S6 E7 Wellbeing with Manny in Conversation with Carley Stenson

Well I am joined by one of my new BFFs – no seriously she is! The wonderfully warm, honest and grounded Carley Stenson joins me for a conversation that takes us from the bright lights of television and the West End to the joys and challenges of motherhood. We first met Carley in 2000, when, at just 17 years old, she landed the role of Steph Dean in Hollyoaks. What was originally meant to be just three episodes turned into an incredible ten-year journey, making her one of the show's most loved and recognisable characters. Carley reflects on navigating fame at such a young age and shares how the support of family and close friends helped to keep her grounded throughout her success. We talk about one of the most significant storylines of her television career—Steph's ovarian cancer journey. Carley speaks beautifully about the privilege and responsibility of portraying such an important story, and how that role resonated with so many viewers. It also marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, giving her the opportunity to pursue a dream she had held since childhood: a career in musical theatre. In a true "no safety net" moment, Carley reveals how she left Hollyoaks on the Saturday and started rehearsals for Legally Blonde on the Monday. She describes it as her ultimate "sink or swim" moment—a leap of faith that launched a hugely successful stage career and led to starring roles in some of the UK's most loved musicals. Our conversation also explores life behind the curtain. Carley opens up about the realities of being married to fellow actor Danny Mac (who is in the background keeping the little one quiet - legend!) discussing the unique challenges and rewards of two performers navigating the demands, uncertainty and excitement of the entertainment industry together. As life has evolved, so too have Carley's priorities. She speaks candidly about how the relentless pace of the industry has gradually given way to a very different challenge and joy in motherhood. There is a real sense of contentment in the way she reflects on this stage of her life, embracing family while still making space for the career she loves. Carley certainly hasn't hung up those dancing shoes just yet. She continues to perform, create and inspire, proving that passion doesn't disappear—it simply evolves. In fact, after hearing her outlook on life, you can't help but feel that perhaps the very best is still to come. This is a conversation filled with warmth, laughter, honesty and wisdom. Carley is refreshingly open about the highs, lows and unexpected turns of a life spent in the spotlight, and her grounded perspective makes for a truly inspiring listen. Carley you are a true joy and I LOVED this conversation. BFF! Love ya x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lowri Walsh – S6 E6 17/9/26 I'm thrilled to welcome back a returning guest who is always full of insight, warmth and wisdom. Lowri Walsh is a psychotherapist, a positive psychologist, and as of today... officially an author! Lowri's brand-new book, The Spark, is inspired by her own life experiences and by the many women she has worked with in her clinic who found themselves questioning who they were, where they were going, and what truly mattered in midlife. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal reflection, Lowri has created a practical and inspiring guide to reconnecting with yourself and reigniting your sense of purpose. What's fascinating is that the book was largely inspired by what Lowri describes as one of the most bizarre yet life changing dreams she's ever had: attending her own funeral, accompanied by the soundtrack to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! It was a wake-up call that led her to examine how she was really living and whether she was fully expressing who she truly was. In today's episode, we'll explore the SPARK framework at the heart of the book: Self-Expression, Playfulness, Attitude, Relationships and Knowing. Lowri also shares some exclusive insights and introduces us to a powerful concept called self-silencing, something that many of us may be doing without even realising. And because Lowri is so generously supporting the Wellbeing with Manny community, every listener can receive 50% off the book plus bonus resources if purchased today. You'll find the link and details in the show notes. Lowri, welcome back to the pod and huge congratulations on the launch of The Spark. We are all incredibly proud of you.  