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Clare Milford-Haven is many things to many people. She leads by example and her commitment, tenacity and enthusiasm have seen her excel in different fields. In my humble opinion, her greatest achievement to date has been co-founding a charity that helps prevent male suicide - James' Place. With centres in London, Liverpool, Newcastle and soon in Birmingham, Clare has a vision to provide help, support and professionalism to men in crisis.

I met Clare several years ago and our friendship fills me with hope and inspiration. For this episode, we meet in her home in the South Downs and set up the recording equipment in her office.

NOTES

BOOK - Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - Gabriel's Oboe from the original soundtrack to the film THE MISSION - by Ennio Morricone & The Lord Bless You and Keep You - by John Rutter

James’ Place saves the lives of men in suicidal crisis.

They are a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/

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Teddie Cooper is the daughter of one of my great friends in Dorset. Through family holidays and get-togethers, Teddie and I have spoken a great deal and over time, as we took each other into our respective confidences, we realised how our healing journeys have many similarities. When I was chatting with Teddie about LIFE IS A LABYRINTH, she looked at me and said, "I want to be a guest". I asked her if she was sure. "Are you sure you're ready." She was ready. She is ready. She is walking into her new future after many years of crippling trauma. I couldn't be prouder of her and I am thrilled to be able to share our conversation with you all.

We met in Dorset and set the recording equipment up in the dining room. I asked her to walk the labyrinth just before. We made tea. I lit a candle and then facing each other across the dining table, we pressed RECORD.

NOTES

BOOK - She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - Horses in my Dreams by PJ Harvey

If you or anyone you know might need to speak with someone due to issues raised in this podcast - there is help out there. We want to make sure you know where to find it.

• 116 123
• jo@samaritans.org
• www.samaritans.org

• 0300 123 3393
• Text: 86463
• info@mind.org.uk
• www.mind.org.uk

• Text: 85258
• www.giveusashout.org

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Jeremy Sachs is based in Glasgow, Scotland. He supports male victims of sexual abuse and runs recovery groups and a private practise both online and in-person. I discovered his work when I came across his book "An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Their Allies."

He has his own story of personal trauma which has helped inform his practice. I am grateful that he agreed to talk to me for this podcast. His warm approach and gentle expertise is a testimony to his dedication to understanding the pitfalls of our mental health. Thank you, Jeremy for your generosity.

For this conversation we met online. I was in Dorset and Jeremy was in Scotland.

NOTES

BOOK - Black Wave by Michelle Tea

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - Dead of Night by Orville Peck

You can find out more about Jeremy and his work here on his website - https://www.jeremysachs.com/

You can find his book here - https://www.jeremysachs.com/about-1

If you or anyone you know might need to speak with someone due to issues raised in this podcast - there is help out there. We want to make sure you know where to find it.

• 116 123
• jo@samaritans.org
• www.samaritans.org

• 0300 123 3393
• Text: 86463
• info@mind.org.uk
• www.mind.org.uk

• Text: 85258
• www.giveusashout.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare Mackintosh is an author of Crime Fiction with a huge international reach. She has sold over 2 Million copies of her books. Her writing has been translated into 40 different languages. But it was her memoir that caught my eye. I met Clare at an author's dinner during the wonderful literary festival of Budleigh Salterton. In conversation with Cathy Rentzenbrink, I listened to her talking about I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This and was deeply moved by her story. When LIFE IS A LABYRINTH was in its early dream cycles, I knew that I wanted to have this conversation with Clare. I went for a walk before our chat and felt that I needed to write Clare a letter. So I did and I will read it to her at some point in the episode. We didn't prepare anything or brief each other before the live recording. We simply jumped straight in.

For this episode we met online. I was in Dorset and Clare was at home in North Wales.

NOTES

BOOK - The Madness of Grief - Rev Richard Coles

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - from the filmscore HANABI from the film "Umimachi Diary"

You can find out more about Clare and her work here on her website - https://uk.claremackintosh.com/books_/

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Ben Kaye is a shining example of someone who has turned his trauma inside out and has used the process for good. After receiving his degree from Chichester University in Humanistic Counselling he moved on to studying for his Masters in Psychology. I have never met Ben but we have friends in common and when I read up on him, I was impressed with his commitment to helping others and his overriding honesty and clarity. I was delighted when he agreed to be a guest on this podcast. Ben now helps men who are struggling with addiction with his multi-pronged therapy and counselling services.

We met online. I was in Burton Bradstock and he talked to us from London.

NOTES

BOOK - The Body Keeps The Score - Besser van der Kolk "Your inner strength is your greatest healing energy. Use it to move you the pain."

SONG or PIECE OF MUSIC - Breathe by Moshe Halperin

You can find out more about Ben and his work here - https://benkayetherapy.com/

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CLOVER STROUD

Acclaimed author Clover Stroud has published four memoirs that all deal with the gritty part of life. She has lived for many years in Oxfordshire but at present resides in Washington DC with her husband and the youngest three of her five children. Two of her books were instant SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERS and one was shortlisted for the WAINWRIGHT PRIZE.

She teaches memoir and creative writing and has an avid fan base from around the world. Please find out more about Clover's work here

https://www.cloverstroud.com/about

Please sign up to her substack through her website.

For this conversation, we met remotely. Clover was in Washington DC and I was in Dorset.

NOTES

BOOKS - Wuthering Heights - by Emily Brontë & T.S. Elliott and excerpt from THE WASTELAND

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - THE BOY IN THE BUBBLE - Paul Simon

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Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama is an Irish poet, theologian and public speaker. He splits his time between Ireland and New York City. His podcast POETRY UNBOUND has had over 8 Million downloads.

He worked for many years in conflict resolution specialising in group work. His published work includes poetry, essays, prose and memoir.

For this conversation we met online - Pádraig was in New York and I was in Dorset.

You can find out more about him here

https://www.padraigotuama.com/

Sign up to his wonderful and inspiring weekly newsletter which is sent each Sunday.

NOTES

BOOKS - I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

SONGS or PIECES OF MUSIC - Come Healing by Leonard Cohen

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