The YUNGBLUD Podcast

Last year John applied to speak on the podcast about his mental health and the support he received from his fraternity. But soon after he dropped out of university to pursue music full time. After months of working multiple jobs he found recognition for his music on social media and is now signed to a label. Yungblud and John discuss pursuing your dreams and taking care of your mental health while you achieve them.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

At 14 Chloe’s family relocated to Denmark, and she is still struggling with her identity because of it. She didn't speak much of the language and had a hard time at her new school. She felt herself become more introverted and thinks the move impacted her personality and interests. Yungblud and Chloe discuss what home means to them, and how it can shape us in so many ways.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Bianca was born with a heart condition that makes her very tired very easily. It meant she was homeschooled as a teenager, and has faced ableism her whole life as someone with a hidden disability. Yungblud and Bianca discuss owning her disability, plus their favourite biscuits.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Scott’s older brother Kevin was killed in the 1996 Dunblane massacre, the deadliest mass shooting in British history. Scott never knew Kevin, and the event was not discussed much at home. But after attending the 2018 March For Our Lives protest on gun control Scott started to speak about it with his family. Yungblud and Scott discuss their experiences of these campaigns and the importance of social action.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Poppy is 20 and proudly asexual. But it's taken years to understand and accept her asexuality, and she faced negative reactions after coming out. Yungblud and Poppy discuss shame, pride and learning from others experiences.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Tanesha struggled with education at school and university, failing time and again despite working hard. She was finally diagnosed with ADHD and is still learning about the ways it's impacting her. Tanesha feels that as a black woman some of the signs were overlooked, and wants to pursue a career in which she can prevent that from happening to other children. Yungblud and Tanesha share their experiences with ADHD, including what they've struggled with and the reasons to celebrate it.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the topics covered in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Jess lost her mum to cancer when she was 17 and the five years since then have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Alongside the grief, she has had to face more difficult and sometimes negative feelings towards her mum. But Jess wants to have an open and honest conversation about grief so that others don’t feel like they’re going through it alone.

Details of organisations offering information and support on grief and bereavement are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Emma is from Manchester and is hard of hearing. Lip-reading is important for her to communicate, and so mask-wearing during the pandemic has made the world much less accessible to her. This year has made her acknowledge the challenges deaf people face every day, and she wants to raise awareness. Yungblud and Emma discuss communication, and how her deafness has given her some incredible experiences.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Unnus is 23 and owns his own recording studio, and loves his work as a record producer. But his journey to get there was difficult as music is forbidden in his parents' culture. As a teenager he had to hide the music he made from his parents, until he was finally given an ultimatum. Yungblud and Unnus discuss the power of music as a universal language and why it will always be important in their lives.

Details of organisations offering information and support on issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Emily is recovering from anorexia after living with it for almost a decade. She’s battled with food beliefs and body dysmorphia since she was a child, but now understands that these are the product of a toxic diet culture. Yungblud and Emily discuss her recovery journey, and the practical steps she has taken to feel worthy of this recovery.

Details of organisations offering information and support on eating disorders and other issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Elias is from Finland and has just finished 6 months of conscription in the Finnish army, which he found really difficult because of prejudice he felt there. He also wants to come on the podcast to talk about his sexuality, as it’s something he’s been thinking about a lot recently. Yungblud and Elias discuss discovering yourself and sharing that with others.

In 2019 Lena lost her boyfriend Liam to suicide. After his death, Liam’s family took Lena under their wing, and she has become close with his sister Josie, who is joining her to share Liam's story with Yungblud.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Last year Alicia went viral on TikTok after posting funny videos with her wife, gaining 1.3 million followers. Creating content gave her a purpose and drew her out of a depression so bad she struggled to get out of bed. But with her success comes the pressure of being a queer role model, and online abuse for her sexuality. Yungblud and Alicia discuss the positives and negatives of social media and how it impacts their mental health.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health and other issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Jacob was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and has spent his life feeling dehumanised for it. But he wants to show neurotypicals that autism actually gives him something different to offer the world. Yungblud finds out how Jacob's autism gives him a unique perspective and inspires his creativity.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Declan suffered from OCD since childhood, but at 18 it became so severe he couldn't leave his house and had to drop out of university. But after several years of treatment he got his mind back on track and discovered a love for jump rope. He's now a personal trainer, helping people who have gone through similar things to him. Yungblud and Declan discuss being at rock bottom with their mental health, and finding something they loved that motivated them to a better place.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

