Gobsmacked!

Earlier this year, Matt Gallagher recorded his first-ever podcast for Gobsmacked. Reeling from his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2023, Matt opened his heart and family life to raise awareness and offer rapid support to others facing similar challenges. Eight months on, Matt returns to the studio to introduce his dear friend, Ollie Russell, who recently attempted a world record: 48 hours of burpee broad jumps.Ollie, a 26-year-old fitness coach and athlete, has a deeply moving backstory, shaped by the loss of his father to cancer. Inspired by Matt’s journey and their shared resilience, Ollie’s challenge was a testament to determination, raising vital funds for the Matt Gallagher Foundation, which has already contributed over £370,000 to the MND community.Tune in to Episode 39 of Gobsmacked to hear their incredible stories of heroism, stoicism, and heart.

Lianne Kirkman has openly described her life as an emotional rollercoaster, A pivotal moment occurred on a railway platform, where a miraculous event saved her life, igniting a deep well of love, generosity, and compassion that continues to guide her mission. With her formative years dogged by depression. Her personal struggles bless her with a profound compassion for marginalised individuals. Consistently drawn to those whom society often overlooks. Her dedication to women’s welfare is immense; inspired by a childhood aspiration to create a sanctuary for women, she has tirelessly pursued this vision throughout her life.

At seventeen, Ruth Hasson believed she’d found somebody to love—a man who showered her with attention, making her feel like a princess. However, his obsessive need to monopolise her time gradually isolated her from family and friends, culminating in a harrowing six-hour assault that left her barely alive.Trapped in a coercive, violent relationship, Ruth’s awakening came on her 21st birthday with the death of Freddie Mercury. This episode delves into Ruth’s journey from despair to liberation, highlighting the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. It’s a hard-hitting episode that underscores the importance of recognising and escaping abusive relationships.Now, as a brave and tenacious advocate, Ruth has made it her life’s mission to raise awareness and help others find their voices and courage.

Jade Carson shares her raw and candid story of living with bipolar disorder, from unwittingly self-medicating with alcohol and drugs to the pivotal moment when her university lecturer noticed her fervent behaviour and started the process to diagnosis. Jade’s honest insights and lessons, inspired by the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh, reveal what it takes to embrace mental health challenges and grow. A must-listen for those seeking understanding, strength, and hope.

Episode 35 of Gobsmacked! brings us Bill Bates on a journey through music and memories, marking the 8th anniversary of his son Matthew’s passing. With his signature blend of humour and honesty, Bill shares stories of love and loss while playing some of his own songs, each one reflecting moments of joy, resilience, and remembrance. A heartfelt episode that honours Matthew’s memory through words and melodies, balancing the bittersweet beauty of life’s highs and lows.

Get ready for a Gobsmacked! episode that unpacks the “Ninender” mindset with Kate Berski! She’s taking on the myth of millennial milestones like hitting career goals, homeownership, or marriage by 30, and why “adulting” anxiety is at an all-time high. From feeling like she was “quarantined” by life’s pressures to thriving post-COVID with a new perspective, Kate’s here to redefine success beyond Insta-worthy timelines. If you’re stuck in a “doomscroll” or feeling FOMO from pandemic resets, this convo is for you. Tune in—#YOLO!

In the blink of an eye, everything can change. On New Year’s Day 2022, Naomi Rees-Issitt lost her 18-year-old son Jamie to a sudden cardiac arrest. This searingly honest, highly emotional, and compelling account tells the story of how a mother’s love sparked a life-saving mission."Welcome to Heartbeat of Hope: A Mother's Love, A Son's Legacy—where one family's unimaginable loss becomes a movement to save lives. Join Naomi as she shares her journey through heart-stopping moments and heart-saving action. From tragedy to triumph, this is the fight to ensure no family faces the same devastating delays. This is Jamie’s story. This is about defibrillators, time—and saving lives

Linda Clarke, a spirited Liverpudlian lass, is set to challenge, provoke, entertain, and inspire you. Drawing from her experiences supporting vulnerable children caught in county line drug operations and severe offences, and inspired by her nephew Jaxon’s journey with Kabuki Syndrome—a rare genetic condition—Linda now leads Lumiere, creating safe and inclusive spaces for children with special needs. Tune in to hear how her blend of wit, resilience, and passion drives her mission and will leave you thinking long after the conversation ends.

Welcome to an extraordinary episode featuring Emma Smuts Muller, whose life journey is nothing short of jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring. Emma's story takes us through a whirlwind of experiences, from finding her soul mate and setting a wedding date, to facing the challenges of cancer, the heartbreak of bereavement, the struggles of lockdown, and the trials of infertility and surrogacy. Despite the turbulence, despair, and grief, this is a tale of unbreakable friendship and the profound impact one selfless person can have on another's life. Get ready for an emotional ride filled with hope and joy, but don't forget your tissues—you'll need them for the tears and smiles that follow.