![Safe Space: The Video Games Mental Health Podcast](https://cdn.statically.io/img/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/anchor-generated-image-bank/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/17510423/17510423-1693412403925-8013e94e132b4.jpg)
Safe Space: The Video Games Mental Health Podcast
By Safe In Our World
![Currently playing episode](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1702389999511-ee370b4aa65d1.jpg)
Safe Space: The Video Games Mental Health PodcastDec 18, 2023
![Balancing video games, mental health, and a PHD](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1702389999511-ee370b4aa65d1.jpg)
Balancing video games, mental health, and a PHD
On this episode, Rosie chats with Magic: The Gathering enthusiast, games researcher and Class of 2024 Ambassador - Sahar Mirhadi.
We discuss iGGi, (The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence), which is a leading PhD research programme aimed at the Games and Creative Industries.
Links: https://www.zjayres.com/
![The Diagnosis Dilemma (S3E02)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1699377484331-2e3fefc669788.jpg)
The Diagnosis Dilemma (S3E02)
Rosie chats with Dr Raffael Boccomazzo, or Doctor B, who is a clinical psychologist and clinical director at video games mental health non-profit Take This. We talk about Dr B's long history in psychology, therapy and diagnosis, why he's got to where he is today, and his own experiences in diagnosis.
Raffael discusses the intricacies of intersectionality within diagnosis and marginalised groups, and the differences in mental health and neurodiversity such as ADHD and Autism.
![Exploring Borderline Personality Disorder (S3E01)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1693406005195-32d352e941b32.jpg)
Exploring Borderline Personality Disorder (S3E01)
Content Warning: In this episode there are non-graphic mentions of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, drug abuse, overdose, emotional abuse and violence. Please proceed with care and remember you can pause the episode and step away at any time.
Charlie Mullins from Companion Group joins Rosie on the podcast to discuss Borderline Personality Disorder, better known as BPD. Whilst uncovering the common misconceptions about BPD, we discuss Charlie's experiences with the disorder and how it's affected his life, relationships and coping mechanisms.
Charlie explains how getting a diagnosis can be bittersweet, and the path to recovery is often much longer than people anticipate. He talks about his support mechanisms, and what has helped him in his journey in the hopes of supporting other folks experiencing BPD or traits of BPD.
We chat about what the games industry (and beyond) can do to better support employees and gamers with mental ill health, such as borderline personality disorder, and the future of accurate representation of personality disorders in popular media.
Read Charlie's full story here. Find help and resources here.
![The Life We Deserve: Unpacking A Plague Tale with Charlotte McBurney (S2E20)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1683640975989-073d2c334649.jpg)
The Life We Deserve: Unpacking A Plague Tale with Charlotte McBurney (S2E20)
![Diversifying Therapy with Demi Fortson (S2E19)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1680618415869-920425224f1cf.jpg)
Diversifying Therapy with Demi Fortson (S2E19)
![Grief, Healing and God of War with Adam J. Harrington (S2E18)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1678984020444-018f8f473d714.jpg)
Grief, Healing and God of War with Adam J. Harrington (S2E18)
In this episode of the Safe Space Podcast, Rosie and Harry chat to Adam J. Harrington, the wonderful voice of Sindri, from God of War.
Now, before we go any further, this is an official spoiler warning.
SPOILER WARNINGIn this episode we will be discussing heavy spoilers from God of War Ragnarok. If you'd like to avoid spoilers, please don't listen to this episode!
We were delighted to invite Adam J. Harrington to discuss the evolution of Sindri within God of War Ragnarok, and dive into the role that grief played in his character progression throughout the story.
Adam talks about his experiences playing Sindri, and his portrayal of loss within a game which is very much focused on healing and acceptance in many ways. We discuss the challenges that Sindri faced following the death of his brother, and how that translated to Adam's performance.
We also talk about how actors can bring lived experience to performances when tackling heavy emotions such as grief, and the expectations that Adam had for the sequel to God of War (2018). Adam shares memories and experiences that he had whilst performing scenes for God of War Ragnarok, and how the actors were such a tight knit community, and brings to light behind the scenes perspectives of creating this masterpiece of a game.
Sindri's theme also played a part in bringing together the character to the screens, and Adam talks about his relationship with Bear McCreary and the inspirations behind creating the music that accompanied Sindri as a character.
Follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about Mrs. American Pie, a new TV show Adam is working on!
