Empathy For The Devil

About Empathy For The Devil

Empathy For The Devil is a podcast from Attune and Message Heard that discusses music and mental health by delving into the lives of artists and performers who, despite their unique talents, left us far too soon⁠⁠. Each episode is a journey into one iconic musician, using their life story as a lens to understand them as individuals beyond societal judgments, unravelling their personal stories with empathy and understanding⁠⁠. Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. www.we-are-attune.com

Publisher

Message Heard

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

5 Jul 2024

Latest episode

10 Apr 2025

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Apr 2025

   Jimi Hendrix: Abandoned. Adulated. Addicted

   Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as the best guitarist of all time, not least by our very own Chula. With unparalleled technical mastery, showmanship and innovation, Hendrix seemed to be one with his instrument. Over the course of his upsettingly brief career, he redefined the musical landscape of his time, and cemented himself as a cultural legend of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Yet behind the myth was a shy young man, whose early years were difficult, unsettled, and marked with emotional and physical neglect. He found music as an escape from his chaotic upbringing; but struggled with the immense fame and fortune that came along with it. In the final episode of the season, Chula goes beyond the myth of Jimi Hendrix and explores the public triumphs and private pains of his ultimate guitar hero. Drawing on his work as a psychotherapist, he discusses how Hendrix’s unstable childhood, particularly as a child of alcoholic (ACA), might have contributed to his ability to experience and cope with fame and success in adulthood. This week’s ‘ One For The Road’ is ‘Electric Ladyland’ - the third and final studio album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience - which Chula believes “everyone should listen to once before they die”. Treat yourself to a physical copy or stream it on your favourite platform (https://open.spotify.com/album/5z090LQztiqh13wYspQvKQ). Content Warnings: childhood neglect, poverty, alcohol addiction, early loss of a parent, drug use, overdose If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Audio Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios ___ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records.

2. 

   3 Apr 2025

   Sid Vicious: Iconic Punk or Innocent Puppet?

   Today, the name “Sid Vicious” is practically synonymous with punk, nihilism and self-destruction. But before Sid, there was a young boy named Simon John Ritchie whose peripatetic childhood was marked by neglect, instability and drugs. As bassist of the Sex Pistols, Sid’s rise to fame was driven not by musical talent but by his anarchic persona and darkly violent streak - “a living circus” as his fellow band member once described him. He was celebrated for his worst and pushed into the spotlight with little to no duty of care, eventually dying of an overdose at only 21 years old. In this episode, Matt takes us on the complex and shockingly short journey of Sid Vicious - or rather, Simon John Ritchie. Drawing on his experience as a mental health professional, Matt offers a more compassionate perspective on the infamous punk icon, revealing a sad but all too familiar tale of exploitation and spectacle at the expense of vulnerable individuals. Today’s ‘One For The Road’ is the Youtuber Mary Spender. First and foremost a brilliant musician, she also publishes fascinating video essays on her experience of the music industry. Do check out her channel - https://www.youtube.com/maryspender (https://www.youtube.com/maryspender) Content Warnings: drug addiction, overdose, childhood neglect, childhood abandonment, animal cruelty, self-harm, death by stabbing If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Sound and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios ___ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records. Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.

3. 

   27 Mar 2025

   Sinead O’Connor: Mystic. Revolutionary. Protest Singer

   Few artists embody the term “iconoclast” more than Sinead O’Connor. A voice of rebellion, she spoke truth to power and stood for what she believed in, regardless of personal and professional cost. As a survivor of unspeakable trauma herself, Sinead denounced child abuse in the catholic church on live television years before the world was ready to hear it. And though this infamous act saw her blacklisted from TV networks and venues, she maintained that it put her career “back on the right track”. She was, and always would be, a protest singer - never a pop star. A new Sinead-devotee, Sam returns to tell us the story of the fearless feminist icon with compassion and admiration. Together with Matt and Chula, she reflects on how the media portrayal of Sinead O’Connor had insidiously fed her own pre-conceptions and unconscious biases. This week’s ‘One For The Road’ is the seminal feminist book ‘Women Who Run With The Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Find it here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/women-who-run-with-the-wolves/clarissa-pinkola-est-s/9781846046940 (https://www.waterstones.com/book/women-who-run-with-the-wolves/clarissa-pinkola-est-s/9781846046940) Content Warnings: physical, emotional and sexual child abuse, childhood neglect, early loss of a parent, mental health, depression, suicide, child loss. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios ___ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records.

