Way back, on 24 July 24 2015, I was pretty jazzed to share a stage with David Burroughs, world-renowned psychologist and strategist at the Sydney Safety Symposium, talking about creating environments that support good mental health. Mind blown by his presentation – as he was with mine :-), we’ve come a long way in our friendship and collaboration. To this day, Dave continues to hold his own, making massive waves in workplace mental health and, like me, embraces the extension of men’s health. Most recently, Dave co-founded Mantle, a men’s health service that provides specialist, confidential, virtual mental health support, addressing the stigma surrounding barriers men experience in seeking and engaging with support. This ties into what International best practice tells us, that one of the key ways to improve men's access to healthcare is by developing male-friendly services, which was acknowledged in Australia’s first National Male Health Strategy https://lnkd.in/dq5gzNi

Back in the studios at 94.1FM 3WBC in November I prepared a “cook up” of great minds and mentors, for a flavour packed panel, who delivered a rich and nourishing radio recipe. First on the pass, was none other than chef, founder and writer, Matt Wilkinson, who has recently taken up residency at the Mornington Peninsula winery restaurant Montalto. In his spare time, Matt is the creative director at Four Pillars Gin. He was followed closely by writer, eater, traveler and cook, Dani Valent who is also well known for spectacular journalism at The Age Epicure, Good Food. We topped the show off with Robbie Bell, founder of City Larder Charcuterie. He also runs his own podcast called 'Cooking the Books' where he interviews prominent chefs and food industry professionals. I asked my trademark question “what does it feel like, being you, today?” not to mention, drew upon their ideas, insights and contribution to good mental health in the hospitality industry.

Remember, it really is OK to not be OK!! #hospitalityindustry #workplacementalhealth #chef #cooking #suicideprevention #menshealthawareness

A range of Australian research identified that over half of all male suicides are not predominantly associated with a mental health diagnosis. Based on coronial reports, male suicides in Australia are: • twice as likely to be linked to bereavement • 3.5 times more likely to be linked to relationship issues • 4 times more likely to be linked to child custody issues • 5 times more likely to be linked to pending or recent unemployment • nearly 9 times more likely to be linked to legal issues • 12 times more likely to be linked to money issues. Relationship coach and men's mentor, Michael Lauria , experienced most of these risk factors, all at once, when, back in 2009, his family unit dismantled. Turning his pain and grief into a journey of self-actualisation and ownership, he set a lifesaving purpose for himself and many other men, penning the Amazon #1 best seller Forging Excalibur - Rediscover your Masculinity. He joined me back on Sunday 7 December, at 94.1FM 3WBC to talk about what it feels like being Michael Lauria and more about his trademark “7 Standards of Men”. Remember, it really is OK to not be OK!!