Police Chaplain Jared Altic

Amy Hunter

Amy works in a hospital as a women's healthcare assistant, she enjoys looking after patients making sure they are as comfortable as possible. When she isn't working, Amy enjoys going out on a night out! Laurie works in Middlesbrough Children's Services, as a communications and engagement officer. When they are not at work, Amy enjoys experimenting and expressing herself through her love of makeup, whilst Laurie loves delving into a bit of video gaming. Give it a GoLaurie's Give It a Go for this episode is singing! Laurie advised that practicing singing is actually really good for your mental health, because this also actually controls your breathing. Controlling the breathing is, as we know, helpful in reducing our anxiety. Laurie and Amy have had music in their lives since birth - both of their parents love to sing, and their mother was actually classically trained. Amy's recommendation for Give it a Go is make-up. Amy tells us how her fascination with make-up stems from insecurity. She started experimenting with make-up from the age of about 12. As she got older she realised that there were more artistic and creative aspects to make up, and she now enjoys experimenting with many different colour palettes and shapes to enhance her features. Amy compares this to an artist producing a painting. Mental Health SpotlightLaurie explains her thoughts on a big issue during the Covid pandemic being loneliness. Laurie explains that you can still experience loneliness even when you have friends. She sometimes suffers from anxiety and depression. Laurie explains that there can be a tendency not to reach out to friends. This can come from thoughts of not wanting to be a burden to your friends. Amy also explains how the pandemic has had an effect on her. Although there can plenty of 'virtual' social interaction through social media. She explains how she misses the physical contact of friendship, for example a good old hug! Amy tell us about her first experiences on receiving therapy, which completely changed her attitude towards her own mental health. She tell us about CGT, which stands for cognitive behavioural therapy, and helped her to validate her experiences. Hidden DragonLaurie is the first to share her Hidden Dragon, which is building watches! This entails purchasing after-market parts and building them herself in order to produce your own unique, customised watch. She loves the intense focus that is required to assemble all of the parts intricately. Amy's Hidden Dragon is conspiracies! She loves reading things about aliens and missing people. She gets into the dark content regarding missing people of things that are happening currently. Mentions in this episode: Stardew Valley.Impact on Teesside.LordanARTSPretty Girls - written by Karen Slaughterconnect to Laurie on Instagramconnect to Laurie on Twitterconnect to Amy on InstagramMiddlesbrough Children Matter websiteMiddlesbrough Children Matter twitterSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Amy works in a hospital as a women's healthcare assistant, she enjoys looking after patients making sure they are as comfortable as possible. When she isn't working, Amy enjoys going out on a night out! Laurie works in Middlesbrough Children's Services, as a communications and engagement officer. When they are not at work, Amy enjoys experimenting and expressing herself through her love of makeup, whilst Laurie loves delving into a bit of video gaming. Give it a GoLaurie's Give It a Go for this episode is singing! Laurie advised that practicing singing is actually really good for your mental health, because this also actually controls your breathing. Controlling the breathing is, as we know, helpful in reducing our anxiety. Laurie and Amy have had music in their lives since birth - both of their parents love to sing, and their mother was actually classically trained. Amy's recommendation for Give it a Go is make-up. Amy tells us how her fascination with make-up stems from insecurity. She started experimenting with make-up from the age of about 12. As she got older she realised that there were more artistic and creative aspects to make up, and she now enjoys experimenting with many different colour palettes and shapes to enhance her features. Amy compares this to an artist producing a painting. Mental Health SpotlightLaurie explains her thoughts on a big issue during the Covid pandemic being loneliness. Laurie explains that you can still experience loneliness even when you have friends. She sometimes suffers from anxiety and depression. Laurie explains that there can be a tendency not to reach out to friends. This can come from thoughts of not wanting to be a burden to your friends. Amy also explains how the pandemic has had an effect on her. Although there can plenty of 'virtual' social interaction through social media. She explains how she misses the physical contact of friendship, for example a good old hug! Amy tell us about her first experiences on receiving therapy, which completely changed her attitude towards her own mental health. She tell us about CGT, which stands for cognitive behavioural therapy, and helped her to validate her experiences. Hidden DragonLaurie is the first to share her Hidden Dragon, which is building watches! This entails purchasing after-market parts and building them herself in order to produce your own unique, customised watch. She loves the intense focus that is required to assemble all of the parts intricately. Amy's Hidden Dragon is conspiracies! She loves reading things about aliens and missing people. She gets into the dark content regarding missing people of things that are happening currently. Mentions in this episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.stardewvalley.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stardew Valley.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.impactonteesside.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Impact on Teesside.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWoe_w-oadmQxcXZV2KMZgg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LordanARTS</a></li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25574782-pretty-girls" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pretty Girls - written by Karen Slaughter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurina_hunter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">connect to Laurie on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/laurinahunter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">connect to Laurie on Twitter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hunter.amy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">connect to Amy on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://middlesbroughchildrenmatter.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Middlesbrough Children Matter website</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/YouthVoiceMbro" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Middlesbrough Children Matter twitter</a></li></ul><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Healthcare Assistant Amy Hunter and Children's Service Commucations Officer Laurie Hunter

