Heart On My Sleeve is where raw honesty meets real healing. This podcast shares unfiltered stories of lived experience – from the quiet battles to the loud breakthroughs. Each episode is a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness – it’s the first step toward connection. Whether you’re supporting someone or struggling yourself, this is a space for feeling seen, heard, and human.
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Heart On My Sleeve Movement Podcasts

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The Quiet Kind of Grief: Nerissa Trinadade on Surrendering to Possibility After Separation
37:24
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37:24In this deeply personal episode of Heart on My Sleeve, Luke Cook sits down with neuro-transformational coach and keynote speaker Narissa Trinadade to explore the heartbreak that doesn't come with a funeral but still requires mourning - separation and divorce from those we thought we'd be with forever. Both hosts share their parallel journeys throug…
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Love, Loss & Resilience: Adam Crouch MP on Grief, Community and Carrying On
48:16
48:16
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48:16This week on the Heart on My Sleeve podcast, Mitch Wallis sits down with NSW MP Adam Crouch for a raw and deeply moving conversation about love, loss, and resilience. After losing his wife Jill—an oncology nurse who cared for others while bravely fighting her own battle with cancer—Adam shares the realities of grief, the weight of supporting a part…
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Resilience, Loss, and Life Lessons from Baseball, with Gavin Fingelson
53:34
53:34
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53:34In this episode, Michaela Overman sits down with Gavin Fingelson - former professional baseball player, father of two, and CEO of Feel the Magic. Gavin shares his journey of navigating deep personal loss from a young age, the lessons baseball taught him about failure and resilience, and how vulnerability and communication became his anchors. From g…
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Sarah Susak on Cancer, Consciousness & Reclaiming Your Story
39:32
39:32
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39:32When lawyer and mum Sarah Susak was told she had a rare - and deadly - cancer just a year after the birth of her “miracle baby,” her world cracked. In this uncompromising conversation, she takes us through surgery, grief, and the path of spiritual rebirth that followed. Sarah shares how Vedic meditation, ancestral wisdom, and radical acceptance hel…
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Living with 'Her': Zoe Marshall on OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & the Courage to Heal
59:12
59:12
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59:12In one of our most raw and powerful episodes to date, I sit down with my dear friend Zoe Marshall - TV presenter, author, manifester, podcast host, and mental health advocate - for an unfiltered conversation about her journey through Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Together, we peel back the layers of what it's really like to live with intrusi…
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Dani Lombard: The Golden Girl Who Broke Then Rebuilt – A Story of Panic, Pressure & Finding Peace
1:03:21
1:03:21
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1:03:21Dani Lombard - PR powerhouse, unapologetic truth-teller, and lifelong “friend collector” - joins psychologist and HOMS clinical director Michaela Overman for her first-ever podcast appearance. But this isn’t about publicity. It’s about pulling the curtain back. In this raw and revealing conversation, Dani shares the story she’s never told publicly …
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From Masking to Meaning: Aisling Smith on Autism, ADHD & Identity
46:29
46:29
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46:29What happens when the mask you've worn your whole life finally falls off? In this moving episode of The Heart On My Sleeve Podcast, host Lainie Cassidy sits down with Aisling Smith – internationally recognised neurodiversity consultant, Stevie Award winner, and Trainer of the Year – for a raw, vulnerable conversation about living, parenting, and th…
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From Rock Bottom to Rebirth: Tess Brouwer on Trauma, Truth, and Learning to Feel Again
52:01
52:01
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52:01What happens when your body breaks... but it's your soul that needs healing? In this raw and powerful conversation, Tess Brouwer shares the story behind her life-altering spinal cord injury that forced her to stop running from pain, from grief, from herself. Tess, a mental fitness trainer and co-founder of Awake Academy, opens up about the unspoken…
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Hope After Heartbreak: Ashleigh Conwell on Loss, Labels & Loving Again
39:41
39:41
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39:41At 17 weeks pregnant with triplets, Ashleigh Conwell’s life changed forever when her husband Matt passed away suddenly during the height of the pandemic. In this raw and profoundly moving conversation with host Luke Cook, Ashleigh opens up about the identity shift that followed, the brutal reality of solo parenting through grief, and the quiet resi…
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Behind the Muscles: Jono Castano on Loneliness, Legacy & Learning to Feel
32:44
32:44
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32:44If you’ve ever struggled to slow down, to feel proud, or to say “I’m enough,” this episode is a must-listen.We often see the hustle. The 3am alarms. The shredded physique. The front covers and product launches. But what we rarely see is the cost behind the curtain. In this raw and revealing episode, Heart On My Sleeve Clinical Director Michaela Ove…
