In this episode of Chewing the Crust with The Pie Eating Man, Leah Johnson shares her raw and inspiring story of recovery, forgiveness, and rediscovery.Leah once lived a life built around success and external validation — from being the youngest woman elected to her city council to working on major political campaigns in the US. But behind the achievements was someone battling alcohol addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts.When everything came crashing down, Leah made the bravest decision of all: she quit politics, sought help, and began rebuilding her life through art, creativity, and spiritual healing.Now a celebrated author, speaker, and artist, Leah helps others find what she calls “Fantastic Joy” — a life of meaning, balance, and courage.🎨 We talk about:The hidden cost of high achievementOvercoming alcohol addiction and suicide attemptsFinding courage to quit what’s breaking youHealing through art, creativity, and spiritualityThe power of forgiveness and self-compassionHer journey to the Divine Feminine and indigenous healing practicesHow Leah’s TEDx talk and book inspire others to heal out loud💬 If this conversation resonates, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it genuinely helps others find these powerful stories.📘 Leah’s Book: Finding Fantastic Joy📗 Mark’s Book: The Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind🎙️ About the Show:Chewing the Crust with The Pie Eating Man is a podcast about life pivots, resilience, humour, and hope — real stories from ordinary people who’ve faced extraordinary challenges and found a way through.
In this episode of Chewing the Crust, Mark Grimes (The Pie Eating Man) sits down with Josh Troche — podcaster, coach, and storyteller — to explore how confidence, risk-taking, and genuine connection shape our lives. From celebrating wins (something many people struggle with) to embracing change, building self-sufficiency, and discovering purpose, this conversation dives into the mindset shifts that fuel both personal growth and career pivots. Josh shares powerful insights on: ✔️ Why social interactions are crucial for mental health ✔️ The hidden value of celebrating small victories ✔️ How risk management guides life and career choices ✔️ The evolution of podcasting and the power of storytelling ✔️ Confidence in presentation and finding your authentic voice This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and takeaways that will inspire you to embrace change, celebrate wins, and create community through kindness and courage. 👉 If you’re interested in podcasting, coaching, or just becoming a little braver in life, this one’s for you. 📖 Grab my book The Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind:👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D46MZ3RX🎙 Connect with my guest Josh Troche:🌍 Website: https://joshtroche.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshtroche📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshtroche💬 Question for you: What’s one risk you’ve taken that made you grow? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring guests.
In this powerful episode of Chewing the Crust, Arsenal Whittick shares his remarkable life story — from living in silence with a severe stammer, through struggles with autism, self-harm, and football addiction, to becoming an inspiring speaker, autism advocate, and author.Arsenal’s journey is captured in the moving book A Boy Called Arsenal by Alan J Hill, available now on Amazon.📚 Buy the books on Amazon:A Boy Called Arsenal by Alan J Hill → https://amzn.eu/d/ezl9ZCaThe Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind by Mark Grimes → https://amzn.eu/d/3DlHLUB✉️ Contact Arsenal Whittick:Email: Arsenal.Whittick@outlook.comFacebook: Arsenal Whittick🙏 If you enjoy this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps us reach more people who might need a reminder that resilience, humour and hope are possible at every stage of life.
From life beneath the waves to facing stage 4 prostate cancer, Jason Stone is selflessly sharing the message for men everywhere: get a PSA blood test. His story of courage, humour, and honesty could save lives.👉 Don’t wait. It’s just a blood test. Get checked.🎧 Jason’s podcast – Prostate Cancer : The Road to Recovery: / @prostatecancertrtr 🎧 open.spotify.com/show/04Uki93meDK2JTDuZU8ovb📕 The Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FD3FJTF...🎧 Listen to more episodes of Chewing the Crust: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7N0V...🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of resilience and mental health / @thepieeatingman 🔑 Tags #ProstateCancer, #PSATest, #MensHealth, #MentalHealth, #CancerAwareness, #Submariner, #PodcastInterview, #Jasonstone, #prostatecancertrtr, #NavyLife, #PodcastInterview, #ChewingTheCrust,
Shaun Coulson, founder of Skullyz Apparel, joins Chewing the Crust to share a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and creativity. From losing his father at 14 to battling depression, anxiety, and imposter syndrome, Shaun opens up about the life-changing moments that inspired him to create a clothing brand with a message.In this honest and inspiring conversation, Shaun talks about:Growing up as an identical twinThe impact of losing a parent in his teensMasking emotions and the exhaustion it bringsFinding purpose through design and mental health awarenessHow Skullyz Apparel became a voice for those struggling in silenceHis wife Amy’s perspective on living with someone who has depressionWhether you’re dealing with mental health challenges, starting a creative business, or simply looking for an honest conversation that blends humour and heart, this episode will leave you feeling less alone.