Sporting Life to partner with My Sporting Mind podcast

Broadcaster Charlie Webster is joined each week by a special guest to talk about their mindset, discussing both the highs and lows of their career, the impact on their mental health, hearing previously untold stories and exploring what they’ve learned along the way - we'll learn about the person behind the public persona.

The first episode of series two will be released on January 28, with new editions published weekly every Thursday. We will reveal the first guest for 2021 very soon.

As well as listening to the podcast, you will be able to watch each episode via the Sporting Life YouTube channel, and read exclusive quotes and stories from each guest right here on Sporting Life. You can also follow the podcast and details of future episodes via @MySportingMind on Twitter.

In the meantime, listen back to series one of My Sporting Mind, with in-depth, open and honest conversations with the likes of Ben Foster, Adam Lallana, Thomas Frank, Kevin Pietersen, Justin Langer, Chris Robshaw, Courtney Lawes, Ellie Simmonds, Alicia Blagg and Dan Evans.

My Sporting Mind podcast is available through your normal podcast provider, including:

• Via iTunes
• Via Google Podcasts
• Via Spotify
• Via PodBean

As well as giving a unique insight into the life and careers of the country's most respected and successful athletes, My Sporting Mind was created to normalise the conversation around mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of talking openly and honestly.

Sporting Life managing editor Gareth Jones said: "Sporting Life is a firm supporter of positive mental health and we hope our partnership with Charlie and the podcast will encourage many more people to feel comfortable discussing their feelings openly and to actively seek help to improve their mental health should they need it.

"While very entertaining and insightful, this podcast also discusses some very real personal issues. To hear honest conversations from some great athletes about both how their mental health has been affected and how they overcame those tough times is both powerful and inspiring.

"It tells us all that everyone experiences highs and lows in life, that anyone can be affected by poor mental health and most importantly that it is normal and okay to happen to us.

"As well as just enjoying this podcast for the great sporting listen it is, hopefully it will help more people take that positive step and ask for help."

My Sporting Mind host and co-creator Charlie Webster said: "We created My Sporting Mind back in the first lockdown with a view to help people with their mental health by hearing stories from sports people about their own struggles they’ve overcome, often behind the scenes and despite their successes, surprisingly relatable to all of us.

"I’m delighted to have partnered with Sporting Life for season two, it’s so important to make authentic collaborations to find ways to open up mental health conversations, in Sporting Life I know I’ve found that.

"Their support is invaluable in reaching more people through our mutual love of sport and showing that it’s normal to struggle sometimes."

For anyone struggling with their mental health, or just feeling the need to speak to someone and be heard, then call free and anonymously:

• Samaritans: 116 123 or www.samaritans.org
• Mind: mind.org.uk
• SHOUT: Text 'shout' to 85258 or giveusashout.org
• C.A.L.L: 0800 132 737 or callhelpline.org.uk (Wales only)