4. 

   20 Mar 2025

   DMX: Pain and Power

   “See to live is to suffer, but to survive well that’s to find meaning in the suffering”. This is what American rapper DMX tells us in his brutally honest autobiographical song “Slippin’”. It is difficult to overstate the trauma of DMX’s childhood - and the transformative power of the music he created out of it. Born Earl Simmons, his start in life was marked with abuse, poverty, ill health and abandonment. Funneled into youth institutions - and then into youth incarceration, his early years paved the way for lifelong struggles with mental health, drug addiction and criminality. Yet in spite of - or perhaps because of - these experiences, DMX rose to become one of the defining rap artists of the late 90’s and early 00’s, making history as the first artist ever to have his first five albums hit number one in the Billboard charts. A captivating MC, DMX will be remembered for his disarmingly soul-searching lyrics, his emotionally charged performances and his very public, ultimately losing battle with his inner demons. In this episode, Chula Goonewardene - Clinical Director and Co-Founder of Attune - takes a compassionate dive into the life and checkered career of DMX, informed by his role as a psychotherapist. As the team reflect on the personal and systemic challenges that DMX faced, they discuss his unique ability to channel pain and vulnerability into some of the most powerful rap ever produced. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is ‘The Zen of Recovery’, a book Chula was introduced to by his sponsor during his own recovery journey. Written by dharma teacher Mel Ash, this book explores the AA Twelve Steps within the context of Buddhism and Zen practice. You can find it here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Zen-of-Recovery-by-Mel-Ash/9780874777062 (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Zen-of-Recovery-by-Mel-Ash/9780874777062) Content Warnings: childhood parental abuse, abandonment trauma, drug use, addiction, overdose, youth incarceration, institutional racism, mental health. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Audio and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios

5. 

   13 Mar 2025

   Prince: Relentless Genius

   Prince was perhaps one of the most accomplished, innovative and prolific artists of the last century. Through his seemingly limitless talent and electrifying performances, he transcended every genre and pushed every norm. With a catalogue of 40 studio albums, multiple film scores, not to mention a wealth of unreleased material, Prince’s musical legacy is staggering. But his story is also one of inescapable contradictions. Offstage, he was softly-spoken and private - a stark contrast to the flamboyant, over-the-top artist audiences witnessed on stage. Though known for his unabashed sexuality and explicit lyrics, he espoused strict religious beliefs and even enforced a swear jar to discourage profanities around him. And despite his lifelong public shunning of any drugs or alcohol, Prince tragically passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2016 - leaving the world in disbelief. Sam Parker - CEO and Co-Founder of Attune - returns for the first time this season to tell the story of Prince Rogers Nelson, a complex genius on a relentless search for perfection. With an empathetic approach shaped by her experience as a mental health practitioner, coach and former artist manager, she explores the man behind the purple icon - and the forces that may have contributed to his shocking and devastating death. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ as chosen by Sam comes from The Artist himself. ‘The Beautiful Ones’ is Prince’s sadly unfinished autobiography - an intimate and illuminating memoir full of previously unseen photos and handwritten notes. You can find it here: https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-beautiful-ones-prince (https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/the-beautiful-ones-prince) Content Warnings: baby loss, miscarriage, substance use, addiction, overdose IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production. Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Audio and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios ___________ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records. Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.

6. 

   6 Mar 2025

   Amy Winehouse: Fame Is a Losing Game

   We are kicking off Empathy For The Devil Season 2 with perhaps our most requested artist - Amy Winehouse. A once-in-a-generation talent, Amy burst onto the scene in the mid-2000’s with an inimitable soulful voice and deeply emotive lyrics. She shone brightly then flamed out right in front of our eyes, receiving an appalling lack of empathy as she became consumed by her addictions. Her story is a tragic tale of a would-be jazz club singer who found herself thrust into the machine industry, coming of age under the weight of fame and in the unforgiving public eye. Matt Thomas - Creative Lead and Co-Founder of Attune - guides us through the first episode of the season, and examines the harsh criticism and cruel mockery (often laced with thinly veiled misogyny) which Amy endured right when she needed help the most. Taking a kind and compassionate approach, he unpacks the modern tragedy of a unique talent taken far too soon, remembering just how fortunate we were to hear that extraordinary voice. This week’s ‘One For The Road’ is the podcast ‘A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs’ (https://500songs.com/), written and presented by Andrew Hickey. It’s a brilliantly researched, eye-opening look at the history of rock from the swing era to the end of the millennium. Find it on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/7KGhTDsEpOgBAT24WfpTkk?si=d09497c8c81c4b5f) or wherever you get your podcasts. Content Warnings: substance use, addiction, alcoholism, alcohol poisoning, depression, eating disorders, bulimia. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production. Producer and Editor - Emma Werner Senior Producer - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Videographer - Ethan Judd Audio and Mix Engineer - Lizzie Andrews Production Coordinator - Kirsty McLean Filmed at ID Studios __________________ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records. Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.

