Beyond the Smile

ShownotesIn this thought-provoking episode, MaryLayo engages in a profound dialogue with Dr. David Aku, an esteemed occupational physician from Ghana. Their conversation reveals contrasts and enlightening parallels between the cultural narratives of Ghana and the UK.Dr. Aku articulates how societal attitudes towards mental health are gradually evolving in Ghana, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted many to confront their emotional struggles. He poignantly reflects on his own experience of fostering a healthier approach to grief and managing mental wellbeing. Dr. Aku proposes that integrating community support structures with professional mental health services could significantly enhance the mental well-being of individuals.Takeaways: The podcast explores the intersection of mental health and spirituality, emphasizing their importance in overall well-being. Dr. David Aku discusses the cultural differences in mental health perceptions between Ghana and the UK. Listeners are encouraged to seek help when grappling with mental health issues, and to share their experiences with others. The importance of community support in Ghana is highlighted as a critical resource for mental health challenges. Dr. Aku shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of mental health, empathy in his practice, and living a life that matters. The podcast advocates for the integration of occupational health practices to improve mental health care in Ghana. Guest details:Dr. David Ekow Arku, the visionary CEO of DAC, is an esteemed professional renowned for his triple charter certification and extensive experience across a diverse spectrum of expertise. His distinguished career is the product of relentless dedication, consistent pursuit of knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing health and safety standards.      As an Occupational Medicine Specialist and a Physician Specialist, Dr. Arku holds membership with the prestigious Ghana College of Physicians. His extensive educational background includes a Masters in Occupational Medicine from the globally recognized University of Manchester, further bolstering his credentials. His expertise has also earned him Licentiateship from the esteemed Royal College of Physicians, Ireland, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development.     Organisations mentioned in this episode: Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Chartered Quality Institute International Institute of Risk and Safety Management Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Proverbs 16:24. Remember to follow and share if you found the discussion helpful.For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#MentalHealthPodcast #BeyondTheSmile #SpiritualWellbeing #MentalHealthInGhana #MentalHealthInUK

SummaryEviction is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on mental health and personal development, as discussed by MaryLayo and her guest, Jo Sama. Both share their personal stories of eviction, reflecting on how these experiences shaped their childhoods and influenced their journeys into adulthood. The conversation highlights the suddenness and urgency of being forced from their homes, along with the feelings of shame and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy while navigating the upheaval. Jo articulates the complexities of coping with such events, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional aftermath. This candid dialogue not only sheds light on the realities of eviction but also serves as a call for greater awareness and compassion towards those affected by it.ShownotesA heartfelt dialogue unfolds between MaryLayo and her guest Jo Sama, focusing on the harrowing yet relatable topic of eviction. Their conversation explores the often-unspoken emotional toll that comes with being forced from one’s home, a reality that both have faced in their lives. Jo reflects on her childhood, sharing vivid memories of sudden moves and the feelings of loss and uncertainty that accompanied them. The discussion dives deep into the psychological impacts of eviction, emphasizing how such experiences can shape one's identity and sense of belonging. MaryLayo and Jo also touch on the protective mechanisms individuals adopt in response to trauma, such as humor and emotional suppression. They reflect on the societal stigma surrounding eviction, which often discourages open conversations and leaves those affected feeling isolated and ashamed. Through their shared narratives, they emphasize the importance of breaking the silence and fostering understanding about the realities of housing instability. Jo’s candid reflections on forgiveness—both of her situation and herself—provide a powerful framework for healing and personal growth, illustrating the transformative potential of addressing and sharing one’s pain. The episode culminates in a broader discussion about resilience and community support, urging listeners to recognize the ongoing impact of eviction on mental health and well-being. MaryLayo and Jo advocate for compassion and awareness, highlighting the need for societal change in how eviction is perceived and discussed. With a spiritual wellness tip to conclude, Mary reinforces the message of hope and restoration, encouraging listeners to empathize with those affected by eviction and to seek connection and support in their own lives.

