Now We’re Really Talking

Hosted by Paddy Crump, Now We’re Really Talking is a podcast that opens up honest conversations about mental health journeys. Each episode dives into raw, unfiltered stories of what it’s truly like to live with mental health challenges. Every week, Paddy sits down with someone from a different walk of life to explore their experiences, the darkest moments, the people who helped them, and what recovery really looks like beyond the headlines and hashtags.

Now We’re Really Talking is about honesty, hope, and connection. These aren’t stories of perfect recovery; they're stories of getting through, one day at a time.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
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Episodes

46 minutes ago

In this episode, I’m joined by Mathew Hulbert for an open and heartfelt conversation about grief, loss, and what coping really looks like. Mathew shares how comfort eating became a way to manage overwhelming feelings, and how, over time, he began to rebuild his sense of self-worth.
We talk about the importance of telling the people around us that we love them, learning to disagree without losing compassion, and dealing with social media abuse. Mathew also shares his experience of coming close to death and how that moment changed his understanding of what it means to be alive.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues in this episode, call Samaritans for free on their 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
If you found the episode insightful, please subscribe and give a review!
Mathew on Twitter: https://x.com/MathewHulbert
Political Frenemies: https://www.youtube.com/@PoliticalFrenemies
Mathew & Andy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MathewAndyPod
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media: @bethechangemedianetwork
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

Monday Nov 03, 2025


In this powerful episode, we are joined by Glen Markey, who lost his daughter, Helena, to suicide in 2015. Since then, Glen has dedicated himself to campaigning for change in how schools support young people’s mental health through his campaign Smile4Helena.
Together, we explore the impact of loss, how workplaces have evolved in talking about mental health, and the simple yet life-saving policy change Glen is fighting for: ensuring parents are always contacted when a young person becomes distressed in school.
It’s an emotional and deeply human conversation about grief, resilience, and turning pain into purpose.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues in this episode, call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
If you found the episode insightful, please subscribe and give a review!
Glen on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-markey-2110092/
Smile4Helena: https://www.facebook.com/smile4helena/
SOBS: https://uksobs.com/
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media: @bethechangemedianetwork
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

Monday Oct 27, 2025

In this episode, I am joined by Poppy, a journalist, mental health advocate and spoken word dabbler (her words!). We delve into the intersection of journalism and mental health, exploring how Poppy’s experiences with her own mental health impact on her journalism. We also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping one's understanding of mental health. Poppy shares her struggles with mental health, the role of therapy, and her involvement with the charity Words Matter. The conversation highlights the power of spoken word as a form of self-expression and the importance of navigating relationships while being mindful of mental health.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week. Or call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review and subscribe to help more people find these conversations.
Poppy on Instagram: @poppyelizab & @Poppyjourno 
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media: @bethechangemedianetwork
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

Monday Oct 20, 2025

In this episode of Now We're Really Talking, we welcome Mia Hill, mental health advocate and content creator. We dive into her experiences with OCD and BDD, exploring some of the most taboo aspects of OCD. Mia shares her journey through therapy, the story behind why she keeps a photo of her younger self on her mirror, and how she channels her experiences to support others. We also discuss how she balances comedy and education online, and get a glimpse into her exciting future projects.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review and subscribe to help more people find these conversations.
Mia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/me_myself_and_mental_health/?hl=en
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media Network: @bethechangemedianetwork
OCD UK: https://www.ocduk.org/
BDD Foundation: https://bddfoundation.org/
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

Monday Oct 13, 2025

In this episode of 'Now We're Really Talking', the guest is Elsa Arnold, a mental health campaigner. We discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the impact of bullying, and the significance of advocacy. Elsa shares her experiences with dual diagnoses of BPD and bipolar disorder, the challenges of navigating mental health systems, and the transformative power of kindness and empathy. The conversation also touches on the role of group therapy and the emotional complexities of sharing personal stories in advocacy work.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review and subscribe to help more people find these conversations.
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media Network: @bethechangemedianetwork
Please check out YoungMinds website for help & advice: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help/
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

Why We're Really Talking

Monday Oct 06, 2025

Monday Oct 06, 2025

In this episode, I introduce myself, Paddy, and I share the story of my own mental health journey and what’s brought me to this point. You’ll hear why I decided to start this podcast, what you can expect from future episodes, and what I hope it will achieve.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review and subscribe to help more people find these conversations.
Follow the podcast on Instagram for updates: @nowwerereallytalking
Check out Be the change. Media Network: @bethechangemedianetwork
Please check out YoungMinds website for help & advice: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help/
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at crumppaddy@gmail.com.

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