What does it take to believe in yourself when you’ve grown up feeling like the problem?

For Corrie Mustafa, a small sense of purpose began in the 24-hour gym opposite his temporary accommodation. Boxing brought routine, friendship and people who wanted him to do well.

In this episode of The Lonely Chapter, Corrie joins Sam Maclean to reflect on growing up with ADHD, autism and Tourette’s, his experience of emotional neglect, and the loneliness of feeling misunderstood. We talk about how childhood experiences shape self-worth and relationships, finding belonging through boxing, and dealing with setbacks when you’ve put everything into something.

Corrie also shares what supporting other people now means to him, how his partner has helped him understand himself, and why having direction doesn’t mean the difficult days have disappeared.

Follow Corrie on Instagram (@coza_boxing) and LinkedIn.

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Being told to talk isn’t the same as being heard.

In this conversation, consultant clinical psychologist Martin Seager returns to The Lonely Chapter for episode 121.

We explore masculinity, emotional wellbeing and the difference between encouraging someone to talk and helping them feel understood.

From boys’ experiences at school to men’s groups and male-friendly therapy, we discuss listening, loneliness and belonging. I also ask whether the pressure to provide can leave men tying their self-worth to what they do for others, and why male victims of domestic abuse can struggle to be heard.

Listen to our first conversation:

Why Men Struggle in Silence | Martin Seager on Men’s Mental Health.

Explore Martin’s work through The Centre for Male Psychology and his article, Making better connections with men and boys.

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Some truths are hardest to tell the people we love.

LBC presenter Iain Dale hears them on live radio. In this conversation with Sam on The Lonely Chapter, he reflects on the trust that leads callers to share things they have never told their partners, friends or families.

We begin with Constance, a regular caller approaching her 102nd birthday, who wondered whether she would speak to him again. Her call opens a conversation about listening, empathy and the human connection between a radio presenter and someone they have never met.

Iain discusses coming out to his parents at 40, finding his opportunity at LBC at 48, and the online abuse that left him tearful on the train home. Sam draws on his experience volunteering with Samaritans as they explore emotional boundaries and what it means to listen to someone in distress.

They also discuss social media anger, refusing to manufacture a rant for a clip, the future of radio in the age of YouTube, and Iain’s memoir, Have I Said Too Much? My Life in Politics & the Media.

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Iain’s podcasts, book and website

• Where Politics Meets History — with Iain Dale and Tessa Dunlop
• Iain Dale All Talk
• Have I Said Too Much? My Life in Politics & the Media
• Iain’s website
• X / Twitter
• Instagram