In this episode, I sit down with Laura Kuggeleijn - a teacher, passionate diver, and someone who brings a lot of thoughtfulness to the way she moves through life. We talk about her experience living with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, being diagnosed with ADHD at 27, and how the ocean became a space for calm, challenge, and healing. Laura also shares openly about a traumatic event that happened while travelling in her late teens, and the non-linear process of recovery that followed.

This is a conversation about invisible illness, boundaries, resilience, and the power of connection - to nature, to community, and to yourself. It’s candid, reflective, and full of moments that might help you or someone you care about feel a little less alone.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of chronic illness, PTSD, physical and sexual assault. Please listen with care. If these topics feel like too much right now, skip it or come back when you're ready.

Learn more about ACC Sensitive Claims:
https://www.acc.co.nz/for-providers/provider-contracts-and-services/sensitive-claims-service

Find a Helpline Now:
https://findahelpline.com/

Learn more about Laura:
https://www.instagram.com/spearo.diaries/
https://www.instagram.com/spearotual_mermaid/

In this episode of The Brave and The Wild, Craig Sutherland opens up about grief, anxiety, anger, and the pressure to always appear strong. From losing his father and falling into deep anxiety, to finding healing through the gym, the beach, music and brutal self-reflection - this is a raw, honest conversation about mental health, identity, and rebuilding yourself. 

Hey, I’m Tim Kavermann, and after a long break, The Brave and The Wild is back - with a refined direction. In this episode, I’m taking a moment to share where this podcast came from, why it exists, and what I hope it can offer you.

This is the story behind The Brave And The Wild, how my own mental health journey, a lifelong obsession with understanding the mind, and years of conversations led me here.

The Brave and The Wild is growing into something bigger than I ever expected, and this episode is the starting point for what’s next.

If you’re new here, welcome. And if you’ve been around for a while—thanks for sticking with me. 

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Brave and The Wild podcast by Eat What You Kill. I’m Tim Kavermann, and in this episode, I’m revisiting a conversation from last year with Simon Bridges from First Steps NZ, where we dive deep into resilience and business. First Steps NZ is a mental health and wellbeing initiative (run by the Auckland Business Chamber) I’m proud to be involved with outside of EWYK. It’s designed to support business owners, managers, and employees in prioritising their mental health so they can grow impactful, profitable businesses while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. You can learn more at Firststeps.nz.

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m flying solo again with a follow-up to my previous one on Burnout. In this episode, I will go over my top 7 tips for nurturing your own mental health. I will provide tools, insights, and ideas for self-help practices that anyone can start doing today.

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m joined by Dave Perry a soldier turned engineer and now a passionate hunter based in Wellington, New Zealand. In this episode we discuss some of Dave’s experiences in the army and how they set an early foundation and connection to the wild. Now, the Ruahine Ranges is Dave’s second home, a place to nurture his mental health on solo missions while also guiding others into the world of hunting. To keep in theme with the promotion of positive mental health we also delve into Dave’s experiences with depression. He describes what went wrong, what went right and how he continues to manage, thrive and instill in others the experiences that helped him recover from a time when things weren’t so great. This episode is entertaining, inspiring and informative.

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m flying solo and discussing a topic I am seeing pop up in online conversation more and more – burnout. Burnout is a state of total emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. It’s something I’ve experienced and something I hope to shine some light on to help others. I’ve included the steps I took to feel good again and some tools I’ve learned along the way.

Dive into the inspiring world of The Kai Ika Project with Dallas. Learn how this innovative initiative is transforming fish by-products into valuable resources to feed communities across New Zealand. With a mission rooted in maximum utilisation and sustainable practices, The Kai Ika Project is not only reducing waste but also reviving traditional culinary customs by promoting the delicious potential of fish heads and frames. Join us as we explore the journey from a small-scale operation to a movement with the potential for national reach, and discover how you can get involved in making a difference. Perfect for listeners passionate about sustainability, fishing, and community empowerment!

In the premiere episode of "The Brave and The Wild," join us as we dive into the fascinating life of Ryan O'Connor. Ryan takes us on his journey from a sports-filled upbringing to becoming an optometrist and a passionate hunter. Discover how hunting, wild food, and the great outdoors have shaped his life and view on personal development and mental wellness. With discussions ranging from the rewarding challenges of solo hunting to the deep connections between mindfulness and nature, this episode is packed with insights for both novice and experienced hunters. Whether you're curious about the intersection of health and the wild or seeking inspiration to start your own hunting journey, this conversation offers valuable lessons and food for thought. Tune in for an engaging discussion that captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery in the wilderness.