Bottled Up

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 bookInterview format – the wording Chris used during his initial contact, and how he structures the phone conversationsHow these deep conversations can help the person “interviewed” feel special, and how the interviews rekindled lots of relationships for ChrisMy personal story on my relationship with friends and familyHow the experience helped Chris learn about his friends and family and reflect on his own life and childhoodChris 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.

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.

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.

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.______________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.______________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.______________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.______________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.

In Episode 70, Sunny Bahuguna sits down with Christopher LeMark from Chicago, USA. Christopher LeMark takes us on his journey to manhood, allowing us to feel the struggle and heartache of a little boy that simply wanted to be seen and loved. We gain a glimpse into the child welfare system that so many Black people are fearful of.  It is this very fear that has served as the catalyst for Black families informally adopting their kin. However, blood relatives may not always be in the child's best interest. At the hands of his own family, Christopher endured physical, mental, and emotional abuse. His isolation and anger had him bound to be a statistic. Christopher's ability to tap into his imagination, express himself through writing and music, have built a foundation of resilience. Today, he speaks bravely about how he overcame his battles with depression and multiple suicide attempts and how he's now providing free mental health services for those in the Chicagoland area through his successful foundation, Coffee, Hip-Hop and Mental Health. What once defined LeMark, became the thing that awakened him to rewrite history, seek help, and change the course of his life to become the better version of himself. He moves through fear, leads with integrity, and heals alongside his peers and the community. One of his greatest joys and accomplishments? The birth of his son and the cultivation of beautiful chosen family.Available wherever you get your podcasts. ______________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 69, we are honored to have Beau Brooks as our guest, a renowned figure from the Janoskians and a YouTube sensation who knows the ups and downs of fame all too well. His journey from early fame to a multifaceted perspective on success is a captivating story of transformation and reflection.Beau candidly discusses how his definition of fame evolved over time, stripping away the glamour to reveal a deeper understanding of life's complexities. We also delve into the nuances of working with close friends and how this dynamic shifted as their careers soared.A defining moment in Beau's journey was his transformation from within, recognizing that his physical health mirrored his mental state. This metamorphosis has turned him into somewhat of a tamed tiger, a symbol of resilience and personal growth. He'll also share insights from his experience with the messiah complex, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of fame and self-discovery.Central to this conversation is Beau's newly released book, "Laugh Now, Cry Later," a memoir that uncovers his life story, mental health challenges, and the invaluable lessons he's gathered. Join us for a captivating and poignant episode that showcases the incredible journey of a man who has tamed his inner tiger and emerged as a compelling mental health advocate.Join Sunny and Mayank wherever you get your podcasts -- Apple Podcast, Spotify, and more.______________Where can you find Beau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaupeterbrooks/Where can you find Inaam:______________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 68, Sunny and Mayank sat down with Angela Lim, a paediatric-trainee turned mental health technology entrepreneur, founding the company Clearhead.Angela graduated from the University of Auckland's medical school and started paediatrics training at Starship Hospital, but her passion for tackling inequality led her to take a break from clinical practice in order to focus on developing scalable innovative solutions in health. She has been involved in multiple research projects including during her sabbatical at the Harvard School of Public Health, which resulted in publications in international peer-reviewed journals. We dive deeper into her roots growing up in Malaysia, the role model her grandmother is for her, walking away from medicine and building a startup as a female leader, and so much more.Join Sunny and Mayank wherever you get your podcasts -- Apple Podcast, Spotify, and more.______________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 67, Sunny and Mayank sat down with Arjun Agarwal, where they explored two significant aspects of his life: the fine line between taking risks and being reckless, and the relationship with his Papa.Arjun shared his journey from the familiar comforts of South Africa and moving to the unknown challenges of Melbourne for his university education. He painted a vivid picture of those early days, scraping by paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the courage it takes to venture into the unfamiliar.The conversation then turned to the deeply personal connection with his family. Arjun opened up about how his view of his father shifted over time, from being a hero to a more complex figure and shared the challenges of dealing with his father's passing and the relationship with his mother, his best friend.Arjun Agarwal's story reminds us of the universal themes of risk, loss, and healing, and how these experiences shape our lives. Join Sunny and Mayank as they delve into these heartfelt moments in this special episode.______________Where can you find Arjun:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunagarwal1996/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arjspeaks/Where can you find Inaam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inaam-impact-investments-pty-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaam_yourmoney/______________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 66, Mayank and Sunny sit down with the legend herself, Ashani Dante, also known as Mandy.She is a thought leader, speaker, visionary and Founder of Flourish Girl, with a proven track record in the social impact & business space. Flourish Girl is a mission-driven charity focused on promoting feminine leadership and young women's mental health. With a background in speech pathology and thousands of hours working alongside leading schools, Ashani has become a powerful voice for mental health advocacy among young women and gender diverse adolescents.Over the past seven years, Ashani has grown Flourish Girl from an idea into a highly successful charity, alongside her team that has impacted the lives of over 17,000 teenage girls and gender diverse teens across more than 100 schools in Australia. Her work has earned the recognition from various organizations, including 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australian and 7 News Young Achievers Award 2022.Ashani's journey of self-discovery and cultural reclamation has inspired countless women to embrace their unique identities and celebrate their cultural heritage. She is an advocate for cultural diversity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to forge a more compassionate and understanding world.Widely recognises as a unique voice in this space, she has been an ambassador, speaker and writer for brands such as Channel 10 (Studio 10, T2, Kikki K, MYOB, Supre, Saari Collective, Ashani continues to expand her reach and inspire positive change in the world. Her impact is nothing short of extraordinary, and she is destined to be a conscious leader of our time, guiding and uplifting women everywhere. Ashani Dante is a trailblazer, a guiding light, and an inspiration to us all.______________Where can you find Mandy Dante:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashani-mandy-dante-57453197/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashanidante/Where can you find the Flourish GirlLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-girl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishgirl_/______________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

