Baskets Of Knowledge

Sitting at school George noticed that some of his male peers were experienced anxiety and stress as the uncertainty of life unfolded around them. Instead of sitting around doing nothing, George has seen the lack of support in the mental health system to help these young men, he has used that as the fuel to allow him to fundraise for the I AM Hope and the Gumboot Friday foundation. Have a listen to this young mans amazing undertakings so far and his planning for his next ambitious project. Follow him on @blackdogswim

Growing up as a quiet, shy person this weeks guest has epitomised the title of this podcast. From taking a risk about what to study and where to study to having the one conversation that has changed her life. In the process she is now changing the lives of everyone that makes contact with her every week.

Growing up as a young child Aneesa had a natural and innate awareness of the impact that humans had on the environment, from noticing the amount of litter in a school yard to the power that nature has. During her formative years these experiences lead her down the pathway to studying Ecology. Along that journey she has also had to find who she really is as a young Sri Lankan person, a young Queer person and as person that is connected with and too nature. This is a powerful episode with LOADS of GEMS.

Growing up in a family where the power of imagination was encouraged, Tash speaks to us how this formative experience has led her to challenge the status quo. This challenge has come through an exploration of self, an understanding of self and more importantly through expression of self. This kōrero is a wonderful insight for us all to think about how aware we are of who we actually are.

Helen has always known her why. This has been to have an impact in the health sector. Growing up this looked like becoming a doctor which would really match her Why. However, as she went through her University study she lived by the motto if I Don't Love it then Why Do It. With this motto she quickly realised that becoming a doctor was not the pathway at this point in time for her. This led her to embrace and get involved in oppurtinities that have extended her abilities, grown her abilities and enabled her to learn more about who she is as a person and the skills she can bring to the world. Today Helen is embracing her Why as a Consultant in the | Technology Strategy & Transformation/HealthPod at Deloitte.

Growing up as a Kiwi overseas, Aaron had to adjust to back to living in New Zealand as he completed his University study. On completion of his study Aaron returned overseas where he was building his career in his chosen field. This all changed when Aaron experienced his first panic and anxiety attack. This experience has lead Aaron to create a platform that provides education around Mental Health. In this podcast we talk to Aaron about how he has navigated this journey. Aaron can be found at www.talkingmental.com

Currently a PhD student, Lucy shares her story about being the first in family to attend University. Her journey from trying a few subjects to finding her passion, chemistry. In this conversation we also cover the importance of identity, the power of giving being but also acknowledging those that have helped Lucy getting to where she is now. This is a fabulous chat with someone who is going to make some amazing changes in the world.

Today we take a particular focus on mental health awareness week in New Zealand and how we can reconnect. It's important to remember everyone has mental health, and by talking to people about the good and bad, we benefit ourselves.