You, Me & a Podcast

Pakesta Washington is a dedicated advocate for bipolar disorder awareness who speaks from a place of deep personal experience. As both a survivor of the condition and a highly accomplished professor, she opens up about the intricacies of her daily journey, providing an intimate look at the highs and lows of life with bipolar disorder while proving that a diagnosis.Her story is one of resilience and intellectual brilliance, designed to inspire listeners and dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health in the academic world and beyond.https://www.linkedin.com/in/pakesta-washington-msn-ed-rn-340539384/https://www.facebook.com/pakesta.washingtonhttps://washington-elite-nursing-consultants.my.canva.site/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pakesta-washington-msn-ed-rn-340539384/

From the trauma of an abusive childhood to greens of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida, Abby Pagud shares how she transformed the discipline of elite athletics and the scars of her past into a driving force for professional success. Now at the helm of Kapitol Health, she discusses finding her footing to a visionary entrepreneur redefining the landscape of health and wellness. She is the host of two podcasts; The Kapitol Life and Embracing the Wildhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6trjfRdh7Pw8p8KxOVCYE2?si=e22ce187d1da44bdhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3QuisVJKQKvWnA35vk4MJk?si=a071299ba6514e89

Ashley Garner joins the podcast and shares his unique upbringing, one of the only white children in a small Aboriginal community where him and his brother were barred from attending the local school then going to boarding school in Toowoomba.Ash talks about his incredible career path, covering his time traveling across the Territory to install signage in remote communities and his years spent on the water building a successful fish chartering business. Along the way, he shares stories from his brushes with fame as a guest on international hits like River Monsters and the grit required to run a commercial mudcrabbing operation. Now serving as a Councillor for the Roper Gulf Regional Council.https://youtu.be/zI3kgEhq8xk?si=HceWEr9NpnDt4gsQ

Frank Joseph is a seasoned journalist and author. From the grit of Chicago to the high-stakes corridors of Washington, D.C., Frank spent the 1960s and 1970s reporting on a nation in flux. He shares firsthand accounts of reporting from the streets during historic riots as well as navigating the capital during the unraveling of Watergate.Frank proves that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. After decades of reporting facts, he transitioned to fiction and became a published author in his sixties. He demonstrates how a lifetime of journalistic observation can fuel a powerful second act in storytelling.HOME - Frank S. Joseph

Gallo Chingo opens up in a raw personal conversation about his journey through intercourse addiction.Gallo talks about the challenges of his teens and 20s, reflecting on the years he spent struggling without the right support or understanding of his behavior. He shares the pivotal moment he found a path forward through Sober Recovery, offering a powerful look at the reality of addiction and the transformative strength found in seeking help.

Richard Tierney shares his powerful journey from his upbringing in Ireland to becoming a visionary in the field of spiritual healing. Richard opens up about childhood trauma, alcohol and gambling—addictions that once masked a "hole in the soul" left by his past. After finding initial relief through traditional 12-step programs, Richard realized that true recovery required addressing the deep-seated memories and "soul sabotage" that clinical methods often overlook.He discusses the development of his two transformative programs, Trauma Recovery Anonymous and its accompanying Healing Event, which utilize a unique 12-step spiritual framework combined with visualization and holistic practices. Richard shares how he now helps others break the chains of their history by returning the "baggage" of the past to its rightful owner, allowing them to finally live fully in the present. bookings: [email protected] This is the first part of this program, the giving back of the details, the baggage and all the dark energy back to our younger self, in a safe and non intrusive manner. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPM68FFQ The second part of the program is the 12 steps of Trauma Recovery Anonymous; the spiritual solution to break free of the dysfunctional learned behaviors of that diagnosis, which for many was a misdiagnosis. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPM5N1FN Understand our feelings and emotions are our first line of defense in the face of and danger[ real or imaginary] to take some form of action https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNGLW129 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550243353404https://www.facebook.com/thevictoryprinciple https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierney-therapy-b7a6441b6/https://www.instagram.com/tierneyrichardj/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TIERNEYTHERAPY

