In this episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Rosie Dhoopun to explore sound baths, drumming circles, grief and emotional expression. Rosie shares the deeply personal story of losing her son Bryn, who was born with Trisomy 18 and lived for six months and how drumming became part of her journey through grief. The conversation also explores why so many men may feel uncomfortable trying unfamiliar forms of support, what actually happens during sound baths and drumming circles and whether these spaces can offer another way to slow down, release emotion and reconnect with yourself. Vish starts the conversation openly sceptical, describing it as a little “woo-woo” but ends it far more curious and willing to experience both for himself. Sometimes looking after your mental health isn't about finding one perfect solution. It's about staying open enough to find what works for you.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around child loss, complex pregnancy, grief, depression and previous overdose attempts.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:49 Rosie's Journey Into Drumming04:40 Bryn's Story & Complex Pregnancy09:00 Living With a Life-Limiting Diagnosis12:12 Grief & Mental Health14:31 “This Sounds a Bit Woo-Woo”17:20 What Is a Drumming Circle?20:17 Can Drumming Release Emotion?22:50 Why Men Are Afraid of Their Emotions27:54 Breaking the Stigma29:51 What Actually Is a Sound Bath?35:40 ADHD, Neurodiversity & An Overactive Mind38:32 What Happens at Your First Sound Bath?42:18 Sound Baths vs Drumming Circles45:54 Find Rosie47:51 Why Don't More Men Try These Spaces?51:42 Finding the Support That Works for You52:02 How Are You?🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/ CONNECT WITH ROSIEWebsite: www.labyrinthofnurture.co.ukSubstack: https://labyrinthofnurture.substack.com/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/033cvHRBJARjICTmlWrZRM?si=3226d5a106a24ff0

“I don't think I ever had a cocaine problem. I always had a cocaine solution.”James Erskine went from recreational cocaine use to taking four to five grams a day, experiencing paranoia, hearing voices and almost destroying the family he loved most. Today, he is three years clean. In this powerful episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, James sits down with Vishal Narbheram to tell the full story of how addiction slowly took control of his life and what it took to get it back.James explains how cocaine initially fitted into a lifestyle that didn't seem dramatically different from those around him. Nights out became after-parties. Occasional use became regular use. Boundaries he once believed he'd never cross slowly disappeared. Eventually cocaine wasn't just something James did. It became part of who he thought he was. The conversation explores people pleasing, validation, entrepreneurship, self-worth and the constant search for approval that existed underneath his addiction. James then shares the reality of where cocaine eventually took him: using several grams every day, becoming convinced his wife was having an affair, hearing conversations that weren't happening, believing there were hidden cameras inside his home and eventually questioning everyone around him. His addiction nearly capsized his family. James speaks candidly about the impact on his wife and children, the promises he broke, the guilt he continues to work through and the moment he finally entered rehab.The second half of this conversation focuses heavily on what happened next.Rehab. Therapy. Narcotics Anonymous. Accountability. Community. Making amends. Rebuilding trust and ultimately learning that recovery isn't simply about removing cocaine.As James says: “Recovery is abstinence plus change.”James also explains why there isn't one perfect road to recovery. What works for one person might be rehab, a 12-step fellowship or therapy. For someone else it could look completely different. The important thing is finding what helps you get better. This is an incredibly open conversation about addiction, identity, family, recovery, guilt, shame and learning to appreciate the simplicity of ordinary life again.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes detailed conversations about cocaine addiction, drug use, paranoia, hallucinations and the impact addiction can have on families.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:19 Childhood, Identity & Early Life06:00 Finding Your Authentic Self11:52 Entrepreneurship, Success & Validation19:37 James's Introduction to Cocaine22:22 When Recreational Use Became Something More25:42 People Pleasing & Cocaine29:57 Breaking Promises & Losing Integrity33:57 The Belief That “I'm Not Good Enough”38:04 How Addiction Affected James's Family40:07 Four to Five Grams a Day & Losing Reality46:16 Self-Sabotage & Rock Bottom49:48 Entering Rehab53:40 Building a Recovery Community56:07 Narcotics Anonymous & Finding His Tribe58:20 Rebuilding Trust01:00:36 There Is No Perfect Recovery01:03:43 Finding Happiness in Simplicity01:06:20 Guilt vs Shame🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠⁠ Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH JAMESSearch James Erskine on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.Narcotics Anonymous - ⁠https://na.org #CocaineAddiction #AddictionRecovery #Recovery #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #NarcoticsAnonymous #Rehab #AddictionAwareness #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PeoplePleasing #FamilyRecovery #SelfDiscovery #OnwardShift #Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Dave Harris to explore a journey shaped by adversity, resilience and personal growth. Dave reflects on growing up after his parents separated, never quite feeling like he belonged and spending much of his early life searching for identity and purpose from travelling the world to building a career in construction leadership, he shares the lessons learned through pressure, responsibility and discovering where his true strengths lay.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Dave opens up about experiencing a stress-induced heart incident while managing a high-pressure construction project. He explains how that moment forced him to question what "normal" really looked like and why returning to the life that nearly broke him was never going to be the answer. Together, Vish and Dave discuss leadership, respect, trust, mental health, self-awareness and why building authentic relationships is just as important as delivering successful projects. They also explore practical ways construction professionals can better monitor both their physical and mental wellbeing before reaching crisis point. This is an honest conversation about pressure, purpose and becoming the person you were always meant to be.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around mental health, stress, heart health and emotional wellbeing.

