Music
Ben is a filmmaker and men’s mental health advocate who runs the charity Talk Club. He talks about the transformative conversations that resulted from touring his documentary film ‘Steve’, inspired by the suicide of his best friend, moving from the world of advertising to more ethically-focused creative work, and how he takes control of his own mental fitness (with a little help from his kids, pancakes, and Pharell.)Listen along to Ben’s songs at this Spotify playlist. Discussions begin:Otis Redding - Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (01:48)Arctic Monkeys - From Ritz to Rubble (06:06)Talk Talk - It’s My Life (09:54)The Jam - That’s Entertainment (22:19)Pharrell Williams - Happy (26:23)Smokey Robinson - Tears of a Clown (29:37)The Rifles - You Win Some (43:36)The Beatles - I Want to Hold Your Hand (48:34)Oasis - Wonderwall (50:54)Gavin Thorpe and Talk Club - Soul to Save (54:25)Ben’s Twitter links: @benakers, @TalkClubUK, @Madewith_ and @ourkidsourlivesResources/Links:Ben’s TEDx Talk ‘How Do You Stop Men Taking Their Lives?’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9FEQYp1imcHis new film OurKidsOurLives is currently being crowdfunded: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ourkidsourlivesYou can watch the documentary Steve here: stevedocumentary.comIf you are affected by any of the issues in this episode, please go to the NHS website, and the website of the charity Mind. For emergency support over the phone, you can call The Samaritans free on 116 123.For men who want to talk to others in a private and safe space, visit Talk Club - founded by Ben Akers and another MTSB guest, Gavin Thorpe. Check out his episode too, for more info about the initiative for male mental fitness.