Rae Bonney - Men's Health

Wrapping up 2024 was such a delight to be back on air at 94.1FM 3WBC with the legendary Steve Carey - one of Australia’s most seasoned voices in TV News & Public Affairs.

It was a definite highlight of my International Men's Day/Movember season, hanging out with Movember's Jake Lambert at 94.1FM 3WBC to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in men’s health, in honor of men and boys around the world.

Jake was incredibly open, sharing deeply personal and touching moments—from his journey as a new dad to a heartfelt story about his own father. His reflections highlighted the power of vulnerability and connection in breaking down stigmas around men’s health.

We also explored the incredible impact of Movember-supported programs, like The Man Cave School Programs, which are equipping young men with the tools to navigate life with confidence and compassion.

Paying respect to the many grassroots men and boy's health organisations around the world, like The Father Hood (Jeremy Macvean, Andrew McUtchen, Luke Benedictus) highlighted an entire sector working tirelessly to promote a better understanding of the challenges faced by men and boys globally.

What does it feel like, being you today?

www.raebonney.au

On International Men's Day, I'm extraordinarily proud to stand within a sector of dedicated individuals, committed to making better lives for men and boys ❤️🌍.

Mike Hagan is a Distant Conspirator who has become a very close collaborator of mine over the past few years 😀.

In a mash up of our respective fields, mental health, workplace wellbeing, men’s health, safety and compliance, we shared all the how, what, why, when and where we’re both currently at.

On one of the biggest topics going round, Mike and I sketched out what organisational responsibility in addressing workplace psychosocial hazards and risks can look like, and described simple yet effective strategies anyone can use to create safe and supportive environments.

My experience in men’s health, mental health and workplace well-being, combined with Mike’s expertise in all things safety and compliance, provided valuable insights on how companies can proactively manage these risks and support their workforce’s overall health.

We also touched on our respective roles at October's Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney, which featured the latest developments in workplace safety, new technologies, and best practices.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

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To wrap Men's Health Week 2024, and inspire conversations beyond, I went to air at 94.1FM 3WBC with a very special and spontaneous radio show that showcased a story that had not yet been told.

Two days before, at a construction site Men's Health Week toolbox talk, I asked the room of around 130 men to raise their hand if they'd had any experience with paternal post natal depression (the kind that happens to dads).

One guy did.

I could not find him after the event, but received this note later in the day.

"Thanks so much for coming today Rae. I’m the one who put my hand up about post natal depression. Later in the morning a guy who I’d never spoken to before came up to me and asked about my experience. He then told me all about his own experience and we chatted about it for 5mins then went back to work. I hope he felt as good as I did afterwards. Thanks for giving me that chance to put my hand, you are making a difference."

And there's an example of the power of men supporting each other 💙 .

A few hours later, after a very humbling phone call "Dave" generously and courageously agreed to be interviewed live on the show and tell his story for the very first time.

This opportunity was not one to be missed, hearing what it feels like, being Dave and lots more about Men's Health Week.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

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💙 https://lnkd.in/gfMWfy9w - sms4dads - Fathers, Dads-to-be, Families & Health Professionals receive free text messages, support, info & tips.

💙 https://lnkd.in/gzh-XT_q - DadSpace - Mental, emotional and practical support for expectant and new dads.

💙 https://www.dadsgroup.org/ - Dads Group is a bunch of dads supporting dads like you.

#menshealth #mensmentalhealth #paternalpostnataldepression #PPND #depression #anxiety #dads #fathering #workplacementalhealth #menshealthweek2024

I recently caught up with fellow community radio presenter Leah Veenhuizen on her fabulous show "Just a thought" at 94.7 the Pulse.

Leah asked early on about my reasons for advocating so enthusiastically for men and boys ... I surprised myself with an unguarded response that I tend not to often reveal 💛 .

We went on to challenge some of the damaging myths and misunderstandings about men and masculinity - also their alarming absence from global health policy.

