Couching The Mind

In this episode, Season 2, Episode 11, Dok Mamer, TikToker, joins me in conversation via ZoomChat. Dok talks about the origins of his TikTok account. Stating that the reasoning behind it, was to 'spread the love and not the hate'. Dok also brings up situations from the past, where he had been in firing-line of racism. However, for Dok, the racist remarking, never got to him. He portrays an attitude, where if you give the antagonist the response that he's resultantly wanting, to which would be a hostile / aggressive reaction, then your only then adding more fuel to the fire. Sometimes you've gotta take a deep breath, and react in a calm matter , and walk away from the situation at hand. The overall message of this episode, is that the more positivity that we can create in our own lives, the more inclined that we are to share this positivity with others. It's infectious.

In this episode of CTM, Todd Morgan, National Programs Manager, for Outside the Locker Room, joins me in conversation via Zoomchat. Todd goes into detail with regards to the origins of Outside the Locker Room and how it was first formed. For those tuning in, that don't know a thing about OTLR, the idea / mission behind this non-for-profit charity is to "Deliver welfare and education programs that build both collective and individual mental health and wellbeing within our communities." - Outside The Locker Room. Todd outlines the educational programs that OTLR have put in place, to which they mainly revolve around the idea of everyone getting given a fair go, within sport. Whether you you have a form of disability, or are from a certain ethic group, everyone should be given a fair-go, an equal opportunity to play sports and to feel apart of that community. In this episode, we also cover the certain 'stereotypes' that some sporting clubs may potentially be well known for. Excessive drinking culture, drug indulging, racist remarking toward opposition. Whilst also openly sharing possible resolutions toward these issues, and how OTLR are trying to change these club cultures. One more pointer that I wanna pay mention too, is OTLR'S passion to helping people that may have set themselves a goal, to becoming a professional sporting athlete. It may have always been a dream of there's. However, they don't end up performing at the standard required, which resultantly see's them being delisted. OTLR provides assistance for individuals going through such a depressing, such a heart-breaking situation. The overall message of this Episode, is to not be afraid to reach out to those, that may or may not be in need of a conversation. Through the power of one random conversation, you might just infact help someone break an unhealthy habit of there's, or make them feel like as if someone finally wants to hear how there day was.

Such a different interviewing style to what I've usually accustomed too. Very layed back, very funny, very insightful. In this episode, of CTM, Trademutt co-founders, Dan Allen and Ed Ross join me on the couch. The boys go into detail with regards to how they started up Trademutt, with the aim to ultimately help those that are struggling mentally. How in 2014 , Dan Allen lost his close mate, Dan, to suicide. Which ultimately led to Dan and Ed starting up Trademutt. The importance of starting a conversation with someone that looks to me struggling, had also been covered. The boys do also pay mention to Tiacs, which is a non-for-profit organisation that is joint with Trademutt. Which essentially allows people to reach out to a fully qualified Psychologist. Whether it be over the phone, via text, or in person. Whilst it being completely free of charge, zero appointment waiting times, and you can have as many appointments with the psych as you feel like you need. The overall message that Dan and Allen want the listeners, you guys, to get out of this episode, is to give up a few minutes out of your day , to check up on someone. You never know, as through this action you could allow someone to have a 'click' moment, a point of realisation, to start the healing process, or it could honestly just make there day.

In this episode of CTM, season 2, episode 8, Ciera Joins me on the couch. F.Y.I the reasoning behind why Ciera's last name hasn't been mentioned, is due to privacy reasons. Throughout the interview, Ciera makes mention of why people potentially perceive health professionals as 'money driven', not worried about gaining a deeper connection with their clients. Whislt also touching base on another perception that people have, regarding the idea that all health professionals live the perfect life. The main message that Ciera wants listeners to take out of this episode, is to not give up on potentially seeking professional help, if you've have a bad experience. As Ciera states, Seeing a health professional, is very much like speed dating. Eventually you'll find your perfect match. Which will aid in breaking your walls down, allowing you to speak openly about whatever that you may be struggling with.

If your not inspired after listening to this interview, then I don't know what will inspire you. Luke Kingdon joins me in conversation via Zoomchat, in this episode of CTM. Luke talks about how his small idea of running 60kms around Uluru, is soon to become a reality on the 21st of February, 2021. The reasoning behind this big idea of his, is to raise money for the mental health charity, 'ReachOut'. For those that don't know anything about ReachOut, it's an online mental health service, providing people with information about a specific subject / topic that they can find relatability with, to which they may be struggling with. I.E. a mother that may be struggling with post natal depression. He then goes on, explaining how he manages to break the pain barrier, and work beyond it. Working your body to the absolute limit. The message that Luke wants listeners to get out of this episode, is that if you want something bad enough, you'll achieve / attain that goal. Don't worry about what others around you may be thinking. Focus on yourself, keep putting in the hard yards, and you'll make it to that 'finish line'.

