EP76. Building Community for Men's Mental Health | Mandem Meetup CEO Jamie Dennis.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
Release Date: 01/13/2026
EP79. Living With PTSD After War | Veteran & Comedian Tevin Everett
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
This week on The Hurt Locker Podcast, we sit down with Tevin Everett — award-winning comedian, screenwriter, and U.S. Military veteran — for a conversation that moves between laughter, loss, and lived experience. Tevin opens the door on several layers of his Hurt Locker, including: PTSD from military service — and how it shows up long after leaving the battlefield Losing friends in combat and what carrying that grief looks like day to day Living in the UK as an American — identity, culture shock, and belonging His thoughts on geopolitics, war, and how decisions...
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EP78. Roman Harris | Firefighting Trauma, Mental Health & Comedy.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, we’re joined by Roman Harris — former London Fire Brigade firefighter and newly crowned 2025 Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year — for a vital conversation about the unseen mental toll of frontline work. Roman speaks openly about his time with the London Fire Brigade, where repeated exposure to emergencies and human suffering led to vicarious trauma. This kind builds quietly and often goes unrecognised until much later. He reflects on: -The psychological impact of working on the frontline -How vicarious trauma accumulates over...
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EP77. Iain Anderson. From Homelessness, Addiction & Suicide Survival to Traumedy.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker, we sit down with comedian and storyteller, Iain Anderson, for one of the most raw and honest conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. Iain opens up about his lived experience of homelessness, addiction, and severe mental health struggles, including surviving suicide. With warmth and vulnerability, he walks us through the darkest chapters of his life — sleeping rough, battling addiction, and feeling completely disconnected from hope. But this is also a story of survival, recovery, and transformation. Through finding...
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EP76. Building Community for Men's Mental Health | Mandem Meetup CEO Jamie Dennis.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, Yinka sits down with Jamie Dennis, CEO of Mandem Meetup — a grassroots UK charity dedicated to men’s mental health, wellbeing, and community support. Mandem Meetup builds inclusive, judgment-free spaces where men can connect, talk, and support one another through weekly meetups and activities — from talking circles to hikes, football sessions, creative groups, peer support, practical advice, and more — all free to attend. Jamie shares: The philosophy behind Mandem Meetup’s “Come as you are — you’re welcome...
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EP75. Growing Up Without a Father: Trauma, Masculinity & Mental Health | Ben Summers.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian and Founder of the Ginger Giggle Club, Ben Summers, for an open and honest conversation about abandonment, trauma, and dealing with pain. Trigger Warning: Contains mature themes, including mental health struggles, abandonment and bereavement. This episode explores: The impact of his father's leaving at an early age on his self-esteem and self-worth. How comedy and building social connections can really benefit your mental health and wellbeing. Ben's journey through therapy and mental...
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EP74. Exploring Daddy Autism: Joe Wells Talks Fatherhood, Neurodiversity, OCD and Comedy.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian and writer Joe Wells for an open and honest conversation on a range of mental health experiences that have shaped his comedy and outlook on life as a new dad. This episode explores: The frustrations and challenges Joe faced within school as an autistic learner with OCD, and how therapy and diagnosis have impacted his mental health. How Joe's pursuit and involvement in writing and comedy gave him a sense of belonging and an outlet to express himself. Mental Health Support If you are experiencing...
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EP73. Darryl Craig's Mental Health Journey - From Fragile Struggles to Fierce Strength.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with comedian, writer and mental health advocate, Darryl Craig, for an open and honest conversation on how a torturous childhood of domestic violence, abuse and bereavement has impacted his mental health and why now, after two decades, he has the strength to share and speak up to encourage others to do the same. Trigger Warning: Contains mature themes, including mental health struggles, abuse, bereavement and suicide. This episode explores: The pressures boys and men face around masculinity and emotional...
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EP72. Robin Ince. Finding My Authentic Self: Creativity, Masculinity and Mental Health.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
In this powerful episode of The Hurt Locker Pod, Yinka sits down with award-winning comedian, writer and broadcaster Robin Ince for a raw and deeply moving conversation about authenticity, identity, men’s mental health, and the emotional cost of pretending to be someone you’re not. Robin opens up about the moments that forced him to question who he really was, how creativity helped him rediscover his voice, and why so many men struggle to express vulnerability in a world that teaches them to stay silent. This episode explores: What it actually means to find your...
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EP71. Stephen Catling: Unmasked- My Battle With Mental Health & Learning to (Slowly) Move Forward.
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
We're thrilled to welcome award-winning alternative comedian, Stephen Catling, to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health. Expect a wide and wonderful conversation from comedic style and influences, to ablism in the workplace, as Stephen opens up on his various mental health challenges he faces. *TRIGGER WARNING* This open conversation shares references to loss by suicide, suicidal thoughts, ableism, work stress and depression. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The...
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EP70. Chronic Pain & Suicide: Dean Daniel on Mental Health, Advocacy & Hope
The Hurt Locker Podcast — The podcast that opens a door on men's mental health.
This time, Yinka and Tim are delighted to welcome Mental Health Advocate, Keynote Speaker and Founder of the Unbeaten movement, Dean Daniel, to open that Hurt Locker door on his mental health. Expect an open and honest conversation on the powerful story of how chronic pain and mental health challenges transformed Dean into a dedicated Mental Health Advocate who's breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide. *TRIGGER WARNING* This open conversation shares frequent reference to suicidal thoughts and attempts. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, Yinka sits down with Jamie Dennis, CEO of Mandem Meetup — a grassroots UK charity dedicated to men’s mental health, wellbeing, and community support.
- The philosophy behind Mandem Meetup’s “Come as you are — you’re welcome here” ethos and why community matters so much.
- How grassroots connection, group activities, and peer-led support help tackle stigma around men’s mental health.
- The charity’s focus is on reducing isolation and building brotherhoods through real-world social connection and wellbeing interventions.
- Challenges men face when it comes to asking for help and why groups like Mandem Meetup are a vital piece of the solution.
- Practical advice for anyone supporting men through mental health struggles.
And if you want to get involved with Mandem Meetup or support their work, check out their weekly sessions, WhatsApp groups and inclusive community spaces in Manchester and Wolverhampton. Mental Health Support
If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123.
Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK.
Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of Hope
Guest information
To find out more about the brilliant MANDEM MEETUP, please check out the links below:
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