Too Light Too Dark

The conversation delves into the work of Simon Bennett, an executive coach and founder of Challenge Yourself, Kindly. From abstract studies to immersive experiences in human realities, emphasisng the capacity for containing presence and the call to cultural humility. It explores the challenge of uncertainty and polarisation, as well as the importance of genuine curiosity and cultural humility in fostering understanding and connection. The conversation delves into the challenges and transitions faced by leaders, particularly in embracing uncertainty and acknowledging its impact on group dynamics. It explores the shift from technical expertise to leadership, the power of negative capability...

Too Light Too Dark 2025 Review: The Moments That Defined the First Two Series dives into the episodes that ignited the strongest reactions and debate. From learning to sit in the dark to confronting masculinity and vulnerability, this review pulls apart key moments across multiple episodes that continue to fuel conversation. Featuring guest co‑host Damien Blazk, author of The Broken Stone Chronicle — explore his fantasy series here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=broken+stone+chronicle. Goodreads

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In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we explore how trauma shapes identity, behavior, and the lifelong journey of self-discovery. The episode examines the personal, cultural, and socio-political roots of trauma, and how unresolved trauma patterns influence individuals, organizations, and society at large.

We discuss the power of vulnerability and compassion as essential tools for healing, alongside the role of shadow work, male vulnerability, and self-realization. The conversation also looks at the impact of the digital age on youth mental health, identity formation, and emotional resilience in an increasingly complex world.

From...

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling—it impacts families, futures, and lives forever changed.

In Episode 20 of Too Light Too Dark, Mark Astor confronts one of the most difficult and misunderstood subjects in mental health and law: addiction, accountability, and Florida’s Baker Act. This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about what really happens when someone reaches crisis—and how the legal system steps in when lives are on the line.

Mark breaks down the real-world consequences of addiction, the emotional weight carried by families, and the...

What if the words we use keep people trapped in homelessness?

In this episode of Too Light Too Dark, we’re joined by Jay S. Levy, author and long-time social worker who helped shape the Housing First approach. Jay digs into the shadows in homelessness practice, how story and language influence care and recovery, and why meeting people where they are isn’t just a motto—it’s a practical, compassionate framework for change.

🎧 Explore Jay’s work:
📘 Pretreatment Gui...

“In this powerful episode, Jess from the Museum of Homelessness shares a rare frontline perspective on the systems shaping our communities. From navigating uncertainty to challenging the structures that often go unseen, Jess brings insight, honesty, and humanity to the conversation.

Together, we dive into themes of resilience, compassion, and the unexpected moments of hope that emerge even in the darkest situations. Jess also offers an inside look at how the Museum of Homelessness operates, uplifts voices, and drives meaningful change.

If you’re seeking thought-provoking dialogue, real-world expertise, and a deep...

Episode 16 delivers a gripping, emotionally charged deep-dive into the life of David Breakspear—a man who moved from childhood trauma and systemic exclusion to becoming a powerful voice for criminal justice reform.

Host Leon guides listeners through David’s early years as the youngest of six, a child searching for identity while silently carrying the weight of sexual abuse and undiagnosed neurodiversity. After a severe bout of meningitis at age 10, David’s behaviour shifted dramatically, pushing him into a school system that punished instead of understood him. What followed was a painful cycle of exclusion, crime, and incarce...

In this latest episode of "Too Light Too Dark," host Leon Eckford and guest Simon Binns delve into the intricate themes of masculinity and vulnerability. They explore how colonial history has shaped emotional expression, particularly within Caribbean families, and discuss the challenges men face in today's world regarding mental health and emotional openness.

We discuss how societal norms shape manhood, why emotional openness is essential for well-being, and how reclaiming healthy masculinity can transform relationships, communities, and self-perception. This episode offers insight, storytelling, and thought-provoking dialogue for anyone ready to challenge stereotypes and embrace a more inclusive...

Episode 15 of Too Light Too Dark features an inspiring and brutally honest conversation with U.S. military veteran, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker Donald Dunn.

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of military life, transitioning out of service, building resilience, and rediscovering purpose after the uniform comes off.

