Talk Epilepsy Podcast

In this episode, we talk to Emma who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy at 19 years old and to Epilepsy Scotland's Helpline and Information Officer, Stuart, about the impact a new diagnosis of epilepsy can have on a person.

In this episode, we talk to Sam Begbie, Lifestyle Management Project Worker at Quarriers and Zoe Prosser, Research Fellow & Lecturer in Social Design at Glasgow School of Art about Quarriers new epilepsy self-management toolkit.You can find out more the epilepsy self-management toolkit at toolkit.quarriers.org.uk

Meet Ben, our latest #TalkEpilepsyPodcast guest, as he opens up about his powerful journey with epilepsy and mental health. n this raw and honest episode, Ben shares: • His diagnosis at age 14 • The unexpected emotional challenges • How he found his way forward • Insights that could help others on similar paths If you are struggling with your mental health, please call our freephone Helpline on 0808 800 2200 or email us at contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

In this episode, we talk about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Sadly, almost 300 people a year die due to epilepsy in Scotland.Ahead of SUDEP Action Day on Wednesday 16 October, we talked to Sammy Ashby, Chief Executive at SUDEP Action.We discussed the work that SUDEP Action does to help bereaved families and this year's #OurRisksOurRights campaign, which looks to highlight that every person living with epilepsy has a right to be told about the risks that come with the condition.

Imagine your teenage son's life suddenly interrupted by epilepsy. This was Julia's reality in 2020 when Andrew, just 17, was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing tonic-clonic seizures. In our latest #TalkEpilepsyPodcast, she opens up about the unique challenges of navigating not only epilepsy but also autism in her son's life. How does a mother cope with this double diagnosis? What unexpected strengths has she discovered?

In this episode, we talk to Epilepsy Scotland's Helpline and Information Officer Stuart on the topic of epilepsy and driving.We discuss some of the most common questions and the support that is available if someone living with epilepsy has to give up their driving licence.



In this episode, we talk to BBC Radio London Football Commentator Karl Bates about his experiences of living with epilepsy and the challenges he has faced throughout his career because of his epilepsy.

In this episode, we talk to Epilepsy Scotland's Helpline and Information Officer, Uschi, about the most common types of seizures and how people can help someone if they had a seizure.

We talk to Epilepsy Scotland's Youth Development Worker, Kirstyn Cameron, about Epilepsy Scotland's Youth Work service and the benefits that the Youth Group adventure weekend brings to young people living with epilepsy. We also talk to Epilepsy Scotland's fundraising team members Linzi Donald and Jane Roberts about the CrowdFunder that has been set up to raise money for Epilepsy Scotland's Youth Group adventure weekend. To donate, please go to www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

We talk to 13-year-old Ella, her mother Katherine and journalist and author Fraser who have written a book called Ella and the Electric Paintbrush which is based on Ella's experiences of living with epilepsy. You can buy the book on Amazon and follow Ella on Instagram @adventure.ella

Welcome to Season Two, Episode Three of our three-part student podcast series Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience. In this episode, our student ambassador Chloe meets with graduate Abigail Clifford to discuss social support and epilepsy . To find out more about Epilepsy Scotland's #StudentSeptember campaign, please go to www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/studentseptember

Welcome to Season Two, Episode Two of our three-part student podcast series Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience. In this episode, our student ambassador Freya discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Epilepsy. To find out more about Epilepsy Scotland's #StudentSeptember campaign, please go to www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/studentseptember

Welcome to Season Two, Episode One of our three-part student podcast series Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience. In this episode, our student ambassador Chloe met with Psychologist Junhua Ding to discuss sleep, stress and epilepsy. To find out more about Epilepsy Scotland's #StudentSeptember campaign, please go to www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/studentseptember

In this episode, our Fundraising Manager Gemma Fleet talks to Dianne who's daughter Emma sadly passed away due to Sudden Unexplained Death In Epilepsy (SUDEP) in April 2023. Dianne shares her memories of Emma. Her life living with epilepsy and how she would like Emma to be remembered. If you have lost a loved one due to SUDEP and need to talk to someone, please call our freephone Helpline on 0808 800 2200 or email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

In this episode, we talk to Epilepsy Scotland Training Manager Naomi Stevenson about the importance of learning about epilepsy and how the condition can affect someone. Also, whether society as a whole has an understanding of epilepsy and the training that Epilepsy Scotland provides.

