Said Your Nan

This week on Said Your Nan, James, Stuart and Steve take on an important and often misunderstood topic — Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March). What does it really mean to be neurodivergent? From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and Tourette’s, the lads explore how different brains experience the world — and why society hasn’t always been built to support them. They dive into the stats, the stigma, and the lived reality behind the labels. From school experiences and workplace challenges to family dynamics and late diagnoses, this episode is all about understanding, empathy, and breaking down misconceptions. Because maybe the issue isn’t people being “different”… maybe it’s the world expecting everyone to be the same. 🔍 What We Cover • What neurodiversity actually means (without the jargon) • The truth about Tourette’s (and why most people get it wrong) • How many people are actually neurodivergent • School experiences: “naughty” vs misunderstood • Neurodiversity in the workplace — challenge or superpower? • The link between ADHD, autism, OCD and family traits • Why so many adults are only discovering this later in life 📊 Key Stats From The Episode • Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent • Tourette’s affects roughly 300,000 people in the UK • Only 10–30% of people with Tourette’s experience swearing (coprolalia) • ADHD is 70–80% hereditary • Only ~29% of autistic adults are in employment in the UK 💬 Join the Conversation Have you or someone close to you experienced neurodiversity? We’d love to hear your stories, questions, or topics you want us to cover next: 📧 saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🎧 Listen & Follow Said Your Nan Stay connected and never miss an episode: • 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/saidyournan • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saidyournan • 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-the-mend • 🌐 Website: https://www.onthemend.org.uk

In this episode of Said Your Nan, James, Stu and Steve speak with Richard, a volunteer with the Samaritans, the UK charity providing 24/7 emotional support for people struggling with their mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Many people know the name Samaritans, but few know what actually happens when someone makes that call. Richard shares his experience of being on the other end of the phone — supporting people through loneliness, crisis, and difficult moments in life. We explore why listening without judgement can be life-changing, why so many people struggle to ask for help, and what it really means to support someone experiencing emotional distress. This conversation also touches on men’s mental health, the stigma around vulnerability, and why talking openly about how we feel is still one of the hardest — and most important — things we can do. If you’ve ever wondered whether reaching out for help is the right thing to do, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to go through tough moments alone. ⚠ Content Note This episode discusses mental health and suicide. If this topic feels difficult for you right now, please listen with care. Support & Resources If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Samaritans (UK & Ireland) 📞 Call: 116 123 (Free, 24 hours a day) 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org 📧 Email: jo@samaritans.org You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out — Samaritans are there to listen. Guest Mention Richard also hosts the podcast: 🎧 The Constant Reader A podcast exploring books, ideas, and the stories of Stephen King Said Your Nan 🎙 Hosted by James, Stu & Steve Honest conversations about life, mental health, masculinity, and the experiences that shape us. If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it — it helps more people discover these conversations. If you’d like to support Said Your Nan and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan Every bit of support helps us keep these conversations going. Get Involved 📧 Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🐦 Twitter/X: @saidyournan 📸 Instagram: @saidyournan 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Samaritans #MentalHealthPodcast

On this episode, James, Stuart and Steve open the inbox again for Part 2 of our Listener Letters. Some messages are honest. Some are uncomfortable. Some will make you laugh. Some might sit with you long after the episode ends. But every single one matters. We genuinely appreciate everyone who listens, shares the podcast, and takes the time to write in. Season 4 has already brought some powerful conversations — and your voices are shaping where we go next. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would talk about this…” — drop us a message. The best conversations often start with one brave email. ⸻ If anything in today’s episode resonates with you… Please remember, you don’t have to handle it alone. Samaritans 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org 📞 116 123 (Free, 24 hours a day) Mind 🌐 https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 Reaching out isn’t weakness. It’s awareness. ⸻ Support Said Your Nan & On the MENd If you’d like to support the podcast and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan Every contribution helps us continue creating open, honest conversations around mental health. ⸻ Get Involved 📧 saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🐦 @saidyournan 📸 @saidyournan 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend ⸻ Thanks for being part of the community.

