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.
Recent
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July 22, 2026
Am I Being Left Behind?
I've been thinking about friendships quite a bit while putting this episode together, and the more I thought about it, the more I realised this isn't really an episode about friendships at all. It's about what happens when they start to change. Most of us have experienced that moment when someone we were once really close to slowly becomes a smaller part of our lives. Sometimes there's an argument, but often there isn't. Life just moves on, and we're left trying to work out what happened. The
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July 15, 2026
I Wish Somebody Would Notice Without Me Having To Say Anything
Have you ever found yourself wishing that somebody would just notice that you're not okay... without you having to say anything? Not because you want attention. Not because you want everyone fussing over you. But because saying the words out loud somehow feels even harder. That's what we're talking about this week. We're going to look at why so many of us wait for someone else to ask the first question, what we're really hoping for when we wish someone would notice, and why staying quiet o
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July 8, 2026
A New Chapter for Headstraight
After six seasons of Headstraight, I found myself reflecting on something. We've talked about anxiety, confidence, friendships, boundaries, self-belief and so many of the challenges that young people face. Those conversations still matter. But the more time I spent listening to young people, the more I realise that many of the biggest struggles don't begin with a diagnosis or even a clear problem. They begin with a question. The questions that keep people awake at night. The ones that feel too
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July 1, 2026
Season 6 — Nothing’s Wrong — You’re Just Seeing Things Differently (Season Summary)
We've reached the end of another season, but this isn't really about looking back. It's about taking a moment to notice how far you've come. Over the last few months we've talked about pressure, responsibility, relationships, uncertainty and trying to work out what actually matters to you. None of it was about becoming a different person. It was about understanding yourself a little better. In this episode, I reflect on the biggest shift I've hoped you've taken away from these conversat
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June 24, 2026
What If This Isn't The Life I Actually Want?
Have you ever stopped and wondered whether the life you're building is actually the life you want? Sometimes the problem isn't a crisis or a major setback. It's a quieter feeling that something doesn't quite fit, even when things look fine from the outside. In this episode of Headstraight, we explore why people can end up following paths that no longer feel right and why self doubt often appears when you start questioning long-held assumptions about your future. You'll learn how expectations,
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June 17, 2026
When Everything Feels Out of Control — Here’s How You Stay Steady
Do you ever feel like the world is asking for your attention all the time? News, social media, other people's opinions and worries about the future can create a constant sense of pressure that's difficult to switch off. In this episode of Headstraight, we explore what happens when your mind is carrying more information, stress and uncertainty than it can comfortably process. You'll learn why feeling overwhelmed isn't a sign that you're not coping, how anxiety and overthinking can build when y
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About the Host
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
- Beth Alice
- July 17, 2025
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... !
- Anon
- July 28, 2025
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!
- Elsie
- Oct. 11, 2025