It's been a while.... But finally i'm back... My absence will be explained....
Do you ever sit down and ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I have anxiety?
- Why do I choose to hide my anxiety?
- Why don't I want too talk about my anxiety?
- Why can't I put my mind at rest?
- Why do I find it difficult too drift off too sleep?
These are all common questions, that at some point of our lives 99.9% of people will encounter. All these questions + more, is what makes up this episode.
One of the big reasons as too why I stopped podcasting for such a long period, was due too my own personal struggle with anxiety. Throughout this episode, I will unravel my own most recent journey with anxiety. Because if there's one thing i've learnt, normalising struggle, and extracting the negative and toxic thoughts from the mind, is the most powerful tool in better not only yourself, but also helping those around you, that may be struggling as well...
How to get into contact with Couching The Mind (me):
Email - Couchingthemind@gmail.com Instagram
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Website - https://www.couchingthemind.com/
It's been a while since I last uploaded a podcast episode. Life got busy. My mental health wasn't in the greatest of places... But i'm back!! And i'm bringing with me some consistently. There's plenty too look forward do, I can assure you;).
- Have you ever created a 'happy space' for yourself?
- Do you lack in confidence with it comes too flirting / meeting new people for the first time?
- How do you overcome an anxiety attack?
- Finding your perfect person? Where do you start?
- Do you stop doing something due too addictive nature?
- Finding comfort within, when hurdles are 'thrown' at us...
These questions... and MORE, were discussed in detail, in this episode of 'Couching The Mind'...
Moto of the Podcast (if your a new listener) = —> Clearing the mind one couch talk at a time <— PODCAST UPDATE: This is the new and improved ‘Couching The Mind’. Where majority of episodes going forward, will be conducted in a group like environment. I personally find that by interviewing 2-3 people at once, it creates a certain level of comfortability for interviewees to be able to say exactly how they feel upon certain topics. Plus interviewees can argue back and forward on certain things, which I feel as if it’s a really important perk to have. And one other thing, laughter, laughter, laughter! They’ll be plenty of this as well!
Main message from the episode: As important as it is too look out for your mates, family, your partner. Don't forget self-care. Putting love back into 'you'. Because without this, you'll only get burnt out, and things may noticeably start to bog you down. We don't need that !:)
How to get into contact with Couching The Mind (me):
Email - Couchingthemind@gmail.com Instagram
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Website - https://www.couchingthemind.com/
Sit back, relax, maybe even jump on a couch… and enjoy this weeks episode!
- Would you believe me if i told you that back in 2019, a banana ducted tape to a wall (what they call a 'piece of art') had been sold for $120,000 at Art Basel (Miami Beach)?
- Does the explicit language in RNB and Rap music, have a negative effect on people / does it ultimately shape people?
- Is the Magic Mike movie franchise, a toxic representation of how a 'true man' should look physically?
- Does the 2023 world, bring forth a sense of repression?
- Are we doing enough for 'mental health', in 2023. Is there an apparent positive progressional change?
These questions... and MORE, were discussed in detail, in this episode of 'Couching The Mind'...
Moto of the Podcast (if your a new listener) = —> Clearing the mind one couch talk at a time <— PODCAST UPDATE: This is the new and improved ‘Couching The Mind’. Where majority of episodes going forward, will be conducted in a group like environment. I personally find that by interviewing 2-3 people at once, it creates a certain level of comfortability for interviewees to be able to say exactly how they feel upon certain topics. Plus interviewees can argue back and forward on certain things, which I feel as if it’s a really important perk to have. And one other thing, laughter, laughter, laughter! They’ll be plenty of this as well!
Guests that joined me in this week’s episode: > Jeff Woolaston
A quick ‘Get to know me’:
Who is Jeff?
> Jeff is my father
> He trains people to operate on the phones, through specific needed services
> Loves to Kayak
> Isn't afraid to speak about his own mental health / mental health as a whole
> Loves his heavy metal music... i.e. Iron Maiden, Metallic, Amon Amarth
> Big family man
> Massive fan of a working life balance
> A very passionate Port Adelaide (AFL) supporter
> Isn't afraid to speak his mind, when needed
Main message from the episode: Be sure to always be respectful of other peoples opinions. Because sometimes, subconsciously without evening knowing, we may slip up and say and or do something that could emotionally, and mentally challenge someone.
