David Cronin is a well-known Adelaide figure whose career spans decades, blending the creative arts, physical theatre, and therapeutic humour. He is best known for his long-running work as a Clown Doctor and his role in promoting Laughter Yoga and wellness throughout South Australia. It was an absolute pleasure sitting down with such an important figure of our community. Thanks to David for joining me at the Pear Cafe' in Alberton for Mental Health Month.

https://www.facebook.com/LaughterClubsSouthAustralia/

The Pear: https://neighbourhoodnode.com.au/the-pear/

The Pear Cafe in Alberton, SA, is much more than a place to grab a coffee; it’s a dedicated Neighbourhood Node and a true community hub. Run by locals who opened up part of their home, it focuses on fostering connections and combating social isolation within the community. Beyond offering simple, locally-sourced food and great coffee, The Pear hosts an array of free, weekly activities—from Tai Chi and Woolcraft Clubs to community quiz events and Music Mondays—making it the essential meeting spot right next to the Alberton Railway Station. It's a beautiful example of how small spaces can generate huge community spirit.

I was lucky enough to catch some of the key contributors to this wonderful space during Mental Health Month.

For more information head to https://neighbourhoodnode.com.au/the-pear/

This project has opened some interesting doors for me and the story in which the podcast came about was no exception. A few weeks ago I came across a cool looking building in north Adelaide, I thought it would be a good place to play in front of. for the project. I saw the sign @adelaideartsociety112 (Instagram) and thought I’d take a peak inside. When I knocked on the door to my surprise there was a class of a dozen students immersed in portrait drawing. I performed for the class in their break out the front of the building and next thing I knew I was invited to be a model for their next two sessions. After my last session as a model on Monday I was able to sit and have a chat with Jo Telfer all about the Adelaide Art Society and the community its building.

https://www.adelaideartsocietyinc.com.au/

In this Episode we are very happy to announce the Concrete Connection Project donates $500 to Tutti Arts. They are doing amazing work with amazing artists to make the world brighter in every way. Thanks to Suzanne and Alex for joining me on Episode 30, which so happened to land on R U OK? Day. We talk all things Tutti and their new Living My Life project page that went live on the 11th. We talk about how it's aiming to help the wellbeing of the community become more accessible and Alex gives us a guided tour of his original character cards he created for the project. Thanks to the @tutti.barossa crew for letting me join in today.

You can find out more about Tutti Arts at https://tutti.org.au/

"A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved" is a saying that does not have a single known author, but the phrase is well-established, with a similar sentiment found in a 1931 book by D. L. Sayers "Trouble shared is trouble halved". Never the less, it was a perfect quote pulled from an awesome conversation with Adam Blesing. Singer/Songwriter/Bassist of incredible Australian band Dojo Rise.

It was a great day and a great chat, ranging through the challenges of Covid, and the beauty it spawned. Overcoming physical feats of endurance to build a greater appreciation of the simple things in life. To the negative thoughts that roll around in our heads, giving passage to self doubt and self worth and going all in on your passions.

I got a lot out of this chat and I hope you do to.

Listen to Run, Baby, Run by Dojo Rise here: https://open.spotify.com/track/466tUxrk6rwsvx1cWe501p?si=6b9d04111e7a460a

In this episode I chat with ABC Radio Adelaide's Evenings host Spence Denny. For over 11 years Spence was ABC's on the ground roving reporter. From his time in the Army, growing up in Norwood, moving to UK, regional job opportunities, a particular park bench to rubbing shoulders with the neighbourhood locals at the front bar. We had an amazing and positive chat in Wellington Square North Adelaide. Thanks Spence for a great afternoon.

Join Spence on ABC Radio Adelaide 7 - 10pm Monday to Thursday.

Please support the project by heading to https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project

My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben

Instagram: @ruefulben

In todays Episode I catch up with Adelaide singer/songwriter Courtney Robb. Talking all things @tintownband, grief, connection, the transformation of the music industry and more. Thanks Courtney for making time.

