Couching The Mind

I found this interview to be extremely eye-opening , for what Drew was willing to openly share with me. Drew Pavlou, in the last few years, has started to gain an interest in human rights. Especially with regards to the Wigan community and the Chinese government. In this episode, Drew goes on to explain, how, when he held his first protest at UQ (watch the episode to find out why) , the Chinese community had outnumbered him and his fellow protestors , 600 to 50. Drew also explains, the many other 'hidden-behind-the-door' practices that the Chinese government are currently doing. The mental strain of protesting, and his personal struggle with OCD and mental health, in his early days at highschool, is also covered. Pavlou's message that he wants listeners to get out of this episode, is to not always follow the 'pack'. Because sometimes the 'pack' doesn't always make the right decisions.

An extremely inspirational story of will-power and motivation. Boston Freestone, A.K.A Boston Fitness, shares his own personal story of obesity. How he overcame all hurdles that could have possibly been thrown at him, to have lost half his body weight, now working in the sporting industry, helping people reach their own personal fitness and nutrition goals. He outlines the ways in which he went about his life-changing weight lose journey, and how he changed his negative state of thinking, to a much more positive mindset.

In this episode, Ben Rhodes, a highschool mate of mine, joins me on the couch. He goes into detail with regards to how incredibly tough it was to come out as gay. Detailing / outlining the constant niggle and bullying that he received for being regarded as a bit of an 'outcast'. How, he at times felt ashamed and embarrassed for being attracted to men. The message that Ben is trying to portray in this episode, is to not be afraid to be the true you, no matter what people say, no matter what negativity might come your way. For those who may have bullied someone and or given someone a hard time, maybe this episode could potentially help assist in preventing you from making the same mistakes in the future. To reflect on things that you may have said , may have done to someone in the past.

Honestly , one of the saddest stories that I've ever heard anyone tell. Josh Dittmer, who of which I know from highschool, shares his story of drug and alcohol abuse. How it all started, being left at home with his brother for 7 weeks, whilst his parents were away, in his later years at College. How these problems had then grown overtime, to which Dittmer then became heavily reliant on taking Xanax to erase his lacking of purpose and anxiety. He also mentions the toll that was put on him and his family when he lost his brother to an overdose. For everything that Josh has been through, he is still extremely positive, wanting to help anyone that may be / may have gone through similar experiences. He also provides healthy alternatives of coping with anxiety as a whole. Josh's message, much like many of the other guests that I've had on the show, is to speak when you need to get something of your chest. When your well and truly struggling. WARNING --> This episode is very comfronting.

Episode 12 of Couching The Mind, revolves around a conversation had between myself and Giulia Diako, regarding the importance of art. Giulia, a life long friend of mine, expresses to me , how art has helped minimise her anxiety, and has also assisted in keeping her mind busy during the start of the Covid pandemic. Finding your own form of 'hobby' and having the ability to run to it when negativity floods your mind , is exactly what Giulia's overall message is. I really enjoyed hearing Giulia's story, and I know for a fact that whoever may be listening in, enjoyment will be apparent.

Lewis Huckstep, A.K.A the 'Mind Mechanic', joins me on the couch for this episode. Lewis talks about his own personal growth , of not having a job at all, to now owning three gyms and running his own life coaching business. We cover the importance of goal setting , and ways in which someone could come to realisation with there overall purpose in life. There's much to learn from Lewis, as he's definately someone that can help assist people through very rough patches, changing there state of thinking, to be alot more positive and uplifting.

Aaron Cuppit, a full-time road worker, turned Titok dance sensation, joins me in conversation via Zoom Chat. He talks about how his normal life turned upside down , when he decided to create his Tiktok dance. How, through gaining hundreds of thousands of views on this dance of his, how he's now creating Tiktok videos regards mental health. Aaron also talks about suicide, and how he had unfortunately lost some very close mates to the disease. With the ultimate message that he has to the listeners, to not be afraid to speak if your struggling and or need help with anything in life.

Episode 9, see's Adam Yoo, Canadian Soundcloud artist, join me in conversation via Zoom Chat. He goes into detail with regards to how music has been there for him when he's hit rock bottom, and how in its own form, it can be used as an escapism from all hurdles that life might throw at you. Adam has personally helped me, when I was in very negative state of mind. He assisted me in putting together an acoustic song, to which I wrote the lyrics for. This gave me clarity from previous traumatic experiences, to finally let them go and to move on with life. If you have the opportunity to look into Adam's music on soundcloud, please do so. The man is extremely underated, and he would also have to be one of most humble and generous people that I've ever come across.

Dyllon Theiel, successful life coach, joins me on the couch in this episode. We cover the importance of being and feeling fit and healthy, and how these factors can ultimately improve your overall state of mind. Dyllon has a library of knowledge when it comes to fitness, having done previous PT courses, owned a gym. I couldn't have pick a better person to speak about this particular topic. To the listeners, to you guys/ladys, even if your someone that has no interest what-so-ever with fitness and health. I can still guarantee you that you'll enjoy this episode , and will 100% take something away from it.