Mental Health Expert: AI Can Be A Tool, But It Can’t Replace The Human Relationship
The Blinding Talent Music Industry Podcast with Mark AdamsShow Notes
In this episode, Mental Health Expert Lauren Reading-Gloversmith - former music publicist and artist manager turned person-centred experiential counsellor - shares what she’s learned from a decade on the frontline of alternative music, and why support for creatives shouldn’t begin only when you’re in crisis.
From discovering her local scene as a teenager (“grayscale to colour”), to promoting and managing artists, to retraining as a counsellor during COVID, Lauren breaks down the real pressures behind the industry: identity confusion, burnout, comparison culture, and the always-on demands of social media.
She also unpacks the emerging role of AI in mental health - what it might help with, what it can’t replace, and why safeguarding and human relationship still matter.
This conversation is hosted by Mark Adams, Founder of Blinding Talent, a leading UK management and marketing agency.
They explore: ⬛ DIY roots - finding the scene, putting on gigs & learning by doing ⬛ PR → management - why “industry connector” is the real job ⬛ Burnout & early warning signs - emotional, physical, relational & creative shifts ⬛ Therapy as self-care - not just for crisis moments ⬛ Identity & boundaries - onstage/offstage roles and lifestyle careers ⬛ Social media pressure - authenticity vs obligation (and TikTok fatigue) ⬛ AI & counselling - tools, risks, ethics and safeguarding ⬛ The next 10 years - keeping wellbeing and humanity at the centre
⏱ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Meet Lauren - finding the alternative scene 04:08 First gigs & the community feeling 05:50 Putting on shows & DIY promotion 08:45 From “let me in” to PR 10:43 From publicity to management 13:45 COVID, trauma & discovering therapy 16:06 Speak To Lauren - counselling for creatives 17:43 Mental health in music: what’s changed 20:43 Early signs to watch for (your “mental garden”) 22:52 Common misconceptions about counselling 25:23 Individuality, community & connection 33:26 Social media - good, bad, and pressure on artists 41:06 AI - benefits, dangers, and ethics 45:02 Is the industry taking mental health seriously? 46:28 The future - wellbeing, VR and human contact 51:12 Closing thoughts
Speak To Lauren: 🌐 Website: https://www.speaktolauren.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speak_to_lauren 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speaktolauren Lauren offers a free 20-minute exploratory call.
Further support (UK): In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. Call Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Follow Mark Adams: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markadamsai/
Follow Blinding Talent: 🌐 Website: https://www.blindingtalent.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blindingtalent 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindingtalentinsta/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindingtalent 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlindingTalent
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