Living and Thriving with Bipolar Disorder: Dave Westgate on Mental Health, Work and Normality

What does it really mean to live with bipolar disorder and still build a long, successful career?

In this powerful and honest conversation, Nick sits down with Dave Westgate, mental health advocate, Mental Health First Aid instructor and former advertising creative, to talk openly about living with bipolar disorder for over 35 years.

Dave shares his lived experience of bipolar 1, the long road to diagnosis, the reality of manic and depressive episodes, and why “boring, stable normality” beats the romanticised idea of mania every time.

Together, Nick and Dave explore mental health in the workplace, the hidden cost of wearing a mask in corporate life, and why anxiety can be just as debilitating as depression.

This episode dives deep into:

• Bipolar disorder explained through lived experience

• Mental health stigma in corporate and male dominated workplaces

• Anxiety, depression and panic attacks

• Mental health recovery and medication journeys

• Leadership vulnerability and psychological safety at work

• Why lived experience matters in mental health education

• Men’s mental health and asking for help

A must listen for anyone navigating mental illness, supporting someone with bipolar disorder, or working to create healthier, more human workplaces.

🎧 If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Money stress doesn’t just affect your bank account.
It affects your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of control.

In this episode, Nick sits down with Sloan, an executivefinancial coach, to explore the emotional side of money and how small, intentional actions can create real change.

You’ll hear about
• The link between money, stress, and emotional wellbeing
• Why mindset matters more than income
• Breaking the pay-to-pay cycle
• Practical ways to regain clarity when finances feel overwhelming
• Helping the next generation build healthy money habits

This episode is not about quick wins or financial hacks.
It’s about calm, clarity, and creating a healthier relationship with money.

Sloan is the man, the legend that is all things Finance and a delight to have on the show.

This one goes deep - longer but ooooh so worth it.

Sloan he.....he completes us....

Read more about Sloanstar here:

https://executivefinancialcoach.com.au/about

The Wolf in the Room — Episode: Captain Damo’s Second Chance

This episode of The Wolf in the Room features a heartfelt conversation with Damien Toohey — a Qantas pilot, barrister, and survivor of sudden cardiac arrest.

Damo shares his remarkable journey from late bloomer to high achiever, and how his brush with death reshaped his outlook on gratitude, humility, and living a life of service.

Nick and Damo reflect on resilience, purpose, and the power of second chances — and why it’s never too late to change direction.

A powerful reminder that no dream is wasted, and no failure defines you.

🎙️ Theme: Late blooming, resilience, purpose, gratitude, and male connection, mental health, heart, cardio, heart operation, serendipity, life

Listen if you’ve ever felt like you’re running late for your own life.

🐺

From the Streets of South Africa to a Storyteller: Rodney Reynders on Failure, Coaching, and Why Your Anxiety Might Be Excitement in Disguise

In this episode, Nick chats with Rodney Reynders - an incredible human with a background in psychology, coaching, finance, and a not-so-typical childhood that included surviving on the streets of South Africa.

Rodney unpacks how our biggest failures often carry the richest information—if we're brave enough to look. He shares coaching strategies that help clients reframe stress, build emotional awareness, and transform self-sabotage into growth.

We also get a sneak peek into his powerful children’s book "Troy and His Truth Triggers," which helps kids (and adults) better understand and regulate their emotions.

⚠️ And at around 48 minutes, he goes into unexpected coach-mode!

This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

🎧 Topics include:

• Emotional awareness tools for adults and kids

• Turning anxiety into excitement

• Using failure as a launching pad

• The problem with New Year’s resolutions

• ADHD as a superpower

• Why coaching deserves more credit

📚 Find Troy and His Truth Triggers on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com.au/Troy-Truth-Triggers-Rodney-Reynders/dp/9697192596

🐺 His LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyreynders/

Menopause – it affects every woman, yet many still suffer in silence.

In this episode of The Wolf in the Room, Nick sits down with the phenomenal Karen Stein – executive coach, author, keynote speaker, and ex-Deloitte partner – to explore how menopause impacts women’s mental health, work performance, and relationships.

Karen breaks down the stages (yep, menopause is actually one day), common but misunderstood symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, and the emotional toll many women face without proper support. They talk self-coaching, the power of group coaching, why it's everyone’s business, and how men and partners can better support the women in their lives.

It’s a funny, heartfelt, and deeply informative chat packed with tools, metaphors (hello, “virtual backpack”), and practical ways to create more empathy and action – whether in your workplace or your home.

Highlights:

• What menopause actually is (and what it’s not)

• Karen’s personal journey from tears in the car to national workplace change

• Why empathy and education are the secret sauce for change

• Tips for partners who want to do better

• Her upcoming book for self-coaching through menopause

This isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s a human one.