Check out Tin Town here https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZqYITCqUJOAbZ7AQlf1qO?si=4tYQY7mVT_eP0nq-EKgEqw

https://youtu.be/-SGSytkWtD4?si=d0k8twVM14ZA41-7

Episode 26: "Vinyl and Clarity" w/ Laura and Matt Hovath - Clarity Records

Thanks to Laura, Matt and the @clarityrecordsadelaide team for letting me into the store today and being such great guests on the Concrete Connection Project Podcast. A great conversation and great company. We had an awesome chat all things Clarity Records, it's history and the relationship between Vinyl and Mindfulness.

I Hope you enjoy this podcast. Please make sure to follow the pod for more great conversations like this.

Clarity records can be found at 60 Pulteney Street, Adelaide

https://clarityrecords.net/

In todays episode I'll be addressing a major oversight I have made with this project. I'll be chatting about making it over the halfway mark of the project. And I'll be talking about my new mindset going into performing on the last 276 streets in the Adelaide CBD to raise money and awareness for mental health and support charities and organisations that are supporting people that are struggling.

Please support the project by heading to https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project

Subscribe for more Podcasts, Interviews and performances.Episode 24: Still Aware - Tracey Clarkhttps://stillaware.org/Thanks to Tracey and Michelle from @still_aware for having me in the office. Our five hundred dollar donation to Still Aware will help aid the education of 10 student midwives in still birth prevention. An incredible organisation that needs more awareness and attention. Thanks teamhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project

My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulbenTikTok: @ruefulbenInstagram: @ruefulben

What an awesome morning with the boys down at the Clarence Park “Shed.” Thanks so much for your openness to have me in the building and be apart of the project. Under the banner of the @australianmensshedassociation like many other Sheds, The Shed in Clarence Park is open to everybody. A safe space for all that want to participate. It’s with great privilege that the Concrete Connection Project donates five hundred dollars to them today. Thanks Boys Please check out the Concrete Connection Project Information here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-projectSubscribe and follow for more Podcasts, Interviews and performances.https://linktr.ee/ruefulbenMy name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulbenTikTok: @ruefulbenInstagram: @ruefulben

Thanks @gusradford for joining me today on the podcast! What a legend. He’s doing great work, he’s a nice guy, he’s now a friend? Gus are we friends now?? Hope so!

Check out his photography @gusradford⁠ on Instagram

Subscribe and follow for more Podcasts, Interviews and performances.https://linktr.ee/ruefulbenPlease check out the Concrete Connection Project Information here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-projectMy name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulbenTikTok: @ruefulbenInstagram: @ruefulben

Subscribe for more Podcasts, Interviews and performances.Episode 21: Oliver Kabbani (OBK) Concrete Connection project PodcastFollow OBK on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/oh.be.kay/ @oh.be.kayhttps://linktr.ee/ruefulbenPlease check out the Concrete Connection Project Information here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-projectMy name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2025 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing.Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulbenTikTok: @ruefulbenInstagram: @ruefulben

Episode 20: Connie Digolis - CEO of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania - Concrete Connection Project Podcast https://linktr.ee/ruefulben Please check out the Concrete Connection Project Information here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project We acknowledge that the land this podcast was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Palawa people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. On Friday January 10th 2025 I was very lucky to meet and chat with CEO of the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, Connie Digolis. It was nice to be behind the mic back in my home state of Tasmania, and was really great to listen about all the great work that the Mental Health Council is doing in the southern state. A huge thanks to Connie for her time, and also to Nick Sullivan for joining the dots and making this podcast happen. Don't forget to learn about the Seven Minute Challenge at https://takeaminute.com.au/take-the-challenge/ Flying home tonight to South Australia and will be back in the lab gearing up for the next section of the city. ❤️ Ben My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

