After The Fall Show

Icarus (Dean Cooper)
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

What happens after everything breaks? Most podcasts show you the “after” photo. After The Fall takes you into the wreckage. After The Fall Show is a mental health, life and recovery podcast hosted by Icarus — founder of Street Therapy and survivor of addiction, mental and physical breakdown and much more — exploring what it really takes to fall, rebuild, and create a life that can actually sustain and thrive. If you’re tired of toxic positivity, suffering from pain, loss, mental health and surface-level inspiration, you’re in the right place. We don’t do highlight reels. We do "truth". We do raw. But most of all. We Do Human. Everyone deserves to be seen. One show. Two ways to rebuild: The Main Show — The Battle Unfiltered conversations with people who have lived through collapse. We explore the fall, the turning point, and the grit it takes to take your life back. After Dark — The Blueprint From story to strategy. Exploring the psychology, philosophy, and lived-experience behind real change through the Street Therapy framework. This is for you if you’ve faced: Addiction & recovery Trauma, grief, and burnout Neurodivergence and identity loss Mental or physical breakdown The reality of rebuilding — and sustaining change Nothing is off limits — because real life doesn’t have a filter. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about building something that can actually hold. You are not alone in the wreckage. Follow After The Fall Show for raw conversations about falling, rebuilding, and rising again. Guest submissions: www.afterthefallshow.com Street Therapy: - About the founder, the street therapy approach and more. www.streettherapy.co.uk TikTok: - Daily philosophy, motivation, coaching and support @Icarus_Works_UK

Episodes

  1. MAY 2

    Cancer, Adversity and Living Beyond a Death Sentence | Terry Tucker

    Not all battles end when you’re told they will. In this episode of After The Fall Show, I’m joined by Terry Tucker — a former police officer, SWAT hostage negotiator, and coach who has spent the last 14 years living with a rare and aggressive form of cancer he was originally told would take his life within two years. This is more than a story of survival. It’s a conversation about mindset, resilience, identity, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life gives you a timeline you refuse to accept. From high-pressure hostage negotiations to facing his own mortality, Terry shares what he’s learned about fear, purpose, pain, and the power of choosing how you respond — even when everything feels out of your control. We talk about loss, faith, family, and the reality of living through treatments, amputations, and uncertainty — while still finding a reason to keep going. This is raw, honest, and deeply human. What we cover:Life before diagnosis — career, purpose, and pressureWorking as a SWAT hostage negotiatorThe moment of being told “you have two years to live”Facing fear, anger, and acceptanceHow mindset shapes survivalThe role of family and purpose in recoveryLiving through cancer for 14+ yearsAmputation, treatment, and resilienceWhy having something to look forward to mattersThe difference between success and significanceThe truth about pain, growth, and mental strengthChapters:00:00 – Introduction Meeting Terry and setting the tone 01:00 – Early Life and Career Basketball, Wendy’s, and caring for family 03:00 – Becoming a Police Officer & SWAT Negotiator High-pressure environments and helping people in crisis 05:30 – Understanding People in Crisis Empathy, communication, and trust 08:00 – Hospital Work and Life Lessons Compassion, purpose, and giving vs taking 10:30 – The Mindset Shift Why life is about what you give, not what you get 12:00 – Cancer Diagnosis The moment everything changed 15:00 – Facing a Death Sentence Processing fear, anger, and grief 18:00 – Choosing to Fight Back Turning a death sentence into a life mission 20:30 – The Power of Purpose Why having something to look forward to matters 23:00 – Mental Resilience in Action Small steps, big survival 26:00 – 14 Years Living with Cancer Treatments, setbacks, and survival 29:00 – Amputation and Recovery Adapting to life-changing circumstances 32:00 – Breakthrough Treatments Clinical trials and new hope 34:30 – Writing Books and Leaving a Legacy Success vs significance 36:30 – The Four Truths Mindset, pain, purpose, and perseverance 38:30 – Final Message What Terry would pass on to the world Guest:Terry Tucker is a former police officer, SWAT hostage negotiator, coach, and author of Sustainable Excellence and Four Truths and a Lie. After being given just two years to live, he has now spent over 14 years navigating life with a rare form of cancer while helping others find purpose, resilience, and meaning. Final thought:Life will break you. But what you become after that… is up to you.

