On Episode 78, Sunny Bahuguna sits with Chris Burnett.

In 2020, Chris started a personal project to reconnect with people in his life. It started with weekly calls to catch up. Then, he began asking if he could interview them about their lives.

To date, Chris has recorded more than 75 conversations. After seeing the impact this project had on himself and his people, he decided to share the idea with a broader audience. His book, Conversations: Connecting with People in Our Lives, was released in November.

Funnily enough, I was introduced to Chris by a mutual friend, another Chris, whom we have had on the podcast. Having these deep conversations with people we care about is so important. It strengthens our relationships and allows us a better perspective of our people and ourselves.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Chris’s earlier years: Struggling with bullying, growing up Scottish and being vulnerable in a masculine environment, and his relationship with his father.
• Chris’s project: how it began (catching up with one person a week) and how that grew into him reaching out for recorded interviews, and then, a book
• Interview format – the wording Chris used during his initial contact, and how he structures the phone conversations
• How these deep conversations can help the person “interviewed” feel special, and how the interviews rekindled lots of relationships for Chris
• My personal story on my relationship with friends and family
• How the experience helped Chris learn about his friends and family and reflect on his own life and childhood

Chris has invited us all to reach out to someone to reconnect, invite them out or call them on the phone. Let them know you want to catch up and find out how they are, showing them that they are important to you. You get to remind them of their worth, and in that, you will feel yours.

Podcast is available wherever you get your episodes - Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. 💙

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There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

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As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

On Episode 77, Sunny Bahuguna sits with Terry Cornick.

In his early 20s, Terry was coming home from work every few months feeling “seriously depressed and suicidal”. He grew up in a “stoic” British environment where he was accustomed to burying his feelings. Feeling like he needed a change in his life, Terry followed his friend to Australia.

But even on Australian soil, he suffered the old combo of depression and anxiety for much of his life. Terry, now a father of 3, through a personal journey, decided to host a BBQ in the park for other men to have somewhere to go and chat about things like mental health issues. Little did he know, that would eventually turn into a very successful, helpful, nationwide grassroots charity called Mr. Perfect.

“I'm not religious in any way but I feel like someone has given me three boys and it’s my mission to raise them in a way that is loving and caring, knowing they have all the resources available when they feel upset.”

Hope you enjoy the listen as much as I enjoyed speaking with him. Available wherever you get your episodes. 💙

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-sophie-martin-b6ab8884/

Medium Article: https://medium.com/non-disclosure/the-20-that-may-make-you-lose-your-mind-2555cd43a8bd

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There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In Episode 76, Sunny Bahuguna sits down with Anne-Sophie Martin.

From her roots in Montreal to her experience in New York at a top management consultancy and her time at Stanford, Anne-Sophie's story is one of resilience, introspection, and growth.

Anne-Sophie's upbringing was filled with family warmth and a love for dance and sports. Her transition to New York brought success but also challenges, navigating anxiety and mental health stigma. This often manifests differently for different people, but for her, it was characterised by hair loss, facial swelling, and fluctuations in her appetite. She eventually made the difficult decision to take medical leave—a choice met with curiosity and misunderstanding from her peers. But it was through this process that she found a growing interest in mental health.

Last year, she penned a piece on Medium titled "The 20% that may make you lose your mind." It recounted a moment at a wedding where she crossed paths with a Stanford alum who graduated over a decade ago. After sharing her well-rehearsed spiel about her own experience being "incredible" and filled with personal growth, the alum shared the contrary: "Stanford was the two hardest, most stressful years of my life."

This candid admission caught her off guard and prompted deep reflection. We delve deeper into the story and Anne-Sophie's experience at Stanford—the mixture of highs and lows—and her efforts to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles that challenge students' mental health, starting with her own story. This is the unspoken 20%.

Now, after graduating from Stanford, Anne-Sophie shares insights into the chapter ahead—what self-care looks like, how writing has become a meditative experience, and what lies ahead for her.

Hope you enjoy the listen as much as I enjoyed speaking with her. Available wherever you get your episodes. 💙

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-sophie-martin-b6ab8884/

Medium Article: https://medium.com/non-disclosure/the-20-that-may-make-you-lose-your-mind-2555cd43a8bd

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There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

TW: Talks about suicide.

I sometimes pinch myself with the guests we get on Bottled Up and this week is no exception.

Only 1% of those who attempt suicide by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge survive, and Kevin Hines is one of those people. Fuelled by a history of struggle with depression and bi-polar disorder, Kevin thought the bridge would be the easiest way to die, yet the first thing he felt after clearing the railing was - regret. Hines fell about 240 feet in just four seconds. He crashed feet first into the waters below, crushing spinal vertebrae and breaking an ankle. But he survived.

Today, Kevin is a world renowned speaker, best selling author, and mental health advocate who uses his powerful personal story to save lives. He talks openly about what it feels like to live with "brain pain," the extraordinary circumstances around his survival after the jump, his experience in psych wards, the common denominator of people who consider suicide, and how the simple act of showing kindness to someone in emotional pain can save their life.