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Psychiatrist Dr Tony Mastroianni: why we need to stop treating mental illness solely with medication
1:36:24
1:36:24
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1:36:24In episode 53, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Tony Mastroianni, a psychiatrist with over 30 years' experience in clinical practice. Tony specialises in the treatment of ADHD and schizophrenia, and is the founder of the Focalength Method™, a holistic approach to treatment that takes a 360 view of a person in order to help them get well, and stay well. Th…
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Maddy MacRae: on having 3 million followers and a secret anxiety about creating content
48:37
48:37
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48:37In episode 52, Mitch Wallis speaks to Maddy MacRae, a comedy creator who exploded onto the scene during lockdown with her hilarious and relatable skits about sex, dating and everything in-between. We go deep and explore previously untouched topics such as her mental health journey, her sexuality and the reality of life online. This episode covers: …
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Gaj Ravichandra: the unusual #1 skill that high performers possess
1:03:38
1:03:38
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1:03:38In episode 51, Mitch Wallis speaks to Gaj, a highly sought-after performance coach recognized for his effective leadership training techniques and passion for helping clients reach higher potential. For over 20 years, Gaj has worked with leading organizations and individuals to enhance productivity, maximize performance, and accelerate growth. As a…
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Sonny Jane Wise: "at 4 years old, my Psychiatrist called me a narcissist"
1:00:55
1:00:55
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1:00:55Sonny Jane is a multi-neurodivergent, queer, and disabled public speaker, advocate, and author with a strong social media presence. Sonny was diagnosed as a child and grew up only hearing a deficit narrative about their neurodivergence. Since then, they have gone on to build an audience of over 100,000 people online, have written ‘The Neurodivergen…
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Jacinta Dubojski: escaping an abusive relationship and confronting her school bully 15 years later.
43:40
43:40
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43:40This episode comes with a trigger warning of domestic violence. In episode 49, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jacinta Dubojski who is the creator and founder of Just Another GIRL, an initiative designed to inspire and empower students by arming them with the tools to navigate difficult situations; such as bullying, and domestic violence, both of which are …
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Antoinette Lattouf: "I'm OK with being struck off people's Christmas card list"
50:28
50:28
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50:28In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Antoinette, a multi-award-winning journalist, author, broadcaster, columnist, TEDx speaker, and mental health ambassador with a bold and authentic approach to life... This episode covers: Her experience with peri and post-natal depression Her opinion on mental illness and the shame that surrounds new mothers Na…
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Greg Bird: his untold story of struggle, hidden behind the game
1:15:46
1:15:46
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1:15:46In episode 47, Mitch Wallis speaks to Greg Bird, a proud Anaiwan Man, born and raised in country New South Wales. He was a professional Rugby League player for an impressive 18 years, hanging up his boots in 2019 to move up to the Gold Coast and prioritise time with his wife and kids. This episode dives deep into untold stories of struggle both on …
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Chelsea Pottenger: from a panic attack in the Sydney harbour tunnel to a thriving CEO
1:06:12
1:06:12
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1:06:12In episode 46, Mitch Wallis speaks to founder of EQ Minds and recovering perfectionist, Chelsea Pottenger, who shares how her experience with mental illness fuelled her passion for helping busy minds reset and recharge so they can successfully balance high performance and great mental wellbeing. If you find yourself dancing around the edges of burn…
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Matt Purcell - the quickest way to upgrade your self-worth
55:14
55:14
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55:14Matt Purcell was born in a small town in South Korea to a young mother who was unable to raise him. This sparked an incredible work drive in Matt who has since founded KYU media, an award-winning creative agency, and Social Kung Fu, Australia’s number 1 verbal self-defence and confidence training for students. Matt shares wisdom from his own person…
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Dr Cody: TikTok's #1 chiropractor on how trauma manifests in the body
1:08:20
1:08:20
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1:08:20In Episode 44, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr. Cody, an American-born, Australian Chiropractor with over 10 years of experience, who has clicked, popped, and cracked his way into over 2 million TikTok followers. He's passionate about education and the prevention of disease so that people can achieve complete wellness. This episode covers: his untold sto…
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Milly Bannister: has Gen Z gone too far?
