Podcast · Health

the mentl space

the mentl space is a podcast for open, honest conversations about mental health, wellbeing, leadership and the cultures that help people thrive. Hosted by Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, the show brings together leaders, psychologists, doctors, authors, athletes, entrepreneurs, advocates and

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest: 10 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026 · 58 min

He Hit Rock Bottom. Now He’s Running 1,700km to Help Other Men Speak Up | Nick Coats

What happens when the life that looks successful from the outside is quietly falling apart on the inside? Nick Coats is a former British soldier, endurance athlete and performance coach. After seven years with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, he moved into oil broking and pursued the things he thought success was supposed to look like: career, money, status and more. But behind that outward success, Nick was becoming angry, isolated and deeply unhappy. Eventually, sitting at his desk, the p...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E79 · 2 Jul 2026 · 57 min
Workplace Well-being Under Pressure | Burnout, Trust & What Good Employers Do Differently
What does workplace wellbeing really look like when pressure rises? In this episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong speaks with Paul Firth, Founder and Managing Director of Lyra Wellbeing MENA, about what 2026 has revealed so far about workplace culture, leadership, trust and mental health. Recorded as part of the mentl awards 'Moving the Needle' series, the conversation explores how geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty, burnout, disengagement and always-on working are showing up ...
S1 · E78 · 24 Jun 2026 · 42 min
Is tech toxic for our teens (and us)? AI, social media bans and digital well-being
Are smartphones, social media and AI helping us connect, or steadily reshaping our attention, relationships and ability to cope with discomfort? Recorded at the Integrated Mental Health Conference in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, mentl founder Scott Armstrong speaks with Justin Thomas of Sync, the global digital well-being programme from the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra. Justin examines the evidence linking problematic technology use with anxiety, depression, loneliness and...
S1 · E77 · 13 Jun 2026 · 59 min
Burnout, Silence and Survival: The Real State of Mental Health in Marcomms
The marketing and communications industry runs on creativity, relationships and judgement. But what happens when the people behind the work are exhausted, anxious, always on and afraid to speak up? In this special webinar and podcast episode, Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, brings together leaders from across the regional marcomms industry to unpack the PRCA MENA Mental Health Report 2025 and ask what the findings really mean for agencies, clients, leaders and young professionals. The repo...
S1 · E76 · 11 Jun 2026 · 41 min
Are Men Okay? Men’s Mental Health, Modern Masculinity & Silence
Why do so many men still struggle in silence? Recorded live on Afternoons with Helen Farmer on Dubai Eye 103.8, this special roundtable asks a simple but urgent question: are men okay? Helen Farmer is joined by Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl; Manny Djornor, founder of Mentality; and Mark Samways, Counselling Psychologist and Director of Wellbeing at Alkalma, for an honest conversation about men’s mental health, pressure, silence, community and what support can look like. This episode ex...
S1 · E75 · 25 May 2026 · 58 min
Neurodiversity at Work: What Actually Works
Neuroinclusion is having a moment. But the real test is not what’s written in policy, it’s what happens on a normal Tuesday, inside a real team. In this special Workplace Harmonics episode, supported by Viatris and AmCham Abu Dhabi, Scott Armstrong (mentl) is joined by Dr Khaled Kadry (psychiatrist, Sakina), Geoff McDonald (former Global VP of HR, Unilever) and Sara Boueri (CHRO, board advisor) to move the conversation beyond labels and into practical work design.This is a direct, candid disc...
S1 · E74 · 19 Apr 2026 · 59 min
#BeTheChange at Work | Reducing Stress, Burnout and Rebuilding Engagement
For many teams, stress is no longer a spike. It is something that sits in the background of everyday work. It shows up in different ways. Slower thinking, reduced focus, more tension in conversations, and a sense that work takes more effort than it should. In this episode of our Workplace Harmonics series, supported by Viatris, mentl founder Scott Armstrong is joined by Dr Valentina Faia, Specialist Psychiatrist at the BioPsychoSocial Clinic, and Andy Fieldhouse, Team Relationship Coach at ...
