M.A.D For Life: Being Well vs Wellbeing

Gill Hicks

M.A.D. For Life explores human potential to heal, grow, and create lasting positive impact. Focused on whole health—mind, body, spirit—it blends lived experience, science, and practical tools to help you live with intention. Born from a near-death experience and life with permanent injuries, the series examines habits, mindsets, and strategies linking Nature and Nurture. The central philosophy is to Live Like Your Life Depends On It! Get MAD For Life, with Gill Hicks. www.themadcreative.agency

Episodes

  1. Oct 26

    Wired For Connection with Madhavi Nawana Parker

    Madhavi Nawana Parker is the CEO of Positive Minds Australia and one of Australia’s most trusted voices in wellbeing, resilience and social–emotional learning. For almost 30 years, her deep compassion, optimism and practical tools have led to meaningful change. Her books and programs are used worldwide.This episode is a passionate discussion about how we can best serve the young people in our lives, as Parents, as Caregivers, as Role Models. It’s as deep as it is vast and will give you much to ponder, perhaps raising more questions than we could cover. If you would like to delve in to the subject, please visit;https://positivemindsaustralia.com.au/bookshop-elearning/ Madhavi’s latest book, The Friendship Blueprint https://positivemindsaustralia.com.au/product/friendship-blueprint/

  2. Sep 27

    Are You Really OK?

    This conversation with Dr Ian Zajac is layered with the urgency and importance that could mean the difference, literally, between Life and Death. Sitting within the first Pillar of Mind Health within the Being Well framework, as advocated through our M.A.D. For Life Podcast and work, explores the vital research and practice of Dr Ian Zajac. His passion and commitment to the greater understanding of our mind is evident as we share this time and space. I could have kept talking with him for hours! I hope you get as much from this deep sharing as I have. Dr Ian Zajac is a Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Fellow in Suicide Prevention at Flinders University. He is also an experienced clinical psychologist and researcher focused on reducing suicide and improving mental health outcomes for men. His work explores the psychological, social, and systemic drivers of male distress — with a particular focus on masculine identity, help-seeking, and under-recognised symptom profiles. Ian combines over 15 years of experience, working across academic, clinical, public health, and applied settings. His research spans clinical trials, behavioural science, and lived experience–informed interventions, including novel approaches to identifying and addressing externalising forms of male depression. He collaborates closely with national partners to translate research into practice and support the development of gender-responsive services. Ian supervises postgraduate students and early career clinicians, and continues to practice as a clinical psychologist supporting men across the lifespan.

  3. Aug 28

    The Taliban Banned Girls From School. Erfan Won’t Rest Until Each Girl Has Access To Education

    Community - Pillar 6. This raw conversation covers the extraordinary experience of a former NATO Interpreter who had to flee his homeland of Afghanistan when it became impossible to live there under the Taliban regime. His is a story that many who were able to escape can relate to, the uncertainty of a future and the priority of saving the lives of your Children and family. Erfan has now become an Australian Citizen and has built a thriving life based on the strength of new found Community. His passion and commitment to making a difference is not only inspirational but it’s admirable. We have connected through his work in education, primarily finding ways around the rigid barriers of the Taliban to enable girls to seek an education. The organisation he founded is EUNAG European Network for Afghan Girls. Erfan and his wife share 4 amazing children, all growing up in Australia.

  4. Jul 29

    Being Human part II with Dr FIona Kerr

    Part 1 of 2 parts, this was such a BIG conversation that we had to create 2 episodes. Being Human part II, the transformational power of connection is a subject that is worthy of its own podcast, however, here renown Neuroscientist, Dr Fiona Kerr, shares her knowledge, insights and guidance on how we can grow our brain and function on a higher level through greater understanding what is happening to our Mind / Body relationship when we connect.  Dr Fiona Kerr is the founder of ⁠The NeuroTech Institute⁠ and ⁠FOCUS consulting⁠. Combining engineering, neuroscience, psychology and anthropology with over 35 years in industry, she is globally recognised for her work on the cognitive science of both human-human and human-technology interaction, the dynamics of complex systems and leading flourishing organisations. Fiona’s team consults with national and international clients including Government, Defence, corporate and creatives and sits on a number of global advisory panels. ‘Communicating, Connecting & Caring in a Technologized World’