Sit back, relax, maybe even jump on a couch… and enjoy this weeks episode! How to get into contact with Couching The Mind (me): Email - Couchingthemind@gmail.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en Website - https://www.couchingthemind.com/
In this episode of CTM, a close friend of mine, Jignesh Tanwar, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of 'What's your opinion?. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
----> THIS IS PART 1 OF THE PODCAST EPISODE <----
Topics / Questions that Jigs and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Has social media ruined modern day dating?
- The art of respecting other people's opinions
- Does money create happiness?
- Do you wish you could change the past / make amends?
- We're all continually growing, and continually learning
- Does attraction (to another person) change as you get older?
- Are concerts / festivals a waste of money? Why not just listen to spotify?
- You become a mirror image of your surrounding environment --> You have the power to create change...
- Overcoming a mentally difficult hurdle --> Having presumptions of doubt...
- Creating your own form of 'stress'. It's unnecessary!
- Playing the 'mental health card'... Versus those that desperately need a helping hand
- Should schools be doing more in reference with mental health?
In this episode of CTM, Former member of the NSW police force / and also well known in the Australian bodybuilding / powerlifting scene, Sonia Williams, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘I Refuse To Stop’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
WARNING -> VIEWER DISCRETION… EXPLICIT LANGUAGE IS USED THROUGHOUT THE EPISODE...
Topics that Sonia and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Working in the NSW police force
Overall message of the episode --> Enjoy every day / moment like it’s your last. As we have no control over what the future may hold for us. And learn to be happy and content with the person that you are. You are unique (positively), and that simply cannot be replicated.
How to get into contact with Jesse:
Instagram:
> https://www.instagram.com/sonia_williams_2022/?hl=en
Facebook:
Topics that I went over throughout the episode 🎧🎤:
- Are we entitled to have an opinion? 🗣
- Think for yourself 🤔
- The smallest of things, can positively alter your mindset (i.e. making your bed) 🛏 💡
- Waking up with a smile on your face 😃
- Don't become reliant on your partner / pushing family and friends away 👥
Overall message of the episode --> Sometimes, as much as we want to voice our opinions, it can do more harm than good. Having the ability to 'bite the lip', and hold back from expressing (at times), is an incredibly powerful tool.
How to get into contact with 'Couching The Mind':
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/CouchingTheMind/
Youtube:
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCQSxKLYtK0q04G0J2fj9A/videos
Email:
- couchingthemind@gmail.com
Website:
- https://www.couchingthemind.com/
In this episode of CTM, moto Journalist / volunteer speaker for Black Dog Institute, Zak Adkins, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Foot On The Breaks’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Zak and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Being diagnosed with Bipolar
- Moving away from family + friends
- Being put in a Psychiatric Ward
- Taking 6 months off work for mental health purposes
- It ain't weak to speak
- Writing a memoir - 'A Ballad for a Bruised Brain'
- Becoming a moto journalists --> inspirations etc...
- Zak's car - 'The Orange Machine' ---> Rhonda.... How his car aided with his mental health
- Having 'me time'
- Volunteering as a speaker for the 'Black Dog Institute'
- Bringing mental health talks into the school system
Overall message of the episode --> Talking about your own moments of struggle, isn't a sign of 'weakness'. It takes a huge amount of courage and bravery to be self-accepting of your own personal hurdles. And overall, it helps with your own personal healing process....
How to get into contact with Jesse:
Instagram:
> https://instagram.com/zadkins1?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Facebook:
How to get into contact with the Black Dog Institute:
Website:
> Black Dog Institute | Science. Compassion. Action.
Instagram:
> https://instagram.com/blackdoginst?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Twitter:
> (1) Black Dog Institute (@blackdoginst) / Twitter
Facebook:
> Black Dog Institute - Home | Facebook
What is the Black Dog Institute???
"As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.
We do this through ‘translational’ research. Integrating our research studies, education programs, digital tools and apps, clinical services, and public resources to discover new solutions, foster connections and create real-world change.