On today’s episode of Said Your Nan, we return to the subject of domestic violence, continuing a conversation we know can be incredibly difficult, confronting, and emotional. This episode is different. Following on from our previous discussion, Stuart bravely shares his own personal experiences of domestic abuse. It’s an honest, raw, and deeply human conversation about what abuse can look like, how it feels when you’re inside it, and how hard it can be to recognise when something isn’t right, especially when you’re trying to survive day-to-day. We talk about: • The reality of domestic abuse beyond physical violence • Shame, silence, and why so many people don’t speak up • The impact abuse has on mental health, confidence, and identity • Why abuse can happen to anyone • The importance of being believed, supported, and listened to ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence and abuse. We completely understand if this is one you choose to skip. Please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace. ⸻ Support & Resources If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. The following organisations offer confidential, non-judgemental support: The ManKind Initiative 🌐 https://mankind.org.uk 📞 01823 334244 The principal UK charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse. They work in close partnership with other organisations to ensure victims receive the help they need. Respect – Men’s Advice Line 🌐 https://mensadviceline.org.uk Support for men experiencing domestic abuse. Speak to trained advisors via phone, email, or webchat — no pressure, no judgement, just help. National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) 🌐 https://www.ncdv.org.uk Providing free, fast, and effective support to survivors of domestic abuse, including help with injunctions and legal protection. Their services are available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. ⸻ Thank You Thank you for listening, and for trusting us with conversations that aren’t always easy — but matter deeply. If you’d like to support Said Your Nan and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you’d like to get involved or reach out: • 📧 Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk • 🐦 Twitter: @saidyournan • 📸 Instagram: @saidyournan • 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend You’re not weak for struggling. You’re not alone for staying quiet. And it’s never too late to ask for help.

In this episode of Said Your Nan, Steve opens up and shares a deeply personal journey. From childhood through to adulthood, he reflects on relationships, identity, and life as it unfolds. It’s funny, harrowing, joyful, and heartbreaking.. sometimes all at once. If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

This week on Said Your Nan, James, Stuart and Steve dig into one of the most talked about health trends right now: fasting. From insulin and visceral fat to calorie timing and so-called “simple fixes”, we explore what the evidence actually says and where nuance often gets lost. James brings the science (and some personal honesty), Stuart grounds it in real UK life, and Steve cuts through the noise with humour and cultural truth. Most importantly, we look at fasting through a mental health lens, particularly men’s mental health — asking when discipline becomes pressure, when control replaces care, and why health advice doesn’t land in a vacuum. This episode isn’t about telling you what to eat or when to eat. It’s about slowing the conversation down. Not medical advice. Just an honest conversation. If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

Christmas Special: AI Takes the Reins This Christmas, James, Steve and Stu did something very silly… they handed the keys to AI. For this festive special, the lads stepped aside and let artificial intelligence choose the topic and learn their voices. What followed can only be described as weird, quirky, hilarious, and at times, downright unsettling. Is it still the boys if the words aren’t theirs? Should we be laughing… or preparing for the robot uprising? And did we just give Skynet its first podcast credit? Expect festive chaos, uncanny impressions, unexpected moments, and a glimpse into a future none of us asked for…. but we definitely recorded. If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

In this episode of Said Your Nan, Stu, Steve, and James take on one of their biggest and most sensitive topics yet: religion. The lads explore how religion can impact mental health, for better and for worse. From the sense of community, purpose, and comfort faith can bring, to the guilt, fear, pressure, and trauma it can sometimes create, this is an open and honest conversation that doesn’t shy away from difficult realities. As always, the discussion is candid, occasionally uncomfortable, and rooted in personal experience. The aim isn’t to preach or offend, but to talk honestly about how belief systems have affected people differently and why those conversations matter when it comes to mental wellbeing. Trigger Warning!! This episode contains discussion of religion, faith, mental health, guilt, shame, and personal experiences that some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. Important Note The views shared in this episode are strictly personal opinions based on the hosts’ own experiences. They are not intended to represent universal truths, professional advice, or an attack on any belief system or individual. If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

In this episode of Said Your Nan, James, Stuart and Steve dive head-first (and slightly under-qualified) into the world of Imposter Syndrome. That annoying voice in your head that insists you’re one mistake away from being “found out.” With the usual blend of banter, honesty, and questionable wisdom, the lads explore why so many men feel like frauds in their own lives, even when they’re smashing it. James brings the facts: from the 70% of people who experience imposter syndrome to how it shows up across ages, while Stuart and Steve share stories, laughs, and wildly relatable moments of self-doubt. They break down the symptoms, the role masculinity plays, and why mid-career blokes often feel it the hardest. And of course, they offer practical ways to challenge those thoughts. From talking openly to taking the piss out of your own inner critic. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that nearly everyone is winging it… especially your nan.

We’re back for Season 4! This was an episode we recorded back in January 2025, so no need to be confused by 'Happy New Year' it's ok, you haven't slipped into a time shift. In this episode, the lads dive into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). what it really is, what it definitely isn’t, and how it affects men’s mental health in everyday life. James, Stuart, and Steve open up about common misconceptions, share personal reflections, and unpack the difference between genuine OCD and casual phrases like “a bit OCD.” They explore routines, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and how these experiences can impact identity, relationships, and wellbeing. The trio also chat about practical ways to support someone living with OCD, seeking help without stigma, and the importance of honest conversation in breaking down barriers around men’s mental health.

