These Lads Are Mental

These Lads Are Mental
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Welcome to These Lads Are Mental, a thought-provoking and light-hearted podcast show dedicated to destigmatizing mental health. Join our hosts, Gary & Neil, as they embark on a mission to normalise conversations about mental well-being. In each episode, our hosts engage in interview-led discussions with expert guests and everyday people who share their insights, experiences, and expertise on various aspects of mental health. From psychologists and therapists to mental health advocates and individuals with lived experiences, we cover a wide range of topics that aim to educate, inspire, and provide practical advice. What sets These Lads Are Mental apart is our unique blend of humour and authenticity. We believe that laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating the challenges of mental health, so you can expect plenty of light-hearted banter, funny anecdotes, and relatable everyday thoughts sprinkled throughout each conversation. Our show is designed to be accessible to all, whether you're well-versed in mental health or just starting to explore the topic. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where listeners can feel comfortable, informed, and entertained. Join us on this journey as we break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and promote open dialogue around mental health. Tune in to These Lads Are Mental and let's embark on a transformative and laughter-filled exploration of the human mind. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners and spread the message of mental health acceptance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sep 24

    TLAM S3 #9: Rising from the rooftop | A story of resilience with Danyal Diallo

    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.

    TLAM S3 #9: Rising from the rooftop | A story of resilience with Danyal Diallo

  2. Sep 5 ·  Bonus

    TLAM S3 #8: Rock Bottom to Ironman: Nick Jonsson Returns

    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.

    TLAM S3 #8: Rock Bottom to Ironman: Nick Jonsson Returns

  3. Jul 29

    TLAM S3 #7: Jim Breen: From Secret Millionaire to Mental Health Movement

    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.

    TLAM S3 #7: Jim Breen: From Secret Millionaire to Mental Health Movement

  4. Mar 25

    TLAM S3 EP #6: The Unfiltered Offce - Mental Health, Stress & Burnout

    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.

    TLAM S3 EP #6: The Unfiltered Offce - Mental Health, Stress & Burnout

  5. 11/25/2025

    TLAM S3 EP #5: From tour bus to the tee box: Cam Avery gets real

    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.

    TLAM S3 EP #5: From tour bus to the tee box: Cam Avery gets real

  6. 09/30/2025

    TLAM S3 EP #4: Andy Hayes | ADHD

    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.

    TLAM S3 EP #4: Andy Hayes | ADHD

  7. 04/18/2025

    TLAM S3 EP #3: Tom Cronin | 🧘‍♂️ Meditation, Stillness & Rewiring the Mind

    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.

    TLAM S3 EP #3: Tom Cronin | 🧘‍♂️ Meditation, Stillness & Rewiring the Mind

  8. 04/11/2025

    TLAM S3 EP #2: ReachOut | The Hidden Dangers of Social Media & Youth Mental Health

    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.

    TLAM S3 EP #2: ReachOut | The Hidden Dangers of Social Media & Youth Mental Health
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Trailer

About

Welcome to These Lads Are Mental, a thought-provoking and light-hearted podcast show dedicated to destigmatizing mental health. Join our hosts, Gary & Neil, as they embark on a mission to normalise conversations about mental well-being. In each episode, our hosts engage in interview-led discussions with expert guests and everyday people who share their insights, experiences, and expertise on various aspects of mental health. From psychologists and therapists to mental health advocates and individuals with lived experiences, we cover a wide range of topics that aim to educate, inspire, and provide practical advice. What sets These Lads Are Mental apart is our unique blend of humour and authenticity. We believe that laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating the challenges of mental health, so you can expect plenty of light-hearted banter, funny anecdotes, and relatable everyday thoughts sprinkled throughout each conversation. Our show is designed to be accessible to all, whether you're well-versed in mental health or just starting to explore the topic. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where listeners can feel comfortable, informed, and entertained. Join us on this journey as we break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and promote open dialogue around mental health. Tune in to These Lads Are Mental and let's embark on a transformative and laughter-filled exploration of the human mind. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners and spread the message of mental health acceptance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    These Lads Are Mental
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © These Lads Are Mental
  • Show Website
    These Lads Are Mental