***Blakey's new film - In pieces together***What happens when a world-record surfing challenge becomes a mission to save lives? In this inspiring episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon sits down with world-record endurance surfer, surf coach, and mental health advocate Blakey Johnston to explore the powerful connection between mental health, ADHD, anxiety, movement, and purpose. Blakey shares the deeply personal story behind his 40-hour world-record surf attempt and how losing his father to suicide became the catalyst for helping men speak openly about mental health. Sharon and Blakey unpack the science behind surfing, cold water, community, movement, and emotional resilience — especially for people navigating ADHD, anxiety, and overwhelm. If you’re looking for practical mental health strategies, inspiring resilience stories, and powerful conversations around ADHD and emotional wellbeing, this episode delivers both heart and hope. 👀 In This Episode: ✅ Blake Johnston’s 40-hour world-record surfing challenge ✅ The mental health crisis impacting men and families ✅ How movement and surfing support ADHD and anxiety regulation ✅ The emotional impact of losing a parent to suicide ✅ Why community and connection are critical for mental wellbeing ✅ The science behind cold water, nature, and emotional regulation ✅ Burnout, stress, and high-performance mindset traps ✅ Parenting, vulnerability, and emotional resilience ✅ Practical mental health strategies for everyday life ✅ How purpose-driven challenges can create real impact ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide, mental health struggles, anxiety, and emotional distress. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the ADHD Families Podcast 01:30 – Meet Blake Johnston 03:10 – The story behind the 40-hour surf challenge 07:20 – Losing his father to suicide 12:45 – Anxiety, burnout, and emotional overwhelm 18:15 – Why surfing helps mental health 23:50 – ADHD, movement, and nervous system regulation 29:40 – The physical and mental realities of endurance surfing 36:10 – Community, connection, and vulnerability 42:20 – Parenting, resilience, and emotional awareness 48:00 – Practical mental health strategies anyone can use 53:45 – Blake’s message for struggling men 57:10 – Final thoughts and key takeaways Key Takeaways Mental health conversations save lives. Movement and nature can regulate stress and anxiety. Community connection is essential for emotional wellbeing. High performers are not immune to burnout. ADHD nervous systems often benefit from physical activity and structured challenges. Vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Purpose-driven action creates long-term impact. Quotes From The Episode “Real change requires more than conversation — it requires action.” “Connection and community are some of the most powerful tools we have for mental health.” “You don’t have to struggle alone.” What's Coming? 👀 👀 The Money Hunt — Five Days, Five Money Wins While screens leak your child's attention, subscriptions and forgotten auto-renewals are quietly leaking money from your household every month. The Money Hunt is a five-day live event for mums of ADHD families who want that money back. No budgeting. No spreadsheets. No willpower. Just one 45-minute session a day, one bingo square to tick off, and a running tally of every dollar you find. Most Hunters cover the cost of the event by Day 2. 5 days. 5 wins. Cash back in your pocket. Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026, 1pm AEST daily Live on Zoom plus a private Facebook group Six months of replay access $97 AUD (Regular Price: $397) JOIN THE MONEY HUNT Already in The ADHD Family Quest? It's included in your membership 🔔 Next Steps & Resources Blakey Johnston Social Media Links Website Instagram SWELLBEING IN PIECES TOGETHER FILM Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Join the waitlist for the ADHD Family Quest Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com 💛 Work With Sharon Sharon Collon is a PCC credentialed ADHD family coach and founder of The Functional Family. She works with parents of children with ADHD who are exhausted by the daily battles — the mornings, the meltdowns, the school emails, the emotional dysregulation — and helps them build a family life that actually works. Sharon's approach is practical, ADHD-informed, and built around real family systems — not generic parenting advice that wasn't designed for your child's brain. With Sharon's support, families: Understand what's really driving their child's behaviour — and respond strategically instead of reactively Build the executive function skills their child needs, in a way that actually sticks Replace daily conflict and overwhelm with calm, connection, and confidence Create routines and systems that hold — even on the hard days Move from survival mode to a family life that feels genuinely functional and joyful Whether you're brand new to the ADHD diagnosis or years in and still feeling stuck — there is a way through. You don't have to keep pushing through alone. 👉 Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com
