“We could’ve talked to him for hours”

Rural Media’s ‘Breaking Out’ Participants Sit Down with Jordan Stephens in Candid, Youth-Led Interview on Masculinity, Mental Health and Respect

At Hay-on-Wye St Mary’s Football Ground last year, three young Herefordshire participants in Rural Media’s Breaking Out project sat down for a wide-ranging and powerful interview with artist, actor, and mental health advocate Jordan Stephens. Best known as one half of hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks, Jordan’s openness around mental health, masculinity, race, and emotional wellbeing has made him a unique role model – and a perfect collaborator for this groundbreaking project.

The conversation, led entirely by the students, explored real-life pressures rural young boys face today – from toxic masculinity and peer influence to finding safe spaces to talk. For many, this wasn’t just a celebrity interview, it was a rare chance to be heard, and to hear someone they admire reflect their own struggles and hopes.

Breaking Out, launched by Rural Media in summer 2024 and funded by the Herefordshire Safer Communities Fund, supported boys aged 13–15 to challenge harmful behaviours, express themselves creatively, and champion empathy and accountability in their communities.

“It was amazing – we had loads of questions we knew we wanted to ask him, but as soon as we met him it was like we could have talked to him for ages,” said Arlo, one of the students who conducted the interview.

Jordan Stephens told us:

“My experience filming with Rural Media and Ben, Arlo and Louis at Hay Football Club was amazing. They were engaged, interested and we had such a meaningful conversation. I told them after we wrapped ‘I want you to know I feel positive about the future because of you guys. No-one has dragged me here today, I love the chance to sit and down and talk about this stuff. I’m here filming with you because I want you to feel loved and listened to.’”

He added:

“I didn’t really see myself as a role model, but I always make sure to show up whenever I'm asked. That's my thing. I’ve had my own journey and I want to share that with the next generation, and if people feel like they want to take some guidance from that, then great. I think teenage boys are wicked. Those boys give me so much encouragement for the future.”

Joe Emmett, teacher at Fairfield High School, where the participants currently attend and who helped facilitate the project, commented:

“The impact of projects like this is amplified when trusted adults – parents, teachers, coaches – echo the same values. This creates safety, consistency, and gives young people a real sense that their voice matters.”

Rural Media has a 30-year legacy of creating award-winning digital storytelling projects, amplifying underrepresented voices across the UK. From exploring rural domestic abuse and refugee stories to youth-led campaigns on belonging and identity, their mission is to inform, inspire and create space for change.

The interview with Jordan Stephens is available to watch below: