About Jeremy Thomas

Acclaimed Author, Inspirational Speaker, and Mental Health Advocate

Who is Jeremy?

Jeremy is an acclaimed author, inspirational speaker, and podcast host. Above all, he’s a good-humoured survivor of mental illness on a mission to make mental health conversations normal and relatable.

From 2014 to 2024, he has delivered over 250 talks across the UK and internationally, bringing his signature blend of hard-hitting truth and sharp wit to schools, colleges, and businesses. His talk, How to Stay Sane in an Insane World, is as eye-opening as it is entertaining, proving that you can survive and there is hope.

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Biography

Early Life & Unlikely Beginnings

A Life in Two Acts: From Music Industry to Mental Health Advocacy

Educated by Benedictine monks, Jeremy’s early work life was as varied as it was short-lived. His first job as a cheese waiter at the Bull Hotel in Gerrards Cross lasted just six days before he was swiftly dismissed. He then found himself working on the construction of the M40 motorway before moving on to a more surreal role—assembling bypass kits in an operating theatre at the National Heart Hospital.
Early Life & Unlikely Beginnings
Personal Struggles

A Career in Music & the Unexpected Turn

Jeremy’s professional career took off in the record industry of the 1970s, where he worked as a promotion man for Decca Records, championing artists like 10cc, Thin Lizzy, Caravan, Moody Blues, and Judas Priest. Aged 21 he was invited to run the Cube/Electric label, working with John Williams, T-Rex, Quantum Jump, and Gordon Giltrap, eventually achieving significant success.
However, just as his career was soaring, personal tragedy struck—his mother’s death and the pressures of setting up a new label triggered a four-year series of bipolar/manic depressive episodes, compounded by alcohol misuse. This resulted in catastrophic rock bottom, resulting in bankruptcy, loss of house, loss of fiancee, loss of status. What followed was a turbulent 10-year period of recovery, leading him down a couple of unexpected paths…
Personal Struggles
Transformation

Recovery, Writing & Advocacy

Jeremy’s recovery was shaped by five key elements: Acceptance of the condition, finding a good doctor and the right medication, occupation and purpose, giving up drinking and embracing sobriety, and discovering the power of writing.
His journey led him to Patmos, Greece, where he wrote his first semi-autobiographical novel, Taking Leave, an experience that deepened his commitment to mental health awareness. He later co-authored You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression – The A-Z Guide to Good Mental Health with Dr. Tony Hughes and co-produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive.
He believes mental health conditions can offer understanding but shouldn’t become a permanent identity. Life is to be enjoyed. His talks have been praised for their authenticity, humour, and powerful messaging, making complex topics relatable and compelling.
“Jeremy transfixes his audience with a story that enthrals, engages and astounds. He changes your understanding of mental health forever, conveying insights and techniques that build awareness and resilience. Unforgettable.”
Dr Keith Rutherford, R&D Vice President, Unilever
Transformation
Mental Health Coaching

Public Speaking & Mental Health Coaching

From 2014 to 2024, Jeremy delivered over 250 talks at schools, colleges, and businesses across the UK and internationally. His signature talk, How to Stay Sane in an Insane World, blends humour, personal experience, and practical strategies, earning praise for its authenticity, wit, and impact using the dashboard of dials that makes up so much of Jeremy's talks.
In 2025, Jeremy launched a new one-one mentoring service for people who find themselves stuck.
Mental Health Coaching
INSIGHTFUL ENTERTAINING PODCASTS

Shed Talks: The Mental Health Podcast

Since 2021, Jeremy has hosted Shed Talks, a podcast dedicated to raw, insightful conversations on mental health with interesting people. Featuring a diverse lineup—including crime writer Sir Ian Rankin, jockey Nathan Horrocks, former Robbie Williams manager Tim Cark, and comedian Jan Ravens—the podcast explores genuine personal experiences and struggles of mental health crisis, and the resilience needed overcome to rebuild. Through writing, speaking, and podcasting, Jeremy Thomas continues his mission to break the stigma around mental health—one candid conversation at a time.
INSIGHTFUL ENTERTAINING PODCASTS

— HOW LIFE IS GOING

A Life Well-Lived

Jeremy splits his time between Fulham, Somerset, and Patmos, Greece. He is happily married to Jane and shares his home with Ted the cat and Syd, a spaniel-poodle-collie cross.

When not watching films, rugby, or devouring great books, Jeremy dreams of being a much faster writer and a better gardener—neither of which, unfortunately, seem to be happening anytime soon.

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— TESTIMONIALS

Outstanding Reception

Jeremy’s talks have been brilliantly received by countess audiences.

