Don’t be afraid to Talk - Podcast with James Lumumba

About Don’t be afraid to Talk - Podcast with James Lumumba

I believe if we are going to affect the change we must go back to the very basics, which for me, in essence, is Conversation. Talking and listening to one another is KEY for growth and with these conversations, I hope our stories will bring us together and draw inspiration from one another. This podcast aims to get you talking about your Mental Health, topics such as Mental and Physical Health, Suicidal Thoughts, Trauma, Recovery, and well-being, We hope to raise awareness and offer you a different perspective and mindset or an idea that could inspire you.

Publisher

James Lumumba

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Aug 2021

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

80 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Why You’re Not One Person - You’re a Whole Internal System

   Ready to publishYour anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, and even self-sabotage may not be the real problem. Trauma specialist John Clarke reveals how Internal Family Systems helps you stop fighting yourself and start healing the parts that are running your life.If you have ever thought, “Why do I keep doing this?” this conversation will hit home. James and John unpack the IFS model in a way that is simple to understand but surprisingly powerful in practice, showing how wounded parts, protectors, and the core Self all interact—and why so much of what we call personality is actually protection.You'll discover: Why IFS says we are all made up of parts, and why that idea can be deeply freeing The difference between exiles, managers, and firefighters, and how each one tries to protect you How perfectionism, people-pleasing, drinking, binge eating, procrastination, and defensiveness can all function as protective strategies What “blending” and “unblending” mean, and how to tell when a part has taken over How self-leadership works through the 8 C’s: compassion, curiosity, clarity, creativity, calm, confidence, courage, and connectedness Why healing often starts by approaching your inner world with the same care you would give a scared child John also explains why parts are not enemies to eliminate, but protectors with good intentions that are often trying to keep shame, fear, and old pain from flooding the system. He walks through how IFS works in therapy, how unburdening helps wounded parts release what they’ve been carrying, and why curiosity is often more effective than control.The stakes are bigger than symptom management. When you only shame the part of you that drinks, avoids, explodes, or shuts down, you miss the fear underneath it. This episode shows a different path—one that can help you relate to yourself with more compassion, make sense of your reactions, and create real change from the inside out.Perfect for anyone who feels stuck in cycles they can't talk themselves out of, or for therapists and curious listeners who want a clear, compassionate introduction to IFS and trauma healing.Guest credibility: John Clarke, LPCC, is a trauma specialist in San Francisco who focuses on Internal Family Systems and works with clients and therapists to heal trauma from the inside out. He also shares practical meditations and teaches the model through his work online. Follow: Jon Clarke INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/ (https://www.instagram.com/johnclarketherapy/) WEBSITE: https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/ (https://www.johnclarketherapy.com/) FACEBOOK: ⁠ https://www.facebook.com/people/John-Clarke-Therapy/61555896487064/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/John-Clarke-Therapy/61555896487064/) YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@GoingInsideLive (https://www.youtube.com/@GoingInsideLive) TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy (https://www.tiktok.com/@johnclarketherapy) If you would like to share your story and help inspire othersor have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation. Follow The Show: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/ (https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/) FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/ (https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/) Help information If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP,therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list ofnational mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie (http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/).

2. 

   13 Jun 2026

   Realities of Men’s Mental Health

   Why are men often afraid to talk about their mental health? In this special episode, James L is joined by guests Colm, Jack, and Michael for an honest conversation about men’s mental health, the challenges they face, and the importance of opening up. Together, we discuss growing up without healthy role models, how emotions are handled (or avoided) in many homes, the pressure to appear strong, the impact of social media, building authentic connections, dealing with loneliness, and the struggle to ask for help. We also explore the stigma around mental health, strategies for self-reflection, how to support boys and young men, and practical steps anyone can take to improve their well-being. Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better understand men’s mental health, this thoughtful and encouraging episode offers real stories, insights, and advice to help you know you’re not alone—and that it’s okay to talk. Connect with us: James Lumumba Website: https://co-creatingcoach.ie/ Colm Doolan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colm_doolan/ (https://www.instagram.com/colm_doolan/) Jack Cullinan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejackcullinan/ (https://www.instagram.com/thejackcullinan/) Michael J Clancy Website: https://michaeljtherapy.com (https://michaeljtherapy.com/)

3. 

   24 May 2026

   Narcissism and Toxic Relationships with Ben Taylor

   Are you in a relationship that leaves you feeling confused, anxious, or unsure of your self-worth? 🤔 James L sits down with transformational coach Ben Taylor from (Orlando, FL) to unpack toxic relationships, narcissism, and the path to healing. 🔹 What We Cover: - The subtle signs of toxic relationships and narcissism [03:04] - How confusion and self-doubt gradually take hold [04:16] - Why it’s so hard to leave – breaking down trauma bonds and cognitive dissonance [17:29] - Real-life tactics for co-parenting—or parallel parenting—when a narcissist is involved [43:11 - The importance of grounding yourself in facts and practical self-help tools for survivors [53:03] Whether you’re looking to understand toxic dynamics or searching for the strength to break free, this episode is for you. 📝 Don’t forget to like, share, and follow the show for more honest, expert conversations. #MentalHealth #ToxicRelationships #Narcissism #Podcast #Spotify #DontBeAfraidToTalk

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

123 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

94

YouTube

0

Engagement

67

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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