Welcome to Headstraight!
Headstraight
Headstraight
A teen mental health podcast hosted by Mark Taylor that offers real talk and practical support for teens who want to understand what’s going on inside their head.
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Headstraight

Headstraight

A teen mental health podcast hosted by Mark Taylor that offers real talk and practical support for teens who want to understand what’s going on inside their head.

When Life Hits Hard: Real Coping Strategies for Teens
Headstraight
When Life Hits Hard: Real Coping Strategies for Teens

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When Life Hits Hard: Real Coping Strategies for Teens
June 3, 2026

When Life Hits Hard: Real Coping Strategies for Teens

What do you do when life hits hard? Whether it's a breakup, a betrayal, a loss, a disappointment or a sudden change you never saw coming, some experiences can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. In t...

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You’re Doing Adult Life — So Why Doesn’t It Feel Right?
May 27, 2026

You’re Doing Adult Life — So Why Doesn’t It Feel Right?

Do you ever feel like you're doing all the things adults are supposed to do, but still don't feel like a real adult? You're handling responsibilities, making decisions and getting through life, yet part of you still feels unc...

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You’re Doing Adult Life — So Why Doesn’t It Feel Right?
May 27, 2026

You’re Doing Adult Life — So Why Doesn’t It Feel Right?

I think a lot of people grow up expecting adulthood to feel more solid than it actually does.You imagine there’ll be some point where everything suddenly clicks into place. A moment where you finally feel confident, certain, and prop…

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Broke & Anxious: The Hidden Money-Mood Connection
May 20, 2026

Broke & Anxious: The Hidden Money-Mood Connection

Do you ever feel stressed about money, even when you're trying your best to stay on top of things? Financial pressure can affect far more than your bank balance, creating anxiety, self doubt and a constant feeling that you're...

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Why Am I Always Broke — Even When I’m Trying?
May 20, 2026

Why Am I Always Broke — Even When I’m Trying?

Money has a strange way of getting into your head.Not just practically, emotionally as well.People talk about money all the time in a surface-level way. Paying bills. Earning a living. Managing finances. But very few people tal…

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You Don’t Feel Ready — But You Still Have To Choose
May 13, 2026

You Don’t Feel Ready — But You Still Have To Choose

There’s a point in life where decisions stop feeling small. Before, choices felt more flexible somehow. You could change your mind, try things out, move on from mistakes without it feeling like your entire future depended on it. But the…

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About the Host

Mark Taylor Profile Photo
Mark Taylor

Creator, author and host.

I’m a Qualified/Certified Mental Health Nurse with over 35 years of experience supporting young people and their families. I’ve worked in secure hospitals, eating disorder units, and CAMHS crisis teams—walking alongside adolescents during some of their toughest moments.

My focus has always been on helping young people in emotional distress—especially those who struggle to engage or are finding it hard to stay safe.

I also teach at universities and train professionals across health, education and social care to better understand what young people really need from us.

Headstraight brings all of that together. Just real conversations, grounded advice, and ideas that might actually help. That’s the goal: make it easier to understand, easier to talk about, and more useful to you in real life.

Reviews

This will help me.
I can't wait to get started on this. Going to listen to it all on my commute to work. This guy really sounds like he knows his stuff
Such a great find..!
I'm a parent and was desperate to find something for my son to look at. I've tried to encourage him to seek support but he is worried about talking to someone about how he feels. This podcast was just what he needed to find the courage to speak to someone. Now he is talking to his counsellor in school and is noticeably brighter. Thank you so much... !
Always something helpful
I found this clear and straightforward. Something to learn for practitioners and young people alike, both professionally and personally as we all go through stuff!Going to listen to the 'confidence' track with a young person who struggles with low self esteem as I'm struggling to communicate with him!