A Scottish podcast highlighting real stories and struggles with mental health and suicide is seeking new participants and sponsors for its new season.

Charity Mikeysline, which offers text-based and face-to-face mental health support in the Scottish Highlands and Moray, is on the lookout for businesses and individuals who may be interested in appearing on or sponsoring an upcoming podcast episode. Interested parties should get in touch to find out more.

The Speaking of Suicide podcast, produced in conjunction with Adventurous Audio Ltd, covers all aspects of mental health and suicide prevention, and has an audience across the UK, and as far afield as the USA, Russia, Brazil, India, Australia, Sweden, southeast Asia and central Africa.

Presenter and producer Pennie Stuart from Adventurous Audio Ltd said: “We’ve been blown away by how honest and open people have been in sharing their stories with us for the series. It’s such a privilege to be trusted with such raw and often painful personal memories, but what strikes us most of all is just how much all our contributors are willing to give in order to try and help others.

“Time and again they tell us that if sharing their experiences helps just one other person it will have been worth it.”

As well as seeking guests, the charity is keen to hear from businesses who may wish to sponsor one or more episodes, to help promote positive mental wellbeing in their industry or simply to promote good mental health across the board.

Producer Dan Holland continued: “We’ve been hugely grateful to the local businesses who have funded the Speaking of Suicide podcast series to date. There’s a real commitment here in the Highlands to supporting these stories, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging everyone to speak up when they’re struggling.”

The podcast, which started in mid 2021, has already reached over 5,400 downloads worldwide and continues to grow in popularity – with most listeners tuning in for at least 90% of every episode. A recent 12 Days of Christmas miniseries increased the podcast’s reach by 99% – allowing the charity to spread its message that it’s ok to not be ok to an even greater audience. 

Previous guests have included those who have struggled with their own mental health in any capacity; those who have considered suicide and developed strategies to move away from those feelings; and those who have been affected by suicide to share their stories.

The podcast features people from across the Highland and Moray communities, as high-profile figures including global expert in mental health and suicide prevention, Professor Rory O’Connor; Europe’s Strongest Man, Luke Stoltman; and Mikeysline founder, Ron Williamson.

One former guest, Joe, said: “The opportunity to talk about that period in my life came out of a chance conversation with two good friends. I hadn’t talked openly about it for years and, to be honest, had put the stress it caused into a box and turned the key. In many ways I didn’t really want to admit that it had ever happened.

“Pennie is very, very good at what she does: empathy and understanding combined with probing questions and heartfelt concern. The process for me was hugely cathartic and it has allowed me to have honest and frank conversations with a number of friends and family who had no real idea of where my head had been at that time in my life.

“If my speaking out has helped just one person step back from the precipice then it will all have been hugely worthwhile. I know that talking to Pennie has certainly helped me.”

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, added: “Although the podcast is called Speaking of Suicide, it really does cover every avenue of mental health and wellbeing. Throughout the series so far, our contributors have shared stories that are inspirational, heart-breaking and deeply personal. They have shared practical advice for those facing mental health issues, the signs to look out for in others, and stories of bereavement by suicide.

“Our mission at Mikeysline is to remind people that struggling with mental health, emotional distress or suicidal thoughts is not uncommon – and that there is always someone available to provide support, whether that is from a friend or family member, or a charity like us.

“This podcast allows us to reach a much larger audience than ever before, to spread that message of togetherness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and to remind people that it’s ok not to be ok.”