This is How AyeFeel

In this episode, Gray Crosbie opens up about how they use poetry to explore their trans and non-binary identity, the challenges of finding words that fit, and the impact of being seen and heard. They talk about the pressures of language, how mis-gendering affects mental wellbeing, and how writing has helped them process their experiences and support others who might feel alone. It’s a conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the power of creative self-expression to heal, connect and transform.

In this episode, Dorian T. Fisk & Freddie Ocity share how drag - and specifically their inclusive drag‑king workshops and online course via Shut Up and King - can be more than performance. It can be a powerful way to explore identity, build confidence and support mental wellbeing. They talk honestly about what it means to “Free Your Inner King,” why drag is accessible to anyone regardless of gender, disability or background, and how embracing creativity and self‑expression helped many reclaim their sense of self. Whether you’ve ever thought about drag or are just curious, this chat celebrates authenticity, art, and the strength found in showing up as you truly are.

In this episode, Louis and Hitesh (the dynamic duo behind Two Shades of Funny) share how comedy became a space to explore identity, process tough moments and connect with others who might be struggling too. With plenty of laughs and real talk, Two Shades of Funny open up about the power of humour, the challenges behind the scenes, and how embracing your story - the light bits and the heavy bits - can be a game-changer for your mental health.

In this episode, Muminah Koleoso takes us through her remarkable journey - from studying Computer Science and Maths in Edinburgh to becoming a multi-award-winning writer, content creator and advocate for Black and Muslim women in Scotland. She explores how storytelling became a way to unpack identity, culture, belonging and mental health, and how showing up in spaces where you’re under-represented can build both resilience and community. Whether you’re into writing, activism or just navigating your own path, this is a powerful conversation about finding your voice, standing in your truth and connecting through what you create.

In this episode, Alec “Leccyspec” Craigie takes us behind the scenes of the esports world, sharing how casting matches - that is, commentating live on competitive gaming events - gave him more than just a career path. It boosted his confidence and supported his mental health. Alec chats about studying in Scotland’s first esports degree programme, the ups and downs of breaking into the industry and how discovering his voice in the commentary pit changed how he sees himself. Whether you’re into gaming or not, this is a real talk about finding your lane and using what you love as a way to feel stronger.

In this episode, Chanel O’Conor opens up about island life, finding drag as a powerful form of self-expression, and the mental health challenges and triumphs along the way. Through humour, honesty and a whole lot of heart, Chanel shares how embracing her identity helped her feel grounded, confident and connected. Tune in for a real, uplifting conversation about belonging, creativity and learning to take up space no matter where you come from.   Find more information and support around mental health and wellbeing on our AyeFeel homepage: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

Content warning: this episode discusses details of medical procedures and surgeries. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice. From quitting nursing to creating mental wellbeing content online. We chat with Hadia Aslam about dealing with chronic pain and her online platform where she shares authentic content about mental health. You might recognise Hadia from TikTok or Instagram as @thelifeofhadia. So let’s get into it!

Content warning: this episode mentions suicidal thoughts, resources are shared at the bottom of this description. This podcast is all about having open and honest conversations focused on emotional wellbeing. For today's episode, we chat to Anton all about body image and the highs and lows of being in your 20s. You might know Anton from his appearances on Love Island or his fitness content online. So let's get into it. Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide: Call Childline for free on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 999.

This podcast is all about having open and honest conversations focused on emotional wellbeing. In this episode, we chat to Gary Marley all about gaming and mental health. You might know Gary as MarleyThirteen on YouTube where he shares Call of Duty gaming content. So let’s get into it! Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

We chat to Maddie all about the challenges of growing up in an island community and dealing with rejection. You might know Maddie from her beauty content which she began posting online while she was still living in the Orkney Islands. So let’s get into it! Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

We chat to Ty and Dexter all about looking after your mental health growing up and working in the music industry. You might know this duo as ‘Scratchcard Wednesday’ from their original music or carpark covers on TikTok. So let’s get into it! Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel Learn more about the Young Carers Package: https://young.scot/campaigns/young-carers/     00:00 – Navigating Emotional Wellbeing 12:00 – The Journey into Music 21:51 – The Power of Collaboration and Growth 23:10 – The Importance of Sharing Feelings 24:33 – Growing Up as a Young Carer 27:47 – Support Systems and Community 30:38 – The Role of Single Mothers 32:30 – Cherishing Relationships 35:30 – Navigating Mental Health 39:22 – Finding Personal Outlets 42:38 – Setting Future Goals

Gaming, dyslexia and foster care. What do these topics have in common? The answer is the guest of this episode Duncan, the creator behind "MyDylsexia," a platform that came from his passion for video games. Duncan chats to us about how gaming helped him with his wellbeing and navigate the challenges he faced growing up. So let's get into it. Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel Support available if you're Care Experienced: https://young.scot/campaigns/support-if-youre-care-experienced/

We chat to Beth Alexandra all about body image through her experience of creating comedy, fashion and beauty videos online. So let's get into it. Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

Content warning: this episode discusses details of medical procedures and surgeries. For today's episode, we chat with Evie Morrison about overcoming challenges and keeping a good mindset, as well as her experience of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). You might recognise Evie from her appearance on Series Two of the Traitors. So, let’s get into it! Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

Content warning: this episode mentions suicide, resources are shared at the bottom of this description. Earlier this year Craig Ferguson walked from Glasgow to Munich to raise money for men's suicide prevention. We chat to Craig about his adventures and the importance of raising awareness of men's mental health. So let's get into it. Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide: Call Childline for free on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 999.

