In this episode, I am joined by Tom Oxley, a workplace mental health consultant, trainer, and support specialist whose TEDx talk on mental health has inspired over three-quarters of a million viewers. Years ago, while forging a fast-paced career in advertising, marketing, and PR, Tom hit a wall. His relentless schedule and lifestyle eventually caused a profound mental health crisis, leaving him tearful, unable to focus, and uncertain where to turn for help.

In this candid conversation, Tom opens up about the early warning signs he ignored, the manager who finally urged him to seek help, and the confusion and loneliness he felt when handed a medical note reading “stress, anxiety, depression.” He also shares how a well-intentioned workplace can still fall short if they lack the right tools, knowledge, or empathy and why one supportive boss can make all the difference.

We explore the vital role of self-care, from getting enough sleep and movement to building “opposite activities” into daily life - pursuits that have nothing to do with work and everything to do with staying grounded. Tom offers practical insights for both employees and employers: how to recognise burnout in yourself or a colleague, the legal obligations companies have around stress risk assessments, and why a culture of openness matters more than any flashy wellness initiative.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that’s draining you or if you manage a team and wonder how to foster genuine mental well-being this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, personal stories, and hope for positive change. Join us as Tom reveals how he turned a life-altering crisis into a calling, becoming a go-to voice for healthier, more compassionate workplaces everywhere.

If you want to find out more about Tom visit his website: https://bamboomentalhealth.co.uk/.

You can find Tom’s TEDx talk here: Workplace Mental Health – What you need to know (for now).

In this powerful episode, Patrick Sperry reflects on how perfectionism created an endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction. From giving up a promising professional soccer career to chasing a dream of being a rock star in Hollywood (and a stint as David Beckham’s body double) his journey took him through heartache, creative highs, and personal reckoning. Along the way, yoga became a lifeline - initially a form of escape but ultimately a path to inner alchemy and profound self-discovery. Through the physical and spiritual practices of yoga, Patrick found new ways to engage with life, shifting from hyper-competitiveness to compassionate connection.

This episode also dives into the critical need for male role models and the importance of community as medicine. Our guest explores how modern isolation has fractured traditional spaces for emotional connection, urging men to step out of their comfort zones and into circles of vulnerability, growth, and shared purpose. Whether through yoga, meaningful conversations, or communal activities, he shares how embracing discomfort is key to integrating fragmented identities and discovering a deeper sense of belonging which he teaches today through his coaching and the Flourish Well-Being organisation.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by societal expectations, perfectionism, or a longing for something more, this episode offers a roadmap to rediscovering your authentic self. Join us for a conversation that bridges competition and compassion, ambition and acceptance, and isolation and connection - ultimately reminding us all of the transformative power of presence and community.

If you want to find out more about Patrick as a yoga, meditation and well-being coach ‘A path to a life you love’ visit https://www.patsperrylove.com/.

To find out more about Flourish Well-Being retreats and other programmes Patrick mentions then visit https://www.peaceloveflourish.com/.

Ever wondered how to stay calm and grounded while pivoting careers in the midst of chaos? Meet Adrian de Coursey, whose professional path took him from corporate strategy at Shell and Johnson & Johnson to running a small family business during the height of the global financial crisis. In this candid interview, Adrian reveals the high-stakes challenges he faced - burning the candle at both ends, juggling every aspect of the company, and grappling with the reality that his work-life boundaries had all but vanished.

Yet amid the turmoil, Adrian discovered the secret to thriving rather than just surviving: resilience. Drawing on lessons learned from sleepless nights and tough financial decisions, he breaks down the practical strategies that helped him regain control. From setting strict daily goals (his “most important tasks”), to instituting a digital sunset that protects his evening downtime, to embracing mind-clearing meditation before bed - Adrian leaves no stone unturned.

Throughout this episode, you’ll hear how he transformed adversity into growth and how he cultivated the mental fortitude essential for any entrepreneur (or mid-life career changer). Adrian also dives into the art of being “brutally objective”—knowing when to pivot, when to persist, and how to cut your losses fast. If you’re looking for an honest, inspiring conversation about managing stress, planning for big transitions, and truly knowing yourself so you can seize new opportunities, this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover:

• Why resilience is the #1 trait for navigating career pivots and entrepreneurship.
• How to compartmentalise tasks and find genuine work-life balance.
• The power of self-awareness in identifying (and leveraging) your strengths.
• Why failures and wrong turns can be priceless.
• scheduling your days, such as mediation, that can drastically reduce stress.

Join host Philip Briscoe and Adrian DeCoursey as they unpack the ups, downs, and actionable tools for building a fulfilling career on your own terms. If you’re seeking real talk on forging inner strength through life’s toughest moments, don’t miss this deep dive into resilience and reinvention.

Are you craving more energy, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose, yet somehow, you are caught in a cycle of “unshakable unhappiness”? In this illuminating conversation, I sit down with psychologist and Silicon Valley executive coach Dr. Adam Dorsey to explore how tapping into the power of authentic connection can transform every area of your life. Drawing on his personal journey and clinical experience with high-achieving men, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and global tech companies, Dr. Dorsey reveals why many of us—especially men—struggle to name and process our emotions, and how this disconnect can fuel anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.

