This isn't just another episode. It's a lifeline.
It's a collection of raw, honest moments from five incredible men who've walked through pain, joy, and the grey areas in between-and lived to share their truths. Through rebuilding and rising stronger.
Their words will resonate, challenge, and inspire you to confront what you've been holding back.
Sam Smith reveals the weight of feeling worthless after sport, the emptiness of chasing the next thing, and the life-changing moment someone made him feel 'normal'. His raw honesty reminds us all: it's not just okay to ask for help, but we need to seek help until we find something that we truly need.
Alex Payne lays bare the stark reality of acting and freelancing, where soaring highs are crushed by endless lows. He opens up about how depression creeps in, how family values gave him grit, and why routine becomes a saviour.
Amardeep Parmar speaks to the unique struggles of South Asian men, exploring the destructive pressures to bottle emotions. He shares his softer side and why opening up is both cathartic and painfully confronting and needed.
Real Hackney Dave reflects on hitting 50 and seeing life through a raw, unfiltered lens. After a catastrophic period where everything fell apart, including his marriage, he's found a way back, realising that clarity often comes in life's darkest moments.
Tayo Adesnia brings us a heartwarming story of #FriendCalledDave requiring resilience and brotherhood, proving that even in life's toughest moments, connection can pull us through. This was a key reasons he is developing and building TrashGxng today.
These are some of the conversations we often avoid, especially men, and we desperately need. Each of these men challenge us to stop bottling things up, to ask for help, and to the strength we need.
Why Listen Now:
- This episode isn't about fixing us; it's about freeing us.
- These stories show that being vulnerable isn't weak-it's brave
Whether we are navigating loss, battling insecurities, or just trying to figure out who you are, these stories remind us that none of us are alone and that opening up could be the first step to breaking free.
What You'll Gain:
- Connection: Hear stories, fears, the untold that feel like your own, or ones you want to be able to share
- Inspiration: Real, unfiltered stories that show strength
- Hope: Realise you're never too far gone to rebuild and find opportunity even in the messiest of moments
- Action: A call to be brave, reflect, share, and start conversations that matter
These stories could save a life. Maybe even yours.
Because sometimes, the best way to help yourself is to help someone else feel seen.
Your story matters. Start sharing it today
Guests
Sam Smith
thisisthechangingroom
www.linkedin.com/in/sam-smith-coaching
Alex Payne
alexjamespayne
David Buonaguidi
realhackneydave
Tayo Adesina
trash_gxng
Amardeep Parmar
amardeep.s.parmar
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997
Watch on:
UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad
Social media:
Instagram: aclassoftheirownpodcast
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Facebook: aclassoftheirownpodcast
Website:
www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast
Host: Mira Magecha
www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha
mira_magecha
Creative Director: Alex Payne
alexjamespayne
Editor: Josh Partridge
joshfilmmaker
Music: Jay Witsey
jay.witsey
Studio: Podcast House
www.podcasthouse.uk
Episode bought to you by: play for change
www.playforchange.co.uk
play_forchange
www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd