Time to Talk

Founder of Mountains Mend Minds Ross Cunningham joins Aaron for a chat this week. Ross talks with such passion about his love for Fife and our beautiful country, Scotland. Hear his footballing journey from growing up watching Cowdenbeath in Scotland’s lower leagues to now working in media team at St. Johnstone. Ross also talks about his struggle with depression in 2017 and how it floored him mentally and physically. His recovery was kickstarted by bagging Munros with his wee dog Dex. Now with 182 Munros in the bag he’s hoping to inspire others to get outside, travel our country and feel the confidence to open up on their feelings. www.mountainsmendminds.com

The Herald’s chief sports editor and one of Scotland’s leading journalists Hugh MacDonald joins Aaron for a chat this week. Hugh shares his love of football developed on the terraces of Shettleston Juniors and Celtic Park with his grandfathers, to taking his own children all over the country following Stirling Albion for ten years to combat his issues with alcohol and gambling. Hugh speaks about facing anxiety and depression early into his career and how he self-medicated through alcohol before a realisation he had to face these challenges in a different manner. Now 28 years sober Hugh shares some excellent advice on living with anxiety and how he manages his recovery daily

Author of the book Mind Over! Whats The Matter? David Hamilton chats to Aaron about living with Bi-polar. David spent over a year in hospital across 5 separate admissions in his late teens and early adulthood. He recalls these difficult moments and shares what he has learned about himself, his behaviours, and the impact they had on his mental health. David is committed to continuing to share his story to give others hope that there are always better days ahead and this has led to him writing his book and creating https://letsgetgr8again.com/ a directory of coping techniques and lived experiences to help those in need.

Description - Former Pro basketball player and 2012 Olympian Kieron Achara chats to Aaron about his career, the mindset required to be an elite athlete but also the importance of loving what you do. Kieron speaks with real enthusiasm about his love of all sports and how that led to him winning a junior bowls championship before turning to basketball more seriously. Kieron displays incredible self-awareness as he discusses the highs and lows of his professional career, a lot of which he puts down to the love and parenting from his mum.

Chaplain to the Scottish FA Mark Fleming chats to Aaron about his life and experiences in Scottish Football and how his faith has helped him overcome life’s challenges. Mark first found his relationship with God aged just 16 and believes this has helped him find a purpose. Here he discusses his battle with depression, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness and how this gave him a confidence crisis while trying to help others. Mark tells how he battled back from suicidal ideations and how that lived experience has given him a real understanding when others seek his pastoral skills for help.

Scottish FA Referee Isla Buchanan chats with Aaron about the challenges faced when her mum tragically had a stroke and was left hospitalise unable to speak or move for months. Isla alongside her sister step up to lead the family and take on the role of young carer for the younger siblings at 12 years old. This had a significant impact on Isla’s childhood, often left her feeling isolated an alone and led to suicidal thoughts at 14 years old. Isla has battled back from these using football as her escape and is determined to continue developing and helping others.

Former football star Kevin Twaddle chats with Aaron about his successful career at the likes St Johnstone, Motherwell and Raith Rovers. Hear how he refused a big money move to Sheffield United opting to stay close to family. Kevin also discusses the dark depths of his gambling addiction, how he has worked on his recovery and why he’s so determined to help others now.