Introducing the latest episode of Tackling it Together - "Alcohol Abstinence - Myth V Reality" in conversation with James Lutton.Exploring his own path of self discovery following lifestyle changes including abstaining from alcohol, in this episode James talks openly about the positive impact this has had on his well-being.Discussing the current increase in those who are "sober curious", James' experiences and reflections on how and why he chose to actively explore and question his relationship with alcohol provides thought provoking insights into alcohol abstinence. With conversation around the challenges of sobriety in the corporate world, James reflects on the culture of drinking alcohol as a part of business or work events. Socially, James challenges the myth that you have to drink alcohol to have fun, and shares how his journey has allowed him to discover a more authentic version of himself where he feels more comfortable in his own skin.Tackling perceptions of masculinity and exploring his experiences of poor well-being and anxiety, James' talks honesty around how his journey has allowed him to become a better husband and a better father. Thank you to James for being so open and honest and sharing your thoughts so eloquently.A huge thank you to Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) for sponsoring this episode. #mensmentalhealth #masculinity #selfcare #sobercurious #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Introducing the 18th episode of Tackling it Together - “Men are waking up” with award winning Coach, Craig White.

Reflecting on his 30 year career, Craig openly expresses how his journey and experiences have shaped who he is and the work that he does.

Sharing his thoughts on vulnerability and the impact of negative male stereotypes, with some thought provoking conversations around men who are waking up and recognising their struggles, Craig talks about the real need to provide men with meaningful opportunities for guidance and support.

Full of powerful insights and reflections, Craig is a huge advocate for self care and self love and articulates the huge impact spiritual experiences have had on his life and outlook. A must listen for anybody who is on a path of self reflection.

A massive thank you to Craig for giving us your time and sharing your wisdom so generously.

“Men are waking up” is now streaming on all our channels!

A huge thank you to Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) for sponsoring this episode.

#mensmentalhealth #craigwhite #coaching #masculinity #selfcare

#nts #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In this powerful episode of Tackling it Together, we are joined by Matt Appleton for one of our most emotional and impactful conversations to date.Reflecting on periods of difficulty in his life, Matt opens up about his experiences of poor mental health and suicidal ideation.Remarkably, it was listening to a Podcast episode that talked about the tragic suicide of Gary Speed that proved to be the catalyst for Matt recognising that he desperately needed to seek professional help. Matt expresses how listening to that conversation made him realise just how close he was to taking his own life which gave him the courage to access support.In February of this year, Matt was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Matt bravely shares the impact this had had, the heart breaking reality of telling his young children, the strength he has taken from the love and support of his wife and family and the kindness and compassion he has been shown from people all over the world. Approaching his diagnosis, surgery and treatment with an incredible mindset, Matt demonstrates inspiring strength and resilience and shares his poignant reflections on how he has coped with such a significant challenge. Exploring his relationship with vulnerability growing up and how this has evolved, Matt is a huge advocate of the transformative effect therapy can have. Matt talks openly about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and his journey of seeking to understand himself and his triggers more effectively. With some thoughtful reflections around challenging your internal script and the ability you have to change the voice in your head, Matt’s message around reframing perspectives and narratives is incredibly powerful. Matt, it’s fair to say that you have had an absolutely huge impact on the Little Blackbird team and we are so grateful to you for trusting us with your story and for being so open and vulnerable. Your courage, bravery and strength of character is going to have a positive impact on every single listener and give hope to those who need it most. Thank you!

A huge thank you to Nuclear Transport Solutions for sponsoring this episode of Tackling it Together.

Trigger warning – This episode of Tackling it Together includes reference to suicidal ideation and cancer diagnosis.

In this episode of Tackling it Together, “Don’t cross the road, Life after Loss” we sit down with Sean Green. An absolute legend in our local rugby club, Sean is hugely respected as an incredible player and an even better bloke. Having experienced significant tragedy and loss in his life, Sean has taken the brave decision to share his story.

In 2013, Sean and his wife tragically lost their daughter Alessa shortly after her birth. Sean opens up about the heart breaking impact this had, and the incredibly challenging 10 year period of IVF treatment that followed.

Devastatingly, in 2018 Sean’s sister sadly passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving behind her husband and two young children. Sean talks emotionally about the sheer disbelief and feelings of anger he experienced as he and his family tried to navigate their way through their loss.

Reflecting on his experiences, Sean thoughtfully explores the ways in which other people can respond to your grief. Sean talks openly about how important it is to acknowledge loss and shares a powerful message - “we always remember, you bringing it up isn’t going to trigger us”.

Championing the positive impact therapy can have, Sean shares how learning how to communicate more vulnerably with those he loves and being transparent instead as presenting a front of being “strong” has really supported him to cope.

