Mental Bears the podcast

The Weight We Carry: PTSD, Purpose & Healing After ServiceIn this raw and deeply honest episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, Matthew speaks with former Canadian police officer and author Andrew Lord McLean, whose book Beaten Black and Blue: A Journey Into the Light tells the story of his collapse, diagnosis and fight to rebuild his life.Andrew opens up about post-traumatic stress, major depressive disorder, identity loss, broken relationships, isolation and the guilt that comes when service is no longer possible. He also explains why so many police officers, military personnel and first responders stay silent until they reach breaking point.Together, Matthew and Andrew explore the cost of constantly being the strong one, the pressure to keep serving, the fear of asking for help and the reality that recovery is rarely a straight line.This is not a conversation about pretending everything gets better overnight. It is about learning to live with the difficult days, finding purpose after service and turning pain into something that may help somebody else survive.Rock bottom can become a foundation.This episode includes discussion of suicide, PTSD, depression, trauma and mental-health crisis.If anything in this conversation hits home, please speak to someone you trust or contact an appropriate crisis-support service in your country.No pressure. No filter. Just real people talking about the bears they carry.

The Dyslexic Bear: How Learning Differently Became a StrengthIn this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, Matthew sits down with Russell for a raw and personal conversation about dyslexia, education, shame, pressure, and the power of learning differently.Russell shares his journey from being told he had severe reading and writing difficulties to building a dyslexia research programme designed to help others overcome the same struggles. He talks openly about the pressure of being misunderstood, the frustration of traditional education, and how dyslexic minds are often treated as broken when, in reality, they simply process the world differently.Matthew also reflects on his own experience with dyslexia, from school struggles to military life, and how tools like voice notes, technology, and AI have helped turn what once felt like a weakness into a strength.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stupid, behind, embarrassed, or written off because they learn differently.Dyslexia is not weakness.It is not failure.It is a different way of thinking.So the question is: what bear are you carrying?

In this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, Matthew sits down with Justin and Stacey from The Fortified Mindset for a raw, practical conversation about pressure, mindset, stress, and the stories we carry.Together, they break down how the words we use can either increase pressure or help release it. From the powerful “should detox” exercise to the idea of slowing down painful stories so they lose their emotional grip, this episode explores how small changes in language can create real space, clarity, and movement.Justin and Stacey share their journey into coaching, trauma-informed work, nervous system awareness, health, behaviour change, and mindset practice. They explain why mindset is not just motivation or goal-setting, but the story we tell ourselves every day.This conversation is full of simple tools you can use straight away, including how to move from “I should” to “I can because”, how to spot soft talk, and how to start changing the pressure you place on yourself.A powerful episode for anyone carrying guilt, stress, old stories, or pressure they are ready to look at differently.Ask yourself:What bears are you carrying — and what story are you telling yourself about them?

In Episode 11 of the Mental Bears Podcast, Matthew sits down with Jay Setchell, a USMC veteran, entrepreneur, survivor, mentor, and author of The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit.Jay’s story is not theory. It is lived experience.From service in the United States Marine Corps to building businesses, surviving multiple near-death experiences, undergoing more than 70 surgeries, facing paralysis, and still choosing to keep moving forward, Jay brings a raw and powerful message about resilience, faith, purpose, pressure, and refusing to give up.This conversation explores military life, trauma, survival, family, business, emergency service training, attitude, and the importance of having something to live for.One line from Jay says it all:“I count what I’ve got left, not what I’ve lost.”This is a conversation for anyone carrying heavy bears, facing setbacks, or needing a reminder that their story is not finished.

Ep 10 — More Than a Label: Ray’s StoryPodcast DescriptionIn this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, I sit down with my mate Ray for a real and honest conversation about the pressures life can put on us — from money worries and everyday stress to identity, transition, and the labels people place on us.Ray is a trans man, but this conversation is not just about being trans. It is about being human. It is about carrying pressure, finding your voice, dealing with judgement, managing life’s challenges, and learning how to keep moving forward when the world does not always understand your journey.We talk about financial pressure, personal growth, transition, confidence, labels, acceptance, and what it feels like to be seen as one thing when you are so much more than that.This episode is a reminder that everyone carries bears. Some are visible, some are hidden, and some people have had to carry theirs for far too long without being properly heard.Ray’s story brings honesty, humour, strength, and perspective to a conversation that many people can learn from — whether they understand transition or not.Mental Bears is about pressure, not perfection. This one is about identity, resilience, and being more than the label people give you.What bears are you carrying?

