Murray Bruce has been one of the quiet engines of Running for Resilience since the early days. He's the one who brokered the University of Canberra research connection, coined the motto "better, not bigger," helped set up Strolling for Resilience and the Santa Run with Rise Above.He's a Navy veteran, a mental health advocate, and the driving force behind Bravery Trek, an initiative providing financial assistance, counselling, and education to veterans and their families facing hardship. Oh, and he's about to walk 1,000km from Fremantle to Albany.Timestamps:[00:00] — Welcome & intro — live from Parliament House [00:24] — Murray's role in R4R: the UC research connection and behind-the-scenes work [01:19] — "Better, not bigger" — the motto that's guided almost every R4R decision since [02:14] — Lobbing grenades and buggering off: the volunteer model that works [03:24] — Strolling for Resilience, the Centre Run & the grant that almost didn't happen [05:18] — Ben's dad: a Navy veteran who served in Iraq, and the mental health toll on veterans [06:17] — Veterans as "gifted kids with learning difficulties" [07:31] — Reducing friction so veterans can find support — the parallel with R4R [08:21] — What Bravery Trek actually does: financial assistance, counseling and education [09:22] — Life on a submarine — a can of Coke and a Mars bar — and the transition to civilian life [10:31] — The financial challenges veterans and their families face coming home [11:30] — From handouts to financial counseling: how Bravery Trust evolved [12:19] — It's not just getting someone to a professional — it's the ongoing journey that matters [13:13] — Losing a friend with no warning signs — and what that teaches us about being proactive [14:17] — How do you be proactive when there are no visible signs? [15:10] — Being open about your own journey — speaking at the footy club [16:31] — Mental health first aid and learning by listening [18:03] — The diversity of the safety net: different people reaching different people [19:39] — Holding space: a nod to Paulina's episode [20:23] — Murray's mum's passing — "thin places" and being given permission to be fully present [22:07] — We're often too harsh on ourselves — cutting yourself some slack [22:28] — Bear Grylls: "take a knee, light a fire, breathe, go again" [23:11] — Upcoming collaboration with UC and the Hyatt: "the best Christmas gift for your mental health" [25:35] — Bravery Trek origin: the Marine Corps Marathon Blue Mile in Washington DC [28:27] — Sydney, the Polys joining in, and Dusk to Dawn at the War Memorial [29:23] — A petty officer's story: Bravery Trust as a psychological safety net during cancer treatment [30:38] — Working with the Deputy Chief of Navy on financial literacy for sailors [33:07] — "We don't want to return that sailor broken" — Admiral Buckley on the Navy's duty of care [34:01] — What keeps Murray doing it: the generosity of spirit in communities like R4R [36:37] — What's coming up with Bravery Trek — how to get involved [37:03] — Polish Run: 10th September from the Jedi to Parliament House and back [37:25] — Dusk to Dawn: 16th–17th October overnight at the War Memorial (teams of 4) [37:48] — Virtual Trek: 1st–31st October — sign up and fundraise [39:08] — Admiral Buckley launching the trek, and partner Judy joining for the final stretchLinks:Bravery Trek: https://www.braverytrek.com.auIf this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.In Australia, you can:Call Lifeline on 13 11 14Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.auConnect with Running for ResilienceWebsite: https://www.runningforresilience.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningforresilience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningforResilience/Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/runningforresilience

Paulina Young has done a remarkable amount of work on herself.

After 17 years of marriage, her relationship ended. With two young boys and no idea who she was outside of being a wife and mum, she found herself in a very dark place.

What followed was a period of depression, survival mode, and slowly — painfully — finding her way back. 11 years on, and her reflection on that journey is as honest and generous as it gets.

Timestamps:

[00:00] — Welcome & intro — Paulina, head of the R4R SUP community

[00:41] — How Paulina ended up on the podcast

[01:01] — Ben's research: struck by how much Paulina had reflected on her own story

[01:54] — 17 years of marriage, separated at 39 with two young boys

[02:44] — The morning they told the kids — and realising life wasn't going where she thought

[03:31] — Why was it so hard? Loss of identity, loss of a future

[04:53] — Survival mode: single parenting on week on week off, the hole getting darker

[07:27] — Pulling the covers over her head — and the boys pulling her out

[08:13] — Grief and depression — and postnatal depression with Louis years earlier

[09:00] — A year to two years of darkness; seeking support early

[10:04] — "Who am I outside of being a wife and a mum?"

