Unleash the Beast

We're often preoccupied with being successful and moving up the social ladder. However, we all face fears, addictions, depression, and life events that can throw us off. In this conversation, Professor Lorelle Burton interviews Donna Thistlethwaite, who, in 2012, fell from Brisbane's Story Bridge in an attempt to end her life. Donna was having career difficulties at the time, which were fuelled by feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Fortunately, Donna survived the experience and now shares her story to inspire others to know that everything is figure-outable. Donna reminds us that failure (real or perceived) does not need to define us and the right strategies can be successfully used to create a fulfilling and happy life (no matter your current challenges). Donna shares her inspiring story about thriving after a significant mental health experience to build resilience and normalise discussions about mental health.

70% of Australians gamble at least once a year and for many, it is never a problem. For some, it becomes a life-controlling issue that can impact their financial security, their relationships as well as their physical and mental wellbeing. Victoria Thomson (Queensland Deputy Director-General of Liquor, Gaming and Fair Trading), Derek Tuffield OAM and David McAnalen discuss the relationship between problem gambling and poor mental health and how those affected can seek support.

With more than 100 years of combined experience in nursing and medical practice, our guests discuss the impact of a global public health crisis on the medical community and the importance of caring for carers.

Matt Gregg chats with champion Power Lifter Bianca Daniel and Margaret Maloney, a legendary marathon runner about how their elite sporting achievements have helped them develop strong mental resilience and mental wellbeing.TOPIC: Developing mental resilience & strong mental wellbeingGUESTs: Bianca Daniel and Margaret MaloneyBianca Daniel: At 29 years old, Bianca is a former Olympic Weightlifter, champion Powerlifter, Personal Trainer and business owner. Bianca understands the need to create a sense of balance in life and the importance of developing and maintaining a strong mental attitude. Bianca's philosophy for life is summed up in four words…Eat | Sleep | Conquer | Repeat.Margaret Maloney: Age is no barrier for Margaret who, at 62 has all of the world's marathons and covers hundreds of kilometres every year as she runs the streets of Toowoomba (and the world). Having competed in some of the world's most prestigious running events and having worked for years in a hospital emergency ward, Margaret understands stress. Margaret has learned how to push through barriers and face challenges both in life and in competition.

A discussion about mental health amongst Indigenous Australian people.

It’s important to take time for our mental health when we’re feeling goodso that when we’re not, we know how to look after ourselves. We need to …1. Take time to Learn (about Mental Health, what it is, what is not, why it is important, etc)2. Take time to Listen (to others stories, listen to those you love, listen to your own body,listen to the signs that you or someone you know is unwell, etc)3. Take time to Live (be educated, energised and empowered to manage your mental health)

Michelle Wiersma, Darren Tomlinson, Lib McNaughton and Cathy Leask join in conversation to discuss some practical ways of helping someone who may be considering suicide.

Matt Gregg catches up with Ed and Dan from Trade Mutt and Bella Reynolds who has been coaching men in blue collar industries for years.They speak about ways of applying a positive approach to men's mental health and the conditions that need to occur before Shift Happens!

Led by Michelle Wiersma, this conversation with Derek Tuffield, Lib McNaughton and Matt Gregg from Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland involves a discussion about how you can support the mental health of yourself and others.

Empathise, humanise, sympathise - support begets supportHelen Everingham in conversation with entertainer John Schumann

Bullying - can we actually DO anything to stop it?Clinical psychologist Chris Mackey is in conversation with 2019 Australian of the Year Local Hero recipient Tick Everett and peace educator Margaret Hepworth.

A conversation about depression with Peter FitzSimons, who talks with Allan Sparkes and Commander Grant Edwards.This episode was recorded at Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium in Toowoomba in October 2018

Does writing help to deal with trauma? Rachelle Hampson talks with Melissa Pouliot, Julie Shinners and Susannah Birch. This talk was filmed at Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium in Toowoomba, October 2018.

This conversation explores complexities of mental health issues for Aboriginal people. It was recorded at Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium in Toowoomba in October 2018 and featured Dr Maree Toombs with Stan Dryden, Dr Herbert Wharton and Kelsey HarriganThis conversation was supported by Darling Downs and West Morton PHN

Can we pen our way out of mental health issues?Dr Peter McIlveen in conversation with Dr Leanne Dodd, Suzanne Holt and Karen Russell. This episode was taken from Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium in Toowoomba in October 2019.

ABC Radio's David Illiffe leads the conversation about the affect of food on our mental health with foodies Dr Sharyn Donaldson and Emma Ellice-Flint.

Ray Martin in conversation with Susan Duncan and Helen Everingham from Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium. Recorded in Toowoomba, Queensland, in October 2018.

What really are the effects of mental health issues in the bush?Belinda Sanders interviews Georgie Somerset, Tim Saal and Craig Hamilton as they give their insights into some of the mental health challenges that people face in rural and regional Australia. This podcast was taken from Unleash the Beast Writing and Wellbeing Symposium, which took place in Toowoomba, Queensland in October 2018. This event was supported by Mort & Co and the David Mactaggart Family Foundation.

Marketing and business strategist Kim McGuinness leads a conversation with executive director and creator of Happy Body At Work Anna-Louise Bouvier, Managing Director and CEO of Willows Health Group Troy Morgan and workplace resilience speaker Graeme Cowan about how to manage mental health in the workplace.