In this compelling episode of "Trauma & Tea," we sit down with Shocka, a trailblazing artist who began his journey in the music industry with the rap group Marvel. Shocka opens up about the highs and lows of his career, starting with his early successes and the devastating impact of being dropped from his record label.

Shocka shares his personal battle with mental health, including his diagnosis of schizophrenia, the challenges of medication, and his experiences of being sectioned. Through candid conversations, he reveals the strategies and support systems that have helped him navigate these difficult times.

As the discussion unfolds, Shocka delves into the healing power of music and what's next on his creative horizon. He also reflects on the global pandemic's effects on mental health, the significance of maintaining a positive internal dialogue, and the essential role of self-care.

Highlighting the importance of small victories and staying true to one's commitments, Shocka offers valuable insights into the positive aspects of social media. He also nominates Beon as his charity of choice, showcasing his dedication to giving back.

The episode concludes with Shocka emphasizing the importance of identifying personal triggers and exploring spirituality as a path to healing.

Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation that sheds light on resilience, recovery, and the transformative power of self-awareness.

Listen to Shocka on YouTube

Listen to Shocka on Spotify

Listen to Shocka on Apple Music

In this episode of Trauma & Tea, we embark on a deeply emotional journey with our guest, Meg, as she bravely shares her experience of sudden loss and the profound impact it had on her life. With raw honesty, she recounts the heart-wrenching moment she received the call informing her of her mother's sudden death abroad. From there, she navigates the complex process of returning her mother's body home, facing the investigation, and arranging the funeral amidst overwhelming grief. She reflects on the financial strain, the responsibility of supporting her father, and the necessity of growing up fast in the face of tragedy. As she delves into the grieving process, she shares her deeply personal methods of healing, from writing letters to her mother to disposing of her belongings. Join us as we honour her mother's memory, and explore the profound resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Don't miss this powerful episode, and join us in supporting the Alzheimer's Society, our nominated charity for this episode. Donate here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/donate?gad_source=1

Join us for a deeply insightful conversation as Matt and Molly welcome a special guest to the Trauma & Tea podcast: Eva, Molly's courageous daughter.

In this episode, Eva fearlessly shares her journey navigating the complexities mental health as a young person in today's world, touching on sensitive topics such as sex, self-harm and suicide.

From the very start, Eva opens up about her experiences, shedding light on the challenges young girls face in the modern age, including the pressures of sex and peer influence. She bravely delves into her personal struggles with self-harm, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the realities of mental health battles.

Together, Matt, Molly, and Eva explore the pervasive influence of social media and algorithms, discussing their impact on mental well-being and self-esteem. Eva bravely shares her past experiences with suicide attempts, while Molly provides valuable insights from a mother's perspective, highlighting the importance of support and understanding.

As the conversation unfolds, the trio delves into the shortcomings of today's schooling system, emphasising the critical role of education in supporting mental health. Eva opens up about her encounters with Resilient Families, CAHMS, and Social Services, offering candid reflections on their strengths and weaknesses.

Molly shares her journey of advocating for Eva's mental health, including the difficult decision to withdraw her from school. Eva reflects on her relationship with her father, while Molly candidly discusses the challenges of co-parenting.

In a powerful moment, Eva reveals how dance became a source of solace and self-expression, underscoring the importance of finding healthy outlets for emotions. Matt and Molly stress the significance of individualised approaches to healing, whether through music, dance, or talk therapy.

Join us as we honour Eva's resilience, celebrate her growth, and champion the importance of open dialogue and support for young people's mental health.

The charity nominated for this episode is Great Ormond Street Hospital: https://www.gosh.org/donate/?_gl=1*1wzh3e4*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwz42xBhB9EiwA48pT70JD-n49mNHxMQ5YUsERwngGL39emvm3LbNMbp4JBZPViw7JNBZ_QBoCKyAQAvD_BwE

In this touching episode of Trauma & Tea, we welcome Danielle, a courageous soul who bravely shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her beloved daughter, Chloe, in a tragic drink-driving accident.

Danielle begins by discussing her spiritual journey during the pandemic, a journey Danielle and Chloe shared together.

Danielle opens up about navigating the depths of grief while grappling with her overactive mind, and battling ADHD.

Through raw honesty, she delves into the interconnected realms of mind, body, soul and well-being, exploring alternative therapies like cold water therapy and the significance of grounding through walking barefoot.

From physical fitness to emotional resilience, Danielle reflects on her quest for healing, shedding light on the intricacies of the justice system, spirituality, and the ego's role in the grieving process. She eloquently shares her journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose amidst pain and the transformative power of practices like meditation, yoga, and running.

As Danielle gracefully weaves her narrative, she highlights the therapeutic potency of music, massage, and ceremonial Cacao, inviting listeners to embrace the path of self-healing and become their own therapists.

Join us as Danielle embodies strength and vulnerability, embodying Chloe's spirit throughout, and inspires us to embrace healing, one step at a time.

Don't miss out on this episode, and be sure to check out the links for more resources and connections to Danielle's journey, including:

Ceremonial Cacao, Ecstatic Dance in YMA (Pontypridd), buy tickets here: https://linktr.ee/findingyourhappyx

Visit Danielle's Instagram page here and try some of her delicious ceremonial Cacao: https://www.instagram.com/findingyourhappyx/

https://finding-your-happy-x.myshopify.com/products/ceremonial-cacao-serendipity?utm_content=ios&utm_medium=product-links&utm_source=copyToPasteboard

The nominated charity for this episode is Signposted Cymru, find out more about them here: https://www.signpostedcymru.com/

In this powerful episode of Trauma & Tea, we sit down with keynote speaker, bestselling writer, and mental health advocate, Rachel Kelly. Rachel bravely shares her journey through depression, hospitalisation, and the path to wellness, offering invaluable insights and evidence-based strategies along the way.

Join us as Rachel candidly discusses her books, including The Black Rainbow, Singing in the Rain, and The Happy Kitchen, shedding light on her experiences and the transformative power of therapy, poetry, and nutrition in her recovery journey.

With a deep sense of vulnerability and strength, Rachel's story resonates deeply, offering hope and encouragement to those navigating similar challenges. Her authenticity and realness shine through, making her a beacon of inspiration for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

Named one of the Top 5 UK Mental Health Influencers, Rachel's impact extends far beyond her writing. As an official ambassador for mental health charities Rethink Mental Illness, SANE, and The Counselling Foundation, as well as Head Talks, Rachel is dedicated to raising awareness and breaking down stigma surrounding mental health.

Tune in to this episode to hear Rachel's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into resilience, recovery, and the journey to mental wellness. Whether you're facing your own battles or seeking to support a loved one, Rachel's wisdom and compassion will leave a lasting impression.

Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398908785937977/

Find out more about Rachel here: https://rachel-kelly.net/

Donate to SANE by visiting the following link: https://www.sane.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-donate/donate

🔗 Listen now on all major podcast platforms! #TraumaAndTea #SpillTheTea #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #Wellness #Inspiration

Join us in a poignant conversation with one of Matt's dearest friends, Courtney, as we traverse the landscape of young parenthood and the profound impact of loss.

In this episode of "Trauma & Tea," Courtney opens up about the heartrending experience of her son Wyatt's brief life and the waves of grief that followed.

In This Episode:

• Young Parenthood & Lasting Bonds: Matt and Courtney reflect on their friendship and the shared journey of becoming young parents.
• The Stigma of Young Motherhood: Courtney and Molly discuss societal pressures and the amplified scrutiny through the lens of social media.
• A Tragic Loss: Courtney shares the painful details of Wyatt's fight with Bronchopneumonia, exploring the emotions surrounding her son's passing and the guilt stemming from a silent Strep B infection.
• The Grief Process: From the surreal moments in the hospital's family room to the trials of arranging a funeral amidst overwhelming sorrow, Courtney's narrative touches on the many facets of grieving.
• Finding Strength in Silence: Molly introduces 'silent cuppas' as a way to offer presence without the pressure of words, highlighting the importance of just being there for someone in their storm of grief.

Courtney's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of sharing in helping to navigate the darkest of times.

Her business, Wyatts Lights, symbolise the therapeutic journey of candle-making and the eternal flame of memory and love.

Support & Community: To support the charity that gave solace to Courtney, Wish Upon A Star, find the donation link here: https://www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/donate

For those inspired by Courtney's craft in honour of Wyatt, visit Wyatts Lights on Instagram: @wyatts.lights - https://www.instagram.com/wyatts.lights/

Connect & Heal: As we build a community around shared stories and silent support, we invite you to subscribe and follow our podcast.

Your presence can be a beacon for someone else's journey through the storm.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Wyatt, a star that shone brightly, if only for a moment.

In this deeply personal episode, Molly opens up about her journey with fibromyalgia, mental health struggles, and the transformative power of psychedelics.

