It’s Mental Health Month, so we slowed down for a real conversation about how we actually cope and connect day to day. Our guest is Sean Spence, Director of Fundraising at the Bendigo Health Foundation — a former professional rugby league player whose career ended after multiple concussions, and who rebuilt his identity around purpose, service, and community.

We talk about the tension between fixing and listening, losing identity and finding it again, and why resilience can be as small as putting one foot out of bed. Sean shares the “two-minute bell” story from his playing days, the blackboard that reads Find the Reason, and how showing up — even to do the Woolies run — can change everything.

This one’s grounded, human, and a reminder that connection truly is medicine.

We unpack:
– Identity after sport: losing “who I am” and building what’s next
– Fixing vs listening: why most people just need to feel heard
– Resilience in small steps: one foot out of bed still counts
– Purpose you can feel: chasing that “two-minute bell” feeling again
– The power of showing up and doing the simple things
– Community impact: how Bendigo keeps showing up for each other
– The launch of Walk & Talk Bendigo

Quote of the episode:

“Sometimes people don’t need their problem to be fixed — they just need to be heard.”

If this one gives you something to think about, share it with a mate — or better yet, take the chat for a walk.

🎙 Follow us on Instagram:
Tim – @timmckern
Luke – @l_u_k_e_o_w_e_n_s

(And if you’re in Bendigo, come say hi at Walk & Talk Bendigo—everyone’s welcome.)