In an industry often defined by image, performance, and pressure, talking about mental health can feel daunting. But here in Nottingham, a community of musicians is breaking through that silence– and the NottAlone Podcast is giving them the space to do it...
NottAlone hosts Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green with (from l-r) Alex Mighten, Alex 'Motormouf' Young and Jourdan 'Jah Digga' Blair
Aiming to normalise mental health conversations, especially around the tougher topics, the podcast invites local voices to share their personal stories with mental health - the struggles, the healing, and everything in between. Through open and honest conversation, NottAlone seeks to break down stigma and encourage others to speak about how they’re really feeling, reinforcing the message that you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
“We want to reach people who may feel isolated, unsure how to talk about their mental health, or those supporting someone and wondering what to do and where to go for support” says Dr. Órlaith Green, Educational Psychologist, co-host and co-founder of NottAlone.
Now in its second series, the podcast has welcomed well-known Nottingham artists including Alex Young (Motormouf), Jourdan Blair (Jah Digga) and Alex Mighten (formerly Karizma). From grief and addiction to fatherhood, growth and self-discovery, series two is breaking the silence around topics that many find uncomfortable to talk about. Each guest brings a unique perspective, sharing deeply personal reflections on how mental health has shaped their lives and their art.
“Musicians have a unique ability to connect through emotion and storytelling; it’s a kind of superpower” adds Órlaith.
Motormouf’s episode, in particular, struck a deep chord with listeners and hosts alike. Speaking candidly about his personal journey of losing friends to suicide and the complex grief that follows. In his music, Alex revealed, his lyrics are rooted in lived experience, and music as a creative expression has helped him to navigate pain and find healing.
“Trauma shapes your artistry,” he said, “But it also shapes your perspective on life. That’s why I’m so passionate about mental health, it’s touched me personally on so many levels.”
Jah Digga echoed this sentiment, reflecting on his journey through coping with gambling addiction in episode two of this season. His episode was inspired by his track Addictions, which deeply moved Dr. Maddi Popoola, Educational Psychologist, co-host and co-founder of NottAlone.
“I hunted him down and got him on the podcast after listening to that track.” Maddi laughs. “The honesty and rawness of Jah’s work really opened my eyes and struck me as something that so many people would relate to.” said Maddi.
Jah’s openness on the podcast has helped him to reflect more deeply on his own journey and the responsibility he feels as an artist to uplift and inspire. “If I’ve got people listening, and taking my word for gospel, especially young people, I want my message to be positive. Opening up about my gambling and addiction journey on the podcast has made me reflect on what’s really going on deep down. It’s complex and it matters to help me on the journey to be my best self.”
Órlaith adds, “Someone who’s in a dark place may feel shame and may not know how to talk about it. But they’ll listen to a song like Jah’s, and it’ll resonate with them. They’ll feel seen. That connection, hearing their own emotions reflected back at them is incredibly powerful.”
These are the kinds of conversations NottAlone is proud to give a platform to, conversations that move people, celebrate vulnerability, challenge stigma, and build community.
“We’re creating a space where mental health is talked about openly, without shame” says Maddi. “It’s about connection, solidarity, and hope.”
One of NottAlone’s earliest contributors, Alex Mighten, has been involved since the beginning, even writing and performing the NottAlone Podcast theme music. His recent interview explored men’s mental health, ego, imposter syndrome, and the pressures surrounding fatherhood and identity.
“It was a restorative process for me,” Alex shares, “Music and writing have always been my outlet. There’s power in words.”
With series two now streaming and series three already in the works, the NottAlone Podcast continues to grow as a platform for real conversation, emotional connection, and meaningful change.
You can listen wherever you get your podcasts or visit the NottAlone website to find the latest episode, extra resources and connections to free mental health support services.
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