Mental Bears — Episode 9David Jarvis: From Invictus Games to DiabetesIn this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, I sit down with David Jarvis to talk about his journey from the Invictus Games to living with and managing diabetes.David shares his story with honesty, strength, and perspective — from the pressures of service and competition, to the reality of facing a life-changing health condition. We talk about resilience, identity, discipline, and what happens when life forces you to adapt.This conversation is about more than sport or illness. It is about the bears we carry when our body changes, when our future looks different, and when we have to rebuild confidence in ourselves.David opens up about the highs, the struggles, and the mindset needed to keep moving forward. His story is a reminder that pressure does not always look obvious from the outside, and that strength is often found in how we respond when life changes the plan.Episode 9 is a powerful conversation about resilience, health, service, identity, and learning to carry your bears one step at a time.What bears are you carrying today?

Mental Bears Ep 8 - How Overcoming Shame Led Me to Unshakable Confidence and Self-Acceptance Most of us carry invisible bears—hidden pressures and emotional baggage—that shape how we show up in the world. But what if the key to true freedom lies in understanding and releasing these bears? In this episode, Kim Kjelland, a former interior designer turned emotional coach and founder of the Alignment Code, shares eye-opening insights on how we can shed our masks, reconnect with our authentic selves, and live with less stress and more joy.Using my deKim's journey from decorating homes to navigating emotional landscapes is as inspiring as it is relatable. She explains how our environment—whether a cluttered room or a suppressed emotion—affects our mental state and why peeling back these layers begins with feeling, not just talking. You’ll discover her groundbreaking approach to emotional release, which combines somatic work, subconscious reprogramming, and embodied practices—showing that true transformation kicks in when we dare to feel deeply.We break down some of the core themes Kim explores: the power of emotional release for mental health, the importance of setting boundaries, how childhood environment impacts adult behavior, and the role of vulnerability in healing. You'll learn practical tactics to manage energy, avoid burnout, and foster resilience—plus the surprising ways that international travels and unique experiences like plant medicine retreats accelerate growth.Why does ignoring these internal bears cost us so much? Because unacknowledged pain and stress create barriers to connection, happiness, and success. Kim emphasizes that understanding and embracing our struggles open the door to living more present and compassionate lives—both with ourselves and others. This episode is perfect for anyone feeling weighed down by invisible burdens or craving deeper self-awareness, ready to release what no longer serves and step into a life of authenticity.Tune in if you're ready to see your bears in a new light and learn how to gently and effectively let them go. By the end, you’ll understand that true healing is less about fixing and more about feeling—empowering you to live lighter, freer, and more aligned.**Kim Kjelland** is an emotional release expert, co-host of the holistic coaching system, and founder of the Alignment Code. With over two decades of experience in interior design and personal transformation, she helps people dismantle their masks and discover genuine vnal release as a transformative tool for overcoming hidden burdens. It speaks directly to those overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or emotional masks, offering clear strategies and inspiring stories of healing. The layered breakdown builds curiosity about practical methods, and the emotional tone invites introspection—making it compelling enough to hit play immediately.

Some bears are too heavy to carry alone.In this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, I sit down with Robert Cole as he opens up about his journey—from a dark place to building a happier, more stable future.We talk honestly about:* The weight of the bears he was carrying* What it’s like when things feel at their lowest* And how community and camaraderie played a huge role in his recoveryThis conversation shows something simple, but powerful:👉 You don’t have to carry it all on your own.Through the right people, the right environment, and real connection—things can change.This isn’t a quick fix story.It’s a real one.One that reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there’s a way forward—with the right support around you.🎙️ If you’re struggling, or feel like you’re carrying too much…This episode is for you.What bears are you carrying? 🐻

🎙️ Episode 6 – From Service to Direction: Navigating Life After the MilitaryLeaving the military isn’t just a career change—it’s a shift in identity, purpose, and direction.In this episode of the Mental Bears Podcast, I sit down with Paul Brenton—Head of Development & Education at Forces Transition Group, veteran, coach, and someone I’ve personally leaned on for guidance during my own journey of figuring out what comes next.We talk honestly about the reality of transition:​ The loss of structure and identity after service​ The pressure of finding direction when everything feels uncertain​ How to rebuild purpose without losing who you are​ And why you’re not lost—you’re just navigating a new pathPaul brings over three decades of experience and a deep understanding of both performance and mindset, offering practical insight for anyone carrying the weight of transition—whether you’re still serving, preparing to leave, or already out and figuring it out.This isn’t about having all the answers.It’s about understanding the pressure—and learning how to carry it.👉 If you’ve ever questioned what comes next… this one’s for you.What bears are you carrying?

