Hearing is believing
Founder wins support for mental health podcast
A new mental health podcast based in East Kilbride has hit the ground running as a local company has signed a sponsorship deal.
Mind Over Matter Podcast is run by local lad James Downie, who also operates the TAD project.
The TAD project was set up by James, 37, in a bid to beat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage local residents to speak up and support each other.
And now his podcast, which runs weekly with a whole host of famous guests, has been sponsored by Andy and Nicola Farmer of Village Blinds.
James told the News :“The podcast is community-based to try and help as many people as possible.
“It’s been running for a few weeks now and has really gathered a lot of momentum.
“It runs live every Tuesday night and Andy and Nicola really believe in it and have sponsored me.
“They are an amazing couple and they do so much for people locally, so it’s great to have them on board supporting me, the podcast and the people of East Kilbride with their mental health. “I can’t thank them enough for their support.” The podcast has already secured incredible guest speakers such as rapper Infidelix, East Kilbride boxing coach John Eastwood and Tony
O’ Neil from Scottish clothing brand Animalia Apparel.
James added: “We have all sorts of people on sharing their life experiences and challenges.
“It’ s really positive and inspiring listening to everyone’s stories.
“In a few weeks I’m going to have Lisa Quarrell on, so I do like to keep it as local as possible with the big names like Infadelix and MI6 agent Christine Joanna Hart thrown in too.”
Andy, of Village Blinds, is delighted to be on board with the podcast. He said: “We do a lot for charity locally.
“I’ve known James from years ago and the mental health podcast is a really great thing.
“He puts a lot of work in to it and in to tackling the stigma attached to mental health.
“It’ s great he is spreading positivity and encouraging people to speak out.
“This is something we are delighted to support.”
James, who has previously struggled with his own mental health, uses his experiences to help others.
And now he has launched a clothing line of hoodys, shorts, t-shirts and more to promote the podcast.
“I started this project on the basis of my own struggles with mental health,” said James. “Last year I started a Facebook group which was totally private and confidential that allowed members to talk about their own mental health struggles.
“There was nothing like this in East Kilbride but the demand was there and it all snowballed, so I decided to set up the TAD Project to help people.
“And now we have the podcast and a clothing line to go with it. “I just want to reach out to as many people as possible in East Kilbride and beyond.”
For the podcast, visit : www.facebook.com/mindpod20