Talking Stigma with Gareth Thomas

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion around suicide.  In this episode of the Tackle HIV Talking Stigma Podcast, Gareth Thomas is joined by Jason Fox, or ‘Foxy,’ known for his Special Forces background and as directing staff on ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins.’ Foxy shares his experiences with mental health challenges post-military service and highlights how openness and support play key roles in overcoming personal battles and...

During National HIV Testing Week 2024, which coincided with the Six Nations, Gareth Thomas took part in powerful panel discussion on the importance of HIV testing and overcoming stigma.

To raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing, Gareth was joined by an inspiring group of people, including Richard Angell, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust; former England rugby player Nolli Waterman; Dr. Nneka Nwokolo, leading HIV clinician;...

Gareth Thomas is joined by World Champion swimmer Mark Foster. Mark competed at the highest level for Great Britain at five different Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games. He now has a very successful career as a commentator, TV personality, public speaker, and charity campaigner. In this episode, we discuss the stigma around homosexuality in sport and society, with Gareth and Mark discussing their experiences ...

Episode 7 - Tackling Stigma with Lina Nielsen

Gareth Thomas is joined by professional athlete Lina Nielsen. Lina competes at the highest level for Great Britain in the 400m hurdles, being the European under 20s champion, and is currently ranked in the world’s top 20, whilst living and competing with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, Lina and Gareth discuss fighting public perceptions of both MS and HIV, the i...

Episode 6 - Tackling Mental Health stigma with Frank Bruno

Gareth Thomas and Craig Doyle are joined by retired professional boxer and former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. Throughout his life and career, Frank has faced challenges and fought against stigma surrounding mental health, which led him to start the Frank Bruno Foundation. In this episode, Frank talks about the importance of being respectful, keeping calm and staying i...

Special Episode: Can Sport Help Bring Positive Social Change?

The week before the Lions departure for the 2021 tour, we sat down for a special live edition of the Talking Stigma podcast with Gareth Thomas,  World Cup winners Bryan Habana & Nolli Waterman, Craig Doyle and ViiV Healthcare’s Helen McDowell.

As well as the ultimate rugby challenge, the Lions tour provides an ideal backdrop and ...

Episode 5: Tackling Stigma with Katie Piper

Gareth and Craig are joined by best-selling author, inspirational speaker, activist, and television presenter Katie Piper. In 2008, Katie survived an acid attack. 

Since then Katie has produced multiple documentaries, created her own foundation, the “Katie Piper Foundation”, and become a role model and campaigner for acid attack survivors across the country.

Whether it’s her...

Episode 4: Tackling Disability Stigma with Hannah Cockcroft

The 2012 Paralympic Games in London were seen as a turning point for disability in the UK. The games broke multiple records and created a huge shift in attitudes and perceptions towards those with disabilities, yet some stigma and discrimination still remain.

One of the athletes from those games, joins Gareth and Craig to talk about stigma. Whee...

It’s a Sin is one of Channel 4’s most successful shows of all-time. It’s shattered streaming records on the All 4 platform, but most importantly it’s brought HIV/AIDS into mainstream conversation in a very powerful way. 

The worry among many in the HIV community was that the stigma depicted in the show from the early ’80s would resurface. But it’s been quite the opposite.

The show has had an incredible response and impact; I...

In a special edition of the Talking Stigma podcast, Gareth Thomas sat down with Ian Green, CEO of the Terrence Higgins Trust (the UK’s leading HIV charity) alongside Allen Jones (AJ) and his partner Will Ross.

AJ is living with HIV and talks to Gareth and Ian about how he felt when he was diagnosed, the stigma that he has faced and how he feels now, a few years on. Will is HIV negative and gives his per...

Episode 2: Tackling racism with Dion Dublin

Over the past few months millions of people have taken to the streets across the world demanding their voices be heard in the fight against racism.

The Black Lives Matter demonstrations have shone a light on racial divides and inspired hope that there is an opportunity for meaningful change.

Former England football player and TV star...

Homophobia in sport remains a taboo subject for many at the highest levels with many athletes and coaches still having to deal with secrecy and stigma.

Kate Richardson-Walsh is an Olympic gold medal winning hockey player, who was capped a record 375 times for her country and was England and Great Britain captain for 13 years.

A trailblazer for LGBTQ sportspeople, Kate played alongside and then married international teammate Helen R...