The Mental Health Connection

In this episode Tristan is joined by Meg Van Deusen, PhD, who is a licensed clinical psychologist and mindfulness practitioner in private practice since 1994.

Joining Tristan all the way from the US, Meg and Tristan talk about Megs latest book Stressed in the US which offers a fascinating glimpse into the alarming epidemic of stress not only in US but all around the world.

Meg is passionate about attachment theory, its relationship to stress, and how we can use it to feel less harried and improve our lives.

Not only does Meg and Tristan unpack the attachment theory, they discuss social media and why we should all incorporate mindfulness into our everyday routine.

There are many takeaways in this one you so be sure to have a pen and paper ready, you don't want to miss.

Find out more about Megs book by visiting her website https://www.megvandeusen.com/books/

We have all heard about the significant impact physical activity has for our mental health - but how much impact does it actually have?

In the episode Tristan chats with Michael Murphy who is the founder of Beyond the Barbell.

Beyond the Barbell aims to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space where men can come for a workout and benefit from a support network of like-minded men.

Michael shares his own journey with Anxiety & Depression and losing his identity. He shares the darkest point of his journey, finding myself again and how training kept going through his toughest times and was the inspiration for creating BTB.

Michael talks about the connection being created during sessions and the impact of ken showing vulnerability is having not only in the gym but on the wider community.

In this episode Tristan is joined by a member of his family Amy Simmons who shares her own mental health journey and how it led her to founding her own Mental Health organisation in Townsville called Be Kind.

Amy is extremely honest about her journey with Anxiety, drug use, the isolation it caused and bullying she experienced is school and unfortunately how this lead her to self harming at the age of 12.

Any shares her path to seeking professional health, the support she had through Headspace, how she manages her mental health today and the amazing work Be Kind is doing in the community.

Tristan & Amy also dive deep into how powerful kindness is and the impact it can have on an individual.

It's a very raw, insightful and a truly inspiring conversation you don't want to miss.

Warning: Substance abuse, bullying, self harm & suicide are discussed during this episode. If this discussion triggers any feelings or you are struggling please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode Tristan is joined by Nadine Kemp who has been with YMCA Victoria for 13 years and current manages almost 600 staff across various sites.

Nadine shares her leadership journey, key learnings and how she balances her role with the Y and family life.

Nadine and Tristan discuss the challenges the pandemic has created in their work environments but also the positives it has created for them.

Nadine opens up her journey of self discovery, being honest with herself, showing vulnerability and the importance of checking in with her staff which created a level of trust that empowers her staff to reach out to her if they need support; especially during these COVID lockdowns.

You can safely safe plenty is unpacked in this one!

Courage comes in many different forms and in this episode Tristan is joined by Michael Keon to discuss the inspiration behind his new book The Path of Courage.

Tristan and Michael unpack plenty in this episode including some of the takeaways in his new book, mindset, human connection and how courageous acts build and development us as humans.

In this episode Tristan is joined by Jack Nagle, the founder of Real Drug Talk.

Jack shares his inspirational story from being a former ice addict and suicide survivor to now being sober for over 9 years.

Jack talks very openly about his addiction, hitting rock bottom, reconnection and how going to rehab helped turned his life around which has lead him on a path of helping those who need it the most.

Warning: Drug addiction, drug use and suicide are discussed during this episode. If this discussion triggers any feelings or you are struggling please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

We all love to eat but have your ever wondered why an upset gut can effect you mentally?

In this his episode Tristan is joined by Dr Denise Furness who is an award winning medical researcher, international speaker, author and a CSIRO trained Molecular Geneticist.

Denise shares her knowledge on the link between gut health and mental health and the gut brain axis. Denise talks about the importance of gut health & improving the bacteria in your gut, not only for your mental health but for your overall health and wellbeing.

Think you need to improve your gut health then this episode is for you.

Unfortunately 6 out of 8 suicides a day are men and everyone knows how passionate Tristan is about Men's Mental Health and creating change.

In this episode Tristan chats with Clinical Psychologist and director of Blokes Psychology Carl Nelms who is also trying to create change.

Blokes Psychology is focused on improving the mental health and well being of boys and men.

Carl and Tristan discuss a wide variety of topics including the importance of reaching out, why blokes are putting pressure on themselves, the importance of connection, seeing a psychologist, tips on improving your mental health during the current Covid lock downs plus much more.

The boys unpack plenty in the episode all focused around men's mental health. This is one the blokes don't want to miss.

In this episode Tristan is joined by former AFL footballer, founder and CEO of Outside the Locker Room Jake Edwards.

This episode is extremely raw with Jake sharing his journey with mental illness which lead to recreational drug use, alcohol, and a suicide attempt.

Jake goes into detail about the help he received, the amazing support of his family and how he put together a plan to get his life back on track.

Tristan and Jake unpack about how he manages his mental health, the 4 key pillars he uses today, lessons he learnt and how his journey led him to launching Outside the Locker Room which is a registered charity that is doing amazing things for mental health in the community.

Jake's story is one of hope and inspiration.

Warning: Suicide is discussed during this episode. If this discussion triggers any feelings or you are struggling please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

This episode is one for the parents or parents to be as Tristan chats with Crystal Hardstaff - The Gentle Counsellor.

Crystal shares the inspiration behind her becoming the Gentle Counsellor and how she fell in love with the attachment theory. Tristan and Crystal dive into what the attachment theory entails and how Crystal helps parents to alleviate some of the day-to-day stress, as well as support them through the deeper inner work that needs to be addressed in order to make radical change.

Crystal is passionate about supporting the mental health & wellbeing of parents and children.

A must listen for all the parents.