Thank you Jeremy for your time, effort and enthusiasm. Having you share your story along with tips and advice was really fantastic, it was the perfect way to end the event. Your character and personality made it so engaging, and I am quite sure it will be remembered by the Alliance. Thanks again and I have my millionaire peg in pride of place on my desk!
George WilkinsAlliance Procurement Manager, MCIPS, TRU West
Fear and shame make the prison of mental illness in families worse. Jeremy's talks are important. They are compassionate, informative, honest and very funny; humanising what can be distressing for the sufferer and those around them. I wish I'd heard him speak as a young person.
Wendy FoxDeputy Head at Brighton Girls GDST
“Jeremy is an engaging and entertaining speaker with a message that every HR department and every family in the nation should listen to."
Simon Woodroffe OBEFounder of YO! Sushi and YOTEL
Witty, poignant, deeply personal yet sound and practical, Jeremy’s approach is to bring the subject of mental health into the open, not to hide it away and hope it disappears.
Mr. Tom Arrand MADeputy Head at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls

Published Books

Available on Amazon

A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Jeremy is the co-author of You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression – The A-Z Guide to Good Mental Health.

The book comprehensively explores many of the facts and misconceptions associated with depression, and considers many aspects of our day-to-day lives which can be changed to manage the condition.

Available as an ebook or in paperback format. Courtesy Michael Joseph & Pengiun Books.

Buy on Amazon

TAKING LEAVE

His partly autobiographical novel Taking Leave has received praise from Stephen Fry, Sue Townsend and A. L. Kennedy to name a few. A funny book about an unfunny subject.

Taking Leave takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through meltdown, madness and beyond, where love, friendship and family are put to the ultimate test.

Available as an ebook or in hardback format.

Buy on Amazon

THE SANTA MONICA SUICIDE CLUB

The mutilated body of a man is discovered inside a suitcase on Santa Monica Beach, his UK passport wedged between his teeth. One week earlier, the twenty-eight-year-old son of a wealthy Mexican is found butchered in his Ocean Avenue apartment, close to his brutally murdered domestic.

The local Santa Monica crime rate may have dropped by forty per cent, but the homicide rate is clearly on the rise.

Available as an ebook or in hardback format.

Buy on Amazon

You Don't Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression

This informative and entertaining insider’s guide is a rich and truthful exploration of mental health – informative but at the same time full of humour, candour and hope. The unique combination of dialogue between the authors – one a sufferer from manic depression, the other his doctor – alongside a comprehensive A-Z section, provides a fascinating insight into the subject, and contains a wealth of information on prevention, treatments, and advice on how and where to get help.

Buy on Amazon
A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
An insightful guide to an often misrepresented issue.
Wave
TAKING LEAVE
“Taking Leave is a glorious celebration of human frailty. It is funny, moving, and clever and exposes uncomfortable truths about the record industry.”

Sue Townsend
A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
Everything you have always wanted to know about mental health but were afraid to ask.
Stephen Fry
TAKING LEAVE
“Taking Leave is funny, intelligent, moving and elegantly crafted. If you are interested in the record business, in lives out of control, or the plaintive and absurd realites of human nature then Thomas is your man.”
A.L. Kennedy
A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
This brilliant book offers excellent support for those who know someone with the condition, who have been recently diagnosed, or for anyone curious to learn more.
Health & Fitness Magazine
TAKING LEAVE
“Jeremy Thomas is a complete original. His writing, like his life, is a whirlwind of brilliance, wonder and blunder, by turns hilarious and terrifying. Highly Recommended."
Stephen Fry
A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
An honest, amusing and fascinating insight into the subject of mental health.
BBC MindGames Magazine
A-Z GUIDE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
This is a genuinely helpful book.
The Independent on Sunday
THE SANTA MONICA SUICIDE CLUB
What happens when a failed British actor reinvents himself as Los Angeles private eye? In Jeremy Thomas’s thrilling page-turner/ hugely entertaining novel the answer is murder, mayhem and darkly comic misadventure. Bring on the inevitable TV series/ Bring on the sequel.
Henry Fitzherbert
Sunday Express

— Emmy award-winning documentary

Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive

Jeremy co-produced the Emmy award-winning documentary The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive. Stephen Fry presents this documentary exploring the disease of manic depression; a little understood but potentially devastating condition affecting an estimated two percent of the population.

Stephen embarks on an emotional journey to meet fellow sufferers and discuss the literal highs and lows of being bi-polar. Celebrities such as Carrie Fisher and Richard Dreyfuss invite the comedian into their home to relate their stories.

Stephen also looks into the lives of ordinary people trying to deal with the illness at work and home, and of course to the people studying manic depression in an effort to better control it. A fascinating, moving and ultimately very entertaining Emmy award-winning programme.

Directed by Ross Wilson, Executive Producer Charlotte Moore.

Work With Jeremy

Jeremy is available for speaking engagements, mentoring, and collaborations. Whether through his books, talks, or podcasts, he remains deeply committed to making mental health a subject that is engaging, relatable, and, most importantly, embraced.

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