📌 Follow Shaun & SkullyzWebsite: https://skullyzapparel.co.ukTikTok: / skullyzapparel Amy’s TikTok: / amy.coulson 📌 Follow Chewing the CrustInstagram: @ThePieEatingMan 🥧 Check out The Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind - Mark’s Book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/8EtERjR ✉️ Contact Mark: pieeatingman@outlook.com💬 If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, you are not alone. In the UK, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone) for confidential support.#ShaunCoulson #SkullyzApparel #ChewingTheCrustPodcast #MarkGrimesPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #MensMentalHealth #GriefRecovery #AnxietySupport #DepressionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #ClothingBrandStory #InspirationalInterview #StartingAClothingBrand #ADHDAndMentalHealth #MaskingMentalHealth #CopingWithLoss #ResilienceStories #GriefSupport #SuicidePrevention #OvercomingAnxiety #PersonalGrowthStories #SkaterStyleClothing #UKMentalHealthPodcast #InspiringLifeStories #TalkingAboutMentalHealth #CreativeBusinessJourney #HonestPodcastConversations
In this deeply personal yet playfully insightful episode of the *Pie Eating Man Podcast*, Mark Grimes sits down with Dr Kristen Williamson to explore the real-life experiences of late-diagnosed ADHD and autism. From raising children with the same neurodivergent profiles to the struggles and triumphs of pursuing higher education undiagnosed, Kristen shares her remarkable journey.We also dive into the joys of Comic Con, sci-fi idols, and the cultural contrasts between life in the UK and the US—with plenty of laughs along the way.🎧 Watch to hear:- What it's really like being neurodivergent in adulthood - The beauty and difficulty of living in neurodiverse families - How Kristen earned her master's and doctorate as a single mum - Stories from fandoms and geek culture - Our thoughts on publishing, storytelling, and resilience📚 Discover Dr Williamson’s books: [Amazon Author Page](https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Dr-Kristen-Williamson/author/B0FCDS8V57?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1753472408&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true) 🥧 Check out *The Pie Eating Man*: [Mark’s Book on Amazon](https://amzn.eu/d/j4l82VQ) ✉️ Contact Mark: info@pieeatingman.com
This episode of Chewing the Crust is a raw and powerful conversation with Micheál Costello – an Irish Ironman triathlete with a journey that goes far beyond finish lines.
We talk honestly about:
His battle with disordered eating and body image
Growing up gay in rural Ireland
The pressures of masculinity in sport and society
Finding hope, help, and purpose
Raising thousands for eating disorder charities: Bodywhys (Ireland) and Beat (UK)
Micheál opens up about mental health, identity, recovery and the drive that led him from dark days to endurance events – and why the fight is far from over.
🔗 This podcast supports the themes in my book:
📕 The Pie Eating Man’s Guide to a Healthy Mind
Available on Amazon, or email me directly for a signed copy: pieeatingman@outlook.com
🫶 10% of profits support CarFest charities.
👇 LIKE | SHARE | SUBSCRIBE | COMMENT if this resonates – and help us spread the word to anyone who needs to hear: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
#MensMentalHealth #EatingDisorderRecovery #IronmanJourney #BodyImage #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastUK #ChewingTheCrust #LGBTQVoices #EnduranceSports #SelfWorth #Masculinity #DisorderedEating #MichaelCostello
🎧 Chewing the Crust – Episode 7: Laura Sugden survived a brutal, targeted attack with a crossbow. Her partner Shane Gilmer was tragically killed. She was five months pregnant. In this raw, personal interview, Laura shares the horror of that night — and how she’s using her story to fight for crossbow law reform in the UK.🟥 Trigger warning: Contains descriptions of violent crime, trauma, and bereavement.🎯 Topics: crossbow attack, survivor story, UK true crime, domestic violence, justice campaign, PTSD, grief, resilience, motherhood, system failure.🧠 Support if affected:My Black Dog – https://www.myblackdog.coSamaritans – 116 123 / https://samaritans.orgVictim Support – https://victimsupport.org.ukMind – https://mind.org.ukWomen’s Aid – https://womensaid.org.ukCALM – https://thecalmzone.netHub of Hope – https://hubofhope.co.uk🔗 Learn more or support Laura’s campaign: https://www.isonharrison.co.uk/blog/u...📲 Follow @thepieeatingman on Instagram | @MarkGrimes on Facebook#LauraSugden #ShaneGilmer #TrueCrimeUK #CrossbowLawReform #ChewingTheCrust #SurvivorStory #HowToSurvive #JusticeForShane #NetflixDoc #MentalHealthSupport
🎙 She Danced. She Lost. She Ran.Jo Lee’s Story: From Dance Teacher to Marathon MumWhat happens when life turns completely upside down — and you still have to show up?In this deeply moving episode of Chewing the Crust, host Mark Grimes sits down with Jo Lee, a former dance teacher turned single mother and marathon runner, to unpack a story of unshakable love, devastating loss, and unstoppable resilience.https://www.justgiving.com/page/curecask-aliceJo opens up about:💔 Living with and leaving an alcoholic partner👩👧 Raising her daughter Alice, who has a life-limiting genetic condition🏃♀️ Running marathons to cope, to fight, and to fundraise — sometimes alongside Olympic champions🎵 The heartbreak of watching Alice lose abilities, and the joy in her small victories❤️🩹 How fitness, friendship, and fierce determination became her survival toolsWhether you're a parent, a carer, or someone facing tough odds — Jo’s story will move you, motivate you, and maybe even get you moving.
