S3E5 - Podcaster and content creator JaackMaate opens up on his battles with health anxiety and OCD

Under the Surface

For the latest release, host Smithy and co-host Leon McKenzie are joined by Jack Dean, better known as JaackMaate to his millions of social followers.

Despite his meteoric social media fame, Jack candidly shares his lifelong struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety. He opens up about his traumatic childhood filled with family turmoil, and how creating YouTube videos became his lifeline.

Jack paints an unfiltered picture of living with severe OCD, including constant intrusive thoughts from health anxiety that disrupt his life daily. By speaking openly about his coping methods, from therapy to talking to mates, he hopes to help others suffering in silence feel less alone.

Previous episodes have included BAFTA-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan, footballers Jack Wilshere and Andros Townsend, reality stars Jack Fincham and Ashley Cain, who have all openly discussed their mental health struggles.