When Thor leans into his mental health you know guys it's time for us to take it seriously too. 

Amid a growing mental crisis, mentl and The Lighthouse Retreat in Ras Al Khaimah are teaming up for a special 'Men's Mental Health Retreat' which dives into the secrets of longevity, performance and taming stress. 

Today on 'the mentl space' we sit down by the sea with The Lighthouse Retreat founder Simon Dunn to talk about the science behind wellness practices such as 'fire and ice', saunas and ice baths, featured in the recent Chris Hemsworth documentary Limitless, which will just a part of our three-day retreat.

To learn more and join us visit https://thelighthouse-retreat.com.or WhatsApp +971 55-5169101

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." So goes the old adage about intense pressure environments, especially in the hospitality industry.

Recent reports globally have highlighted the mental health challenges many face while working in the sector, including the pressure cooker of high-end kitchens. 

TV shows have also dialled up the heat, historically portraying aggression and abuse as commonplace parts of the hospitality industry. 

But, are times changing? 

On 'the mentl space' we're joined by Naim Maadad, CEO and founder of Gates Hospitality in the UAE, who is on a mission to create a better way, one based on a foundation of respect, psychological safety and empowerment. 

And, amid multiple reports of soaring burnout, he has a message for fellow CEOs who fail to change their recipe for leadership.

Want to live longer and live happier?

Dr Rangan Chatterjee, author of Happy Mind Happy Life, host of Europe's number one podcast Feel Better, Live More, and star of BBC's Doctor in the House, joins Professor Rose Anne Kenny, author of Age Proof, on 'the mentl space' for an invaluable conversation about the lives we lead. 

Prof Kenny who also leads The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing unpacks the secrets of living longer and how physical habits are amplified by our mental health and attitues.

Meanwhile, Dr Chatterjee leans into what it means to be happy, discusses the latest statistics on burnout.

And, keep listening for their practical wisdom that can be taken into all our lives.

In a world of rising anxiety, burnout and polarisation what role do books have to play in this digital age?

Isobel Abuhoul, OBE, the CEO of the Emirates Literature Festival, which launched this week, joins 'the mentl space' to discuss how reading is good for mental health, both for our children and for ourselves.

She tells how her lifelong love of reading has helped her through difficult times and why the Emirates Literature Festival has never been more relevant.

Visit the link below to access authors focused on health and wellbeing at the festival.

https://tickets.emirateslitfest.com/m-16-emirates-airline-festival-of-literature-2023.aspx?VectorFilterID=0&CategoryFilterID=0&LibraryFilterID=12&GenreFilterID=0&LanguageFilter=0&SectionFilterID=0

By the way, after a technical issue the audio was rebuilt using an AI tool.

Imagine your life is going pretty well, career, family,  overall fitness, all where you would want things to be, and then something changes.

In this episode of 'the mentl space' we sit down for an honest conversation with Sam Browning, dad of two and Dubai resident. 

He talks through his journey as aspects of his childhood crept into his adult life and his growing discovery that he was dealing with depression.

How did he seek help, how does he live with his condition, what does the future look like moving forward, and what advice does he have for anyone else who is struggling?

Join us for this inspiring conversation.

Pick your label, quiet quitting, loud quitting, the Great Resignation, the war on talent, or simply a new reality for employers; the conversation on wellbeing has crossed an inflection point.

Ahead of its return to the region, Chris Cummings, Group CEO of Wellbeing at Work World, talks to 'the mentl space' about the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East 2023, the epoch in corporate life, which means more and more employees are done with toxicity and are choosing a new path.

This year the summit is being held for the first time in both Saudi Arabia and Dubai, and we're proud to say that mentl is an official partner.

If you are planning to attend, then you can access our special discount code MENTL20 to unlock 20% off.

Visit https://wellbeingatwork.world/summit/... to learn more about the summit (and bag that discount).

NB - recorded via Zoom so be forgiving

Why it's time for us to take off our masks. 

Dana Shaddad, founder and managing director of Imtiaz Middle East Consulting and Nigel Prasad, Program Director of Ballers Dubai and host of The OneTribe podcast join 'the mentl space' to talk about life, burnout, men's mental health, the mental cost of running a business, and the pressure growing on young people in world polarised by social media.

And, what true transformation looks like.

Check out The OneTribe podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOuP2QD_Nz03Mdn10an_92A

She is a mother, entrepreneur, and wellbeing advocate, who also happens to be one of the largest social media personalities in the region, having amassed a global audience of over 13 million. 

She also has a master’s degree in psychotherapy, her own international eyewear business  and roles as UNHCR High Profile Supporter. If that wasn’t enough, she is the global face of Roberto Cavalli Fragrance and Middle East Ambassador for Guerlain Skincare, and is someone who has, quite simply, redefined the concept of ‘working mom’. 

Despite all her accolades, she protects her ‘family first’ mentality and in doing so continues to showcase a remarkable human side to influencing.

Our conversation took place on stage at the Caring for Each Other event which was partnership between Viatris and Sesame Workshop – the makers of Sesame Street – as they launched a series of resources to help children and parents alike with their wellbeing.

Welcome Karen Wazen to 'the mentl space'.

Laura Everest was out running one day, when a car smashed into her.

She was flung 30ft through the air and when she landed she was broken and close to death.

That was the beginning of her journey. 

Twenty surgeries on, Laura is the author of the best-selling 'Rebuilt to Last' and now works as a leadership productivity specialist, putting the lessons her near-death experience taught her to use. 

Listen to her inspiring story here. 

It's tough at the top, just ask Julio Bruno, the former global CEO of the Time Out Group. 

In his new book 'A Passion To Lead: Advice for Inspiring Leaders', the C-suiter explores the future of work, the power balance between workers and management, and what leadership means in the post-Covid landscape.

mentl's Scott Armstrong joins Julio to dive into his lessons from a lifetime in leadership, and what that means for individuals' and companies' wellbeing.