How to Stay Sane in an Insane World (Shed Talks)
Life is unpredictable, messy, and, at times, completely insane. So, how do we stay afloat? Hosted by Jeremy Thomas—renowned speaker, author, mental health advocate, and all round survivor—this podcast dives into the real, unfiltered stories of resilience, recovery, and what it truly takes to maintain mental well-being in a chaotic world. Having faced his own battles with bipolar disorder and addiction, Jeremy brings both lived experience and hard-earned wisdom to every conversation. Each episode features fascinating guests—bestselling authors, musicians, industry leaders, athletes, and mental health experts—who open up about their struggles, triumphs, and the lifejackets that helped them through. Whether it’s music, poetry, a trusted friend, or a four-legged companion, we all need something to keep us steady. Honest conversations, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools—because in an insane world, we could all use a little help staying sane. For more on How to Stay Sane in an insane World visit our website: howtostaysaneinaninsaneworld.co.uk Follow our socials @jeremythomastalks Or contact us enquiries@howtostaysane.co.uk
Episodes
In this episode, Paul Sunderland downloads to Jeremy Thomas everything you always wanted to know about co-dependency but were afraid to ask.
Paul Sunderland is a highly accomplished addictions specialist and psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience.
He is also a lifelong fan of David Bowie and led Zeppelin.
He was the clinical director at Clouds House in the West Country and Cross Roads Addiction Recovery Centre, A...
From working-class beginnings to decades on stage and screen…
Actor and broadcaster Larry Lamb joins Jeremy Thomas for an open and reflective conversation about his career, creativity, and the realities of protecting mental health in a demanding industry.
Best known for his work across theatre, film and television, Larry talks candidly about longevity in acting, navigating personal and professional pressures, and the hab...
Welcome, Larry Lamb, best known for playing Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey, Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, and Ted Case in the final series of the BBC drama New Tricks.
In conversation with Jeremy Thomas, Larry delves into the impact his childhood experiences have had on his mental health. He reflects on how overcoming personal demons, such as stage fright and substance use, has been integral to his growth, both as a fath...
Filmmaker Carol Morley talks (Typist Artist Pirate King, The Falling, The Alcohol Years, and Dreams of a Life) with Jeremy Thomas about the effects of bereavement on her teenager, how she nearly lost everything, and 4 years of addictive mayhem at the Hacienda Club in Manchester. With resilience and courage, she tells us how she made it out of dod...
Born and raised in Stockport, Manchester, the youngest of three, Carol’s world was shattered by the tragic loss of her father. Grief hit hard. At just 11, she turned to books and booze, juggling life as her eccentric mother’s carer while throwing herself into a full-blown identity cris...
When life knocked him down, what kept Simon Woodroffe from sinking? In this bonus episode, the Yo! Sushi founder and Dragon’s Den star shares the unconventional lifelines—his "lifejackets"—that helped him stay afloat when he was stuck. From the adrenaline of mountaineering and sailing to the wisdom of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Spinal Tap, and the unexpected lessons from Clarkson’...
From rock-bottom to rock stages—designing for George Michael, Fleetwood Mac, and Rod Stewart—Simon turned his life around through 12-Step...
She discusses the healing power of nature, the unexp...
From working with Arthur Miller to running the Bristol Old Vic,...
Hear about the time Charlie Watts gave Mick Jagger a taste of his own medicine, what it was like to share a bill...
After 35 years as a GP, Mary Ryan has seen it all, but her own journey has been just as intense as the lives of the patients she’s treated. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), she opens up about the stigma, misunderstandings, and how her own views on it have changed over time.
She talks about power, violence, and the times she wasn&rsq...
Music biographer and El vinyl boss Richard Morton Jack joins host Jeremy Thomas to dive deep into Drake’s lyrics, mental he...
Jan Ravens, one of the brilliant key voices behind BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers and a Spitting Image veteran, didn’t have the easiest start. Growing up in a household dominated by Liverpool FC and her father’s schizophrenia, she often felt powerless—until she discovered something that gave her control: comedy.
She talks about impersonati...
Nicky Chinn co-wrote some of the biggest songs of the '70s and '80s, writing smash hits like Tiger Feet, Blockbuster, Devil Gate Drive, Hey Mickey, Living Next Door to Alice—all while battling severe bipolar disorder. Alongside his songwriting partner Mike Chapman, he helped shape the sound of Sweet, Mud, Racey, Suzi Qua...
From the House of Lords to the depths of addiction—this is Lord Brooke’s story, unfiltered.
Clive Brooke, now Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe, grew up knowing he wasn’t the son his father wanted. That lingering shadow shaped him in ways he only truly understood later in life. Finding his feminine side helped him navigate the world of trade unions and politics, but behind the scenes, he was battling boo...
Once a Royal College of Music student destined for concert pianist stardom, his world took a sharp turn after a violent father and a career-ending back injury forced him to walk away. But instead of leaving the music world b...
He talks about growing up working-class, discovering how medication and diagnosis made sense of his past, and why he once thought Mike Leigh was faking it. Plus, h...
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