1:02:47
1:02:47
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1:02:47In episode 43, Mitch Wallis speaks to Milly. From lifestyle journalism in Silicon Valley to youth mental health charity founder, Milly Bannister is a well-known face in the online world of wellbeing. We discuss everything from the trivial use of mental health language on social media to the power of educational peer support programs in schools. Thi…
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Lewin de la Motte: my personal therapist bears all...
1:22:03
1:22:03
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1:22:03In episode 41, Mitch Wallis speaks to his personal therapist. Lewin completed six years of tertiary education in psychology and counselling, learning from leaders in the fields of relational, mindful, and somatic psychotherapy. Lewin has been my personal therapist for over 6 years and has seen me at my lowest points. This episode explores all of yo…
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Sam Hann - losing his brother, the parts of grief that nobody talks about (our most vulnerable episode to date)
1:02:50
1:02:50
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1:02:50Sam Hann is a popular Sydney yoga teacher who's spent over 6 years sharing his knowledge in studios and through his YouTube channel. In 2021, he lost his brother, Blake and his world has never been the same. In this episode, we cover: Grief - the hard, messy and raw reality of losing a loved one that people don't speak about. The moment he heard th…
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Alice Child: Want better sex? A sex therapist reveals all...
1:17:38
1:17:38
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1:17:38In episode 39, Mitch Wallis speaks to Alice Child, a Somatic Sexologist, Sex Counsellor and Sex Coach who believes everyone deserves a happy, healthy, safe and fulfilled sex life. Alice has a passion for vulnerable conversations, confronting taboos, and creating inclusive spaces free of judgment.This episode covers: Why shame surrounds sex and how …
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Cooper Chapman: why you NEED this gratitude practice
1:03:41
1:03:41
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1:03:41In episode 48, Mitch Wallis speaks to Cooper Chapman, an ex-pro surfer who founded The Good Human Factory after mental illness and suicide impacted the lives of his loved ones. In this episode, we cover: The story that triggered the Good Human Factory The fear that drove his curiosity to find his life's purpose Managing comparative suffering and th…
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Joey Daymond: suffering, self-identity and breaking free from societal constraints
1:32:47
1:32:47
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1:32:47Mitch Wallis speaks to Joey Daymond, who has already proved himself to be a star in the world of New Zealand comedy, but outside of comedy and acting, Joe is also the founder of West Park, a youth-led, indigenous-focused company. He’s hilarious, hard-working, and genuine in all that he does. In this episode we cover: his relationship with family: f…
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Leah Simmons: why breaking societal norms is necessary for success
1:03:13
1:03:13
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1:03:13Mitch Wallis speaks to Leah Simmons, the founder of the online phenomenon, KAAIAA, the physical workout for your mental health. In this episode, we explore everything from founding a successful business to unconventional parenting styles. This episode covers: Finding a niche in the wellness industry, building a successful online brand, and the mean…
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Jad Nehmetallah (Gogglebox): mental health stigma in Arab communities
1:22:34
1:22:34
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1:22:34In episode 35, Mitch Wallis speaks to Jad Nehmetallah, a beloved TV Personality on the Nation’s favourite Gogglebox Australia. He is an entrepreneur, restauranteur, and most importantly one of his best friends. In this episode we explore: Stigma affecting help seeking for mental health in ethnic communities Different manifestations of anxiety and t…
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Ben "Abstacker" Handsaker: overcome addiction with an unbreakable mindset
49:23
49:23
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49:23Mitch Wallis speaks to Ben Handsaker, one of the most familiar faces in the personal training industry in Australia, with a reputation for being infectiously happy all the time. Yet, as we know in most cases like these, that's not the full story... In this episode we explore: How to turn the pain of addiction into a superpower How to create an unbr…
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Dannielle Miller OAM: domestic violence prevention masterclass
1:27:25
1:27:25
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1:27:25A masterclass in how individuals & workplaces can identify, support and prevent domestic violence with leading expert Dannielle Miller.
