Advertise on podcast: These Lads Are Mental

This week on These Lads Are Mental, we're joined by Daniel (Danyal) Diallo. TEDx speaker, comedian, author, and board member of Multicultural Youth Support Services. Daniel's story starts with a hip injury at four years old in Sudan, a move to Egypt, then Australia, and a childhood spent feeling different before he found his way to the stage. We get into bullying, cultural attitudes to mental health, imposter syndrome, and why pain doesn't have to be the only thing that shapes you. This one's raw, funny, and genuinely useful if you've ever felt like you're carrying more than you're letting on. And if you're struggling, reach out to Beyond Blue or Lifeline; you don't have to carry it alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years ago Nick Jonsson sat down with us and told us how alcohol nearly ended his marriage, his career, and his life. He's back. This time we go deeper. Nick built a career that looked perfect from the outside while he was falling apart on the inside, until a full Ironman race in Melbourne nearly killed him. He talks us through the actual rock bottom, the moment he finally asked for help, and the six years since that he hasn't touched a drink. We also get into what most people never hear about recovery, the part after you get sober. Nick had a son back in Sweden who barely knew him. We talk about how he rebuilt that relationship from scratch, including the year he learned to play Minecraft just to have something to talk to his son about. In this episode, we cover: - The rock bottom moment during a full Ironman race in Melbourne, and how close it came to ending differently - Why success and burnout aren't opposites; they're often the same road - Executive loneliness, and the confronting stat that over 80% of senior leaders won't tell their company they're struggling - How Nick rebuilt a broken relationship with his son through video games during COVID lockdowns - Why he restructured his entire life around family, movement and boundaries, and what that actually looks like week to week - Can you be addicted to good things, and what that says about control versus obsession - Why unqualified advice online is doing real damage, and what proper accreditation actually protects against - This one isn't polished. It's raw, honest, and exactly why people keep coming back to TLAM. If you're struggling, please reach out. You do not have to do it alone. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Follow us — @theseladsaremental Find out more — theseladsaremental.com Note: Neil and Gary are not qualified health practitioners. This content is for educational and conversational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional if you are experiencing mental health challenges. #MentalHealth #TheseLadsAreMental #TLAM #Podcast #ExecutiveLoneliness #Burnout #Addiction #Recovery #Sobriety #MensHealth #MentalHealthAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Neil sits down with Jim Breen — entrepreneur, founder of PulseLearning and I Am Here, and the man behind Cycle Against Suicide — live from Australia. Jim opens up about the moment his own mental health became impossible to ignore, why labels never helped him but language did, and the simple framework (courage, confidence, clear) he now teaches organisations worldwide to help people notice, ask, and actually listen when someone isn't okay. We get into: Jim's journey from entrepreneur to social entrepreneur, and the moment things came to a head Why "are you okay?" is a greeting, not a real question — and what to ask instead The four levels of listening (and why most of us stop at "solve or advise") How to do a self-check before you lean in to help someone else Redefining strength: why asking for help takes more courage than coping alone Finding purpose in a world that never switches off It's okay not to feel okay. It's absolutely okay to ask for help. The key is to ask, "How do you feel?" Connect with Jim Breen: Instagram: @jim.breen I Am Here: iamheretribe.com PulseLearning: pulselearning.com Follow These Lads Are Mental: Instagram: @theseladsaremental LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thes... Follow Neil: Instagram: @neilosul LinkedIn:   / neilosul   If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, share it — you never know who needs to hear it today. #MentalHealth #TheseLadsAreMental #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay #IAmHere #JimBreen #MensMentalHealth #CycleAgainstSuicide #PulseLearning #PsychologicalSafety #Podcast #MentalHealthAwareness #AskForHelp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're All a Bit Mental - These Lads Are Mental Live at Urban Collective, Neutral Bay. We took These Lads Are Mental on the road. This is our live session at Urban Collective in Neutral Bay, Sydney - a raw, honest and genuinely funny conversation about the stuff most of us are feeling but not saying out loud. Neil and Gary sat down with a room full of real people - business owners, employees, parents, high performers - and talked about the things that