Keynote
A 45–60 minute talk for conferences, company events, leadership gatherings, awards programmes and large audiences.
Talks
Talks that change the conversation around mental health
A powerful personal story. 2 sticks and some string. A practical way to pause.
James McIntosh and Dr Thomas Ernst FRCP share an honest, uplifting and memorable story about mental health, creativity and the restorative rhythm of making by hand.
At the heart of their talk is Knititation®: James’s name for the calm, focused state he discovered through hand knitting while recovering from depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
James tells his story with warmth, candour and humour. Dr Thomas helps guide the conversation, drawing out its themes of creativity, connection, hope and the importance of finding your own way to pause. Together, they create an open and relatable experience that audiences feel able to join.
Why book James and Dr Thomas?
- A distinctive talk that audiences remember and discuss
- A rare combination of lived experience, creativity and medical perspective
- An approachable way to begin meaningful conversations about mental health
- Engaging storytelling delivered with warmth, humour and practical relevance
- Content tailored to your audience, event theme and desired outcomes
Between them James and Dr Thomas have delivered more than 50 talks in person and online for corporate teams, universities, councils, professional groups, membership communities, yarn shows, Women’s Institutes, awards events and after-dinner audiences.
Signature talk
Knititation: from grey to sunshine yellow
What happens when a simple pair of knitting needles becomes a route back to yourself?
James shares his personal journey through depression, anxiety and panic attacks—and the unexpected role hand knitting played in helping him move forward. Dr Thomas adds a clear, evidence-informed perspective on the brain, mindfulness and the value of calming creative activity.
Audiences leave with:
- A deeper understanding of the lived experience of poor mental health
- A more human and less fearful way to talk about mental wellbeing
- Insight into the relationship between focused activity, calm and reflection
- Encouragement to discover the practices that help them pause and reconnect
- A story of hope, recovery and creativity that stays with them
Additional talk
The power of your story
James has built a distinctive brand by turning an honest personal story into meaningful connection, press coverage and commercial opportunity. In this lively, practical talk, he explores how founders and business owners can tell stories people care about, become more confident with the media and create a memorable point of difference.
Ideal for entrepreneur communities, e-commerce groups, founder events and creative-business audiences.
Ways to book
Talk and conversation
A keynote followed by a moderated discussion or audience Q&A. Ideal when you want the event to open up a wider conversation about wellbeing and workplace culture.
Interactive Knititation session
A more participative experience combining the story, accessible science and a guided creative element. The content and practical arrangements can be tailored to your group.
Virtual event
An engaging online talk for distributed teams, membership communities and subscriber events, with an optional live Q&A.
Every booking is shaped around the audience. Talks can be delivered by James and Dr Thomas together, or selected formats can be discussed with James as a solo speaker.
Trusted by varied audiences
Previous hosts and audiences include FTSE 100 companies, universities, councils, professional groups, Women’s Institutes, creative communities and e-commerce business owners.
James and Dr Thomas are also comfortable on television and radio, and are regularly approached for media comment, judging and creative collaborations.
In March 2023, James delivered a TEDx talk at King’s College London: “Is hand knitting a mindfulness-based intervention for fidgeters?”
What audiences say
“Not once did it feel like I was being presented at. James’s ability to tell a story in a realistic, thought-provoking and humorous way made me lean forward and hang on his every word. Dr Thomas made the science behind mindfulness easy to understand.”
“The sharing of James’s journey back to good mental health through knitting was both sad and uplifting. Thomas provided a scientific explanation for what crafters have known for a long time.”
“Our community members thoroughly enjoyed the session, hearing from both James and Dr Thomas about their experiences and the medical research behind the health benefits of knitting.”
“James told his story in such a relatable and open way that our audience felt connected. We loved the connection between the emotional, the creative and the science—a journey of colour from grey to yellow.”
“James has a unique and motivational story. He is a natural storyteller to whom everyone can relate.”
Bring this conversation to your audience
Tell us the date, location, audience size and the kind of event you are planning. We will recommend the best format and provide a tailored fee and availability.
Email: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Do you speak in person and online?
Yes. In-person, virtual and hybrid event enquiries are welcome.
Can the talk be tailored?
Yes. The emphasis, examples, length and level of audience participation can be adapted to your organisation and event theme.
Is the talk suitable for workplace audiences?
Yes. The subject can be framed for employee wellbeing, inclusion networks, leadership events, learning programmes and wider company gatherings.
Do audience members need to know how to knit?
No. The story and ideas are designed for everyone. If you are interested in an interactive format, practical requirements can be agreed when booking.
How much does a talk cost?
Fees depend on the format, location, audience size, preparation and travel required. Send us the details of your event and we will provide a clear proposal.