This episode is a little different to what we've covered in the past. Nearly 40% of our audience comprises women, which is not surprising considering the vital roles they play in the lives of many men, whether as partners, sisters, or mothers.Historically, women's health has been underrepresented and heavily stigmatised, and this continues to be perpetuated by the lack of funding and research in this field. It's no surprise that our knowledge in comparison to men's health is quite limited.In Episode 65, Sunny and Mayank invite Anna Dokuchaev to change this narrative. We speak about:Anna's increasing interest in public health and her personal experiences in navigating her health journey.Endometriosis, a condition that affects more than 1 in 10 women.The role of contraception in our bodies and its complexities (including an anecdote Anna shares of her friend with an IUD).We also explore how men can better support women in their lives, and much more. We hope you enjoy this episode.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and more.---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

With the Rugby World Cup a week away and Father's Day just past, in our first guest episode back, we sit down with the Rugby legend himself, Dean MummDean is a retired Rugby Union legend with a professional career spanning over 100 appearances for the NSW Waratahs, 3 years in the UK playing for Exeter and 56 caps for the Australian Wallabies.Outside of his inspiring sports career and transition into business, Dean opens up about his journey to fatherhood, and the troubles he shared with his wife Sarah had with preterm birth. Sadly, of the six children they had, four were lost due to preterm birth.Dean provides insight into the strength and resilience required to get through this experience, what he's learnt on the power of connection, the value on life no matter how many years and his and Sarah's mission to raise funds for research into reducing the prevalence and impact of preterm birth through their charity BorneHMRI.  We hope you enjoy this one.---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

Sunny and Mayank get behind the mic for the first time in-person since Episode #1. This one is coming straight from London.We reflect on the Bottled Up journey so far, why we started and where we've come. We also take the mask off and share parts of our own personal story and what has shaped us.We've got a lineup right through to the end of the year, so stay tuned and buckle up for weekly episodes. (

Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode! Join Sunny and Mayank as they sit down with the remarkable Chris Hope, the brains behind the 100 Coffee Movement initiative. Chris takes us on a profound journey, sharing his personal experience of starting up this incredible movement with a mission to combat disconnection and create a sense of belonging within local communities and beyond.As the conversation unfolds, Chris, Sunny, and Mayank dive into the crucial role that human connection plays in our lives, and how technology can either aid or hinder our ability to form meaningful relationships. They also explore the delicate balance between convenience and connection, which is often overlooked in today's fast-paced world.The three also delve into the power of self-reflection and gratitude, and how identifying our core values can lead us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by this captivating discussion.Hope you enjoy the listen.

On Episode 61, Sunny Bahuguna and Mayank Sohani sit down with Jean-Pierre Vertil (JP).JP is full of zest for life. His energetic, enthralling and full of enthusiasm. Don't believe us? Give it a listen.

Boom! We're live.No better way to kick off the new season than a re-introduction to a fan favourite, Tom Boyd.Tommy joined us 18 months ago for his first episode with Bottled Up and has taken the courageous step to get back into the arena. Glad we didn't scare him away the first time.

Join Sunny and Mayank as they kick-off 2023. What's in store? There's only one way to find out. We touch on the last few months. Mayank has been settling well in the UK and is starting to feel at home. Sunny has just finished a 5-week trip across India. The duo also met up for a short time in Mumbai.