Subscribe for more Podcasts, Interviews and performances. Episode 19: Palliative Care South Australia - Shyla Mills - Concrete Connection project Podcast https://linktr.ee/ruefulben The partnership between Palliative Care SA, St Johns Ambulance and Flinders is to give South Australians living with a life-limiting condition access to the planning, coordination, specialist transport, photography and clinical care they need to create a memory that will last forever. Please Check out their information here https://ambulancewishsa.org.au/friends-of-ambulance-wish-sa/ Please check out the Concrete Connection Project Information here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

Episode 18: Authenticity and Embroidery - Cheryl Bridgart https://www.facebook.com/cherylbridgartartist/ The Concrete Connection Project Filmed and Recorded on Beltana Lane (Southeast Quarter) - Street 213 out of 577 streets of Adelaide South Australia. Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project I was lucky to be shown through the beautiful studio of South Australian Artist Cheryl Bridgart - What an incredible story she shared with me and what an incredible space. Thanks ❤️ Ben Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project We acknowledge that the land this song was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. The Concrete Connection Project Adelaide / Kaurna Land 2024 “A Musical Journey of Mental Health Awareness” My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Website: https://ruefulben.square.site/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

Episode 17: Benjamin Roberts Taken from Young Blood Mens Mental Health Podcast Original Podcast: https://youtu.be/T2mpMUHdsOU?si=-E-SBbHSVG0eP5_u In association with The Concrete Connection Project Podcast Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project Thanks to Cal for having me and letting me share the episode on my channel. "The quality of our mental health is intertwined with our sense of connection to each other and the world around us. Humans are social creatures; we need community wherever we can find it, and being lonely makes us more likely to be mentally ill. Ben is a musician on a mission to create connection his own way. Since April, he's been taking his guitar down every single street in the Adelaide CBD singing and striking up conversations while raising money for charity. Ben's got his own mental health story, and is so passionate about that he's taken the Concrete Connection Project on as a full time job... This is Benjamin Roberts..." We acknowledge that the land this podcast was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. *Information on this podcast and channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional or professional clinical advice* The Concrete Connection Project Adelaide / Kaurna Land 2024 “A Musical Journey of Mental Health Awareness” My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Website: https://ruefulben.square.site/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

The Concrete Connection Project Podcast Episode 16: Peggy's Door Thank you Penny. Thanks for sharing your story and Peggy's journey. I think its a really important story to be told. Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project We acknowledge that the land this podcast was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. *Information on this podcast and channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional or professional clinical advice* The Concrete Connection Project Adelaide / Kaurna Land 2024 “A Musical Journey of Mental Health Awareness” My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Website: https://ruefulben.square.site/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

Episode 15: Rebecca Weatherill - Workplace Wellbeing SA

https://www.workplacewellbeingsa.com.au/

The Concrete Connection Project Podcast Filmed and Recorded on street 170 out of 577 streets of Adelaide South Australia. Gilles Street - Adelaide Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project We acknowledge that the land this podcast was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. *Information on this podcast and channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional or professional clinical advice* The Concrete Connection Project Adelaide / Kaurna Land 2024 “A Musical Journey of Mental Health Awareness” My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Website: https://ruefulben.square.site/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben

Episode 14: Alan Haberfield (Part 2) The Concrete Connection Project Podcast Filmed and Recorded on street 145 out of 577 streets of Adelaide South Australia. Please check out project information https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-concrete-connection-project We acknowledge that the land this podcast was recorded and filmed on, is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. *Information on this podcast and channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional or professional clinical advice* The Concrete Connection Project Adelaide / Kaurna Land 2024 “A Musical Journey of Mental Health Awareness” My name is Benjamin Roberts. I am a South Australian musician. Over the course of 2024 and beyond, I will document an incredible journey by traveling to, and performing on every single street in the Adelaide CBD (577 Streets to be exact). To help knock down the walls of stigma surrounding mental health and raise vital funds and awareness for charities that support people experiencing mental health issues, I'll spend at least twenty minutes on each of the 577 streets creating and performing. Website: https://ruefulben.square.site/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruefulben TikTok: @ruefulben Instagram: @ruefulben