Our partnerships with people with lived experience, federal, state and local governments, communities, schools, corporate Australia and others in the mental health sector enables us to drive evidence-informed change in mental health where it’s needed most." - Black Dog Institute Website
In this episode of CTM, world renowned singer / songwriter, story teller, and disciple of Jesus Christ, Jesse Manibusan, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Turn That Frown Upside Down’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Jesse and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- What is faith / seeking faith + guidance when struggling ⛪️
- The meaning of religion 📖
- Becoming a musician 🎸
- Overcoming a divorce 😣
- The meaning behind the smiley face t-shirts (Jesse's t-shirts) 👕😃
- Song - Hold on to love - written from the shadows of fear (Jesse's song) 🎶
- The art of 'Listening', is gods greatest gift 👂
- One small conversation, can have a massive impact on others - Jesse’s year 5 teacher (Mr Judd) 👨🏼🏫
- Finding your way in life 🛣
- The Mission of the Holy Spirit 🕯
- The importance of meaning behind musical lyrics 📝
- Find your own meaning from a song (it would be different to someone else’s meaning) 🔍
- The 12 Step Groups / admitting to your own personal issues + doing something about it (positive change) 👣➡️
Overall message of the episode --> Life can have it’s challenges. That’s inevitable. But by sitting around with a ‘frown’ on your face, and not searching for any resolutions to these hurdles. That ‘frown’ will never turn upside down. Make change happen, and start to truly believe in yourself.
How to get into contact with Jesse:
Instagram:
> https://www.instagram.com/jessemanmusic/?hl=en
Facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/JesseManibusanMusic
Website:
> https://jessemanibusan.com/home
In this episode of CTM, author of the world wide phenomenon 'When To Jump' / former professional squash player, Mike Lewis, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Behind The Scenes’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Mike and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Everyone's 'jump' is different
- Becoming an author (When To Jump)
- Facing the fear of unknown
- Taking the leap of faith
- Seeking discomfort
- Going from working in finance, to playing squash professionally
- The jump curve:
> 1. Believe
> 2. Plan
> 3. Collide
> 4. Learn
- It only takes one person to create change
- Everything happens for a reason
Overall message of the episode --> If your not content with you current life style.... Do something about it. The longer you let you let it go, the worse it'll become. Learn to back yourself... Nothing will change, unless you create that change.
How to get into contact with Mike:
Instagram:
> https://www.instagram.com/whentojump/?hl=en
Facebook:
> https://www.facebook.com/whentojump/
Twitter:
> https://twitter.com/whentojump
Website:
> http://www.whentojump.com/
In this episode of CTM, world-wide film producer, Jeff Reingold, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Behind The Scenes’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
-> Jeff has worked with the likes of channel 9, World Gym, Colombia Studios etc….
Topics that Jeff and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Gun Law In America
Overall message of the episode --> It’s so important to just be the real ‘you’. So long as your not harming or disrespecting anyone in the process. Because, why be someone that your not? Learn to love yourself…
In this episode of CTM, I delve into conversation with my father, Jeff Woolaston, revolving around the topic of 'A Lot of Laughter, With a Lot of Seriousness' 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
This conversation was more-or-less on the basis of, having a laugh with a loved one. Whilst talking about life, perspective, and netflix...
Topics that I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Streaming services vs DVD's
- Being over-subscribed to streaming services / other alternate memberships
- What super power would you want, and why?
- Favourite kids TV shows
- Shopping for Calvin Klein underwear
- What mood do you wake up with in the mornings?
- Following routine (my father is overly-obsessive with his morning routine)
- Breaking an addiction --> How to stop yourself from smoking, as a chain-smoker?
- Defining Masculinity --> Has the definition changed overtime?
- Are you truly happy at your workplace?
- How does the rise of social media, affect one's mental health?
- False aesthetic materialism
Overall message of the episode --> Whether it be small talk, or having conversation revolving around mental health etc... It's so important to be comfortable with 'talking'... Small talk can bring laughter to your life, and can help aid you through the not-so-great days. And talking about your emotions and feelings, will also assist in the process of removing that inner build-up of unnecessary negativity.