    41 min
  2. Mental Health, Recovery and Honest Support | Paul Reeve (CEO, Cornwall Mind) After Dark

    APR 24 ·  BONUS

    Mental Health, Recovery and Honest Support | Paul Reeve (CEO, Cornwall Mind) After Dark

    Not all support looks like what you think it does. In this episode of After The Fall: After Dark, I sit down with Paul Reeve, CEO of Cornwall Mind, for a grounded, honest conversation about what mental health recovery actually looks like — beyond labels, beyond quick fixes, and beyond the idea that someone else can “fix” you. This isn’t theory. This is how it really works. From Paul’s own journey through burnout and rebuilding, to leading one of the most important mental health organisations in the region, we explore what support truly means — and why recovery is something you have to take ownership of, even when you’re being helped. We break down how Mind operates, the difference between national and local services, and the reality behind funding, access, and expectations. More importantly, we talk about people. The human side of support. The misconceptions that stop people reaching out. And the simple truths that actually make a difference. If you’ve ever felt unsure about asking for help — or expected someone else to fix things for you — this episode will shift your perspective and help remove the uncertainty about getting support from this wonderful organisation and those like it. What we cover: What mental health “recovery” really meansWhy support doesn’t mean being fixedThe role of self-agency in getting betterHow organisations like Mind actually operateThe biggest misconceptions about mental health servicesWhy community, connection, and activity matterThe reality of funding and service limitationsWhy early support for children is critical Chapters:00:00 – Introduction After Dark format and meeting Paul Reeve 01:00 – Paul’s Personal Journey From struggling himself to entering mental health work 03:30 – Frontline Work and Burnout Compassion fatigue and stepping into leadership 05:30 – Understanding “Mind” National vs local Mind and how the system works 08:30 – What Recovery Actually Means Why mental health isn’t “fixed vs broken” 10:30 – Ownership and Self-Agency Why no one can do the work for you 12:30 – Group-Based Support Why activity-led environments work better than expected 15:00 – One-to-One Support Coaching models and building independence 17:00 – Misconceptions About Services Why people expect to be “fixed” 20:00 – Funding and Limitations The reality behind what services can provide 21:30 – Meaningful Impact Moments What real success looks like inside the service 25:00 – If Funding Was Unlimited Why investing in children matters most 26:30 – The Reading Room A safe space for connection, community, and conversation 30:30 – Final Message: Be Kinder A simple principle that changes everything Guest:Paul Reeve is the CEO of Cornwall Mind, part of the wider Mind network supporting mental health across the UK. His work focuses on community-based recovery, self-agency, and building support systems that empower people to move forward.

    35 min

  3. APR 24

    Narcissism, Losing Yourself and Finding Your Way Back | Jodi Pavlock

    Not all damage is visible. In this episode of After The Fall Show, I’m joined by Jodi Pavlock, who shares her lived experience of surviving narcissistic relationships — and what it really means to lose your identity inside them. From love bombing and control to isolation and emotional erosion, this conversation explores how narcissistic abuse develops, why it’s so hard to see while you’re in it, and what it actually takes to break free. Jodi speaks openly about the reality behind these relationships — the confusion, the self-doubt, the trauma bonding — and the difficult process of rebuilding yourself once you walk away. This isn’t a polished or perfect story. It’s a real one. If you’ve ever questioned yourself in a relationship, felt like you were losing who you are, or struggled to understand why leaving isn’t as simple as it sounds — this conversation will resonate. What we cover:The early signs of narcissistic behaviourLove bombing, control, and identity erosionTrauma bonding and emotional addictionWhy leaving isn’t the “easy fix” people thinkHitting rock bottom and rebuilding from itFinding your value again after losing yourselfChapters:00:00 – Introduction Setting the scene: narcissism, identity, and survival 00:20 – Life Before Awareness Who Jodi was before recognising something was wrong 01:00 – Early Signs of Narcissism Love bombing, control, and subtle criticism 03:15 – The “Sniff Test” Key warning signs people often miss early on 05:20 – Identity Loss & Control How narcissists strip away self-worth 06:50 – When It Starts Getting Worse The shift from charm to consistent devaluation 08:30 – Public vs Private Abuse How behaviour escalates and becomes visible 11:20 – Danger & Escalation Moments where things cross into real risk 13:00 – The Breaking Point When leaving becomes inevitable 16:30 – Trauma Bonding Explained Why it feels like addiction, not just love 19:10 – Recovery Isn’t Instant The reality after leaving — rock bottom first 22:30 – Rebuilding Life Writing the book, finding direction again 24:00 – Can Narcissists Change? The truth about personality vs hope 25:45 – Advice for Others What to watch for and how to protect yourself 27:00 – Finding Your Value Again Identity, growth, and moving forward Guest:Jodi Pavlock is the author of Jekyll Can’t Hide, a book based on her lived experience with narcissistic abuse and recovery. Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jekyll-Cant-Hyde-Jodi-Pavlock-ebook/dp/B0DQ973ZFQ Final thought:You don’t lose your value. Sometimes it just gets buried under someone else’s control. But it is still your's to own and there is life after survival.

