The NottAlone Podcast

NottAlone
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Real talk about mental health. Join hosts Dr. Orlaith Green and Dr. Maddi Popoola, co-founders of NottAlone, as they open up honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing on The NottAlone Podcast. Each episode brings you real-life stories, practical advice and insights from local professionals and advocates from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our goal is to break stigma, normalise mental health discussions, and raise awareness of the free local support available in Notts. Life comes with challenges, but no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone.

  1. 2D AGO

    Overcoming anxiety and school avoidance with Shova

    NottAlone co-founders Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green sat down with 18-year-old university student Shova to discuss her experience with anxiety and panic attacks and the effect on her school attendance. Shova tells her story, explaining when she started to struggle to attend school, how her attendance rate dropped as low as 60% and her fear that she would never be able to cope with going to school. She also shares what helped her to overcome her anxiety and panic attacks and rebuild her attendance. Shova gives advice for friends and family, as well as sharing her tips for those who are struggling with anxiety around going to school. Educational psychologists Dr Maddi and Dr Órlaith explain some of the psychology behind the experience and reflect on their work with young people experiencing similar issues. Content note: this episode discusses some heavy topics around anxiety, panic attacks and feeling unable to attend school. Please, listen with care, take a break if you need it and visit NottAlone.org.uk if you need support around any of the issues raised in this episode. Series three of The NottAlone Podcast is a special four-episode podcast series which explores some challenging topics, hearing young people’s first-hand experiences of grief, loss, eating disorder recovery and overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. Transcript: https://nottalone.org.uk/aa/the-nottalone-podcast-overcoming-anxiety-and-school-avoidance-with-shova/ Need support with anxiety or panic attacks? Find information, advice and connections to free, local support services, visit NottAlone.org.uk Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠⁠NottAlone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠⁠. Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone. About NottAlone NottAlone.org.uk is a mental health support resource for people of all ages in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, offering advice and information on a range of mental health subjects, as well as connections to free support services. NottAlone is for all ages, covering individuals, workplaces and advice on how to support a friend or loved one. There’s a dedicated section of the website for children and young people, their parents/carers and professionals working with them. Visit the NottAlone website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠NottAlone.org.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ About the Podcast This episode of The NottAlone podcast was recorded by Brendon Gravell at The Old Library in Mansfield and produced by Rachel Cole and Francesca Vaney. Our theme music is the NottAlone song, Not Alone by Alex Mighten. Find out more about the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠NottAlone.org.uk/TheNottAlonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.

    35 min

  2. FEB 25

    Eating disorder recovery and cosy living for mental health with Grace

    Grace Wood sat down with The NottAlone Podcast hosts Dr Órlaith Green and Dr Maddi Popoola to talk about her road to recovery from an eating disorder and her plan to run the London Marathon to raise money for the charity that helped her. Maddi and Órlaith chat to Grace about her challenges seeking medical help, the techniques that helped her overcome her eating disorder and what she wants more people to know about recovery. Grace shares her experience of contacting mental health support services and explains why she wants to urge others to do the same. Grace’s story aims to remind people that eating disorders can affect anyone, and to help break down stereotypes and stigma. Content note: this episode discusses some heavy topics around eating disorders. Please, listen with care, take a break if you need it and visit NottAlone.org.uk if you need support around any of the issues raised in this episode. Series three of The NottAlone Podcast is a special four-episode podcast series which explores some challenging topics, hearing young people’s first-hand experiences of grief, loss, eating disorder recovery and overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. Transcript: https://nottalone.org.uk/aa/the-nottalone-podcast-eating-disorder-recovery-and-cosy-living-for-mental-health-with-grace/ Need support with eating disorders? Find information, advice and connections to free, local support services, visit NottAlone.org.uk Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠⁠NottAlone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠⁠. Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone. About NottAlone NottAlone.org.uk is a mental health support resource for people of all ages in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, offering advice and information on a range of mental health subjects, as well as connections to free support services. NottAlone is for all ages, covering individuals, workplaces and advice on how to support a friend or loved one. There’s a dedicated section of the website for children and young people, their parents/carers and professionals working with them. Visit the NottAlone website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠NottAlone.org.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ About the Podcast This episode of The NottAlone podcast was recorded by Brendon Gravell at The Old Library in Mansfield and produced by Rachel Cole and Francesca Vaney. Our theme music is the NottAlone song, Not Alone by Alex Mighten. Find out more about the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠NottAlone.org.uk/TheNottAlonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.