7. 

   28 Feb 2025

   Empathy for the Devil Season 2 - Coming 6th of March !

   Empathy For The Devil is back for a new season, bringing you the stories of six iconic musicians who left us too soon and faced unforgiving judgement, blame and even derision both during their career and long after their passing. As three music industry veterans turned mental health professionals, Sam, Matt and Chula unpack these tragic tales with empathy and understanding, drawing on their unique professional and lived experiences. While this podcast may be about artists who have been and gone, their challenges remain all too current, still affecting individuals in the industry today. So join our three hosts once again as we delve into the turbulent lives of Amy Winehouse, Sid Vicious and many more, as they discuss not only what happened, but why it happened - and how things might have been different with more considered support, empathy and care. Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website: https://www.we-are-attune.com/ (https://www.we-are-attune.com/) Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ @weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard. Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website: https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) Twitter: https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) ____________ Empathy For The Devil Season 2 is brought to you in partnership with London Records. Check out their podcast ‘Hit That Perfect Beat - The London Records Story’, a deep dive into the legendary label behind some of the most iconic hits of the last 50 years, featuring illuminating interviews with artists such as Bananarama, Allsaints and many more.

8. 

   15 Aug 2024

   Lil Peep: Dying in Plain Sight

   During his short career, Lil Peep quickly became the voice of Gen Z. After pioneering the grunge-laden emo-rap genre that blew up on Soundcloud in the mid 2010s, he was selling out venues from the US to Russia – all without ever having released any music. He wore his emotions not just on his sleeve but on his face, and his powerful lyrics  told the story of a young man struggling with mental health issues and substance addiction which took his life in 2017. In our final episode of the first season of Empathy for the Devil, Matt Thomas returns to tell us the story of a musician working in a different time to our other episodes, but whose story still resonates profoundly with the themes we’ve been discussing. From childhood trauma to anxiety and addiction, to the identity issues of a character who just wanted to be ‘Everybody’s Everything’, Lil Peep’s story rounds off our season in a tragic tale of an artist whose unique style was lost too soon. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is Barbara Kingsolver’s award winning novel, ‘Demon Copperhead’. A reworking of Dickens’ classic ‘David Copperfield’, this book explores the life of the eponymous protagonist, a young orphan growing up in the US Appalachians during the opioid crisis, and is a profoundly moving story of a left behind America and the effects that prescription drugs have had on the region. You can buy a copy here: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571376483-demon-copperhead/ (https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571376483-demon-copperhead/) Content Warnings: substance use, mental health, childhood trauma, and his death by drug overdose. We also discuss bullying, the experience of homelessness, and the psychological impacts of witnessing 9/11. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Produced by - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

9. 

   8 Aug 2024

   Whitney Houston: The Voice, The Struggles, The Human

   Episode Description: Dive deep into the life of Whitney Houston, exploring the woman behind 'The Voice' through a compassionate, modern mental health lens. From overnight sensation to troubled icon, we uncover the complex journey of a pop legend. Join host Chula Goonewardene and the team as they sensitively explore Whitney Houston's triumphs and tribulations. We examine her story with empathy, offering a fresh perspective on celebrity mental health and addiction. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is M. Scott Peck ‘The Road Less Travelled’, a best selling book by one of the world’s leading psychiatrists. In it, Peck suggests ways in which facing our difficulties - and suffering through the changes - can enable us to reach a higher level of self-understanding. You can buy a copy here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781846046391?a_aid=prh (https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781846046391?a_aid=prh) Also, check out Whitney’s incredible and iconic rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ as mentioned in the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAYKTMQl7MQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAYKTMQl7MQ) Content Warnings: childhood trauma, including child sexual abuse, racism and colourism, homophobia, codependency, domestic violence, and of course her drug addiction, eventual overdose and drowning. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard ProductionProduced by - Emma Crampton Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

10. 