Tom from The Truth Tank Podcast, joins the pod for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. Tom opens up about the personal experiences and upbringing that shaped him, offering a raw look at his journey through mental health and the resilience required to find his voice.We explore the origins of his podcasting and how his deep-seated fascination with cinema, history and conspiracy theories fuels his creative process. You can find his podcast on all platforms - The Truth TankIG: @thetruthtank

Eugene Manley Jr. reflects on the twists and turns of his academic career and the inspiration behind SCHEQ, while opening up about navigating racism. He also shares the profound impact of his ADHD diagnosis, offering a raw and empowering perspective on how neurodiversity and identity shape the pursuit of health equity.

Kurt Sasso, the driving force behind the long-running entertainment show Two Geeks Talking.Kurt takes us through his incredible journey starting the podcast back in 2008, sharing stories from his upbringing in Canada and his deep-rooted passion for geek culture.With over 1,200 interviews under his belt, Kurt discusses his specialty in highlighting comic artists, filmmakers and musicians, providing them a space to share their "Eureka!" moments. He also gets personal about his career change at 33, returning to university to pursue visual arts and documentary filmmaking and how that leap of faith helped him evolve as a professional interviewer. Whether you’re a creator or a listener, Kurt’s insights into the world of podcasting and the importance of storytelling are not to be missed.Connect with Kurt SassoWebsite: TGTMedia.comPodcast: Two Geeks Talking (Podbean)YouTube: TGT MediaTwitter/X: @KurtSassoInstagram: @KurtSassoLinktree: linktree.com/twogeekstalking

Anjan shares his powerful journey from navigating the high-pressure academic culture of India to adjusting to life and career in the USA. Drawing from his experience as a software architect and his life-altering transition to the States, he discusses the mental frameworks necessary to turn intense pressure into professional clarity.Drawing from the insights shared in his viral TEDx talk, Anjan discusses how he now empowers Gen Z employees to stand out in the workplace by mastering their emotional clarity and overcoming the "perfectionist" mindset. We dive into his unique strategies for helping young professionals navigate corporate life with confidence, turning the stress of high expectations into a powerful catalyst for leadership and career growth. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjan-kasi-sampath/https://www.instagram.com/anjansampathhttps://youtu.be/YD2FH0aHCSgwww.anjankasispeaks.com

Former NBA All-Star James Donaldson joins the podcast and discusses his incredible transition from professional basketball to mental health advocacy. James played in the NBA at the Seattle Supersonics and Dallas Mavericks as well as playing professionally in Europe for six years. He then went to open his own business in Seattle after he retired from basketball.James opens up about the private battles he faced. He shares his vulnerable journey through depression and wanting to end his own life.James then got help through professionals and through close friends. He talks about how he got the help and what he does now in discovering his mission behind his Gift of Life Foundation and the insights from his book.James explores his work in suicide prevention and his dedication to helping others find a path to healing and purpose. This conversation is a powerful look at resilience, the importance of mental health awareness and the reality that your greatest victory can happen off the court.

25 episodes in and it’s finally time for a solo episodeTo celebrate this milestone, I’m sitting down to answer your burning questions. From deep truths to random trivia and everything in between.Huge thanks for sending these in. Let's dive in!

Willie Thornton is a Missouri-based DJ known as Wild Willie and host of the moving podcast, "Soul Impact: How Music Saved Us." Willie explores music as a lifeline, but today, he is sharing his own deeply personal story for the very first time. Willie's journey began with a rough and abusive childhood, and he found his essential coping mechanism and enduring love in music. He has faced immense challenges, including a battle with alcohol, the breakdown of his marriage, struggles with mental health and even time spent in jail. He emerged on the other side as a stronger, better man. I thank Willie for his courage in opening up and sharing his life and how music became the ultimate source of your resilience. Podcast is available on all platformsInstagram: soul_impact_hmsu

