Alastair Campbell is one of the most influential figures in modern British politics – best known as Tony Blair’s former Downing Street Press Secretary and a driving force behind New Labour’s rise to power. But behind the political headlines lies a decades-long journey through breakdown, depression, and recovery.

In this deeply honest conversation, Alastair joins Harry to explore how his experience of psychosis and mental illness has shaped his life – and why openness, not silence, remains his only rule.

Together, they discuss his first-hand experiences of breakdown, suic*dal ideation, and the different elements that have played in his recovery. Alastair reflects on his brother Donald’s schizophrenia, the stigma still surrounding serious mental illness, and what needs to change to make suicide prevention a national priority.

From the police officers who saved his life, to how he’s learned to rate his mental health every morning on a 1–10 scale, this is a rare and powerful insight into one of Britain’s most outspoken mental health advocates.

He also shares how his writing, music, and football obsession keep him grounded – and why, even after decades of progress, we still haven’t built a society that is progressing enough in mental health.

He speaks candidly about:

- His first experience of mental illness in childhood

- His brother Donald’s schizophrenia and the power of acceptance

- The psychotic breakdown that changed everything – and the police officers who saved his life

- Addiction, recovery, and learning to manage depression through self-awareness

- Suic*de, loss, and the importance of meaning in recovery

- How workplaces and governments can better prevent suicide

- Why language still matters – and how society can stop fuelling shame around mental illness

- The mental health impact of climate change, AI, and social media

- His daily mental health scale and how openness became his rule for living

Question The Default is created by Harry Corin, in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – challenging the societal defaults that stop us from talking, feeling, and living freely.

👤 Follow Host Harry CorinLinkedIn – Harry CorinInstagram – @harry.corin

🔗 Follow Question The DefaultInstagram – @questionthedefaultpodTikTok – @questionthedefaultpodLinkedIn – Question The Default Podcast

🎤 Follow Guest Alastair CampbellInstagram – @alastaircampbell

This episode discusses sensitive topics including mental health, addiction, and suic*de.

Please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so.

If you need support, help is available:

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.net

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org

Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.uk

Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.org

If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

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

Chris Hughes first became a household name on Love Island (and more recently Big Brother) – but behind the rise to fame came battles with anxiety, public scrutiny, and the pressure to hold it all together.

In this honest and open conversation, Chris joins Harry to reflect on what life in the spotlight really did to his mental health, how he coped with the highs and crushing lows of reality TV, and why showing emotion has become his biggest act of strength.

He speaks candidly about:

• The toll of fame and being judged by millions overnight

• The ripple effects of kindness – including a message from Liam Payne that stayed with him

• Finding resilience in vulnerability, not silence

• His brother’s cancer diagnosis and how it reshaped his perspective

• The unexpected love story that’s bringing him joy today

A raw and human conversation that challenges what we think we know about masculinity, fame, and strength – and a reminder that bottling it up always comes at a cost.

Question The Default is in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably.

👤 Follow Host Harry Corin

💼 LinkedIn – Harry Corin

📸 Instagram – @harry.corin

🔗 Follow Question The Default

📸 Instagram – @questionthedefaultpod

🎧 TikTok – @questionthedefaultpod

💼 LinkedIn – Question The Default Podcast

🎤 Follow Guest Chris Hughes

📸 Instagram – @chrishughesofficial

🎧 TikTok – @chrishughesofficial

This episode discusses sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. We understand this can be distressing or triggering, so please take care of yourself and only listen if you feel safe to do so. If you need support, crisis resources and helpful links are below:

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.net

Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm) or visit mind.org.uk

Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) or visit giveusashout.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

For listeners outside the UK, visit findahelpline.com for international support lines.

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

Question The Default is a podcast that challenges the unspoken rules and harmful norms shaping modern life.

Host Harry Corin is joined by guests from sport, entertainment, politics, and academia as they explore some of the biggest issues we face today. From mental health, masculinity, and addiction to the growing impact of AI on our health, the series responds to the headlines and conversations shaping the world right now.

Too many of our struggles persist because we accept “that’s just the way things are.” This series challenges that – opening up honest conversations about what it really takes to move forward.

Created in partnership with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), Question The Default goes beyond awareness to uncover the systems, stories, and beliefs that need to change.

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