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 Intro

01:06 Meet Lauren - finding the alternative scene

04:08 First gigs & the community feeling

05:50 Putting on shows & DIY promotion

08:45 From “let me in” to PR

10:43 From publicity to management

13:45 COVID, trauma & discovering therapy

16:06 Speak To Lauren - counselling for creatives

17:43 Mental health in music: what’s changed

20:43 Early signs to watch for (your “mental garden”)

22:52 Common misconceptions about counselling

25:23 Individuality, community & connection

33:26 Social media - good, bad, and pressure on artists

41:06 AI - benefits, dangers, and ethics

45:02 Is the industry taking mental health seriously?

46:28 The future - wellbeing, VR and human contact

51:12 Closing thoughts

Speak To Lauren:

🌐 Website: https://www.speaktolauren.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speak_to_lauren

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speaktolauren

Lauren 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

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