When Tom Derickx was drafted in the AFL, his X-factor was his confidence.He played with flair and was hungry to win.But after he moved to Melbourne from his home in Western Australia to live out a dream and play in the AFL, something just didn’t feel right.He felt off and eventually realised something deeper was going on. His footy was being affected. He was dropping the footy in games - something he’d never do - and was quickly losing confidence.He spoke to his coach, saw a psychologist and ...

Hunter Johnson devotes his life to helping boys and men become the best versions of themselves.He is the Founder and CEO of The Man Cave, an organisation devoted to facilitating healthy masculinity in young boys and men.Hunter and his team have worked closely with over 200,000 Australian boys, so he knows a thing or two about the challenges men are facing in the modern world.But he's also experienced challenges in his own life.Before he founded The Man Cave, Hunter had big goals on the rugby ...

With over 150,000 followers and a huge presence in the body-building industry, you might assume WBFF Pro Robbie Frame is all about fitness.But you’d be wrong.Robbie’s fitness journey started with the goal of becoming a better, bigger rugby player.Two knee injuries ended his sporting career before it had really started, so Robbie turned to the process he found comfort in: building his physique in the gym.After many, many years of hard work, in and out of the gym, Robbie was crowned WBFF Pro.Bu...

When Tommy Kerr’s rugby league career was cut short, he felt like he’d lost a sense of his identity and purpose.He wasn’t putting the same love that he’d put into rugby league into any other aspect of his life.While he was spending time looking inside himself and battling his own demons, a serious accident changed pretty much everything.As a result of the accident, Tommy was sentenced to 18 months in prison.He had two choices. Use the time inside to play the victim. Or better himself and his ...

Brent Draper is a happy-go-lucky, knock-about Aussie tradie from Queensland who found his way onto MasterChef to change his life.But as he reached the finale, Brent bowed out from the competition to take care of his mental health after experiencing a bout of anxiety.After a very emotional episode, Brent went back home to Queensland where he immediately got treatment from a doctor and a psychologist to get himself back on track.Brent is in a great place now and he shares with us what he’s lear...

At 19, Brando ‘Wildboy’ Yelavich became the first person to circumnavigate the New Zealand coastline by foot.All he had was a backpack and a goal. He caught his own food, found his own water, and 600 days later he finished his journey and achieved his goal.But before embarking on his adventure, Brando was in a pretty negative place. He was slowly moving down a path of drugs and reliance on the dole,Brando literally stepped into his own life and reclaimed his power. But getting out into nature...

Matt Runnalls lost his first friend to suicide when he was just 12 years old.As a young boy from regional Victoria, he saw the impact mental illness could have on a community.He didn’t want to become another statistic, but was very aware that he could be.Matt has experienced his own mental health challenges. But he also wanted to see what life would be like at the top.After doing hard work on himself, Matt is now the founder and CEO of Mindfull Aus - an organisation that aims to empower peopl...

Please note this conversation touches on themes of suicide. If you, or someone you know needs help, help is always available. You can contact Lifeline any time on 13 11 14.It’s not everyday you get the honour to speak to a former All Black who has been honoured for his services to rugby and mental health.Sir John Kirwan, or JK as he’s known, is an extraordinary man with an extraordinary story.JK played rugby union at the highest level, donning the All Black jersey for 10 years and playing 63 ...

Nova’s Drive Host and ACRA-award winner Tim Blackwell is one of the most positive, down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet.Tim’s been in radio for 20 years and he still loves what he does.He gets excited to come to work every day and jump on air with Kate Ritchie and Joel Creasey, to host Nova’s National Drive Show - Kate, Tim and Joel.But with great ratings comes great responsibility and, of course, great pressure.So what’s it like being in the spotlight and hosting a show that’s sitting prett...

On the outside looking in, it seemed like Jerome Doraisamy was killing it.He was working as a lawyer, climbing the corporate ladder, and experiencing great career success.But inside, the story looked very different. Jerome wasn’t coping.After experiencing a severe and prolonged bout of anxiety and depression, Jerome sought treatment and changed his life.He is now a twice-published author, with his first book ‘The Wellness Doctrines’ offering tools and guidance for young lawyers and law studen...