For this week's episode, I am joined by Elliot Colburn. Elliot is a former MP, and now working for Samaritans.

Elliot shares his experience of first struggling with his mental health at university, and later facing a much more serious crisis while serving as a Member of Parliament. We explore how pressure, loneliness, and life in the public eye can intensify mental health difficulties and why it’s often impossible to point to one single “cause”.

We talk about recovery and the fear many people carry about relapsing after starting to feel better. Elliot reflects on returning to work, eventually sharing his story in Parliament and the powerful response that followed.

We also discuss losing his seat in 2024, the emotional impact of such a public job loss, and how leaning on others helped protect his mental health during that transition. Finally, Elliot shares how he came to work for Samaritans, and why he believes conversation and human connection are central to suicide prevention.

Please leave a review or rating if you enjoyed the episode, it really helps the podcast reach more people.

If anything in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, you’re not alone, and support is available. If you’re in the UK, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you’re elsewhere, you can find local helplines at findahelpline.com.

If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.

Find out more about Elliot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-colburn-b13665104/

Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking

Check out Be The Change Media: @bethechangemedianetwork

If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be The Change Media Network or its partners.

This episode is part two of my conversation with Sally Orange MBE. In this episode we explore her recovery journey and life beyond the Army. We talk about what healing really looks like, the role of therapy and self-compassion, and how small daily steps can help rebuild a sense of connection and purpose.

Sally reflects on leaving the military after 22 years, redefining her identity, and how running, fundraising and public speaking became powerful tools in her mental health journey. We also discuss Sally’s recent breast cancer diagnosis, and the different ways physical and mental illness are experienced and understood.

This is a conversation about recovery, transition, resilience, and learning to be kinder to yourself.

Please leave a review or rating if you enjoyed the episode, it really helps the podcast reach more people.

If anything in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, you’re not alone, and support is available. If you’re in the UK, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you’re elsewhere, you can find local helplines at findahelpline.com.

If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.

Find out more about Sally: https://www.sallyorange.com/

Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking

Check out Be The Change Media: @bethechangemedianetwork

If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be The Change Media Network or its partners.

In this episode, I sit down with Sally Orange. This is the first part of my conversation with Sally! Check out the second episode later this week!

Sally is a former Army physiotherapist, mental health campaigner, adventure fundraiser and proud self-described “serial yes-sayer”.

We talk about Sally’s experience of growing up with anxiety, exam pressure, rejection, and not feeling “good enough”, and how these early experiences shaped her mental health into adulthood. Sally reflects on navigating university, professional life, and leadership roles while managing anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the weight of high expectations.

This is an honest and compassionate conversation about resilience, identity, and learning to listen to your mind and body.

Please leave a review or rating if you enjoyed the episode, it really helps the podcast reach more people.

If anything in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, you’re not alone, and support is available.

If you’re in the UK, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you’re elsewhere, you can find local helplines at findahelpline.com.

If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.

Find out more about Sally:

Resources

Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking Check out Be The Change Media: @bethechangemedianetwork

If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be The Change Media Network or its partners.