If you’ve ever wondered why so many men stay silent until everything is already falling apart... this conversation is for you. In this episode, Paris sits down with John Rich, Chairperson of Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA, to talk about men’s mental health, suicide risk, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, connection, and the quiet pressure so many men carry. John Rich has spent years working across addiction, domestic violence, prison re-entry, counselling, men’s groups, family mental health, Aboriginal emotional wellbeing, and community support. Before that, he spent 30 years in engineering and large scale industry. That shift gave him a rare view into the world so many men are trained to survive in. One where you provide, compete, earn, stay strong, and keep the emotional stuff hidden. This is not a conversation about telling men to “just open up.” It is about why so many men were never taught the language for what they feel in the first place. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why men often do not ask for help until they are already in crisisThe “guy code” that teaches boys to stay strong, useful, competitive, and quietHow relationship breakdown can become a major risk point for menWhy work can become a hiding placeHow men’s sheds, peer support, and lived experience create safer ways to connectWhy shame does not stop violenceHow the HALT check in can help someone pause before things spiral If you’ve ever loved a man who shuts down, disappears into work, or says “I’m fine” when he clearly isn’t... this one’s for you. About John Rich John Rich is Chairperson of Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA, a peak body advocating for the health and wellbeing of men and boys across Western Australia. His background includes counselling and group work in alcohol and other drugs, domestic violence work with survivors and perpetrators, family mental health, Aboriginal emotional wellbeing, prison re-entry, parenting men’s groups, and community support. John’s work focuses on connection, practical support, relationship skills, and helping men access support before they reach crisis point. John Rich’s organisation: www.menshealthwa.org.au Bloke’s Book: www.menshealthwa.org.au Men’s Directory Thank you to our Season 4 sponsors: Coach Carly – Life & mindset coaching | Elevate Beyond Co. – Disability support services | Your Recovery – Addiction recovery support Thank you to our Production Team: Video/Audio Editing: Nevverland Studio | VA - Lyn Ebon Australia Wide Directory of Services: https://www.myservices.org.au/ Western Australian AOD Services: https://wanada.org.au/greenbook/ National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 Lifeline: 13 11 14 | Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467 | Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | Mind Spot: 1800 61 44 34 | Head to Health: 1800 595 212 | Mens Line: 1300 78 99 78 | 13YARN: 13 92 76 | Thirrili: 1800 805 801 |QLife: 1800 184 527 | Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 | Headspace: 1800 650 890 Follow The Podcast: www.shtsfcked.com | Donate Here |Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
