I wasn’t planning this episode — it just sort of happened. I’d taken my dog out to a quiet country park, sat down by the water to clear my head, and started thinking about life, work, and the stuff we don’t always admit. Somewhere between the geese, the cold air, and my dog demanding attention, I found myself asking a question I think a lot of you might wonder too: Do adults really have their shit together?

The truth? We don’t. Not really.
In this little bonus episode, I talk honestly about what it’s like being an adult who still doesn’t have everything figured out, why it’s okay if you don’t either, and how sometimes the best way to make sense of things is to just stop, breathe, and sit still for a bit.

This one’s a slower, more personal chat — just me, a park bench, and a few thoughts that might help you feel a bit less pressure to have it all sorted.

Want to get involved?
I’d love to hear from you:

• Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contact
• Leave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemail
• Share your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/new

Explore more from Headstraight:

• Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blog
• Find out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/about

Need support right now?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources page
for helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.

Being misunderstood hurts. Maybe it’s parents who brush off your feelings, teachers who assume the worst, or friends who make you feel small. For teens and young adults, this pressure fuels self doubt, pushes you into people pleasing, and drains your emotional well-being.

In this episode, hosted by Mark Taylor, we’ll talk about why being misunderstood cuts so deep, how it connects to teen mental health, and the ways you end up reacting — from shutting down to trying to keep everyone happy. More importantly, we’ll explore how to hold your ground, protect your self esteem, and make better choices about where to put your energy.

This is about using self control to stay steady, finding grounded advice for teens, and learning how to face mental challenges without losing yourself. If you’ve ever felt unseen or unheard, this one will help you stand stronger.

Want to get involved?
I’d love to hear from you:

• Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contact
• Leave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemail
• Share your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/new

Explore more from Headstraight:

• Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blog
• Find out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/about

Need support right now?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources page
for helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.

In today's fast-paced environment, distractions are everywhere, making it challenging for teens and young adults to stay focused and motivated. In this episode of Headstraight, hosted by Mark Taylor, we dive into how distractions can undermine your self esteem and fuel self doubt. We'll discuss why losing motivation often feels impossible to overcome and why the common advice to "just try harder" is a misconception.

By exploring practical strategies, you'll learn how to rebuild your attention and make better choices that reflect your values. We’ll offer insights on self control, developing lasting routines, and fostering self reliance. It’s all about protecting your mental well-being and taking charge of your energy while navigating the noise of modern life. Listen in for real-life answers that empower you to overcome the teen troubles of distraction and self-doubt.

Want to get involved?
I’d love to hear from you:

• Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contact
• Leave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemail
• Share your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/new

Explore more from Headstraight:

• Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blog
• Find out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/about

Need support right now?
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources page
for helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.