The racism Mayling faced growing up black in an all-white town in the USA made her think that her skin color was wrong. But through spoken word poetry she has learned to share her discomfort and insecurities, finding acceptance within herself. She now uses spoken word poetry as a way to call out issues of racial inequality in her community. Yungblud and Mayling discuss the power of poetry to change the world around us and ourselves.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Charlotte just graduated as a nurse and is about to start her first job. During her training she worked on a COVID ward while also working on a children's oncology ward. She really struggled during her degree with loneliness and developed depression. She thinks that people don’t speak out enough about the isolation students can feel. Yungblud finds out how Charlotte used music as a source of comfort during difficult times.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Rebecca discovered drag performance a few years ago and it has empowered them to identify as a non-binary female, and helped them find confidence. But they have found that non-traditional drag queens are often invalidated, with only cis-men cast in many mainstream drag shows. Yungblud and Rebecca discuss why art should be genderless.

Details of organisations offering information and support on the issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Jess has always found her past monogamous relationships a struggle and she thinks a sexually open relationship will suit her needs much better. Yungblud and Jess discuss the variations of ethical non-monogamy, how she feels about jealousy, and why she wants to demystify the assumptions about open relationships.

Details of organisations offering information and support on sexuality and relationships are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

This podcast is all about creating a space that uplifts your voices, so we want to give more of you a chance to be heard!

We're opening the podcast application and you can apply from this Monday 19th April at 9am UK time.

Head to www.bbc.co.uk/yungbludpodcast

You’ve got to leave a 30 second voice note and 100 words, telling us your story.

You have 24 hours, the application closes on Tuesday 20th April at 9am UK time.

If you’ve got a story we want to hear it!

Eve is 17 and has lived her teenage years with a rare condition that causes tumours to grow in her head. The doctors say she's a spontaneous genetic mutation but she likes to call herself a 'Ninja Turtle'!

Yungblud chats to Eve about feeling like a freak but finding connection with people through that, and learning empathy and to accept others as they are.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health and a range of issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Travis has been caring for his mum who is disabled for the last few years, which has meant he sometimes forgets to take care of himself. He also had a difficult time at school being bullied for his sexuality, but last year he met his boyfriend, who gives him love and support.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health and a range of issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Kay was three years into a medical degree when she decided to change majors to follow her passion for film making. It was a difficult decision as her family imagined a traditional career for her, but she's loving the change and is writing her own projects during lockdown.

Yungblud and Kay discuss how art can help people heal, and why black female representation is so important in the film industry.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health and a range of issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Last October Georgia was diagnosed with ADHD. After years of mental health struggles, the diagnosis and treatment have allowed her to finally think and feel clearly.

Yungblud and Georgia discuss how ADHD impacts their lives, and dispel some of the misconceptions about the disorder.

Details of organisations offering information and support on mental health and a range of issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Over a couple of weeks in March 2020 Phil lost his job, home, and car. He found himself in serious debt for the first time, and his mental health hit rock bottom. But he got a furry companion, KJ the cat, who gave him a new purpose in life.

Yungblud and Phil chat about the important little things that help you through the darkness.

Details of organisations offering information and support on debt, mental health and a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

As an 18-year-old biracial black woman growing up in a small town in Virginia, Mary has to fight for racial equality. Last year she campaigned to have the name of a local school changed and won, removing a name that fueled racial tension. She is also campaigning for an LGBTQIA+ sexual education programme, in an area where abstinence is taught.

Yungblud finds out from Mary what drives her activism and what keeps her fighting for what she believes in.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues discussed in this podcast are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Since she was a child Amy has suffered from anxiety attacks, but when she started having difficulty breathing in February last year she knew something was different. It took months and multiple hospitalisations for her to be diagnosed with long COVID.