Adam also introduces his groundbreaking framework from his new book, Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, explaining how these four pillars of connection - self, others, the world, and something greater - are the bedrock of genuine fulfilment. Along the way, we tackle the power of self-compassion (even Navy SEALs use it!), the science of gratitude for rewiring negative thought patterns, and the courage it takes to reshape your life - even when you feel stuck in a job or situation that seems unchangeable. If you’ve ever felt the gap between what you know and what you do, this conversation will inspire you to close it.

Listen and discover practical, research-backed ways to rewrite your inner script, harness your strengths, and step fully into the rich, connected life you deserve.

If you want to find out more about Adam, visit his website: dradamdorsay.com.

Adam’s TEDx talks are both available on YouTube: Friendships in Adulthood: 5 Things to Know, and Emotions: The Data Men Miss.

Adam’s book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love is available to buy on Amazon.

In this raw and powerful episode, we talk to Mike Skrypnek, an international bestselling author, men’s mental health advocate, CEO of Grow Get Give Coaching, and founder of the Unlimited Worth Project.

Once a successful investment manager, Mike reveals how a combination of unaddressed childhood trauma and the relentless pressure for achievement nearly drove him to end his life. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, as business collapsed and isolation tightened its grip, he found himself at a breaking point he never imagined possible. Forced to confront his past, he discovered that winning outwardly—earning status, wealth, and approval—could never quiet the inner turmoil he’d kept buried for decades.

In our conversation, he opens up about his journey from an accomplished boardroom persona to raw vulnerability, shedding light on the dangerous myths around masculinity and the unseen toll of high-performance culture. He shares how a single text to a trusted friend, a leap into therapy, and the unwavering support of family kindled happiness and a way forward. This episode challenges the stigmas that keep men silent and the suffering by exposing the emotional armour that so many men struggle to remove.

Join us as we explore the healing power of honest conversation, the courage required to seek professional help, and the role leaders—and peers—play in shaping environments where open dialogue and mental well-being are the norm, not the exception. In a world where we increasingly need more authentic connections, this powerful story proves that confronting the darkest moments in your life can illuminate a path toward genuine purpose, self-respect, and more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others around you.

If you want to find out more about Mike's work - his podcast, the UNLimited Worth project, 'Grow, Get, Give' coaching, and his books - visit his website: https://www.unlimitedworth.org/.

Join me for a powerful conversation with Craig Hamilton, a man whose life story transcends boundaries and stigma. A celebrated sports broadcaster and former coal miner, Craig faced his greatest challenge not underground or behind the microphone, but within himself. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a psychotic episode on the eve of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Craig has spent the past two decades turning his personal battles into a mission of awareness and hope.

In this episode, Craig opens up about his darkest moments, including a terrifying brush with suicide, and how he found the strength to rebuild his life. We delve into The Promise, his groundbreaking documentary that not only shares his story but amplifies the voices of others impacted by mental illness and suicide. With gripping interviews and a heartfelt call to action, The Promise shines a much-needed light on the realities of mental health, aiming to prevent the tragic loss of life that so often comes with silence.

Craig’s journey from denial to acceptance and from struggle to advocacy is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, education, or a sense of connection, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of hope—and perhaps the courage to make a promise of your own.

To find out more about Craig, visit his website https://craig-hamilton.com. Craig’s film, The Promise, is available to stream on Stan however you can only access it in Australia. You can watch the trailer on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTp-cOhqb18.

In this open and honest episode, we're joined by Patrick Donnelly, who discusses the often-unspoken struggles men face when the weight of life feels overwhelming and futile. Patrick bravely shares how anxiety and depression took root after becoming a father, amplifying his long-held belief that nothing he attempted would succeed. His story reveals the toll of a lifetime spent avoiding risks, taking the easiest paths, and resigning himself to failure before even trying.

Through therapy and a transformative moment of vulnerability—sharing a personal essay about his mental health on Facebook and then in the local newspaper—Patrick not only began to heal but also sparked a ripple effect of hope. His honesty inspired hundreds of men to seek help, proving that even when it feels futile, taking a single step forward can change everything. This episode is a powerful exploration of how to confront self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and redefine what it means to be brave. If you’ve ever felt like giving up before even starting, Patrick’s journey is proof that change is possible.

If you want to read Patrick's Facebook post of January 2017: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.donnelly.184/posts/pfbid0tzY2FRvjVfMbyfcZUWHKMf2NBuK5QqVSoBnP3T81SvDKwgETpT3wawQUz9NWsryvl

If you want to contact Patrick via social media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdonnelly612/

Finally, Patrick references the Gary Gulman special: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10409666/

In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the silent struggles many men face in expressing themselves—emotionally, verbally, and even creatively. Joined by Dr Danny Brassell, a dynamic speaker, author, and first and foremost, a teacher, we explore the roots of men’s anxiety around vulnerability, confidence, and connection.

Danny shares personal stories of overcoming a childhood stutter, life-changing encounters, and his transformative work with men in high-pressure careers and everyday life. From teaching literacy to helping executives conquer stage fright, Danny reveals the power of small steps and finding your voice—no matter your age or circumstances.

We tackle tough questions:

• Why do men bottle up emotions?
• How does society shape (or limit) men’s ability to open up?
• What simple strategies can men use to take their first steps toward self-expression and growth?

This is more than a conversation; it’s a call to action for mid-life men to break free from outdated norms, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover their potential. Whether you’re struggling with confidence, communication, or feeling stuck in life, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to change.

Listen in, laugh a little, and share with a man who needs to hear this.