In this incredibly raw and inspiring episode, Sam sits down with Jessie Jeff—paramedic, husband, father, and proud Romani gypsy—whose life story is a testament to resilience, honesty, and hard-won healing. From growing up with no qualifications and navigating a traditional culture, to coming out and overcoming deep personal battles with mental health, Jessie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to be true to yourself.
Together, Sam and Jessie open up about identity, stigma, discrimination, and the internal battles so many face in silence. If you've ever felt like you didn’t belong, like you were living a life that wasn’t really yours, or like the weight of judgment was too much to bear—this conversation is for you. 🌈💬
A link to Jesse's article in The Sun:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/35167613/gay-gypsy-dad-shunned/
⏰ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & icebreaker
02:00 – Jessie’s early life & struggles in school
06:00 – Dreams of becoming a paramedic
09:00 – Living as a gay man in a traditional culture
14:00 – Facing bullying and stigma
20:00 – Mental health crisis & recovery
27:00 – Rebuilding life, love & family
36:00 – Owning your identity & staying true to yourself
42:00 – The power of talking & checking in
💚 If you're struggling, please reach out. You are never alone.
Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk
Shout (24/7 text support) – https://giveusashout.org
Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net
🔗 Stay Connected & Support the Show
🌐 Website: https://www.airingitoutpodcast.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airingitpod/
🎧 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/HQkP3
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@airingitpod
☕ Support: https://buymeacoffee.com/airingitoutpodcast
🎥 Produced by iBenjamin Creative
🏷️ Tags
#JessieJeff, #MentalHealth, #LGBTQStories, #RomaniVoices, #ComingOutJourney, #OvercomingStigma, #ParamedicLife, #IdentityAndBelonging, #AiringItOutPodcast, #MentalHealthSupport, #YouAreNotAlone, #MindUK, #SHOUT85258, #Samaritans, #CALMzone, #PodcastInterview, #InspiringStories, #SelfAcceptance, #TalkAboutIt, #RealConversations
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