Hosts Dave and Daryl discuss recent Grow updates: a national strategy meeting with the program team, the new Blue Book and updated group method, a proposed review of the Yellow Book, highlights from the Grow New Zealand AGM, leadership transitions and a farewell to long-time member Teena, plus upcoming rollout plans and a special guest feature.

In episode five of the 2Ds Grow podcast, hosts Dave and Daryl discuss the launch of the revised and expanded Blue Book, share feedback and distribution updates, and highlight Mental Health Month events and local community activities across Australia and New Zealand.They talk about the importance of group connection, the program’s lived-experience wisdom, upcoming meetings and conferences, and how listeners can access and promote the podcast.Listeners are invited to send feedback, local grow news, or questions via the Grow website contact link or directly to Dave’s email.

Hosts Dave and Daryl share a brief weekly update on Grow: new Blue Book and training manual updates, group method housekeeping for online meetings, the importance of 12‑step outreach, and the launch of a new online Rainbow group for the LGBTQA+ community.They also mention an invite to the Grow New Zealand conference and remind listeners how to find groups or get in touch via the Grow website, rainbow@grow.org.au or davemaca@hotmail.com.

Hosts Dave and Daryl catch up on recent activity for the Grow community: platform releases (now on Apple Podcasts and other apps), e‑groups via Zoom, short courses like Get Growing and Growing Resilience, and the upcoming Blue Book rollout.They also discuss planning organiser and recorder elections, explain what a ‘passenger’ means in Grow meetings, and share practical tips and resources for local groups and listeners.

Hosts Dave and Daryl discuss the latest Grow updates: the forthcoming Blue Book and updated group method rollout, digital releases like Growing to Recovery Vol. 2 on Kindle, and highlights from the annual member survey showing the program's strong impact.They also cover reconciliation planning, Territory pilot programs with Defence personnel, shorter Growing Resilience courses, and invite listener questions for future episodes.

Hosts Dave and Daryl discuss their recent community weekend in Coffs Harbour, updates on the Grow Blue Book and group methods, upcoming community events, and invite listeners to submit questions and local Grow news.

In this episode Daryl and Dave explain why progress reports are a vital part of GROW group meetings, showing how tracking small practical tasks and peer follow-up turns short-term coping into long-term growth.They outline leadership tips for encouraging meaningful reports, connecting tasks to the five foundations of maturity and vital needs, and how group affirmation and accountability build hope and sustained recovery.

This episode explains the GROW group problems section: why bringing issues to the group matters, how to discuss and resolve them together, and when to escalate to Organisers & Recorders (O&R) or program workers.Hosts Daryl and Dave give practical examples (late starts, confidentiality, venue, membership and leadership concerns), show how to create a practical task and part of the program to support change, and encourage leaders to use group-level problem solving to build stronger, healthier meetings.

Explore the essence of leadership within the GROW program. Join us for an engaging discussion on how leadership in GROW is more about function than position, and how self-activation through mutual help can inspire personal growth and recovery.Discover real-life examples of leadership in action. Learn how members of GROW groups share progress reports, chair meetings, and provide support through their own experiences, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and inspiration.Delve into the concept of self-leadership. Understand how being consistent in attending meetings, even when it's challenging, can make a significant impact, proving leadership sometimes means simply showing up and sharing your journey with honesty and integrity.

Welcome to this episode of GROW's training and resource podcast, where hosts Darryl and Dave explore the essential topic of leadership transition within GROW groups. Drawing on years of experience, Dave shares insights into the importance of stepping into leadership roles and nurturing new leaders within the community. The episode delves into the significance of a dynamic leadership structure in GROW, emphasizing the policy of rotating the organizer role every two years. Darryl and Dave discuss the benefits of this practice, including promoting personal growth, avoiding stagnation, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the group's success. Listeners will gain valuable tips on how to identify potential leaders, encourage participation, and ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. The discussion highlights the broader benefits of leadership roles, such as personal development and the opportunity to give back to the GROW community. Whether you're a current leader or aspiring to take on a leadership role, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to help you and your group thrive. Tune in to learn how to pass the baton effectively and keep your GROW group vibrant and engaged.

Welcome to this insightful episode of GROW's program training and resource podcast, where hosts Darryl and Dave are joined by a special guest, Teena, a seasoned GROW program worker. This episode delves into the vital role of a group organiser in the mental health recovery community, offering a unique perspective from someone who has journeyed through the GROW program from participant to leader. Throughout the discussion, Teena shares her experiences and insights into the responsibilities and personal growth opportunities that come with being a GROW group organiser. The conversation covers the historical context of the role, its dual nature in fostering leadership and personal development, and the importance of mentorship within the group. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how group organisers contribute to the community, the qualities that make an effective leader, and the support available for those taking on this role. Join us as we explore the transformative power of leadership within the GROW program and the rewarding journey of helping others in their mental health recovery.

Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome back Dave McLaughlin, a seasoned grower and esteemed member of our organization, to delve into the foundational principles of mental health recovery. Drawing from his vast experience and personal journey, Dave shares invaluable insights into the basics of the Grow program, aimed at fostering personal growth and recovery.The episode takes a reflective step back to explore the early principles encapsulated in the Grow program's blue book. Dave emphasizes the significance of the three basic convictions, determinations, and changes as essential starting points for anyone embarking on a journey towards mental health improvement. These basics are not just for those dealing with mental health issues but are integral to the success and maturity of all individuals.Listeners will gain an understanding of how these principles provide a framework for living a healthy lifestyle, overcoming intense feelings, and navigating through challenges such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Through real-life anecdotes and practical examples, Dave illustrates how adopting these foundational elements can lead to a more fulfilled and meaningful life.Whether you're new to the Grow program or seeking to reinforce your mental health journey, this episode offers a compelling narrative on the power of basics in shaping a positive path forward. Tune in to discover how embracing these foundational principles can transform your approach to mental health and personal growth.

Welcome to the latest episode of GROW's program training and resource podcast. Join hosts Daryl and Dave as they delve into the intricacies of managing GROW groups, focusing on the often-confusing aspects of opening, closing, and recessing these groups. With a blend of in-person and online meetings, the discussion highlights the importance of collaborative decision-making and the role of leadership in maintaining effective GROW groups. Explore the dynamics of starting new groups, whether they arise from growing existing groups or through interest from external organizations. Daryl and Dave emphasize the significance of teamwork and community involvement in establishing successful new groups. They also address the challenges faced by program workers and the benefits of fostering leadership within the GROW community. Additionally, the episode covers the reasons and processes behind closing groups or putting them into recess, always aiming to maintain the quality and effectiveness of the GROW program. Tune in to learn about the strategies and principles that guide these decisions, ensuring that GROW continues to support mental health recovery and leadership development effectively.

Welcome to the latest episode of Grow's program training and resource podcast, hosted by Daryl and Dave. In this episode, we delve into the significance of leadership roles within the Grow community. As a largely volunteer-driven organization, Grow relies on members stepping up to various roles to keep the group dynamic and supportive.Daryl and Dave discuss the importance of roles such as the organizer and recorder, highlighting how these positions not only benefit the group but also significantly contribute to the personal development and mental health recovery of the individuals who take them on. They emphasize the concept of lived experience leadership, where members use their own recovery journey to help others.The hosts explore the challenges and rewards of stepping into a leadership role, supported by research that shows higher levels of well-being among those who participate actively. They also touch on the broader opportunities within Grow, such as regional and branch program teams, offering members a chance to contribute at different levels.Throughout the episode, Daryl and Dave share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to encourage participation and support new leaders in their journey. Tune in to learn how taking on a role in Grow can be a transformative experience, both for the individual and the community.For more information on Grow Groups, mental health resources, or to make a donation, please visit grow.org.

Welcome to the latest episode of Grow's program training and resource podcast, hosted by Daryl and Dave. In this episode, they delve into the evolution of language within Grow's publications and how it reflects the organization's commitment to staying relevant and supportive in the ever-changing landscape of mental health recovery. Discover the journey of Grow's 12 steps, particularly the transformation of the first step from acknowledging severe mental illness to admitting personal disorder. Learn why these language changes are essential and how they help members better relate to and benefit from the program. Daryl and Dave provide insights into the importance of adapting terminology while preserving the core principles that have guided Grow for over 65 years. Whether you're a seasoned Grow leader or new to the community, this episode offers valuable perspectives on personal responsibility, growth, and the continuous improvement of support systems. Tune in to understand the significance of language evolution and how it impacts the effectiveness of mental health recovery programs.

Dave helps unpack where some of these guidelines and requirements came from in terms of lived experience from years of Grow meetings, mental health requirements and how to run effective groups. Particularly helpful to Group Organizers (but also for anyone), this episode takes a look behind some important elements and information for attending Grow group meetings. The new Booklet of the same name is available in your group (both online and in-person) and sets out guidelines, requirements rights and responsibilities of participating in grow's wondaful caring and sharing community.

A casual discussion on Outreach and networking externally with Sharon - Manager Grow Eastern Australia and Kate Manager NT.  Delving into what to do, things to say, what to know before you go and how to keep things simple, cheerful and based on what you know, namely, Grow Program principles!

A question that often gets asked in Grow groups with regard to our times of instant access information - "is there any need to learn Grow program by rote? (or by heart) is having access to it enough? Let's discuss the ins and outs. from our lived experience and our time in Grow group meetings.   

The Grow program is built on the lived experience and collective wisdom of many members and recoverers over many years. Consequently, the program is presented and shared with the emphasis on how 'we' made progress or how 'we' recovered, the implication being that if 'we' did, you can too.  In group we need to maintain this collective 'we' to allow all to participate and get help and support at their level whilst also being an integral part of the solutions for themselves and others.  - check it out.

This episode explores the different types of helping relationships identified by Grow and its members. Categorised simply as 'To' relationships, 'For' relationships and 'With' relationships. We discuss When the different types of helping is appropriate and relevant, (when it's not so helpful). Lastly, we discuss how-to aim for and develop the best type of help for ourselves and others in our peer to peer setting and friendships in Grow meetings.