Key Topics

• Growing up after parental separation
• Searching for identity and purpose
• Leadership lessons from construction
• Building trust and authentic relationships
• Managing pressure in high-performance environments
• Dave's stress-induced heart incident
• Recognising the warning signs of stress
• Mental and physical health in construction
• Self-awareness and personal growth
• Why respect is the foundation of great leadership

Chapters

00:00 David's Upbringing and Early Life06:08 The Search for Identity and Escape13:33 Transitioning into Construction20:01 Navigating the Construction Industry26:02 The Importance of Relationships in Construction32:07 The Power of Authentic Conversations35:33 Facing Pressure: A Personal Journey44:33 The Impact of Stress on Health55:27 Principles for Life and Work

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Learn more about the mental health support Onward Shift offers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠⁠

Follow the host and founder of Onward Shift - Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠⁠

You can find Dave Harris here:

Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-harris-a6178a139/

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0JDdXuJ802VWZ4lFCAH2Vs?si=dd52b87074d04bf5

In this deeply honest episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with marriage coach Evan Hendricks to explore a conversation that goes far beyond relationships. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences, people pleasing, shame and societal expectations can slowly disconnect men from who they truly are. Evan shares his own journey growing up feeling like he had to earn love through performance, carrying that mindset into adulthood, marriage and addiction before beginning the difficult work of rediscovering his authentic self. He speaks candidly about therapy, vulnerability, rebuilding trust after years of secrecy and why genuine freedom only comes when we stop living for other people's approval. The conversation also explores why so many men struggle to identify what genuinely brings them joy, how suppressing emotions affects relationships and why reconnecting with the passions we loved as children can be the first step towards healing. This is an open and thought-provoking conversation about identity, connection, emotional honesty and what it truly means to live authentically.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around childhood trauma, pornography addiction, sexual abuse, shame, and mental health. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• Growing up feeling the need to earn love and acceptance
• People pleasing and losing your sense of identity
• Childhood trauma and its lasting impact on adulthood
• Rebuilding trust and honesty within marriage
• Why vulnerability is one of a man's greatest strengths
• Therapy, self-discovery and emotional healing
• Reconnecting with childhood passions and authentic joy
• The importance of community and emotionally safe spaces for men
• Learning the language of emotions and healthy communication
• Living authentically instead of performing for approval

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
01:18 Evan's Early Life and Struggles
05:50 Teenage Years and People Pleasing
10:34 Determination and the Quest for Acceptance
13:10 Transition to Adulthood and Marriage Coaching
16:43 Coping Mechanisms and Addictions
19:56 The Search for Identity and Self-Discovery
25:49 Balancing Maturity and Playfulness
28:10 Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity
33:30 Vulnerability and Emotional Expression
37:47 Finding Freedom Through Honesty
40:16 Difficult Conversations in Relationships
43:12 Secrets, Shame and Rebuilding Trust
47:41 Grief, Trauma and Self-Compassion
51:35 Learning to Communicate Emotionally
56:09 Brotherhood, Community and Connection

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Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠

* Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠

* TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com⁠

Follow the host Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠

You can find Evan Hendrix here:

Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-hendrix-b350a22b2/

Website - ⁠https://www.evanhendrix.com/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Tom Gold to explore the growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health and the transformative power of nature, vulnerability and community.

