The Happy Employee Podcast

Jonny Benjamin MBE is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer and vlogger. He is also the founder of youth mental health charity Beyond, as well as the author of The Book of Hope - an inspiring and moving collection of 101 honest stories that illustrate human strength and resilience.This feature-length conversation is a powerful one, covering a range of emotive topics and giving Mike the chance to meet one of his mental health heroes!(Warning - this episode contains mention of suicide)

After a little (deserved) break, Abbey and Mike are back! This personal episode delves into experiences of running on empty and why it is important to slow down for our mental health. We also cover stress vs burnout, how to address it and what we can do to cope.

Neil Shah is the Founder, Director and Chief De-Stressing Officer of The Stress Management Society and International Wellbeing Insights. He is a leading global expert on stress management and wellbeing, co-founder of the campaign group Recovery and best-selling author of many books including The 10-Step Stress SolutionTo mark Stress Awareness Month, we chat to Neil about why stress management is so crucial to our wellbeing, why having difficult conversations is more important than ever, how to reclaim control and what we can do to find a positive, constructive outlook at such a testing time.

For this episode, we are delighted to welcome Anastasia Vinnikova, Wellbeing Lead at the Bank of England, Co-Chair of the Thriving from the Start Network and founder of Winning Minds, a mental health resource for sportspeople.Anastasia shares her personal mental health journey with us and speaks powerfully on the importance of helping others to find their voice. This conversation also gives a fascinating insight into the current challenges that face our young people, the pressures that come with transition into the workplace and the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health support services. 

In honour of International Women's Day on 8 March 2021, we have put together this very special feature length episode, featuring not one guest but five!Each guest is a powerful strong woman, that we see as role models and an inspiration to other women in unique ways to each other. We talk to an RAF Sergeant, an Inclusion Advocate, a Mum Influencer, an Entrepreneur and a Psychologist.Each tell us their individual story including topics such as  gender bias and stereotypes and how these can affect our mental health.

Abbey talks to Martina Jean-Jacques from Frazzled Cafe about the importance of connections and community. 

To mark Time to Talk Day 2021, Mike sits down with mental health pioneer Rohan Kallicharan to discuss his incredible personal journey, the importance of conversations on wellbeing, how we can role model positivity and much more.startwithin.co.uk

We're back! Join us as we launch series two. Abbey and Mike chat about the January blues and offer their tips on  how we can beat them. We'll turn your 'Blue Monday' into 'YOU Monday'.

With World Mental Health Day looming on Saturday 10 October 2020, we thought we would celebrate by talking to a whole host of mental health advocates about what World Mental Health Day means to them and their organisation. Listen as Abbey and Mike talk to:Sophie Plateau - Senior CSR Manager, AudibleAshley Fry - Founder, Paws in WorkRosie Forrester - Global Talent Development Partner, YouGovPaul Chambers - Co-Founder and COO, PoetsIN

For the final episode in the series, Abbey and Mike round up with the most important thing we can do to support others - listening!startwithin.co.uk

This week we chat to a very special guest - Simon Blake OBE.Simon is the CEO for Mental Health First Aid England, as well as Deputy Chair for Stonewall and a Pride 365 Champion.Mike chats to Simon about his journey with social justice, the importance of humanity and kindness for our mental health and how as leaders, we can set the example for our people to build a happy and healthy workplace.startwithin.co.uk

Abbey shares a fascinating discussion with Richard Etienne. Richard is Deputy Head of Internal Communications for the Department for International Trade and heads the organisation's BAME network as co-chair. He is also a Masterclass Tutor for The Guardian, delivering his acclaimed introvert workshops.During the podcast, Richard shares his insight on working within 10 Downing Street, his personal experiences with discrimination and how we can better embrace diversity in the workplace. startwithin.co.uk

Special Guest Caroline Stocks is a successful lawyer that has turned her hand to crafting soap for keyworkers during lockdown. Caroline shares her story on overcoming burnout and moving away from the stigma attached to it. She also talks about her positive new venture, Smell BEEautiful, that is doing great work for people in the local community.startwithin.co.uk

Returning to work after a long period of absence can be a daunting and worrying experience. Combine that with a global pandemic, and feelings of anxiety could be quite common in the workplace.In this episode, Abbey and Mike discuss the anxiety that comes with returning to work and the challenges that many will face. They talk about what employees can do to ease their concerns, as well as how employers can prepare to support their teams.For more information head to startwithin.co.uk

In this episode, Mike is joined by special guest Matt Rodda. Matt is a Royal Air Force Training Instructor, who uses his passion for wellbeing to shape the current generation of military leaders.Matt and Mike discuss the use of positive psychology in the workplace and the importance of effective coaching and mentoring.He shares the lessons he has learned around mental health, as well as his desire to help others realise their potential.

Mike walks and talks us through the benefits of taking a stroll to improve our mental health. Either listen where you are, or pop your headphones in and take a walk with us!

This week we are joined by Super Mum and business owner; Michelle Sparman of FIT SW11. She talks about juggling her career with two boys, bringing wellbeing into the workplace and how fitness can empower communities.startwithin.co.uk

Abbey and Mike discuss the physical effects of worrying and how we can learn to let the little worries go. startwithin.co.uk

For Stress Awareness month this April, Abbey and Mike discuss what stress actually is and different ways of coping with stress. Mike is also put on the spot with a live stress test. Hear how stressed he really is and take the test yourself! startwithin.co.uk

Abbey and Mike discuss how helping others can actually be the key to helping yourself.startwithin.co.uk

Abbey and Mike discuss the mental health impact of employers closing offices due to Coronavirus and self-isolation. startwithin.co.uk