The Reality Check Podcast

Look after yourself as a matter of priority this Christmas. The added social and financial pressure of this time of year can be the tipping point for those of us with mental illness or a history or trauma. In this episode I discuss why this happens, and what you can do to manage yourself this festive season! How To Get Your Sh!t Together is out now! If this episode has resonated with you, I would...

Today I am joined by Fred Saleeba . He shares the his journey of escaping the monotony of regular life, into one of vagabonding - travelling the world for the sake of travel, no destination, no base, just for the experience. This interview gets quite personal with Fred discussing issues with (and how he is working on) self confidence and forming new relationships. Books mentioned: Vagabonding &amp...

“ Believe it or not, I wrote this story about you. Yes, you. The person reading this right now. True, I don’t know your name, where you were born or what you do for work, but that doesn’t really matter. I am going to be honest. I like you, the real you that is. The you that exists beyond those small details.” Read the rest of your story here If this episode has resonated with you, I would love you...

This episode has three parts. 1) I give a preview reading of my next blog post titled “If someone opens up about their trauma - believe them!” 2) I answer three Patreon supporter questions 3) Updates on the progress of How To Get Your Sh!t Together, as well as some other housekeeping. Enjoy! If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Click here to find out more about my 1:...

After posting a picture on social talking about the risk factors for suicide, I was DM’d by multiple men. They told me that due to the new PC culture, they felt victimised and unworthy of support - particularly relating to mental health, and that this was contributing to their suicidal feelings. This podcast is my response for them. If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support...

Social media is a double edged sword. It is an amazing tool to catch up, connect and dispel feelings of loneliness, however it comes at a cost. It exposes you to the unfiltered thoughts of others. On occasion, this will be triggering. Worse still, you never know when this will occur. Today I was faced with a status claiming that mental illness was not real - clearly this hits home and is something...

If you suffer from a chronic illness, but don’t want to let that stop you from following your dreams, this episode is for you. Kelly Paris joins me on the podcast to discuss how she manages her chronic illness (fibromyalgia +) yet still manages to follow her dreams. We discuss the importance of finding a good therapist, focusing on your ‘why’, taking rest days when needed, learning to rely on your...

The following five things have done wonders for my mental health - they have become daily musts. In this episode I discuss why they have made such a massive difference in my life, and why you should try them for yourself. 1) Exercise 2) Meditation 3) Cut sugar and caffeine 4) Writing 5) Meaningful activities - Meditation Book: ‘ The Mind Illuminated ’ If this episode has resonated with you, I woul...

As a small thank you to my Patreon supporters, I answer their questions as a Podcast, Blog, or Video. Today I am answering 4 questions here: - How do you manage relationships when one person has a mental illness? - I struggle to talk when I am depressed. How can I express myself better? - What can I do if my illness cannot be treated? - How can I find work with acquired brain injury, and how do I...

In this episode I share part 2 of my second book ‘Upgrade’. A flock of Naturals struggle to survive in an increasingly Integrated world … ”The Priest winced as he got down on to his knees and began to pray. The years of prostration had taken its toll on his old joints, yet he never complained. He recounted the stories, lit the candles and performed the rituals, as was dictated by his tradition.” I...

Despite the fact that 1 in 5 people are currently suffering from a mental illness (1 in 2 over the lifespan), mental illness is highly stigmatised. In this episode I delve deep into the possible causes and solutions to this stigma. I also talk about dealing with the possibility of ‘attention seekers’ or ‘fakers’ as well as how to best ensure that your family and friends know you will be there for...

In this episode I share chapter two of my first book 'Under The Influence - Reclaiming My Childhood' ”I always knew that my dad was an addict, but it took me a while to truly understand the difference between my dad and my friends’ dads. However, as I moved from primary school into high school, the differences became more and more apparent ..." Under The Influence is out now as an eBook, Paperback...

