Don’t Look At Me In That Tone Of Voice Podacst

johnsmallwood1981
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  • Mental Health

Welcome to ’Don’t Look at Me in That Tone of Voice,’ a podcast where we dive into the real conversations about men’s mental health. Hosted by me, John Smallwood, this podcast is a safe space for men to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. We’ll be talking about the tough stuff, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationships. Let’s get real, let’s get honest, and let’s break down the barriers. Join me as we explore the complexities of men’s mental health and work towards creating a more open and supportive community.

Episodes

  1. Mar 26

    Episode 10: From Broken Silence to Strength: Vinny’s Story

    In this episode of Don't Look At Me In That Tone Of Voice, Vinny shares his harrowing childhood experiences of abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the long road to remembering and healing. He discusses the impact on his family especially his wife, the role of counselling and support groups, and the small acts of love that helped him survive. This candid conversation highlights resilience, the importance of connection, and finding help when you feel alone.

  2. Feb 17

    Episode 9: From Rock Bottom to a Movement: The Story Behind Blind

    This episode follows a founder’s raw journey from addiction, relapse, and the loss of his mother to launching a mental-health clothing brand and a free community support project. He explains how the message "believe life is never done" grew from personal struggle into purpose. Listen to how fundraising, a chance encounter at Morecambe Parkrun, and weekly walk-and-talk meetups transformed ideas into an expanding, free support network for recovery, youth outreach, and anti-bullying work across the city.

  3. 11/29/2025

    Episode 8: From Pain to Hope: Jake Mills Story

    Host John Smallwood talks to Jake Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and creator of the Hub of Hope, about his journey from severe depression and a suicide attempt to building the UK’s largest directory of mental health services. Jake describes his personal struggles, the gaps he found in mental health support, and how the Hub of Hope — now listing thousands of services and connecting people to help — was created to make local support easy to find. The episode highlights lived experience, practical help-seeking, and the importance of community and education in mental health.

  4. 11/24/2025

    Episode 7: Men's Talk: support for men in the Community

    Host John Smallwood speaks with Lynn Dolan, founder of Men's Talk, about how the group began, grew to three venues, and supports men’s mental health across the city. They discuss peer support, training, community activities, outreach to veterans and isolated men, and practical ways listeners can reach out or join the group.

  5. 11/07/2025

    Episode 5: The Other Side of the Battle: How His Struggle Changed Our Home

    In this personal episode host John Smallwood sits down with his wife Danielle to explore the impact of his mental health crisis on their marriage, children and daily life. Danielle shares how she coped, the fear and anger she felt, gaps in support services, and what helped them begin to heal as a family. The conversation closes with a powerful poem urging men to speak up, and offers a message of hope and practical encouragement for partners and loved ones supporting someone through mental health challenges.

  6. 10/21/2025

    Episode 4 Debbie Rodger’s Sean Place

    In this episode Debbie Rogers, founder of Sean's Place, shares how the loss of her brother Sean inspired a community-led mental health service for men. She recounts Sean’s struggles, the failings she encountered in formal care, and how she transformed grief into a vibrant support hub offering counselling, activities, training and rapid access to help. Debbie and the host discuss stigma, practical ways to ask someone if they’re okay, outreach into workplaces and schools, the Hub of Hope app, and how communities can make support easier to find. The episode closes with encouragement to reach out talking can save lives.

  7. 09/17/2025

    Episode 3: I wanted to die - A Father’s Fight with the Voices

    Host John Smallwood sits down with his close friend Shaun Millea for a raw and powerful conversation about mental health. John opens up about the hidden lows, the intrusive thoughts that made him feel like the world would be better off without him, and the quiet battles no one saw. Shaun gently asks the questions that matter — about rock bottom, reaching out, and the moment John finally opened up to his wife, his friends, and his community. Together, they explore how therapy, honesty, and small, practical steps helped John start to heal — and what others can take from his journey

  8. 07/09/2025

    Episode 1: Shaun Story from darknesss to light

    🎙️ Welcome to the Don’t Look At Me In That Tone Of Voice podcast, where John Smallwood opens up honest conversations about men’s mental health in a safe and supportive environment. In this episode, John sits down with his good friend Shaun Millea, tracing Shaun’s incredible journey from being a primary school teacher hitting rock bottom with his mental health, to becoming a successful business owner and author. Shaun shares his life experiences with honesty and heart — opening up about the struggles he faced, the turning points that changed his path, and the inspiration behind his powerful children’s book about Hillsborough, which has since been adapted into a play. Through personal stories and open dialogue, this episode explores the reality of mental health challenges, the courage it takes to speak up, and the strength that comes from resilience and connection. 🧠 Join John and Shaun as they break down barriers and push the conversation forward on men’s mental health.

  9. 06/30/2025

    Episode 2: Jay’s Story battling addiction with Depression Drugs and Alcohol

    Jays opens up about battling addiction, mental health struggles, and the shame that kept him silent for years. His journey is raw powerful, and full of heart. Jay now helps others find hope through men’s talk group in Garston as well working for the brink of change and is soon to become a mental health nurse.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to ’Don’t Look at Me in That Tone of Voice,’ a podcast where we dive into the real conversations about men’s mental health. Hosted by me, John Smallwood, this podcast is a safe space for men to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. We’ll be talking about the tough stuff, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationships. Let’s get real, let’s get honest, and let’s break down the barriers. Join me as we explore the complexities of men’s mental health and work towards creating a more open and supportive community.

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