Oya Obinidodo is a rapper, author, filmmaker and content creator from Virginia. Oya shares her incredible story of resilience, from being a teen mom to courageously surviving and escaping domestic violence in three relationships. She also gives us an inside look at how she generates the ideas for her popular content.Don't miss the conversation with the author of Living Around Dangerous Human Predators and How to survive Them Part 2 and the artist behind the albums Not Your Property and The Ruff Owtdowz.Instagram: @OyaobinidodoWebsite: No Females Allowed

Dean Conway is friend from the gym and has always been a funny guy. However, he shares his story of his battle with depression and how he hid it for many years by putting on a happy face.Dean talks about his struggles and inner battles he went through within his own mental health. This episode is quite deep, and I thank Dean for opening up and sharing his story.Dean talks about how he gets through his battles and what support he has to get through it. He also talks about his upbringing, his career and his family.This is a different side of Dean I have seen, and I appreciate him being vulnerable and talking about his struggle with mental health.

Tom Keevers shares his story publicly for the first time. In May 2009, Tom lost his younger brother, Henry, along with two other teenage boys, Hamish Stewart and William Hutchison, in a tragic car accident.In this raw and honest conversation, Tom reveals the impact of this loss and emphasizes that the power of his support network which helped him immensely.He explains how vital his friends and family were in helping him process the grief, proving that healing is a journey you don't have to face alone.

Kate Lee shares her journey from working in the Tourism industry to being a Teacher. Kate's opens up on how she went to Police to make a statement on her first day of teaching and before teaching her first class.Kate talks about what high school teaching is like now and how important looking the student's wellbeing is. Kate also talks about how teachers are more than just educators.Kate and I know each other from high school together so we share some stories and catch up after almost 20 years since school.

Kevin Johnston joins me for a deeply personal and raw conversation. Kevin has kept his painful and chaotic childhood a secret and, in this episode, he finally shares his story publicly for the first time. The content is heavy at times, but it's also a powerful testament to his incredible resilience.Kevin opens up about the struggles of his past and how he has managed to maintain a positive outlook on life today. We also discuss his time as a full-time streamer for the video game Counter-Strike and the challenges of co-parenting his daughter.We take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our high school days and I am truly grateful to Kevin for his courage in sharing such an intimate part of his life. His story is a remarkable example of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Dean Cooper is an advocate for anti-domestic and family violence as well as toxic masculinity amongst men.Dean first pursued a professional career in Rugby which he cut short. After trying a few difference courses at University, Dean found Criminology as the one that stuck and went on to work for the criminal justice system. After a few years, Dean found his passion in raising awareness against domestic and family violence and help address perpetrating violence amongst men. Dean is also an amazing dad and husband who devotes himself to his family.

Will Craig from the Podcast 'Sunday Reset w/ Will & friends' joins me on the pod and shares his incredible story of being diagnosed at birth with a health condition called Hydrocephalus where the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain is built up and can cause damage to the brain tissue. Will talks about the mechanical device that helps drain the fluid but can break at anytime at which leaves him with 8 hours to live untils replaced. Will opens up about living with the condition and how it's made him want to excel.Will also talks about his struggles with his mental health and what he does therapeutically through his writing, by starting his blog, publishing a book then eventually his podcast. Will is a huge advocate in raising awareness for mental health especially with men.Will opens up about a tragic story of his girlfriend at the time passing away very unexpectedly and the toll it took on him.I am a huge fan of Will and his content. Please check out his IG @mental_health_with_will, his blog, his book and his podcast.