Kevins story embodies hope though, and the key message of reaching out for help which he shares with millions of people around the globe.

Join Sunny Bahuguna for Episode 75 as Kevin shares his story.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieukomorowski/

______________

There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

TW: Talks about suicide.

The December and January break is often seen as a time of joy and celebration, but for some, it can be a lonely and challenging place.

In Episode 74, we delve into the raw and courageous story of James Tyreman, who opens up about his struggles during the early days of the COVID lockdown in 2020.

When the pandemic struck, James found himself isolated for the first three months of lockdown, separated from his partner and three daughters. Alone in a small house down south in the UK, many things had slowly bubbled up to the point where he reached a breaking point and attempted to take his own life in March 2020.

He has since been on the journey of recovery. There have been some bad days and some good days. The power of a single conversation can change someone's day from bad to manageable.

The video below captures James in November 2023, at his worst. Does it make him look weak? Absolutely not. He shares this courageously with the hope that it will go some way to normalising that men cry too, and it's okay to talk about it, and to encourage others feeling similar to do the same.

Thankfully, someone there to talk to give him a hug and be there.

This post is a reminder to be kind, to check in on your colleagues, to not forget there is a person behind the screen, and to make time for each other. Let's break the silence surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations.

Join Sunny Bahuguna for Episode 74 as James shares his story.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieukomorowski/

______________

There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In the captivating Episode 73, Sunny and Mayank sit down for a thought-provoking conversation with Matthieu Komorowski, a Senior Lecturer at Imperial College in London and an Honorary Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia at the NHS. From from the East of France originally, Matthieu opens up about his upbringing as the middle child in a middle-class family—a crucial aspect that has significantly shaped his emotional maturity.

Reflecting on his childhood, Matthieu shares how growing up in an emotionally immature family has influenced his present self. He candidly discusses how this background fueled his inner drive to "be someone" in order to garner recognition and value from his family and friends. This deeply rooted desire for validation led him on an ambitious path, one that saw him aspiring to become an astronaut. Matthieu recounts his experience of making it to the final 94 candidates for an astronaut position, only to face heartbreaking rejection due to a low heart rate.

Against the backdrop of Matthieu's personal journey, Mayank and Sunny navigate a discussion on the dangers of the happiness trap. They explore the complexities of the pursuit of happiness, the analysis paralysis that can accompany the quest for finding meaning and answers, and the toxic behaviors that can emerge when one is driven by an insatiable desire for more.

Join Mayank and Sunny in this introspective episode as they delve into the layers of Matthieu Komorowski's life, unpacking the intricacies of ambition, emotional resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment in the face of setbacks.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieukomorowski/

______________

There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In Episode 72, Sunny Bahuguna sits with Adeel Ahmad whilst on tour in the US.

Adeel Ahmad is host of the Misophonia Podcast where people share their experiences living with Misophonia - which can be misery for those who suffer from it, and yet they may not even know that it's a "thing." Misophonia involves being hypersensitive to certain types of sounds, commonly noises like slurps, chewing, and crunching-- and it can wreak havoc on families, emotional health, and relationships. But there is hope!

Join us for a remarkable discussion about Adeel's own story of misophonia, the way he's brought sufferers together, the surprising childhood factors that may contribute to it, and how people can have hope to ease their suffering. We go deep-- with empathy and compassion, and absolutely no crunching sounds-- we promise.

Check out Adeel's podcast, The Misophonia Podcast, with stories of people from all walks of life who are living with misophonia.

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The Misophonia Podcast: https://www.misophoniapodcast.com/

______________

There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

______________

As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

______________

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In Episode 71, Sunny and Mayank sit down with the remarkable Nick Ferrier, a performance psychologist and the founder of Cede Nullius Psychology. Nick, in his own words, is on a mission to help athletes do the right thing at the right time, and his journey into the realm of performance psychology is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up in the coastal town of Mornington, Nick's early years were shaped by his love for surfing and extreme sports. However, as fate would have it, his trajectory shifted towards competitive swimming. He pursued this path with unwavering dedication, aiming for elite-level competition. Unfortunately, a career-ending shoulder injury forced Nick to reevaluate his path.

It was during this challenging period that Nick discovered the world of performance psychology. Embracing the acceptance model, he learned to navigate big moments by embracing the nerves and the unknown. The episode explores the profound concept of obtaining competence over confidence—a journey of honing skills to such an extent that one can perform in any situation.

Nick shares insights into the acceptance model, shedding light on how embracing the inherent pressure and uncertainty of significant moments can be a transformative experience. He discusses techniques for implementing this model, emphasizing the importance of distilling the noise and pressure into repeatable behaviors that can be executed in any circumstance.

Listeners gain a glimpse into Nick's work with professional AFL athletes and businesses, where he applies his expertise to enhance performance. The episode is a captivating exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of performance psychology.

Join Sunny and Mayank as they uncover the depths of Nick Ferrier's journey—from the thrill-seeking days of extreme sports to the nuanced world of performance psychology—in an episode that promises to inspire and enlighten.