Honestly, it was such a true honour to be able too speak to Samantha Rose, in this episode of CTM. Samantha Rose is such a remarkable lady. For what she has to go through on a daily basis, she let's nothing get the better of her. In this interview, Samantha talks about, how at aged 10, she had been diagnosed with Friedrich Ataxia. For those tuning in, that aren't aware of what this particular disease is. It's a rare inherited disease that causes progressive nervous system damage and movement problems. So everyday for Samantha, proves to be a new challenge. However, for Samantha, she lives for the challenge. Constantly setting new goals, to continue to always push herself, for further success and happiness. She goes on to talk about how she works in a 'normal job', stating that just because you have a disability, it doesn't mean that your incapable of working 9-5, in an occuppation that you've always dream't of seeing yourself doing. The main message that Samantha wants people to take out of this conversation, is to treat disabled people just like any other human being. Just because someone may only have one leg, or they may ever have to get around using a wheelchair. That doesn't mean that they don't deserve respect, and to be treated equally.

In this episode, Season 2, Episode 5 (apologies, I did say ep.4 in the interview), Rohan Cook joins me in conversation via ZoomChat. He talks about his darkest of times , regarding his previous negative state of mind. And how the streamline health practioners, in psychologists, counsellors, doctors, weren't helping him through this negative point within his life. Turning to a much more natural healing alternative, Rohan decided to try Shamanism. He explains how Shamanism has changed who he is as a person, for the better. Which then ultimately gave him the tools to become a shaman practitioner himself. Rohan prides himself on helping people that may be going through similar experiences, as he describes this action as his 'purpose'. The overall message of this episode, is to give things ago. Even if what your wanting to try isn't your streamline practice, find what helps you through your rough patch. It doesn't matter what others may think, all that matters is that your getting something out of it.

I never thought it would come to this. The resurrection, bringing my father back, for yet another topical chat, in Season 2, Episode 4. Removing the piss-taking introduction, the conversation between myself and my father was honestly so therapeutic. We spoke about why guys struggle to express there love toward a father, brother, cousin, mates. Plus also covering a man's struggle to share emotions. Sugaring-coating the more mature conversations, one's that sometimes are deemed as being quite uncomfortable, is something that us as men do. As my dad states, taking the piss out of a mate / a group of mates, as opposed to talking about a much more civilised subject, is definately something that's embedded in our genes, in our culture , as to how a men treats another man. The overall message of this episode, is to not be afraid to reach out to those closest to you, in expressing your appreciation for them. As you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Matt Williams, former Army (Afghanistan) vet, joins me on the couch in this episode. Matt shares his story of being told the news that he's now got a brain tumor. How he reacted to this news , and how he then, and in this present time, holds such a positive outlook on life, is also mentioned. He also talks about how he redefines the word 'terminal'. Stating that Everyone's terminal, we all have an ultimate ending. So why not continue to make the most out of life, even if your terminal date is alot shorter then others. Matt dedicates much of his precious time to raising awareness for people going through a similar situation to what he has gone through, and is still going through. The overall message that Matt is trying to convey, to those listening in, is to just give things ago. Times can be tough, that's for sure. Illness, and life itself can be seen to play a big part of the hurdles that you'll be faced with, throughout your life. Never let these hurdles stop you from being yourself. From picking yourself up, getting on with life, and giving things ago. Without giving yourself an opportunity to fail at something that you've never tried, growth can never occur.

In this episode, season 2 , episode one, Lorena Winks, a family friend of ours, joins me on the couch. I honestly felt so honoured to have someone from generation x talk about some of the mental struggles that she had been faced with, in her life. As for this generation, and generations past that, talking about mental health was never a thing. Lorena also talks about being bullied at school, and how her dream to become a ballerina, had been crushed by one comment that had been made by her ballet teacher. Lorena is not afraid to admit that she's had her not-so-pretty moments within her life. But she's also not afraid to talk about these 'moments', and reach out for help if necessary. A copping mechanism that Lorena has always used, to guide her through the toughest of days, is exercising. She mentions that by exercising, it brings out her inner mindfulness, and clears the mind of any negativity. Helping to the start the day/ finish the day on a good, and positive thinking note. The message that Lorena is trying to convey to others, in summary with this interview, is to not be afraid to reach out for help if your struggling. We all struggle at some stage within our lifetime. But we all have to be there for eachother, for when that moment of 'struggle' is apparent. But always, always reach out to others if your ever struggling.