Links to the Couching The Mind Podcast Series --> :
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/CouchingTheMind/
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Spotify:
- https://open.spotify.com/show/1XC6aTD19UznZuZkk7skf2
Apple Podcasts:
- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/couching-the-mind/id1542060771
In this episode of CTM, I delve into a solo conversation, revolving around the topic of 'Relatable Thinking' 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Love what you do 🤩
- What are your core values? 🧐
- School life versus the real world 👨🏼🏫 <-> 🌍
- How to find 'true' friends 👥 ⁉️
- Finding the best version of yourself 👉🙋♀️
- Understanding emotions at a young age 😢👦🏾
- Porn exposure at a young age 📱👩🏻💻
- False reality created by porn usage 🦄
- Unhealthy quick fixes --> Easy edorphin hit 👎🏽
- Taking on people's advice 🗣🗣🗣
- Make change happen (in a relationship) 🔛
- Volunteering changes your perspective on life (for the better) 🤯🙌🏻
Overall message of the episode --> We can't change the past, yet we can have a massive impact on our future. Every day is a new opportunity in bettering ourselves. Continue to remove the things in your life that bring out the worst in you. And give your time to others, and in return, good will happen to you.
Links to the Couching The Mind Podcast Series --> :
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/CouchingTheMind/
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Spotify:
- https://open.spotify.com/show/1XC6aTD19UznZuZkk7skf2
Apple Podcasts:
- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/couching-the-mind/id1542060771
In this episode of CTM, Former MKR (My Kitchen Rules) contestant / half blind pro surfer, Ash Keillah, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘War.... What Is It Good For?'. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Ash and I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- The war in Ukraine -> Why is violence the answer? 🤯
- Losing possessions / memories in a natural disaster 😓
- Adjusting to change ⏰
- Give yourself 'me time' 👉😁
- The definition of mate-ship 👥📖
- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again 🙌🏻
- Finding your purpose 👀
- Importance of chatting with someone 🗣
- Don't take life so seriously 🌏
- Going from influencer life, to a standard 9 to 5 job 🤩 - 👨🏻🔧
- Family time versus Parent Time 👨👩👦 - 👫
- Crypto Currency -> What is Crypto? 💱
- Allowing minority groups to have there voices heard 📢
- We're all entitled to have our own opinion 💯
- Anti-vax opinion on Covid-19 😷
Overall message of the episode --> It's so important just to have a random topical chat to a friend, a loved one, a work mate, whenever your not feeling 100% yourself. And it's with these conversations, that its builds comfort, to then be able to openly talk about your emotions and feelings, and why 'today' may be a bit of a flat day for you.
How to into contact with Ash:
Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/ashkeillah/?hl=en
Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/Ashkeillah
In this episode of CTM, childhood friend to my father, Bernie Small, and my father, Jeff Woolaston, join me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Swept Under The Rug’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Bernie, my father and I went over throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Understanding your countries history 🌍
- Paying respect to the original land owners 🙏🏽
- Defusing frustration 🤐
- Drinking culture in sports (specifically mens sports) 🍻 🏈
- Drinking to hide the inner pain 🤕 🥃
- Mateship 👥
- Racism / how it's changed overtime 🗣 😐
- Reminiscing the past 🔙
- Everyone has a breaking point 🤯
- There is always another side to the story 📖
- Why cause unnecessary drama? 🤫
- Talking about your emotions and feelings 20-30 years ago 😓 💔
- With age, comes a greater understanding and perspective on life 🌅🙌🏻
Overall message of the episode --> Always be sure to respect those, from the past and present. No matter the age, ethnicity and culture. Everyones deserves to be seen and treated as equal.
In this episode of CTM, Domestic violence survivor + co-admin on the Missing Persons Australia FB / Instagram page, Chele Anne, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Finding Your Voice’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Chele and I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Living with an abusive partner 😔
- We're all in control of our own actions 💯
- Growing up around illegal drug users 💉
- Hiding the truth 🤐
- Finally speaking the truth to loved ones 🗣👨👩👧👧
- Calling the authorities about the abusive partner 📞
- With bad, comes good 👎🏽 = 👍🏾
- Tomorrow's a new day 🌅
- Having children can bring purpose to your life 👼🏽🧒
- Suffering caused from lupus disease 🤒
- The struggles of anxiety and depression 😐
- Starting up the Missing Persons Australia FB + Instagram page 👨💻
- Finding the professional help that you may need 👨🏻⚕️
Overall message of the episode --> Never put off the idea of leaving an abusive relationship. The more that you let it go on for longer and longer, the more (subconsciously) comfortable that'll you'll become with the abuse. Remember, it ain't weak to speak.
