Mental Health Expert: AI Can Be A Tool, But It Can’t Replace The Human Relationship

In this episode, Mental Health Expert Lauren Reading-Gloversmith - former music publicist and artist manager turned person-centred experiential counsellor - shares what she’s learned from a decade on the frontline of alternative music, and why support for creatives shouldn’t begin only when you’re in crisis.From discovering her local scene as a teenager (“grayscale to colour”), to promoting and managing artists, to retraining as a counsellor during COVID, Lauren breaks down the real pressures behind the industry: identity confusion, burnout, comparison culture, and the always-on demands of social media.She also unpacks the emerging role of AI in mental health - what it might help with, what it can’t replace, and why safeguarding and human relationship still matter.This conversation is hosted by Mark Adams, Founder of Blinding Talent, a leading UK management and marketing agency.They explore:⬛ DIY roots - finding the scene, putting on gigs & learning by doing⬛ PR → management - why “industry connector” is the real job⬛ Burnout & early warning signs - emotional, physical, relational & creative shifts⬛ Therapy as self-care - not just for crisis moments⬛ Identity & boundaries - onstage/offstage roles and lifestyle careers⬛ Social media pressure - authenticity vs obligation (and TikTok fatigue)⬛ AI & counselling - tools, risks, ethics and safeguarding⬛ The next 10 years - keeping wellbeing and humanity at the centre⏱ Episode Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:06 Meet Lauren - finding the alternative scene04:08 First gigs & the community feeling05:50 Putting on shows & DIY promotion08:45 From “let me in” to PR10:43 From publicity to management13:45 COVID, trauma & discovering therapy16:06 Speak To Lauren - counselling for creatives17:43 Mental health in music: what’s changed20:43 Early signs to watch for (your “mental garden”)22:52 Common misconceptions about counselling25:23 Individuality, community & connection33:26 Social media - good, bad, and pressure on artists41:06 AI - benefits, dangers, and ethics45:02 Is the industry taking mental health seriously?46:28 The future - wellbeing, VR and human contact51:12 Closing thoughtsSpeak To Lauren:🌐 Website: https://www.speaktolauren.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speak_to_lauren📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speaktolaurenLauren offers a free 20-minute exploratory call.Further support (UK):In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. Call Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.Follow Mark Adams:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markadamsai/Follow Blinding Talent:🌐 Website: https://www.blindingtalent.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blindingtalent📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindingtalentinsta/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindingtalent📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlindingTalent🎧 Please rate, like & subscribe!Please rate, like and subscribe it really helps us get bigger and better guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.