The Talking Hug

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Striving to break down the stigma surrounding mental health I (Steven) have created a space in which talking about our problems is the norm. I want to promote opening up and welcoming those awkward and tough chats surrounding mental illness that people in all walks of life sometimes struggle to have…

The Talking Hug


    • Sep 7, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 59 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Talking Hug

    58: The Boys are BACK!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 54:32


    After 5 months away, Steven and Martin are reunited in podcast land! Catch up with them both and don't forget to tell them how much you've missed them! Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area. Join our online community here: https://discord.gg/nagw8nUAer

    57: A little catch up..

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 22:58


    We are still alive! Past Martin is going to take you through where he's at right now..well 3 weeks ago actually - BUT we have an episode of sorts for you! Can't wait to see you properly again soon! Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    56: Getting drunk and crying at the train station..

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 62:27


    After a week off and not really having a proper catch up for 2 weeks the boys bounce around "like pong" through a load of different feelings and stories. Therapy, getting "drunk", crying and loneliness. This episode has it all!  Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    55: A new job and feeling disconnected..

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 60:53


    Martin is back and we are cheering for him after his first week at his new job and Steven goes into becoming "TikTok famous" and how it's not made him feel any more connected.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    54: We have the ability to change..

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 21:17


    Steven is on his lonesome this week as Martin kills it in the first week of his new job! We check in with how we are REALLY feeling, Steven talks about things that have been helping him move forwards and shows off some of his Ted Talk material with us! Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    53: Turning negatives into positives..

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 52:03


    Another week and another realisation of time! This week Steven shouts from the rooftops about feeling in a good place right now and Martin goes into detail about his weekend of study.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    52: Main Character Energy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 52:53


    Another week has passed and yes, the boys still have something to talking about! This week they were congratulating Martin on his new job and Steven was telling us about his main character moment with a bird.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    51: The one where Steven wets himself..

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 63:58


    Yes, you did read the title correctly. But ALSO Steven & Martin have a good ol' catch up this week and go off on a whole load of tangents too! Mmmm tangents.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    50: Goodbyes.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 67:55


    Martin & friend of the podcast Shannon take over the 50th episode to talk about saying goodbye and everything that comes with those feelings. Both delving into experience and understanding from their student therapist backgrounds.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    49: Breakin' Phones & Creatin' Boundaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 62:50


    This week Steven tells us about ways in which he is using this month to get into a better habit with his phone and Martin gives us the downlow on boundaries.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    48: State of Depression & The Six Hungers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 58:15


    Steven and Martin are back together this week!! They dive straight back in to the honest chatter, Steven finds out he has magic eyes and Martin gives us the hot goss on "The Hungers".. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    47: Take what you need.. - A Moment with Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 25:46


    Join the lovely Martin for some affirmation and permission readings!  Use this episode however you need to, wherever you are right now, take what you need.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    46: Finding help is the next step..

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 13:12


    Steven takes to the mic on his own this week. Checking in with how his last week has been, where he's at mentally at the moment and where that leaves The Talking Hug.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    45: Everything goes wrong!! (Recorded LIVE! on Twitch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 59:00


    The podcast found it's way back to being LIVE! on Twitch this week.. A lot of things went wrong, chaos is definitely guaranteed but most importantly - an open and honest discussion about mental health was had!  Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    44: The Swimming Pool Metaphor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 49:22


    This week the boys address the fact that they have never really opened up about their ACTUAL core feelings on the podcast, they get the swimming costumes out and there's obviously an underwater train too.. Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    43: The Anxious Catch Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 46:00


    The boys are back!!  It's a fancy catch up episode for you all to enjoy! See how the boys have been coping with the new year and how Steven walks as fast as Usain Bolt.. Plus stay till the end for some pretty disgusting self promo...I mean come on. There's a time and a place right? Please rate us on whatever platform you're listening on, it really helps the podcast get seen by more people OKAY THANKS BYE. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    42: Being present without the presents..

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 62:59


    IT'S CHRISTMAS...but it doesn't feel like it for a lot of us...and that is okay! In the last episode of 2021 the boys delve into how things feel for them this year around the festive period and of course find out what's going to be on our roast dinner plates!! Thank you SO much for listening this year, we can't wait to continue moving this podcast forwards in the new year! Love you all xx We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    41: Railcards and a fake marriage..

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 46:18


    In the penultimate episode for 2021 the boys jump back on to the metaphorical sofa to chat about their feelings, how much they use their phones and to Francis Bourgeois' delight - trains. ENJOY! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    40: Martin leaves the podcast!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 50:42


    You heard correctly, Martin did leave the podcast...well, for like 4 days! Hear a very raw and open chat about how that made both of us feel - with an almost behind the scenes style, emotion heavy episode.. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    39: Covid, Grief & Gratitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 60:00


    This week Steven was joined by member of The Talking Hug community Shannon! We chatted long term Covid impacts, our relationships with grief and how being grateful can turn a day around!  We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    38: The Drama Triangle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 44:50


    It worked! We have a full episode again for you this week and boy did we talk. - Enjoy a pretty much un-edited chat between two men, being open and honest about their feelings! We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    37: A little mindfulness break..

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 10:03


    Unfortunately due to some technical issues we weren't able to get a full length episode out this week.. But us being the way we are, we wanted to get SOMEthing out for you lovely lot. So we did. Enjoy this mindfulness break with Martin!

    36: The spookiest episode..

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 51:07


    This week we recorded on Halloween..oooOOooooo. The gusto may have been low and nobody really knows if Steven ever actually made his bed BUT the boys open up as always and get into their spookiest stories too.. We are not qualified health care professionals, if you are living with anything that we have discussed on this week's episode and need support, please head over to our Instagram @thetalkinghug and head to the links in our bio to find help in your area.

    35: Coping with life online/offline AND our first audience..(Recorded LIVE! on Twitch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 76:49


    This week was a special one. Whilst Steven is raising money for Mental Health Foundation he invited Martin and the podcast on to Twitch for a live episode!! We have our very first audience, we chat about life online/offline and answer some of the lovely audience member's questions! Steven is currently raising money for Mental Health Foundation, if you want to donate to this incredible charity you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/goinggreentth If YOU want to be on the podcast message us on Instagram @thetalkinghug or email us at thetalkinghug@outlook.com!

    34: An honest conversation and 20,000 hats

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 90:12


    This week the boys are joined by Tobias as he opens up about life growing up, becoming a dad, living with his own mental health and just how many hats he has.. TW: Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts Steven is currently raising money for Mental Health Foundation, if you want to donate to this incredible charity you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/goinggreentth If YOU want to be on the podcast message us on Instagram @thetalkinghug or email us at thetalkinghug@outlook.com!

    33: Everyday is Mental Health Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 55:52


    The boys are back together!! The catch up vibes are real and so is all of the important World Mental Health Day chatter too. Every day is a day where you deserve to be able to open up about your struggles and we are always here for you!  If YOU want to be on the podcast message us on Instagram @thetalkinghug or email us at thetalkinghug@outlook.com!

    32: Knowing Your Power - A Moment with Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 29:29


    With Steven away on Holiday you are in for a real treat as Martin takes the reigns on a solo episode this week! Enjoy those dulcet tones, so dreamy.. If YOU want to be on the podcast message us on Instagram @thetalkinghug or email us at thetalkinghug@outlook.com!

    31: A Little Catch Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 40:50


    This week Steven forgot that they only had 43 minutes left of recording for the month..so enjoy this slightly shorter catch up episode and find out where the podcast is heading! If YOU want to be on the podcast message us on Instagram @thetalkinghug or email us at thetalkinghug@outlook.com!

    30: Loneliness, Growth & Goals

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 59:50


    This week the boys get into a deep conversation about that feeling of loneliness, their relationship with growing and the goals that come and go with that growth. Grab a hot beverage and settle in.. - Recorded on 14/09

    29: Body Image

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 77:03


    On this episode we are joined by our good friend Becky! We discuss all things body image and look into ways in which you can grow and love yourself. I mean, we will always love you listeners!

    28: The episode where the post didn't come

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 49:33


    Welcome to this absolute ramble of an episode! Steven forgot to plan, he also forgot to let Martin know that he hadn't planned and essentially needs to sort his shit out! Anyway, the sleepy boys still made a thing that you can listen to (if you want to) and I'm proud of us!

    27: How to sleep: a chat with two non-scientists..

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 71:33


    This week we talk about everything sleep related. We discover that we are definitely not scientists and that Steven is to blame for every road in existence. I'm tired just thinking about listening, don't know about you.. 

    26: What does it mean to be a "man"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 85:29


    Unfortunately Martin couldn't make this week but I (Steven) was joined by friend of the podcast Isaac! We dived into the conversation of masculinity, what it means to us to be a man, how we have coped with growing up in a a changing society and dealing with all of the emotions along the way..