    34 min

  3. FEB 11

    Girl vs grief: Ella's story of bereavement, sibling loss and mental health

    Fifteen-year-old Ella Mai Blower from Colwick shares her moving experience of coping with grief following the loss of her younger brother. Leo was just six years old when he passed away from a terminal brain tumour four years ago, leaving Ella and her family devastated. Like many young people, Ella turned to social media to find other people who had also lost siblings, but was unable to find anything that resonated with her. That’s when she decided to create her own TikTok account @girl_vs_grief, to share her memories and help other people going through grief and loss. Hosts Maddi and Órlaith chat to Ella about her experiences, why sharing her story is so important to her, what helped her cope with grief and what advice she would give to other young people going through something similar. Content note: this episode discusses some heavy topics around bereavement and grief, especially in the second half. Please, listen with care, take a break if you need it and visit NottAlone.org.uk if you need support around any of the issues raised in this episode.Series three of The NottAlone Podcast is a special four-episode podcast series which explores some challenging topics, hearing young people’s first-hand experiences of grief, loss, eating disorder recovery and overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. Transcript: https://nottalone.org.uk/aa/the-nottalone-podcast-girl-vs-grief-ellas-story-of-bereavement-sibling-loss-and-mental-health/Need support with bereavement or loss? Find information, advice and connections to free, local support services at NottAlone.org.uk.Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠⁠nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠⁠. Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.About NottAloneNottAlone.org.uk is a mental health support resource for people of all ages in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, offering advice and information on a range of mental health subjects, as well as connections to free support services. NottAlone is for all ages, covering individuals, workplaces and advice on how to support a friend or loved one. There’s a dedicated section of the website for children and young people, their parents/carers and professionals working with them. Visit the NottAlone website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠NottAlone.org.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ About the PodcastThis episode of The NottAlone podcast was recorded by Brendon Gravell at The Old Library in Mansfield and produced by Rachel Cole and Francesca Vaney. Our theme music is the NottAlone song, Not Alone by Alex Mighten. Find out more about the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠nottalone.org.uk/thenottalonepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.

    39 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    And...that's a wrap for series two!

    As series two wraps up, Maddi and Órlaith look back on the conversations from this season and share moments that left a lasting impact. From suicide prevention and addiction to workplace burnout, men’s mental health, motherhood, and the psychology of sport, this season we explored many sides of mental wellbeing. We’d love to hear your thoughts on series two and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠. Remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation. Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.

    10 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    The power of sports psychology for everyday mental health with Dr. Melissa Morrison

    Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green are joined by Dr Melissa Morrison, also known as ‘The Sporty Ed Psych’. Together, they explore the often-overlooked connection between sports and mental health, discussing how the principles of sports psychology can enhance everyday well-being.   Mel shares her personal journey from struggling in traditional education to discovering her strengths through sports, and gives insights from her professional career, explaining the importance of access for children and young people to try a variety of physical activities to the role that sport and movement can play in mental wellbeing.   As well as Mel’s fascinating personal insights, listeners will practical strategies for managing stress, setting flexible goals and using sport for mindfulness.   Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leave us a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation.   We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any suggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing ⁠nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk⁠.   Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.

    36 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    From mental load to motherhood: discussing women’s mental health with Jessica Beckwith

    Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green are joined byNottAlone’s Jessica Beckwith for an open and honest conversation about women’s mental health. Jess is a Communications and Marketing professional currentlyworking with NottAlone, and she is the producer of The NottAlone Podcast. As Jess prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birthof her second child, she opens up about the highs and lows of early motherhood, the transition from one child to two, finding identity in her career and how her ‘village’ keeps her mentally strong during tough times. Hear about the life-changing benefits of strong femalefriendships and connections, the impact of seeing more women in the workplace occupying leadership roles, and how the mental load affects mental health in a fascinating discussion about unique challenges faced by women. The episode delves into Jess’s personal experiences as wetackle everything from mental load to hormone cycles and address the big question faced by women today: can we really have it all? Please remember to subscribe for future episodes and leaveus a comment, rating or review wherever you listen to help us reach more people to join in the conversation. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and anysuggestions on what you want us to cover next! You can get in touch by leaving us a comment, on our social media or by emailing nottalone@nottscc.gov.uk.   Remember, whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.

    53 min

  7. 10/08/2025

    Men’s mental health – why are men struggling and how we can help with Alex Mighten

    We're joined by Nottingham’s own Alex Mighten (formerly performing as Karizma) — rapper, singer-songwriter, and event host — for a heartfelt conversation about men’s mental health and masculinity. Alex opens up about his personal journey through counselling, early fatherhood, and the silent struggles many men face balancing the societal pressures to “be strong” and “provide.” We explore the stigma around asking for help, the impact of generational patterns, and the emotional weight carried by fathers, partners, and men navigating today’s expectations. From feelings of jealousy and helplessness in early parenthood to breaking harmful stereotypes, Alex shares honest reflections on vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and what it truly means to show up emotionally. Whether you’re a dad, partner, or someone rethinking masculinity and modern parenthood, this episode offers powerful insights and practical advice on how to support men and build healthier emotional connections.

    41 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    Workplace burnout and leading with wellbeing in mind with Nardia O'Connor

    What is the difference between stress and burnout? Host Maddi is put to the test with a quick quiz to kick off this episode.   Special guest Nardia O’Connor (Senior Health, Wellbeing and Organisational Development Practitioner) joins the conversation offering powerful and practical insights on how burnout is showing up in today’s workplaces and what leaders can do to tackle it head on and create workplaces that genuinely support mental wellbeing. From psychological safety to the invisible weight of workplace stigma, this episode is packed with insights for leaders, managers, and anyone navigating modern work life.   Whether you're leading others or feeling the pressure yourself, this episode is a must-listen on building healthier, more human workplaces.

    54 min
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About

Real talk about mental health. Join hosts Dr. Orlaith Green and Dr. Maddi Popoola, co-founders of NottAlone, as they open up honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing on The NottAlone Podcast. Each episode brings you real-life stories, practical advice and insights from local professionals and advocates from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our goal is to break stigma, normalise mental health discussions, and raise awareness of the free local support available in Notts. Life comes with challenges, but no matter what you’re going through, you are not alone.

Information

  • Creator
    NottAlone
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © NottAlone
  • Show Website
    The NottAlone Podcast