93. Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Why You’re Not Alone - Sean Philip

Join us for a raw and deeply honest conversation with Sean Phillip—founder of The Shaka Project, mental health advocate, and former gym owner—as he shares his personal journey through depression, suicidal ideation, and the life-changing power of vulnerability. What started as a small community initiative is now a national movement challenging how men talk about mental health and connection.In this episode, Sean opens up about building his business while silently struggling, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how reshaping support systems can save lives. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or friend—this episode will challenge you to rethink what strength really looks like and how to show up for the people you love.About our guest:Sean Phillip is the founder of The Shaka Project, a national mental health movement reshaping conversations around suicide prevention, masculinity, and emotional wellbeing—especially for young men. After two decades in the fitness industry and his own experience with mental health challenges, Sean launched Shaka to help others feel safe, seen, and supported. Today, he speaks at schools, sporting clubs, and conferences across Australia, inspiring individuals and communities to prioritize vulnerability, connection, and meaningful change.Follow Our Guest:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shaka_project/Website: https://beacons.ai/theshakaprojectFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:19 - From personal trainer to mental health advocate04:50 - Creating The Shaka Project to spark real conversations07:15 - Suicidal ideation, shame, and the power of shared stories10:53 - Starting with vulnerability: a leadership tool for change14:19 - Why young men are afraid to be seen as weak18:10 - The identity crisis in modern masculinity22:30 - How social media and society are impacting young boys27:12 - Why labeling youth is dangerous—and what to do instead31:28 - Supporting teens without shame or silence34:06 - Tools to recover from low states and emotional triggers38:03 - When media glamorizes dysfunction but ignores solutions41:09 - How reality TV and online bullying influence real-life harm44:12 - We created the toxicity—now our kids are paying for it48:14 - Teaching kids emotional intelligence through creativity51:06 - Trauma, upbringing, and why bullies are often in pain54:16 - Redefining the influencer: it starts in your own circle58:15 - What The Shaka Project is doing across regional Australia01:02:20 - Rethinking mateship: replacing beer with conversation01:06:32 - Small-town outreach vs big-city support01:08:06 - What success means now: presence, peace, and parenting01:10:19 - Sean’s biggest teacher: his younger self and his daughter01:13:07 - The hardest lesson: when working hard made him a worse dad01:16:19 - Why your mental health matters more than your job title01:18:07 - Redefining leadership, fatherhood, and what really lasts