Mike works as a Software Development Manager, which he takes his role as a servant leader. Currently the company he works at manufactures PCR machines.PCR machines are used for DNA sequencing, and the fight against COVID. Finding an engineers joy to life ratio involves getting inside the mind of a team-worker and finding the intrinsic motivation for doing things. For example this could be uncovering an engineer's need to solve problems, and then pointing them in an area where that motivation can be fulfilled. Mike talks about his own joy that he finds in his work, and the fulfilment in the knowledge that his work is potentially saving lives. He also writes a blog on a website called oranjutanj.com. ValuesMike is very clear on his own personal values, evaluating and prioritising these values every year. He is also very clear on his purpose: "To empower himself to empower others, through his knowledge of the digital sector". Mike talks about the parallels between being a coach and mentoring staff and individuals, and also his experiences as a father, and the need to be attached to your own children.Give it a Go!For Mike's escape, he enjoyed and recommends running. Mike has developed a habitual pattern in his life, whereby now if he doesn't run, it effects him a lot. His target is to try and run around 100km per month, which involves a 12km on a Sunday and two 6km runs through the week. He says that this simply helps him to unwind, and allows him to listen to so many audiobooks. Also recommended is the act of mindful running. There is a run that Mike enjoys that takes him up to Preston Park, which he describes as a simply beautiful run. This is a great way of dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, and also keeping the body healthy. Mental Health SpotlightMike describes how he began to experience mental health problems around the time his eldest son turned one years old. He shares with us the struggles of trying to become the father that he felt he should be. Talking about his lowest points, he shares how his life started to feel out of control. This low, and feeling of a lack of control, led Mike to begin self-harming. As a mental health first-aider, Mike has learned that self-harming can be linked to feelings around lack of control. It was at this point that Mike knew that he probably needed to get help. Mike talks about how he received some counselling services through work. Mike explains that although the subject matter of the counselling chats in themselves didn't really seem to provide any benefit; the act of talking, opening up and sharing with someone did. He talks about how this was much easier talking to a stranger rather than family. This is because he didn't want family panicking or overreacting. He had always felt averse to taking medication or pills or anything in his body, but he ended up trying medication. The medication, although not particularly strong doses, did end up making a massive difference. Bitesize!Mike's passion is generally also his carrier, and is passionate about coaching, and in particular a particular branch of coaching called Emotional Intelligence. He explains that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is 4x more effective than IQ, and accounts for 90% of what sets high performers apart.Mike described Emotional Intelligence as self awareness, self regulation, motivation (leading to resilience), empathy, and social skills. He describes it as the ability to put oneself into another shoes, and understand their needs. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Mike works as a Software Development Manager, which he takes his role as a servant leader. Currently the company he works at manufactures PCR machines. PCR machines are used for DNA sequencing, and the fight against COVID.  Finding an engineers joy to life ratio involves getting inside the mind of a team-worker and finding the intrinsic motivation for doing things. For example this could be uncovering an engineer's need to solve problems, and then pointing them in an area where that motivation can be fulfilled.  Mike talks about his own joy that he finds in his work, and the fulfilment in the knowledge that his work is potentially saving lives. He also writes a blog on a website called <a href="http://oranjutanj.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">oranjutanj.com</a>.  Values Mike is very clear on his own personal values, evaluating and prioritising these values every year. He is also very clear on his purpose: "To empower himself to empower others, through his knowledge of the digital sector".  Mike talks about the parallels between being a coach and mentoring staff and individuals, and also his experiences as a father, and the need to be attached to your own children. Give it a Go! For Mike's escape, he enjoyed and recommends running. Mike has developed a habitual pattern in his life, whereby now if he doesn't run, it effects him a lot. His target is to try and run around 100km per month, which involves a 12km on a Sunday and two 6km runs through the week. He says that this simply helps him to unwind, and allows him to listen to so many audiobooks.  Also recommended is the act of mindful running. There is a run that Mike enjoys that takes him up to Preston Park, which he describes as a simply beautiful run. This is a great way of dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety, and also keeping the body healthy.  Mental Health Spotlight Mike describes how he began to experience mental health problems around the time his eldest son turned one years old. He shares with us the struggles of trying to become the father that he felt he should be. Talking about his lowest points, he shares how his life started to feel out of control. This low, and feeling of a lack of control, led Mike to begin self-harming.  As a mental health first-aider, Mike has learned that self-harming can be linked to feelings around lack of control. It was at this point that Mike knew that he probably needed to get help. Mike talks about how he received some counselling services through work. Mike explains that although the subject matter of the counselling chats in themselves didn't really seem to provide any benefit; the act of talking, opening up and sharing with someone did. He talks about how this was much easier talking to a stranger rather than family. This is because he didn't want family panicking or overreacting.  He had always felt averse to taking medication or pills or anything in his body, but he ended up trying medication. The medication, although not particularly strong doses, did end up making a massive difference.  Bitesize! Mike's passion is generally also his carrier, and is passionate about coaching, and in particular a particular branch of coaching called Emotional Intelligence. He explains that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is 4x more effective than IQ, and accounts for 90% of what sets high performers apart. Mike described Emotional Intelligence as self awareness, self regulation, motivation (leading to resilience), empathy, and social skills. He describes it as the ability to put oneself into another shoes, and understand their needs.  <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Software Development Manager Mike Dent