[11:45] — Walking past the boys' empty rooms on week off — the emptiness

[12:52] — Going from full-on single parenting to suddenly, completely alone

[14:20] — How did you find yourself? Curiosity, growth mindset, "what is this here to teach me?"

[15:00] — The Reality Slap by Dr Russ Harris — the book that helped change her thinking

[16:19] — Pain into purpose; doing small things that brought joy; discovering her values

[17:59] — When her ex re-partnered early; learning "I am not my thoughts"

[18:47] — "The only way out is through" — feeling all the feels

[20:04] — The Johann Hari parallel: you need to feel it before you can understand it

[21:27] — How her boys inspired her to show up even when she didn't want to

[22:13] — "Better, not bitter" — her North Star through the whole thing

[23:24] — The shift from external focus (him) to internal focus (herself)

[25:40] — Protecting the boys; not letting them get caught in the middle

[26:35] — "If it's hysterical, it's historical" — understanding what's really being triggered

[28:22] — Advice for someone in a dark place: you don't have to go through it alone

[30:07] — Drop the shoulds; self-compassion; "what would you say to a friend?"

[32:14] — What would have helped most: someone just sitting there, holding space

[33:41] — Why silence is sometimes the most powerful thing; why R4R works

[34:56] — The SUP community — showing up, building connections, September season starting

[36:52] — Rinse and repeat: how healthy habits help you find yourself

[37:09] — Who Paulina would love to interview on the R4R podcast

[38:31] — Closing thoughts: "better, not bitter"

[38:55] — Book recommendation: The Reality Slap — Dr Russ HarrisLinks:The Reality Slap — Dr Russ Harris (ACT): https://www.actmindfully.com.au/books/the-reality-slap/

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.

In Australia, you can:

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Connect with Running for Resilience

Website:

https://www.runningforresilience.comInstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/runningforresilience/ Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RunningforResilience/Strava:

https://www.strava.com/clubs/runningforresilience

Yash Varma is a high performance coach, founder of Empress Capital — one of Australia's first AI-focused venture capital firms — and an early investor in Anthropic. Born in India and raised in Canberra, Yash spent 20 years building a global software business before turning his focus to backing the next generation of AI founders. Grateful to have him on the pod for what turned into a really honest, wide-ranging conversation about AI and mental health — the potential, the risks, and the fine line between technology that helps and technology that harms.

Timestamps:

[00:00] — Welcome & intro[01:02] — Canberra roots, rugby league, and growing up between cultures[02:00] — Starting a business on his honeymoon — and building across the world[02:38] — How 18-hour days taught Yash that health is everything[03:15] — 20 years in software, coaching with Tony Robbins & Brendan Bouchard[04:55] — Discovering AI at Stanford and launching Empress Capital[05:15] — What is venture capital? (And why Empress has a different philosophy)[07:52] — How AI can help not-for-profits do more with less[08:56] — Augmenting humans, not replacing them[10:35] — Fundraise AI: a real example helping nonprofits at scale[11:21] — AI helping families navigate overwhelming challenges[12:36] — When AI goes wrong: the risks we can't ignore[13:18] — Anthropic and the Constitutional AI approach to safety[16:30] — AI's potential role in mental health support[17:20] — The Character.AI lawsuit and the teen suicide case[19:19] — CBT-based AI tools vs talking to a general chatbot[20:02] — Ben's personal experience using AI for mental health support[21:01] — Filling the gap: cost and access to mental health care[22:05] — The danger of AI that always agrees with you[23:14] — Parasocial relationships with AI and the Character.AI warning[24:00] — Why community and human energy can't be replicated[26:07] — Is AI quietly making us less resilient?[26:56] — Yash's tips for using AI well[27:35] — How to stay adaptable without getting overwhelmed[29:44] — AI is a tool, not a product to chase[30:00] — Yash's parents: using AI to help them stay at home longer[33:19] — Technology as a neutral tool: can plant trees or drop bombs[35:03] — Earbuds, wearables, and the rise of ambient computing[36:20] — Avoiding AI slop: think critically, don't follow blindly[37:40] — Give AI context — and get dramatically better results[39:13] — NotebookLM and learning on the go[43:22] — Why stepping away from the screen might be the most important thing you do[47:12] — The disconnection paradox[47:59] — Being there for people who are struggling[55:40] — Empress Capital: what they do and how to get involved

Links:

Ben Alexander — AI, stigma & mental health conversations: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-31/ben-alexander-ai-stigma-mental-health-conversations-therapists/103644542

High Performance Life (Yash's coaching): https://www.highperformancelife.com.au/about

Empress Capital (Yash's VC firm): https://empresscapital.vc/empress-capital/

Other interviews by Ben:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zzrEDklf8xW6RbZdMgj4d?si=_ZfFEBBFTduZyiuH1JRDXg

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RurmSItoKCMhb8BWvahRC?si=BLSVH1kISgaqF-oM5rtS5Q

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nOSSSbd6YpgALamkCV5Kn?si=DfmlQ16jQ7GxJcnIEwn4SQ

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.

