Sometimes the most powerful change begins with a conversation.

On 10 October, we mark World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme feels particularly important:

“Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.”

And that sits beautifully at the heart of my conversation with Dawn Evans.

Dawn is passionate about bringing people together, creating connection and changing the way we think and talk about mental health and wellbeing.

But talking is only the beginning.

It’s about listening to lived experience. Learning from one another. Creating spaces where people genuinely feel heard. And, importantly, turning those conversations into action.

Because perhaps real change begins when we stop simply asking people to share their stories — and start asking:

What can we learn from them, and what are we going to do differently?

Thank you, Dawn, for your passion, your energy and for continuing to create spaces where real voices can help create real change. ❤️



#73 Dawn Evans – Changing the Narrative

Some conversations remind us of the extraordinary power of simply being ourselves.

In this wonderfully honest episode of the Just Meee Podcast, poet and spoken-word artist Evrah Rose shares how writing helped her make sense of her life, find her voice and ultimately connect with and help others.

Evrah talks openly about growing up feeling different, the pressures of fitting in, the power of our emotions and why the words we use—to ourselves and to others—really matter.

This is more than a conversation about poetry. It’s about identity, self-belief, trusting yourself and recognising that, as Evrah so beautifully puts it:

“There’s a gift in standing out.”

Perhaps we should all ask ourselves:

What might happen if, instead of trying to fit in, we celebrated what makes us different?

Thank you, Evrah, for your honesty, your energy and for reminding us that words really can change lives—and the magic is in helping others. ❤️

#72 Evrah Rose – There's a Gift in Standing Out

Some conversations are difficult to have, but they are often the ones we need most.

In this deeply moving episode of the Just Meee Podcast, Lisa Kenevan shares the story of her much-loved son, Isaac, and how unimaginable heartbreak has become a powerful force for change. Through courage, compassion and determination, Lisa is helping parents, schools and communities better understand the hidden dangers that can exist online.

This is more than a conversation about social media. It's about protecting childhood, listening to our children, and creating a safer future for every family.

As you listen, perhaps leave with one simple question:

How do we create a world where children are free to simply be children?

Thank you, Lisa, for your honesty, your courage, and for ensuring that Isaac's legacy will help protect children for generations to come. ❤️

#71 Lisa Kenevan – Isaac's Legacy: Every Child Deserves to Be Safe

Social media is rarely out of the headlines, and increasingly it's because of concerns about the impact it is having on our children and young people.

In this deeply moving episode of the Just Meee Podcast, Stuart Stephens shares the story of his son, Olly, a bright, kind and much-loved 13-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in 2021. The events leading up to Olly's murder exposed the powerful influence that online interactions and harmful content can have in the real world, raising difficult questions for families, schools, technology companies and society as a whole.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define their lives, Stuart and his wife Amanda have chosen to turn heartbreak into hope. Through sharing Olly's story, they are helping parents, educators and young people better understand the risks of the online world and the importance of open conversations, early intervention and stronger protections for children.

This is a powerful, emotional and thought-provoking conversation. It reminds us that behind every headline is a family forever changed, and that creating a safer world for our children is a responsibility we all share.

Thank you, Stuart, for your courage, honesty and determination to ensure that Olly's legacy helps protect future generations.



#70 Stuart Stephens: Olly's Legacy: Turning Heartbreak into Hope

⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses online grooming, child exploitation, and the loss of a child.

Some conversations stay with you long after they end. This is one of them.

In this deeply moving episode, Lorin LaFave shares the story of her son Breck Bednar, a bright, kind, and talented 14-year-old who was tragically groomed online and murdered in 2014.

Out of unimaginable heartbreak, Lorin has dedicated her life to protecting other families through the work of the Breck Foundation, helping young people, parents, and schools better understand online safety and exploitation.

This is a conversation about grief, courage, connection, and the responsibility we all share to create a safer world for children.

As Lorin reminds us, conversations can save lives.

Thank you, Lorin, for your bravery, honesty, and determination to turn pain into purpose.

#69 Lorin LaFave – Let Them Be Children

I’ve often wondered what shapes a great leader — and whether it’s something you’re born with, or something you grow into.

What I love about this conversation with Jacqui is the honesty in her journey. School wasn’t easy for her. Learning felt stressful, and she struggled at times to find her place. And yet, through belief, determination, and a desire to make a difference, she went on to earn a degree and become CEO of a multi-academy trust.