We packed a lot into 27 minutes and I am so grateful to Leah Veenhuizen for her talent and expertise in bringing this conversation to air.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

www.raebonney.au

#menshealthweek2024 #menshealth #malesuicide #menandboys #menshealthpolicy #policymaking #masculinity

Earlier this year, #2 son and I attended one of the many amazing Melbourne International Comedy Festival events.

We were not nearly well enough prepared to have our sides split and possibly our pants wet, from the night’s headliner, Ashley Fils-Aime. 🤣

Supporting a mystery line-up of some of the best festival comedians, Ashley did not fail to keep the laughter level at “11” throughout the entire evening.

Looking a little closer at Ashley's trajectory, though – a Haiti-born comedy success, raised in Miami, Florida and performing on stage since the age of 18 – I started scratching the surface of a story that’s simply gagging to be told.

My radar on racial/ethnic disparities in men's health was also activated during Ashley’s performance, through his tongue-in-cheek references to personal experiences of being a black male.

Ashely very generously agreed to join me on Sunday, 19 May to hear what it feels like, being .. Ashley Fils-Aime. 💙.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

[email protected]

#comedy #menshealth #mentalhealth #standupcomedy #career #racialdiscrimination #inequality #ethnicminority #ethnicdisparity #blackminoritymen #laughteristhebestmedicine

Around 35 years ago, Peter Baker set himself a path of exploring the relatively unchartered world of men and boy’s health in the UK.

A true trailblazer, he’s contributed to many great outcomes, over the years, including the introduction of HPV vaccination for UK boys in 2018.

Fast forward to now and he is one of the founders and Director of Global Action on Men’s Health that launched 10 years ago, with a clear purpose of creating a world where all men and boys have an opportunity to achieve their best possible health and wellbeing wherever they live and whatever their background.

GAMH works to encourage the @who and other international agencies involved in public health to develop research, policies and strategies on men’s health.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

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#menshealth #menshealthpolicy #genderneutralvaccination #mensmentalhealth #healthpolicy #publichealth #menshealthresearch #menshealthstrategy #malesuicide #mentalhealth #whatdoesitfeellikebeingyoutoday

“A true vocation calls us out beyond ourselves; breaks our heart in the process and then humbles, simplifies and enlightens us about the hidden, core nature of the work that enticed us in the first place.” David Whyte – Poet

This quote came to mind, as I waded through my research, in preparation for my interview with Australian actress, writer and producer, Maria Angelico. It so beautifully illustrates her unwavering commitment to persistently crafting and perfecting a true calling.

This is reinforced with her unmistakable presence on our television screens, for more than 20 years - from pumped up pigtails in Chris Lilley's gob-smacking creations, through to the current comedic gal drama, "Strife" where she stars alongside the likes of Asher Keddie, Matt Day, Tina Bursill, Emma Lung, Rhys Mitchell and so many more talented Aussies.

Late last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing many facets of Maria, on a real live film set. Aside from enormous talent and professionalism, her abundant kindness, care, humility and generosity, clearly makes all the spaces around her a place of joy and wellbeing.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

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#entertainmentindustry #actors #producers #writers #creativearts #filmandtv #televisionproduction #mentalhealth #wellbeing #kindness #care #humility

Late last year I tuned into Andrew Huberman's Huberman Lab Podcast for one of the best 12 hours and 40 minutes of learning I’ve experienced in a long time.

Dr. Paul M. Conti, a Stanford and Harvard trained psychiatrist has empowered the lives of many people around the globe, including Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and Tommy Hilfiger!

Supported by legendary Huberman hosting, Paul presented the human condition, through sense making dialogue and mind blowing models, that had me listening to the 4 part series over and over again.

In the spirit of true gratitude, I connected with Dr. Paul, thanking him for providing ways of showing my own clients a clearer perspective of self and also cheekily requested a radio interview.

Astounded by his generosity and quietly @#$%$#% myself for perhaps getting in over my head, Paul did not hesitate in accepting and we connected Portland, Oregon with Melbourne, Australia in early February 2024.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

[email protected]

#neuroscience #MentalHealth #gratitude #agency #humancondition #generationaldrive #purpose #trauma #intergenerationaltrauma #unconsciousmind #consciousmind