Yungblud speaks to Amy about her difficult journey getting diagnosed with long COVID, and how it has shaped her outlook on life since.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Ashley spent years trying to get a job in live music, finally getting her big break in 2019. But less than a year later the venue she worked at shut down due to Covid. She's since been shielding for her flatmate and misses the identity that live music gave her.

Yungblud and Ashley chat about chasing their dreams of working in music, how live music is a fundamental part of their identities, and the hole that's been left since live venues shut down due to Covid.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Faaris grew up witnessing his mum be the victim of domestic abuse, something that Yungblud can relate to. Faaris has become a successful digital animator for artists like Stormzy, AJ Tracey and Dave, and they discuss how their childhood has impacted their mental health and shaped them as creatives.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by domestic abuse or violence, the organisations listed at the link below may be able to help: http://bbc.in/39asodt

Dom (another Dom!) struggles with how feels about sex. He only enjoys it when he's in love or has an emotional connection to the other person. His mates want causal sex all the time, but he doesn't feel the same way and isn't sure he can talk to them about this.

Yungblud and Dom chat about the million different ways people relate to sex, whether it's full of emotion or purely physical. And Yungblud busts out his favourite karaoke song.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

When Martina gained weight as a child she lost her confidence. As a teenager she felt fat and ugly, and would avoid going to parties or shopping with friends. But in the last year she's learned to love herself again, and is speaking out against the beauty standards that exist in our world.

Yungblud and Martina chat about body image, the role tv and the media play on our self-worth and how to learn to love ourselves.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Saryna is 19 and has Ehlers Danlos syndrome which affects her entire body causing chronic pain and chronic fatigue. She loves drag performance and was inspired by RuPaul's Drag Race. Now she performs drag as Peachy Ray, and has found herself through it.

Yungblud chats to Saryna about finding your passion in life and the people who support it.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

We're taking a festive break but we want to say thank you for being part of this community, we couldn't do it without you.

We'll be back next week with a full episode, until then have a happy holiday!

Each morning Yoshi wakes up not knowing what gender they will identify as, switching between she/he/they pronouns.

Yungblud chats to Yoshi about how they discovered they are genderfluid, how friends and family react, what relationships are like, and the trouble with toilets.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

At 19, Rosie was told she would never dance again after dancing on broken feet at the world championships. But two years of struggling to recover mentally and physically has taught her that life is for enjoying, not enduring.

Yungblud reveals how painfully close to his heart her story is as they chat about finding hope and new beginnings.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Billie-Jo has had to care for her family since the age of 5. But she didn't actually realise she was a young carer until she was a teenager. Now she wants to raise awareness, as it can be isolating and stressful.

Yungblud and Billie-Jo chat about what it was like growing up as a young carer and how she balances it while training to become a car mechanic (and being the only girl on her course!)

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Marlowe discovered Yungblud's music and a trans community through Star Trek. He's recently asked his mum to use he/him pronouns and brought five dresses out of retirement, describing himself as a boy in a dress.

Yungblud and Marlowe chat about transitioning and gender identity, and they share their love of wearing dresses!

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Adam has been Yungblud's best friend and guitarist since day one. From living together in a freezing flat with holes in the wall, to travelling around the world on a tour bus, they share some never before heard stories of music and misbehavior.

Molly was 18 and training to be a gig security guard when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She only found out about the tumour after taking a ride on a roller coaster. After life-saving brain surgery, she was left disabled, and now campaigns for better disability access at gigs. Yungblud and Molly chat about their love of live music and what it's like to go to gigs with a disability.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Ben started experiencing anxiety and depression at 12 but had no idea what they were. Only 2 years ago did he recognise his mental health and told his family. During lockdown he's started a men’s mental health vlog.

Yungblud and Ben chat about their experiences with anxiety and depression, sharing some of their triggers as well as practical things that help them.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

At age 14, Ashley realised she was lesbian, telling her friends and family at the time. But as she’s grown older, her sexuality has evolved, and at 21 she began being attracted to men as well. Today she doesn’t identify with any label.

Yungblud and Ashley chat about their fluid and evolving sexualities and fighting against the boxes that society tries to put them in.

Details of organisations offering information and support on a range of issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Singer, songwriter and all-round musician Yungblud talks to friends and fans about their modern-day dilemmas. Expect lots of fun, chaos and mischief.