The Trauma He Hid Behind the Jersey - Jono Kitto

In this episode, Rico sits down with Jono Kitto, a former professional rugby player, to explore the part of an athlete's life the world rarely sees, the emotional battles behind the performance. Together they unpack his journey with mental health, the deep need for affirmation from his father and how that shaped the way he approached rugby, relationships, and his identity. In this conversation we go deep into mental health, identity, trauma, revealing what happens when a significant trigger happens and what it takes to move forward with clarity, courage, and truth. This is a raw, vulnerable, and deeply human story. If you are an athlete, a high performer, or someone who has ever struggled with identity, trauma, or the pressure to be perfect, this episode will speak to you. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse. Listener discretion advised. About the Host Hosted by Rico Gomez, neuroscience coach and founder of NeuroFit. Rico helps people confront the emotional triggers that hold them back, build deeper self awareness, helping people win their mental game. Connect with Rico Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triggered__pod/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricogomez-mental-health/ Website: https://www.neurofit.co.nz/ Other ways to listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uLZDlCFusMwpIQFL1OrUb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/triggered/id1848724226 Join the Conversation Drop a comment below. What part of this story resonated with you the most? Your insights help us build a community of real people committed to growth. Disclaimer: This conversation discusses mental health and personal experiences. It is for informational and storytelling purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be taken as professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek a qualified mental health professional for support or guidance.