S1 · E73 · 16 Mar 2026 · 57 min
Supporting Colleagues Under Pressure | Practical Workplace Tools
In times of high pressure and uncertainty, stress can show up quickly in the workplace, as distraction, irritability, withdrawal, conflict, or reduced performance. In Episode One of our new Workplace Harmonics webinar series, supported by Viatris, mentl founder Scott Armstrong is joined by Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist and Managing Director of The Lighthouse Arabia, to explore practical ways leaders and colleagues can support one another during challenging periods while maintaini...
S1 · E72 · 12 Jan 2026 · 48 min
What Working Underground in a Gold Mine Taught Me About Psychological Safety at Work
What does good work actually feel like and what should it never feel like? In Episode 72 of the mentl space podcast, Scott Armstrong is joined by Mark Rix, Group Managing Director of Sonus Group and the driving force behind the global Wellbeing at Work World Summits, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, psychological safety, and why wellbeing must be embedded into how organisations truly operate. Mark shares the formative experience that shaped his entire le...
S1 · E71 · 8 Dec 2025 · 40 min
Women Still Don’t Feel Safe Discussing Mental Health at Work
How well are women really doing in the workplace today? In this powerful episode of the mentl space, host Scott Armstrong sits down with Maya Rafii, Managing Director and Purpose, Culture & Inclusion Leader at Deloitte Middle East, to explore the findings of the new Women @ Work 2025: A Global Outlook - Deloitte’s fifth annual deep dive into the lived experiences of 7,500 women across 15 countries. Together, they unpack a picture that is both hopeful and deeply concerning: 🔹 51% of wom...
S1 · E70 · 9 Nov 2025 · 40 min
Burnout, Boundaries & Belonging in PR | Why There Is an ‘I’ in Team
In this special episode of the mentl space, host Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, sits down with Sinead O’Connor and LuAnne D’Souza from Current Global MENAT - joint winners of the mentl awards 2024 in the PR category and finalists again for 2025. Fresh from a powerful team workshop led by Scott from mentl, and organizational psychologist Sarah Christensen, the trio unpack the realities of agency life - constant connectivity, blurred boundaries, burnout, and the drive to create belonging i...
S1 · E69 · 6 Oct 2025 · 50 min
Mentorship, mindset and mental health in entrepreneurship
Launching your own business is exhilarating - but it can also be lonely, terrifying, and full of unexpected challenges. In this episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Dr. Naim Maadad, CEO & Founder of Gates Hospitality and a judge for 'the mentl awards 2025', alongside Shamia Abdul Aziz, a seasoned marketing leader turned first-time entrepreneur, to explore how mentorship can shape the entrepreneurial journey. From the emotional rollercoaster of leaving corpora...
S1 · E68 · 18 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Burnout, balance, and building a culture that cares
In this powerful episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa and a judge for 'the mentl awards 2025'. Filmed at the stunning Folly Brasserie – the official venue for this year’s awards – this conversation explores how mental health, leadership and culture intersect in a fast-paced, high-performing region like the UAE. Leah shares deeply personal stories and professional insights, from managing burnout and leadin...
S1 · E67 · 9 Aug 2025 · 44 min
Decoding a quantum physicist's formula for thriving
“Talent will flock to companies that protect their mental health.” In this inspiring episode of the mentl space, we sit down with Mazin Gadir PHD, scientist, strategist, and one of the inspiring judges for the mentl awards 2025. 🌐 Learn more about the mentl awards 2025: https://mentl.space/posts/the-mentl-awards-2025-enter-and-join-our-community-of-hope From his early career in quantum physics to advising governments on healthcare strategy, Mazin shares the science, the stories, and ...
S1 · E66 · 22 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
How neuroscience can supercharge leadership...and your life
What if leadership wasn’t just about skill but about your brain? In this deeply insightful episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Jason Leavy, founder of Prime Performance Labs and judge for 'the mentl awards 2025' and cognitive neuroscientist Samira Cutts, to explore how brain science, neuroplasticity, and emotional intelligence are transforming leadership in the modern workplace. We talk burnout, hustle culture, emotional regulation, sleep, purpose, and even why ...