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Sarah Wilson: make anxiety your super power
1:02:45
1:02:45
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1:02:45This episode's guest is Sarah Wilson - author of "I Quit Sugar", journalist, TV host, environmental activist. Sarah lives with Bipolar disorder, OCD and Hashimoto's disease. We cover: How do you know when anxiety is your super power Her George Costanza moment of doing the opposite and how it saved her life The importance of "the wrestle" - how we a…
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Gina Willard a.k.a Mitch's Mum: parenting with unconditional love
1:06:30
1:06:30
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1:06:30About Mitch's Mum Grew up working class, raised Mitch as a single mother in his early years Fought her way into a better life for both of them Had her second child when Mitch was 15 Gina is now a successful sales manager at a large technology company "She is the best person ever" Mitch In this episode we cover: Independence vs. safety - how do we n…
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In this episode: - Parenting pitfalls and how to avoid passing on your insecurities to your children - The science of presence and how it can be used to overcome trauma - How being "real" is not just an ethical choice, but a psychological benefit Dr Dan Siegel Daniel J. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his po…
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Dr Daniel P Brown: attachment styles and dealing with trauma
1:08:33
1:08:33
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1:08:33In this episode: A world leading expert on attachment psychology gives us a masterclass in how relationships affect our brain A Harvard psychologist perspective on why mental health is so bad in our modern world We disclose the #1 thing that can affect your mental health The 5 attributes of giving secure attachment to others those we care about How…
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Mallika Chopra: intention setting to unlock your potential
47:42
47:42
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47:42In this episode: - what it was like to grow up having a worldwide spiritual guru as a parent - Mallika shares incredibly beautiful insights around the power of gratitude and what setting an intent really means (beyond just what we may have read in books like The Secret). - We discuss the usually messy and sometimes dark journey of figuring out who …
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Margo Lydon: indicators of a thriving workplace
58:24
58:24
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58:24Today's guest is Margo Lydon. In this episode we cover: The most recent insights relating to corporate mental health in Australia from the country's largest wellbeing survey An overview of the 5 core domains of a thriving workplace What some organisations aren't doing well to support their staff (and what they could be doing more right) How COVID h…
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In this episode we cover: - A real story from a successful black man who has experienced racism his whole life to humanise the reality of racism in the 21st century - The difference between white privilege & racism - What we can do to help lift up our black brothers & sisters and do small acts to push society forward - How the Black Lives Matter Mo…
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Liz Sweigart: the addiction of INSECURITY
1:16:25
1:16:25
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1:16:25Meet Liz, a Tax Partner at PWC in Texas who gets very real about her experiences with anxiety, clinical depression, medication and OCD. Liz was naturally good at everything she turned her hand to, including mastering the art of living an inauthentic life to please others. Her goal was to be seen and liked. And she was, but it was for the person she…
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Matt Caruana: gaining purpose after losing the ability to walk
54:34
54:34
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54:34Matt became paraplegic after severing his spine during an attempt to end his life. Months and years of physical and mental rehabilitation have seen him completely transform his mindset. Today, Matt is a motivational speaker and mindset coach, particularly influential among his generation, and is on an incredible comeback to walk again. Topics cover…
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Jake O’Brien: surviving against the odds
1:30:59
1:30:59
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1:30:59Jake grew up with a single mum, and even as a child, he took on the role of “the man’ in the house. When his stepdad came along, things were ok for a while, but later Jake would have to endure the fear and anger of living with an unstable parent figure. Jake escaped to pursue his own life of travel and adventure and became qualified as a chef. Late…