Donald shares his journey from deployment to civilian life—including the challenges, the dark moments, the unexpected lessons, and the powerful mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his identity, launch a successful business, and step into veteran advocacy.

If you’re a veteran, an activ...

What if you could train your mind to see possibilities where others see problems?
In this episode of Too Light Too Dark, we sat down with Felix Riley, founder of Brilliant Thinking, to explore how changing the way we think can transform the way we live.

Felix shares his insights on creativity, curiosity, and the surprising power of simple ideas that make a big impact. Whether you’re chasing inspiration, seeking clarity, or just want to think a little more brilliantly — this conversation will leave you seeing the world in a new light.

What makes someone truly persuasive? In this episode of Too Light, Too Dark, we sit down with Jay Heinrichs — bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing and world-renowned expert on rhetoric — to explore the timeless art of persuasion, storytelling, and human influence.

Jay breaks down how Aristotle’s ancient principles of ethos, pathos, and logos shape the way we connect, convince, and communicate today. From political speeches to social media storytelling, learn how to use rhetoric as a tool for truth, empathy, and transformation.

Perfect for creative...

In this episode we deep dive with, the editorial team behind The Pavement Magazine. We sit down with Jake Cudsi and Mat Amp, Editor and Deputy Editor respectively, to explore the raw realities behind their most powerful stories. From lived experience to editorial choice, we pull back the curtain on how coverage can cut through stigma, shift perceptions, and spark real change. You’ll hear about the research, the risks, and the relationships that shape every piece. Expect layered conversations on ethics, trust, representation, and how street-level storytelling can transform not just what you read — but how you see your...

In this powerful episode, we speak with Ed Addison, Co-Founder & Director of The People’s Recovery Project (TPRP), and Khosru Miah, Recovery Community Mentor with over 20 years of lived experience of homelessness and addiction.

Discover how TPRP is reshaping addiction recovery in London by building a community-led approach that makes recovery achievable and sustainable for people facing homelessness. Ed and Khosru share real stories from the streets, the challenges of accessing treatment, and how compassion and connection create lasting change.

👉 Support their work: thepeoplesrecoveryproject.org/donate
👉 Follow TPRP: @thepeoplesrecoveryproject

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What if our drug policies were built around care instead of punishment? In this episode, Tony Duffin, ex CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, joins Too Light Too Dark to talk about the real impact of harm reduction, what’s working (and what’s not) in Ireland’s drug response, and why stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to change.

Tony’s been at the heart of drug policy reform for decades — and his perspective will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about addiction, recovery, and justice.

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In this episode, we reflect on our journey through the first series. We explore our intentions, personal growth as individuals and how the podcast has grown alongside us and we touch on the amazing guests that have participated. We revisit emotional moments, feedback from listeners and the global reach of our episodes. We also look ahead to future guests and the importance of community in our mission. A candid and forthright exploration of our aspirations moving forward.

On September 11, 2001, the world stood still — but for first responders like JP McMichael, there was no pause. In this powerful episode of Too Light Too Dark, JP shares his firsthand account of rushing toward the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks.

From the chaos of that day to the long-lasting emotional and physical toll, JP opens up about resilience, trauma, and the unseen weight carried by those who ran toward danger when everyone else fled. This conversation honors the courage, sacrifice, and humanity that emerged from one of the most pivotal events of the 21st century.

What does it mean to be a man today?

To hold power and feel powerless?

To crave control but fear vulnerability?

In Episode 8, we dive deep into masculinity, identity, and the messy truth of being human with our guest, Ben Neal — thought leader, educator, and organisational consultant trained at the legendary Tavistock & Portman.

Together, we explore:

Freud, Bion & the unconscious — why our hidden fears shape our relationships

Masculinity & vulnerability — why men struggle to open up, and wh...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Naomi Watt, a registered nurse on the frontlines of Vancouver’s toxic drug crisis. With deep compassion and unflinching honesty, Naomi shares what it means to practice harm reduction in a community where the unregulated drug supply has claimed far too many lives.

From safe consumption sites to overdose response, she offers a raw look into the challenges—and the small victories—of nursing in a public health emergency. More than a healthcare provider, Naomi is an advocate, a witness, and a voice for dignity in the face of stigma...

Ep. 6 — The Homeless Guide with Fynn Baring

What if losing everything gave you the blueprint to truly live?

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Fynn Baring takes us inside the hidden world of homelessness — the unspoken rules, the survival hacks, and the unexpected humanity that thrives on the edges of society. From finding safety to navigating dignity, Fynn shares the hard-earned wisdom most of us never see and walks us through his initiative now live in Oxford, Cambridge, Luton and Leeds.

This conversation also touc...

Rhett and Leon chop it up about our half way point in the first 10 episode run. We touch upon recent achievements, feedback from you, the listener, upcoming guests and some casual reflections on where we sit, where we've been and most importantly where we're going.

This will keep you guys fed, whilst we're in the lab with new episodes.

We’ve hit Episode 5 - halfway through our first ten episode season and for this one, we’ve got an amazing discussion to share. In this candid and deeply human conversation, former pornography addict and recovery coach Joshua Shea joins Too Light Too Dark to break the silence around a topic often hidden in shame. Together, we explore the roots of pornography addiction, the mental and emotional toll it takes, and the path toward healing and self-compassion. Joshua shares his personal journey from addiction to advocacy, offering hope and practical insights for anyone seeking recovery — or trying to understand it in...

Episode 4: “Codependency : I Am Enough”— with Dr. Angela Downey”

Is it codependency… or just being a human with Wi-Fi and abandonment issues?

This week on Too Light Too Dark, we’re diving headfirst (with healthy boundaries, of course) into the murky waters of codependency with the brilliant Dr. Angela Downey, author of Codependency: Enough As I Am. Angela brings decades of clinical wisdom, spiritual insight, and the kind of radical compassion that makes you feel like maybe—just maybe—you don’t need to fix yourself before brunch.

Toget...

In our third episode Dr Brett Grellier joins to explore mental health and addiction recovery from a personal and professional lens. We look at individual recovery and the systemic foundations that are there to protect us and how sometimes they fail and how people can slip through the cracks due to these failures.

We also touch upon hope on the face of adversity, wrestling with one’s own shadow and how integrative practice can lead to long term healing in the right context.

This one is for the thinkers, th...

In this episode of Too Light Too Dark, we sit down with Matt Southwell — global harm reduction leader, peer advocate, and unapologetic truth-teller.

With over three decades of experience, Matt has been at the forefront of drug user activism, from founding one of the UK’s first community-led services to shaping international policy with the UN.

We talk about:

 Coming out publicly as a drug user — and the fallout

 The power of peer-led harm reduction

 Why overdose prevention centers aren’t optional

 What it...

Episode 1: Something From Nothing

In this debut episode of Too Light Too Dark, we trace the origin story of the podcast — how an idea, born from honest conversation and lived experience, grew into a shared mission. Co-hosts Leon Eckford and Rhett Nicholl introduce themselves, offering a glimpse into their own journeys and the friendship that sparked this space.

This episode is a grounding moment — an invitation into a dialogue that doesn’t shy away from contradiction. Too Light Too Dark is a podcast for those navigating the recovery space, whethe...

Rhett Nicholl and Leon Eckford are the hosts of Too Light Too Dark - a new recovery themed podcast exploring duality, the nuances of personal development and the search for truth for individuals, collectives and wider society.

In this quickfire intro - it sets the scene for episode 1 - dropping on July 1st 2025, where we tell you who we are, what the podcast is and who it's meant for as well as introducing a host of guests over July and August....

Like, comment, subscribe - tell a friend....

Harm Reduction learning for us here at TLTD, welcoming in a coordinator working in Vancouver's first overdose prevention site in a clinical hospital setting for both inhalation and injection.

Scott Darling is a 10 year practitioner in the field, working at the start of the toxic drug supply crisis, cutting his teeth in downtown Vancouver as a start up outreach service provider and also working in the East End of London, again within a homeless outreach setting.

Thanks to him for the work he does every day, saving lives and...