🎙️ EPISODE 5 – A WEEK WITH METhis one’s different. No guest. No filter. Just me.Over the Easter break, I took a step back… and realised something I think a lot of people miss —you don’t truly understand the weight you’re carrying until you actually stop.In this episode, I walk you through my week.The pressure. The thoughts. The moments that hit harder than expected.Not the highlight reel… the real stuff.Because behind the routine, the gym, the work, the content…there’s still a man carrying his bears.This is what it looks like when you slow down enough to notice them.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “fine”… but something’s not quite right —this episode is for you.⸻What bear are you carrying right now?

Episode 4 – A Paramedic’s BearsBehind the uniform… there’s still a human being.In this episode, we sit down with a paramedic who carries more than just the responsibility of saving lives. We talk about the pressure that comes with the job — the moments that stay with you, the ones you don’t talk about, and the bears that follow you home after the shift ends.This isn’t about the job itself…It’s about what the job does to you.From silent weight to emotional overload, we explore how even the strongest people carry bears — and why having a voice matters more than ever.If you’ve ever felt like you have to hold it together for everyone else…this one is for you.🧠 Emergency services🩺 NHS staff🎖️ Military & veterans💬 Anyone carrying more than they showBecause no matter who you are…any bear you carry is worth a chat. 🐻⸻If this episode hit home, please like, follow, and share to help someone else who might be carrying a bear.Find us everywhere 👉 @MentalBears

🎙️ EPISODE 3 – TECHNICAL EMERGENCYMental Bears PodcastEven my mic couldn’t hear me…so I had to find my voice again.This episode wasn’t meant to go like this.What started as a simple recording turned into frustration, setbacks, and a reminder of something deeper…Sometimes it’s not the equipment failing — it’s the pressure we’re carrying.In this episode, I open up about past bears I’ve carried — the pressures from work, life, and everything in between that build up over time.Because those moments where things go wrong?That’s usually where the real conversation starts.This isn’t about perfection.It’s about showing up, even when it’s not going your way.And sometimes… starting again is exactly what you need.⸻🐻 What you’ll take from this episode: • Why pressure builds without you realising • How past experiences shape the “bears” you carry today • The importance of facing frustration instead of avoiding it • Why finding your voice matters more than getting it perfect⸻🔥 Mental Bears MessageEveryone carries pressure.I call them Bears.The question is…👉 What bear are you carrying this week?⸻📢 Call to ActionIf this hit home, share it with someone who might need it.And if you’ve got a story…🐻 Message me to be a guest on the podcast

🐻 Mental Bears Podcast – Episode 2: The FrameworkIn this episode, I introduce the foundation of Mental Bears — The Framework.Life brings pressure in many forms.Work, family, expectations, and the pressure we place on ourselves.On this podcast, I call those pressures “The Bears we carry.”Some are small and follow us quietly.Others grow big enough to stop us moving forward.This episode breaks down a simple way to understand and manage that pressure:• Spot the Bear• Name the Bear• Carry the Bear• Weigh the Bear• Recover from the BearAt the centre of the framework is the Power of 3:Body – physical strength and movementMind – awareness and understandingReflection – learning from experienceThis isn’t about fixing yourself.It’s about understanding what you carry and learning how to carry it better.⸻🎙 Episode 2 is now live⸻📲 Follow Mental BearsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mentalbears_den?igsh=ZXd2cHhwc2J6MzFl&utm_source=qrFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2WL45CV7/?mibextid=wwXIfr⸻👇 Take a momentWhat Bear are you carrying right now?

Why start the Mental Bears podcast?In this first episode I explain the idea behind Mental Bears and why I believe we need better conversations about pressure.Life brings pressure from work, family, expectations and the challenges we all face. On this podcast I call those pressures Bears.Some are small cubs that follow us quietly. Others grow big enough to stop us moving forward.I also share the river story — a simple way to understand how pressure builds and how recognising it can help us move through life more calmly.Welcome to The Bear Den.Follow the journey:Instagram: @mentalbears_densTikTok: @mentalbears_theden