In this episode, we talk to Niamh a member of our Youth Group in Edinburgh. Niamh shares her experiences of living with epilepsy and the impact it has had on her mental health.

During National Epilepsy Week, we teamed up with epilepsy organisations across the UK to launch the #EpilepsyMatters campaign. In this episode, we speak to Claire and Holly who share their experiences of living with epilepsy.

In this episode, we talk to Epilepsy Scotland's Helpline and Information Officer Uschi about the 10 most frequently asked questions about epilepsy that we receive via our freephone Helpline.

In this episode, we talk to SNP MSP Alasdair Allan about how he felt when he was diagnosed with epilepsy and the mental health issues that people with epilepsy can face. We also talk to Epilepsy Scotland's Wellbeing Manager, Vicki Burns about how an epilepsy diagnosis can impact a person's mental health and the help and support that can be provided.

Our Youth Group member Niamh shares how she felt when she was diagnosed with epilepsy and how being apart of the Epilepsy Scotland Youth Group has helped her. Please help us continue to be there for people like Niamh by donating to our Christmas Appeal by texting BECAUSE to 70085 to donate £3.

In this episode, we talk to Ben who was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 14 years old. Ben shares his experiences of having tonic-clonic seizures. The challenges he has faced and how he went a period of being seven years seizure free and how he felt when he started to have seizures again.

The final episode of a three-part episode series called 'Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience'. Here, Monica Sgouros volunteered to share her experiences of organising epilepsy friendly club nights. 

The second episode of a three-part episode series called 'Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience'. Here, Jacob Goss, a student with epilepsy, volunteered to speak with us about his experience of university. 

The first episode of a three-part episode series called 'Living with Epilepsy: The Student Experience'. Here, Louise Shambrook, volunteered to speak with us about her experiences of epilepsy and learning. 

In this episode, we chat to comedian Jake Lambert about his experiences of living with epilepsy and his new Edinburgh Fringe show where he will be talking about his epilepsy. We also talk to Leon Legge about how he manages his epilepsy as well as playing professional sport as part of our #ExcelWithEpilepsy campaign.

In this special Purple Day episode, we talk to our volunteers Dave and Amy who share their experiences of living with epilepsy and how important awareness days like Purple Day are to help promote awareness of epilepsy.

In this episode we talk to Ross Bennet a former Detective Superintendent with Police Scotland and Michael Sturrock who works in politics as Head of Communications & Outreach. We discuss their experiences of living and managing their epilepsy, support received from their employers and what employers need to do to support people with epilepsy.

Jenifer was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just 10 years old. Here she shares how she felt when she was first diagnosed, challenges she has faced and what she feels needs to be done to highlight invisible disabilities such as epilepsy.

Megan was diagnosed with epilepsy in June 2021. Here she shares how she felt when she was first diagnosed and her experiences of living with epilepsy.

Throughout September, Epilepsy Scotland is working to increase awareness of epilepsy amongst students and further education institutions. Our #StudentSeptember campaign aims to help students with epilepsy to adapt to further education as easily as possible, support them throughout their time there, and increase the understanding of epilepsy amongst their peers and institutions. In this episode, we talk to Louise and Jennie about their experiences of being students with epilepsy.

In this episode we talked about the impact that the Covid pandemic has had on people’s epilepsy, epilepsy services and how services will look like post pandemic.

In this episode, we talked to some elite sportsmen and women asking how they compete at the highest level whilst managing their epilepsy. British 200 metres champion, Beth Dobbin, former NFL guard and Super Bowl winner, Alan Faneca, and professional golfer, Jane Turner, share their experiences of living with epilepsy and competing in professional sport.

Comedian Maisie Adam shares her experiences of growing up with epilepsy. Epilepsy Scotland volunteer, Alan, describes the effect epilepsy has had on his memory. Also, an interview with Georgina who has published a book detailing her personal experience of having epilepsy.

The third edition of the #TalkEpilepsy Podcast looks at how #EpilepsyIsMoreThanSeizures featuring interviews with Consultant Neurologist Dr Susan Duncan and Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Yvonne Leavy. They discuss the many challenges that people with epilepsy face and how they can overcome them.

The second edition of the #TalkEpilepsy Podcast looks at epilepsy and learning in particular focusing on how teachers and lecturers can keep their students who have epilepsy safe.

The first edition of the TalkEpilepsy Podcast looks at how breathing and relaxation techniques can help people cope with the stresses of living with epilepsy and promote better wellbeing.