actually matter. Stress, financial pressure, burnout, grief, trauma, loneliness, distraction, and why "are you okay?" rarely gets a real answer. No keynote. No corporate polish. Just two lads having a conversation. In this session, we cover: - Why 50% of Australians are living with a mental health condition - and why the real number is probably higher - The new baseline - why stress levels have quietly shifted and what to do about it - The physiological sigh - the fastest way to bring your nervous system down, used by Navy Seals and elite athletes - Why the most effective mental health tools are almost always free - The BEST framework - Brain, Eat, Sleep, Train - and how to use it when life gets in the way - Why spirituality is the forgotten pillar and what it actually means (hint: nothing woo) - The Spanish fisherman story - and why it hits different when you're running a business - What we learned from 40+ episodes interviewing psychologists, Olympians, comedians, CEOs and people in the trenches We also share real stories - from a guy who couldn't leave the house without being drunk to a man with 100 live tumours training as a powerlifter. Perspective is a powerful thing. At the end of the session, we handed out a digital framework - a practical, personalised resource built from the anonymous survey our audience filled in beforehand. That is the These Lads Are Mental difference. We do not just talk. We leave you with something you can actually use. If you are struggling, please reach out. You do not have to do it alone. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Follow us - @theseladsaremental Find out more - theseladsaremental.com Note: Neil and Gary are not qualified health practitioners. This content is for educational and conversational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional if you are experiencing mental health challenges. #MentalHealth #TheseAdsAreMental #TLAM #Podcast #Wellness #Burnout #Stress #Sydney #MensHealth #MentalHealthAustralia #LivePodcast #UltraBanCollective Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tame Impala’s Cam Avery joins us for one of the most surprisingly raw, honest, and hilarious conversations we’ve ever had on These Lads Are Mental. Fresh off a U.S. tour, Cam sits down with us in Los Angeles just hours before a flight home — and we dive straight into the unexpected connection between music, mental health, identity, and golf (yes, golf). And trust us… you’ve never heard a musician talk like this. From almost becoming a pro golfer, to shooting 74 while half-cut, to accidentally missing a tee time with Bill Murray, Cam opens up about: • Life touring with Tame Impala • The pressure of creativity when you’re an “outcome-driven” person • Why golf became his anchor during a chaotic period • The power of ritual, reps, and routine for your mind • How sport teaches presence, discipline, and emotional regulation • Finding connection (and yourself) on and off the course • His sports media company, The Fade — and why talking about struggle matters This episode is deep, funny, unpredictable and packed with insight. Cam’s reflections on mental health, accountability, and rebuilding your life are some of the most honest we’ve heard on the show. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, identity, or finding something stable to hold onto — you’ll feel this one. 🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation. 💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments. — ABOUT THESE LADS ARE MENTAL Hosted by Neil O’Sullivan & Gary Rafferty, the podcast creating open, unfiltered conversations about mental health, resilience, and what it means to be human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of These Lads Are Mental, Neil O’Sullivan and Gary Rafferty sit down with ADHD specialist Andy Hayes for an eye-opening conversation about ADHD and mental health. 🧠✨ We cover it all: The real impact ADHD has on your mental healthHow ADHD can unlock creativity and out-of-the-box thinkingWhat the diagnosis journey looks like (and how to get started)Life after diagnosis—what changes, what challenges, and what’s nextPractical steps to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelmPlus: Is ADHD a case of nature vs nurture? Andy weighs in with expert insights Whether you’re curious about ADHD, navigating your own diagnosis, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with real talk, helpful advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. 🔔 Subscribe for more raw and relatable chats about mental health every week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Cronin – former finance executive turned global meditation teacher, wellness entrepreneur, and co-creator of The Portal. Tom shares his powerful journey from high-stress city life to inner peace, and how he's now on a mission to inspire one billion people to meditate daily. We dive deep into: 🔹 The Seven States of Consciousness 🔹 How stillness can radically reduce anxiety and stress 🔹 Breaking the stigma around meditation (especially for men) 🔹 The making of The Portal – a film and book experience changing lives worldwide 🔹 Simple tools to bring more peace and presence into your everyday life Whether you're a skeptic, beginner, or seasoned meditator – this episode is packed with practical wisdom and grounded insight to help you take your mental health to the next level. 