What does addiction really look like, and how do we recognise the warning signs before it's too late?

In this Bite Size episode of Tales to Inspire, Krish Patel speaks with Mark Murray, co-founder of WHYSUP, about his personal journey through gambling addiction, rehabilitation and 13 years of recovery.

Mark challenges common misconceptions about addiction, exploring how gambling, social media, shopping, exercise and everyday habits can develop into harmful behaviours that impact our mental health, relationships and wellbeing.

Together, they discuss the difference between habits and addiction, the importance of early intervention, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and how lived experience can help educate young people and prevent future harm.

"A habit you control. You start losing control, and addiction controls you." – Mark Murray

An inspiring and honest conversation about gambling addiction, mental health, resilience and recovery, reminding us that you don't need to hit rock bottom before seeking support.

Support and resources:

• WHYSUP: https://www.whysup.co.uk

• GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk

• Gamblers Anonymous UK: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Content warning: This episode discusses addiction, gambling-related harm and suicide.

#TalesToInspire #MarkMurray #GamblingAddiction #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #WHYSUP

In this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Krish Patel is joined by Farah Rehman for an honest and inspiring conversation about identity, racism, motherhood, grief and personal growth.

Raised in Rochdale by a single mother, Farah reflects on growing up mixed race, navigating bullying and discrimination, and how her mother's belief in education encouraged her to think beyond her circumstances.

Farah also speaks candidly about infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth and becoming a mother after loss, sharing the profound lessons she has learned through counselling, community support and embracing forgiveness.

Alongside her personal experiences, Farah discusses volunteering in Uganda and Kenya, her work supporting others through social prescribing and the importance of meaningful connections in tackling loneliness and improving wellbeing.

This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, healing, role models, community and ultimately finding the freedom to become the person you were always meant to be.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around racism, miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, bereavement, domestic abuse, mental health and family trauma. Support organisations mentioned in the episode include Sands, Tommy's, The Miscarriage Association, Cruse Bereavement Support and Ellie's Gift.

What happens when you spend your whole life feeling different, only to discover why in your twenties?

In this deeply honest episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Emily Thornton shares her extraordinary journey of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 24 and how that diagnosis helped her make sense of years of struggling with OCD, mental health challenges and identity.

Emily opens up about growing up alongside an autistic brother, masking throughout childhood, experiencing severe obsessive compulsive disorder, multiple mental health crises, suicide attempts, therapy, and ultimately finding hope through understanding herself and accepting support.

Together, we explore:

• Receiving a late autism diagnosis

• Living with OCD and intrusive thoughts

• Autism and mental health

• The importance of therapy and asking for help

• Why so many women are diagnosed with autism later in life

• Creating more inclusive schools and communities

• The power of authenticity, family and human connection

Emily's story is one of remarkable resilience and serves as a reminder that understanding yourself can be the first step towards healing.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide, self-harm and mental health.

If this conversation resonates with you, please remember that support is available. You don't have to face things alone.