The Forge Within Podcast - Lived Experience Survivor Stories on Mental Health & Childhood Trauma

Sam David Wilkes | Childhood Trauma & Mental Health Advocate
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The Forge Within PodcastExplore childhood trauma and lived experience through honest conversations on The Forge Within, hosted by Sam Wilkes. This mental health podcast delves into survival, addiction recovery, and breaking mental health stigma with raw stories that inspire healing. New episodes weekly. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be the strong one… If you’ve ever hidden what you were really going through… If you’ve ever struggled in silence… This podcast is for you. Hosted by Sam David Wilkes, father, survivor, speaker, and author of The Forge Within: This Ain’t Therapy. This Is Real Talk. Each episode features honest survivor stories from real people navigating anxiety, addiction, grief, chronic illness, identity struggles, trauma, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. This isn’t about experts talking at you. It’s about people being heard. We explore: • Mental health and identity • Addiction and recovery • Chronic pain and invisible illness • Fatherhood, family and relationships • Burnout, grief and resilience • What happens when you finally stop pretending you’re okay The goal is simple: To break mental health stigma by normalising honest, lived-experience survivor stories.. Because healing often begins when someone says, “Me too.” You are not weak. You are not broken. And you are not alone.

Episodes

  1. APR 1

    A Conversation with Mathew Phillips: Loss, Responsibility & Becoming the Person Others Rely On

    In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam sits down with Mathew Phillips for a deeply honest and reflective conversation about grief, responsibility, and the unseen weight people carry whilst suffering with their mental health. Mathew shares his journey from an early experience of loss, one that left more confusion than understanding and how that shaped the way he processed emotion growing up. As life moved on, that early confusion turned into a search for identity, belonging, and stability. Becoming a young father and taking on responsibility at a young age forced him to grow quickly, often before fully understanding himself. But this conversation goes deeper. Mathew opens up about the defining moments that changed the course of his life, including the loss of his stepson following a tragic accident, and the emotional reality of trying to support everyone around him while dealing with his own grief. He speaks honestly about what that period felt like: Holding everything together on the outside, while falling apart internally. Now working as a residential social worker, Mathew reflects on how his lived experiences shaped his purpose — using what he’s been through to support and protect others. Together, Sam and Mathew explore: The impact of early loss and emotional confusionGrowing up while carrying responsibility too soonGrief, trauma, and the pressure to stay strongThe reality of supporting others while struggling yourselfTurning pain into purpose through helping others This episode is not about having everything figured out. It’s about understanding the weight people carry and what it means to keep showing up despite it. If you’ve ever felt responsible for others while struggling yourself, this conversation will resonate. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and remember — you don’t have to carry it alone.

    1h 49m

  2. MAR 25

    A Conversation with Sam Wilkes: Childhood Trauma, Pressure, Fatherhood & Rebuilding Yourself

    This week on The Forge Within Podcast, we dive deep into mental health as Sam shares his personal lived experience with mental health challenges and the pressures of fatherhood. This raw and honest episode breaks mental health stigma by shedding light on the silent struggles many endure. Sam reflects on early internal battles, the weight of expectations, and his journey towards self-awareness and forgiveness. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about addiction recovery, overcoming childhood trauma, and the courage it takes to speak openly. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or alone in your mental health journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that you're not alone and healing is possible.

    1h 32m

  3. MAR 18

    A Conversation with Gethin Hayward: Trauma, Identity, Transition & Finding Where You Belong

    In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam sits down with Gethin Hayward for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about mental health, childhood trauma, and what it truly means to find where you belong. Gethin shares his early experiences, including the challenges he faced with his biological mam, and how these early traumas shaped his sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. He also opens up about his journey with identity, transitioning from female to male and how this process affected his mental wellbeing and self-understanding. The discussion moves into his adoption by the parents he now calls mam and dad, a defining chapter that brought stability, support, and a much-needed sense of belonging. Together, Sam and Gethin explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma on mental health, the struggles of identity and acceptance, and the importance of connection and safe relationships in recovery. This episode also touches on the resilience needed to rebuild oneself after difficult beginnings, highlighting that healing is a personal and unique journey. If you’ve ever struggled with your identity, your past, or mental health stigma, this conversation will resonate deeply. Because sometimes, the journey isn’t just about where you come from, it’s about discovering who you truly are.