SummaryRonke Joseph shares her profound journey of recovery following a life-altering accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg. On January 13, 2015, a car struck Ronke while she was on her way to work, leading to a series of surgeries and a challenging road to healing. Throughout her experience, Ronke emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and the strength found in faith, which provided her with peace during her most difficult moments. She discusses the emotional and psychological hurdles she faced, including the need for support, while also highlighting the significance of being kind to oneself during the recovery process. Ronke's story is not just one of loss, but also of resilience, self-discovery, and the realization that life can continue to hold meaning and purpose even after traumatic events.ShownotesMaryLayo engages in a profound dialogue with Ronke Joseph, who shares her incredible journey of recovery after a tragic accident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg. Ronke's story begins on a seemingly ordinary day in January 2015, when she, on her way to work, was struck by a car in London. The accident was not only a physical catastrophe but also a pivotal moment that challenged her mental and spiritual wellbeing. Throughout the episode, Ronke reflects on the chaos of the accident, the immediate response of bystanders, and the subsequent medical interventions that saved her life. What resonates deeply in her narrative is her unwavering faith, which provided her with an unexplainable peace during such a traumatic experience. As she navigates the complexities of her recovery, Ronke delves into the psychological aspects of coping with her new reality. She talks about her struggles with medication, the emotional rollercoaster of surgery, and the moments of despair that punctuated her healing process. However, she also highlights how her faith remained a constant source of strength. Ronke's ability to find gratitude in her situation, despite the loss, is both moving and inspiring. She emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of family and friends during her hospital stay, and how their presence helped her maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the upheaval. In a broader context, Ronke discusses the lessons learned from her experience, including the discovery of new passions and talents that emerged during her recovery. She underscores the importance of self-kindness and patience, urging others facing similar struggles to embrace their journey without comparison. She provides insights into the grieving process of losing a limb, and subsequently acceptance and adaptation. Ronke's story is not just about loss but about resilience, hope, and the power of faith, serving as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find strength and purpose.Guest's detailsRonke Joseph is the author of IMPACT: My Story, My Ebenezer, My Victory, a compelling true life story about the life changing incident that impacted her life in many ways

Domestic Abuse & Faith: Supporting SurvivorsToday's episode is on domestic abuse and Marylayo is talking to guest, Brandie Opone, who has a passion for empowering others. Brandie leads a vibrant women's ministry group in her local church and serves on the board of her local community to champion positive change.Discussion covers:Shining a Light: Using Your Gifts to Make a DifferenceBalancing Submission and Control in RelationshipsThe Impact of Domestic Abuse on Mental Health and WellbeingRebuilding Lives: Advice for Survivors of Domestic AbuseRecognising the Signs: Supporting Those Experiencing Domestic AbuseResources and Support for Survivors of Domestic AbuseTaking Care of Your Mental Health When Working with SurvivorsFinding Hope: Reaching out for Help in Times of AbuseTake a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation.Guest details:Brandie is a multi-talented woman with a passion for empowering others. Her background in Governance and Compliance provides a foundation of strength, while her talents as a gospel singer, songwriter and music director bring a touch of creativity. However it's her unwavering commitment to support women's empowerment that truly shines. Brandie leads a women's ministry, where she fosters a space for women to flourish. She inspires them to discover their unique identities in Christ, guiding them towards self-discovery and purpose. She is a dedicated advocate for those facing domestic violence. Her work focuses on raising awareness and ensuring all have access to the support and resources they need to heal and thrive. Brandie serves on her local community board, championing positive change and encouraging community engagement. Guest contact details:InstagramFacebookResources:RestoredWoman's TrustVictim SupportRefugeWomen's aidRespect - Men's advice lineMarylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture John 10:10For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#BeyondTheSmile #DomesticAbuse #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #Faith