On Episode 58, the boys sit down with Paul Diamandis. This one is a special one. Perhaps one of the most vulnerable conversation we've been part of and we'd love for you to join us in this conversation.TW: There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding death, suicide and addiction.Having been diagnosed with cancer just a month back, Paul has found himself at bridge in his life.Paul went into operation a day after our recording.A phase where he finds himself post diagnosis but pre his operation and recovery process.What followed, was a conversation on his life philosophy, how he'd live his life differently post-operation, what he wants his legacy to be and advice to us, as young healthy adults like ourselves who are fortunate to have their entire life in front of them.Paul also fought depression during his adolescent early adult life. A depression that almost took his own life. But thankfully, he survived, through an extensive recovery process that saw him marry the love of his life and have two beautiful children.What is striking in this conversation, was his ability to reflect and articulate his life philosophy and learnings with simplicity.A reflection point he described was that at some point in his younger life, where he would often wish for death. But now that he's well and wants to live, he feels that his prior wish has been granted by a higher force.This conversation really meant a lot to us. We actually met Paul during a steam and sauna session at our local gym and it was as if fate had brought the three of us together.This conversation is really meant to be a celebration of Paul and his willingness to share his story and have a conversation.We are of the belief that these are more conversations that we need to be having and as such, have kept this episode completely unedited.Available now, wherever you listen to your conversationsWe hope you enjoy this one.---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

On Episode 57, the boys sit down with Sandeep Varma - the founder and CEO of the SAARI Collective, a media startup focused on supporting and showcasing emerging South Asian Australian writers and creators, and providing a smart, young South Asian Australian perspective on what's happening in Australia.In this episode, speak to Sandeep about:

Sunny and Mayank sit back and reflect on the year so far, with a lot changing since the last check in February. Stay tuned for a light hearted catch up on what's been happening over the last couple of months as well as a (juicy

On Episode 55, Sunny and Mayank sit with multi award winning youth advocate, policy advisor and keynote speaker, Jahin Tanvir.A first generation migrant who came to Australia from Bangladesh in the early 2000s, Jahin was in his younger days, one of the only children of colour in his school and his neighbourhood… facing racism and alienation that caused him severe anxiety.As far back as he can remember, Jahin felt like an outcast who didn't fit in, in Australia.He was never comfortable in his own skin and for a long time, wanted desperately to be someone other than himself.The worst part was, he was convinced no one could ever know how he really felt inside for fear or being rejected by his own family.Jahin says the culture he hails from has been critical of mental health issues, quick to judge those who're struggling and prone to labelling people crazy - so he buried his distress with everything he had.He asks us to see our identity as our superpower, to strive for the extraordinary every day, to be obsessed with a problem enough to work with others to solve it. His passion is infectious, as he talks about BREATHE his social enterprise providing public speaking education to multicultural communities in cities and regional and remote areas. We learn that 3 out of 4 people are afraid of public speaking and talk about the real challenges for those public speaking in a language that is not their first.Jahin possesses a strong background in youth advocacy, education and healthcare in leading youth-led organisations such as Oaktree, World Vision, Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, Red Cross, and Headspace to name a few.Hope you enjoy the energy and leadership of Jahin Tanvir. ______________Jahin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahintanvir/Breathe Public Speaking: https://breathepublicspeaking.org/Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupausBottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life______________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______________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

Boy oh boy are we excited to share this episode. Sunny and Mayank recently had the pleasure of hosting superstar, Bachar Houli.A former Australian rules footballer who played 232 games over a 15-year career with Richmond and Essendon in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is a three-time premiership player with Richmond and was named an All-Australian half-back during his 2019 premiership winning season. Houli is the first devout Muslim and third Muslim overall to play in the AFL.We both walked away from the conversation feeling a deep sense of connection to Bachar's purpose on this earth. As 20-somethings also navigating own our spiritual journey, the conversation with Bachar really opened our eyes to what it means to be feel connected to ones faith - and the sated joy that comes from being in line with your values and serving a higher purpose.We touched on many aspects of his story, including how Bachar:Navigated his faith and devotion whilst playing in the AFL, and what this meant for him on a day-to-day basis playing at the highest levelLooks forward to the world hereafter, and the constant battle to correct ones intentions, family and insecurities (one of the literal meanings of Islam is to surrender and so we touch on what this means to Bachar himself)Balanced different cultural norms and beliefs under the same roof (Islam, drinking, going out, homosexuality)Created a close bond with his parents and how he shared the love of the game with themStarted the Bachar Houli Foundation and the ambition behind why it started+ Many more topicsBachar also has his book "Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family", and new Amazon documentary "Making Their Mark" and the Bachar Houli Foundation.Podcast is available wherever you get your episodes, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.We'd love to hear what you guys think in the comments down below. Hope you enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of Bachar Houli.____About the Bachar Houli FoundationThe Bachar Houli Foundation (BHF) is a unique non-for-profit organisation that aims to develop young leaders within the Muslim community. The BHF aims to support social cohesion by fostering young Muslims with a sense of belonging through football development. The foundation also creates employment pathways through traineeships and builds cross-community bridges by promoting social inclusion through elite football programs.@BHFoundationAUbacharhoulifoundation.com.au______________About Bottled Up - @bottledupaus______________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______________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

-- Trigger Warning: This post talks about suicide, death and grief --On Episode 53, Sunny and Mayank sit with the energetic, Shanaka Jayakody.Boy oh boy, where we do we begin with this one. We chatted about so many wonderful and nuanced topics off the fly -- and if there's one for spontaneity, it's this one.Shanaka is an incredibly resilient and purposeful individual, who has gone through a whirlwind of experiences to make him the beautiful man that he is today.A few years ago, Shanaka was in a very tough spot. He had come out of a long-term relationship and lost his brother to suicide, both events happening within months.He had hit rock bottom and the road ahead was a long one.Shanaka describes how the tragic passing of his brother forced him to reflect on the life he was leading, the values he was portraying and what his own identity meant to him. We speak life and how we're grateful to be given the opportunity to live, and if you're reading this post right now, you share this beautiful moment with us.Shanaka believes we all have the right to wake up feeling purposeful, and inspired, knowing that by becoming our best self, we are in turn creating a better world.We'll leave the rest to you to interpret and learn ... we're blown away, and hope you are too.Hope you enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of Shanaka Jayakody.______________Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupausBottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life______________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______________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

On Episode 52, Sunny and Mayank sit with Australian national champion rower and Olympic gold medalist, Rosemary Popa OAM.With a strong bloodline of rowing pedigree, Rosie is the daughter of Sue and Ion, two Australian bronze medallists from Los Angeles 1984.However, behind the glory, Rosie shares openly about what is often hidden behind the closed doors and shiny medals. She brings awareness to the numerous career dynamics that pose mental health risks to athletes: unsustainable expectations for perfection and constant improvement, enormous public pressure to win, pervasive demand to outwork or outlast an opponent, and relatively short career spans that can end in the blink of an eye due to injury.No longer should athletes be viewed as sub-human robots used to serve the needs of the masses. Conversations around athletics must be intersectional and critically evaluate how individual differences interact with cultural environments and systems. Only then will we be able to provide an open, safe, and collective environment for athletes to thrive in.In this episode, we speak about Rosie's:

Hesh is back! Oh, and two years later, his come back looking like the chocolate version of Thor!

In Episode 50, Sunny and Mayank sit with superstar Trent Cotchin.So often, as kids, and even now, we've seen him display courage, selflessness and a sense of power and stability on the field, but underneath all of that, is a man who knows what he wants, understands his identity and embraces vulnerability.In this episode we cover Trent's:

In Episode 49, Mayank and Sunny sat down with incredibly energetic, dynamic duo Tiana and Thuy Nguyen! These lovely people are the hosts of their very own podcast 'Unapologetically Asian' where they have honest and candid conversations about adulting, careers, relationships and everything in between. They started the podcast to share their perspectives and stories about navigating through adulthood as Asian Australians with a hope of creating content that is relatable and representative of their community.In this conversation we chatted on quite a few topics:

In Episode 48, Sunny and Mayank sit down with Josh Balia.Josh Balia is a powerlifter, coach and qualifying to be a sports psychologist. He has used his amazing ability to connect with people to co-found 'Weights For Mates', a program designed to combine physical activities in the gym as a vehicle to help manage anxiety and depression. In our conversation, Josh takes us on a journey on how he got into the field, and a plethora of teachings he has learnt through his experiences. Notably:

In Episode 47, Sunny and Mayank sit down with Dan 'MAMBA' Odoi.This has truly been one of our most enjoyable conversations to date. It's almost 2hrs and jam-packed with vulnerability, authenticity and true wisdom. There's even a few things that Dan has shared for the first time.We touch on so many AWESOME topics with Mamba, including:

In Episode 46, Sunny and Mayank sit down with Kevin Helgren.After being diagnosed with Tourette's in middle school, Kevin Helgren, a current Stanford and Harvard Candidate, shares how it's changed his view of the world.Humans are biologically wired to categorise people, places and things: safe, or unsafe? Likable, or unlikable? Similar, or different? But first impressions are, by definition, based off of incomplete data — so what if we questioned them? In this episode, Kevin discusses how having Tourette's – a neurological condition characterised by involuntary vocal and/or motor spasms called tic – has coloured the lens through which he views both the world and those he's lucky enough to navigate it with.In this episode we chat:Kevins upbringing in the States and his experiences as the first queer Student Body President at The University of Texas at AustinHow he balances his MBA at Stanford GSB and MPP at Harvard Kennedy School (we also don't know how he gets 36 hours in his day...)His diagnosis with Tourette's Syndrome in sixth grade, which altered his life in more ways than one (& the role his legendary and supportive mother Sarah played)Understanding Identity: Intersectionality, Neurodiversity and the Queer movementLeadership lessons and what's aheadCheeky rapid fire

In Episode 44, Sunny and Mayank sit with Callum MacPherson. He is the host of the Young Blood - Men's Mental Health podcast and isn't used to being in the interviewee chair! Raised in Adelaide by two teachers, he is a well-read, philosophical man who knew from a young age that he had the presence and ability to write and deliver stories.Callum's work in the media started at his local radio station Fresh 92.7 and then he moved to Port Lincoln to deliver local news before moving on to Townsville. It was in both Adelaide and Townsville that Callum worked for7NEWS and reported on news bulletins.Callum also shares how the sudden death of his close friend to suicide impacted him and influenced his professional direction towards starting the Young Blood - Men's Mental Health Podcast. It includes discussions around steroids, trans, drugs, grief, suicide and so much more. Callum also continues to work in mental health in Adelaide and is a voice for his generation. This is a must-listen episode.______________You can get in contact with Callum by following:Instagram: @youngbloodsmentalhealthIf you are feeling like you need extra support there are organisations that can definitely help you through some tough situations. It's not weak to speak. Here are the links below.______________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 43, Sunny and Mayank sit with Damien Bugeja. Damien is an incredibly inspiring individual who makes it his life mission to educate and inspire people about the benefits of community. Damien suffered a traumatic experience during his teen years when he lost his dad to a rare form of cancer. His pure resilience and willingness to inspire others led him to complete a 290km run from Craigieburn to Yarrawonga. Yes, that's right 290km over 6 days!! Damien raised over $60,000 for the Peter McCullum Cancer Centre and continues to inspire the lives of many through the platform he has created.Throughout the episode, Damien unpacks what it was like to lose the one person closest to him in this world and how the impact of such trauma generated a profound ripple effect throughout his life, leading him on the ultimate journey in which he is living, each and every day.Damien was extremely vulnerable during today's episode as he discusses his battles in depth. We chat all things embracing fear and vulnerability, and using these as forces for good

In episode 42, Sunny and Mayank sit with Arman Vestad who was a former criminal and drug addict. He now owes his life to two of the things that made his remarkable transformation possible: running and kindness.In the past, Arman spent a lot of his time on the run. Through a series of poor life choices and unfortunate circumstances, he had found himself dealing drugs and engaging in other kinds of criminal activity. He even gained notoriety as the infamous ‘Gunman from Molde' after supplying a weapon that was used in a triple homicide.While to outsiders it seemed that he was living as a criminal playboy with drugs, friends, partying, and money, he actually felt alone. His body was struggling to keep up with a devastating drug habit, and he felt that there was nobody he could trust enough to be himself around. Wanting to let go, he even contemplated suicide.After leaving prison for the 10th time, it wasn't long until Arman found himself under arrest once again. This time, however, a policeman on the case sat down with him and asked what he could do to help. He showed that he cared, and those few moments changed the course of Arman's life forever.What came next was a prolonged and difficult fight to rebuild a normal, happy existence. As he pushed himself back to health, he also embarked on a new career as a debt adviser for Norway's welfare administration. He later became an international public speaker, an advocate for bringing reformed criminals back into work and society, and (most importantly) a father.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arman saw that many people were struggling with the same isolation and loneliness that he felt when living life on the wrong side of the tracks. Asking for help had never been his strong point, but it only took a moment of kindness to help him change for the better.Arman now hopes to encourage more people to smile and help one another while sharing his message: the smallest acts of friendliness and compassion multiplied many times over can change the world. Arman is proof that it is never too late to change your life.You can follow him:Instagram: @armanvestadWebsite: https://armanv.no/______________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 41, Sunny and Mayank sit with Hugo Toovey.Hugo was living a normal life and completing his training at The Australian Defence Force Academy when suddenly his life was turned upside down when he found an unusual lump on his testicle. After getting it checked out by a GP he was later diagnosed with testicular cancer.Hugo continued his training and later underwent chemotherapy which was an incredible battle to face at such a young age of 21.Fast forward 5 years and Hugo received his final 'all clear' and was cancer free until a few short months later he noticed an abnormality in his stools which was quickly diagnosed as bowel cancer.Hugo shares with us the brutal truths of taking on cancer including the mental struggles, the family sacrifices, the confidence kicks and the incredible vulnerability needed to fight such a battle.Not only has Hugo defeated cancer but he is now spreading the important message for young people to regularly get checked through his 25 Stay Alive campaign. He is key note speaking Australia wide while being an ambassador for Movember and The Jodi Lee Foundation as well as his duties of Captain in the Army.We hope this episode touches you all and prompts each person to check themselves and encourage loved ones to get checked frequently. Don't forget if you like the episode it would be a huge help if you could subscribe, rate and leave a review! Stay safe and enjoy!______________This is obviously a pretty heavy topic and this chat isn't designed to scare people. It's just to show that we need to be more proactive with our health in general. 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 40, Sunny Bahuguna sits down with close friend and serial entrepreneur, Ronnie Kintanar. Ronnie was one of the owners of Jarvis, a platform that connects the time-poor with personal cleaners to take care of chores and cleaning duties. Jarvis was successfully acquired in 2020.Ronnie shares his story behind the startup, including his:

