Mental Health Podcast makes positive impact
A Northampton-based mental health podcast is creating a space for open, honest and raw conversations about mental health, wellbeing and the challenges people face behind closed doors.
Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask was founded by Daniel Crask, Operations Director at Airtech Analysis, and Paul Bone, Managing Director of Kingsley Roofing, with the aim of creating a platform where people can speak openly about their experiences without judgement.
The podcast has already welcomed a number of incredible guests from a variety of backgrounds, with each guest bringing their own experiences, stories and perspectives to conversations around mental health and life.
The videography for the podcast is undertaken by Chanelle Bradshaw, helping to bring the conversations to life and share them with an audience beyond the podcast itself.
Taking Off the Hard Hat and Removing the Mask
The concept behind the podcast is simple: everyone has a story that you don’t always see.
In everyday life, particularly within traditionally male-dominated industries, there can be an expectation to put on a brave face, get on with things and carry on regardless of what is happening beneath the surface.
Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask aims to challenge that mentality.
The podcast provides a safe and informal environment for guests to have conversations that are sometimes difficult, emotional and deeply personal.
There are no scripted responses or attempts to make conversations perfect. Instead, Daniel and Paul focus on having genuine, human conversations and allowing their guests to tell their stories in their own words.
No Scripts. No Judgement. Just Real Conversations.
From mental health struggles and difficult periods in life to resilience, relationships, work, family, personal experiences and overcoming adversity, the podcast isn’t afraid to tackle subjects that can sometimes be difficult to discuss.
The conversations can be emotional, uncomfortable, funny and inspiring — but above all, they are real.
Daniel Crask and Paul Bone believe that simply hearing another person talk openly about their experiences can help someone who may be struggling themselves realise that they are not alone.
“The idea behind Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask is simple — we want to get people talking. Everyone puts on a mask from time to time. At work, at home, with friends or even with family. What people don’t always see is what is happening behind that mask.”
From the Construction and Asbestos Industries to a Much Bigger Conversation
The podcast has strong roots within Northampton’s business and construction community, with Daniel and Paul both coming from industries where conversations around mental health and vulnerability have historically not always been easy.
However, the podcast isn’t limited to one industry or one type of guest.
The pair are keen to hear from people from all walks of life, recognising that mental health doesn’t discriminate and that everyone’s story is different.
By bringing together guests with different backgrounds and experiences, Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask hopes to demonstrate that there is no single face of mental health.
A Northampton Podcast With a Bigger Ambition
Although proudly created and based in Northampton, the ambition for Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask is to reach people well beyond the local community.
The podcast aims to encourage listeners to start conversations, check in on the people around them and, perhaps most importantly, feel more comfortable talking about their own mental health.
It isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about listening, sharing experiences and creating a space where people can be themselves.
Meet the Team
Daniel Crask – Co-Founder
Daniel is the Operations Director at Airtech Analysis, a fast-growing asbestos consultancy based in Northampton. Alongside his professional career, Daniel is passionate about encouraging more open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
Paul Bone – Co-Founder
Paul is the Managing Director of Kingsley Roofing and brings his own experience from the roofing and construction industry. Together with Daniel, Paul is committed to creating conversations that encourage people to be more open about their experiences.
Chanelle Bradshaw – Videographer
Chanelle is responsible for the videography behind Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask, capturing the conversations and helping the podcast connect with a wider audience through its visual content.
The Message
The message behind the podcast is simple:
Take off the hard hat. Take off the mask. Start the conversation.
Whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting someone else or simply want to understand more about mental health, Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask aims to show that sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply talk.
About Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask
Under the Hard Hat, Behind the Mask is a Northampton-based mental health podcast founded by Daniel Crask and Paul Bone.
Through open, honest and raw conversations with guests from a variety of backgrounds, the podcast aims to break down barriers around mental health, encourage people to talk and remind listeners that nobody should feel they have to face their struggles alone.
With numerous guests already welcomed onto the podcast, the team is continuing to build its audience and create conversations that have the potential to make a genuine difference.
The podcast is available on Youtube, Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook and TikTok, with new guests and conversations being released regularly.