In this emotional and inspiring episode of Inspired Men Talk, Graham Baker shares his journey from police officer to full-time photographer, while navigating immense personal challenges. Graham opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his baby daughter during childbirth and how the grief affected his mental health, leading to years of depression. As a father, he reflects on the difficulty of processing such a loss, while feeling societal pressure to stay strong.

Graham found healing through StrongMen, a charity supporting men dealing with bereavement. A transformative walk up Mount Snowdon helped him reset his life and find new purpose. Today, Graham is thriving in his photography career and gives back by supporting others through StrongMen’s initiatives. His story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of finding the right support.

Tune in to hear how Graham turned personal tragedy into strength and now helps other men do the same.

In this powerful episode, Casey Parram walks us through his life journey, from abandonment and emotional struggles to building a successful business and becoming a father. With an open heart, he shares how his experiences of loss, his turbulent football career, and, later, the challenges of fatherhood all shaped his personal and professional life. Now a successful business coach, Casey uses his past to help others find balance, clarity, and fulfilment.

Timeline of Key Events:

• Childhood:
  Casey grew up without his biological father, leading to deep feelings of abandonment. At 16, his mother’s divorce from his stepfather intensified these emotions, leading to rebellious behaviour and difficulty processing his trauma.
• Teen Years (16):
  Casey’s bad attitude affected his promising football career. Conflicts with coaches and a lack of focus due to personal struggles led him to walk away from the sport, despite his natural talent.
• Early Adulthood (18-20):
  After being rejected by Oxford University, Casey left education behind and dove into entrepreneurship. He sought out successful mentors, interning and eventually starting his own businesses, striving to prove himself.
• Fatherhood (22):
  Becoming a father at 22 was a pivotal moment. Casey struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment, which led him to seek therapy to address the emotional wounds from his childhood and improve his relationship with his son.
• Personal Growth (Mid-20s):
  Therapy helped Casey confront his fear of rejection and abandonment, which had affected his business and personal relationships. This shift allowed him to step back from overworking, prioritize family, and redefine success on his terms.
• Current Life:
  Now a fractional CMO and business coach, Casey helps entrepreneurs align their business goals with personal fulfilment. His focus is on achieving work-life balance and emotional clarity, ensuring success in both business and personal life.

In this podcast episode titled "Don't Lose Hope," the hosts of Inspired Men Talk interview Dominic Brister, a former teacher turned charity founder, who shares his inspiring journey and the creation of the organisation Don't Lose Hope. After witnessing the lack of mental health support for children, Dominic left his 15-year teaching career to fully dedicate himself to this cause. The charity, based in Lincolnshire, supports mental health through a community garden, café, and counselling services, offering a safe space for people of all ages. Dominic discusses the power of community, how physical activity and purpose improve mental well-being, and the importance of creating environments where men feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. His personal experiences of loss and resilience, coupled with his unique approach to empowering others, form the heart of this impactful conversation.

Tune in to hear a compelling story about transformation, hope, and the power of talking, even when it feels hardest.