    25: What does self care look like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 57:08


    This week two very depressed boys break out the mic to talk all things self care!  From watching Love Island to sinking into bubble baths, everyone is different and that is why we have made a handy list of starting points for anyone who may need some help! 

    24: Living with Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 49:32


    For some people (Steven) even the word anxiety brings on the feelings and emotions of such. This week we discuss anxieties in our own lives and ways to possibly deal with it. Thank you to everyone listening, you're the best!

    23: Dealing with Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 49:18


    We made it to a second episode and that's cause for celebration in itself! This week we tackle change and everything that goes with it mentally..enjoy yourselves friends!

    22: The Pilot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 50:16


    Oh boy is this a ramble. BUT the podcast is back! Steven welcomes a new co-host to show...his name is Martin. YAY! Anyway, enjoy the pilot episode. It can only get better from here..right?

    22: Goodbye 2020, Hello Self Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 6:01


    It's easy to think of a new year as this daunting thing that you need to set a load of resolutions for. I'm making it a little easier, just focus on you. You're all that matters. You are amazing.

    Episode 21: Mental Chat with My Ex

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 76:46


    One of my best friends and yes, ex (kinda), Lucy joins me in this episode! We chat about her amazing Instagram activism, our undying love for Justin Bieber and we really struggle to find positives..

    Episode 20: F**k It, Get Chocolate

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 71:39


    I am joined by the lovely Amber for this one - we have a natter about everything from learning to learn, getting bullied at school, being kind to ourselves and shouting about how strong we are! What more could you want ay?

    Episode 19: Keep Calm and Wait in a Bush

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 71:28


    Two podcasts in the space of three days, what is going on?  London buses and all that jazz!  In this episode I am joined by Phil as they tell their story: from being bullied at school to realising they were Trans! They are completely amazing, really enjoyed this one, I hope you do too!

    Episode 18: Shrinking Your World

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 66:27


    It's been a while hasn't it! Well, it's back again, another episode for your ears! Me and my good friend Martin just chat away for the next hour, touching on all things lockdown, mental health and positive reinforcements. Enjoy!

    Episode 17: The One About Coronavirus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2020 56:26


    Due to current circumstances this episode was recorded via live chat on Zoom! I am joined by Brighton's Jacko Hooper as he tells us his mental health story, we chat about the elephant on top of the world right now and ways we have been coping. Featuring a live NHS clapping interval too, exciting stuff!

    Episode 16: Super Late Coffee Date

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2020 56:28


    In this episode I am joined by Lily as she tells us her story. We also dare to delve into the never ending depths of Social Media and how to manage it in our day to day lives!

    Episode 15: Wogan's Burpathon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2020 53:13


    Welcome back to the podcast. But not that same podcast you might remember. Expect mental health chatter but at a MUCH easier, care free pace.  This week I am joined by my good friend Molly and we ramble for a fairly long time.. Enjoy!

    Episode 14: LGBTQ+A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 64:05


    On this episode we are joined by the lovely Tim & Lee as we celebrate Pride month!  They talk us through everything LGBTQ, from the history of it all, to their coming out stories, their current relationship and how to woof on dating apps. Yes woofing.  Enjoy!

    Episode 13: My Family

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2019 58:00


    Welcome back!  I can only apologise after being away for a fair while. I think it was worth the wait though, even if it's just for the new coloured logo! For the first episode of the new season I thought it would be nice to get an insight into my family. My Dad joins me and my Sister as we discuss our struggles with mental illness. Thanks for sticking around you lovely people, enjoy!

    Episode 12: Depression Confessions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2019 62:04


    During this episode we talk about sensitive issues that may cause distress to some listeners; including self harm, suicide and phycological abuse. This week we are joined by Grace as she tells us her story..

    Episode 11: Valentine's Day Is Cancelled

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 48:20


    This week the mighty duo are back together, yes, Jack is back. Discussing everything surrounding Valentine's Day, the pros and cons of being in relationships and/or being single and Steven goes on Tinder. We love you. That's all that matters right?

    Episode 10: Chronic Illness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 61:30


    This week we are joined by Louise as she takes us through her experiences with Chronic Illness.  Expect really big words, in fact to save time just have your dictionary’s at the ready!  Oh, and if you’re not keen on needle talk or you're just plain squeamish then maybe don’t listen to this one during your dinner..

    Episode 9: Depressed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2019 48:10


    Get ready for a lot of heavy breathing sighing and huffing as Steven calls an emergency counselling episode. Talking through how much he has been struggling with depressive and anxious mood swings recently. Like, there's a lot of sighing. 

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