Mike Penketh

Mike's life usually consists of one of two distinct days. A work day will consist of getting up early and working with clients from 6-7 o'clock in the morning, up to around mid afternoon. Mike's business; Athlos Personal Training - includes fitness, nutrition, mindset and health coaching to people in the Teesside area of North East England. Very early on it is clear to see that Mike is a very driven person who works incredibly hard. Mike works the hours that best suit his clients' needs. That means getting up early to train with them before they go to work, or on an evening when their working day is finished. He also doesn't work from a gym, rather he works mainly as a mobile coach, training people in remote locations where they will feel comfortable. On the other side of this there are other days in his week, whereby he gets to play Dad for the whole day, spending quality time with his three year old daughter. As we get to know more about Mike, we discuss his emphasis on teaching fitness and nutrition as a lifestyle choice, rather than a means to achieving a short term goal. It is really nice to hear Mikes style of ensuring that his clients' training experience is both enjoyable and sustainable, so that they will continue to train long after his coaching has ended. This also transcends into his approach to nutrition - rather than telling people what they can and can't eat, he prefers to help people work with their relationship with food. Mentions in this podcast:Athlos Personal TrainingAtomic Habits - James ClearThe Fitness ChefEnterprise Made SimpleLemon Top CreativeLemon Top GinRita's Pantryand once again, Powerhouse Dragon Boat!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

