

Don’t be afraid to Talk - Podcast with James Lumumba
James Lumumba
I believe if we are going to affect the change we must go back to the very basics, which for me, in essence, is Conversation. Talking and listening to one another is KEY for growth and with these conversations, I hope our stories will bring us together and draw inspiration from one another. This podcast aims to get you talking about your Mental Health, topics such as Mental and Physical Health, Suicidal Thoughts, Trauma, Recovery, and well-being, We hope to raise awareness and offer you a different perspective and mindset or an idea that could inspire you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 9, 2023 • 1h 5min
Emotional Intimacy & Nervous System with Katherine Smailis
Join me as I welcome Kat, an intimacy therapist and nervous system specialist for a thought-provoking conversation on emotional intimacy. Kat offers deep insights into how our emotional experiences are stored in our nervous system and how past experiences can continue to affect us if left unprocessed.
Listen in as we explore the fascinating concept of attraction and how it is influenced by our past experiences. We discuss how we are often attracted to the comforting qualities we recognize from our parents, and how this can lead to discomfort when we encounter a similar dynamic. We also discuss the human tendency to bottle up emotions instead of expressing them like animals and children, and how this energy can be moved in healthier ways. We conclude that meeting someone who triggers us is not necessarily bad, but rather an opportunity for personal growth.
Lastly, we dive into the importance of defining love and understanding what love looks like to us personally. Kat shares practical tips on how to build emotional intimacy and overcome shame, emphasizing the importance of understanding your own emotional needs to develop trust in your relationships. We wrap up the conversation by examining the role of fun activities and hobbies in leading a fulfilling life.
Follow Katherine Smailis
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kat_intimacytherapist/
WEBSITE: https://www.intimacyacademy.org/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@kat_intimacytherapist
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBj0_d8G3_2d8Ie5f6kv9lQ
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Jun 25, 2023 • 1h 40min
Healing from Abuse, Coming Out, and Finding Strength with Eden Robinson
Welcome to a powerful and raw conversation with the courageous Eden Robinson, who shares her story of overcoming childhood trauma and navigating her own sexual identity. Eden's journey takes us through the emotional and verbal abuse she endured from her mother, her father's neglect, and her mother's complicated relationship which impacted her sense of self, safety, and understanding of her sexuality. Through Eden's brave and honest storytelling, we explore the lasting effects of her parent's behavior and the path she's taken to heal and find her true identity.
In our discussion, we dive into Eden's coming out as a lesbian, her experience with therapy, and the significance of representation in media. The influence of Kate McKinnon's one-woman play on Eden's understanding of her sexuality shines a light on the importance of having relatable role models. As Eden shares her struggles with internalized shame, parental homophobia, and finding strength amidst adversity, we learn valuable insights about overcoming life's obstacles and embracing our authentic selves.
Join us in this emotional and inspiring episode, where we delve into healing from abusive parents, the role therapy and healthy role models have played in Eden's journey, and how she's managed to find happiness and overcome intrusive thoughts. You won't want to miss this heartfelt conversation, as Eden's story can provide hope and understanding for those facing their own challenges in life after trauma and discovering their true identity.
Follow Eden Robinson
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/writing.eden/
BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRQNZGRF?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Jun 18, 2023 • 54min
How Nutrition Healed My Multiple Sclerosis with Kate McDowell
Have you ever wondered if there's a way to recover from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) through natural health? Join us on this amazing episode as I sit down with Kate, a holistic nutritionist who shares her incredible journey of healing from MS. At the young age of 22, Kate was faced with the challenge of finding a solution outside traditional medicine, ultimately leading her to change her beliefs and focus on her nutrition.
Kate reveals how she took control of her health by making significant changes to her diet and incorporating holistic nutrition. You'll hear about her struggles,
successes, and the impact these changes have had on her life. We also touch on the importance of advocating for your own health and not simply accepting the "it's all in your head" response from doctors.