In Australia, you can:Call Lifeline on 13 11 14Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Ben Wilson is a Canberra-born ultra runner now based in Brisbane. He grew up running fire trails in Tuggeranong, spent a decade living life to the fullest, and when he moved to Brisbane he lost his social network and found himself in a pretty dark place.

A psychologist told him to start moving again... and it changed everything.What followed was years of patient, consistent training that took him from mid-pack to winning the 241km Capital to Coast, via spinal surgery, a Covid diagnosis on the eve of his crew role, and two failed entry attempts.

He talks us through all of it, including what it actually takes to run 241km and why he believes whoever wins is simply the one who slows down the least.

A really honest conversation about movement, community, and what resilience actually looks like in practice.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome & intro

00:52 — Growing up in Tuggeranong, early family life

04:49 — First steps in running — fire trails, training logs & dad's marathon

08:32 — The party years: cricket, travel & burning the candle at both ends

10:51 — 18 months sober — and why everything changed

12:38 — Moving to Brisbane, losing his network & sliding into depression

14:06 — The psychologist's advice: start moving again

16:28 — Building community in Brisbane through running

19:35 — Family, kids, and running 60km a week with a pram

21:27 — Defining success: from mid-pack to the front

26:52 — What is a Backyard Ultra?

29:07 — First backyard, breaking through self-perceived limits, 37-yard PB

30:54 — Capital to Coast: a decade-long dream

32:19 — Selected for 2023 — then sciatica, surgery & withdrawal

34:43 — 2024: accepted again, flies down to crew... and tests positive for Covid

37:06 — 2025: finally on the start line

38:10 — The training block that changed everything (+40% mileage)

46:10 — Race day: solving problems on the run (the sumo moment)

46:37 — Hitting the front by Jindabyne at 2am

50:19 — Taking the lead with 30km to go

52:03 — The women on the snow pass & a fall near the summit

55:59 — Crossing the finish line in 26:25 — in tears

58:38 — Race presentation: "whoever wins will be the one who slows down the least"

59:09 — World Championships qualifier at the AIS — what's next for Ben

Other episodes hosted by Murray

https://open.spotify.com/episode/08YNRCSAZ7WzdBrNkBzKlz

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kRZpljsOtxObSCSyKsPzX

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust. In Australia, you can:

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Stephe sits down with Georgie MacDiarmid (Canberra Grammar), Mark Nicholson (Torrens Primary), and Mark Robson (Forrest Primary) — the teachers behind Recess for Resilience in Canberra.

They unpack how a simple walk at recess is transforming school culture, building emotional language in kids, and supporting teacher wellbeing too.

From student captains to a selectively mute student finding her voice, this episode is full of real stories about what happens when connection becomes a priority.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome & Introductions

01:24 — What is Recess for Resilience?

02:32 — How it looks at Torrens & Forest Primary

05:16 — Four Canberra schools now running the program

05:51 — Key lessons learned (keeping it simple & optional)

09:15 — Check-in tools: rose/thorn/banana, 1–5 scale & emotional language

13:44 — Introducing student captains

16:33 — A selectively mute student finds her voice

22:12 — What are the non-negotiable core elements?

26:36 — Why teachers benefit too: "taking off the coat"

31:26 — Student stories & feedback

36:44 — Parent responses

40:16 — If every Canberra school did this... a vision for 10 years

44:09 — How to get Recess for Resilience started at your school

Recess for Resilience: https://www.runningforresilience.com/recess-for-resilience

Previous Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmg6CZEWPgA

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.

In Australia, you can:

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

It’s National Volunteer Week, and to celebrate, Running for Resilience co-founder Matt Breen sits down with Stuart Coates and Renee Watson for a powerful conversation about volunteering, community, purpose and the impact of simply showing up.

Big Stu is an R4R stalwart who contributes more time, energy and care than we could ever hope for. Renee Watson is the CEO of Rise Above, a local Canberra charity supporting people and families impacted by cancer.Both Stu and Renee are passionate champions for volunteering, dedicating much of their lives to helping others and strengthening the communities around them.