Mike's life usually consists of one of two distinct days. A work day will consist of getting up early and working with clients from 6-7 o'clock in the morning, up to around mid afternoon. Mike's business; Athlos Personal Training - includes fitness, nutrition, mindset and health coaching to people in the Teesside area of North East England. Very early on it is clear to see that Mike is a very driven person who works incredibly hard. Mike works the hours that best suit his clients' needs. That means getting up early to train with them before they go to work, or on an evening when their working day is finished. He also doesn't work from a gym, rather he works mainly as a mobile coach, training people in remote locations where they will feel comfortable. On the other side of this there are other days in his week, whereby he gets to play Dad for the whole day, spending quality time with his three year old daughter. As we get to know more about Mike, we discuss his emphasis on teaching fitness and nutrition as a lifestyle choice, rather than a means to achieving a short term goal. It is really nice to hear Mikes style of ensuring that his clients' training experience is both enjoyable and sustainable, so that they will continue to train long after his coaching has ended. This also transcends into his approach to nutrition - rather than telling people what they can and can't eat, he prefers to help people work with their relationship with food. Mentions in this podcast:<a href="http://athlospt.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athlos Personal Training</a><a href="https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atomic Habits - James Clear</a><a href="https://www.fitnesschef.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Fitness Chef</a><a href="https://enterprisemadesimple.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enterprise Made Simple</a><a href="https://www.lemontopcreative.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lemon Top Creative</a><a href="https://www.lemontopgin.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lemon Top Gin</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ritasredcar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rita's Pantry</a>and once again, <a href="https://www.powerhousedragons.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Powerhouse Dragon Boat!</a><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset Coach Mike Penketh

MENTAL HEALTH SPOTLIGHTThis Friday was World Suicide Prevention Day. Dan works to support the If You Care, Share Foundation based in Chester Le Street. They have an inside-out campaign happening, whereby the instruction is to wear a piece of clothing inside out. The aim is to spark conversations about suicide, mental health, and raise awareness. Dan also participates in the Movember campaign and sports his Freddie Mercury tash each year. Additionally, Dan does a lot of work with Calm, the “Campaign Against Living Miserably.”At the end of October is a campaign called the lost hours walk. The premise of this is that the additional hour gained via daylight savings time, is spent walking in the memory of a loved one lost through suicide. It offers the chance also to walk alongside people who suffer from the same experience. Five years ago, Dan lost his younger brother Callum to suicide. Callum was 27 years old. Having been through this experience, this has driven him to continue his work with Mind, Calm, and If You Care Share. Dan also comments on how suicide is much more common than is realised: In 2020…4912 people died by suicideThe North East of England had the UK’s highest suicide rate, which increased by 15.7% from 201975% of deaths by suicide were malesMales aged 45-49 continue to have the highest suicide rate, and it is the largest cause of death for men under 35Suicide rates for construction workers in the UK were over three times the national averageI ask Dan how ordinary members of the public might be able to make a differenct. Dan’s response is simply to try to persistently ask if people are okay. He also talks about the difference between Sympathy and Empathy. Calm (Campaign for Living Miserably) visit: Web: www.thecalmzone.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCALMzoneTwitter: https://twitter.com/theCALMzoneTwitter handle: @thecalmzoneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calmzone/If You Care Share: Web: https://www.ifucareshare.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFUCARESHARETwitter: https://twitter.com/ifucareshareTwitter handle: @ifucareshareInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifucareshare/Mind, the mental health charity: Web: https://www.mind.org.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindforbettermentalhealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/MindCharityTwitter Handle: @mindcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindcharity/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarWBJYMNqJxgn6n8_htCTQRichard Cave at The Northern Compass:Web: https://thenortherncompass.co.uk/contact-us/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNorthernCompassTwitter: https://twitter.com/NorthrnCompassTwitter Handle: @NorthrnCompassSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