Mel Morris has a funny and unique social media presence which shows videos of herself and creates gym content to help people go into fitness or to the gym who might feel insecure or self-conscious about their body. Her videos are modest and have no shame. Mel receives several regular messages about how much her videos help her.She also posts for the gym clothing brand LSKD as an online creator which she talks about how she got into it.Mel also talks about her upbringing, her career working as a childcare worker and how the industry has changed over time.Mel opens up and shares her story of being a survivor of domestic violence as well as sexual assault. She talks about her mental health and how she was in a dark place for years. She also shares about her trying to take her own life and then getting the right help afterwards. I appreciate her courage talking about it as she mentions hardly anyone knows about her.It's amazing how far Mel has come and after everything, she still shows up and keeps working and progressing in a positive direction.Please find her pages IG and TikTok @Melcatraz

Chad from the Cheers Big Ears Podcast jumps on and talks about his upbringing, why he started his podcast and his love for pop culture.Started in 2018, the podcast started as Chad and his co-host talking about whatever whilst having several drinks. Now it's less about drinking and more about talking.We both get talk about mental health and why men struggle with asking for help when needed.Such a great guest to have on and was so much fun talking with himPlease check out Cheers Big Ears Podcast on all platforms.IG @Cheersbigearspodcast

Mikey is a mental health advocate based in Wisconsin and has his own podcast called Mikey on Mute which is about mental health and breaking the stigma,On the episode, Mikey talks about his upbringing, how he was brought up to be a man and what that looked like.The impact his parents separating had and then his mum being diagnosed with brain cancer. She bravely lived another 7 years after that. Mikey then talks about his battle with his mental health and shares a story of when he tried to kill himself. He is grateful everyday he didn't go through with it and is getting the help through therapy and his inner circle.Please check out his podcast and his IG mikey_on_mute_podcast

Beverley is the host of 'The Ready Set Share Podcast' which she talks to others about their healing journey and their lives.Beverley opens up on the episode about her upbringing, having emotionally immature parents which impacted her mental health. She also talks about how she never found herself not fitting in at school which made it harder.Starting in a career in banking, Beverley then changed over to Corrections for a few years and is not working as a life coach where she helps others with their journey and healing.Please check out her podcast.IG the.rsspodcasthummingbird_energy_healing

Rory is a published author with over 15 children's books and many more to come. Rory talks about how started his journey as an author.Rory and his family sailed across the world visiting many countries when Rory was 9. Rory shares some cool stories and what life is like sailing across the globe with your family whilst doing distance education and experiencing the life at sea.At 13, Rory came back to Australia where he found it hard to fit in at school. At first, it was tough especially because he was bullied. Rory shares about the struggles but opens up about how he got through it and learnt how to get out of his comfort zone..Rory is my best friend whom I have known for many years. We briefly talk about that. He has had such a unique life and has a cool perspective on life which is why we are friends. We could of talked for hours, Rory has more stories to tell so maybe another episode is on the cards.Please find his work IG @roryhmatherauthorFacebook Rory H. Mather Website Rory H. Mather – Children's AuthorAll his books can be found online or Dymock Book Stores (Australia)

Laura and Bridget from the book loving Podcast 'Talk Lit Get Hit', both talk about how they started their Podcast, what makes them going as well as their love for books.Laura and Bridget met in Kindy and became close friends in High School where they shared the same quirky taste in music.Talking and reviewing books has brought hundreds of other people captivated in their words. Its a great Podcast and very funny too.Please check them out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms .IG @talklit.gethit

Jason shares and opens up about losing his wife to cancer and having to raise two young kids as a single parent.Jason talks about how he managed with the grief for him and the kids, what he did for himself and for his kids to get through that period to ensure no one missed out on anything.At the age of 62, Jason still goes to the gym on a regular basis which he talks about the reasons why he keeps going.I appreciate Jason coming onto the episode and sharing his story. He is so incredible how positive his mindset is.

Send us a textWhy I asked Jake to be on the podcast is because of his amazing journey with overcoming mental and physical challenges.Jakes talks about getting hit by a car whilst cycling which took a toll on his body and mind. It then made it hard for him to walk and be mobile ultimately leading to him putting on 50 kilograms and weighing 135 kilograms.Jakes opens up about how he lost the 50 kilograms from fitness and his hardened determination.An absolute pleasure having Jake on and truly inspiring.

