In this episode of Inspired Men Talk, we speak with James Newell, a business owner and father of three, who shares his astonishing story of surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. But this is far more than just a survival story — it’s a deeply human account of overcoming childhood trauma, processing grief following the suicide of a parent, battling anxiety, and ultimately finding healing through therapy and connection.

James opens up with raw honesty, warmth, and even humour, offering insights into trauma recovery, the power of choosing your response, and why he considers himself one of the lucky ones.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, emotional wellbeing support, or simply a story of remarkable resilience, this episode is not to be missed.

💬 Topics include:

• Men’s mental health & emotional wellbeing
• Surviving trauma and natural disaster
• Coping with grief and loss
• The power of CBT and counselling
• Breaking generational cycles & positive parenting

🧠 Empowering conversations that remind us it’s okay to speak up. You’re not alone.

🔗 Connect with James Newell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnewell/
Business: https://clearsalesmessage.com

📩 Looking for support?
Visit [your website or resource here] for a free initial consultation and access to our wellbeing resources.

🕒 Timeline / Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Inspired Men Talk
02:00 – Meet James Newell
04:20 – Early trauma: losing his father to suicide
08:30 – Travelling solo to reset life
13:00 – Christmas on Phi Phi Island
18:20 – The tsunami strikes: James’ near-death experience
28:45 – Escaping the island and the aftermath
38:00 – Returning home & recovery
43:00 – Mental health struggles and therapy
49:10 – Rebuilding with CBT
54:40 – Fatherhood, purpose & breaking the cycle
1:01:00 – The power of choosing your response
1:07:30 – Final reflections & advice
1:10:00 – How to connect with James

Welcome to Inspired Men Talk, where real stories inspire genuine change. In this powerful episode, we speak with the remarkable Pazbi Zavazki, a creative force and resilient spirit who overcame stage 4 cancer as a child, learned to walk again when doctors said he never would, and is now leading the way in neuroinclusive tech innovation.

From his childhood battle with leukaemia to navigating life with ADHD and building a purpose-driven business, Pazbi’s story is filled with hope, humour, and heartfelt insight. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.

⏱️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
00:00 – Meet Pazbi Zavazki: A Story of Strength
03:15 – Growing Up Between Greece, Poland & the UK
06:40 – Cancer Diagnosis at Age 7 & Relearning to Walk
13:00 – The Power of Hope, Teachers, and Mr Bean
21:00 – Being Diagnosed with ADHD at 30
25:45 – Learning to Focus & Letting Go of Shiny Things
31:10 – How Identity Shifts Rewire the Brain
38:00 – Advice for Parents & Adults Facing Illness
43:30 – Creating Neuroinclusive Standards in Business
50:20 – Travel Tips for Japan!
55:00 – Why Therapy, Focus & Small Joys Matter

Description:

Dating in 2025 is harder than ever, especially for men. With dating apps creating unrealistic expectations and rejection becoming a daily struggle, it's no surprise that men's mental health is suffering. In this powerful episode of Inspired Men Talk, hosts Peter Ely, Benn Baker-Pollard, and Gary Johannes sit down with Eamer Draper, a straight-talking dating coach, to unpack the challenges modern men face in dating and relationships.

💡 What you'll learn in this episode:
✔️ The hidden struggles men face in online dating
✔️ Why rejection is actually protection
✔️ The truth about dating app algorithms (and how they work against you)
✔️ How to boost confidence & find meaningful connections
✔️ Practical tips to navigate dating with a healthy mindset

If you’ve ever felt lost in the dating world or frustrated with the modern landscape of love, this episode is for you!

✨ Resources & Links:
🔹 Take the Dating Persona Quiz: https://bit.ly/43orRS2
🔹 Learn more about Kindling Dating Coaching: https://kindlingdating.com/
🔹 Follow Eamer Draper on Instagram: @kindling_dating

💬 What’s your biggest struggle with dating? Drop a comment below! Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations on men’s mental health.