And we’re diving into the conversation that’s long overdue.

🔗 More on Karen: karensteincoaching.com

This one means a lot!

Terry Hansen - comedian, MC, former KIIS FM breakfast king, and full-time good human joins me for a raw, funny, and heartfelt chat about burnout, reinvention, and rediscovering joy on his terms.

We talk:

• The decision to leave a top-rating radio gig after years of pressure and fatigue

• The emotional toll of grief and supporting his co-host Robin through the suicide of her husband

• How men can show up for each other without needing to “fix” anything

• The power of blokes walking and talking (shout out to Mitch and Jeff from the Men’s Walk & Talk)

• His love for theatre, finding meaning again, and yes, a little chat about Bikram yoga and dad bods too

This one’s about connection, identity, and the courage to stop performing when your soul says it's time.

An absolute legend and genuinely one of the warmest chats I’ve had.

Follow Terry via Instagram @hecantbeserious or at terryhansen.com.au.

And go support the brilliant work of Men's Walk and Talk.

Episode 2: Dr Maike Neuhaus – From Flourishing to F-Bombs (and a Bit About Boogers)

What really makes a good life? Is it chasing joy… or chasing meaning?

Dr Maike Neuhaus joins me to unpack the science of flourishing, why toxic positivity is garbage, and how purpose, not perfection - is what we’re all craving.

We chat about:

• Positive psychology in real life (not just smiling in mirrors)

• Self-compassion vs self-pity (and why beating yourself up doesn’t work)

• Men, vulnerability, and the blokey culture that holds us back

• The wild truth about sit-stand desks and workplace wellbeing

• Her personal mental health story, postpartum depression, and the path to healing

Also featuring: irrational shark fears, scuba boogers, swearing scientists, and how biting a lemon might save your brain.

Raw, insightful, hilarious!

🎧 Listen now and find out why being human is your greatest strength.

The Wolf’s Back – And He’s Been in Therapy

Welcome to the freshly rebranded The Wolf In The Room (formerly Man O’Clock Show) — same host, same dry Aussie humour, just with a few more feelings and a broader mission.

In this kickoff episode, I get real about why I hit reset: new name, wider net, and a new outlook after a year of therapy, ADHD diagnosis, and my mental health journey since 16 with depression and anxiety.

This isn’t just a show for blokes anymore — it’s for anyone who’s ever felt like the only one struggling and didn’t know where to turn.

Real conversations, heartfelt conversations.

You’ll hear:

• Why Gen X needs its own mental health space (spoiler: it’s not all yoga and affirmation apps)

• What therapy taught me that footy never did

• Why your workplace EAP isn’t cutting it — and what I offer instead

• A glimpse of what’s coming this season, including community stories, expert chats, and the occasional mental health meltdown

Funny, honest, and fiercely supportive — The Wolf In The Room is your new midweek reset.

It is the first episode relaunching the new name, it is only 14 minutes and super quick and will be a refreshing podcast with an old radio show style.

Listen now. Share it with a mate. And remember: it’s not weak to speak — it’s bloody brave. 🐺

Our sponsor is Mental Health Pack at www.mhpack.com.au who offer men's retreats, men coaching in the workplace, Mental health first aid courses, and a safe space for men and women to talk.

Episode 14: Tackling the Hurt Trio with Rae Bonney

In this episode of the "Man O'Clock Show," we sit down with Rae Bonney, a passionate Men's Health advocate and mental health counsellor. As the Vice President of the Australian Men's Health Forum, Rae brings a wealth of experience and insight into the critical issues affecting men's mental health today.

Rae delves into the "hurt trio" - the devastating combination of marriage breakdown, financial stress, and custody battles - which she identifies as a significant driver of male suicide. With her unique perspective shaped by an eventful childhood and a deep appreciation of the challenges men face, Rae discusses the importance of providing men with a safe space to talk and listen. She emphasises meeting men "where they are", offering practical advice and heartfelt support.

Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the complexities of men's mental health and the vital role of community and understanding in overcoming these challenges.

Whether you're looking for insights to help yourself or support the men in your life, this episode is not to be missed.

We're comin in HOT HOT HOT!

Firefighter and all-round great bloke is joining us this episode to talk about some very deep and personal stories of his conquering of mental health challenges, his life as a dad, a husband, and some strategies around how he dealt with a traumatic panic attack onboard a departing airliner!

And no, he hasn't appeared in the Australian Firefighter calendar!

We loved spending time with Tim and was a privilege to spend time with an open and honest first responder and unlock some of his personal triumphs and even some off the cuff banter towards our host and his NRL team.

An episode not to miss in our quest to talk more about men's mental health and destigmatising this insidious condition gripping our planet.

Enjoy!