We made it to the end of Season 3. On this episode James. Stuart and Steve discuss some letters that listeners have sent in. We really appreciate everyone who listens and takes the time to write to us. Its been a fantastic season with some great topics. As we wrap up this season we are deep in the planning for Season 4 – If you have any suggestions please give us a shout. If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed today, you can get support from the following organisations: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

This episode James, Stuart and Steve delve into what was supposed to be Reddit. !! EPISODE WARNING !! It would only be right to provide a disclaimer here. The guys started the episode with great intentions if delving into a sub thread in reddit called ‘Am I the asshole’ Instead what ensued is a deep conversation about rectal hygiene, toilet habits including crowns, crayons, and booster seat urinals. Including some of those secrets that only men know. We do eventually get round to Reddit… We all agree for us, this is the funniest episode we have done to date and it was an absolute blast to record. We hope you love it too! If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed today, you can get support from the following organisations: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Andrex https://www.andrex.co.uk/en-gb Call: 0800 626008 Charmin https://www.charmin.com/en-us Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

On today’s episode James. Stuart and Steve discuss Letting it go (not the Disney movie!) They talk about their own experiences with bottling things up, supressing thoughts and emotions and some tips on how to move forward. This is mixed with the usual jokes, sarcasm, and ringtones! If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed today, you can get support from the following organisations: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

During this episode James. Stuart and Steve have a look at starting a conversation about mental health. To make Time to Talk day, the guy’s chat about starting the conversation with someone who may be struggling /or/ if your someone struggling that wants to ask for help. Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. It’s run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is being delivered in partnership with Co-op For further details please have a look at: Time To Talk Day - Time To Talk Day If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed today, you can get support from the following organisations: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

On today’s episode James and Steve discuss spiralling. So, what is it? A downward spiral is defined as a situation with a series of negative thoughts, emotions, and actions that continuously feeds back into itself, causing the situation to become progressively worse. This is commonly used to describe a person’s depressive state which becomes difficult to control leading to the negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours getting worse very quickly. A downward spiral can be mentally exhausting, disrupt your daily life, and affect the people around you. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. It might seem like a downward spiral just comes out of nowhere, but actually, there are warning signs that we can look for when it happens. Join us as we discuss the signs and some coping strategies. We also mention Calm who have written a blog on spiralling: www.blog.calm.com If you’ve been affected by any of the conversation. The following support is available: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend

On today’s episode Stuart, James, and Steve discuss dealing with debt and the impact on mental health. Steve and James give some insight into their personal experience and how they overcame it. If you would like support with money advise, please contact the following charities: Step Change http://stepchange.org Tel: 0800 138 1111 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm Money Helper https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Tel: 0800 144 8848 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The MENd

On today’s episode Stuart, James, and Steve discuss hidden conditions and the impact on mental health. They touch on education and how this has changed in the last 30 years. Also the challenges faced by the NHS and the Mental Health services in the UK. Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The MENd

On today’s special episode Stuart, James, and Steve have a chat about new year goals and reflect on the last years antics. If you haven’t listened already, we really recommend checking out our NAN Goals episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4M8HQKUsqaA2EptuLcDGh4?si=lxxuV37hT3OTTvubTRZvKQ What are your goals for this year? Drop us a message and let us know! Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The MENd

On today’s special episode Stuart, James, and Steve have a bit of fun on the run up to Christmas. So, if you like ‘dodgy’ jokes and uncontrollable laughter then this is the episode for you…. Normal service will resume on 2nd January. Let’s not forget this time of year can be very difficult for some. We published an episode last year talking about this in detail. If you have not heard it. Please check it out: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p7xs7i1nFqvqXVbhhKzWU?si=o4YjHZC4SJ6ZrC6N4RAG-Q As discussed, there are lots of charities that can help, especially at this time of year: Mental Health: Samaritans: http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Debt / Money worries: Step Change: https://stepchange.org Call: 0800 138 1111 National Debt Line https://nationaldebtline.org Call: 0808 808 4000 Homelessness: Shelter https://england.shelter.org.uk Call: 0808 800 4444 Porchlight https://porchlight.org.uk Call: 0300 365 7699 St Mungos https://action.mungos.org https://thestreetlink.org.uk Crisis https://crisis.org.uk Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The MENd

Steve Austin, astronaut: a man barely alive Gentlemen we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better, Stronger, Faster SAID YOUR NAN – SEASON 3 On today’s special episode Stuart, James, and Steve discuss technology and social media. The positives and negatives on mental health and wellbeing. You can expect the usual mix of statistics, information, stories, and a load of old waffle. If you’ve been affected by any of the conversation. The following support is available: Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 (free) 24 hours a day Mind: https://mind.org.uk Call: 0300 123 3393 Step Change: https://stepchange.org Call: 0800 138 1111 Thanks for listening today. We really appreciate your support! If you would like to support the Podcast and the On the MENd charity, please buy us a coffee on the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you would like to get involved, please contact us: Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk Twitter: @saidyournan Instagram: @saidyournan LinkedIn: On The Mend