Surviving the Tsunami: A Story of Trauma, Resilience & Hope | Inspired Men Talk Podcast ft. James Newell

In this episode of Inspired Men Talk, we speak with James Newell, a business owner and father of three, who shares his astonishing story of surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. But this is far more than just a survival story — it’s a deeply human account of overcoming childhood trauma, processing grief following the suicide of a parent, battling anxiety, and ultimately finding healing through therapy and connection.James opens up with raw honesty, warmth, and even humour, offering insights into trauma recovery, the power of choosing your response, and why he considers himself one of the lucky ones.Whether you’re seeking inspiration, emotional wellbeing support, or simply a story of remarkable resilience, this episode is not to be missed.💬 Topics include:Men’s mental health & emotional wellbeingSurviving trauma and natural disasterCoping with grief and lossThe power of CBT and counsellingBreaking generational cycles & positive parenting🧠 Empowering conversations that remind us it’s okay to speak up. You’re not alone.🔗 Connect with James Newell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnewell/ Business: https://clearsalesmessage.com📩 Looking for support? Visit [your website or resource here] for a free initial consultation and access to our wellbeing resources.🕒 Timeline / Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Inspired Men Talk 02:00 – Meet James Newell 04:20 – Early trauma: losing his father to suicide 08:30 – Travelling solo to reset life 13:00 – Christmas on Phi Phi Island 18:20 – The tsunami strikes: James’ near-death experience 28:45 – Escaping the island and the aftermath 38:00 – Returning home & recovery 43:00 – Mental health struggles and therapy 49:10 – Rebuilding with CBT 54:40 – Fatherhood, purpose & breaking the cycle 1:01:00 – The power of choosing your response 1:07:30 – Final reflections & advice 1:10:00 – How to connect with James