Behind the Badge

In this episode, we speak with Shaun Phillip—founder of the mental health movement The Shaka Project. What began as a personal battle with mental ill-health has grown into a nationwide platform for change, using "conversation starters," workshops, and community events to break the stigma around mental health. Shaun shares his personal story, the moments that nearly broke him, and the mission that...

In this episode, we sit down with James Geering—former firefighter, qualified Exercise Physiologist, stuntman, author, and the voice behind the Behind the Shield Podcast. James shares his journey from frontlines to podcast host, and the passion that drives his mission to support first responders and their families. With over 1000 episodes under his belt, James reflects on what he’s learned from so...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Chris Thompson-Lang—Army veteran and co-founder of Frontline Yoga. Chris shares his experiences from early childhood, including domestic violence, his 14 years of military service, including deployment to Afghanistan, and the mental health struggles that followed. We explore how contemplative practices like yoga became a lifeline in his healing journ...

In this episode, we speak with Mali Briggs—first responder and founder of Aussie Frontline, an organization dedicated to supporting those who serve on the frontlines. Mali shares insights from his 16 years of experience in the field, shedding light on the challenges faced by first responders in creating a positive and supportive community. We discuss the importance of culture, connection, and how...

In this episode, we chat with Mandy, a former Queensland Police Service officer who left her career as a forensic scientist at the peak of her health and wellbeing. Mandy shares her insights into the science of stress—what it is, how it impacts our minds and bodies, and most importantly, how we can manage it. With her experience in policing and forensics, Mandy offers practical strategies for mana...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Pronk, Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) recipient and former Commanding Officer of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), to explore the concept of resilience. Ben shares his experiences from two decades of service, including his deployments to Timor Leste, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and how resilience became his cornerstone in overcoming the toughest challenge...

In this episode, we chat with Sam Parkhouse about the holistic wellness retreats created specifically for injured New South Wales Fire and Rescue staff. Sam explains the importance of providing a safe space for first responders to heal—physically, mentally, and emotionally—after the demanding and traumatic nature of their work. We explore the power of retreat-style recovery programs and the ways t...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience with Lee “Cheesy” Cheesman as he explains how the brain plays a critical role in mental health. Lee unpacks the science behind mental wellness, how our brains are wired, and the ways this knowledge can help us better understand mental health challenges. We explore practical insights from neuroscience that can aid in healing, resil...

In this deeply personal episode, Jordan shares the emotional journey of his fathers battle with mental health. Jordan opens up about the challenges of living with a loved one who is struggling, the emotional toll of losing his father. We discuss the importance of understanding mental health from a familial perspective and how having these tough conversations can help break the silence surrounding...