  5. Jun 30

    Being Human part I with Dr Fiona Kerr

    Part 1 of 2 parts, this was such a BIG conversation that we had to create 2 episodes. Being Human part I, the transformational power of connection is a subject that is worthy of its own podcast, however, here renown Neuroscientist, Dr Fiona Kerr, shares her knowledge, insights and guidance on how we can grow our brain and function on a higher level through greater understanding what is happening to our Mind / Body relationship when we connect.  Dr Fiona Kerr is the founder of The NeuroTech Institute and FOCUS consulting. Combining engineering, neuroscience, psychology and anthropology with over 35 years in industry, she is globally recognised for her work on the cognitive science of both human-human and human-technology interaction, the dynamics of complex systems and leading flourishing organisations. Fiona’s team consults with national and international clients including Government, Defence, corporate and creatives and sits on a number of global advisory panels. ‘Communicating, Connecting & Caring in a Technologized World’

  6. May 27

    Set the alarm, tomorrow is almost here! Being Well, Pillar 7, Legacy - with Professor Catherine Ball

    Being Well, Pillar 7, Legacy - with Professor Catherine Ball. Adjunct Professor, Dr Catherine Ball is an award-winning, company director, best-selling author and futurist working across projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs. Catherine holds a BSc Honours (Environmental Protection), a PhD (Spatial Ecology, Descriptive and Predictive Statistics) both from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK, and recently was awarded a DSc (Doctor of Science Honoris Causa) from Worcester Polytechnic in Massachusetts, USA. Catherine operates globally with headquarters in Singapore, London and Sydney. Working to protect the natural environment and empowering all members of society through mutual education and respect are core aspects of her chosen projects. As well as supporting Australian start-ups and leaders from all generations; Catherine is particularly passionate about social mobility and equity. Catherine is proud to be an advisor to a broad range of enterprises and philanthropic organisations including being an XPRIZE visioneer and member of their Global Brains Trust. Catherine is also proud to be a member of Australia’s Robotics Advisory Council, and an advocate for xFoundry, supporting the NEXPLORE2040 series of global conferences.

  7. Mar 24

    In The Moments, Pillar 3 Soul

    Award Winning MasterPhotographer, Benjamin Liew A discussion about finding your inner photographer, seeing beauty in the mundane and life around you!

  8. Feb 24

    Making Cents, Pillar 4 Wealth

    Betsy Westcott Personal Finance Expert, Coach & Educator | Media Commentator & Speaker | CEO & Co-Founder, Millie | betsywestcott.com Every time I hear Betsy speak, be it on mainstream Australian television or on stage, I am taken by her passion for all of us knowing Financial wellbeing. She, like me, thinks of Wealth as a Health attribute, not a mountain to climb or a subject to be held only in challenging Bank meetings. Betsy encourages us to think and act differently, to build a relationship with our money and value it as we do our personal health.  This is a discussion that can shift your ideas and help make cents that grow your value!  You can find more about Betsy via www.betsywestcott.com (http://www.betsywestcott.com/)

  9. Feb 24

    Gut Instinct, Pillar 2 Body

    Dr Patricia Kaazan is a consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. She has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal ultrasound (GiUS), clinical nutrition, bowel cancer surveillance and disorders of the gut-brain interaction.  One of her favourite recipes is Mujadara, a traditional Middle Eastern dish using a Lentil base. For the recipe visit www.madfor.life  Enjoy!

  10. Jan 27

    You're Having A Laugh, Pillar 1 Mind

    Annie Harvey – Gelotologist, Human Capability Expert, Creator of the F.U.N Formula. Originally from Bath in the United Kingdom, Annie Harvey is a respected and in demand Wellbeing Educator who provides practical, evidenced-based tools developed during her years of research and working in the area of mental and emotional wellbeing.  Author of bestselling books The Little Book of STILL and Young Hearts, Wise Souls https://www.thestilleffect.com.au/

  • 10 Episodes

About

M.A.D. For Life explores human potential to heal, grow, and create lasting positive impact. Focused on whole health—mind, body, spirit—it blends lived experience, science, and practical tools to help you live with intention. Born from a near-death experience and life with permanent injuries, the series examines habits, mindsets, and strategies linking Nature and Nurture. The central philosophy is to Live Like Your Life Depends On It! Get MAD For Life, with Gill Hicks. www.themadcreative.agency

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