    30 min

  4. APR 16

    Dyslexia, Trauma and Learning to Thrive | Ellen Busch

    What happens when a child is told they are broken before life has even properly begun? In this episode of After The Fall Show, I sit down with Ellen Busch for a powerful conversation about dyslexia, bullying, low self-worth, trauma, healing, and what it means to rebuild a life after being written off by the systems meant to support you. Ellen shares how her dyslexic journey began in childhood, how the education system underestimated her, and how those early messages shaped her confidence, identity, and sense of worth for years to come. We talk about being treated as less than, surviving school while carrying labels that were never truly yours, and the long shadow those experiences can cast across adult life. But this episode is not just about dyslexia in school. It is also about what happens later, when low self-esteem becomes a doorway for harmful people, toxic relationships, and deeper emotional damage. Ellen opens up about stalkers, narcissistic abuse, reaching a breaking point, and the surrender moment that began her journey back to herself. We also explore healing, self-discovery, the five-mountain approach to growth, and how recovery can move beyond survival into something stronger — a life of confidence, purpose, and thriving. In this episode we explore: - dyslexia and childhood school experiences - bullying, shame, and being written off early - low self-worth and long-term emotional impact - predators, narcissistic abuse, and survival - surrender, recovery, and rebuilding confidence - self-discovery, healing, and thriving after trauma - why dyslexia can also be a strength If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, underestimated, or made to believe you were less than you really are, this episode will speak to you. Follow After The Fall Show for more raw conversations about falling apart, rebuilding, and rising again. If you have a powerful story and feel it could help someone else, visit www.AfterTheFallShow.com to find out more about becoming a guest. To learn more about Icarus, his personal journey, and the Street Therapy approach to recovery, resilience, and personal change, visit www.streettherapy.co.uk For daily content, reflection, and motivation, follow Icarus on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Icarus_Works_UK To follow Ellen why not visit her website www.ellenbusch.com and her book is available at all major book resellers. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Ellen’s early dyslexia journey 01:21 Diagnosed young and written off by school 03:33 Intelligence ignored and confidence damaged 04:41 Dyslexia in schools then and now 07:02 What dyslexia felt like inside 08:20 Bullying, shame, and being treated as less than 10:34 Separate classrooms and being marked as different 11:16 The moment life had to change 12:15 Low self-worth, predators, and narcissistic abuse 13:18 Reaching surrender point 15:54 What people get wrong about recovery 16:36 Surrender, survival, and refusing to quit 19:10 Why healing cannot be done alone 20:56 The five-mountain healing journey 23:53 Healing the whole self 25:55 Writing the book and sharing the message 28:29 Striving, reviving, and thriving 29:25 The feather question 30:33 Where to find Ellen and her book 32:11 Closing reflections on dyslexia as a strength