    1h 59m

  4. MAR 11

    A Conversation with Zac Winwood on Music, Creativity & Protecting Mental Health During Uncertainty

    In this compelling episode of The Forge Within Podcast, Sam David Wilkes talks with Zac Winwood about mental health, childhood trauma, and the healing power of music and creativity. Zac shares his lived experience navigating periods of emotional struggle, especially during the 2020 lockdown and transitions after time in America. Through music, sport, and other creative outlets, Zac found vital tools for protecting his mental wellbeing and fostering resilience. Together, they delve into how uncertainty and the weight of change impact mental health and address the stigma many face when seeking support or discussing addiction recovery. This candid conversation emphasizes the importance of purpose and healthy coping mechanisms in overcoming challenges and breaking mental health stigma. Listeners will find encouragement in Zac's story, a reminder that mental health challenges can arise from complex experiences, and finding meaningful outlets can be a lifeline on the path to recovery and personal growth.

    1h 28m

  5. MAR 4

    A Conversation with Dan Newman: Overcoming Alopecia and Embracing Mental Health

    In this inspiring episode, Dan Newman shares his personal journey with alopecia and the profound impact it has had on his mental health and self-acceptance. He opens up about the emotional challenges, including feelings of stigma and vulnerability, that arose from his diagnosis and how childhood trauma shaped his resilience. Discover how Dan transformed his struggles into a mission to support others through his social enterprise, Baldilocks, which creates safe spaces for confidence, self-acceptance, and mental well-being. Join us as we explore themes of mental health stigma, lived experience, and the power of recovery in overcoming life's challenges.

    1h 32m

  6. FEB 25

    A Conversation With Chloe Lewis: Battling Mental Health Challenges and ME Since Childhood Trauma.

    In this heartfelt interview, Chloe Lewis shares her journey with ME and fibromyalgia, diagnosed at age 12, and the profound impact of childhood trauma on her mental health. She opens up about her struggles with self-harm, addiction recovery, and the challenges of confronting mental health stigma. This episode explores the importance of safe spaces, community support, and authenticity in healing. Chloe provides valuable insights into coping strategies, the dangers of comparison, and breaking the false narrative of normalcy. Join us as we dive deep into her lived experience, emphasising resilience and the power of openness in overcoming life’s toughest obstacles.

    1h 44m

  7. FEB 18

    A Conversation with Jacob Lowe: Real Talk on Losing Both Parents to Suicide & Breaking the Cycle

    Real Talk on Losing Both Parents to Suicide & Breaking the Cycle. In this episode of the Forged Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jacob Lowe, who shares his profound journey through childhood trauma, loss, and the struggles of mental health. Jacob recounts his chaotic upbringing, losing both parents to suicide, and the impact of addiction on his family dynamics. He reflects on the normalisation of violence and substance abuse in his environment, the challenges of navigating adolescence, and the importance of connection and communication in overcoming adversity. Jacob's story is a testament to resilience and the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery. In this conversation, Sam David Wilkes shares his journey through addiction, the guilt and shame cycle, and the impact of substance abuse on relationships. He discusses the normalization of drugs and alcohol in society and the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into themes of generational trauma, the struggles of grieving, and the significance of vulnerability in sharing personal stories. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for awareness, acceptance, and building a strong foundation for change, encouraging listeners to become a lighthouse for others in their journey.

    2h 23m

  8. FEB 12

    A Conversation with Marcia Bailey: Real Talk on Neglect & Overlooked Mental Health Stigma

    Real talk on mental health stigma and resilience: Marcia Bailey shares her survivor story of neglect and the impact on mental wellness. In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam Wilkes talks to Marcia Bailey, who shares her harrowing journey of growing up in an abusive environment marked by neglect and systematic failures. From her earliest memories in a rough neighbourhood to the challenges of adolescence and motherhood, Marcia's story is one of resilience and strength. She reflects on the impact of her childhood trauma, the failures of social services, and her determination to break the cycle of abuse. Now, as a mother and community engagement officer, Marcia uses her experiences to empower others and advocate for mental health awareness.

