Couching The Mind

What a way to start season 2! In this episode, Rebekah Stokes joins me on the couch. She talks about her 'click' moment. That when in primary school, she came to realisation that she was gay. How, unfortunately coming out at as gay, had a negative impact on her, by the perception and opinions that were thrown at her by others. If this wasn't a difficult enough hurdle to overcome , in some years later, Rebekah was a victim of a coward punch. The struggles that came out of these two scenarios were highlighted. However, through these Struggles , Rebekah has managed to source out many positives that have ultimately shaped her into the person that she is today. The message that Rebekah wants people to gain out of this episode, is that it is 'okay' struggle. To reach out if your in need of a hand, and to be kind to yourself, sticking with yourself through that moment of struggle. *P.S. Apologies for making the mistake at the end of the episode, of calling the episode from season 1, as opposed to what I should have said, season two.*

I'm honestly so proud of my grandmother, for being so open to making an appearance on the podcast. In this episode, Episode 21, Rita Woolaston A.K.A GG (short for great grandmother), talks about her time growing up in England during the war. What it was like to ration, take cover in a bomb shelter some 2 or 3 times a night. In conjunction with this, GG also talks about having been given the call, that in early 2003, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. GG delves into the ways in which she managed to overcome such terrible situations, whilst there also being mentions with regards to how she had kept such a positive mindset. One of the biggest things that astounds me, what makes me so proud to call GG my grandmother, is her mindset. Even though my grandmother went through some very difficult situations, that the message that she wants people to gain out of this, is that there's always someone that's worse of then you. Life can be quite difficult at times, that's a certainty. But there's always someone worse of then you.

This man honestly deserves a medal, for what he's achieved, and the positive impact that he's had on people's lives. In this interview, I converse with Tri 21 Series founder, Michael Harrison. Tri 21 Series is a fundraiser, raising awareness for people living with down syndrome. This is achieved, through the usage of three teams sports. Netball, volleyball, indoor cricket. I won't go into any more detail with regards to the fund-raiser, as I want you guys to find out more, by listening to this episode. Michael also mentions , the reasoning behind starting up Tri 21 Series. As of having raised a son with down syndrome. Whilst also highlighting, some of the difficulties that were thrown at him , his son and his family. Michael also provides positives. Ways in which you can better cope / look after people with down syndrome. The main message throughout this interview , is to not sweat the small stuff. Life can be tough at times. But don't ever sweat the small stuff.

What a fascinating life that David has lived. First of all, I must mention, that the reason why I'm being very private in terms of not mentioning David's last name, is due to personal privacy reasons and also due to the fact that the topic is genuinely a touchy subject. Throughout this interview , David talks about growing up in a family of Jehovah's Witnesses followers. He also talks about the time when his parents had split , and how his father was completely against the religious organisation, versus his mother and her side of the family, having close ties to Jehovahs. He goes on, and touches base on some specific situations that he had been faced with in the past, that had put him in a negative headspace. Whilst also covering the positives, identifying how to overcome these particular situations. All of this information, provided by David, gives a personal reasoning for disconnecting from Jehovahs. This decision, resultanty ended in David cutting ties with his own family. It was a difficult decision for him, but it was what he needed to do. The overall message of this interview, is that no matter what people say to you, along the lines of what you should and shouldn't do, whether it be in a religious organisation, or within life and society itself. Always be yourself, don't ever try to be anyone else. And only then, will you find your true inner happiness.

What a fascinating life that David has lived. First of all, I must mention, that the reason why I'm being very private in terms of not mentioning David's last night, is due to personal privacy reasons and also due to the fact that the topic is genuinely a touchy subject. Throughout this interview , David talks about growing up in a family of Jehovah's Witnesses followers. He also talks about the time when his parents had split , and how his father was completely against the religious organisation, versus his mother and her side of the family, having close ties to Jehovahs. He goes on, and touches base on some specific situations that he had been faced with in the past, that had put him in a negative headspace. Whilst also covering the positives, identifying how to overcome these particular situations. All of this information, provided by David, gives a personal reasoning for disconnecting from Jehovahs. This decision, resultanty ended in David cutting ties with his own family. It was a difficult decision for him, but it was what he needed to do. The overall message of this interview, is that no matter what people say to you, along the lines of what you what you should and shouldn't do, whether it be in a religious organisation, or within life and society itself. Always be yourself, don't ever try to be anyone else. And only then, will you find your true inner happiness.

Joining me on the couch in this episode , is Facebook (sporting guru) entertainer, Jacob Bevis, or more commonly known as Bev from The Bev Show. 'Taking The Mickey' , is the topic of focus , as Bev uses this method throughout all Facebook videos. Jacob also talks about the many hurdles that had been faced with , in his early life before starting up the page, and at this present time. Ways of overcoming hurdles, and starting something from scratch and building it into something big, are two pointers that play a big part of this interview. The message that Bev has for the listeners, is that if your ever faced with 'haters' throughout your life, always remember that they are most probably jealous of what you were able to achieve. They want what you have.

Wow, just wow. What an incredibly, inspirational individual that Hugo Toovey is. In this Episode, Hugo, founder of '25 Stay Alive', an organisation which helps younger demographics be more in tune with their bodies, joins me in conversation via Zoom Chat. His story revolves around a call that he had to make to his father, having to break the news to him that at aged 21, and almost having finished his training in the army, that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Unfortunately from there, things didn't get better for Hugo. There was a domino effect. When one bad situation had been brought to surface, more had lead upon that. The way in which he went about all unfortunate situations, is something to be commended on. I'm personally extremely proud of him. So positive, so uplifting, so courageous. Toovey now shares his story of struggle all around Australia. With the message to make sure, that if you feel like your body isn't feeling right, to go and get it checked up. That the 'she'll be right' attitude, that many Australian's inherit, will not fix the problem.

My introductory video revolves around having gone through a 'purple patch' , only 12-18 months ago. I talk about my near death experience (electric shock), some of the injuries that I had been faced with during this period, and the breakup of a long term relationship. The mentioning of me reaching out to a men's talking group, is also apparent. The importance of seeking help, of talking to someone when you think all hope is lost, is the message in this episode.

A former co-host to this podcast series, Michael Codd, allows himself to talk about the things that he usually wouldn't openly talk about. He expresses his past addiction to gambling and alcohol, and why both he and myself had decided to put this podcast series together. Whilst outlining the extent that he had once gone too, when he was at his worst, in terms of reducing his depression and that feeling of being flat. Coddy, it was an absolute pleasure starting up this podcast series with you. Your a true inspiration to many, many people. For what you were able to share , and openly talk about, to just being you. I'm proud of you mate.