    1 Aug 2024

    Karen Carpenter: Falling From The Top Of The World

    Karen Carpenter’s sound was decade-defining – the sound of the 70’s. The beat she created as drummer and lead singer of The Carpenters takes you back to that era in every track. With a voice that Burt Bacharach described as "clean, clear, like a flag flying over the song," Karen was a female icon in a male-dominated music world and quickly soared to the dizzying heights of fame, literally at the top of the world. But the pressures of her success and the complicated family dynamics in her band took their toll, exacerbating the anorexia which would eventually take her life at just 32. This week, Samantha Parker takes the lead again to tell Karen’s story, looking beyond the smiling photos and honey infused sound, to explore an inner life dominated by a desperately misunderstood illness. We’ll discover how Karen found her voice, hear about The Carpenters’ meteoric rise to fame, but also explore the incredible toll that such a rise can have on young musicians, and women in particular. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is a clip of Karen playing drums and singing ‘Dancing in the Street’. An iconic performance which cemented Karen’s place as one of seventies’ s most incredible drummers and singers, this is one of the best entrance’s to Karen and the Carpenters’ music. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PAy6Ab3CcQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PAy6Ab3CcQ)) Content Warnings: mental health, eating disorders, her hospitalisation for anorexia, childhood trauma, and themes of emotional neglect. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by an eating disorder, here are some organisations you or they can speak with to get help: Beating Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/ (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/) Eating Disorder Hope: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/international/united-kingdom/u-k-eating-disorder-organizations-charities (https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/international/united-kingdom/u-k-eating-disorder-organizations-charities) For other useful organisations which can help with any other themes we touch on, see Attune’s website here: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Produced by - Emma Crampton Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

11. 

    25 Jul 2024

    Kurt Cobain: Scream Of The Butterfly

    Kurt Cobain was one of the most powerful and influential musicians, songwriters and performers of his generation, who’s lasting legacy still permeates the sounds and attitudes of artists from all genres today. As the lead singer of Nirvana, he fronted their own brand of groundbreaking emotion-laden, guitar-heavy music into the mainstream, defining a new genre with a scream of such naked vulnerability and authenticity that it tore through the listener, perhaps reflecting the trapped feelings of a generation. The scream of a butterfly. But this came at a cost. As well as sharing his pain through music, Kurt Cobain lived it. Was this simply a life of magazine cover, paint by numbers, rock’n roll excess? Or the tragic story of someone with an enormous talent for expressing their pain, desperately trying to paint it in any way he could? This week, Chula Goonerwardene takes the lead for the first time to talk about one of his favourite ever musicians – from a band who inspired him to become a drummer in the 1990s. But far from discussing the same tired, cliched ‘tortured artist’ myths that now surround Cobain after his death in 1994, Chula helps us to examine his story through a modern and empathetic mental health lens. This is a moving discussion that looks at Cobain’s life and in doing so identifies some truly universal themes. This week’s ‘One for the Road’ is the hit Netflix show ‘Baby Reindeer’ – it captured the world’s attention when it came out this year, and is a truly honest and provocative drama that among many other things, looks at the relationship between trauma and substance misuse in a visceral and deeply uncomfortable way. Not for the faint hearted. You can watch it through the link here: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81219887 (https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81219887) Content Warnings: substance use, addiction, rehab, overdose, suicide, childhood trauma, domestic abuse, religious indoctrination, trauma bonding. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Produced by - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

12. 

    18 Jul 2024

    George Michael: Someone Else I've Got To Be

    From the Wham Rap to Careless Whisper, Club Tropicana and Faith… Wham! and George Michael’s discographies represent some of the best pop music to come out of the 1980s, the 1990’s and beyond. George’s iconic look and sound influenced the world and won him fans in their millions. But behind the stylish, cool exterior was a man battling with inner struggles. The social constructs of the time, the death of a partner and parent, the difficulty in separating George Michael the artist from Georgios ‘Yog’ Panayiotou the man – all contributed to George’s often troubled state of mind. These factors would haunt him throughout his life, exacerbating his substance use and perhaps bringing an end to his precious life too soon. Samantha Parker tells us his story from the joint space of a George Michael superfan and mental health practitioner. From discovering him in her teens to mourning his death in adulthood, she discusses how despite winning so many devoted fans around the world, early life events and relationships combined with fame and media scrutiny to create an inner fragility that few people saw. As George himself said “sometimes the clothes do not make the man.” This week’s ‘One for the Road’ chosen by Sam is super-producer Rick Rubin’s seminal book, ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’, which explores what creativity means, and how anyone can achieve success as an artist through their relationship to the world. You can buy a copy here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-creative-act/rick-rubin/9781838858636 (https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-creative-act/rick-rubin/9781838858636) Content Warnings: drugs, addiction and rehab; homophobia, HIV and AIDs; mental health, childhood trauma, postpartum depression, xenophobia, and police entrapment. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt, call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast (http://www.we-are-attune.com/podcast) Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/)Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) Produced by - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

13. 