    34 min

  5. APR 12

    DMT, Trauma, Spirituality and Finding a North Star | Rob

    What happens when a broken childhood, parenthood, and the search for meaning all collide? In this episode of The After The Fall Show, I sit down with Rob from Adeptus Psychonautica for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about childhood trauma, resilience, psychedelics, DMT, ayahuasca, mythology, spirituality, healing, and the search for a guiding star. Rob shares how growing up in a deeply chaotic and abusive environment shaped his view of life, identity, and survival. We talk about the moment parenthood forced him to reflect on the kind of man he had become, and how that led him to revisit psychedelics not as escape, but as a tool for self-discovery and deeper introspection. This episode explores profound experiences with DMT, the spiritual and philosophical impact of ayahuasca, the power of mythology, the meaning crisis in modern life, and why healing is not the same as simply having the experience. Rob also speaks honestly about the darker side of psychedelic work, the brutal nature of some healing journeys, and the importance of having a North Star so you do not lose your way. If you have ever wrestled with trauma, identity, spirituality, meaning, or the question of what really changes a person, this conversation will stay with you. In this episode we explore: • childhood trauma and resilience • becoming a parent and choosing change • psychedelics as introspection, not escape • profound DMT experiences • ayahuasca, healing and difficult journeys • mythology, spirituality and modern life • healing versus simply having the experience • why a guiding star matters Find Rob on YouTube: Adeptus Psychonautica Follow The After The Fall Show for more conversations about collapse, reinvention, recovery, identity and rebuilding after the fall. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode 00:30 Rob’s early life and broken upbringing 03:53 Finding normality in chaos 07:31 Becoming a parent and the need to change 10:37 Revisiting psychedelics with purpose 14:11 DMT and the profound spiritual experience 19:04 Meaning, mythology and the nature of reality 27:31 Love, connection and the maternal experience 29:08 Ayahuasca and deeper spiritual exploration 30:58 The difficult side of healing 33:56 Ayahuasca, purging and recovery 37:42 How the journey changed Rob as a parent 39:21 Self-discovery, healing and the work afterwards 41:07 Psychedelics, recovery and what people miss 43:46 Spiritual experience and human connection 47:04 The spiritual hole in modern society 51:59 Finding your North Star 57:40 Where to find Rob

    59 min

  6. APR 8

    Faith and Identity Through Kidney Failure and Dialysis | Zorosa

    What happens when your body starts failing, your identity begins to crack, and the life you built no longer fits who you really are? In this episode of The After The Fall Show, I sit down with Zorosa for a raw conversation about identity, self-sabotage, failing health, dialysis, organ donation, faith, healing, and purpose. Zorosa opens up about the cost of trying to fit in, the damage of living out of alignment with who you truly are, and what it feels like when your health rapidly declines and life changes overnight. We talk about the emotional weight of illness, the recovery journey, human resilience, and how faith became a powerful part of her healing. This episode is about far more than sickness. It is about the moment life strips everything back and asks: who are you really when the mask falls off? If you’ve ever battled self-sabotage, felt disconnected from your identity, struggled through illness, or tried to rebuild your life after collapse, this conversation will hit home. In this episode we explore: • identity and self-sabotage • the pressure to fit in • failing health and dialysis • organ donation and recovery • faith, healing and purpose • resilience in the middle of suffering • the true value of the recovery journey Follow Zorosa on TikTok: @Zorosacline More from Street Therapy: www.StreetTherapy.co.uk Check Zorosa’s TikTok profile link for her YouTube channel Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meeting Zorosa 02:10 Identity, image and trying to fit in 04:20 Self-sabotage and the damage it causes 06:45 When health starts to fail 09:30 Dialysis, survival and reality hitting hard 12:15 The emotional toll of illness 14:50 Organ donation and the road through recovery 17:40 Faith, healing and a new sense of purpose 21:10 Embracing identity as a Christian 24:20 Why the recovery journey matters 27:00 Human resilience and rebuilding 29:10 Final thoughts 30:00 Where to find Zorosa Follow The After The Fall Show for more raw conversations about collapse, resilience, reinvention and rebuilding after the fall.

