Joe McTernan | Comedy, Acting, Grief & Mental Health | EP90.

In this honest and open conversation, Scottish comedian and actor Joe McTernan joins The Hurt Locker to discuss his career journey, grief, and mental health. Joe shares what it was like growing up without his mother, the five-year battle with severe depression he kept hidden, how comedy became both a career and a coping mechanism, and why he now speaks openly about topics many men are taught to keep inside. He also talks about love, family, the pressure of social media, and the simple but powerful lesson he would give his younger self. 🔓Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Who is Joe McTernan? 01:45 Work Ethic & Early Career 04:20 From Acting to Stand-Up Comedy 07:30 Edinburgh Fringe & Cruise Ship Gigs 08:50 Viral Sketches & BBC Work 12:25 Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt 15:30 Losing His Mother & Childhood Void 18:40 Growing Up Without a Parent 22:15 Coping With Grief & Loneliness 25:40 Why Men Struggle to Open Up 29:20 Darkest Years & Depression 32:45 Scottish “Keep It In” Mentality 36:15 Relationships & Finding Connection 40:30 Love, Partnership & Family Goals 44:20 Social Media Pressure & Anxiety 47:50 Comedy as Therapy & Outlet 51:15 Life Philosophy & Perspective 54:40 Advice for Younger Self 56:30 Breaking Emotional Barriers 59:10 Final Thoughts 🔓Mental Health Support If you are experiencing mental health issues, please do reach out for help - phone 999 for an emergency, or if you would like to speak to someone, call The Samaritans on 116 123. -Please also check out The Hub of Hope to find mental health support in your local area in the UK. https://hubofhope.co.uk 🔓Guest information: Follow Joe McTernan on the following:  🔓Info on Joe McTernan -Joe and Abi's Edinburgh Fringe Show: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/what... -Instagram:   / joe_mcternan   -YouTube Channel:    / @joemcternan   ‪@joemcternan‬ -Facebook:   / joemcternancomedy   🔓The Hurt Locker Podcast- Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔓 Real stories. Hard truths. Healing starts here. 🎧 Episodes on most Tuesdays 🔔 Subscribe and step inside ⁨ @thehurtlockerpod 🔓 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @thehurtlockerpod #thehurtlockerpodcast #mensmentalhealth #podcast #mentalhealth #comedy #JoeMcTernan #ScottishComedian #MensMentalHealth #ComedyInterview #EdinburghFringe #BBCScotland #GriefAndHealing #ActorLife #TheHurtLockerPodcast