![How Games Can Help Us Grieve with Dr Emma Reay (S2E17)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1678105409405-d5692ba34492f.jpg)
How Games Can Help Us Grieve with Dr Emma Reay (S2E17)
![Autism and Game Development with JJ Fox (S2E16)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1676303083668-7e520401bba21.jpg)
Autism and Game Development with JJ Fox (S2E16)
In this episode of Safe Space, Rosie talks to JJ Fox about neurodiversity - specifically, JJ's experiences being an autistic game dev and how it links to mental health. JJ is an indie game developer currently working on Hymble Ventures, as well as a Safe In Our World Class of 2023 Ambassador. They are also a fan of cosplaying, kung-fu and heavy metal.
We discuss the common stigmas and misunderstandings surrounding autism in the games industry, and the ins and outs of autism awareness and acceptance. We chat about JJ's game in development Hymble Ventures, which is a 3D puzzle platformer about an insect-like alien on the autism spectrum.
The core mechanics of Hymble Ventures are based on controlling the five senses (touch, taste, sight, smell, hear). For neurodiverse people, they can be hypersensitive to sensory information and may overreact to increasing stimuli. This autism trait is an inspiration to aspects of Hymble’s world such as quirky, organ-shaped berries that grant enhanced sight, or smell etc.
We cover JJ's experiences of when they have not been supported in the workplace, and highlight the importance of valuing and supporting neurodiverse people at work.
![BIPOC Mental Health & Celebrating Diversity with Ladell Smith (S2E15)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1673873825686-0e8fc641814cd.jpg)
BIPOC Mental Health & Celebrating Diversity with Ladell Smith (S2E15)
On the first episode of 2023, Rosie talks to Ladell Smith, the Associate Social and Community Manager at Auroch Digital, Safe In Our World Ambassador in our Class of 2023, and owner of They Play Podcast - which is a space for gender non conforming people to share their stories and love of games!
We kick off the episode discussing their history of most treasured games, how they started streaming and working in the industry. We focus specifically on how folks can understand BIPOC Mental Health in a more equitable way, and be a better ally for BIPOC folk in the mental health space.
Ladell discusses how stigma can fluctuate depending on socioeconomic status, culture, and location, as well as how that has an effect on BIPOC when opening up about their own mental health.
Finally we celebrate Ladell's favourite moments in their career so far, and look to the future of the industry!
You can find Ladell's personal twitter at @Pastelbat90, or follow their podcast They Play Games at @TheyPlayPodcast on Twitter.
![Fighting Games & DnD with Sajam (S2E14)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1669655271275-6bd4d01a5dc2b.jpg)
Fighting Games & DnD with Sajam (S2E14)
We welcome Sajam to the Safe Space Podcast, to talk about his experiences in mental health within his content.
Sajam is a Twitch Partner and fighting games commentator/analyst, segue specialist, with a passion for DnD. He was also one of the commentators in Intel Gaming World Relay 2022, which supported Safe In Our World alongside 3 other charities in the games space.
One of Sajam's most popular shows is his series 'Will it Kill?', which involves funny fighting game clips and the community voting on whether the combo will kill or not based on a freezeframe of a hit of a combo.
Rosie invites Sajam to talk about his own experiences as a creator, and looking into the link between mental health and games for him. We cover toxicity in gaming spaces, and his own ways of tackling it as well as his way of setting boundaries and community guidelines. He also elaborates on how DnD has become a bigger part of his life, and why it became special to him.
Additionally, we explore what should be seen more within games communities and the industry as a whole.
Finally, it wouldn't be a Safe Space podcast if Rosie didn't interrogate the guests on their pets, and Sajam didn't disappoint. He talks about his newly adopted kittens, who were born beneath his house, and their adventures in the big world so far.
![Navigating Poor Mental Health with RenjiPls (S2E13)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1667830999097-19fb52cdf48e6.jpg)
Navigating Poor Mental Health with RenjiPls (S2E13)
![Accountability & Setting Boundaries with Blizzb3ar (S2E12)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1666889271928-f05436febb6df.jpg)
Accountability & Setting Boundaries with Blizzb3ar (S2E12)
In this episode, Rosie chats to Blizzb3ar, Producer and Content Creator at Rooster Teeth, Twitch Partner and Bisexual Villain (Icon).
We discuss his path into content creation, as well as his motivations for getting into Twitch and the relationship he has with his community. Blizz talks about how his mental health has been affected by content creation, both positively and negatively, as well as having a platform to be unapologetically bisexual and unapologetically Black on the internet.
We discuss how we can set and practice boundaries within internet communities, and the requirement to have a willingness to learn and move forward. Blizz outlines the difference in 'calling in' vs 'calling out' when creators make mistakes, and the importance that they both play.
The importance of having things that are yours, rather than content, is also talked about with the focus on separating work, content and personal life.
Stardew Valley once again comes into conversation as a game that means a lot to Blizzb3ar - which was the beginning of his journey in creation from initially streaming it on his Xbox. As many other gamers have found from Stardew Valley, it became a community to find other players who were part of the queer community for example.
Blizz talks about the fact that he hasn't yet found a character that he sees himself in within the gaming world, and the importance for character representation and having a fully diverse range of people in marginalised communities.
We also touch on what we'd like to see from companies when working with creators.
LISTEN TO MORE EPISODESWant to listen to more episodes of the Safe Space Podcast?
Check out the full list of episodes at this link.
![A Conversation with The Witcher with Doug Cockle (S2E11)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1665666734712-44bcf412c7654.jpg)
A Conversation with The Witcher with Doug Cockle (S2E11)
In this episode, Rosie chats to The Witcher voice actor, Geralt himself. Though we know him as one of our wonderful Patrons, Doug Cockle.
We delve into mental health in acting as Rosie quizzes Doug on his journey to becoming Geralt, the paths he's chosen, and the obstacles he's faced. Doug talks about how he first became involved with Safe In Our World, right at the beginning of the charity's launch.
Rosie also prompts Doug to discuss any personal self-discoveries he's had whilst playing Geralt over the years, which included a moment of uncertainty that led him to pursue his character and change his path's trajectory for The Witcher.
It's important to mention the intricacies of acting and their connection with mental health, as well as how Doug disconnects from his work to move towards a healthy work-life balance.
About DougDoug first joined Safe In Our World as a Patron right back when the charity launched in 2019.
Doug is an acclaimed American actor and director. For over 20 years he has worked in theatre, film, television, radio, video games and corporate video and has worked extensively in the video games industry where he is primarily known for his work as Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher video game series. Doug has been the voice of Geralt since the series began in 2007 and has been nominated for several awards for his work with this character.
![Emotional Resilience with Posy Brewer (S2E10)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1664190101686-dae6d445ae224.jpg)
Emotional Resilience with Posy Brewer (S2E10)
![Games for Diagnosis with Dr Emilia Molimpakis (S2E09)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660661751809-988d1ca7624ae.jpg)
Games for Diagnosis with Dr Emilia Molimpakis (S2E09)
![Defenders of Easy Games with Dr Matthew White (S2E08)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660660629978-76f2151f37144.jpg)
Defenders of Easy Games with Dr Matthew White (S2E08)
![How Being Immunocompromised Affects Your Mental Health with Ellen Rose (S2E07)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1659623138282-8a628d122a5b5.jpg)
How Being Immunocompromised Affects Your Mental Health with Ellen Rose (S2E07)
![Fighting Toxicity in Gaming with Dr Kimberly Voll (S2E06)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1659370165695-2a80e175e0cf7.jpg)
Fighting Toxicity in Gaming with Dr Kimberly Voll (S2E06)
![The Psychology Behind Hellblade with Paul Fletcher (S2E05)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660660673687-bff15a9bdb81c.jpg)
The Psychology Behind Hellblade with Paul Fletcher (S2E05)
![A Fairer Games Industry with Rami Ismail (Season 2, Episode 4)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660660726597-7c8e8c041ea58.jpg)
A Fairer Games Industry with Rami Ismail (Season 2, Episode 4)
![Life Is Strange with Katy Bentz (Season 2, Episode 3)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660660846994-c6c43c5a0bd35.jpg)
Life Is Strange with Katy Bentz (Season 2, Episode 3)
In this episode, Rosie and Mikayla (Safe In Our World Patron) talk to Katy Bentz, aka the voice of Steph Gingrich from Life is Strange! Katy talks about her experiences as a voice actor, touching on the distinction between the games industry and the film industry, and how to handle audition rejection.
We discuss the impact of characters like Steph for the LGBTQIA+ community, and Katy's experiences playing a character that is so adored within the LIS fandom. Katy recalls some of her favourite moments from recording True Colors, as well as her favourite interactions with the LIS community.
Links
![Custom Pronouns in the Sims 4 with Momo Misfortune (Season 2, Episode 2)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660661290900-02d4fd648ac19.jpg)
Custom Pronouns in the Sims 4 with Momo Misfortune (Season 2, Episode 2)
In this episode, Rosie and Sky chat to Momo Misfortune. Momo is a Twitch partner who is known for streaming The Sims, as well as campaigning for pronouns in the Sims, and a founder of YOUphoriaTV which is stream team focused on uplifting the voices of Nonbinary and Gender Non Conforming creators on Twitch.
We discuss the incredible causes such as Able Gamers, Trans Women of Colour Collective that they have supported, and the Change.org campaign Momo made for adding pronoun options into The Sims 4 which had almost 23,000 signatures before it became a reality.
Momo talks about It Gets Better as an Ambassador and their connection with The Sims 4, and also about their experience with chronic illness and how it affects their mental health.
Links
![Minecraft, Medication and Matching Outfits with Sky Tunley-Stainton (Meet the Team Special)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1655196127368-1ed484d6a9d9.jpg)
Minecraft, Medication and Matching Outfits with Sky Tunley-Stainton (Meet the Team Special)
![How to Tell Meaningful Stories Through Games with Paula Angela Escuadra (Season 2, Episode 1)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1660661148788-3f36291a2255e.jpg)
How to Tell Meaningful Stories Through Games with Paula Angela Escuadra (Season 2, Episode 1)
![From Filmmaking to Inspiring Change with Benn Wiebe (Special Episode: Meet the Team)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1655138328261-6f2a71df179b1.jpg)
From Filmmaking to Inspiring Change with Benn Wiebe (Special Episode: Meet the Team)
In this special episode of the podcast, Rosie talks to our new Strategy and Corporate Partnerships Officer; Benn Wiebe!
Benn has an incredibly varied and interesting career, from working on the Twilight film (!) to the United Nations. He talks about his passions in moving into the video games space, and actively pushing for positive change for topics such as environmental action and improved mental health support. These creative industries have the power to drive forwards positive change and make a real difference using a loved medium such as film or games.
About Benn
Benn Wiebe has been a social impact strategist and producer who has lived across the United States, Denmark, and the UK. As the executive producer of HF Productions Benn has overseen a global series of film festivals that champion vast perspectives and international narratives, and has advised or consulted for organizations across film and games including Netflix, The United Nations, Sony Pictures, Sybo Games, Count Us In, Vice Media, Yea! Impact, Global Environment Media, Climate Crisis Hub, and SIE Society. He is a member of the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences, Producers Guild of America, Playing for the Planet Alliance, and the IGDA Climate SIG.
![A Game of Minecraft to a Best Man's Speech with Alex King (Mental Health Month Special)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1652797270874-94c42c2de8e0e.jpg)
A Game of Minecraft to a Best Man's Speech with Alex King (Mental Health Month Special)
![Existential Anxiety and how FFIX Helped Liam Wilson (Mental Health Month Special)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1652776568957-155ba15484be3.jpg)
Existential Anxiety and how FFIX Helped Liam Wilson (Mental Health Month Special)
![How Experiencing Addiction Changed My Life with Grant Hill (Season 1 Episode 20)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1652269714901-29e53834722b8.jpg)
How Experiencing Addiction Changed My Life with Grant Hill (Season 1 Episode 20)
In the season 1 finale of the Safe Space Podcast, Rosie talks to Grant Hill, esports caster for Race to World First for Method and occasional streamer. He's previously delved into esports journalism, as well as casting for Starcraft II.
In this episode, we discuss Grant's journey, including how he was introduced to Safe In Our World, and the recent Race to World First Tournament. Grant opens up about his struggles with addiction, and how it has affected his career and life over the years, including his recent overdose and subsequent path to recovery.
We also discuss the issues surrounding mental health within the esports realm, and how he thinks we could start to change the culture for the better.
Links
![Special Effect, Cosmic Hearts and Through Our Eyes with Paige Harvey (Season 1 Episode 19)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1651667331815-c30d68016bbf1.jpg)
Special Effect, Cosmic Hearts and Through Our Eyes with Paige Harvey (Season 1 Episode 19)
In the penultimate episode of the season, Rosie chats to Paige Harvey about her incredible work with the gamers charity Special Effect and the annual Gameblast event that unites gamers each year in support of the charity. Paige also discusses their work in Charity Stream Team Cosmic Hearts, which is a team of content creators devoted to raising funds & awareness for vital causes close to our hearts while championing safe, diverse & inclusive spaces online!