Tom shares his experiences working with men through outdoor experiences, bushcraft and community-led initiatives designed to help men reconnect not only with nature but with themselves and each other.

Together, the conversation dives into emotional coherence, modern masculinity, identity, role models, and why so many men struggle to express emotion in today’s world.

The episode explores how outdoor environments can create psychologically safe spaces where men feel more comfortable opening up, reflecting and building genuine camaraderie. Tom also discusses the importance of slowing down, unplugging from technology and rediscovering simplicity in a constantly overstimulated world.

This is a grounded and honest conversation about masculinity, belonging, emotional wellbeing and the importance of creating spaces where men feel seen, heard and supported.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around men’s mental health and emotional struggles. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• The growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health
• The healing influence of nature and outdoor experiences
• Emotional coherence and vulnerability in men
• Brotherhood, camaraderie, and community support
• The pressures facing modern masculinity
• The impact of technology and overstimulation
• Positive male role models and identity
• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty
• Outdoor skills and practical wellbeing tools
• The importance of presence, listening, and connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Gold and His Background02:08 The Importance of Men’s Mental Health05:28 Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Talk09:22 The “Man Code” and Emotional Coherence11:30 Historical Perspectives on Masculinity14:50 Working with Gang Members and Transformation20:20 Nature’s Role in Mental Health25:03 The Significance of Feeling Insignificant29:11 Unplugging from Technology33:26 Challenges of Modern Masculinity36:22 The Changing Dynamics of Masculinity39:17 Traditional Courtesies and Respect43:53 Identity, Influence, and Male Role Models49:34 Presence, Listening, and Emotional Safety54:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Men56:54 Shared Experiences and Everyday Reality

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

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Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/

Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com

Follow the host Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/

You can find Tom Gold here:

Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gold-42a288254/

Website - https://www.mensoutdoorgroup.co.uk

You can get 10% off Tom’s retreats here - https://onwardshift.com/mens-outdoor-group/

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, The podcast that opens a door into men's mental health. Real Men. Real Stories. Real Mental Health Conversations, host Yinka Yesufu sits down with Vishal Narbheram, founder of Onward Shift, for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, identity and resilience. Vish shares his personal journey through mental health struggles while working in the construction industry an environment where conversations around emotional wellbeing are often overlooked. He opens up about the pressures, the internal battles and the turning points that led him to seek therapy, understand emotional regulation and ultimately create Onward Shift a platform designed to make mental health support more accessible within construction. The conversation also explores wider themes, including race and diversity within the industry, the impact of societal expectations and social media on younger generations and the importance of building safe, supportive communities where men can speak openly without judgement. This episode is not just a story it’s a reflection on what happens when men begin to talk and the change that can follow when they do.

Key Topics

• Mental health challenges within the construction industry
• Emotional regulation and the role of therapy
• Race, diversity, and lived experience in construction
• The pressures facing young people today
• Building support systems and safe spaces for men
• The creation and mission of Onward Shift
• Turning personal struggle into purpose

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Credibility00:59 A Day in the Life: Routine & Structure02:50 Personal Background & Entry into Construction06:16 Race, Diversity & Industry Challenges10:51 Overcoming Racism & Building Resilience20:52 Recognising Mental Health Struggles30:28 Therapy & Emotional Regulation39:16 Talking to Youth & Breaking Stigma47:33 Mental Health in Construction52:18 Support Systems & Industry Change57:03 Onward Shift: Purpose & Platform01:00:45 Self-Care & Personal Responsibility01:04:36 Advice to Younger Self & Closing

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Links to Onward Shift:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠⁠

Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠⁠

Vishal Narbheram - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ ⁠

Links to The Hurt Locker Podcast:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100092582456788

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehurtlockerpod/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hurtlockerpodcast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehurtlockerpod

Website - https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com

Courageous Productions - https://www.instagram.com/courageous_productions/?hl=en

Tim Roe (production artist) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timroewp/