Speaking of Suicide

About Speaking of Suicide

Speaking of Suicide is made in support of and in collaboration with the Highland based charity Mikeysline. As well as hearing from people who have either suffered from mental health problems themselves or have lost someone to suicide Mikeysline provides insight and ideas for how to recognise if you’re vulnerable and what to do if you’re struggling. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is an Adventurous Audio production made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music throughout the series is ‘Nana’ by Tom Ireland.

Publisher

Adventurous Audio

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Apr 2021

Latest episode

23 May 2026

Latest episodes

71 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 May 2026

   Dean's Story - Gambling, Despair and Recovery

   Key Takeaways Escapism and Isolation: Dean’s gambling began as an escape from heartbreak and emotional pain — but it quickly turned into the very thing that deepened his despair and pushed him into isolation. Addiction and Accountability: Years of hiding and lying brought him to breaking point, culminating in suspension from the police and prison. Only when he accepted gambling as an illness did recovery begin. Recovery and Purpose: Through GA, mindfulness, and helping others, Dean discovered lasting happiness that isn’t based on money or possessions — but on real human connection and inner peace. In this deeply moving episode, Pennie Stuart speaks with Dean, whose honest and raw account of his gambling addiction reveals how quickly escapism can turn into destruction. From his early experiences with fruit machines as a student, through a police career that spiralled into secrecy, shame and prison, Dean’s story is ultimately one of resilience and hope. He shares how therapy, mindfulness, and the support of Gamblers Anonymous (https://ga-scotland.org/) (GA) helped him rebuild his life — and shows that even in the darkest times, there’s always a glimmer of light. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or X. Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness IV1 1LR, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Follow Mikeysline on socials X (https://twitter.com/Mikeysline1) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Mikeysline) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mikeysline_/) Speaking of Suicide hosting is supported by D and D Paving Ltd (https://www.ddpaving.co.uk/).

2. 

   9 May 2026

   Trishna Singh OBE - The mental health burden of a life lived in 2 cultures

   “Living your life in two cultures, mentally and physically, is a huge burden to carry all your life.” Key Takeaways: 1. Suicide and mental health exist in every community — even when they’re hidden Mental health struggles and suicide are not confined by geography, gender or ethnicity. Within Sikh and Punjabi communities, stigma and silence can make these issues almost invisible — but absence of statistics does not mean absence of pain. 2. Living between cultures can quietly intensify mental distress Many people grow up navigating two worlds: traditional cultural expectations at home and mainstream Scottish society outside. This constant balancing act — across generations — can create inner conflict, isolation and pressure that often goes unspoken. 3. Cultural understanding is essential for effective support Mainstream mental health services do not always recognise cultural nuances such as extended family dynamics, honour, and stigma. Support works best when people feel understood — not explained to. Inclusion, representation and trust‑building save lives. Suicide does not belong to any single place or population. Host Pennie Stuart is joined by Trishna Singh OBE, founder and Managing Director of Sikh Sanjog (https://www.sikhsanjog.com/30th-anniversary-celebration-events/), Scotland’s only Sikh family support charity. Drawing on decades of lived and professional experience, Trishna speaks candidly about mental health, suicide, grief and silence within Sikh and wider Punjabi communities. Together they explore why suicide bereavement is often hidden, how shame and family honour can prevent open conversation, and the devastating impact this has on grief, vulnerability and support. Trishna also reflects on the lasting effects of migration, intergenerational trauma, discrimination, and the strain of living between cultures. This is a powerful, compassionate conversation about why multicultural Scotland needs multicultural mental health approaches — and why listening, understanding and culturally informed care are essential if we are serious about suicide prevention. Useful sources of support: Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (https://www.baatn.org.uk/) Scottish Asian Counselling Services (https://scottishasiancounsellingservices.org/) Sikh Your Mind (https://sikhyourmind.com/) Sakoon Mind (https://www.sakoonmind.com/) If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or X. Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness IV1 1LR, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Follow Mikeysline on socials X (https://twitter.com/Mikeysline1) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Mikeysline) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mikeysline_/) Speaking of Suicide hosting is supported by D and D Paving Ltd (https://www.ddpaving.co.uk/).

3. 

   11 Apr 2026

   Linda Fisken – From Silence to Safe Spaces

   “I’m in control of my mind. My mind’s not in control of me.” In this raw and moving conversation Linda shares her journey through identity loss, marital breakdown, job loss, bereavement, severe mental illness and a planned suicide attempt. What began as a gradual loss of confidence spiralled into overwhelming paranoia, intrusive thoughts and the terrifying sense that she was harming those she loved. After surviving a suicide attempt and spending time in psychiatric care, Linda slowly began to rebuild her life. Determined that no woman should feel as alone as she once did, she founded Linda’s Ladies (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057652419580) in Perth — a safe, non-judgemental support group where women can openly talk about their mental health. Eight years on, Linda speaks with remarkable self-awareness and honesty about recovery, resilience, lived experience, and learning to take back control of her mind. Key Takeaways: 1. Mental health can unravel quietly — even when life looks ‘perfect’. Linda had what many would describe as the “ideal life” — family, home, career. But internal struggles don’t always match external appearances. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate, and it doesn’t need a visible reason. 2. Silence deepens suffering — connection saves lives. When Linda became almost non-verbal, isolation intensified her distress. The power of being heard, validated and not judged can be life-changing. A safe space to talk is not a luxury — it’s vital. 3. Recovery isn’t about being ‘fixed’ — it’s about building tools. Through lived experience, Linda learned that while others can support you, only you can rebuild your inner resilience. From visualising unhelpful thoughts floating away in a red balloon to reframing negative thinking, she developed her own mental health toolkit — and now helps other women build theirs. If you want to contact Linda's Ladies join their Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057652419580) If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or X. Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness IV1 1LR, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Follow Mikeysline on socials X (https://twitter.com/Mikeysline1) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Mikeysline) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mikeysline_/) Speaking of Suicide hosting is supported by D and D Paving Ltd (https://www.ddpaving.co.uk/). Speaking of Suicide is produced and presented by Adventurous Audio (https://www.adventurousaudio.co.uk/) in Scotland

Who has been a guest on Speaking of Suicide

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Saski Smith
• Cha Harris
• Heather Sutherland
• Ross Kemp

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

27,548

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

4.3 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100

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

Quality

41

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

31

Contact Speaking of Suicide

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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