    28 min
  7. The Badges You Wear and the Loops They Create | After Dark

    APR 5 ·  BONUS

    The Badges You Wear and the Loops They Create | After Dark

    In this "After Dark" - Bonus Episode : Icarus discusses the concept of 'badges' and the impact they have on our lives, emphasizing the need to take a step back and focus on oneself in times of overwhelming stress and anxiety. He provides practical advice on managing the demands of various roles and responsibilities, advocating for a mindful and step-by-step approach to breaking the cycle of anxiety and trauma. Takeaways The concept of 'badges' represents the various roles and responsibilities we carry, which can become overwhelming and stressful.Taking a step back, focusing on oneself, and prioritizing tasks mindfully can help break the cycle of anxiety and trauma. Chapters 00:00 The Concept of 'Badges'07:27 Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety and Trauma

    8 min
  8. Icarus and Daedalus: The Story You Think You Know | After Dark

    APR 5 ·  BONUS

    Icarus and Daedalus: The Story You Think You Know | After Dark

    After Dark the "After The Fall Show" after show. This a platform for reflection, knowledge sharing, and learning without a story. It aims to share street therapy, knowledge, wisdom, and learnings, while exploring the universal and individual aspects of life. The show also features specialists who provide support, guidance, and wisdom without being the person with the arc. Takeaways Reflection and learning without a storySharing street therapy, knowledge, and wisdomWhat we think by reaction isn't always the truth of what is happeningWe always have a choice in life to react in different ways. Not just the one our impulse and habits tell us to doLife often hide's behind the story we see and there is more than one lesson in any situation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to After Dark05:27 Generational Consequences12:43 Emotional Intelligence and Acceptance

    16 min

  9. APR 2

    Recovery After Alcohol, Addiction and Grief | Moses

    The conversation delves into the personal journey of Moses, exploring the impact of childhood experiences, trauma, addiction, and recovery. It highlights the importance of seeking help, recognizing the need for change, and finding self-worth and healing through love and connection. Takeaways Alcoholism and addiction can have deep roots in childhood experiences and family dynamics.Recovery and change require a shift in perspective and a willingness to seek help and support from others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Topic06:20 The Impact of Trauma and Loss11:28 Reaching the Lowest Point18:31 The Turning Point and Recovery26:07 The Journey to Self-Worth and Healing32:19 The Power of Love and Connection If you have a compelling story that will help the world contact us on our www.AfterTheFallShow.com page. And if you wish to know more about Icarus and the "Street Therapy" mindset please check out our main site www.StreetTherapy.co.uk Also check out our Daily TikTok posts @Icarus_Works_uk and Moses at : @graceful_moses

    30 min

  10. MAR 30

    Rebuilding After Grief and Trauma | Sarah

    What happens when grief does not just break your heart, but quietly changes your identity, your body and the way you move through life? In this episode of The After The Fall Show, I sit down with Sarah, a holistic grief and trauma coach and the heart behind Embrace, for a raw conversation about grief, trauma, loss, burnout, healing and rebuilding after bereavement. Sarah shares the story of losing her brother after years of illness, including MS and then cancer, and how that loss changed everything. We talk about anticipatory grief, the kind of pain that starts before a person is even gone, and what happens when trauma sits in the body long after life expects you to have “moved on”. This conversation explores the hidden reality of grief: the years of survival mode, the hollow Groundhog Day feeling, the weight of burnout, and the slow process of rebuilding through boundaries, movement, self-care, nervous system healing and purpose. If you have ever lost someone, felt stuck in grief, struggled with trauma, or wondered whether healing is really possible, this episode is for you. In this episode we explore: • grief after losing a sibling • anticipatory grief and identity loss • trauma in the body • burnout after bereavement • nervous system healing and grounding • self-care and small recovery steps • boundaries, toxic people and change • moving forward and finding release Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Meet Sarah 00:59 When grief began before the loss 01:49 Cancer, shock and losing her brother 03:52 Survival mode and five years of drifting 06:00 Burnout, work stress and the turning point 06:48 Turning pain into purpose 09:37 What rebuilding actually looked like 11:17 Small wins, self-care and recovery 12:05 Boundaries and cutting out toxic people 14:43 Training as a grief and trauma coach 15:25 Trauma in the body and the nervous system 16:55 Breathing, grounding and healing tools 19:20 Why many people seek grief help years later 20:14 Different forms of grief and hidden pain 22:32 Sarah’s message to anyone struggling 23:52 Where to find Sarah 24:21 Final reflections on healing and hope If you want to know more about Sarah and her services, check out her profile: https://linktr.ee/Embrace_urjourney If you have a journey to share, contact us at: www.AfterTheFallShow.com To learn more about the Street Therapy framework created by Icarus through his own recovery journey, visit: www.StreetTherapy.co.uk