Missing Persons Australia Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/missingadvocatesaustralia
Instagram - https://instagram.com/missing_advocates_australia?utm_medium=copy_link
Professional Mental Health / DV Services (to name a few):
Lifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/?gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_UH0zVGL9BYucxcGHbU87B73lR0xU9iUwrtmwLLm8oyFO6VfkKuT55KhoCTQwQAvD_BwE
White Ribbon Australia - https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/Find-Help/Help-Lines
DVConnect - https://www.dvconnect.org/
Police (authorities) - 000
In this episode of CTM, I delve into a solo conversation, revolving around the topic of 'Life' 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
- Topics that I went over, throughout the episode 🎧🎤:
- Stop setting unnecessary high levels of expectation 📈
- Fighting fire with fire 🔥
- Failure is a means of success 👎🏽=👍🏾
- Finding relatability with others 🙌🏻🧏🏻♂️
- It ain't weak to speak 🗣
- Checking up on someone 👂👥
- Travelling can help aid depression and anxiety 🛣
- Putting yourself in someone else's shoes 👟
- The Dalai lama's take on anxiety and depression 🤫
- The people that deserve the help the least, are the one's that need the help the most 🤝
Overall message of the episode --> Don't ever be afraid to express your inner struggle. It doesn't matter the age and situation. We all go through s**t. But it's up to us to create a comforting environment to make it easier in being able to have these conversations...
Links to the Couching The Mind Podcast Series --> :
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/CouchingTheMind/
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/couching.the.mind/?hl=en
Spotify:
- https://open.spotify.com/show/1XC6aTD19UznZuZkk7skf2
Apple Podcasts:
- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/couching-the-mind/id1542060771
In this episode of CTM, Former Australian police officer and head of the Australian prime minister’s personal protection team for Kevin Rudd, and a past contestant on SAS Australia, Gary Fahey, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Revealing The Truth’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Gary and I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
Overall message of the episode --> You can turn your life around. No matter what you’ve done, and no matter what you’ve been through. It just comes down too whether or not you’re willing to implement change.
How to get into contact with Aaron:📱🖥 -
Website:
- https://garyfahey.com/
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/strong.mend/?hl=en
What is the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association?
- The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association is a non-government, non-for-profit association designed to unite mental health leaders since its inception in 1999.
Their Mission:
To serve and support a community of passionate mental health workers through education, awareness and advocacy.
Website:
How to donate to Gary Fahey’s ‘brutal burpee challenge’:
Website:
- https://gotcha4life-fundraising.raisely.com/strongmen
Why did Gary create the brutal burpee challenge?
“My goal is to not only raise $1 for every burpee I do, but create a continuous and ongoing discussion around suicide, mental fitness and supporting your mates. I will call on mates to help out when I need it, speak up when I am struggling but continue to move forward no matter the hurdles I face.” - Gary Fahey
In this episode of CTM, TedX speaker + mental health advocate Aaron Stark, joins me in conversation revolving around the topic of ‘Breaking The Cycle’. 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Topics that Aaron and I went over, throughout the interview 🎧🎤:
- Growing up in a broken family 💔
- Being homeless at aged 15 🙍🏼♂️
- The idea of not feeling accepted 🗣😔
- Why does bullying exist? 🤷🏻♀️
- Hitting rock bottom 👎🏽
- Having that 'light bulb' moment 💡
- I was almost a school shooter 🏫🤯
- We all crave positive reinforcement 🙌🏻😃
- Acknowledge the past 🔙🧏🏻♂️
- Labelling a school shooter 🏷
- Help those, that deserve the help the least 🆘
- Presenting for TedX 📢
- Finding relatability 💬
- Put one foot in front of the other 👣
- Honesty and reflection 🤔
Overall message of the episode --> Reach out to those that choose to give you a hard time. There is also a reasoning for the means of their actions. If we can help them, we can slowly but surely continue in the process of making the world a better place.
How to get into contact with Aaron:📱🖥 -
- Facebook: >
- https://www.facebook.com/aaron.stark1313
- Twitter: >
- https://twitter.com/StarkDad1313?s=20
- Email: >
- Aaronstarkauthor@gmail.com
Youarenotalone (Facebook group):
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/589481718072201
What is Youarenotalone?
- This is a group for positivity. This is a place where all are welcome, so long as they welcome all. This group's purpose is to show love to those who need it most. To show that no, none of us are alone. Love is all we need.