This is How AyeFeel

Welcome back to Fae The Source!  
We're back with a brand-new series, a fresh vibe, and our new presenter Mark Thorburn leading the chat! Join Mark, as he shares laughs, stories, and lived experiences about everything that impacts young people, their mental health and wellbeing, and masculinity in Scotland. 
 
This episode Mark is joined by personal trainer and online coach Jack Valentine. Jack shares with us the value of joining a sports team for your mental wellbeing, his story of dealing with anxiety, and so much more! 
 
 Subscribe to Young Scot to keep up to date - https://www.youtube.com/@young_scot?sub_confirmation=1
For information on mental health support visit our AyeFeel page: https://young.scot/ayefeel 
 
Timestamps:
 
00:00 Welcome to Fae the Source
00:19 Meet Jack Valentine
01:03 Team Sport and Belonging
02:54 Off Pitch Support
04:03 Loss and Looking Out
07:30 Breaking the Tough Guy Myth
09:46 Jack’s Anxiety Story
11:52 How Sport Helped
13:22 Gym Community Matters
14:19 Social Media Body Pressure
16:06 Balanced Fitness Lifestyle
17:09 Teen Body Image Struggles
19:07 Advice For Young People
20:41 Helping A Mate Open Up
22:20 You're Not Alone Stories
25:38 Check In On Friends
26:04 Final Message And Resources

Welcome back to Fae The Source!
 
We're back with a brand-new series, a fresh vibe, and our new presenter Mark Thorburn leading the chat! Join Mark, as he shares stories, laughs and lived experiences around topics and themes that impact young people, their mental health, and wellbeing.
 
This episode Mark is joined by Scottish musician Archie CW ( @archiecwmusic ), together they discuss blowing up on TikTok, the pressures that come with that, and remembering to stay true to yourself, no matter what.
 
Subscribe to Young Scot to keep up to date: https://www.youtube.com/@young_scot?sub_confirmation=1
 
For information on mental health support visit our AyeFeel page: https://young.scot/ayefeel
 
#YoungScot #FaeTheSource #AyeFeel #MentalHealth #Masculinity #PopMusic #YoungArtist #ScottishMusic
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:30 Meet Archie the Musician
01:16 Why Pop Music
02:19 Handling Criticism
04:41 Be Yourself Online
05:40 Masculinity in Music
07:42 Self Care for Creatives
09:00 Public Attention and Safety
11:58 Turning Negativity into Fuel
13:17 Dealing with Rejection
17:39 Backflip Injury Story
20:09 Mindset on Stage
22:39 Being a Role Model
27:06 Archie's Advice to Nervous Musicians
28:34 New Music and Tour Plans
29:42 Final Thoughts and Support

In this episode, Gray Crosbie opens up about how they use poetry to explore their trans andnon-binary identity, the challenges of finding words that fit, and the impact of being seen andheard. They talk about the pressures of language, how mis-gendering affects mentalwellbeing, and how writing has helped them process their experiences and support otherswho might feel alone. It’s a conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the power ofcreative self-expression to heal, connect and transform.

In this episode, Dorian T. Fisk & Freddie Ocity share how drag - andspecifically their inclusive drag‑king workshops and online course via Shut Up and King - canbe more than performance. It can be a powerful way to explore identity, build confidence andsupport mental wellbeing. They talk honestly about what it means to “Free Your Inner King,”why drag is accessible to anyone regardless of gender, disability or background, and howembracing creativity and self‑expression helped many reclaim their sense of self. Whetheryou’ve ever thought about drag or are just curious, this chat celebrates authenticity, art, andthe strength found in showing up as you truly are.

In this episode, Louis and Hitesh (the dynamic duo behind Two Shades of Funny) share howcomedy became a space to explore identity, process tough moments and connect withothers who might be struggling too.
With plenty of laughs and real talk, Two Shades of Funny open up about the power ofhumour, the challenges behind the scenes, and how embracing your story - the light bits andthe heavy bits - can be a game-changer for your mental health.

In this episode, Muminah Koleoso takes us through her remarkable journey - from studyingComputer Science and Maths in Edinburgh to becoming a multi-award-winning writer,content creator and advocate for Black and Muslim women in Scotland. She explores howstorytelling became a way to unpack identity, culture, belonging and mental health, and howshowing up in spaces where you’re under-represented can build both resilience andcommunity. Whether you’re into writing, activism or just navigating your own path, this is apowerful conversation about finding your voice, standing in your truth and connectingthrough what you create.

In this episode, Alec “Leccyspec” Craigie takes us behind the scenes of the esports world,sharing how casting matches - that is, commentating live on competitive gaming events -gave him more than just a career path. It boosted his confidence and supported his mentalhealth.
Alec chats about studying in Scotland’s first esports degree programme, the ups and downsof breaking into the industry and how discovering his voice in the commentary pit changedhow he sees himself. Whether you’re into gaming or not, this is a real talk about finding yourlane and using what you love as a way to feel stronger.

In this episode, Chanel O’Conor opens up about island life, finding drag as a powerful form of self-expression, and the mental health challenges and triumphs along the way. Through humour, honesty and a whole lot of heart, Chanel shares how embracing her identity helped her feel grounded, confident and connected. Tune in for a real, uplifting conversation about belonging, creativity and learning to take up space no matter where you come from.
 
Find more information and support around mental health and wellbeing on our AyeFeel homepage: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeel

Content warning: this episode discusses details of medical procedures and surgeries. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice.From quitting nursing to creating mental wellbeing content online. We chat with Hadia Aslam about dealing with chronic pain and her online platform where she shares authentic content about mental health. You might recognise Hadia from TikTok or Instagram as @thelifeofhadia. So let’s get into it!

Content warning: this episode mentions suicidal thoughts, resources are shared at the bottom of this description.This podcast is all about having open and honest conversations focused on emotional wellbeing. For today's episode, we chat to Anton all about body image and the highs and lows of being in your 20s. You might know Anton from his appearances on Love Island or his fitness content online. So let's get into it. Learn more about AyeFeel: https://young.scot/campaigns/ayefeelIf you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide:Call Childline for free on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 999.