Battling through TraumaMaryLayo talks with Ricky Sluder, a Life & Relationship Coach, who shares about his journey surviving childhood abuse, neglect and loss. Ricky shares about what helped him to receive inner healing and develop his relationship with God.MaryLayo’s spiritual wellness tip is: meditate on Revelations 3:20. For more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found the discussion helpful.#BeyondTheSmile #Trauma #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #ChristianFaith #ChildAbuseMarylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Revelation 3:20.For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.Guest details:Ricky is a Life & Relationship Coach and leading expert globally in the field of fraud detection and prevention. Ricky served the state of Texas as a Special Criminal Investigator (Hostage Negotiator), attached to an FBI Task Force in Dallas, TX.After leaving law enforcement, Ricky spent 13 years working for large technology firms like IBM and SAS, offering fraud detection solutions and consulting services in more than 29 countries.In 2022, Ricky published his book, Accepting Truth, Finding Hope! Being a childhood trauma survivor, and having battled Complex PTSD himself, Ricky developed a faith-based alternative to the traditional mental health model.An avid writer, Ricky also enjoys writing feature length film screenplays, and he has a passion for public speaking. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. A proud father of two, and a fifth generation Texan, he resides in Fort Worth, Texas.

Living with Childlessness In this episode, MaryLayo talks to couple – Daniele & Tina Fiandaca, about their journey navigating through childlessness, and the impact this has had on their mental health. Daniele and Tina share about the hopes and dreams they had for a family, their experience of miscarriage, IVF treatment and grief, and their feelings about shame and societal pressure.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found the discussion helpful.For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#MaryLayoTalks #BeyondTheSmile #Childless #InfertilityJourney #MentalHealth #EmbracingChildlessness #ChildlessGrief #MiscarriageGuest details:Daniele Fiandaca is founder of Token Man Consulting, an inclusion and diversity consultancy which specialises in engaging senior leaders and men with I&D and inspiring them to become inclusive leaders and agents of change. Clients include BNP Paribas, Channel 4, Colt, Hitachi Vantara, Merlin Entertainments, Monster Energy, Nestlé and Ogilvy. He is also co-founder of Masculinity in the Workplace, the only I&D event that is designed specifically to engage men. He is also an executive coach, author and agent of change - he was recently named one of the Top 50 Trailblazers in Gender Equality in the UK.Tina Fiandaca balances her career as a part-time People and Culture Director with her passion for volunteer work. She dedicates her time to counselling at Childline and assisting as a Wardrobe Assistant at Smart Works. She lives in London, and embraces the city's diverse offerings. When she's not working or volunteering, you can find her watching movies, singing with the Some Voices choir, and dancing at daytime discos.External Resources:Tina's blog: a Journey of Infertility and ChildlessnessDaniele's LinkedIn post: Do You Have Children? 'Grief: A Study of Human Emotional Experience' lecture - Jody DayMaryLayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

SummaryIn this episode, guest, Angie Read, shares with MaryLayo her journey of surviving two unexpected strokes at age 46 and 47, and the impact this had on her mental health.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Proverbs 4:20-22, before inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you found Angie's story helpful.For dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#BeyondTheSmile #MaryLayoTalks #StrokeSurvivor #MentalHealthAwareness #InvisibleScarsGuest details:Angie Read is an author and devoted mother of three who had a massive stroke followed by a more minor one. Afterwards, she was plagued by post-stroke anxiety and post-stroke depression. Today, Angie is sharing her story—and the tips and tools that helped her survive—to help as many fellow stroke survivors as possible. Angie's books include: Invisible Scars, Mental Health Hacks, Identity Crisis & Rise.Guest's website: https://legacycoachingforher.com/Guest's social media: You Tube, Facebook & LinkedIn.Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on Bible scripture Proverbs 4:20-22.For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

