Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with......

About Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with......

Hello and welcome to Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with………. What we listen to and hear throughout the day can shape how we feel. If we feed and nourish our soul with wholesome conversations from everyday people, filled with positivity and stories that people can relate to, you may feel less alone and even inspired. We are all working through stuff and sometimes you need to hear conversations that have failures, successes and everyday struggles. Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with, is listening to others talk about how they have journeyed through life so far, including some top tips for you to take away! Many of the episodes focus on the performance industry but there are many inclusive little nuggets so don't let that put you off! I hope you enjoy each episode and remember it really is all about talking. Reach out, who will you have a conversation with? Visit www.wellbeingwithmanny.co.uk and follow me on twitter @mannylipcrooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Manny Crooks

Category

arts · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

28 Mar 2022

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

59 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   S6 E9 Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with Marcus Ayton

   For the final episode of Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with.....Series 6, I am joined by musical theatre performer Marcus Ayton, whose career has spanned fourteen years in productions including Parade, Shrek, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and, most recently, Little Shop of Horrors at my home theatre, Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, ahead of its transfer to Liverpool Playhouse. Marcus reflects on the extraordinary opportunity of securing his first professional contract straight from LSMT, where he trained on a full scholarship, and shares the gratitude he still feels every time he steps onto a stage. In an incredibly open, honest and heartfelt conversation, Marcus talks about his experiences of mental health struggles and the devastating loss of his mum, Diane, who was not only his biggest supporter but also his closest friend and confidante throughout some of his most difficult moments. Together, we discuss grief, resilience and healing, as Marcus shares how the loss of his mum has strengthened the bond he now has with his dad. He speaks candidly about the reality that grief never truly leaves us, but how he is learning to carry it while continuing to move forward, finding joy in everyday moments and embracing life with gratitude and hope. This is a moving, courageous and inspiring conversation, and a fitting way to bring another remarkable series of Wellbeing with Manny to a close. Marcus you are joy personified and we love you millions! This episode is dedicated to you Diane – what a job you did raising this beautiful soul. Instagram @marcus_ayton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Re-release from series 1 episode 8 - Mary Burch from Industry Minds

   Wellbeing with Manny - Rewind to Series 1, Episode 8: In Conversation with Mary Burch TW: This episode includes discussion of depression and mental health challenges. Please listen when you feel able to do so. Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen (https://www.samaritans.org/) YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | Young Minds (https://www.youngminds.org.uk/) In this re-release of Series 1, Episode 8, I sit down with Mary Burch, lead counsellor at Industry Minds, the UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the creative industries. Mary was one of my dream guests when I launched the podcast, and this conversation remains as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it. Together, we explore self-esteem, rejection, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of navigating difficult emotions in an industry that often asks so much of us. Mary shares her compassionate and practical approach to wellbeing, reminding us that emotions such as sadness, fear, frustration and anger are not things to avoid, but important signals inviting us to pause, reflect and check in with ourselves. We also discuss the importance of reaching out, speaking honestly, and listening without judgement. Mary's warmth, wisdom and calming presence make this an episode that continues to resonate with performers, educators, creative professionals, and anyone looking to better understand their own wellbeing. Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it years later, I hope you find the same comfort, reassurance and encouragement that I did. Enjoy this special rewind episode of Wellbeing with Manny. Sometimes the conversations we most need are the ones worth listening to again. Industry Minds (https://www.industryminds.co.uk/) Applause for thought | Empower Wellbeing Today (https://www.applauseforthought.co.uk/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   1 Oct 2026

   S6 E7 Wellbeing with Manny in Conversation with Carley Stenson

   Well I am joined by one of my new BFFs – no seriously she is! The wonderfully warm, honest and grounded Carley Stenson joins me for a conversation that takes us from the bright lights of television and the West End to the joys and challenges of motherhood. We first met Carley in 2000, when, at just 17 years old, she landed the role of Steph Dean in Hollyoaks. What was originally meant to be just three episodes turned into an incredible ten-year journey, making her one of the show's most loved and recognisable characters. Carley reflects on navigating fame at such a young age and shares how the support of family and close friends helped to keep her grounded throughout her success. We talk about one of the most significant storylines of her television career—Steph's ovarian cancer journey. Carley speaks beautifully about the privilege and responsibility of portraying such an important story, and how that role resonated with so many viewers. It also marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, giving her the opportunity to pursue a dream she had held since childhood: a career in musical theatre. In a true "no safety net" moment, Carley reveals how she left Hollyoaks on the Saturday and started rehearsals for Legally Blonde on the Monday. She describes it as her ultimate "sink or swim" moment—a leap of faith that launched a hugely successful stage career and led to starring roles in some of the UK's most loved musicals. Our conversation also explores life behind the curtain. Carley opens up about the realities of being married to fellow actor Danny Mac (who is in the background keeping the little one quiet - legend!) discussing the unique challenges and rewards of two performers navigating the demands, uncertainty and excitement of the entertainment industry together. As life has evolved, so too have Carley's priorities. She speaks candidly about how the relentless pace of the industry has gradually given way to a very different challenge and joy in motherhood. There is a real sense of contentment in the way she reflects on this stage of her life, embracing family while still making space for the career she loves. Carley certainly hasn't hung up those dancing shoes just yet. She continues to perform, create and inspire, proving that passion doesn't disappear—it simply evolves. In fact, after hearing her outlook on life, you can't help but feel that perhaps the very best is still to come. This is a conversation filled with warmth, laughter, honesty and wisdom. Carley is refreshingly open about the highs, lows and unexpected turns of a life spent in the spotlight, and her grounded perspective makes for a truly inspiring listen. Carley you are a true joy and I LOVED this conversation. BFF! Love ya x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with......

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

• Ellie Clarke
• Emma Longbottom
• Carla Crivaro
• Oli Lowe
• Chrissy Kapartis

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

4.4 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

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

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

67

Contact Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with......

Guest appearances

Books guests

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

Questions about Wellbeing with Manny in conversation with......