    11 Jul 2024

    Brian Jones: Pop's Ultimate Fallen Angel

    Brian Jones was a founding member of The Rolling Stones. Not only that, he originally brought the band together and was instrumental in forging their unique sound. But these days, he is probably remembered more for his erratic behaviour, drug use, and death than for his vision and talent. In our first episode, Matt Thomas takes the lead to tell us Brian’s story with the sensitivity of a modern mental wellbeing perspective. From his difficult childhood to friction with bandmates and management, troubled relationships, issues with fame and identity, to his escalating substance use and out of control behaviour, his story is retold not as a rock’n roll casualty, but as someone who was in desperate need of help that simply wasn’t available. This first episode opens up a Pandora's box of themes which we’ll discuss again and again across the series. Each week, we’ll also be bringing you ‘One for the Road’ - a suggestion from that week’s host of a book, film, or anything else that relates to the topic of discussion. This week, Matt has chosen Brian Jones: ‘The Making Of The Rolling Stones’ Paul Trynka - you can buy a copy through the link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brian-Jones-Making-Rolling-Stones/dp/0147516455 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brian-Jones-Making-Rolling-Stones/dp/0147516455) Content Warnings: drugs, addiction, mental health, childhood trauma, adoption, racism, misogyny, domestic abuse, drug overdose and drowning. IMPORTANT: Alcohol withdrawal happens once an individual is physically     dependent/chemically addicted and can be fatal and should only be attempted with medical guidance/assistance. The most serious form of withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. People with severe withdrawal symptoms or DTs should always have a drink if they need it while professional help is sought. If in doubt call 999. If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes in this episode, there are some useful organisations on Attune’s website that can be of help: www.we-are-attune.com/podcast Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. Follow Attune on  https://linktr.ee/weareattune (https://linktr.ee/weareattune) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB) This is a Message Heard Production Produced by - Harry Stott Executive Producer - Sandra Ferrari Edited by - Blu Posner and Ethan Judd Production Coordinator - Lizzie Hartree

14. 

    5 Jul 2024

    Empathy For The Devil - Trailer

    Empathy for the Devil is Coming Soon! Empathy For The Devil is a brand new podcast from Attune and Message Heard that discusses music and mental health by delving into the lives of artists and performers who, despite their unique talents, left us far too soon⁠⁠. Each episode is a journey into one iconic musician, using their life story as a lens to understand them as individuals beyond societal judgments, unravelling their personal stories with empathy and understanding⁠⁠. From George Michael to Whitney Houston, we’ll tell you what happened, but more importantly, why it happened. Our three co-hosts Samantha Parker, Matt Thomas and Chula Gudawardener explore their lives from varied angles – family trauma, addiction, societal expectations, the influence of fame⁠ – to discover more about the underlying factors that shaped them, and the universality of mental health struggles. Join us every week from Thursday July 11th as we bring empathy to the misunderstood, the misjudged, or even the demonised⁠. Empathy for the devil… Attune, as a dedicated provider of mental health and well-being services, is committed to delivering holistic support and resources. With its team of skilled professionals, Attune excels in recognising and responding to the intricate needs of people and teams in talent-based industries. You can learn more about Attune through our website (https://www.we-are-attune.com/): https://www.we-are-attune.com/ Follow Attune on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#): https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/# (https://www.instagram.com/we_are_attune/#) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune): https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune (https://www.youtube.com/@weareattune) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-attune/) Empathy For The Devil is produced by Message Heard Listen to more Message Heard shows through our website (https://messageheard.com/): https://messageheard.com/ (https://messageheard.com/) Follow Message Heard on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/): https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/messageheard/mycompany/) and Twitter (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB): https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB (https://x.com/messageheard?lang=en-GB)

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

17,800

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

30 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

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

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

51

Contact Empathy For The Devil

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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