One fascinating aspect of our conversation is our exploration of quantum nutrition testing, a modality based on energy and frequency that taps into the body's innate intelligence. Kate shares some amazing success stories, demonstrating the power of natural health and holistic approaches in healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and hope in their own journey towards better health and well-being.
Follow Kate McDowell
WEBSITE: https://www.alignednaturalhealth.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kate.mcdowell.wellness/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AlignedNaturalHealth
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@alignednaturalhealth
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Jun 4, 2023 • 57min
A Journey Through Women's Sexual Health and Emotional Stability with Aoife Drury
What does it mean to truly understand women's sexual health and how does it connect to our mental well-being? Today, i'm joined by Aoife, a psychosexual and relationship therapist, to shed light on this often under-discussed yet vital aspect of women's lives. In our conversation, we explore the intricate world of women's sexual health and its connection to mental health, focusing on individual experiences and addressing the impact of sexual issues on self-esteem, anxiety, stress, and depression.
We also delve into societal expectations surrounding women's sexual well-being, touching on the importance of recognizing your sexual identity and the psychological aspects of self-care. Aoife guides us through the historical messages associated with the female orgasm, the impact of post-birth stress and body image on a woman's sexual well-being, and the topic of female pelvic pain. We discuss the myths and misconceptions about pelvic floor physiotherapy and the process of a satisfactory sexual experience for women.
As we navigate this enlightening conversation, Aoife emphasizes the importance of active listening and compassion in relationships, particularly when it comes to discussing sexual health. Together, we explore the power of active listening in creating an open and compassionate environment for sexual health conversations and offer tips on finding the right therapist for you. Don't miss this episode that tackles an often under-discussed but essential aspect of women's well-being.
Follow Aoife Drury:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drurytherapy/
WEBSITE: www.drurytherapy.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/drurysextherapy
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

May 14, 2023 • 1h 14min
Exploring Father Wounds: Causes, Symptoms, and Healing with Jennifer Nurick
Are you struggling with emotional regulation, difficulty expressing your emotions, or negative self-belief? It might be time to face your unresolved father wounds. In this episode, Jennifer, a clinical psychotherapist and energy healer, talks about the effects of father wounds on a child's development and how it can carry down through generations. She provides insights from her personal and professional experience, including discussing the impact of different family constellations, cultural structures, and the changing role of fathers in modern society. Jennifer also explores how intergenerational trauma and relational dynamics can contribute to father wounds and how to overcome them. Whether you're a father dealing with your own unresolved trauma or a child of a father who was emotionally absent, this episode will help you understand what you're going through and how to start the healing process. Topics Discussed: Father wounds, different family constellations, cultural structures, modern society, intergenerational trauma, coping mechanisms, therapy, relational dynamics.Connect with Jennifer Nurick: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/psychotherapy.central/WEBSITE: https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@psychotherapycentralFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/psychotherapy.centralIf you would like to share your story and helpinspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me forour conversation. Follow The Show: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/ Your Mental Health information line - IrelandMental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166Pieta House: 1800 247 247Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158Aware: 1800 80 48 48 Samaritans: 116 123LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

May 7, 2023 • 55min
Motherhood and Extreme Anxiety with Melissa Giller
How do we navigate the challenges of motherhood, anxiety, and finding our own path in life? Join me as I discuss these topics with Melissa, a personal development and life coach with a powerful story to share. Melissa's journey through motherhood and caregiving has been a transformational experience, driving her mission to have conversations about the reality of caregiving and the value society places on it.
Together, we explore the pressures women face in choosing whether to stay at home with their children or continue working and providing for their families. Melissa shares her personal story of transitioning from a consulting career to motherhood, and how she had to shift her identity and mindset in response. We also delve into the emotional and financial stress that comes with being a stay-at-home parent, and how we can balance the expectations of being the "perfect" mother with our own needs.