MENTAL HEALTH SPOTLIGHTThis Friday was World Suicide Prevention Day. Dan works to support the If You Care, Share Foundation based in Chester Le Street. They have an inside-out campaign happening, whereby the instruction is to wear a piece of clothing inside out. The aim is to spark conversations about suicide, mental health, and raise awareness. Dan also participates in the Movember campaign and sports his Freddie Mercury tash each year. Additionally, Dan does a lot of work with Calm, the “Campaign Against Living Miserably.”At the end of October is a campaign called the lost hours walk. The premise of this is that the additional hour gained via daylight savings time, is spent walking in the memory of a loved one lost through suicide. It offers the chance also to walk alongside people who suffer from the same experience. Five years ago, Dan lost his younger brother Callum to suicide. Callum was 27 years old. Having been through this experience, this has driven him to continue his work with Mind, Calm, and If You Care Share. Dan also comments on how suicide is much more common than is realised: In 2020…4912 people died by suicideThe North East of England had the UK’s highest suicide rate, which increased by 15.7% from 201975% of deaths by suicide were malesMales aged 45-49 continue to have the highest suicide rate, and it is the largest cause of death for men under 35Suicide rates for construction workers in the UK were over three times the national averageI ask Dan how ordinary members of the public might be able to make a differenct. Dan’s response is simply to try to persistently ask if people are okay. He also talks about the difference between Sympathy and Empathy.  Calm (Campaign for Living Miserably) visit: Web: <a href="http://www.thecalmzone.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thecalmzone.net</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theCALMzone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/theCALMzone</a>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/theCALMzone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/theCALMzone</a>Twitter handle: @thecalmzoneInstagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/calmzone/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/calmzone/</a>If You Care Share: Web: <a href="https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IFUCARESHARE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/IFUCARESHARE</a>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ifucareshare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ifucareshare</a>Twitter handle: @ifucareshareInstagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifucareshare/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/ifucareshare/</a>Mind, the mental health charity: Web: <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.mind.org.uk</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mindforbettermentalhealth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/mindforbettermentalhealth</a>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/MindCharity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MindCharity</a>Twitter Handle: @mindcharityInstagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mindcharity/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mindcharity/</a>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarWBJYMNqJxgn6n8_htCTQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarWBJYMNqJxgn6n8_htCTQ</a>Richard Cave at The Northern Compass:Web: <a href="https://thenortherncompass.co.uk/contact-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://thenortherncompass.co.uk/contact-us/</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheNorthernCompass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/TheNorthernCompass</a>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthrnCompass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NorthrnCompass</a>Twitter Handle: @NorthrnCompass<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Suicide Prevention Fundraiser Dan McGurk

Matthew Davey

This episode we have the fantastic Matthew DaveyA typical day for Matthew is getting up at 4am, getting the coffee down and listening to some motivational speeches. He’ll train before work, work a 10 hour day, followed by possibly more training! When not training or working, he likes the motorbike and spending time with family. His training regimen generally consists of 3 runs, 3 bike sessions and 3 swims. Each lasting 1-4 hours each. Matthew trains for triathlon. We also discuss the benefits of training with a training partner.We talk about how important the friends and family are in helping Matthew to be able to train, and the importance in having their understanding and help.Matthew drives a bus for a local bus service. He understands that sometimes as a bus driver, you are the only person a customer may talk to, so he makes that extra effort to acknowledge their existence. He talks about the frustration when people come on the bus and don’t acknowledge the driver or say hello.Some of Matthews favourite places to run are Guisborough woods and Claybank, due to the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.For his escape he likes to play on his Playstation 5.Give it a GoMatthew’s suggestion for this episode is Dragon Boating! Matthew practiced Dragon Boating in Stockton-on-Tees at the barrage. A Dragon Boat consists of 22 people in a boat, including a drummer, a helmsman and 20 paddlers – 10 either side.Note: Don’t call them ores! – they are paddles!Matthew also took part in Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance in Stockton.Mental Health SpotlightWe talk about the benefits physical training has on mental health – as well as getting out of the house.We talk about what got Matthew into serious training. In 2012 Matthew was experiencing a slump but volunteered to be a driver in the London Olympics. At the time Matthew had weight issues, touching 20stone at the time. After meeting the athletes, Matthew was inspired to try physical training himself.He started with a home DVD called Insanity. From there, it was running, and then the Dragon Boating.He changed from unhealthy eating and drinking, to starting new diets and really putting some focus on his physical health. There is a definite acknowledgement there of how it easy to get into this slump.He experimented with a Vegan diet, but it wasn’t right for him, although there were some beneficial differences that were notices.BitesizeMatthew shares his enthusiasm of Motorbiking and getting his Advanced Riders qualification. The Advance Riders qualification allows somebody to the blood bike riding.He talks about the importance of keeping the learning going when it comes to making sure that you are safe when on the bike.The enthusiasm when sharing his experience of completing this training on the racecourse.Sharing the LoveThis episode we send all our love to Matthew’s mam, and Matthew’s girlfriend. To quote Matthew: “It takes a special understanding, to understand, how special I am”We also give a big shout out to Athlos Personal Training UK, and of course Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing Club. A massive thankyou goes to Matthew’s best friend, Michael Stewart, who has been a massive help, and gone out of his way at times to help him out.Matthew’s Plugs:For trying a multisport: Hartlepool TriathletesFor trail running: Let’s Run StokesleyFor Dragon Boat Racing: Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing ClubAnd also: Athlos Personal Training UKSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd)