🎙️ One Punch That Changed Everything | The Story of Scott Akester | One Punch Hull In this emotional and powerful episode, I sit down with Debbie and Steve Akester, whose lives were changed forever when their son Scott Akester was killed by a single, unprovoked punch on a night out in Hull. Scott was just 31 years old — a dad, a son, a friend, a big Hull City fan, and a man loved by many. His death sent shockwaves through his community, and the legal battle that followed was long, painful, and filled with injustice — including lies from the man responsible, and a cover-up by his family. But this is also a story of strength, resilience, and hope. Debbie and Steve have since created One Punch Hull, a charity that works to educate young people, prevent violence, and change laws around ‘one punch’ assaults. Their mission is simple: make sure no other family has to go through what they’ve lived through. 🎭 We also talk about the powerful new stage play based on their story, their upcoming book, and how they continue to honour Scott’s memory by making real change. 💬 This episode is emotional, inspiring, and important — please watch, share, and help raise awareness. 👇 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Who Scott was, and the life he lived The night everything changed The lies told in court and the long fight for justice Why they waited to hold Scott’s funeral The creation of One Punch Hull and its mission A play, a book, and a legacy that could save lives 🔗 Support & Learn More:
🎗️ One Punch Hull:
📖 Order the book: https: Scott's Story - https://amzn.eu/d/dfCoifs
🎭 Learn about the play: https://www.onepunchhull.com/post/our...
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In this episode of Chewing the Crust, I'm joined by the inspiring Glenn Parsons—a barrister from Leeds with a powerful story of resilience, identity, and justice.Glenn shares his journey from being adopted and growing up in 1980s Leeds, to leaving school without qualifications, working in a supermarket, and ultimately transforming his life through education. Now a successful barrister, Glenn opens up about the challenges he faced, his proudest moments in law, and how he’s working to make the legal profession more inclusive for people from underrepresented backgrounds.We also discuss his campaign to memorialise the all but forgotten Caribbean servicemen who bravely fought for Britain during WWII—including his own uncles—stationed on the Yorkshire Coast, whose stories have long been forgotten.Expect kindness, smiles, and insights into the difficulties of going through emotional legal situations, as we chew the crust of Glenn’s remarkable life.Hosted by: Mark Grimes aka The Pie-Eating ManPodcast: Chewing the Crust🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories.
🎙 Welcome to Chewing the Crust – The Podcast About Life’s Unexpected Twists and Turns! 🎙🎙 This Week I speak to Clare Greaves about her difficult start in life, alcohol, parties and how being homeless was the thing that changed everything for her. We discuss mental health forgiveness and the responsibilities of becomming a parent🎙This episode is a true example of grit, and determination. The recognition of the power of kindness and how this has led to being a community leader for many people who might otherwise be alone. Clare shares her very personal tale through the difficulties of growing up in a working class household, and the issues she experienced to do with her family. We talk eating disorders, and the value of therapy helping with the need to talk, and realise that not all bad experiences should carry blame.This one’s a shining of example of why we should never give up,. How comfort can be found in the simple things and the vale of being good to one another. Yet again my guest proves that no matter what life throws at you, there’s always a way forward. 🎧✨Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode! And if you prefer to listen on the go, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform—Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Let’s dive in and discover how to turn life’s challenges into opportunities! 🚀✨https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/
This week on Chewing the Crust, I’m joined by the one and only Andrew Jenkins—a man who’s survived life’s toughest blows and lived to spill the tea (and maybe some tit bits from his time on The Traitors Series 2).We dive into his old-school Welsh upbringing, the car crash that changed everything, and how the love for his son helped him fight his way back. From gym sessions to grit, heartbreak to healing, Andrew’s journey from trauma to triumph will hit you right in the feels.Plus: behind-the-scenes with Claudia Winkleman, his new life as a mental health advocate, and a few laughs along the way. This one’s raw, real, and seriously inspiring.Andrewjenkinsofficial (Instagram) Andrew Jenkins (Linkedin) www.andrewjenkins.co (Website)
🎙 Welcome to Chewing the Crust – The Podcast About Life’s Unexpected Twists and Turns! 🎙🍕🎙 This Week I speak to Steve Edney about his Journey of Love, Resilience & Pizza! 🎙🍕This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, resilience, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll! We talk family, fatherhood, and the unexpected twists life throws at us. Steve shares the deeply moving story of his wonderful wife and two sons, including the shock of discovering their son Max had brittle bones, the heartbreaking challenges that followed and how they navigated it all with strength and love.We also celebrate the kindness and compassion of their youngest son, chat about our mutual love of pizza, and—because life is full of surprises—I reveal the time I had a wild night in Ibiza with Shaun Ryder! 🎸🌴This one’s full of heart, humor, and proof that no matter what life throws at you, there’s always a way forward. Tune in now, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! 🎧✨Don’t forget to like, subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s dive in and discover how to turn life’s challenges into opportunities! 🚀✨ / steven.edney.37 / stevenedney www.pieeatingman.co.uk SuperMax surprising Chris Evans as mentioned in the video : https://na01.safelinks.protection.out...