News / Podcast
New podcast explores student mental health
Six episodes of a new podcast have been released as part of a new collaboration.
A partnership between the University of Bristol and podcast makers EighteenSixty, Your Amazing Mind tackles some of the biggest mental health issues faced by students.
Made by the counselling team at the university and Bristol audio specialists EighteenSixty, the podcast aims to support students during their time studying.
is needed now More than ever
Each episode sees a student talk about their experiences dealing with a particular issue, such as depression or body image.
That topic will then be discussed by the student, a special guest and podcast host Michael Pearson, who is deputy head of the university’s counselling service. The podcast’s first episode features RuPaul’s Drag Race star Miz Cracker and episode four stars Bristol deputy mayor Asher Craig.
“It is humbling, genuine and calming, and gives almost 30 minutes of peace and connection in a world that seems busier by the minute,” says Michael. “Hosted by a psychotherapist, humbled by personal stories, and enhanced by professionals in the field – it’s the perfect combo.”
Students have been involved since the idea for the podcast first formed, informing the episode’s themes and sharing their stories.
“It would be great to let more people, especially students, in the city know about it, although the issues are relevant to everyone really,” says Gareth Evans from EighteenSixty, who helped Michael and the students make the podcast.
“Future episodes are about racial/cultural marginalisation, depression and a focus on issues faced by LGBTQ+ students.”
The first six episodes of Your Amazing Mind explores anxiety, body image, LGBTQ+ issues, marginalisation, bereavement and depression and Michael says: “I hope people realise that they’re not the only one going through this.
“That there are probably people you know going through the same thing. To reach out and ask for help. And that also, adversity is normal; it isn’t nice, but it is normal and we’re often stronger than we think. And if we’re not, that’s ok too.
“There are so many connections in our unique experiences, no matter who we are.”
Main photo: University of Bristol
Read more: ‘Bristol having 60,000 students so generous with their time? That is something to celebrate’
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