Shihan Cameron Quinn has been training Kyokushin Karate for 47 years. He has worked with elite athletes, sporting teams and professional martial artists. He is a best selling author, and does speaking engagements and training seminars around the world. In this episode, we discuss mental toughness in training, the benefits of martial arts for mental health, maintaining a positive attitude, overcomi...

Ava is a two year old girl who is receiving treatment for Stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma. This is a very aggressive form of cancer, with a survival rate of 40%. If Ava's chemotherapy treatments are successful, she faces a 75% chance of relapse with in 6 months - unless she receives a trial vaccine. Despite amazing results, the vaccine it is currently not receiving funding, leaving family and frie...

At 26 years old Toby Carr underwent spinal surgery to address a large disc extrusion at C6/C7 (the base of the neck). “The worst case scenario is you’ll never walk again … and you’ll have limited use of your arms and hands.” In this episode, we discuss the events leading up to the surgery, his mental state throughout, and his post surgery recovery process. Links mentioned: - Spinal Surgery at 26 -...

Balancing mental illness with your identity can be quite hard - how much of yourself should you share? The impact of stigma, judgement and the chance for a fall back into a mental health crisis all impact how you respond when someone asks if you are okay. In this episode I talk about the desire to hide your mental illness when it is bad, yet share your mental illness when you are well. I also disc...

I’m an introvert. That means I prefer quieter social gatherings and work places, and fewer but deeper connections. In this episode I talk about how I ensure that I remain social and guard my mental state, as well as offer advice to people to find their ideal job doing something they love, rather than forcing themselves to work doing something they despise. Upgrade Under The Influence If this episo...

In this episode I share part 1 of my second book ‘Upgrade’. "Enter a dystopic future where integration with technology may cost us our humanity. A bleak prediction of a world where consumerism and technological advancement has been taken to the extreme." I will be releasing a chapter here each month, so stay tuned, but if you would like to own a copy now, it is available as an eBook, Paperback &am...

It is vital to first notice the warning signs of a mental illness coming on and then take action to best guard your mental state. In this episode share the ups and downs of this week - talking about how I manage my mental state, both in the short and long term. How do you guard your mental state? How To Get Your Sh!t Together If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Clic...

In this episode, I interview Tanila De Silva about his ‘fuelling positivity’ approach to life. ”You can’t eradicate negativity, it is a fact of life that has to be accepted. All that you can do is promote greater positivity” I got a lot from this discussion and I know you will as well! Check him out on Instagram and Twitter @TanilaDeSilva If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your s...

In this episode, I talk about my experiences with mental illness, recovery, psychologists, medication and overcoming the embarrassment of seeking help. ​​​​​​​ If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self harm or suicidal thoughts, please seek help - there are support services and treatments options that work, as well as people that care. You just need to take that first step. Mindfulness/...

It is a real challenge to overcome addiction - it involves far more than simply ‘not using’. In this episode, I elaborate on that challenge as well as provide some advice for those who want to quit (or make any positive change in their life) “Upgrade” - SCI-FI/Dystpoic Fiction "How To Get Your Sh!t Together" - Self- Help If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Click her...

If you don't try, you are guaranteed to fail - that's a fact. If you do fail, it is not the end of the world, provided that you learn from it. Take every loss as an opportunity for growth, and you wont be losing for long. "How To Get Your Sh!t Together" If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Click here to find out more about my 1:1 coaching & counselling sessions.

Take action to first determine how different life events impact your mental state, then work to add more of the positive impacts and cut as much of the negative impacts as possible. "How To Get Your Sh!t Together" If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Click here to find out more about my 1:1 coaching & counselling sessions.

Mental Illnesses and chronic conditions often can't be 'seen' - they are 'invisible'! The only way to #endMHstigma is through sharing our stories and experiences. Links mentioned: Share Your Story What Depression Feels Like What Anxiety Feels Like If this episode has resonated with you, I would love your support . Click here to find out more about my 1:1 coaching & counselling sessions.