The MiND Podcast - "Mental Health In A New Direction"

Joining me for the last ever episode of "The MiND Podcast" (how emotional) is the fantastic Patrick McIlwee, the Founder and Coach at New Ways NI. We delve a little deeper into conversations about how social media, the internet and technology can impact the minds of young people if exposed to large amounts. Patrick also discusses a few of the projects he is currently working, some of his own experiences with mental health and his business 'New Ways NI'.

As a extra nugget for all the listeners Patrick also takes us through some mindfulness and meditation at the end of the podcast which I hope you can all take the time to try and enjoy.

This entire experience has been one I will never forget and I am truly grateful to all my amazing guests throughout the two seasons of podcasts. I have not only found them insightful and helpful in my own journey, but they have opened so many doors to meet some truly remarkable people.

This is the end of the road for MiND and I can wait for my next chapter to begin. Thank you for listening.

Much love.

Darran x

MiND "Mental Health In A New Direction"

Both Gary and I originally released this episode as part of the Changemakers NI project and recently spoke about the need to bring it to a larger audience in the hope that it might help inspire others to speak up. We have therefore, re-released the episode as part of a joint venture with The Think Curiously Podcast, hosted by Gary. In this episode, Gary and I speak about our own experiences with grief, our actions, thoughts, feelings and emotions. This full episode is based upon our own lived through experiences and is in no way designed to tell you how you should grieve. 

If you have been affected by anything we've mentioned in this episode or feel that you want to seek help and support with your own grief, there are a a number of organisations that can help:

https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/northern-ireland/northern-ireland

https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/Support/19/services-to-help-you-and-your-loved-ones-cope-with-bereavement

https://www.mindingyourhead.info/topics/bereavement

https://www.communityni.org/help/child-bereavement

Joining me for this episode is the fantastic Gareth Fox, Performance & Mindset Coach, Therapist, Internationally published author, and Mental Health Journalist. Both me and Gareth cover a range of topics surrounding our mental health, some of the ways we can improve our own mental health, and also delve a little deeper into some of Gareth's work and a new program he has just launched call Backbone. I have split this episode into a two-part episode and definitely feel you will take just as much value away from both. Thanks for tuning in and keep an eye out for our next episode.

Joining me for this episode is the fantastic Gareth Fox, Performance & Mindset Coach, Therapist, Internationally published author, and Mental Health Journalist. Both me and Gareth cover a range of topics surrounding our mental health, some of the ways we can improve our own mental health, and also delve a little deeper into some of Gareth's work and a new program he has just launched call Backbone. I have split this episode into a two-part episode and definitely feel you will take just as much value away from both. Thanks for tuning in and keep an eye out for our next episode.

Joining me for episode #2 is Cahir Clancy from Sonas Mental Wellness. Both Cahir and I discuss some of our own experiences on our journeys to date including our experiences with anxiety and how we have dealt with that in later life. Cahir discusses his journey through school and university, the birth of his little girl, and also some of the decisions he has made in life to get to where he is today. For me, this was probably my highlight podcast of the series so far and probably one of my favorites to date, in the fact both myself and Cahir had so many connections on our personal journeys. Cahir also shares his knowledge in why the brain operates in particular ways. The key takeaway for me was how we should all equip ourselves with our hypothetical 'Mental Heath Toolbox', so we can identify and overcome particular adversities in our lives by doing so.     

Welcome back to series two - episode one of The MiND Podcast. We invited Luke and Adam to join us on the show who have embarked on a 66-day challenge to raise money and awareness for a local Mental Health Charity. The challenge includes 5 gents from The North Coast: Lewis Gardner, Adam Stewart, Luke McIlreavy, Andrew McLean & Ross Canning, who are running 1,000k and staying sober 66 days. They are 31 days into the challenge, with 35 days remaining - Monday 8th March being the finishing date. They have collectively run a total of over 400km/248.5 miles and raised over £1,500+ for The Olive Branch (Mental Health Charity). Only 630km/391miles to go on their fundraising endeavors and no doubt they will absolutely smash their target. Wishing the lads all the best and thanks for joining me on the podcast.  

That concludes series #1 of the MiND Podcast, however, we invited some guests and listeners onto the series recap to share their opinions on the first series, some of their key take-away points, and an insight into their favorite episodes. They also get to ask Darran some questions on why he started the podcast, what was his inspiration behind it and what his plans are for series #2. He also discusses his favorite episode throughout recording series #1. Thanks to everyone who has tuned into the podcast and supported us on the MiND journey. We can't wait to release full details for series #2 very soon! "Mental Health In A New Direction".

On our series finale, we have Dr. Davey Hoops & Rob Sanders from The Legacy Partnership who both share their stories about their own personal battles with mental health and how their paths crossed and The Legacy Partnership was formed. We also discuss a range of topics including morning and evening routine, why Davey & Rob do what they do, their 'WHY', and their future plans and aspirations with their business. I have really enjoyed my journey so far with 'The MiND Podcast', I hope you have all taken something useful away from it and good news, we have already got to work on our second series. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fantastic guests for sharing their stories and to all my listeners who tune in every week. 

