From All Walks Of Life To Discuss Everything Mental Health

Hello! My name is Daniel John and I run the You, Me & Anxiety podcast.

From as long as I remember I've been a fairly anxious and sensitive guy. During my teenage years my anxiety really 'flourished' and after a whirlwind first term at university, I finally decided to work on my mental health.

Before getting professional help, I spent a lot of time researching anxiety online. The main thing that stood out was how 'negative' and hopeless many forums felt. People would talk about their problems but very, very rarely come back to explain how they helped and improved their life. This resulted in 100s of very uninspiring and sad forums across the internet on mental health.

So, I decided it would be worthwhile to create a new 'forum' called You, Me & Anxiety, where people can share their stories, be as honest as they like but always end them with 'Three things I learnt from this experience'. This way I hoped the reader would come away feeling a bit more inspired and educated.

At first it was just me writing blogs but soon enough I had people around the world submitting their own stories and experiences. I soon realised that a podcast would help reach more people and do even more to help reduce the stigma around mental.

Thus, the You, Me & Anxiety podcast was born. I've been lucky to speak to a wide range of people covering topics from social media to autism to dating. I try to make the episodes both informative and light hearted, focussing on the personal stories of others as well as speaking to mental health professionals. COVID did put the breaks on the podcast but I've recently made time to get back to it, with episodes coming out at least once a fortnight.

The listenership for the podcast ranges but it is most popular with 23-35 year olds.

I've been a huge podcast consumer for many years and had always wanted to do my own. It wasn't until I created the You, Me & Anxiety project back in 2018 that I found a reason to start a podcast.

The goal of the podcast is to simply help reduce the stigma around mental health, give people reassurance that they aren't the only ones struggling and hopefully provide a few laughs here and there.

The origins of the podcast began in December 2018 when I sold You, Me & Anxiety merchandise to raise the funds for podcasting equipment. The first recording wasn't completed until May 2019 and went live July that year. I had zero experience in using recording equipment or software so I learnt as I went along.

Prior to COVID-19 I was releasing an episode maybe once or twice a month. I had always been firm in wanting to do the podcasts in person, due to the subject matter, but have now accepted that with all that's going on, virtual recordings are best. I am now aiming to release episodes at least every fortnight.

I spend maybe an hour beforehand researching the guest and creating the direction/questions for the podcast. Editing tends to take 2 hours and then I create social media videos/images to promote the episode.

I do have a day job so finding time can sometimes be a little tricky. Previously I would record episodes on the weekends, with guests coming to my flat. But now recording online does make that easier!

I currently spend zero money on marketing and fund the podcast (software, website etc) from my own money.

The podcast has no sponsorship, it's not something I've explored. Being a podcast on mental health I would have to be very careful with any service/product sponsorship. If I could find the right sponsor however, that would go a long way to helping fund the podcast and website.

From a non-financial perspective I gain plenty. I get to sit down with interesting people and talk about a subject I'm incredibly passionate about. I've also made friends and broaden my network from doing the show. Also having received messages from people thanking me for doing the podcast as it's helped them understand their own mental health or made them feel less alone, that is pretty amazing!

I use a Firewire mixer, two Behringer XM8500 mics and then edit with Adobe Audition.

I find guests through my network, social media, going to mental health events and any other way I can think of!

In preparation I do any research I can on the guest - if they have a website, written articles, been on a different podcast etc. I then write up what questions I'd like to ask and develop a general direction I'd like the podcast to follow. I do however try to flow with conversation and see where it takes us.

I prefer to interview in person but due to the world's current circumstances most episodes are now being recorded remotely.

Listeners tend to hear and find out about the show from social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn). Unfortunately the hosting platform I use (Whooshkaa) has recently put detailed lifetime stats behind a paywall so I can no longer see exactly where the listeners are being sourced from!

Biggest thing is getting started, I am somewhat of a perfectionist and therefore focused heavily on the equipment I needed before actually recording!

From a host perspective, try your very hardest to silently nod as your guest speaks, rather than saying 'mmhm' or 'yep'. It never sounds great when the host is constantly making those noises!

In regards to resources I would recommend Mike Russell's YouTube channel for tips and advise on post-production: youtube.com/user/musicradiocreative

Website: youmeandanxiety.co.uk
Insta: youmeandanxiety_
Facebook: facebook.com/YouMeAndAnxiety1
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/you-me-anxiety
Twitter: @YouMeAndAnxiety
Email: youmeandanxiety@outlook.com