#DatingTips #MensMentalHealth #Relationships #ModernDating #OnlineDating #SelfConfidence #Love #InspiredMenTalk #MentalHealthMatters #DatingCoach #PersonalGrowth #DatingApps #MenAndRelationships

In this compelling episode of Inspired Men Talk, host Gary Johannes and co-hosts Peter Ely and Chris Johannes welcome Brian de Gruchy, a South African recovering addict, bipolar advocate, and mental health champion. Brian bravely shares his candid journey, from facing addiction and mental health struggles to embracing vulnerability and rebuilding his life.

Growing up on the tough streets of Johannesburg, Brian opens up about his battles with ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder, as well as the pivotal role that therapy, self-care, and the 12-step programme played in his transformation. He discusses the importance of asking for help, setting boundaries, and honouring oneself through positive actions.

This honest and heartfelt conversation shines a light on the strength found in vulnerability and offers practical advice for anyone seeking hope and change. Join us for an inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery that is sure to resonate.

Discover the transformative power of Andy’s Man Club in this heartfelt episode of Inspired Men Talk. Stuart Fawcett shares his inspiring journey from struggling with anxiety and isolation to becoming a regional lead for Andy’s Man Club, a peer-to-peer support network changing lives across the UK. Learn how open conversations, mutual support, and simple acts of kindness create a safe space for men to connect, share, and heal. Whether you’re seeking support or looking to raise awareness, this episode delves into breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and the life-changing impact of a supportive community. Listen and be inspired!

Welcome to Inspired Men Talk! A solution focused hypnotherapist, here with co-hosts today Peter, Gary and Benn. Today, we’re honoured to welcome Vanessa White, a highly respected relationship and divorce coach, to discuss the realities of domestic abuse and its impact on men. Together, we’ll explore insights, practical tools, and supportive perspectives for navigating difficult relationships, recognising hidden forms of abuse, and finding ways to rebuild. Join us for an inspiring conversation focused on awareness, solutions, and positive change. Let’s dive in!

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Inspired Men Talk, Graham Baker shares his journey from police officer to full-time photographer, while navigating immense personal challenges. Graham opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his baby daughter during childbirth and how the grief affected his mental health, leading to years of depression. As a father, he reflects on the difficulty of processing such a loss, while feeling societal pressure to stay strong.

Graham found healing through StrongMen, a charity supporting men dealing with bereavement. A transformative walk up Mount Snowdon helped him reset his life and find new purpose. Today, Graham is thriving in his photography career and gives back by supporting others through StrongMen’s initiatives. His story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of finding the right support.

Tune in to hear how Graham turned personal tragedy into strength and now helps other men do the same.

In this powerful episode, Casey Parram walks us through his life journey, from abandonment and emotional struggles to building a successful business and becoming a father. With an open heart, he shares how his experiences of loss, his turbulent football career, and, later, the challenges of fatherhood all shaped his personal and professional life. Now a successful business coach, Casey uses his past to help others find balance, clarity, and fulfilment.

Timeline of Key Events:

• Childhood:
  Casey grew up without his biological father, leading to deep feelings of abandonment. At 16, his mother’s divorce from his stepfather intensified these emotions, leading to rebellious behaviour and difficulty processing his trauma.
• Teen Years (16):
  Casey’s bad attitude affected his promising football career. Conflicts with coaches and a lack of focus due to personal struggles led him to walk away from the sport, despite his natural talent.
• Early Adulthood (18-20):
  After being rejected by Oxford University, Casey left education behind and dove into entrepreneurship. He sought out successful mentors, interning and eventually starting his own businesses, striving to prove himself.
• Fatherhood (22):
  Becoming a father at 22 was a pivotal moment. Casey struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment, which led him to seek therapy to address the emotional wounds from his childhood and improve his relationship with his son.
• Personal Growth (Mid-20s):
  Therapy helped Casey confront his fear of rejection and abandonment, which had affected his business and personal relationships. This shift allowed him to step back from overworking, prioritize family, and redefine success on his terms.
• Current Life:
  Now a fractional CMO and business coach, Casey helps entrepreneurs align their business goals with personal fulfilment. His focus is on achieving work-life balance and emotional clarity, ensuring success in both business and personal life.