Follow Melissa Giller:
WEBSITE: https://melissagiller.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_giller/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.may27
BIO: https://bio.site/melissa_giller
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Apr 16, 2023 • 59min
Unpacking People Pleasing with Ilaria Petrucci
In this episode of the "Don't Be Afraid to Talk" podcast, James is joined by Ilaria, a trauma-informed coach, to discuss people-pleasing. The conversation explores the idea of honoring oneself in relationships, whether they be romantic, familial, or friendships. Ilaria emphasizes the importance of questioning whether a connection is real if one feels they cannot honor themselves in it. The episode aims to inspire listeners to take charge of their wellbeing and grow as human beings through conversation and listening.
Questions:
1. What is People pleasing?
2. What is at the root of people-pleasing?
3. What are the signs You Might Be a People-Pleaser
4. How can People Pleasing Hurt You?
5. How does this create nonhealthy relationship Patterns?
6. What is the distinction between Being Nice vs. Being a People-Pleaser
7. What People-Pleasing Looks Like
8. How to stop being a People Pleaser
Follow Ilaria Petrucci:
WEBSITE: https://ilariapetruccicoaching.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ilariapetrucci_coaching/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stoppleasingstartliving/
LINKTR: https://linktr.ee/Ilariacoaching
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Apr 2, 2023 • 57min
Loving someone with Bipolar Disorder with Raiya Iverson
Raiya is a Transitionist, Reiki Master & Energy Worker, Student Midwife, and Herbalist.
In this episode, Raiya shares her story of loving someone with a man with Bipolar Disorder
The loss it created and the forgiveness and love that it gained
💚
Follow Raiya Iverson:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/earthsideholistic/
WEBSITE: https://www.earthsideholistic.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EarthsideHolistic/
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/earthsideholistic
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others
or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS):
01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Mar 12, 2023 • 59min
Emotionally Immature Parents with Dr. Stephanie Carinia
How often do we consider the emotional image of a parent and the impact it has on a child's development? We had an incredible conversation with Stephanie Carlinia, a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist from the Netherlands, who provided valuable insights on this topic and more. From parentification to emotional immaturity, join us as we dive deep into the emotional aspects of parenting and their consequences on children.
Stephanie led us through a fascinating discussion on parentification and its symptoms, revealing how it can rob children of their joy and even lead to feelings of guilt. We also explored different types of emotionally immature parents, such as driven and passive parents, and the effects they may have on a child's self-worth and sense of security. Furthermore, Stephanie shared her thoughts on healing from parental rejection and the importance of becoming a better parent to our inner child first.
As we wrapped up our conversation, we touched on the concepts of reactive versus mature parenting, self-regulation, emotional safety, and the role of a therapist in the healing process. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Stephanie encourages us all to reflect on our own parenting styles and prioritize emotional well-being for both ourselves and our children. Don't miss this insightful and transformative episode with Stephanie Carlinia.
In this episode we speak about the 4 Types of Parenting types:
The Emotional Type of Parent
The Driven Type Parent
The Passive Type Parent
The Rejecting Type of Parent
What does each look like and How you can start working on each
Follow Dr. Stephanie Carinia:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/psychologiststephanie/
WEBSITE: https://www.psychologiststephanie.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/psychologiststephanie
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539

Mar 5, 2023 • 1h 3min
Living with obsessive compulsive disorder with Simon Rinne
Living with mental illness sucks! It’s draining, stigmatising, and scary. It impacts our well-being, our relationships, our focus and drive. Because I’ve lived with mental illness for over 30 years. Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Burnout are all challenges I’ve been working through over the years… and I still am!
Simons share is a personal story about living with OCD
Importance of Talking about Mental Relationship with Alcohol
Simon is also Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Follow Simon Rinne:
WEBSITE: https://mindful-men.com.au/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus
If you would like to share your story and help inspire others or have a perspective on Mental Health, please contact me for our conversation.
Follow The Show:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dontbeafraidtotalk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Dontbeafraidtotalk/
WEBSITE: https://www.podpage.com/dontbeafraidtotalkpodcast/
Your Mental Health information line - Ireland
Mental Health Ireland: 01 284 1166
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Suicide or Survive (SOS): 01 272 2158
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Samaritans: 116 123
LGBT Ireland: 1800 929 539