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6. TLAM S3 EP #6: The Unfiltered Offce - Mental Health, Stress & Burnout
01:14:00||Season 3, Ep. 6We'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 trenchesWe 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.auLifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auFollow us - @theseladsarementalFind out more - theseladsaremental.comNote: 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
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5. TLAM S3 EP #5: From tour bus to the tee box: Cam Avery gets real
01:32:53||Season 3, Ep. 5Tame 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 mattersThis 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 MENTALHosted by Neil O’Sullivan & Gary Rafferty, the podcast creating open, unfiltered conversations about mental health, resilience, and what it means to be human.
4. TLAM S3 EP #4: Andy Hayes | ADHD
44:49||Season 3, Ep. 4In 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 insightsWhether 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!
3. TLAM S3 EP #3: Tom Cronin | 🧘♂️ Meditation, Stillness & Rewiring the Mind
54:47||Season 3, Ep. 3In 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 lifeWhether 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
2. TLAM S3 EP #2: ReachOut | The Hidden Dangers of Social Media & Youth Mental Health
01:11:21||Season 3, Ep. 2We’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
1. TLAM S3 EP #1: Dr Dean Miller - Optimising Sleep for Performance and Health
59:46||Season 3, Ep. 1This episode sees Neil and Gary sit down with Dr Dean Miller (PHD) with the conversation focused on the importance of sleep for high performance and overall health, with an emphasis on aiming for 7-9 hours per night. We discuss different sleep patterns, the impact of wearable technology on tracking sleep, and the potential drawbacks of becoming obsessed with sleep data; an especially poignant note as Dr Dean is helping the Australian Olympic team in their preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.Dr Dean provides tips for optimising sleep routines, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed. We also touch on the correlation between lack of sleep and mental health issues, emphasising the importance of seeking help from healthcare professionals if experiencing sleep difficulties.00:00 - Introduction to episode and guest introduction05:09 - Dr. Dean Miller's background and interest in sleep09:19 - The importance of sleep quantity and quality16:20 - Different sleep patterns and their impact21:43 - The accuracy and usefulness of sleep-tracking technology27:46 - The relationship between sleep and mental health31:53 - Tips for improving sleep hygiene and routines36:39 - The impact of caffeine and food on sleep40:19 - Sleep strategies for athletes and post-training recovery45:14 - The role of sleep in overall health and performance51:10 - Seeking help for sleep issues and insomnia55:34 - Sleep studies, sex, and closing remarks#SleepScience #HealthandPerformance #SleepMatters #MentalHealth #SleepTips #GoodNightSleep #SleepForPerformance #AthleteLife
22. TLAM S2 EP#22 - Grant Trebilco, One Wave Foundation
10:15||Season 2, Ep. 22In this epic episode, Neil chats with Grant Trebilco, founder of One Wave Foundation and 'One wave is all it takes', a movement born on the beaches of Bondi that not only saved Grant's life but now spreads 'stoke factor' on beaches across the globe. The now-famous 'Floor Fridays' are weekly meet-ups where people gather in illumines clothing for circles of trust, followed by a dip in the ocean or surf and then coffee chats after.The weekly meet-ups had a special guest not too long ago when Royals Harry and Megan visited them, just showcasing the magnitude and reach of what Grant the movement is doing.We explore in the chat Grant's own story and struggles with having bipolar, depression, and what led him to One Wave. He and Neil chat about life in general, the stresses of everyday life and the importance of having a support network around you.A must listen.#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #bipolar #depression #stress