S1 · E65 · 14 Jul 2025 · 23 min
From invincible to incurable: Multiple Sclerosis 'changed my life for the better'
"Once you come to acceptance, you realise it’s not that bad. If you’re not pushed, you’ll never discover what you’re truly capable of.” These powerful words from Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Neurology Consultant at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, encapsulate his extraordinary journey of resilience after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at just 21 years old. Last year this inspirational medic was honoured in the 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi Awards, presented by UAE President, H.H. Sheikh M...
S1 · E64 · 10 Jul 2025 · 43 min
DEI isn’t dead - but it is evolving. Here’s what companies need to know.
Is DEI dead - or just misunderstood? In this powerful episode of 'the mentl space' podcast, organisational psychologist and DEI expert Sarah Christensen joins host Scott Armstrong to unpack why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing backlash, how it's evolving, and why it's more essential than ever. From navigating shifting gender dynamics in the workplace to creating truly inclusive cultures - not just ticking boxes - Sarah shares honest, energizing insights. As a judge for the m...
S1 · E63 · 27 May 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Tearing Away The Stigma For The Future Of Mental Health
"There is no health without mental health. It deserves to be part of every conversation, every system, and every community." That was the message from Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre as leading voices from healthcare, business, and policy came together at Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week to confront one of the sector’s most enduring barriers: stigma. Hosted by mentl as pa...
S1 · E62 · 23 Mar 2025 · 43 min
Mental health put me in hospital - and it made me a better leader
In this powerful episode of the mentl space podcast, we sit down with David Stockton, CEO of Dulsco Group, for an eye-opening discussion on mental health, leadership, and creating a culture of care in the workplace. 🏆 As the 2024 'the mentl awards' Leader of the Year, David shares his personal journey with mental health, the challenges leaders face, and why prioritizing well-being is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential for business success. 🔹 How leaders can break the stigma and f...
S1 · E61 · 16 Mar 2025 · 15 min
“Mental Health is a Fundamental Right” says UAE’s human rights chairperson - Tear Away The Silence Episode 3
🎙️ Mental Health as a National Priority | HE Maqsoud Kruse on The Mentl Space In this powerful episode of the mentl space: live, we sit down with HE Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution UAE, to discuss mental health as a fundamental human right and a national priority in the UAE. From the groundbreaking UAE Mental Health Law to the 2025 Year of Community, this conversation dives deep into how leadership, policy, and workplaces must evolve to support well-being. ...
S1 · E60 · 10 Mar 2025 · 29 min
'Men are dying in the dark' - stage 4 cancer patient's powerful mission
Imagine being diagnosed with stage four cancer. How would you react? How would you feel? And how would you go forward from there? Steve Ashby, is a man who received a devastating stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, and, instead of retreating into silence, chose to rise. Quite literally. In the latest episode of the mentl space, we sit down with Steve, the founder of Rise, a movement dedicated to saving men’s lives through early detection, breaking the stigma around prostate cancer, an...
S1 · E59 · 17 Feb 2025 · 24 min
Tear Away The Silence Episode 2: Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow on how mental health is our superpower
“It’s not weakness to ask for help — it’s courage." That was the message from one of the fittest men on the planet, as mentl’s Tear Away The Silence campaign took to the stage at a major sporting event in Dubai. As part of the ongoing campaign, supported by global healthcare leader Viatris, an inspiring conversation unfolded with a powerhouse panel featuring World Ironman Champion Sam Laidlow, clinical psychologist Dr. Thoraiya Kanafani (Dr. T), and longevity and nutrition expert Dr. El...
S1 · E58 · 19 Nov 2024 · 48 min
How Creating Vibrant Communities Can Build Mental Health