We also discuss Paige's work in Through Our Eyes through podcasts and streams, and the inspirations behind it.
Links
![Mental Health Marathons with Mindset By Dave (Season 1 Episode 18)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1650460261725-2bf644c119b67.jpg)
Mental Health Marathons with Mindset By Dave (Season 1 Episode 18)
![Stress-relieving games and games industry stories with Jake Kulkowski (Season 1 Episode 17)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1650379785751-caee4b1a7c921.jpg)
Stress-relieving games and games industry stories with Jake Kulkowski (Season 1 Episode 17)
In this episode, Rosie talks to Jake Kulkowski about his role at Dead Good Media, his podcasts with Wired Productions and Special Moves, and his career path into the video games industry. We also focus on what games we go to for our own stress relief, and the kinds of titles that enable us to relax, including the discussion around why some gamers find escapism within horror titles.
We discuss Jake's mental health story, and some of the games that mean the most to him.
Links:
![Content, Community and Inclusivity with GeekyCassie (Season 1 Episode 16)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1649759782768-166bca0f0bbb6.jpg)
Content, Community and Inclusivity with GeekyCassie (Season 1 Episode 16)
![How Games Like Chicory and Celeste Can Help Us with Mark Flynn (Season 1 Episode 15)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1648744139677-aef1b44c0df29.jpg)
How Games Like Chicory and Celeste Can Help Us with Mark Flynn (Season 1 Episode 15)
![How Epilepsy Affects Gaming with Charlotte Callister (Season 1 Episode 14)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1647351808488-d22000e876a41.jpg)
How Epilepsy Affects Gaming with Charlotte Callister (Season 1 Episode 14)
![Borderline Personality Disorder and ADHD with Charlotte Rouget-Murphy (Season 1 Episode 13)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1646840565290-a6cdd3758b276.jpg)
Borderline Personality Disorder and ADHD with Charlotte Rouget-Murphy (Season 1 Episode 13)
![Do I Look Like a Gamer with Nigel Twumasi (Season 1 Episode 12)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1646142117483-c68e4f16096e8.jpg)
Do I Look Like a Gamer with Nigel Twumasi (Season 1 Episode 12)
![Streaming & The Samaritans with Rach Henderson (Season 1 Episode 11)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1645704188851-298d1f3711e87.jpg)
Streaming & The Samaritans with Rach Henderson (Season 1 Episode 11)
![Psychology in Games, Gaming Disorder and Cavill Influencers with Dr Rachel Kowert (Season 1 Episode 10)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1643210697407-a33a2676aad02.jpg)
Psychology in Games, Gaming Disorder and Cavill Influencers with Dr Rachel Kowert (Season 1 Episode 10)
In this episode of Safe Space, Rosie chats to Dr Rachel Kowert PhD. Rachel is a research psychologist and research director for Take This, as well as a creator of content from books to her YouTube channel Psychgeist which bridges the gap between moral panic and scientific knowledge on psychology and games.
We kick off the podcast with important questions such as "What is a Cavill Influencer" amongst others, and delve into the common misconceptions around key topics surrounding the relationship between mental health and games. We touch on the finer details around how the research field has grown to become more inclusive of games in the past decade, as well as how Rachel is pushing forward positive discussion within academia and beyond.
Links
The Pinned Tweet - Rachel's Twitter Thread
![The stories of #AudioIndustryGame with Eliana Zebro (Season 1 Episode 9)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1642610693152-d6363c422b105.jpg)
The stories of #AudioIndustryGame with Eliana Zebro (Season 1 Episode 9)
![Exploring EDI in Games & Autistica with Dom Shaw (Season 1 Episode 8)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1641901104957-42a6aa8e8275.jpg)
Exploring EDI in Games & Autistica with Dom Shaw (Season 1 Episode 8)
On this episode of Safe Space we welcome Dominic Shaw from UKIE as our latest guest.
In this episode we talk about Dom’s life; from games he enjoyed growing up through to the games industry introduction and eventually him settling into UKIE. We also go into depth about LGBTQ+, autism, dyslexia and support within the industry, as well as the journey he took to get where he is today. Dom also talks about his work with Autistica Play.
As always, we grill Dom on his all-time favourite games, and talk about Dom’s love for the Mass Effect series and how he used to skip school just to experience BioWare’s ever-growing Universe. We also go into depth about the impact that video games had in Dom’s life.
You can find Dom here on Twitter.
Follow the Safe In Our World Podcast here on Twitter for clips, updates and guest interactions!
![Wii Fit, Irish Accents and Caring for a Loved One with Adam Clarke (Season 1 Episode 7)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1639744752865-71de927d116cf.jpg)
Wii Fit, Irish Accents and Caring for a Loved One with Adam Clarke (Season 1 Episode 7)
On this episode of Safe Space we welcome Adam Clarke from Game If You Are as a guest! We talk about his personal reasons into getting into the games industry, which include talking about his experience as a carer for his sister and her passion for games. We cover Hot Fuzz and the accuracy of the levels of Irish accents within Adam's world, which is surprisingly similar. Of course, it wouldn't be a Safe Space podcast without discussing games themselves, would it? Adam takes us through his most impactful games over the years, and the implementation of creating real choices for players to pave their own paths in games such as The Walking Dead and Disco Elysium.
You can find Adam here on Twitter.
Follow the Safe In Our World Podcast here on Twitter for clips, updates and guest interactions!
![Code is Just with Shahid Ahmad (Season 1 Episode 6)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1638890350094-acd4af6297337.jpg)
Code is Just with Shahid Ahmad (Season 1 Episode 6)
![Exploring EDI, inclusivity and diversity within games with Raccine Malcolm (Season 1 Episode 5)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1637851923902-26e6ab3eb3f86.jpg)
Exploring EDI, inclusivity and diversity within games with Raccine Malcolm (Season 1 Episode 5)
Raccine is a communications professional that specializes in empathy-driven, engagement-based community development and management. Multicultural awareness, belonging, EDI, mental health, along with the interconnectedness of communities are some of her deepest interests and driving forces behind her work. We are delighted to have Raccine as a Safe In Our World Ambassador, championing mental health within the games industry alongside us.
On this episode, we discuss the importance of incorporating EDI into companies and communities, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the games industry and how mental health fits into these topics. We also chat about our favourite mental health related titles, including Raccine's all time favourites such as When the Darkness Comes and Sunshine Days.
![Charity Streaming with Hannah Rutherford (Season 1 Episode 4)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1635872962927-d058cf5fbf166.jpg)
Charity Streaming with Hannah Rutherford (Season 1 Episode 4)
On this episode of Safe Space, Rosie and Jake chatted to Hannah Rutherford on all things charity streaming. We get into some of the evolution of games, from Mario is Missing to Lara Croft, as well as the struggles that individuals face when creating content and how we can take care of ourselves.
![LGBTQ+ in games with Robin Gray (Season 1 Episode 3)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1634726952977-f1e4b02e46479.jpg)
LGBTQ+ in games with Robin Gray (Season 1 Episode 3)
We had a conversation on the support and challenges within the games industry for LGBTQ+ communities with the wonderful Robin Gray from Gayming Magazine. We chatted representation within video games characters, groups in the industry who rally for change, and touched on tips for those entering the industry on how to find support.
Robin is the Founder of Gayming Magazine, with over 1 million monthly readers, Co-Founder of Gray Jones Media, TV producer at Parrlime Studios and a Patron of Safe In Our World.
![Twitch, Content Creation and Leading a Mental Health Talk Show with Mxiety (Season 1 Episode 2)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1634726877975-2470dc46fa3e2.jpg)
Twitch, Content Creation and Leading a Mental Health Talk Show with Mxiety (Season 1 Episode 2)
This episode, we chat with Mxiety (or Marie) about the work she does in broadening the conversation around mental health through platforms such as Twitch, Twitter and more. We discuss the importance of sharing our personal stories, boundaries between creators and their audience, and the pros and challenges that accompany the above.
![An Introduction to Safe In Our World (Season 1 Episode 1)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/production/podcast_uploaded_episode400/17510423/17510423-1634727079714-9acc80cdbed5c.jpg)
An Introduction to Safe In Our World (Season 1 Episode 1)
For the very first episode of Safe Space, we wanted to introduce our listeners to the Safe In Our World team, the aims and mission of the charity and some insight into why we're passionate about the conversation surrounding mental health within the games industry and beyond.