Wellbeing with Manny - Rewind to Series 1, Episode 8: In Conversation with Mary Burch

TW: This episode includes discussion of depression and mental health challenges. Please listen when you feel able to do so. Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | Young Minds

In this re-release of Series 1, Episode 8, I sit down with Mary Burch, lead counsellor at Industry Minds, the UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the creative industries. Mary was one of my dream guests when I launched the podcast, and this conversation remains as relevant today as it was when we first recorded it.

Together, we explore self-esteem, rejection, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of navigating difficult emotions in an industry that often asks so much of us. Mary shares her compassionate and practical approach to wellbeing, reminding us that emotions such as sadness, fear, frustration and anger are not things to avoid, but important signals inviting us to pause, reflect and check in with ourselves.

We also discuss the importance of reaching out, speaking honestly, and listening without judgement. Mary's warmth, wisdom and calming presence make this an episode that continues to resonate with performers, educators, creative professionals, and anyone looking to better understand their own wellbeing.

Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it years later, I hope you find the same comfort, reassurance and encouragement that I did.

Enjoy this special rewind episode of Wellbeing with Manny. Sometimes the conversations we most need are the ones worth listening to again.

Industry Minds

Applause for thought | Empower Wellbeing Today

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

Well I am joined by one of my new BFFs – no seriously she is! The wonderfully warm, honest and grounded Carley Stenson joins me for a conversation that takes us from the bright lights of television and the West End to the joys and challenges of motherhood.

We first met Carley in 2000, when, at just 17 years old, she landed the role of Steph Dean in Hollyoaks. What was originally meant to be just three episodes turned into an incredible ten-year journey, making her one of the show's most loved and recognisable characters. Carley reflects on navigating fame at such a young age and shares how the support of family and close friends helped to keep her grounded throughout her success.

We talk about one of the most significant storylines of her television career—Steph's ovarian cancer journey. Carley speaks beautifully about the privilege and responsibility of portraying such an important story, and how that role resonated with so many viewers. It also marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, giving her the opportunity to pursue a dream she had held since childhood: a career in musical theatre.

In a true "no safety net" moment, Carley reveals how she left Hollyoaks on the Saturday and started rehearsals for Legally Blonde on the Monday. She describes it as her ultimate "sink or swim" moment—a leap of faith that launched a hugely successful stage career and led to starring roles in some of the UK's most loved musicals.

Our conversation also explores life behind the curtain. Carley opens up about the realities of being married to fellow actor Danny Mac (who is in the background keeping the little one quiet - legend!) discussing the unique challenges and rewards of two performers navigating the demands, uncertainty and excitement of the entertainment industry together.

As life has evolved, so too have Carley's priorities. She speaks candidly about how the relentless pace of the industry has gradually given way to a very different challenge and joy in motherhood. There is a real sense of contentment in the way she reflects on this stage of her life, embracing family while still making space for the career she loves.

Carley certainly hasn't hung up those dancing shoes just yet. She continues to perform, create and inspire, proving that passion doesn't disappear—it simply evolves. In fact, after hearing her outlook on life, you can't help but feel that perhaps the very best is still to come.

This is a conversation filled with warmth, laughter, honesty and wisdom. Carley is refreshingly open about the highs, lows and unexpected turns of a life spent in the spotlight, and her grounded perspective makes for a truly inspiring listen.

Carley you are a true joy and I LOVED this conversation.

BFF! Love ya x

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

Lowri Walsh – S6 E6 17/9/26

I'm thrilled to welcome back a returning guest who is always full of insight, warmth and wisdom. Lowri Walsh is a psychotherapist, a positive psychologist, and as of today... officially an author!

Lowri's brand-new book, The Spark, is inspired by her own life experiences and by the many women she has worked with in her clinic who found themselves questioning who they were, where they were going, and what truly mattered in midlife. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal reflection, Lowri has created a practical and inspiring guide to reconnecting with yourself and reigniting your sense of purpose.

What's fascinating is that the book was largely inspired by what Lowri describes as one of the most bizarre yet life changing dreams she's ever had: attending her own funeral, accompanied by the soundtrack to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! It was a wake-up call that led her to examine how she was really living and whether she was fully expressing who she truly was.

In today's episode, we'll explore the SPARK framework at the heart of the book: Self-Expression, Playfulness, Attitude, Relationships and Knowing. Lowri also shares some exclusive insights and introduces us to a powerful concept called self-silencing, something that many of us may be doing without even realising.

And because Lowri is so generously supporting the Wellbeing with Manny community, every listener can receive 50% off the book plus bonus resources if purchased today. You'll find the link and details in the show notes.

Lowri, welcome back to the pod and huge congratulations on the launch of The Spark. We are all incredibly proud of you.

Link to Lowri's book: https://amzn.eu/d/03N7d9yG

Instagram @lowriwalsh_

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