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The Forge Within Podcast - Real Talk and Survivor Stories on Mental Wellness & Personal Growth

The Forge Within Podcast - Real Talk and Survivor Stories on Mental Wellness & Personal Growth

Written by: Sam David Wilkes - Survivor Stories on Mental Health
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About this listen

The Forge Within Podcast

Survivor stories breaking mental health stigma through real conversations.

New episodes weekly. Real people. Real stories. Real conversations about mental health.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to be the strong one…
If you’ve ever hidden what you were really going through…
If you’ve ever struggled in silence…

This podcast is for you.

The Forge Within Podcast is a lived-experience mental health platform hosted by Sam David Wilkes, father, survivor, speaker, and author of The Forge Within: This Ain’t Therapy. This Is Real Talk.

Each episode features honest conversations with real people sharing their journeys through anxiety, addiction, grief, chronic illness, identity struggles, trauma, recovery, and survival.

This isn’t about experts talking at you.
It’s about people being heard.

We explore:
• Mental health and identity
• Addiction and recovery
• Chronic pain and invisible illness
• Fatherhood, family and relationships
• Burnout, grief and resilience
• What happens when you finally stop pretending you’re okay

The goal is simple:
To break the stigma around mental health by normalising honest conversation.

Because healing often begins when someone says,

“Me too.”

You are not weak.
You are not broken.
And you are not alone.

2026 Sam David Wilkes - Survivor Stories on Mental Health
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • A Conversation with Jacob Lowe: Real Talk on Losing Both Parents to Suicide & Breaking the Cycle
    Feb 18 2026

    Real Talk on Losing Both Parents to Suicide & Breaking the Cycle.

    In this episode of the Forged Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jacob Lowe, who shares his profound journey through childhood trauma, loss, and the struggles of mental health. Jacob recounts his chaotic upbringing, losing both parents to suicide, and the impact of addiction on his family dynamics. He reflects on the normalisation of violence and substance abuse in his environment, the challenges of navigating adolescence, and the importance of connection and communication in overcoming adversity. Jacob's story is a testament to resilience and the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery. In this conversation, Sam David Wilkes shares his journey through addiction, the guilt and shame cycle, and the impact of substance abuse on relationships. He discusses the normalization of drugs and alcohol in society and the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms. The conversation delves into themes of generational trauma, the struggles of grieving, and the significance of vulnerability in sharing personal stories. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for awareness, acceptance, and building a strong foundation for change, encouraging listeners to become a lighthouse for others in their journey.

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    2 hrs and 23 mins
  • A conversation with Marcia Bailey: The cost of being neglected, overlooked & forgotten
    Feb 12 2026

    In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam Wilkes talks to Marcia Bailey who shares her harrowing journey of growing up in an abusive environment marked by neglect and systematic failures. From her earliest memories in a rough neighborhood to the challenges of adolescence and motherhood, Marcia's story is one of resilience and strength. She reflects on the impact of her childhood trauma, the failures of social services, and her determination to break the cycle of abuse. Now, as a mother and community engagement officer, Marcia uses her experiences to empower others and advocate for mental health awareness.

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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • A conversation with Daniel Richards : Masks, Addiction, and the Moment Everything Broke
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode of the Forge Within podcast, host Sam David Wilkes engages in a heartfelt conversation with Daniel Richards about his journey through mental health struggles, addiction, and recovery. Daniel shares his experiences of hiding behind masks, the impact of family dynamics, and the challenges of coping with anxiety and self-identity. He discusses the role of alcohol and cocaine in his life, leading to a near-death experience that became a turning point for him. Through honesty and vulnerability, Daniel emphasises the importance of seeking help and finding purpose in helping others. The conversation highlights the significance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and the power of community support in the recovery process.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
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