Jacqui didn’t go into education for status or recognition. She went into it, as she beautifully says, “to see the joy in other people’s faces.” That says everything.

She is a passionate advocate for second chances and reminds us that education should be about more than passing tests — it should be about people, personality, and potential.

At the heart of her story is a simple but powerful belief: “I always believe I can.”

And maybe that’s the magic ingredient we all need.

Listen to this episode to hear from a leader who truly leads with heart.

#68 Jacqui Le Maitre – Leading with Heart

What does it really take to become an Olympic Gold Medallist?

Not just the medals… but the mindset, the discipline, and the resilience behind it all.

In this episode of the Just Meee Podcast, Sophie Capewell MBE shares an honest and refreshing insight into her journey, what it takes, what it feels like, and what comes next once you’ve reached the very top.

From early inspiration through her family, to the relentless commitment required at elite level, Sophie reminds us that talent alone isn’t enough.

You have to turn up.
You have to put the work in.
And you have to keep going, especially when it’s tough.

What really stood out for me was Sophie’s perspective:
“Sport has such a big purpose.”

It’s not just about performance, it’s about understanding yourself, trusting your instincts, and becoming the best version of who you can be.

Whether you’re into sport or not, this is a conversation about life...growth, belief, and showing up when it matters most.



#67 Sophie Capewell – "True Gold"

Rebecca Adlington – The Magic Ingredient

What is the magic ingredient behind lasting success?

In this month's Just Meee podcast, Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington OBE reminds us that it isn’t talent alone, it’s belief, resilience, and the people who back you when no one else can see the finish line.

From winning double gold in Beijing at just 19 to building Swim! A national learn-to-swim movement tackling the UK’s childhood water safety crisis, Becky’s journey is about far more than medals. It’s about purpose beyond the podium.

She speaks openly about family support, impostor syndrome, business struggles, miscarriage, and motherhood, and how those experiences reshaped her understanding of success.

If there’s a Magic Ingredient in Becky’s story, it’s this: showing up with heart. For your family. For your community. For the next generation.

Because real gold isn’t always what hangs around your neck, sometimes it’s what you build for others.

#66 Rebecca Adlington – The Magic Ingredient 

The more I listen to stories like Paul Pook’s, the more I realise how powerful it is when someone turns pain into purpose.

This deeply moving and honest conversation with Paul, CEO and founder of Tackle 360 and Tackle Suicide, is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can still find a way through.

Paul shares how rugby gave him self-esteem and belonging after a difficult childhood, and how a career in elite sport eventually collided with hidden brain injuries, depression, and years of suicidal thoughts. With extraordinary courage, he speaks about living with disrupted emotional circuitry, the impact of concussion, and the long road back to himself.

What makes this episode so special is not just Paul’s vulnerability, it’s his compassion. Out of his own struggle, he created Tackle Suicide, an initiative dedicated to prevention, connection, and reminding people that they are not alone.

As Paul so beautifully shows us, healing isn’t linear. It’s about reaching in, staying connected, and believing that tomorrow can be different from today.

And when asked to describe himself in one word, Paul chose: “Grateful.”

Wow. That says everything.

Thank you, Paul, for your honesty, your courage, and for reminding us all that there is always hope.



#65 Paul Pook – There’s Always Hope!

“What if the most powerful thing we do this year… is choose to begin again?”

As we step into 2026, this episode is a moment to pause and reflect, on the lives that inspired us, the people who shaped us, and the stories that live on.

From icons like Jane Goodall and Cleo Laine, to everyday heroes like Chris and Sarra Hoy, this is a reminder that legacy isn’t just what we leave behind, it’s what we build, share, and live each day.

This isn’t just a look back, it’s a call to look forward.
To live with purpose.
To be kind.
To write the next chapter, intentionally.

Let’s begin.
 #Podcast #JustMeee #Legacy #LookingAhead #Storytelling #Inspiration #Purpose #Hope #Kindness #MeeeMoments

#64 – Looking Ahead: Stories to Carry Us Forward

Sid Madge (@meee2020) · Zencastr

Sid Madge (@meee2020)

We're all celebrities in our own worlds. 'Just Meee' celebrates the extraordinary in everyday people who have managed to tough it out and be amazing. We hear from mums, dads, daughters and sons on how they've made it, and make it, through the hazards and highlights of this thing we call life. It's an honour to hear from them and we hope you enjoy their journeys...

Just Meee!