{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Alastair Campbell : Minding his Mind","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/611ed77d06c05e843ef40e87/611ed7ac13cfaf0017e7aaa5.jpg?height=200","description":"Trigger warning : Depression, grief, addiction.\n\nThis week I chat to writer, communicator, strategist and mental health campaigner Alastair Campbell.\nHe’s probably best known for his role as the official spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy for the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.\nNow splits his time between writing, speaking, charity work and consultancy.\nHe lives with his partner Fiona and they have three children, Grace, Calum and Rory. \nA self-confessed atheist who’s obsessed with Burnley Football, Alastair had a well-documented mental breakdown in 1986 but instead of going into that time during this conversation, I wanted to talk to him about how he is doing today.\nHis latest book ‘Living Better’ shares how he learned to survive depression and in this conversation he talks about the importance of family and friends; we discuss vulnerability, finding balance and he also shares practical tips on managing depression which I think many of you will find beneficial.\nIf you like this podcast please click follow, give a rating or leave a little comment, thanks a million!\nAnd a word of thanks to my friend Barbara for helping to make this conversation happen X","author_name":"Síle Seoige"}