    26 min

  11. MAR 30

    Choosing Life After Abuse and Grief | Natalie

    What happens when childhood trauma, abuse, grief and years of masking finally catch up with you? In this episode of The After The Fall Show, I sit down with Natalie for a raw conversation about autism, ADHD, school trauma, self-harm, domestic abuse, grief, healing and the long road back to yourself. Natalie shares how growing up undiagnosed left her anxious, overwhelmed and masking heavily from a young age. She opens up about depression in childhood, self-harm as a release, PTSD, fibromyalgia linked to trauma, and the pain of losing her dad after a rapid battle with cancer. We also talk about the moment everything had to change — reaching a point of complete despair, finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship, and slowly rebuilding through support, self-work, boundaries and learning to trust again. This is an episode about what happens when life strips everything back and asks you to choose yourself. If you have ever lived through abuse, loss, trauma, masking, burnout or the feeling that you have lost who you are, this conversation will speak to you. In this episode we explore: • late diagnosis of autism and ADHD • school trauma and masking • depression and self-harm • PTSD, trauma and chronic pain • losing a parent and deep grief • domestic abuse and leaving • suicidal crisis and reaching out • healing, support and rebuilding trust • letting go of the old version of yourself Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Natalie before the fall 02:22 What was happening behind the mask 03:40 Masking, self-harm and hidden pain 04:28 PTSD, trauma and fibromyalgia 06:35 Losing her dad 07:47 Numbness, grief and shock 09:30 The breaking point 10:33 Leaving abuse and choosing life 12:41 What rebuilding actually looked like 14:46 Reaching out and accepting support 16:55 What people get wrong about change 17:28 Letting go of the old version of yourself 18:15 Healing, trust and building a new support network 21:09 There is no time limit on healing 22:28 Natalie’s message to anyone struggling 25:44 The whirlpool metaphor for healing 26:31 Closing reflections on abuse, power and survival Follow The After The Fall Show for more raw conversations about collapse, trauma, recovery, identity and rebuilding after the fall. Also check out our main site www.StreetTherapy.co.uk

    28 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

What happens after everything breaks? Most podcasts show you the “after” photo. After The Fall takes you into the wreckage. After The Fall Show is a mental health, life and recovery podcast hosted by Icarus — founder of Street Therapy and survivor of addiction, mental and physical breakdown and much more — exploring what it really takes to fall, rebuild, and create a life that can actually sustain and thrive. If you’re tired of toxic positivity, suffering from pain, loss, mental health and surface-level inspiration, you’re in the right place. We don’t do highlight reels. We do "truth". We do raw. But most of all. We Do Human. Everyone deserves to be seen. One show. Two ways to rebuild: The Main Show — The Battle Unfiltered conversations with people who have lived through collapse. We explore the fall, the turning point, and the grit it takes to take your life back. After Dark — The Blueprint From story to strategy. Exploring the psychology, philosophy, and lived-experience behind real change through the Street Therapy framework. This is for you if you’ve faced: Addiction & recovery Trauma, grief, and burnout Neurodivergence and identity loss Mental or physical breakdown The reality of rebuilding — and sustaining change Nothing is off limits — because real life doesn’t have a filter. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about building something that can actually hold. You are not alone in the wreckage. Follow After The Fall Show for raw conversations about falling, rebuilding, and rising again. Guest submissions: www.afterthefallshow.com Street Therapy: - About the founder, the street therapy approach and more. www.streettherapy.co.uk TikTok: - Daily philosophy, motivation, coaching and support @Icarus_Works_UK

Information

  • Creator
    Icarus (Dean Cooper)
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Icarus (Dean Cooper)