🌍 Explore Tom’s work: https://tomcronin.com 📖 The Portal: https://entertheportal.com 👇 Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway – and if you’ve ever tried meditation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the bell 🔔 for more real chats on mental health, mindset & masculinity. #TomCronin #TheseLadsAreMental #Meditation #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #StillnessProject #ThePortal #Mindfulness #Wellbeing #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back, lads and ladies! Season three kicks off with a powerful and eye-opening conversation featuring Gary Groves, CEO of ReachOut, and Azhaan, one of their passionate youth ambassadors. In this episode, Neil and Gary dive into the increasingly worrying impact social media is having on young people, from constant comparison culture to digital overload. We talk about the rising rates of mental health conditions affecting our youth, just how high the numbers really are, and more importantly, what can actually be done about it. Gary G shares insight into ReachOut’s mission to provide digital mental health support to young people across Australia. Because the online world isn’t going anywhere, and our kids need tools to navigate it safely. From raw stats to real stories, this is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to understand what’s happening beneath the surface for the next generation. 🔗 If you or someone you know needs help, visit https://au.reachout.com/ #TheseLadsAreMental #SeasonThree #ReachOut #YouthMentalHealth #DigitalLiteracy #SocialMediaAwareness #MentalHealthMatters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode sees Neil and Gary sit down with Dr Dean Miller (PHD) with the conversation focused on the importance of sleep for high performance and overall health, with an emphasis on aiming for 7-9 hours per night. We discuss different sleep patterns, the impact of wearable technology on tracking sleep, and the potential drawbacks of becoming obsessed with sleep data; an especially poignant note as Dr Dean is helping the Australian Olympic team in their preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Dr Dean provides tips for optimising sleep routines, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed. We also touch on the correlation between lack of sleep and mental health issues, emphasising the importance of seeking help from healthcare professionals if experiencing sleep difficulties. 00:00 - Introduction to episode and guest introduction 05:09 - Dr. Dean Miller's background and interest in sleep 09:19 - The importance of sleep quantity and quality 16:20 - Different sleep patterns and their impact 21:43 - The accuracy and usefulness of sleep-tracking technology 27:46 - The relationship between sleep and mental health 31:53 - Tips for improving sleep hygiene and routines 36:39 - The impact of caffeine and food on sleep 40:19 - Sleep strategies for athletes and post-training recovery 45:14 - The role of sleep in overall health and performance 51:10 - Seeking help for sleep issues and insomnia 55:34 - Sleep studies, sex, and closing remarks #SleepScience #HealthandPerformance #SleepMatters #MentalHealth #SleepTips #GoodNightSleep #SleepForPerformance #AthleteLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this epic episode, Neil chats with Grant Trebilco, founder of One Wave Foundation and 'One wave is all it takes', a movement born on the beaches of Bondi that not only saved Grant's life but now spreads 'stoke factor' on beaches across the globe. The now-famous 'Floor Fridays' are weekly meet-ups where people gather in illumines clothing for circles of trust, followed by a dip in the ocean or surf and then coffee chats after. The weekly meet-ups had a special guest not too long ago when Royals Harry and Megan visited them, just showcasing the magnitude and reach of what Grant the movement is doing. We explore in the chat Grant's own story and struggles with having bipolar, depression, and what led him to One Wave. He and Neil chat about life in general, the stresses of everyday life and the importance of having a support network around you. A must listen. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #bipolar #depression #stress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a video about TLAM: S2 EP #21 Trent Knox, The 440 Club - On Addiction, His Story and How He Turned It into Good. What a guy Trent is. The 440 is not new, it's been going for seven years. In the early days, unbeknownst to most, Trent was still struggling. Some mornings not even showing up. But potential and momentum was gathering. He had that a-ha moment, where he thought, 'I have two options here'. Listen to the full ep to hear how he traversed all of this and got himself to the beautiful place he's in today. Here are the talking points in the ep: Early foundations in sports; especially swimmingThe importance of training and how it helped Trent as his anchorWhy you need to enjoy trainingHow nothing overdoes AA and seeking proper helpAdditcion: will he ever drink again?How he maintains himself (4-6 AA meetings p/wk)Being mindful, and enjoying itBeing efficient with timeConnection is key to recoveryGrounding with stability in 440The power of meditationNeed for internal dialogue to encourage yourselfThe 440 itself and what it’s all aboutImpacts of letting go and finding your communityPower of people in creating a movementSharing energy - people helping to push youLeaning on each other, when we need supportHis personal journey and rock bottom moment.How you can’t do it on your own. Cut the bullshitTurning a corner. One meeting at a time.Reconnecting with psychologyImpact of Tod (440 Club) and having anchors in your lifeLine in the sand movement - do I want 440 to survive? He only had two options.How the coffee club was built on his sobrietyFinding out who you are. Not pretending any moreHaving a purposeGetting anchoredHaving your own Batman belt - tools for when you need themCan you be addicted to… good things?Live a balanced life. Surrounding to addictionDon’t try to fix yourself. Learn to live with it.  These were Trent's quickfire scores: Where is the world out of ten for mental health awareness: 4/10Where are you with your own mental health: 7/10What's the one thing you'd recommend people to do each day to improve their mental health: meditation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #podcast #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #runclub #the440 #the440runclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our latest TLAM episode this time with Timothy O'Brien: on the topic(s) of purpose and measurement in mental health and how it affects us professionally and personally. Are we doing enough? What is being done by corporations and governments when it comes to mental health? Find out all the answers inside this particularly informative episode. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmonth #mentalhealthmeasurement #society #purpose #corporations #business #businesses #CSR #impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born under the skin condition of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Dean Clifford was given just a short time to live. Still, since then, he has defied the odds through his own determination and family support, to be fit and well today in his mid-40s. But not only that, he has gone on to showcase the real power of turning a negative into a positive. Dean now uses his story to inspire others through his public speaking. He travels regularly on the circuit speaking to governments, corporations and communities on how you can take anything in life and turn it into good. He's carried Olympic torches and has consulted to some of the biggest leaders on the globe. What a guy, we loved this chat. Full of honour and laughs, a really TLAM goldie. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak with Mark White, over from the UK, to host his Run Grateful 24-hour marathon in Australia, this time in the sunny coastline of Bondi Beach. In this episode, Mark speaks about his own journey of addiction, how he checked into rehab at 19, and how he overcame it all. Mark speaks to the event itself, running a marathon via a mile on the hour, every hour for a day straight. He's collected 20 men from the Sydney area, with the aid of the 440 Run Club founder, Trent Know. In between each mile there is an activity; yoga, breathwork etc, and it's all for men's mental health. We hear about Mark's vision for the future and how he's focusing on combining movement and gratitude for powerful good. Run Grateful is more than a run and we hear about how Mark is taking his work to businesses and corporate to spread the word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode is part of a special recording for World Mental Health Day. Over the course of 4 episodes we dive into the worries, topics and questions presented to us by 150 staff members at a company in Glasgow. We were fortunate o be involved in an amazing Corporate Mental Health Week set up by this particular company which is pushing to provide practical strategies for to support the mental wellbeing of their staff. In this episode we discuss the battle with comparing ourselves to others, self-loathing and the constant fear of not being a good enough parent. We also discuss many resources and practical strategies that you can implement immediately if this is an area that you would like support in. #MentalHealth #MentalHealthWeek #BodyImage #SelfLoathing #Fatherhood #Parenting #RaisingChildren #MentalWellness #SelfImprovement #Mindfulness #PositiveParenting #MentalHealthSupport #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #MentalHealthMatters #FamilySupport #ParentingTips #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellness #HealthyMindset Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.