SpeakUp CIC is a mental health support project that meets in Margate, Kent and promotes peer led support.

In this compelling episode of Peace Unplugged, Martin sits down with Louise Dukes, a passionate advocate for mental health and the founder of Clarity Counselling. Louise opens up about her journey with personality disorder, sharing the raw and honest realities of living with the condition. She reflects on her early diagnosis, the trauma that shaped her experiences, and the challenges of navigating a relationship with a partner struggling with addiction. Through candid storytelling, Louise discusses the impact of stigma, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of resilience. She emphasizes the significance of understanding emotions and the role of trauma in shaping our identities. With insights drawn from her professional background and personal struggles, Louise inspires listeners to embrace their journeys and foster genuine conversations around mental health. Join us as we explore the complexities of personality disorders and the path toward healing and acceptance.00:00 - You know that thing where you go into jobs and you feel like, you know, 00:29 - Today's episode focuses on personality disorder 06:08 - Louise gave birth to her daughter Ruby on Wednesday morning 10:28 - I'm grateful because I've got friends, I've lost children 13:31 - Yeah. I get the labeling is a real pain 16:33 - People display challenging behavur because all they're trying to say is listen 20:05 - You don't smoke anymore, but can you still not smoke when under pressure 24:04 - Every negative I will turn into a positive. I am a survivor. Yeah, I am. I. Am.

https://www.claritycounsellingandlifecoaching.co.uk/

Born Gaga is a successful Lady Gaga tribute act that I have seen. In this episode, I spoke with Nicky, the singer. She describes in detail her passion for music, the therapeutic benefit she gets from performing, and how important mental health is. She explains her background in musical theatre, her experience performing on cruise ships, and who her musical influences are.

We discuss Robbie Williams, The Dualers, The Specials, Madness, and Ska music.

In this thought-provoking episode of Peace Unplugged, Martin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Nick from the USA, who shares his candid experiences with neurodiversity. Nick opens up about the stigma surrounding his condition, recounting the challenges he faced after being fired from his job despite being a top performer. With emotional maturity, he reflects on his coping mechanisms, the lessons learned, and his aspirations to start his own podcast. This episode delves into the complexities of neurodiversity, the importance of understanding oneself, and the need for genuine conversations in a world filled with judgment. Join us as we explore the journey toward acceptance and the pursuit of peace in a neurodiverse world. 00:00 - That's another just divergent path. I don't need a diagnosis. Uh, just to talking to me for five minutes 00:24 - Nick speaks with honesty and humanity about his own experience with neurodiversity 01:04 - You were fired from your job because of your neurodiversity 03:33 - The week before I was fired, my manager taught me something new 09:08 - Nick says safe spaces are not conducive to the real world 15:08 - When you meet someone new, you have an unwritten list of priorities 21:06 - The loss of a job is a loss, isn't it, Nick 26:20 - Something else I'm asking is what gives you peace is doing the things you love 35:23 - When I got fired from a company, I experienced unbelievable depression 42:05 - Nick says he was fired from his job because of his autism 46:28 - Nick: I think what you're doing is great, and it's great

As a newbie to podcasting, I'm sharing my experience and some easy ways to get started while fully enjoying the experience, experimenting, and embracing the challenge. I'm also sharing what I have learned myself and what I have learned from some early training.

This is a live recording of my presentation to the Birchington Women's Institute evening group on Mindfulness Meditation in early February 2025. I managed to get 45 ladies to meditate for around 20 minutes, focusing on their health and well-being and the well-being of others. Thank you to the ladies that invited me.

In the second episode, Cllr Reece Pugh and Cllr George Kup discuss in more detail the subject of wellbeing in the community and what practical steps they are using to address this. They also speak about personal wellness and issues that they are passionate about.

In this episode, I speak about the commonly known elements of low mood and depression along with my personal experience of it, both as a sufferer and also as a listener to assist others. This is as a result of over 20 years of experience working to help others.