I talk to Gary Wallace in this podcast, who is the founder and director of CORE NI, their main aim is to deliver positive experiences of physical activity and wellbeing with everyone they work with. Gary is also the Strength and Conditioning coach with Northern Ireland's senior men's football team. We cover a range of topics including the importance of a morning and evening routine which Gary has adapted to his own day to day life, we also cover the benefits of physical fitness for mental wellbeing as well as some of Gary's own struggles with his own depression and how he became more emotionally aware throughout his journey.  Thanks to Gary for taking the time to join me on The MiND Podcast - "Mental Health In A New Direction".

Conor Kelly is an inspirational Mental Health Blogger from Manchester, UK. He runs a mental health blog called the ComebaCK. The Comeback beats the setback in Conor's words. All themed on returning from adversity. He has an extensive collection of blogs articles/interviews on mental health, music, sport, lifestyle and much more!

Really enjoyed chatting with Conor who is an English teacher in Vietnam and has used his travel and experiences to identify some of the issues affecting him personally. Thanks for tuning into the MiND Podcast - "Mental Health In A New Direction". 

Mary is a truly inspirational woman with such a powerful story to tell. Both her son's went through troubling times, leading to drug addiction which derailed Mary's life completely. Speaking with Mary today, she is 1000 miles away from the woman she once was, she has reconnected with her son's who are both on the path to recovery and is now helping those in need through her business 'MK - Life Mastery Coaching Academy'. Mary also writes a weekly article in the Derry News and is actively telling her story to try and connect with those out there who need to hear it! I can't wait to follow Mary on her journey and really appreciate her taking the time to join me on The MiND Podcast. 

"Mental Health In A New Direction"

A podcast that seeks to explore some of the issues surrounding mental health, talking to individuals, groups and organisations about their experiences and to highlight some of the fantastic work being carried out around mental health.

The aim of the MiND Podcast is to discuss issues and topics with those who have had similar experiences/journeys and to identify what help and support is out there for those who need it.

Remember, you are not alone, there are people who want to listen and help you find the answers. 

Gary is well known within the Northern Ireland footballing community for his out of the box thinking, extensive knowledge of the game and his 17 years experience at a range of different levels.  As well as his passion for football Gary also runs his own podcast called 'The Think Curiously Podcast', which has just recently been nominated for the 'New Podcast Category' at the Podcasting for Business Awards 2021. The podcast series attracts a range of inspiring people who all have an engaging and powerful story to tell. Gary talks to me about a range of topics including, how we first met, how COVID has impacted sport, the impacts of mental health in young adults, we also discuss his WHY and we cover small-town mentality and breaking through the negativity by looking at the positives. A massive thank you to Gary for joining me for episode #4, thanks for tuning in and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! "Mental Health In A New Direction"

I had the pleasure of speaking to Sophy Irwin from Normalise, Sophy is Post Graduate student in applied Psychology, Mental Health and Psychological Therapies. We discuss a number of topics including how the human mind is wired, why it is so difficult to do the little things, fear, decision making and a term that is new to both of us "the knowledge action gap" coined by Mel Robins. I really enjoyed this episode and hope anyone tuning in does too. "Mental Health In A New Direction"

On today's episode, we have Gaz Rutherford, founder of ARC - Addiction Recovery Coaching who shares some of his own personal experiences with his own addiction and how he became sober at the age of 30. 9+ years sober, Gaz is now helping those who are going through similar struggles through his non-profit organisation ARC and making a real difference in his community. We discuss a range of issues and topics surrounding mental health in the hope that some of our listeners can resonate with some of the issues discussed. Remember you are not alone and there are people out there who are wanting to help. ARC Fitness provides discrete Small Group Personal Training services and access to various physical activities for people in recovery from drug and alcohol dependence. This coupled with experienced Addiction Recovery Coaching will enable individuals to make positive and informed choices about their recovery. They EMPOWER people through physical activity then watch them THRIVE and SUCCEED in life after addiction. Tune in to the MiND Podcast. "Mental Health In A New Direction"   

In our first episode of the MiND Podcast, we speak with Jordan Greer from 'Let's Talk About It With Jordan".  Inspired by an idea we had before lockdown, to start a new club night called "MiND" - Music In A New Direction, supporting local mental health charities across Northern Ireland/Ireland. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions and the impact of the events industry as a whole, we have had to adapt to suit the digital age, allowing us to still get the message across! We have a host of guests in store over the coming weeks who will be discussing a range of topics surrounding mental health. If you are interested in sharing your story, please get in touch! Tune in to the MiND Podcast. "Mental Health In A New Direction"