Two friends from Welwyn Garden City have launched a podcast to create a place for dads to meet and discuss men's mental health and the transition to fatherhood, among other topics. 

Lads, Dads & a Couple of Beers is the brainchild of two "former lads that are now dads", Ricky Scully and Alex Casey, who have come together with Dylan Spaull, a testicular cancer survivor, to discuss the stigma around mental health in a "unique way".

Now recorded at Bedtime Beers - a beer tasting room in Welwyn Garden City - the podcast started over lockdown by Alex and former host Dave Hattam, with the aim of getting people talking about mental health in a light hearted and comfortable setting.

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Ricky Scully said: "We aren't a normal mental health podcast; we like to have a laugh with our content.

"As actors and influencers, we have experienced the highs and lows of social media and how that can have an effect on mental health. Dylan brings us back to earth with a serious health condition that nearly took his life, and he speaks the importance of mental health in that aspect."

                                                                                                        

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The podcast has featured many celebrities and influencers, from Love Islanders and TikTokers to football players.

Guests have included Dan Lawrence, Jeremie Aliadiere, Jacqui Ryland, Andrea Jane Bunker and Simple Simon.

Alex said: "I’ve suffered with mental health throughout my life. I found it hard to explain to people how and why.

"Since launching the podcast, I’ve found so many people suffer in the same, not knowing who or what to turn to. Men especially suffer as we love to hide our emotions.

"We’ve found our approach through comedy has helped us reach out to the people who hide it the most. Why do we have to sit in a serious setting, filled with doom and gloom? 

"I'd much rather a safe open space, few beers and a couple of dad bods have a laugh and cry. And that’s ok!"

To find out more about the podcast, go to linktr.ee/Ladsdadscouplebeers.