Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Dr. Jen Cottam speaks with Amber Keegan-Stobbs, former captain of Newcastle United Women’s Football Club and the club’s first female player ambassador.

Amber shares her journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and receiving an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 29, an experience that helped her make sense of the internal ‘storm’ she had lived with for years.

She speaks openly about masking her struggles, the positive impact of seeking help through counselling, and how she rediscovered her love for football. She also reflects on the challenges and strengths that come with ADHD, and how her own experiences have inspired her to train as a counsellor to support others.

Visit Talk Works:

https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Amber:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-stobbs/

Learn more about the Newcastle United Foundation:

https://nufoundation.org.uk/

Recommended Read:

A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax - a helpful tool on Amber’s journey with mindfulness.

Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam speaks with Simon Whitaker, founder and CEO of the award-winning menswear brand Master Debonair. Simon shares the emotional story behind the business, reflecting on how personal loss, resilience, and a focus on wellbeing have shaped both his life and career.

He speaks openly about his relationship with alcohol and the life-changing decision to get sober in 2019. Simon also talks about the role of self-care and physical health in helping him overcoming the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way.

If you're curious about your relationship with alcohol or looking for support, here are some helpful

• Drinkaware – A charity offering a free, easy-to-use app to track your alcohol intake: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

• AUDIT Test – Developed by the World Health Organisation to help you assess your drinking habits: https://auditscreen.org/

• Alcohol Change UK – A leading charity working to reduce alcohol harm:  https://alcoholchange.org.uk/about-us/about-our-charity

Visit Talk Works:

https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Simon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonwhitaker1973/

Visit Master Debonair:

https://masterdebonair.co/

Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam chats with Jane Austin, Director of HR at Wave, about how organisations can support their people and build a stronger, more inclusive workplace through thoughtful, people-focused HR practices.

Jane emphasises the importance of psychological safety and employee-led support groups such as Hot Flashes and Go with the Flow, which Wave has introduced to help break taboos and encourage open conversations in the workplace.

Jane also shares the impact of wellbeing initiatives, such as mental health awareness campaigns and the impressive 98% response rate to Wave’s employee engagement surveys.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for HR professionals and leaders seeking to strengthen employee resilience, increase inclusivity, and enhance wellbeing within their workplace culture.

Visit Talk Works: https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Jane:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-austin-6037a366/

Access the Randstad work monitor Survey: https://workforceinsights.randstad.com/en/download-the-workmonitor-2025-report

Welcome to the Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam speaks with Di Gates, founder of Connection Heroes, about why human connection is more critical than ever in the workplace and what leaders can do to nurture it.

With a background in creative leadership and experience founding multiple businesses, Di shares why human connection matters, explains the neurochemistry behind it, and introduces intentional rituals like “safe start” check-ins and the “emoji mood checker” to help build psychologically safe environments.

Drawing on neuroscience and practical case studies, Di offers actionable insights for HR professionals and team leaders looking to create psychologically safe environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Visit Talk Works: https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Di:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digates/

Visit Connection Heroes: https://connectionheroes.co.uk/

Welcome to The Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this episode, host Jen Cottam speaks with Vicki Kneafsey, HR Manager for the outsourced partnership at Jackson Hogg, about how organisations can better support employees during sick leave.

Vicki shares why first-line managers are key to shaping workplace culture and highlights the urgent need to equip them with the skills to handle mental health challenges empathetically and confidently.

You’ll learn how to conduct meaningful first check-ins, design flexible return-to-work plans, and stay connected with employees without overstepping boundaries.

Vicki also shares common pitfalls, such as being overly transactional and shares best practices that promote employee wellbeing and business outcomes.

Visit Talk Works: https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/

Connect with Vicki:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriakneafsey/

Welcome to the Talk Works Podcast, a space where we explore mental health, therapy, practical advice, and the tools needed to support wellbeing in the workplace.

In this first episode, host Jen Cottam is joined by Paul O'Donnell, Clinical Lead at Talk Works, to discuss the different types of therapy available and how to choose the approach that's right for you.

Whether you are managing trauma, anxiety, or simply looking to improve your mental wellbeing, this episode offers valuable, accessible insights.

Paul shares his perspective on the growing demand for mental health support, including a 33% rise in NHS referrals since 2019, and why making therapy more approachable and less intimidating is vital. He explains the importance of the therapeutic relationship, what to expect in a first session, and how therapy can support personal growth.

Key approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are explored, with practical guidance for anyone curious about therapy, not just those facing a crisis.

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or simply want to understand the options available, this episode provides expert, down-to-earth advice to help you take the next step.

Visit Talk Works: https://talk-works.org.uk/

Connect with Paul:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-o-donnell-145764280/

Connect with Jen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jencottam/