The Mental Health Shelf

Songwriter, poet and performer Matt Johnston (known by stage name The Narcissist Cookbook) discusses a shelf of items that help to turn down the noise of the world and mind. Along the way we talk about having overstimulation understood by others, showing kindness to yourself during difficult times and the human wisdom of Winnie-The-Pooh.You can find more from Matt on Instagram and Facebook.Listen to their album, This Is How We Get Better, here.Longest Radio Interview World Record attemptPodcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter and public speaker Rosalie Norton (sometimes known by stage name Lehali) sits down to talk about a shelf of united personal connection and self expression. During the conversation we talk about reflecting on growth, closing chapters and journeys through creativity and embracing anxieties by turning them into humour.You can find more from Rosalie on Instagram and TikTok.Listen to her album, Growing Pains, here.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor, comedian and performer Anna Soden joins me to talk about a shelf of simple, focused activities and self-expression. Throughout the conversation we talk about not looking back on work cynically, booking in time for yourself and ruining books in saunas.You can find more from Anna on Instagram and TikTok.Find where you can watch Rebuilding here.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor, singer, dancer and multi-hyphenate creative Suki Lopez sits down to talk about a shelf filled with a variety of group and solo activities. Along the way we talk about taking time to yourself, recognising that nerves are energy and understanding through visualising.You can find more from Suki on her Instagram.Listen to the wisdom of Tom Hanks around the 12:30 minute mark of this interview, unless you want to listen to the whole thing.Find where to watch A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood here, unless you have a physical copy.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sort of bonus episode (as the title suggests) in-between regular episodes where Jamie sits down to talk about three recommendations relating to self care, alongside calm and creative spaces online. Each linked below. Hopefully the podcast will be back to regular episodes with guests very soon!I'm Happy You're Here - "A comedy show about mental health"The More Or Less Definitive Guide To Self Care by Anna Borges, Anna's website, which features links to more of her writing.Rally Bird Brand - Creativity and craft: Website, Instagram, TikTokPodcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning comedian and cook George Egg joins me to talk about a shelf of nostalgic items and security-creating comforts. Throughout the conversation we talk about dealing with grief and nostalgia through writing and the sensory and meditative experience provided by food and cooking.You can find more from George on Instagram and YouTube, George's cookbook, The Snack Hacker, is available to buy from a number of places now. Alongside the podcast that he mentions he co-hosts, Stuffed!Vote for The Mental Health Shelf for the Listeners' Choice British Podcast AwardPodcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film journalist Tom Beasley talks to me about a shelf of simple items each with their own subtle complexities. Throughout the conversation we also discuss not worrying about what those around you think of your emotional responses, the forces that get you to press 'send' and being at war with magpies.You can find more from Tom on Bluesky and Instagram.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmy-winning director and puppeteer Noel MacNeal joins me to talk about a shelf with lessons about finding calm and motivation in what's around us, and simply 'being there' in each moment. Along the way we also talk about embracing your surroundings, how life can bring new meaning to music and songs and how Doctor Who can provide one of the toughest workouts.You can find more from Noel on Instagram and Bluesky.Quotes:"You haven't failed if you've tried""It's only a problem if you make it a problem""A man can think too much"Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film journalist and game writer Gavin Spoors talks to me about a selection of items which have both appeared at formative times and been formative themselves. Alongside this we also talk about finding your community through the things that interest you and the regular points which help to add routine breaks from work.You can find more from Gavin on Bluesky, Instagram and Twitter, Read Gavin's feature 'How the Zelda Franchise Made Me Feel Like a Hero'.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq joins me to discuss a shelf of stripped-back connections to the outside world, all helping to take time away from the blur of screens. Throughout the conversation we talk about the people and items which make home home, exploring the world and returning to safe and familiar environments and feeling comfortable playing the ukulele on stage.You can find more from Tom on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. For various songs and videos, such as the 'A Song A Week' series, from him - including I Could Really Use A Win Today - check out his YouTube channel. Tom's music can also be found on various music streaming platforms.Find where you can watch Sing Sing here.Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.