Welcome to Season 2 of Headstraight—the season that moves you from understanding yourself to actually changing your life.

Last season, we explored emotions, boundaries, relationships, and the habits that shape how you show up in the world. Now it’s time to use what you’ve learned to take real, practical control of your future.

In this intro episode, we break down:

• Why feeling stuck isn’t a personal failure—it’s a pattern you can change
• The truth about what makes change hard (and why that’s okay)
• Why self-awareness is the starting point, not the finish line
• How this season will help you build goals, habits, confidence, and resilience
• Weekly challenges that help you move from reflection to action—step by step

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I know what’s wrong, I just don’t know how to fix it”
• “I want to change, but I keep getting in my own way”
• “I feel like I’m running on autopilot and getting nowhere”

…this season is for you. No faff. No hype. Just the honest work of taking control of your life—and building something better, one episode at a time.

Listen now and start where you are. Because this time, you’re not just listening—you’re building.

Got something to say? - come send me a message at www.headstraight.co.uk/contact/
or send me a voice note at www.headstraight.co.uk/voicemail/

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources
Creators & Guests

• Mark Taylor - Host

As Season 1 of Headstraight wraps up, this recap pulls together everything we’ve explored—messy feelings, big decisions, difficult relationships, and the honest work of figuring yourself out.

Whether you’ve just joined or listened from the start, here’s what you’ll take away:

• Why self-worth isn’t about perfection—and how to challenge the “not good enough” voice
• How your teenage brain affects emotions like anger, fear, and sadness
• What real support looks like—and how to set boundaries with people who drain you
• How to spot your emotional triggers and make better choices (even under pressure)
• Why needing attention is normal—and how to ask for connection without guilt
• The truth about hurting people you care about—and how to repair the damage

We don’t promise overnight change. But we do believe in progress through honesty, reflection, and small, consistent steps.

Listen now for a full-circle reflection on everything you’ve learned—and what it means to own your growth, one decision at a time.

Got something to say? - come send me a message at www.headstraight.co.uk/contact/
or send me a voice note at www.headstraight.co.uk/voicemail/

Click here if you want more info about the host

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Everyone says, “Set boundaries,” but no one really explains how. If you’ve ever tried to say no, ask for space, or protect your energy—only to feel guilty or end up in an argument—this episode of Headstraight is for you.

We’re cutting through the vague advice and getting into:

• What boundaries actually are (and what they’re not)
• Why setting them feels awkward, scary, or selfish
• How to recognise the red flags that show a boundary is missing
• What to say—and how to say it—when someone crosses the line
• How to handle the guilt that shows up when you start putting yourself first

Whether it’s friends, family, school, or your own habits—this episode gives you real tools and simple language to start setting boundaries that stick.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I can’t keep doing this”
• “Why do I always feel drained?”
• “How do I say no without feeling like a bad person?”

…it’s time to learn how to protect your space, your energy, and your peace—without blowing up your relationships.

Listen now and find out how boundaries can actually work for you.

Got something to say? - come send me a message at www.headstraight.co.uk/contact/
or send me a voice note at www.headstraight.co.uk/voicemail/

Click here if you want more info about the host

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why do I keep saying stuff I don’t mean?” or “Why do I always mess things up with people I care about?”—this episode of Headstraight is for you.

We’ll get real about:

• Why you hurt people—even when you don’t mean to
• How your emotions, insecurities, and stress can hijack your reactions
• The difference between intention and impact
• What a real apology sounds like (and why “sorry you feel that way” doesn’t cut it)
• How to take responsibility without beating yourself up
• What it means to set boundaries without losing your temper

If you’ve ever thought:

• “Why do I keep lashing out?”
• “I hate hurting people—but I keep doing it”
• “I want to do better, but I don’t know how”

…this episode will help you break the cycle, understand what’s really going on, and start showing up the way you actually want to.

Listen now to start turning guilt into growth—and repair the relationships that matter most.

Got something to say? - come send me a message at www.headstraight.co.uk/contact/
or send me a voice note at www.headstraight.co.uk/voicemail/

Click here if you want more info about the host

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Ever feel like you just want someone to notice you—but the second that need shows up, guilt kicks in? If you’ve ever thought “I don’t want to seem needy” or “I shouldn’t ask for attention,” this episode of Headstraight is for you.

We’re unpacking:

• Why craving attention is completely normal—and not a sign of weakness
• Where the guilt about needing connection really comes from
• How to ask for attention without drama, guilt, or second-guessing yourself
• Why some people react badly—and what to do when they do
• How to build stronger relationships by being honest about what you need

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I feel pathetic for needing attention”
• “I wish people just noticed me without me asking for it”
• “I’m tired of dropping hints that no one picks up”

…this episode gives you the tools to stop bottling things up and start getting the connection you actually deserve.

Listen now to ditch the guilt, speak up with confidence, and build the kind of relationships that make you feel seen.

Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight or send me an email: headstraightpodcast@gmail.com

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests

• Mark Taylor - Host

Ever make a decision and immediately regret it? Whether it’s saying yes when you meant no, snapping in the heat of the moment, or getting pulled into someone else’s drama—this episode of Headstraight is for you.

We’ll explore:

• Why emotions and pressure hijack your decision-making
• How to spot manipulation and guilt-tripping in the moment
• A simple framework to help you pause and choose wisely (even under stress)
• How to say “no” without feeling stupid
• What to do when you’ve made a choice you regret—and how to bounce back

If you’ve ever thought:

• “Why do I keep making the same mistakes?”
• “How do I say no without feeling guilty?”
• “How do I stop letting other people decide for me?”

…this episode gives you clear tools, sharp insight, and honest guidance to help you start making choices that actually feel right for you.

Listen now to take back control—one choice at a time.

Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight or send me an email: headstraightpodcast@gmail.com

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests

• Mark Taylor - Host

If you’ve ever felt unsafe—at home, school, online, in a relationship, or just walking into certain spaces—this episode of Headstraight is for you. Feeling on edge, trapped, or unsure what to do next? You are not alone, and you're not powerless.

This episode breaks down exactly what to do when you don’t feel safe, including:

• How to name what’s making you feel unsafe
• What steps to take if someone’s crossing your boundaries
• How to ask for help, even when it feels scary
• What to say when you're not sure how to start the conversation
• How to set up a “just in case” safety plan
• When it’s time to talk to a trusted adult or use support services

If you've ever thought:

• “I don’t feel safe, but I don’t know why”
• “What if no one believes me?”
• “How do I ask for help without making things worse?”

…this episode will walk you through it, step by step.

Listen now for straight-up guidance on protecting yourself, setting boundaries, and getting the support you deserve.

Contacts for Support – If You’re Feeling Unsafe

UK Contacts

• Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for free, confidential support 24/7.
• NSPCC Helpline: Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for advice and support on concerns about child safety.
• The Mix: Call 0808 808 4994 or chat online at themix.org.uk for support tailored to under-25s.

Other Countries

• USA: Call or text the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-786-2929 or visit 1800runaway.org.
• Canada: Contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868; visit kidshelpphone.ca.
• Australia: Call Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au.
• Worldwide: Access Child Helpline International to find a helpline in your country at childhelplineinternational.org.

Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight or send me an email: headstraightpodcast@gmail.com

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.

Creators & Guests

• Mark Taylor - Host

Tired of feeling like you're going through everything alone—even when you're surrounded by people? In this episode of Headstraight, we break down how to build a support network that actually works. Not just people you hang out with, but real connections who show up when it counts.

We’ll cover:

• What real support looks like (and what it doesn’t)
• How to spot the difference between draining friends and supportive ones
• What to say when you need help—without feeling needy
• How to build trust and deepen connections that last
• When to set boundaries—and when to bring an adult into the conversation

Whether you’re trying to build stronger friendships, open up more, or find people who actually get you, this episode gives you straight-up advice on how to do it.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “No one really gets me”
• “I hate asking for help”
• “I’ve got friends, but I still feel alone”

…then this episode is for you. Honest, practical, and no-fluff—just what you need to start building the kind of support system that makes life easier to deal with.

Listen now to start building your circle—for real this time.

Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight or send me an email: headstraightpodcast@gmail.com

If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

Click here to view the episode transcript.
Creators & Guests

• Mark Taylor - Host