If you look at any study on longevity, you'll see that one thing is key, community. Its presence can extend life, both the length and the quality of it, its absence can shorten it. Loneliness, in particular, is becoming a key factor in the world today, with the World Health Organization calling it a critical health issue, and the US Surgeon General equating it to smoking at least 15 cigarettes a day. So with that in mind, if we asked you, what are your keys of life, what would y...
S1 · E57 · 11 Nov 2024 · 46 min
Tear Away The Silence Episode 1: Mental Health in the Workplace
"We have to, as companies, allow our staff to feel all their feelings and have a safe place to go.” "Connection is a choice. If you are not choosing connection, you’re choosing disconnection." "You can check your thoughts and you can change them. If you change your thoughts, you change your feelings." Three powerful insights from a conversation packed full of wisdom in the first episode of our inspiring podcast series Tear Away The Silence, supported by Viatris. Tune in now to hear ...
S1 · E56 · 9 Oct 2024 · 41 min
World Mental Health Day: Time to prioritise mental health in the workplace
World Mental Health Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental well-being, particularly as this year’s theme is ‘Prioritise mental health in the workplace’ So today on ‘the mentl space’ podcast, Naim Maadad, CEO of Gates Hospitality, sat down with us to press the necessity for companies to not only acknowledge mental health but to actively enhance people’s mental well-being as integral to their business strategies. The CEO discussed the significant changes in c...
S1 · E55 · 21 Aug 2024 · 36 min
Linking mental and physical health, and the secret of longevity
The link between physical health and mental well-being is increasingly recognized as a fundamental aspect of overall health. Episode 55 of ‘the mentl space’ podcast sat down with Harjit Bahia, Chief Medical Officer of ZOI ME, to delve into how physical activity, nutrition, and overall lifestyle choices influence mental health. We explore how, as we all increasingly face the pressures of modern life, prioritising both physical and mental health can lead to enhanced well-being. Vici...
S1 · E54 · 9 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
Parenting, positivity and personal growth
In a world where we are more connected but lonelier than ever, family and the sense of shelter it provides has perhaps never been more important. The latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast features the inspirational Ben Salmi family from the UK, discussing the importance of mental health and resilience while sharing valuable insights from each family member. The Ben Salmi family are a multiple award winning UK based family of 6 (Sabrina Ben Salmi (the mother), Lashai, Tray-Sean B...
S1 · E53 · 31 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
How to spot narcissists at work and in your life
Have you ever worked with somebody, or lived with somebody, that made you doubt yourself? A person who eroded your confidence by constantly denying your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Did they leave you questioning your reality and asking yourself if, as they asserted, it indeed was your fault? In an emotionally charged episode of ‘the mentl space: live’ podcast we tackled narcissism with the New York Times best-selling author of ‘It’s Not You Identifying and Healing from Narc...
S1 · E52 · 10 Jul 2024 · 52 min
Are we being consumed by digital distress?
It’s a constant conversation that never stops. The digital age has ushered in a new relationship between brands and consumers, altering the traditional one-way communication to a dynamic ‘always on’ exchange facilitated by digital platforms like social media and apps such as ChatGPT. On the latest episode of ‘the mentl space podcast’, tackles the evolving landscape of retail, social media's influence, and the impact on mental health in today's interconnected world with Kate Hard...
S1 · E51 · 2 Jul 2024 · 32 min
Why supporting parents is smart business
Let's face it – balancing work and family is no easy feat in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why creating parent-friendly workplaces is more important than ever, but the latest research shows that the business benefits of supporting mums and dads are clear. Here in the UAE, the Parent Friendly Label program is encouraging organisations to foster environments that support working parents. But what does that really mean for employees and the economy? We dive into this in t...

About the mentl space

the mentl space is a English health podcast from [email protected]. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: [email protected]
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest episode: 10 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1646606565

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