In Episode 39, Sunny and Mayank sit down with CEO of the Wellbeing Outfit and Chief Mental Health Advisor at EY Oceania, Jono Nicholas. Having sat down with Jono in November 2021, he is one of Australia's most prominent advocates of better mental health particularly from a public health perspective and treating it as a systemic issue. Jono is the Founder and Managing Director of the Wellbeing Outfit, an advisory firm that improves organisational performance by improving the wellbeing and resilience of staff. Through the Wellbeing Outfit he is an Executive Consultant specialising in mental health, and has advised a range of large corporate organisations on strategies to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and customers.Jono was previously the CEO of ReachOut Australia, Australia's leading digital mental health service for young people and their parents. ReachOut is one of Future Generation Global recipient charities.He's also a Director of Future Generation Global. Jono has a Bachelor of Arts Honours majoring in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health.---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

This week on Bottled Up, Sunny and Mayank chat with Scott Henderson, the man behind Australia's most popular Men's magazine, Men's Health.Scott took over Men's Health in 2018 with one goal, to redefine masculinity. Think of traditional men's fitness magazine covers, and you're probably picturing a ripped guy with his shirt off, it's that image that Scott wanted to evolve. Good health means far more than perfect abs. Scott was instrumental in transforming the magazine to being about holistic wellbeing, with realistic and inspiring cover stories.Such an interesting journey that didn't actually start in journalism and crosses both founder life and working up a corporate ladder. Scott has produced content for the global Men's Health Network, whilst also making a regular appearance as a health and men's lifestyle expert on Sunrise, hosting events and panels, and contributing to digital and print publications including nine.com.au, WHO, and Women's Health among others.In this insightful episode, we also delve into aspects of mental health not often discussed, such as male body image and eating disorders. As always, there will be plenty of takeaways, and just as many laughs. Scott Henderson - A little more about the legend:Scott has always been in pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle by combining passion and career. Following a degree in Sports Science and International Studies, Scott has worked in the sport, health and fitness industries in Australia, USA, Spain, and the UK, with a focus on content production & education.Now as the editor and content director of Men's Health Australia, Scott is able to share his passion for the industry with the wider international community through education, creative content, events, and storytelling.---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

This week, Sunny and Mayank sit down with the wonderful and always smiling, Gus Worland.Gus is a radio and television personality, having worked on Triple M breakfast radio and having hosted a three-part documentary series Man Up, which was focused on lifting the lid on the relationship between masculinity, social isolation, mental health and suicide. Fun fact, he also hosted a show called the ‘Cricket Tragic' which followed his journey to search for fellow cricket tragics Australia wide!Following the passing of his friend and mentor, Angus, Gus was triggered into action. Knowing that more was needed around education and connection, he left his breakfast radio gig and founded the not-for-profit foundation, Gotcha4Life which is an Australian mental fitness charity that works to end suicide through delivering programs that create meaningful mateship, build emotional muscle and strengthen social connection in local communities. Gus shared that the vision of Gotcha4Life is zero suicides; because no one life is worth losing.What stood out to us, was Gus' insatiable hunger and zest for life. This uncanny ability of treating life like a big cake just waiting to be devoured. We hope you enjoyed this one just as much as we enjoyed being a part of it.You can find Gotcha4Life at:Instagram: @gotcha4lifeWebsite: https://www.gotcha4life.org/You can find more on Bottled Up on:Instagram: @BottledUpAusFacebook: @BottledUpAusLinkedIn: @BottledUp---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

