In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Brooke McIntosh - speaker, endurance runner, and founder of the Just One More movement - for a raw, powerful conversation about mental health, courage, healing, and the ripple effect of choosing to speak when silence feels safer. Brooke shares the deeply personal story behind her decision to run 14,000 kilometres around Australia - a journey born from suicidal ideation, unspoken trauma, and a life-changing car accident that forced her to confront the reality that she was not okay, despite appearing strong on the outside. Together, Kristi and Brooke explore how “just one more” - one step, one breath, one conversation - became a lifeline, not only for Brooke, but for countless people she encountered along the road. What began as a mission to spark conversation within FIFO, mining, and construction communities quickly revealed a much wider truth: mental health struggles do not discriminate. They exist everywhere - across families, generations, genders, and professions. This episode dives into the cost of emotional shutdown, the normalisation of masking pain, and how generational silence around trauma, addiction, and abuse shapes the way adults cope - or don’t cope - later in life. Brooke speaks candidly about childhood sexual abuse, substance use, shame, and the long-term impact of carrying stories alone for decades. Kristi and Brooke also reflect on the power of vulnerability to break cycles - from the unexpected moment Brooke’s father felt safe enough to say “I’m not okay”, to the way children who saw Brooke running began asking questions that opened conversations within their families. This is not a conversation about toughness or pushing through at all costs. It’s about courage, honesty, mental fitness, and choosing connection - even when it’s uncomfortable. Key Themes Covered Suicidal ideation and the turning point that saved Brooke’s life The meaning of Just One More as a daily practice Mental fitness vs mental health Why masking pain is so common - and so dangerous The ripple effect of courageous, vulnerable conversations Generational trauma, silence, and healing Childhood sexual abuse and delayed disclosure Addiction as a coping strategy for unprocessed pain Running as therapy, regulation, and trauma processing Listening to the body instead of pushing through it Breaking cycles for the next generation Why healing yourself can give others permission to speak Why This Conversation Matters So many people are surviving - not living. They show up, work hard, care for others, and appear “fine”, while silently carrying trauma, grief, shame, and exhaustion. This episode reminds us that strength is not found in silence or self-abandonment - it’s found in honesty, courage, and asking for support. Brooke’s story shows how quickly things can change when someone chooses to speak - and how one brave conversation can unlock many more. You don’t need to run around Australia to make a difference. Sometimes, just one more conversation is enough to save a life. About Brooke McIntosh - Just One More Brooke McIntosh is an endurance runner, speaker, and founder of the Just One More movement, using lived experience to spark honest conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional wellbeing. Through her run around Australia and her ongoing work in communities, schools, and workplaces, Brooke encourages people to build mental fitness, challenge silence, and remember that pain never gets the last say. Follow Brooke McIntosh on her socials: 👉 Instagram - Facebook Brooke McIntosh website: 👉 https://brookemcintosh.com.au/ Practical Support & Resources If this episode has brought up big feelings or difficult memories, Kristi offers trauma-informed education and resources to support healing, prevention, and connection. 🔗 Explore education and resources: 👉 www.kristimcvee.com Resources include: trauma-informed education child safety and prevention resources guidance for courageous, supportive conversations tools to help adults respond calmly and safely to disclosure Content Warning This episode includes discussion of: suicidal ideation childhood sexual abuse addiction and substance use trauma and mental health challenges Some listeners may find this content confronting. Please listen with care and pause or step away if needed. Support Services (Australia) If you or someone you love needs support, help is available: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.