For today's episode we chat to the hilarious comedian Kim Blythe about dealing with anxiety and growing up LGBT. You might know Kim from her comedy sketches on TikTok, or you may have seen her live show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. So let's get into it! Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

We talk to Laura about using sports to maintain positive mental health. Laura is the current British National and Scottish National champion in Irish Dancing and was recently named in Spey's 2023 influencer report as one of the most influential Scottish influencers. Social media has allowed Laura to share her love of dancing with the world, introduce people to Scottish and Irish culture and promote exercise for mental wellbeing. In 2023, Laura quit her job to pursue social media full-time and hasn't looked back. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to Hiba about her mental health journey, self-love and becoming a mental health advocate. Hiba is a content creator and aspiring actress based in Scotland. She’s half Algerian, half Irish and was born in Scotland. She is also a writer and mental health advocate known for sharing her words of wisdom that help change the way people see life, themselves, and their relationships with others. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to Dan about being brave, his appearance on the UK's first-ever gay dating show 'I Kissed A Boy', and taking part in the first-ever HIV vaccine trial. He is an LGBTQ+ activist and ambassador for LGBTQ+ charities such as Terrence Higgins Trust, Stonewall and the Transgender Clinic. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to On-May about confidence. A creative and professional make-up artist from Glasgow, On-May creates incredible intricate transformative looks as well as the odd glam moment. You'll recognise her from the BBC show Glow Up which aired in 2023. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to Laura about climate anxiety, activism, burnout - and mooncups too! Laura's an award-winning climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer. She started the campaign to see single-use disposable vapes to be banned and has been nominated for a Holyrood Climate Action award. She's won a range of awards including Scottish Influencer of the Year, has been listed as one of the top climate creators to watch by Pique Action and Harvard and was a finalist in the Young Scot Awards environment category. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to Lindsay about gaming, escaping reality and setting online boundaries. Lindsay is a live streamer and actor and recently was in Gran Turismo (2023). You might know Lindsay by her username – toastie202. Gaming was an escape and a way to make friends, and it was these friends that encouraged her to start a Twitch channel which now has nearly 40K followers. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

We talk to Amy and Kirsten about post-natal anxiety and endometriosis and its impact on mental health. Founders of Aquarius Creative, Scotland’s largest influencer agency, which is the subject of the BBC's ‘The Agency: Unfiltered', the pair manage some of Scotland’s biggest social media influencers. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

Content warning: this episode talks about suicide and racism, resources are shared at the bottom of this description. We talk to Bemz about Men's Mental Health and his love for rap and his baby daughter. Born in Nigeria and growing up in London then moving to Scotland at 14, Bemz was driven to music by the death of his brother and growing up in an isolated community. Bemz has been a support for the Snuts, made a Scottish Album of the Year Award nominated 2020 debut album ‘Saint of Lost Causes’ and performed at the BBC Introducing Scottish Artist of the Year final in 2022. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/ If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide: Call Childline for free on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 999.

Content warning: this episode talks about suicide and homophobia, resources are shared at the bottom of this description. We talk to Zander about being the first Scottish professional footballer to come out as gay. Since coming out, Zander has been passionate about being a role model to the sporting community, empowering younger people, specifically footballers, to be their true, authentic selves. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/ If you are the victim of homophobic bullying, in sport, at work or school help is available: Call Samaritans on 116 123. You can learn more about sexual identity on the ChildLine website. You can also phone them on 0800 1111. If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide: Call Childline for free on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 999.

We talk to Rachel about body positivity and online trolling. Rachel is a content creator with over two million followers, who is passionate about promoting body positivity and does so by flaunting her loved double chins. She creates hilarious content using her confident alter ego, Denise. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

Content warning: this episode talks about grief, resources for grief are shared at the bottom of this description. We talk to Choirstaidh about grief and depression. Choirstaidh is a Gàidhlig-speaking artist and content creator who studied at the Glasgow School of Art before working in Gaelic Media and as a freelance creative. On her social media, she discusses grief, mental health, her creative practice as well as Gaelic language and culture. So, let’s get into it. Learn more about Aye Feel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/ Resources on grief: Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland Phone: 0808 802 6161 Breathing Space Phone: 0800 83 85 87

We talk to Mark about imposter syndrome. You might know him from his viral TikToks and the now-famous phrase "haha", for which he made merchandise last year! He might be the last person you expect to be talking about imposter syndrome. So, let’s get into it. https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel/

This is How Aye Feel is the new Young Scot podcast. Katy J chats with guests about life in Scotland, a topic close to their heart and how they cope in the world we find ourselves in today.