Sean absolutely epitomises the word resilience and his ability to articulate his feelings, offer advice to others, open up discussions about the need to acknowledge loss, and give hope to those experiencing trauma and grief is truly awe inspiring.

A huge heartfelt thank you to Sean and his wife Cara for sharing their deeply personal story with us, we know your honesty and bravery is going to impact on so many people.

Don’t Cross the Road - Life after Loss will be streaming on all our channels from Monday.

Trigger warning – this episode includes reference to baby loss, sudden loss and IVF.

#dontcrosstheroad #lifeafterloss #IVF #mensmentalhealth #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Introducing the latest episode of Tackling it Together, "Åbenhed: The Power of Openness" where we are joined by Kevin Steel.

Kev originates from Denmark,and is physiotherapist, business owner and a retired rugby player. In this episode he tells us his story, detailing his insights and wisdom around navigating life's challenges with authenticity and strength, overcoming injuries and redefining pain through positive mindset.

An honest and thought provoking conversation, Kev explores the importance of putting family first, respecting your body, and embracing the process over the outcome. He discusses the transformative power of walking and talking for men, the value of being truly present, and the Danish concept of "åbenhed" which translates to "openness", as a cornerstone for building trust and creating a safe space for meaningful connection.

Whether you're facing personal struggles, seeking motivation, or simply looking to live more authentically, this podcast reminds us that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in being open.

In this episode of Tackling it Together “Battling the internal Enemy” we sit down with Leigh Foley to talk about his remarkable journey of overcoming addiction to become a successful fitness coach.

A story of hope and determination, Leigh reflects on his addictive personality and shares how swapping the “high” he got from drug misuse, for the dopamine hit he gets from exercise has transformed his life.

Exploring how difficult the process of sobriety and facing your demons can be, Leigh demonstrates an incredible level of self awareness. He refers to his internal negative voice at the “Enemy” and shares his own practices for preventing relapse, including his “Log List” of reasons why he chooses the freedom of a substance free lifestyle.

Becoming a Dad to his little girl has been a pivotal part of Leigh’s recovery, motivating him to make and sustain changes and to ensure that he is there to watch her grow up.

Leigh’s vulnerability and honesty in exploring the devastating impact that addiction had on his mental health and his journey to deal with those issues will undoubtedly inspire others in similar situations. Proving that there is always hope, Leigh quite simply explains “in the end, I’ve become too strong for my problems”.

An inspiring, raw and brutally honest reflection of the devastating impact addition can have, and the incredible strength and determination that can be found in recovery. A huge thank you to Leigh for taking part!

Trigger warning – this episode includes reference to suicide.

#fitnesssavedme #breakthecycle #addictionrecovery #leighfoleyfitness #positivemasculinity #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

In this episode of Tackling it Together we sit down with Nathan Sandland-Jones to explore his role as a Construction Site Manager and his view on the importance of developing emotional intelligence.

An incredibly raw, honest and vulnerable conversation, Nathan speaks candidly about his struggles with anxiety and overthinking, and how moves around the country as a child impacted on his attachments and connections.

Nathan reflects on his previous behaviour on the rugby pitch, explaining how he is not proud of the man he would sometimes become when opportunities for conflict arose within a game. Years on, Nathan’s demonstrates great insight into how that behaviour was linked to other struggles, and how developing emotional intelligence and understanding himself was key for personal and professional growth.

Rugby aside, we explore Nathan’s role as a construction site manager in a male dominated industry and the importance of managing work related pressure and stress in a healthy way.

Nathan talks about the power of positive relationships and the pivotal support he has from his wife.

One of our most insightful, impactful and relatable conversations to date, Nathan’s ability to articulate his experiences and perspective will undoubtedly support others who are struggling to navigate similar feelings.

A huge thank you to Nathan who has put himself way out of his comfort zone to share his story and to normalise talking about male mental health.

#anxietyandoverthinking #constructionpodcast #rugbypodcast #malementalhealth #tacklingittogether #mindsetunderconstruction #buildingemotionalintelligence #littleblackbird

Trigger warning – full episodes includes reference to suicide

In this episode of Tackling it Together we sit down with Sports Nutritionist Danny Webber to get his take and expertise on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside the demands of a busy life. Danny’s experience in working with a wide range of people, including elite athletes allows him to give us a balanced perspective of how a bespoke approach to nutrition and fitness will always achieve better results.

Exploring the importance of investing in yourself, practical and helpful tips to support healthy and realistic decision making and debunking many of the myths around health and nutrition, this episode is not to be missed!

A huge thank you to Danny for taking part! #nutrition #nutritionforwellbeing #webbernutrition #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird