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Mental Notes

Mental Notes

By: Fran Slater
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Following a recent episode of mental health struggles, Fran (a former mental health worker and a current amateur music critic), once again reflected on how important music is when it comes to keeping his head as level as it can be.


The Mental Notes Podcast sees him talking to musicians he admires, and who have been somehow roped into talking to him, about the intersections of music and mental health. Expect open conversations about song writing, coping mechanisms, the helpful and unhelpful sides of the music industry, and how to navigate life.








Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fran Slater
Art Hygiene & Healthy Living Music Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Series 2, Episode 5 - Sam Fryer of Gently Tender on how the band helped him recover, finding mindfulness, and singing with his musical hero
    Jun 13 2026

    On Episode 5 of Series 2, I am joined by Sam Fryer of Gently Tender – a couple of weeks after the release of EP (or is it an album?) This Once Was Fields. We discuss recovering from the trauma of one band breakup by using your next band to instil positivity, the benefits of walking, cricket, and meditation, the meaning behind many lyrics, and our shared experience of late ADHD diagnosis and realising what helps to prevent it turning you into an anxious puddle.


    If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast app. You can also subscribe to the Mental Notes website, or follow me on Instagram. And if you can leave a nice review wherever you get your podcasts that will really help the algorithm to find me, but that’s all the begging I’ll do for now.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Series 2, Episode 4 - Quincey May Brown on grief in her music, masking mental health, and randomly making suits for album covers
    May 4 2026

    On Episode 4 of Series 2, I am joined by Quincey May Brown - a couple of weeks before the release of her 2nd album Careful, Pockets. We discuss her headspace around album release date, the meanings behind her lyrics, masking mental health challenges, and much more. Quincey also discusses her relentless creativity (my words, not hers) and I point out something about her songs that she hadn't previously considered herself.


    If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast app. You can also subscribe to the Mental Notes website, or follow me on Instagram or Bluesky. And if you can leave a nice review wherever you get your podcasts that will really help the algorithm to find me, but that’s all the begging I’ll do for now.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    56 mins
  • Series 2, Episode 3 - Dominie Hooper on processing trauma through music, the joy of teaching creativity, and being a hopeful 'hidden gem'
    Apr 23 2026

    In this insightful interview, musician Dominie Hooper talks to me about the journey of creating her debut album, the emotional challenges of the music industry, and how her music serves as a reflection of her mental health journey. She talks about the joy of creativity, the release of anger through music, and learning to appreciate the different ways in which you can measure success in your music career.


    She also listens to me gush about how much I love her debut album - which I really do. Give it a listen if you haven't, and don't miss out on this chat. It's a cracker.


    If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast app. You can also subscribe to the Mental Notes website, or follow me on Instagram or Bluesky. I'd also really appreciate any reviews you can leave wherever you listen to podcasts, but that's all the begging I'll do for now.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
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