    1h 42m

  9. FEB 4

    A Conversation with Daniel Richards: Real Talk on Masks, Addiction & Mental Health Stigma

    Real talk on mental health stigma and addiction: Daniel Richards discusses his journey through recovery and personal growth. In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Daniel Richards about his journey through mental health struggles, addiction, and recovery. Daniel shares his experiences of hiding behind masks, the impact of family dynamics, and the challenges of coping with anxiety and self-identity. He discusses the role of alcohol and cocaine in his life, leading to a near-death experience that became a turning point for him. Through honesty and vulnerability, Daniel emphasises the importance of seeking help and finding purpose in helping others. The conversation highlights the significance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and the power of community support in the recovery process.

    1h 17m

  10. JAN 28

    A Conversation with Emma Moseley-Strand: Real Talk on Endometriosis & Mental Health Stigma

    Real talk on mental health stigma and chronic pain: Emma Moseley-Strand shares her story of endometriosis and resilience. In this episode of the Forged Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes speaks with Emma Moseley-Strand about her long journey with endometriosis and its profound impact on her mental health and identity. Emma shares her experiences of isolation, dismissal from medical professionals, and the eventual validation she received through diagnosis. The conversation highlights the importance of believing in oneself, advocating for personal health, and the need for open discussions about mental health. Emma's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the drive to help others facing similar struggles.

    1h 10m
  11. A Conversation with Lloyd Screen: Real Talk on Mental Health from an 18-Year-Old's Perspective

    JAN 21

    A Conversation with Lloyd Screen: Real Talk on Mental Health from an 18-Year-Old's Perspective

    Real talk mental health conversation: An 18 year old shares his views on mental wellness, faith, and personal growth during challenging times. In this episode of The Forge Within Podcast, I sit down with my son for an open and honest conversation about his experience of mental health. We talk about how Covid impacted him, what it was like navigating friendships and relationships during that time, and how he experienced seeing me struggle with my own mental health. He also shares how faith helped him make sense of difficult moments and supported his mental wellbeing in ways he didn’t expect. This isn’t a conversation about lessons or advice. It’s about listening, understanding, and giving space to a young person’s voice. This episode is for parents, young people, and anyone who’s ever wondered how honesty, trust, and openness can shape emotional growth.

    1h 59m
  12. A Conversation With My Mother Beverley Grenter: Real Talk on Supporting Her Son with Mental Health

    JAN 14

    A Conversation With My Mother Beverley Grenter: Real Talk on Supporting Her Son with Mental Health

    In this very first episode of The Forge Within Podcast, my mother and I sit down and talk honestly about what it’s like to love someone who is struggling, the quiet worry that lives in families, and how survival affects more than just one person. This episode isn’t about blame.It isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about understanding. This podcast is for people who’ve survived things they never had the words for and for the people who stood beside them.

    1h 25m
  • 12 Episodes

About

The Forge Within PodcastExplore childhood trauma and lived experience through honest conversations on The Forge Within, hosted by Sam Wilkes. This mental health podcast delves into survival, addiction recovery, and breaking mental health stigma with raw stories that inspire healing. New episodes weekly. If you’ve ever felt like you had to be the strong one… If you’ve ever hidden what you were really going through… If you’ve ever struggled in silence… This podcast is for you. Hosted by Sam David Wilkes, father, survivor, speaker, and author of The Forge Within: This Ain’t Therapy. This Is Real Talk. Each episode features honest survivor stories from real people navigating anxiety, addiction, grief, chronic illness, identity struggles, trauma, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. This isn’t about experts talking at you. It’s about people being heard. We explore: • Mental health and identity • Addiction and recovery • Chronic pain and invisible illness • Fatherhood, family and relationships • Burnout, grief and resilience • What happens when you finally stop pretending you’re okay The goal is simple: To break mental health stigma by normalising honest, lived-experience survivor stories.. Because healing often begins when someone says, “Me too.” You are not weak. You are not broken. And you are not alone.

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