Welcome to Who’s Wally? The Podcast, hosted by Andy Wallis and Em Bacon.

Episode Three - Talking with M J Buckman. Author of the book ‘Bent is not Broken’.

In this episode, Andy waffles about his recent gong bath experience while walking in the woods, Andy and Em chat about time machine toilets, teenage mental health, as well as John Robins, and his show ‘Howl’ they recently saw in Nottingham.

John, if you're listening, we want you on the show!

They spoke to M J Buckman about life, mental health, and her new book ‘Bent is not Broken’

Listen out for ‘Hows Brian?, The little book of calm, and another “What’s your favourite cheese?”

About the Book

Through a combination of memoir, interviews, and research, M.J. Buckman explores LGBT+ life through the ages and looks at what it can teach us today about tolerance, inclusivity, and sheer joy.

In the 1980s, M.J. thrived in London’s gay subculture. Being a fag hag was fun, exciting, and all-consuming. But, amongst all her ‘bent’ friends trying to find themselves, was she losing herself instead

Now turning sixty, M.J. looks back on that time and the journey she has taken to have a stronger and healthier relationship with herself. Through interviews with LGBT+ people of all ages, she explores the pain of being on the outside and the wonder of finding your tribe.

Blending these personal histories with a deep exploration of how society has represented LGBT+ people throughout history. In today’s world, where many LGBT+ people still struggle to be themselves and hate speech is on the rise, the need to stand up and be counted as an ally is as strong as ever.

This book is about the human spirit: flawed but able to cope, different from others but accepting ourselves, fearful of adversity, but somehow finding the inner resources to be true to who we are. Bent, but not broken.

It was an absolute pleasure to have M J Buckman on Who’s Wally? The Podcast, and we wish her all the best with this amazing book.

Links from the show:

Bent is not broken book by M J Buckman
Stonewall - Standing for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people.
Information about Sure Start on Wikipedia
Andy’s Belmont Tower photos on flicker
Mind Uk - Information about young people
John Robins website
Ellis James and John Robins Podcast
The Fox Cafe Nottingham facebook page

About the Podcast.
Is feeling human eluding you sometimes? Us too. In this podcast, we chat together and invite others to share their experiences about life and the mental health issues that can consume us. Trying to be functioning human beings when being human feels difficult.

Serious conversations about adoption and mental health issues, while sniggering behind its back and finding the light in the darkness.

Offering solidarity to others in similar situations.

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www.whoswally.co.uk