The singing star shared his mental health journey with Gemma Oaten
Gemma Oaten and Calum Scott onboard the Hull Trains service where they recorded the latest Moving Minds podcast(Image: hulltrains.co.uk)
Hull star Calum Scott has spoken about how his mum saved him when he was at the lowest point in his life. Calum has been speaking to another city star, actress Gemma Oaten, for the latest Moving Minds podcast.
Gemma hosts the live podcasts aboard Hull Trains and has previously sat down with “The Dogfather” Graeme Hall, The Traitors contestant Jessie Stride and TV and radio presenter Amy Thompson, among others, to discuss life and their mental health journeys. Episode 11 of the podcast features Calum, 37, who won the Hull Daily Mail’s Star Search talent contest in 2013 ahead of his huge rise to stardom.
On the recording, Gemma speaks to chart-topping artist Calum about life in the spotlight, the pressures of international touring and the importance of speaking openly about wellbeing.
The conversation also explores how growing up in Hull helped shape his journey from local performer to global star.
Gemma talks to Calum about his past struggles with body dysmorphia, saying: “I know that you’ve been in the same position as I have where, there’s been times where you actually wanted to end it all. I read that the reason you didn’t was because of your mum … that’s the reason I didn’t.”
Calum replies: “It’s weird because there’s times when I look back on who I was then. I was extremely vulnerable, I was unhappy, I was very, very cruel to myself.
“Looking back, from being sat here, it feels like a different person. But it’s as much part of me as it was then.
“There’s still times I will look in the mirror and go, I just don’t like things about myself.” Calum said the biggest thing he had been able to change was how he treats himself.
“I think for me, therapy, hands down, saved my life. My mum, Debs, definitely was the core anchor as to why I’m still here.
“But therapy helped me reinforce all of that strength and helped me build a strong and unwavering support mentally.” Calum chats about finishing a “mammoth” world tour, having his third album out and explores with Gemma how growing up in Hull helped shape his journey from local performer to global star.
He says: “For me it’s so incredibly important to keep counting my blessings and keep being grateful because I think that’s what as a normal Hull lad that tours around the world and performs for the King at his coronation and performs with Ronan Keating at Wembley Arena, I then come back to Hull and I’m sat on my couch watching my dog play with his ball.
“By counting my blessings and being grateful it allows me to go back into just being Calum again.”
The singer-songwriter has achieved more than 10 billion streams worldwide, including signature hits like his triple-platinum cover of Robyn’s Dancing On My Own and Brit-nominated Where Are You Now with Lost Frequencies. His latest album Avenoir has also been a huge hit, with the singer performing songs from it in 68 countries across the world.
Launched earlier this year to mark Time To Talk Day, Moving Minds episodes are recorded during real Hull Trains journeys on the East Coast Main Line. Hosted by Gemma, the series features high-profile guests and local heroes discussing their own experiences of mental health and sharing practical wellbeing advice.
Gemma said: “I’m a huge fan of Calum, so it was amazing to welcome him onto our podcast, which has had an amazing response since we launched earlier this year. The episode touches upon some really important topics, including how Calum found the strength to open up about his own mental health.
“We’ve got plenty more brilliant guests to come over the next few months, perfect to listen to on your summer holidays, or as you take in the views on your next Hull Trains journey.”
Nathan Rayne, interim service delivery director at Hull Trains, said: “Moving Minds was created to start meaningful conversations and reduce the stigma that can still exist around mental health. Calum’s willingness to speak openly about his own experiences perfectly reflects what the podcast is all about.
“As someone who proudly represents Hull on a global stage, we were thrilled to welcome him onto the podcast and give listeners a chance to hear a different side of his story.”
Moving Minds is available to watch on the Hull Trains YouTube channel and can also be streamed on every major podcast platform. The series continues to feature a range of celebrity guests, community champions and inspirational individuals from across the region.
Hull Trains released a special episode of the podcast series in July, featuring the organisers of Pride in Hull. The operator is proud to be a long-term partner of the event, this year offering free travel to the event, as part of a commitment to championing inclusivity and diversity.
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