The Youth Social Podcast

Steven: Prioritising physical health rather than mental health

Steven reflects on his journey of self-care, starting in his mid-20s when he faced anxiety due to life changes. Looking back Steven wishes he hadn't prioritised his physical health over his mental health. 
Instead, he turned to high-intensity gym training to manage stress due to a number of life transitions, but later developed back and shoulder issues, leading him to yoga. He discovered yoga seven or eight years ago, initially struggling with instructions but finding it deeply relaxing and beneficial for his mental and physical health.
Steven emphasises the importance of sleep quality, noting that yoga improves his sleep and overall well-being. He advises young men to seek help for their mental health and to prioritise self-care, sharing that he wishes he had been more proactive in his 20s.
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
 

Gerry: How yoga helped me recover form injury

Gerry, a former football player, transitioned to the construction industry after a serious injury in his early 20s. He discussed the mental health challenges he faced during this period and how yoga has been beneficial for his well-being, particularly after a knee injury led to a full replacement.
Gerry emphasises the importance of exercise and self-care for managing stress and mental health. He highlighted the opportunities in construction for young people, including women, despite stigmas.
Gerry also addressed the high suicide rate in the construction industry and encouraged reaching out for support. If he could advise his younger self, he would stress the importance of mental and physical self-care.
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
 

Steven: Using alcohol to deal with mental health issues

Steve shares his journey with alcohol addiction, starting at age 14, and how it escalated to a crisis point around 2015.
He self-medicated to escape anxiety and lack of self-worth, exacerbated by growing up with an alcoholic father.
His recovery began with yoga and meditation in rehab, which transformed his life.
Now in recovery for five years, Steve helps others, retrained as a sound healing practitioner, and uses breath work to manage anxiety.
He advises young men struggling with mental health to reach out for help and try activities like yoga to confront and overcome their emotions.
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
 
 

Richard: How ADHD affected my life when I was younger

Richard discusses his journey with ADHD, starting from his teenage years when he struggled with concentration and focus, particularly during exams. He found relief in yoga, which he started only recently, despite initially being apprehensive due to its perceived female-dominated nature.
Richard shares how ADHD affected his sports performance, especially in golf, and his career, where he procrastinated but excelled in creative tasks. He emphasises the importance of mental health awareness and the benefits of yoga for both physical and mental well-being. Richard advised teenagers with ADHD to seek diagnoses and medications to help them concentrate and fulfill their potential.
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
 

Ian: How Yoga Helped With My Mental Health

Ian discusses his journey with mental health, triggered by a severe neck injury 20 years ago that threatened his active lifestyle.
Initially hesitant about yoga due to its female-dominated reputation, he found it beneficial for posture, core strength, and breathing. Yoga helped him manage stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect.
Ian emphasised the importance of being open to new activities and maintaining physical health for mental well-being. He advised young men to explore various options for stress relief and to prioritise their physical and mental health from an early age. Ian also reflected on his active childhood, which contributed to his lifelong love for outdoor activities.
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 
 

Gareth: Mental Health & The Pressures of Work

Gareth shared his experience of adopting yoga and rock climbing as forms of self-care to manage stress from a demanding job at a large international company.
Initially hesitant, he was encouraged by his wife and found relief in yoga sessions, which helped calm their mind and provide a supportive community.
Rock climbing, a sport they've practiced since childhood, also offered a mental escape and physical challenge, enhancing their perspective and fostering trust and friendships. Gareth emphasised the importance of making changes to improve mental health and suggested that young men struggling with similar issues should consider trying new activities.
Special thanks to Invictus Wellbeing and Adele's Yoga. This episode is supported by Community Foundation For Calderdale.  
This episode was produced by Youth Social - thanks to Tobias, Ben, Max and Sia for their time and expert contribution. 

Exploring Creative Careers in Textiles

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Textiles', host Graham Sykes is joined by Julia Roebuck, Careers Manager for Woven and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K.
During the podcast, Julie discusses how she got into the textile sector, how her own Upcycled Fashion brand is reducing waste and why the textile sector is a still a viable industry to have a successful career.
 
This podcast was produced by Fourteen19®, C+K and Evoke Kirklees. It was funded by IVE - the Arts Council Bridge Organisation for Yorkshire and Humber.
 

Exploring Creative Careers in Theatre

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Theatre', host Graham Sykes is joined by Rebecca Winwood, Head of Participation at Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K.
During the podcast, Rebecca discusses how she got into the industry, the barriers she has overcome and her top tips for anyone who wants to get to the theatre sector.
 
This podcast was produced by Fourteen19®, C+K and Evoke Kirklees. It was funded by IVE - the Arts Council Bridge Organisation for Yorkshire and Humber.
 

Exploring Creative Careers in Music

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Music', host Graham Sykes is joined by professional musician Richard Kimmings, Sophie Cooper, the learning and participation manager for Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and Scott Clayton, Careers Adviser at C+K.
During the podcast, guests discuss how they achieved a career in music, the barriers they have overcome and their top tips for anyone who wants to get to the music sector.  
 
This podcast was produced by Fourteen19®, C+K and Evoke Kirklees. It was funded by IVE - the Arts Council Bridge Organisation for Yorkshire and Humber.

Exploring Creative Careers in Film & TV

For our podcast 'Exploring Careers in Film & TV', host Graham Sykes is joined by top hair, makeup and prosthetics designer Melanie Lenihan and Amy Hesselgrove, Careers Adviser at C+K.
During the podcast, Melanie discusses how she got into the film industry, some of the blockbusters she has worked on, the barriers she has overcome and her top tips for anyone who wants to get to the film and TV sector.
 
This podcast was produced by Fourteen19®, C+K and Evoke Kirklees. It was funded by IVE - the Arts Council Bridge Organisation for Yorkshire and Humber.