Send us a textArmando is a doctor and runs a Youtube Channel called Armando Hasudungan which he illustrates tutorials on  medicines and biology.Armando talks about growing up in Indonesia, going to boarding school in Australia at the age of 11 and living in Japan as a Teenager.Armando shares about why he started to do medicine and how he started his Youtube channel.Such a great and fun episode, Armando and I went to High School together so it was really good catching up with him.Please check out his work;http://www.youtube.com/@armandohasudunganhttp://Armandoh.orgInstagram @armandohasudungan

Send us a textKieran is a guy I went to High School who is such a big advocate in raising awareness for mental health. He is big into fitness and has set a world record with three other people.Kieran is a former chef and talks about how he changed careers over a decade and then made the transition into working with at risk youths.Please reach out for help if you are experiencing mental health or reach out to someone who might be dealing with mental health issues. In the episode, Kieran and I talk about how much of an impact it has when someone reaches out for help.

Send us a textTrevor Vanstone is an actor with that has over 10 years of acting experience. Trevor has worked on a variety of live shows, advertisements, TV shows and a Movie.Trevor talks about how he got into acting and the journey getting into the acting scene.Coming from a manual laboring work history, Trevor is not your typical actor. He talks about how he breaks the actor stereotypes. Trevor and his family moved from Zimbabwe to Australia when he was 12. He talks about the differences and the culture shock.Please have a look at Trevor's work. He is such a talented actor. 

Send us a textChris Nicol is a health and sports performance business coach. He has an online coaching program which helps others achieve their goals.Chris talks about how he has experienced mental health challenges along the way and how he uses to his advantage. Please look him up on social media and LinkedIn. https://www.instagram.com/peak_performance1985?igsh=ODBrbm80anRoM21mhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-n-47b9104a

Send us a textBen describes himself as an alcoholic who has been sober coming 8 years. Ben opens up about how dealing with his battle of alcoholism and what he did to get sober. Ben speaks about how he maintains his sobriety today and managing it one day at a time.Ben is very keen to help others whom may have difficulty with alcoholism. He talks about the importance of reaching out and getting help.Ben is very big into exercise, breathwork and yoga. In 2023, Ben went to India to complete a four-week course that entails becoming an internation recognized yoga instructor. He shares about how important yoga is to his daily life and what it can do for his health overall.

Send us a textMitch is a butcher, a personal trainer and recent film graduate. He talks about how he pursued each career and the challenges with each one.Mitch talks how important mental health is and how community can have such a positive impact on mental health.Always reach out or ask for help when it comes to mental health.

Send us a textJess is a woman of many talents and has followed her passions in dancing, fitness, long distancing running and photography.She talks about her journey of moving to another state and living in Melbourne at the age of 17 to pursue a passion in dancing. She also talks about how she got into fitness and running a 100km ultramarathon in less than 12 hours placing 6th overall.Jess is also a mum of three and has a photography business that she started in 2021. She talks about what it means for her when she captures moments that are heartfelt and meaningful for others. Enjoy the episode. 

Send us a textLachie Davis or LD, is the owner of the gym The Bar in Toowoomba. Lachie talks about how he was a Personal Trainer before owning the gym and what goes into running a gym.Lachie also talks about being a Personal Trainer and how he got started as one. He also talks about getting out of his comfort zone and competes in a Bodybuilding competition. He also talks about fitness and what works for him as well as maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle.Thank you Lachie for doing this episode, I had fun talking with you.

Send us a textWelcome to "You, Me, and a Podcast." My name is Sam, and I am the host.In each episode, I’ll be sitting down with guests from all walks of life to uncover their stories and insights. This podcast is all about creating a space for honest dialogue, where we can celebrate our differences and discover what connects us.Why am I doing this? I’ve always been fascinated by how people’s experiences shape their views. There is so much we can learn from one another, and I want to highlight voices that often go unheard.If you’re looking for inspiration, fresh perspectives or just a great chat, you’re in the right place.