Sunny and Mayank sit back and kick-off 2022 with a bang. Stay tuned for a cheeky rapid fire (juicy 

Mayank and Sunny sit down for the final time in 2021 to review what certainly has been a hectic year.---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

This week Sunny sits down with friend, fellow Global Shaper and Man Caver Daniel Datnow-Jamieson (DJ).DJ has had quite an interesting period growing up through high school, which has turned him into the man he is today. He uses his story not only to inspire and empower people but is passionate about connecting to our authentic selves.We touch on a number of different areas of DJ's life in this conversation, including:Uncovering the work of The Man Cave and his motivation for getting involved and helping young kids across AustraliaNavigating the move between 3 different high schools (including experiences between co-educational and single-sex schools)Delving into the experiences of bullying and racism (antisemitism) through high schoolFinding community and purpose through shared experiences in the creative space, including his involvement in the music industry and dance scene (DJ is a DJ himself)Adaption and the way that impacts and benefits our lifeDopamine, intentionalism and designing the life you want to live (including how to balance social media)Overcoming Social Anxiety and becoming confident with others, following the bullying he experienced when younger (spoiler: includes some juicy stories from Revolver Upstairs aka Revs)You can find DJ at:https://www.instagram.com/sanctum.creative/?hl=enInstagram: @sanctum.creativePodcast on The Dopamine Matrix: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iRD8zPy0G0b7uHFXBLVWf?si=4r8neyGmRlK6rZ56PMA6bwYou can find more on Bottled Up on:Instagram: @BottledUpAusFacebook: @BottledUpAusLinkedin: Instagram: @BottledUp---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

Another week, another episode! This week, Sunny and Mayank get behind the mic to checkin on each other and provide an update on Bottled Up. It's a banterous one as both try our luck at comedy -- we share some jokes, life after lockdown and what's been keeping us busy lately.In this episode we chat about:Life after lockdown: Sunny's conversations in the sauna and Mayank's recent 48 hour challengeShoutout to some past guestsShoutout to upcoming guests (including the editor of Men's Health and a few more)Open the floor for more suggestions on what conversations you'd love to hear from us (drop us a DM or comment below)You can find more on Bottled Up on:Instagram: @BottledUpAusFacebook: @BottledUpAusLinkedin: Instagram: @BottledUp---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

Another week, another episode! This week, Mayank and Sunny sit down with the Actor, Mental Health Advocate and Author of his own book, 'Move Your Mind', Nick Bracks. You may have seen him in Neighbours, Dancing with the Stars, Salt Lake and more.Compulsive thinking was something nick grew up with. He knew he didn't fit it, but he didn't know how to navigate feeling different, At some point, things spiralled out of control and Nick found himself in the midst of what he now sees as his wake up call - a very dangerous car accident with his best friend in the car.Nick has used his story not only to inspire and empower people but is passionate about removing the stigma around mental health, and does this in an optimistic and solution based way.In this episode we uncover:Living in the shadow of his dad, Steve Bracks, the then Victorian PremierReflections on his overly obsessive and ambitious desire to create his own legacyThe power of the conscious and subconscious mindBuilding resilience during his youth years, that have now formed the foundation for a holistic outlook on wellbeingHow we all make mistakes and the important to learn from themWhy listening to your gut is one of the most important things to doWhat success really isAll this and much more in a very honest conversation. Right at the end, and for some fun, we went ahead and asked Nick he's on quick fire questions (including his favourite acting role and underwear brand!!).You can find Nick at:www.nickbracks.comPodcast "Move your Mind", available on all major platformsInstagram: @NickBracksTwitter: @NickBracksYou can find more on Bottled Up on:Instagram: @BottledUpAusFacebook: @BottledUpAusLinkedin: Instagram: @BottledUp---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

It's Movember time! What better way to start the month with a conversation we had with Global Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Director at Movember, Brendan Maher.Brendan has been heavily involved in mental health throughout his career, having worked at Lifeline ad a General Manager, was the CEO of RUOK for 6 years before commencing his current role at the Movember foundation.Key highlights from this conversation include:Brendan's story within mental health as the ex-CEO of RUOK and Global Director at MovemberBrendan's journey with mental health and his key learningsBrendan's vision for where he sees mental health in a post - COVID worldHow to get involved with Movember with or without a Mo---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

