Brainwaves

Morgan Carpenter, activist and researcher from Organisation Intersex International Australia comes on the show to talk about OII Australia and the intersex community. Intersex people are born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit medical norms for female or male bodies. Morgan discusses stigma, mental health and supports available for intersex individuals.

Carlo Laruccia is a passionate mental health and wellbeing advocate, and today on the show Carlo talks about his lived experience of mental health, recovery and human connection.

Interview with author of My Happy Sad Mummy about helping children understand the effects of Bipolar disorder in parents.

This week Brainwaves has Felice Jacka on the show, Associate Professor at Deakin University and President of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research and the Australian Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders. Felice discusses her research around the role of diet and nutrition as it relates to mental health disorders. Felice also explains the ways in which people’s moo...

This week, Brainwaves members Daniel and Kathy both chat about their experiences of living with social anxiety. Daniel and Kathy very effortlessly bring to light an experience that many people with mental health issues identify with and help to normalise the experience known as social anxiety.

Consumer consultant/advocate and researcher Alan Pinchez comes on the show to talk about his experience with mental health and how this drove him to join the consumer movement in an attempt to improve services. Alan talks about the value of peer workers and peer support, and the benefits of lived experience.

Phil Pyke, veteran and peacekeeper comes on the show to talk about the experience of mental health issues for peacekeepers upon their return to Australia. Phil talks about the historical and social context of peacekeeping, the consequences of living in war zones and mental health implications for veterans.

Brainwaves hosts a range of guests, Siretti from the organisation In Our Own Words, and Natasha and Heeba, from AFRO Care. In Our Own Words is a grass roots production that encourages the development of young people of Afro decent, those living in the diaspora and those living on the African continent – through Self-awareness, de-colonial thinking and community empowerment. Natasha and Heeba talk...

Guest director Jay Richards comes on the show this week to talk about his documentary Ray of Light. The Ray of Light documentary looks to shine a light on youth anxiety, depression and suicide. The documentary reveals the world of today’s teenagers by openly exploring the issues of schoolyard and social media bullying, depression, anxiety, self- harm and cutting, rejection, social isolation, sexua...

Louisa Dent Pearce shares her Lived Experience and talks about her early episode of mental health issues, exploration into healing and recovery, and giving back to others

This week on Brainwaves, Minto Felix, founding member of Australians for Mental Health and Mental Health Programs Coordinator at Monash University, comes on the show to talk about the national advocacy campaign. Australians for Mental Health, aims to address the chronic shortage of funding and services for mental health in Australia, and help end the stigma and shame associated with seeking help f...

Neil Cole has a long and storied career history. After founding the Flemington Legal Service and working to support the local community for seven years, he then ran for, and won, the seat of Melbourne in federal parliament. In 1993, Neil received a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which was leaked to the public by his political enemies, forcing him to resign his position and be open about his...

Suzanne Hurley, a senior counsellor from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) comes on the show in light of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Week (Nov 15-22). Suzanne explains the differences between perinatal, antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression, supports and resources available for people who may be experiencing problems, friends and family, early warning signs and the s...

Dorothy Gilmour (Wheller) is a Grief and Loss counseller and lecturer at Swinburne University. On today's show, Dorothy joins the program to talk about grief following death, different forms of grief and loss and the link between mental illness and grief.

Professor Mike Slade of Nottingham University joins Brainwaves to talk recovery and person centred care in mental health. Professor Slade recently co-authored a research paper with Dr Eleanor Longden on the empirical evidence about mental health recovery, comissioned by MI Fellowship.

In the last of the Headspace curated series of shows, this week's program explores the lived experience of two young men, exploring mental health from 2 unique perspectives. In Part 1 of the program Mark explores self care when managing depression and anxiety, and in Part 2 Damian discusses mental health and healing in the context of family.

The second installment of our Headspace curated shows, this week we discuss disparity in youth service provision and non-binary gender through two compelling personal accounts.

This week’s informative program explored the perspectives of two radical young women living with Autism. The show looked at how diagnosis, perceptions and stigma have shaped their lived experiences and mental health.  The show also showcased the strength and resilience of young people in reclaiming identity and living outside diagnosis.  

'Celebrating Mental Health' - celebrating Brainwaves and all things mental health related. On today's show we are celebrating the anniversary of Brainwaves 5th Birthday and Mental Health Week 2015. Guest, Ben Rinaudo, creater and founder of Brainwaves talks about the origins of the program and what inspired its genesis. The Brainwaves team pick their favourite show highlights and reflect on the po...

Dan McGuiness, Mick Seymour and Adam Pollock from the BiPolar Bears in the Wild@heART Community showcase their music, discuss the origins of the band, their influences and how music and arts can be used as an outlet for recovery from mental health issues.

Australian comedian, writer, actor and Ambassador for Beyond Blue, Tom Ballad comes on the show to discuss his lived experience of mental illness and his sexuality. Tom specifically talks about the impact of society on young people who may be coming to terms with their sexuality. Tom discusses the relationship between comedy and mental illness, and utilizing comedy as a platform for discussing men...

John Watkins discusses his latest book "Unshrinking Psychosis" and discusses the significance of dreams and spirituality in our understanding of the experience of psychosis.