In this episode, I sit down with Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk, to talk about transforming grief into action, the importance of real human connection, and how we can all play a part in saving lives through better listening.

We cover:

• Wayne’s personal journey and how the tragic loss of his son Mac sparked the SmackTalk mission
• What a “real conversation” looks like in moments of pain and crisis
• The rising threat of sexual extortion (sextortion) and its connection to youth mental health
• Challenges and lessons in spreading suicide prevention education
• The power and purpose behind UNPLUG24 — 24 hours off social media on 24 October 2025
• How listeners can get involved, support the cause, or just do better with the people around them

UPCOMING Event – UNPLUG24 (24 October 2025)

Wayne’s charity, SmackTalk, is calling on people across Australia (and beyond) to step away from social media for 24 hours on Friday, 24 October 2025 — as a day of reflection, reconnection, and awareness-raising.

➡️ Sign up and learn more at: https://www.unplug24.smacktalk.com.au

Whether you fundraise or just take the break, your participation helps fund SmackTalk’s vital education programs to combat sexual extortion and suicide. smacktalk.com.au

Resources & Links:

SmackTalk website: www.smacktalk.com.au

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Beyond blue - 1300 224 636

Content Warning:

This episode discusses suicide, loss, bullying, and sexual extortion. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), or other mental health support services.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.