Sunny sits with Matthew Jackman for Episode 30 of Bottled Up. Matthew lives with Bipolar Affective Disorder and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (defined by DSM/Psychiatry), is a sibling caregiver to his younger brother and sister who live with enduring psychosocial diverse abilities, and has lost his mother to suicide, and consequently his grandparents due to stigma. His experiences of distress and service use drive his passion for global social change in mental health. He is a global mental health advocate promoting human rights, social justice and lived experience as an academic science from public health and MAD STUDIES disciplines. Matthew describes the MAD Movement, which challenges the epistemological primacy of biomedicine in representing and informing global mental health. Through the Australian Centre for Lived Experience (TACFLE), Matthew aims to expand the literacy around mental health to include and prioritize lived experience as a vital source of knowledge.More About The Australian Centre for Lived Experience (TACFLE):TACFLE is an institute for lived experience leadership in global mental health. The Center was founded to challenge the industrial complex around the biomedicalization of human suffering and establish a discipline of lived knowledge for global mental health care.Website: www.tacfle.comMore about Matthew:Matthew qualified in Social Work undertaking counseling, case management, group therapy, community development, social research, social policy, and personal/systems-level advocacy across diverse intersectionalities. Matthew's advocacy and research reflect alternatives to biological approaches to wellbeing. He mobilizes MAD STUDIES as the scientific foundation for peer/lived experience work in mental health. Matthew represented the Western Pacific Region on the Global Mental Health Peer Network and was a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum. He has represented lived experience perspectives on the National Advisory Panel (mental health) for the Australian Association of Social Workers. Matthew is a Global Lived Experience Ambassador for Generation Mental Health. He consults the World Health Organisation in mental health. Matthew is trained internationally in certified peer specialist practice and is a visiting scholar in Psychiatry at Yale PRCH.Matthew's vision is to utilize personal power and privilege and mobilize vulnerabilities as strength and resilience, to make space for those with less power. Through giving voice to those silenced in achieving an equitable world justice is strived toward. Matthew instructs Mad Studies co-designing/producing a lived experience-focused critical mental health unit in Social Work. Matthew is proudly Mad, Neurodiverse, and Queer, utilizing his intersectional experiences of oppression and privilege in systemic advocacy.These show notes are courtesy of ‘The Hope Project' – who have hosted another great conversation with Matthew.You can learn more about Matthew by visiting: https://hopefulminds.org/matthew-jackman/https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/lived-experience-profile-matthew-jackman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-jackman-he-him-57b28951/Matthew is also speaking at several different events over the coming weeks: Finance and Mental Health Symposium (27 Oct, 2021 – 10AM – 12PM AEDT): https://bit.ly/3ElE61X Celebrating Consumer Leadership Forum (Thursday 28th October 2021 2-4pm AEDT): https://bit.ly/3mfwdF6Our Future in Mind, Mental Health Summit (Nov 5 – 6, 2021): https://bit.ly/3b6LeCJ ---This episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that Sovereignty was never ceded.---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 29, Ujjwal sits down with Tarang Chawla. Tarang is an Indian-born Australian lawyer, writer and anti-family violence advocate. In 2015, Tarang's younger sister Nikita was murdered by her then-husband at the age of just 23. In this episode, we delve into a number topics including Tarang's life growing up in Australia, the life of his sister Niki and the lessons learnt after her passing.We recognise that some of the themes discussed in this episode can be confronting and have different effects on people, but having these conversations help push the dialogue in ensuring that these topics are normalised

In episode 28, Sunny sits down Jason Bluett, the founder of the Primal Man Project.The Primal Man Project and is all about supporting men to come back to their original design. What is that? Tune in to find out.Jason was born and raised in Papua New Guinea where he was exposed to the tribes of the traditional people and their ancient and traditional wisdom.Jason shares with us the lowest moment in his life and why he is standing for men being all of themselves; loving, powerful peaceful and purpose - this is about what an integrated man does with the mission of his life. For Jason that is honouring women and also men honouring themselves and their design.In this conversation, they chat about:His work with the Primal Man ProjectMultiple relationships and what Jason learnt about himself through the processBattle with addiction to sex and a discussion about pornographyHow men can look inwards to find passion and purposeWe hope you enjoy this episode!--------------~ Jason Bluett ~Instagram: @jasonbluettPrimal Man Project: @primalmanprojectFind out more: linktr.ee/PrimalManProject~ Bottled Up ~Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupausBottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life---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 27, Mayank sits down with recently retired AFL footballer from the Western Bulldogs, Lin Jong. Described as a genuine and humble guy on and off the field, Lin has had to claw his way back from numerous physical setbacks that shortened what was meant to be a long and rewarding career. In this conversation, they chat about:Multiculturalism and racism within sportMental health as it relates to his culture and backgroundPhysical setbacksToxic masculinity within the football settingWe hope you enjoy this episode!~ Lin Jong ~Instagram: @linjong46~ Bottled Up ~Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupausBottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life---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