Mental Health Expert: AI Can Be A Tool, But It Can’t Replace The Human Relationship

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: speaktolauren.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/speak_to_lauren
📘 Facebook: 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: linkedin.com/in/markadamsai

Follow Blinding Talent:
🌐 Website: blindingtalent.com
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/blindingtalent
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/blindingtalentinsta
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@blindingtalent
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@BlindingTalent

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