Carlisle United fan 'proud' of response to new podcast

Avid Blues supporter and Manchester United follower Dan Bateman started his podcast 'Be The Best Version Of Yourself' at the beginning of August with the aim of raising awareness for these issues.

Dan Bateman (Image: Dan Bateman)

The first four episodes of the podcast explored Dan's experiences with football-related gambling addiction, with the Carlisle supporter detailing how betting made him fall out of love with the beautiful game.

Speaking after the release of the ninth episode of the podcast, Dan detailed the positive response he has received.

"I have had a lot of great feedback and positive comments, it is really good," he said. 

"I have been able to help people along the way which is also good.

"All I can say is that I have had people in my workplace coming up to me to say they are proud of me for having the courage to share my story and speak out.

"I have also met with a couple of lads, one I have known for a while who I didn't know had a gambling issue and I put him onto specific charities to help him.

"It has just been people reaching out and commenting, and for me, it also is good because it is me getting a lot of baggage off my chest."

After initially focusing on gambling addiction, the podcast has now transitioned into discussions about epilepsy, a condition which turned Dan's world 'upside-down' when he had his first seizures when he was seven years old. 

He said: "There are a lot of people that have misconceptions of it, they think it is just flashing lights but there are so many different types of seizures and triggers and I do remember as a child and teenager it is a really lonely place.

"I am very fortunate that I have a family and a support network but there will be those that are not as fortunate.

"I am proud of it and if anybody feels like they have nowhere to turn, just hit me up."