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

You all know how much we love a Little Blackbird Worm of Wisdom, so here is a bonus episode of our Tackling it Together podcast, which is a compilation of all of the Worms of Wisdom from our 2024 Podcast guests!

January can be a bit much, with lots of pressure to make big resolutions and big changes that are often unrealistic. This Worms of Wisdom episode is all about encouraging us to remember that small positive actions can hugely affect how we feel.

Packed full of brilliant advice from the 9 great men who have sat down with us to talk openly about their own well-being, this episode focuses on their golden nuggets of advice that can make all the difference!

Give it a listen, there may just be something that resonates with you, pushes you to reach out, make a small change, or simply a little sign to keep going! We’re all in this together

#wormsofwisdom #goodadvice #mensmentalhealth #tacklingittogether

#littleblackbird

Introducing the 10th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Round 2 - A Second Chance at Life” where we sit down with Darrel Green and hear about his incredible recovery journey, overcoming a 19 year drug addiction to completely transform his life.

Darrel talks candidly about using his life experiences to help others, and how his passion for Boxing and exercise has given him a focus.

Exploring the power of vulnerability, connection and having good people in your corner, Darrel tells us about the transformative effect that practicing gratitude has had on his life.

Christmas can be a difficult time for many, especially those battling addiction, but Darrel is an inspiring example of how recovery is possible, and how you can completely turn your life around to have a second chance.

Massive thanks to Darrel - the real, honest and genuine way you share your story will help and inspire so many others

#beatingaddiction #recoveryjourney #tacklingittogether#littleblackbird

Introducing the 9th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Something good is around the corner” with our guest James Duckers. James bravely shares his experiences of dealing with tragedy and loss, and explores how learning to become more open with his feelings has helped him in all aspects of life.

An honest perspective from a leader within the NHS, reflecting back on the most challenging years of his life and holding onto the positive belief that there’s always something good around the corner.

James reflects on being introverted within a team environment and the power of opening up to others and developing resilience.

Huge thanks to James for his honesty, vulnerability and openness.

Trigger warning - this Podcast includes references to grief, parental loss and suicidal ideation.

#malementalhealthpodcast #openconversations #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Introducing the 8th episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast - “Win Your Day” where our guest Joe Leask talks us through his weight loss journey and how taking accountability has shaped his mindset and motivation.

As characters come, they don’t get much bigger or better than Joe! In this conversation Joe talks openly about how always being the life and soul of the party took it toll, and how he turned his life around by embarking on an exercise and diet routine to lose an incredible 9 stone!!

Joe talks with so much love about his relationship with his son Sebastian, and opens up about how his life changed forever when Seb contracted meningitis as a baby. leaving him with very complex needs. With a lesson we can all learn from, Joe explains how Seb inspires him to focus on appreciating what you have in the here and now, and trying not to worry about what the future holds.

Joe is a huge advocate for walking and talking, and talks about the transformational impact becoming fit and healthy has had on his life. .

An absolutely inspiring conversation with a top lad, whose openness and motivation will inspire many others. Thank you Joe!

#mentalwellbeing #walkandtalk

#tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird

Bringing you the seventh episode of our Tackling it Together Podcast- “Strength in Vulnerability” - our guest Kev McIntosh gives an emotional account of his inspirational journey.

Kev is a Business Owner, Rugby Coach, Husband, Proud Dad and a friend to many and an all round top bloke! It was a pleasure to sit down with Kev and talk openly about how he has overcome some of the most difficult times of his life.

Exploring some very emotional topics, Kev gives us an insight into his mindset during a period of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts, and his subsequent journey to seeking support and living a full and happy life. Kev provides some inspiring reflections and in sharing his own experiences demonstrates how it is possible to turn a corner and see light at the end of the tunnel.

Ade and Kev also discuss their shared experiences of experiencing vulnerability and trauma from a father’s perspective, and open up about how such tough experiences can teach us to harness our vulnerabilities to make us stronger, better parents.

Kev shares his motivation for telling his story - to be open and honest and to help raise awareness and connect with people who are struggling. To provide hope and strength and demonstrate how powerful speaking out and accessing support can be. A truly remarkable man who’s openness and strength will inspire many others. Thank you Kev.

TRIGGER WARNING - This Podcast includes discussion around Suicidal Ideation, and reference to Paediatric Cardiac Conditions/Surgery.

#mentalwellbeing #wellbeinginconstruction #cardiacparents #tacklethestigma #mensmentalhealthmatters #tacklingittogether #littleblackbird