Link to Lowri's book: https://amzn.eu/d/03N7d9yG Instagram @lowriwalsh_  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Post-natal depression, mental health, anxiety, childhood trauma, intrusive dark thoughts – please listen when you feel you can Ellie Winn is without a doubt one of my favourite humans. She is a wonderful friend and all-round mega gals gal! I'm thrilled to welcome back a returning guest who always brings honesty, warmth and, thankfully, cake! I'm joined once again by Ellie Winn, owner of Bad Dog Bakery and creator of some of the most incredible sweet treats you'll ever taste. But beyond the brownies, cookies and cakes is a woman whose openness and authenticity continue to inspire me. In this episode, Ellie shares her journey of navigating some of life's toughest challenges and speaks candidly about her experiences with depression, therapy, counselling and ultimately accepting medical intervention as part of her recovery. We talk about the importance of asking for help, letting go of stigma and the ongoing commitment to "do the work" in order to become the best version of ourselves. What I love most about Ellie is her willingness to be honest about the messy, complicated and often uncomfortable parts of life. There are no filters, no pretence and no perfect Instagram version of reality- just a genuine conversation about growth, resilience and self-acceptance. Ellie also speaks so beautifully about her gorgeous and incredibly talented daughter, Summer, and opens up about Summer's ADHD diagnosis. Together, we discuss the challenges, learning curves and moments of joy that come with understanding neurodiversity, and how those experiences have shaped Ellie both as a parent and as a person. Throughout our conversation, I was struck by Ellie's courage to face difficult situations head-on while remaining so completely herself. She doesn't shy away from the hard conversations, yet she approaches them with humour, compassion and a refreshing sense of perspective. It's a reminder that strength isn't about having all the answers - it's about being willing to keep showing up, learning and growing. This episode is about mental health, motherhood, self-discovery and the power of authenticity. It's about embracing support when we need it, giving ourselves grace along the way and recognising that healing is rarely a straight line. Ellie, I absolutely adore you. Thank you for coming back onto the podcast, thank you for sharing your story with such honesty, and most importantly... thank you for bringing us cakes! Ellie we love you so much! Find Ellie’s sweet treats on Instagram: @baddogbakeryuk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Weight and weight loss, men's mental health  You guys know me by now, I am a sucker for a PT called Jonny (longtime listeners will get that joke!) So here is the brilliant Jonny Peterson - personal trainer, entrepreneur, podcast host, fellow parent at the school gate and one of the most insightful voices in the health and fitness space. At school, Jonny was highly academic, an A-grade mathematician with a future that many expected would follow a more conventional path. In this honest conversation, he reflects on the pressure of academic expectations and what he has learned from not pursuing the version of success he once thought was destined for him. It's a powerful reminder that our greatest achievements don't always come from the paths we originally planned. Jonny opens up about his relationship with his body, food and mental health, sharing the challenges he has faced over the years and how those experiences have shaped the coach and person he is today. His vulnerability and self-awareness make for a refreshing conversation about what wellbeing really looks like beyond appearance and performance. As someone deeply passionate about helping people, Jonny is also unafraid to challenge some of the myths, fads and outright "BS" that can be found within the personal training industry. Together, we discuss the importance of evidence-based coaching, realistic expectations and building habits that support long-term health rather than chasing quick fixes. Fast forward to 2026, and Jonny has built a thriving personal training business and is the host of The Everyday Athlete Podcast, where he continues to educate, inspire and challenge the way people think about health and fitness. We also dive into the world of social media - the good, the bad and the ugly. Jonny shares his thoughts on the opportunities social media provides, as well as the dangers of comparison culture, misinformation and the pressure to present a perfect image online. One particularly fascinating part of our conversation focuses on the rise of the so-called "skinny jab" phenomenon. Jonny offers a balanced perspective on the growing popularity of weight loss injections, discussing both the opportunities and the concerns surrounding their use, while emphasising the importance of sustainable lifestyle habits alongside any intervention. For those looking to improve their health, Jonny also shares some practical advice for anyone wanting to start strength training. His message is simple but powerful: fitness doesn't need to be complicated. Consistency beats perfection every time. One of my favourite takeaways from our conversation was Jonny's philosophy that true wellbeing is built on three key foundations: nutrition to replenish, weight training to strengthen and a positive mindset to thrive. It's an approach that cuts through the noise and focuses on the fundamentals that genuinely support long-term health. I LOVE Jonny – he is an expert in his field and to top it all off, he is a really lovely guy. One downside – he's not a major musicals fan but his son is so we’ll let him off!  