In this episode of the Running for Resilience Podcast, we explore what volunteering really gives back, why community matters more than ever, and how giving your time can create a ripple effect far beyond what you might ever see.

From R4R’s Wednesday night runs to Rise Above’s work supporting local families, this conversation is a reminder that volunteering is not just about filling a role. It is about connection, purpose, generosity and being part of something bigger than yourself.

Whether you already volunteer, have been thinking about getting involved, or are simply looking for a way to make a difference, this episode is your sign to start.If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.

In Australia, you can:

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Connor Hogan was diagnosed with schizophrenia, anxiety and depression in 2019. In December 2022, he tragically took his own life.

Since then, Connor’s mates have honoured who he was by bringing people together to raise money and awareness for schizophrenia research.

What struck me most about this conversation was the amount of love I could see in these blokes’ eyes. It was clear Connor was a special person, and it was obvious he continues to live on in their thoughts.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality, affecting how a person thinks, feels and behaves. In the research I did before this episode, I was almost intimidated by the disease and how it takes hold of the people it affects.

The way the boys described the impact it had on Connor reminded me of one reason suicide can feel like such a taboo subject: because it is bloody confronting.

But conversations like this matter.

These fellas sharing their stories and honouring their mate’s legacy are helping shape the conversation around schizophrenia. They are giving people a blueprint they so wish they had. They are giving people a perspective they wish Connor had.

This is a powerful conversation about loss, love, resilience and creating a future with zero blue-collar suicides.

If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust.

In Australia, you can contact:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra: 1800 595 212
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or visit their website beyondblue.org.au
  

Follow Crusade for Connor on Instagram

Matt Breen sits down with Pip Seldon, founder of The Healthy Tradie Project, to talk about grief, suicide prevention, blue-collar mental health, and the legacy of her brother Dale.Pip shares the heartbreaking story of losing Dale to suicide in 2009, the shock and unanswered questions that followed, and how that loss became the driving force behind her mission to help prevent suicide in the construction and trades industries.Together, Matt and Pip explore the masks people wear, the importance of starting conversations before crisis point, and how practical tools like movement, sleep, nutrition, breath work, mindfulness, yoga, play and connection can support mental health and wellbeing.This is a powerful conversation about loss, love, resilience, and creating a future with zero blue-collar suicides.If this episode brings anything up for you, please reach out to someone you trust. In Australia, you can:

• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
• Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra – 1800 595 212
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

Learn more about the Health Tradie Project on their Website or Pip's Ted Talk

On the 10th of November 2025, Andrew Logan received the news no parent ever wants to hear... that no parent should ever hear... that his Son, Johannes Logan had died.In this deeply moving episode of the Running for Resilience Podcast, Matt Breen sits down with Andrew Logan to talk about the life and loss of his son, Johannes Logan.

Johannes was a talented rugby player, artist, friend and deeply sensitive young man whose death by suicide changed Andrew’s life forever. In the months since losing his son, Andrew has openly documented his grief, reflections on parenting, and what he has learned about mental health, connection, and the warning signs too many families miss.

Together, Matt and Andrew discuss grief, suicide prevention, parenting boys, emotional safety, chronic sleep deprivation, belonging, masculinity, and the importance of creating environments where young men feel safe enough to say: “Hey, I’m not okay.”

This conversation is raw, compassionate, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful. If you are a parent, coach, mentor, teacher, or someone supporting young people, this episode may genuinely change the way you think about connection.If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need it.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

In this episode, Manly Sea Eagles, NSW Blues and Kangaroos forward Jake Trbojevic sits down with Ben Alexander and Mark Trbojevic to talk about the highs and lows of elite sport, dealing with pressure, social media criticism, concussion, mental skills training, family, recovery and the importance of perspective. Jake opens up about the emotional side of rugby league, learning to separate his identity from football, leaning on family and teammates, and the mental strategies that help him through difficult moments on and off the field. The conversation also explores:

• Growing up in a rugby league family on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
• Jake’s pathway from Mona Vale Raiders to the NRL
• Playing alongside his brothers Tom and Ben Trbojevic
• State of Origin memories and captaining NSW
• Mental health support within the NRL
• Concussion protocols and player welfare
• Social media and dealing with public criticism
• Finding perspective after tough losses
• Life after football and preparing for retirement

Running for Resilience is a Canberra-based charity focused on reducing stigma around mental health and creating connection through movement, conversation and community.If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment and subscribe to support the podcast and help us continue sharing stories that matter.