Starting Counselling: Genis' StoryIn this episode MaryLayo and guest, Genis Fernandes, discuss seeking help, finding a counsellor and highlight some of the frustrations and benefits they experienced on their journey.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Philippians 4:13, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Remember to follow and share if you enjoyed the conversation about finding a counsellor.Take a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation. For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed. Questions include:Why did you consider counselling?How did you go about choosing your counsellor?What do you remember when you first had counselling?How long have you been having therapy?What frustrations have you experienced or heard about counselling?What tips would you give someone who is in two minds about having counselling?Guest details:Genis Fernandes works as a Research Programme Lead and also serves as a volunteer for a mental health charity. Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture Philippians 4:13.External resources:Body and Soul Charity The CaravanListening PlaceSamaritansFor help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#BeyondTheSmile #StartingCounselling #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #GettingHelp #HavingTherapy

Resilience After Brain InjuryIn this episode, Marylayo talks with guest, Greg Ward. Greg shares his personal story of recovery following a brain haemorrhage that occurred when he was just 14 years old; and reflects on how after many years he's only now more comfortable discussing his challenges openly. Discussion points(00:00:01) MaryLayo and Greg Ward on Brain Injury Recovery(00:08:17) Journey from Zero to Academic Achievement(00:17:13) Overcoming Trauma with Support and Work(00:19:47) Career Reflections After 50(00:21:44) Reflective Shifts due to COVID(00:23:41) Advice for Similar Challenges(00:28:46) Spiritual Wellness TipTake a moment to delve into what may be 'beyond the smile' - listen in to the conversation.Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tip: Meditate on the bible scripture: Joshua 1:9.For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.

SummaryIn this episode of "Beyond the Smile" with host MaryLayo, we delve into the intricacies of finding not just a job, but a fulfilling career that aligns with one's interests and talents. Career and talent strategist Stephen Shortt, CEO of Career Fit, unpacks the importance of job satisfaction and how it contributes to overall happiness and good mental health.Listeners will explore the idea of passion versus enjoyment in career choice, the growing phenomenon of career burnout, and the evolving landscape of jobs that may not even exist yet. Stephen Short emphasises the value of career guidance in schools and how parental expectations can shape—and sometimes limit—a child's career aspirations.The episode also discusses how individuals can navigate career transitions, whether early in their work life or in their later years. It reassures those at career crossroads that happiness in their profession is not just attainable but deserved.Concluding with a touch of spiritual wellness, MaryLayo offers a reflective tip from Psalm 37, inviting listeners to join her next time for more insights on mental health and spiritual wellbeing. Take a moment and delve into what may be 'beyond the smile'. Remember to follow, like and share if you enjoyed the discussion on the critical relationship between career satisfaction and overall life satisfaction.For help in dealing with mental health related matters, please seek specialist advice and support if needed.#BeyondTheSmilePodcast #FindYourCareerPath #PassionVersusEnjoyment #MaryLayoTalks #MentalHealth #SpiritualHealthTimestamps(00:00:01) Introduction to Mental Health and Spiritual Well-being(00:00:45) Aligning Career with Interests(00:04:01) The Cost of Misaligned Career Choices(00:14:11) Career Guidance in Irish Schools(00:16:31) Teen Readiness for Career Choices(00:18:32) Future of Work Discussion in Schools(00:24:49) Multiple Career Changes in a Lifetime(00:26:01) Insights from the eBook 'Your Next Career'(00:30:09) Transforming Passion into Career(00:33:47) Identifying a Career Focus(00:36:01) Biannual Career Trends Update(00:38:30) Advice for Career Crossroads(00:41:52) Spiritual Wellness Tip: Psalm Chapter 37Guest details:As a Career & Talent Strategist, Stephen is deeply committed to helping individuals and organisations in devising and achieving their career aspirations through a blend of career counselling, talent assessment, and strategic planning. His work with ETC Consult, CareerFit, Talent Select, Successful Succession, Delta Events and Distributed Training is centred around helping to match the right people with the right careers. Stephen’s upcoming books, “Your Future Career” and “Your Next Career,” are further examples of his commitment to helping others at different stages of their career journeys. “Your Future Career” is geared towards students and young professionals, while “Your Next Career” offers guidance for those seeking to change or enhance their career paths.Marylayo's spiritual wellbeing tips: Meditate on Bible scripture: Psalm 37:23-24Meditate on song: Open My Heart,...