Follow Jonny on Instagram @jonnypetersonpt  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: Addiction, loss, grief This week’s episode is with the incredibly talented and all round lovely human Ore Oduba. Oduba is an award winning broadcaster, television presenter, actor and one of the UK's most recognisable media personalities. Many people know Ore Oduba as the much loved winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2016, particularly for that unforgettable Jive with Joanne Clifton, which earned a perfect score of 40 and remains one of the most iconic performances in the show's history. Since then, Ore has become a familiar face and voice across numerous television and radio programmes. More recently, he has enjoyed a hugely successful career in musical theatre, fulfilling a lifelong passion for performance with acclaimed roles in the West End and UK tours. But beyond the spotlight lies a deeply personal journey that he's now bravely sharing. We explore the realities of p*rn addiction, the crushing weight of shame, and the sheer exhaustion that comes from concealing struggles. Ore speaks openly about reaching a point where he realised, he no longer wanted to live under the burden of secrecy. Together, we discuss how letting go of shame became one of the most important steps in his recovery, allowing space for greater self-compassion, forgiveness and meaningful action.  At the heart of our conversation is family. Ore reflects movingly on his desire to be better for his children and how becoming the father he wanted them to see inspired him to seek lasting change. We also celebrate the remarkable career that has brought so much joy to audiences across the country. Ore shares insights from his journey through broadcasting and television, as well as his lifelong love of musical theatre. Ore has starred in many musicals including his debut in the West End, Curtains, Grease, Rocky Horror, Pretty Woman, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Young Frankenstein. This career path has reignited the passion for musical theatre that had been with him since childhood. We explore the courage it took to step onto the musical theatre stage, the excitement of embracing a new creative challenge, and how performing continues to be a source of purpose, connection and joy in his life. This episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness, and that real transformation begins when we stop hiding and start healing. Ore's story of recovery, resilience and redemption offers hope to anyone carrying the weight of shame and demonstrates the freedom that comes from choosing honesty, self-forgiveness and growth. Ore is a beautiful human! What a privilege this was! I can't imagine the amount of people he continues to help by speaking up and speaking out, we salute you....and we love you!! x@oreodubaofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Lee Mead to Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with.... Lee first captured the hearts of the nation when he won Any Dream Will Do and stepped into the iconic role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. What followed was a phenomenal career that has seen him become one of the UK’s most respected and versatile performers, starring in leading West End productions including Wicked, Legally Blonde and Chicago, as well as building a hugely successful career in television. Many viewers will know Lee from his much-loved role as Ben "Lofty" Chiltern in Holby City and Casualty, where he spent years on our screens becoming a familiar and popular face with audiences across the country. However, beyond the impressive list of credits, Lee has earned an equally strong reputation within the industry for being one of its genuinely kindest people. Time and again, colleagues, performers and fans speak about his warmth, generosity and humility. In an industry that can often feel competitive and demanding, Lee is proof that talent and kindness can go hand in hand. In our conversation, we explore the realities of life in the spotlight, the challenges and rewards of sustaining a career in the performing arts, and the importance of looking after your wellbeing along the way. Lee shares insights from his remarkable journey, reflects on the lessons he has learned through success and setback, and talks openly about resilience, confidence, staying grounded and maintaining perspective. This is a warm, honest and inspiring discussion with a performer whose career spans stage and screen, but whose greatest strength may well be the compassion and authenticity he brings to everything he does. This was a beautiful conversation, and I am so grateful for your time!  Thank you, Lee x, @leemead_official  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FRIENDS!!!!! Welcome back to series 6 of Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with........to start the new series I am just dropping in with a few teasers to get us excited for the series ahead! Here’s to another great series! Thank you so much for being by my side.  Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with Series 6....ACTIVATE  I love you all, Manny x  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of you know the special relationship I have with the High Performance podcast and how supportive they have been of me and my journey into podcasting. I have appeared as a listener guest on their podcast and joined them on stage for two dates during their 2023 Live Tour. It was a total honour to be able to sit down with Damian and chat for this special series 5 bonus episode.  In this inspiring episode, renowned author, speaker, and co-host of the High Performance Podcast, Damian Hughes explores the intersection of elite performance and personal wellbeing. Damian shares powerful insights drawn from years of studying world-class performers—from athletes to business leaders—and reveals how the principles of high performance can be applied to everyday life to boost mental health, resilience, and fulfilment. We discover the incredibly close parallels between the sporting world and the entertainment industry and Damian, as always generously shares some gems for our listeners.   Damian talks about his childhood and all the incredible lessons his dad taught him through his exceptional career as a boxing coach. We discuss the phenomenal success of the High Performance Podcast and how the mission has changed and evolved over the years.  Damian shares his favourite episode, and I even end the podcast with a taste of his own medicine by asking the closing questions from his own podcast!  Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, personal life, or simply seeking more balance, this conversation offers practical wisdom and uplifting energy to help you live and lead with intention. Thank you to Damian and the whole of the High Performance Podcast team for being such an incredible bunch of humans who really do practice what they preach.  It is not lost of me how lucky I am to have them in my corner being my cheerleaders. Forever Grateful! Thank you Damian x Follow the High Performance Podcast and all its partner podcasts on www.thehighperformancepodcast.com Damian Hughes www.liquidthinker.com Instagram - @liquidthinker @highperformance  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this beautiful and somewhat familiar series 5 finale, Manny chats to our favourite leading man, Matt Mills, for a powerful and uplifting conversation. As the journey of this series comes to a close, Matt reminds us of something simple yet profound: look up. Not just at the destination—but during the journey itself. Because sometimes, the most beautiful moments happen when we lift our heads and take in what’s around us. Matt opens up about the practices that have helped him stay grounded and resilient: ✨ Leading with gratitude 🧠 The transformative power of therapy 💪 The gym as a space for mental clarity and physical strength He shares how therapy has supported him through trickier moments of realisation, and how it’s okay to take up space—others do, and you can too. With honesty and heart, Matt reflects on his journey and the discipline it takes to pursue your dreams. Now stepping into his biggest role yet as a West End leading man in MJ the Musical, Matt talks ambition, future aspirations, and the importance of walking the path you were truly meant to follow. As he says, “Ambition is the idea of the dream you want—paired with hard work and diligence.” Matt Mills, we love you—and we’re so, so proud of your achievements so far. 💫 Stay tuned for the Series 5 bonus episode coming soon!!!  Follow Matt Mills on Instagram @millzilla_   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with florist, creator, and curator Stacey Hartley to explore her personal journey through mental health and the challenges of performance anxiety. Stacey opens up about the pivotal life shifts that guided her away from a once-beloved career and toward a more intentional path rooted in creativity and healing. With grace and vulnerability, she shares how anxiety shaped her day-to-day life—and how she learned to navigate it without letting it define her.  Stacey embraced a simple but powerful mantra: just say yes. That shift led her to discover new rhythms of joy—like her daily, non-negotiable walks, which end at a soul-nourishing choir practice, run by Wellbeing with Manny favourite and Series 2 guest Cat Ogden. Singing once brought anxiety; now it brings freedom.  Stacey generously shares how reclaiming joy through creativity, nature, and community helped her bloom again. A tender reminder that healing isn’t always loud, but it’s deeply felt. Join us as Stacey weaves beauty, purpose, and connection into every petal of life. This episode is a gentle reminder that growth often blooms in unexpected places. Stacey, you’re a joy—thank you for gracing the podcast with your presence. May your journey continue to blossom beautifully – that's enough of the flower puns don’t you think?!!! Connect with Stacey via: www.staceyhartley_florals @staceyhartley_florals    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.