This episode we have the fantastic Matthew Davey A typical day for Matthew is getting up at 4am, getting the coffee down and listening to some motivational speeches. He’ll train before work, work a 10 hour day, followed by possibly more training! When not training or working, he likes the motorbike and spending time with family. His training regimen generally consists of 3 runs, 3 bike sessions and 3 swims. Each lasting 1-4 hours each. Matthew trains for triathlon. We also discuss the benefits of training with a training partner. We talk about how important the friends and family are in helping Matthew to be able to train, and the importance in having their understanding and help. Matthew drives a bus for a local bus service. He understands that sometimes as a bus driver, you are the only person a customer may talk to, so he makes that extra effort to acknowledge their existence. He talks about the frustration when people come on the bus and don’t acknowledge the driver or say hello. Some of Matthews favourite places to run are Guisborough woods and Claybank, due to the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. For his escape he likes to play on his Playstation 5. Give it a Go Matthew’s suggestion for this episode is Dragon Boating! Matthew practiced Dragon Boating in Stockton-on-Tees at the barrage. A Dragon Boat consists of 22 people in a boat, including a drummer, a helmsman and 20 paddlers – 10 either side. Note: Don’t call them ores! – they are paddles! Matthew also took part in Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance in Stockton. Mental Health Spotlight We talk about the benefits physical training has on mental health – as well as getting out of the house. We talk about what got Matthew into serious training. In 2012 Matthew was experiencing a slump but volunteered to be a driver in the London Olympics. At the time Matthew had weight issues, touching 20stone at the time. After meeting the athletes, Matthew was inspired to try physical training himself. He started with a home DVD called Insanity. From there, it was running, and then the Dragon Boating. He changed from unhealthy eating and drinking, to starting new diets and really putting some focus on his physical health. There is a definite acknowledgement there of how it easy to get into this slump. He experimented with a Vegan diet, but it wasn’t right for him, although there were some beneficial differences that were notices. Bitesize Matthew shares his enthusiasm of Motorbiking and getting his Advanced Riders qualification. The Advance Riders qualification allows somebody to the blood bike riding. He talks about the importance of keeping the learning going when it comes to making sure that you are safe when on the bike. The enthusiasm when sharing his experience of completing this training on the racecourse. Sharing the Love This episode we send all our love to Matthew’s mam, and Matthew’s girlfriend. To quote Matthew: “It takes a special understanding, to understand, how special I am” We also give a big shout out to Athlos Personal Training UK, and of course Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing Club. A massive thankyou goes to Matthew’s best friend, Michael Stewart, who has been a massive help, and gone out of his way at times to help him out. Matthew’s Plugs: For trying a multisport: <a href="https://clubs.britishtriathlon.org/HartlepoolTriathletes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hartlepool Triathletes</a> For trail running: <a href="https://lets-run.co.uk/pages/coaching-running-groups" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let’s Run Stokesley</a> For Dragon Boat Racing: <a href="https://www.powerhousedragons.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing Club</a> And also: <a href="https://www.athlospt.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athlos Personal Training UK</a><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chattygeekhd</a>)

Iron Man Triathlete Matthew Davey

Chatty Geek, Hidden Dragon

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