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After constantly yearning for his father’s love, acceptance and approval, which never came, Sean had a longing to be seen and heard. He fought his way through a devastating revelation in childhood, and challenging teenage years to build a life worth living. Toward the end of this chat, Mitch and Sean share a deep connection and vulnerable exchange …
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Tofe Evans: running ultramarathons to cope with his mental health
49:20
49:20
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49:20Mitch Wallis speaks to Tofe Evans who talks about running ultramarathons to cope with his mental health. This episode covers: Fighting through adversity fuelled by drugs & alcohol abuse, driven by shame, victimisation, and identity crises. How a lust for external validation infected every area of his life, and left Tofe on the brink of suicide. Bei…
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Josh Wiggins: the reality of male eating disorders
58:21
58:21
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58:21Mitch Wallis speaks to Josh Wiggins, Nutritionist, Mentor & Mental Performance Coach. Topics covered: The damaging effect of presenting a façade of coping: how being strong for other people removes authentic connection and can exacerbate mental ill health. How teenagers searching for a sense of agency over their body can fall into unhealthy habits …
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Mitch Wallis speaks to Darren, whose experiences in his career as an engineer, coupled with becoming a dad, led him to pursue a new passion – to meet the need for men’s wellbeing. This episode covers: How far we can push our body and brain until it shuts down. How shame seeded in childhood can drive us to overcompensate, achieve and succeed, and at…
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Catherine Ho: supporting mental-ill health in teenagers
1:05:36
1:05:36
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1:05:36In this episode we cover: The internal and external pressure on teenagers to excel in school The impact of family breakdown upon young people How parents can be there to support their young people going through mental ill health Breaking the stigma about seeking inpatient treatment How shame and self-judgment could be keeping us sick, and how hitti…
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1
Matthew Mitcham: from addiction to the worlds #1 Olympic diver
49:45
49:45
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49:45Mitch Wallis speaks to Matthew Mitcham, Olympic diving champion on battling addiction and channeling that into winning. In this episode we cover: Getting stuck in the cycle of shame and addiction. What it takes to get clean and stay clean after dependence on narcotics. The unstable landscape of attaching your self-worth to achievement and external …
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Dr Lena: intrusive OCD thoughts tried to convince me to kill myself and my partner
1:21:14
1:21:14
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1:21:14Trigger Warnings: this episode references sexual violence, suicidal ideation, paedophilia, sexual assault, intrusive thoughts including sexual, violent and homicidal. Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Lena who's brave disclosure of navigating her intrusive OCD encourages him to share the parts of his mental health story that he has never told before. This …
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Amrei Marden: dealing with loss following a natural disaster
1:09:41
1:09:41
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1:09:41Mitch Wallis speaks to Amrei Marden, a German-Australian yoga teacher, with an amazing story of resilience. This episode covers: Experiencing PTSD post war and the responses that haunted her. Losing material possessions & her safe space in the Australian Bush-fires. How to build resilience and disrupt the victim cycle by exploring, owning and relea…
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Costa Zacharia: his battle with religion as a proud gay man
45:21
45:21
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45:21Mitch Wallis speaks to Costa Zacharia, a well known Sydney barber with a huge heart, who shares a lesson for all of us on finding the courage to be who we really are. In this episode we cover: Learning to love himself for who he is, as a proud gay man. The battle to express his true self in the face of religion and its views on sexuality. What it w…
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Aoife O Connell: on being made redundant whilst giving birth
1:14:18
1:14:18
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1:14:18Mitch Wallis speaks to Aoife O'Connell, a leader in marketing who found out she was being made redundant whilst giving birth. This episode covers: How to create more purposeful careers? Techniques to navigate life-altering experiences How to minimise guilt and shame? Are we really advocating for equal opportunities for women? How to step into and o…
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