Join us as we navigate through her life's challenges and revelations, exploring the intricate connection between mental and physical wellness.

Key Discussion Points:

• Fibromyalgia and Mental Health: Molly shares her lifelong battle with fibromyalgia, intensified during the COVID lockdown and leading to a formal diagnosis in February 2021. Delve into the stigma and skepticism surrounding the condition and its impact on mental health.
• Rock Bottom to Revelation: From hitting rock bottom in January 2023, to experiencing life-changing insights through psychedelics, Molly recounts her journey of self-discovery, trauma, and healing.
• Dance as Therapy: Discover how Molly embraced the concept of "stomping it out" at raves on LSD, using dance as a means to physically and emotionally release her pain, symbolising her fight against fibromyalgia.
• Psychedelics and Self-Awareness: Learn about Molly's transformative experiences with psychedelics, leading to a deeper understanding of her childhood trauma, and the connection between her mental and physical health.
• Breaking Free: Hear about Molly's path to breaking negative patterns, improving her intuition, and ultimately feeling "like me again," contrasting this with her experiences on traditional mental health medication.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Struggles and Triumphs: Molly's candid discussion about her daughter's ASD diagnosis, her own experience with sexual assault, and the breakdown of her marriage.
• Intuition and Energy: A fascinating exploration of the link between trauma, intuition, energy, and spiritualism leading to a deeper understanding of oneself.
• Silent Cuppas 🍵: An additional coping strategy shared by Molly, emphasising the importance of supportive communication with friends.

Join Us: This episode is a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. We invite our listeners to engage with us, share their stories, and explore the complex tapestry of mental and physical health.

Let’s #SpillTheTea on Trauma & Tea!🍵

Disclaimer: Please remember, this podcast does not provide medical advice. We share personal experiences to foster conversation and understanding.

Follow and Contact Us:

• Email: ⁠⁠spill@traumaandtea.com⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠Trauma and Tea Podcast⁠
• Facebook: Trauma and Tea
• X (Twitter): ⁠Trauma and Tea⁠

Follow our Podcast: Stay tuned for future episodes featuring guests sharing their journeys.

Next Episode Release: Stay tuned for our next episode on the 7th of March 2024, featuring a special guest discussing their unique experiences with trauma and healing.

In this deeply personal and first episode of "Trauma & Tea," join Matt as he shares the heart-wrenching story of Josh, his ex-partner, whose struggle with identity, mental health, and ultimately, his suicide on January 2nd, 2022, which inspired the creation of this podcast.

Key Discussion Points:

• Josh's Story: Matt recounts his relationship with Josh, from their meeting during the pandemic to Josh's challenges in reconciling his Christian upbringing with his gay identity.
• Mental Health Crisis: Explore the complexities of depression, anxiety, and the impact of societal pressures, as Matt delves into Josh's journey through the pandemic, his business struggles, and his mental health battles.
• Spirituality and Identity: Engage in profound discussions about religion, spirituality, and self-identity, reflecting Josh's deep thoughts and internal conflicts.
• Tragedy and Healing: Hear about the tragic decision Josh made and how this event led Matt on a path of self-discovery, healing, and exploration of alternative mental health therapies, including psychedelics.
• Psychedelics and Mental Health: Matt and Molly discuss the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment, contrasting it with traditional antidepressants and exploring their personal experiences and spiritual journeys.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Insights: Matt shares intimate details of his relationship with Josh, their conversations, and the challenges they faced together.
• The Funeral: A raw description of Josh's funeral, divided between a church service and a tribute by his friends in the music industry.
• A Journey of Transformation: Matt's exploration of psychedelics as a tool for healing and understanding, and how this journey ties into the broader themes of trauma and spirituality.
• A Discussion on Support: The importance of having open conversations about mental health, the role of support systems, and a critical look at the current state of mental health treatment.

Memorising Josh: The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Josh, reflecting on the lessons learned and the inspiration behind starting the "Trauma & Tea" podcast.

Join us as we embark on this journey of healing, understanding, and advocacy. Your story and journey matter here.

Let’s #SpillTheTea on Trauma & Tea!🍵

Disclaimer: Please remember, this podcast does not provide medical advice. We share personal experiences to foster conversation and understanding.

Follow and Contact Us:

• Email: ⁠spill@traumaandtea.com⁠
• Instagram: Trauma and Tea Podcast
• Facebook: Trauma and Tea
• X (Twitter): Trauma and Tea

Next Episode Release: Stay tuned for our next episode on 22nd February 2024.