Leave A Light On Podcast
Welcome to "Leave A Light On Podcast," the podcast that brings you inspiring stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary challenges in their lives. Join us as we delve into the lives of individuals from all walks of life, exploring the adversities they face and the resilience they demonstrate in overcoming them.
In each episode, we'll introduce you to a new guest—a parent, a teacher, a healthcare worker, a student, a veteran, or perhaps your neighbor next door. Through heartfelt interviews and candid conversations, we'll uncover the personal battles they've fought, whether it's overcoming illness, navigating through loss, breaking free from addiction, or facing societal barriers.
From tales of triumph over adversity to stories of perseverance in the face of hardship, "Leave a Light On Podcast" celebrates the human spirit and the strength found within each of us. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and most importantly, you'll be inspired by the resilience and determination of these everyday people who refuse to be defined by their struggles.
So, tune in and join us on this journey of hope, empowerment, and the celebration of the human spirit. Because in the end, it's the stories of everyday people that remind us all that we are capable of overcoming anything life throws our way.
Leave A Light On Podcast
Episode 10 - Ten Episodes: Reflecting on Growth, Gratitude, and The Inspiring Stories
Reflecting on a journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, we celebrate our significant milestone—our 10th episode! With immense gratitude for your unwavering support, we reminisce about the paths traveled and the stories shared. Dive into the nostalgia as we revisit cherished episodes, like the profound insights shared by sports star Taylor Regan, whose journey through the maze of contracts and media scrutiny resonates deeply. And let's not forget the ever-popular "love doctor" episode, where practical relationship advice continues to influence our personal lives.
As we explore the dynamics of maintaining healthy relationships, the mantra "happy spouse, happy house" rings true, leading to amusing anecdotes about our own adventures in marriage. The anticipation builds for an upcoming episode featuring Darren and his wife, promising diverse perspectives on marital harmony. Our journey also takes a serious turn as we honor the tireless efforts of organizations like Mates, whose advocacy in mental health and suicide awareness is transformative. Through the stories of Amanda, Joe, and Mel McLaughlin, we gain vital insights into the lives of military veterans and police officers, underscoring the importance of mental health resources and open dialogue.
Introducing a refreshing new segment, "Mindful Moments with Mel," we shine a light on enlightening discussions, such as the complexities of ADHD diagnosis. This marks the evolution of our podcast, inviting you to join us as we continue to grow and share diverse stories. From personal narratives to expert insights, we aim to offer engaging content that leaves a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more heartfelt connections and stories that inspire as we forge ahead into the next chapter of our journey.
Check out our socials on Instagram and Facebook at LeaveALightOnPodcast, and connect with us there.
Share your stories with us and lets Leave a Light On
Hello and welcome to Leave a Light On Podcast, a show that looks to tackle the everyday struggles in our everyday lives. It's time to shed some light on it. Leave a light on podcasts not a licensed mental health service. It shouldn't be substituted for professional advice or treatment. Things discussed in this podcast are general in nature and may be of a sensitive nature. If you're struggling, please seek professional help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Speaker 2:Here's your hosts Shane and Shiv. Yo yo, how's it everybody? My name is Shane Onehoff of the Leave a Light On podcast and to my other hoff, welcome, shiv.
Speaker 3:Hey hey legends, very, very happy to be here, it's an exciting day.
Speaker 2:It's an exciting day it is exciting, more exciting than others.
Speaker 3:Do you want to? Yeah, let the listeners know what we've got planned.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, today we are very excited because today is our 10th episode Shev yeah, number 10.
Speaker 3:Yeah, double digits, that's awesome. Yew, who would have thought? Yeah, I'll wait for old mate to calm down.
Speaker 2:Who would have?
Speaker 3:thought who would have thought we made it yeah 10 episodes dude.
Speaker 2:Can you believe it?
Speaker 3:We've had our dramas, don't worry.
Speaker 2:No, we've had our dramas.
Speaker 3:We've had our dramas, but we've pulled through. We've pulled through, we've stuck together, yeah, and I really like to think that we're doing a good job.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I've managed to stick it out with you for 10 bloody episodes.
Speaker 3:It's been rocky road, but we've mastered it.
Speaker 2:I deserve a medal, honestly.
Speaker 3:Yeah, well. I'm not going to lie to you? You probably do.
Speaker 2:But yeah, obviously today is a really special episode to all our listeners. Obviously, we want to say a big thank you to you. 10 episodes in it's no small feat for us. We didn't think we were going to get more than one or two episodes in so to go 10. Especially, more than one or two episodes in so to go 10.
Speaker 3:Especially with people getting behind us and actually, you know, supporting what we're doing. It's incredible. The amount of people that actually have got behind us, which I'm really happy about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so today is just a celebratory one and because of that, spoiler alert.
Speaker 3:but there is no guest, no, none today. It's pretty much all about me and Shane today.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's about us, because we want to celebrate us and, in that, celebrate, obviously, the journey that we've walked up until this point. So today is going to be a bit of a kind of just a look back in the episodes that we've done. So all nine episodes up to this point, some of our favorite moments that we've obviously had with some of our guests and shared with our guests, and then some of the things that Dave maybe shared with us and how we have used that in our lives.
Speaker 2:Everyday life. Yeah, some of the tools, yeah cool. I'm looking forward to it. Yeah. It's going to be a really, really good one for us, a bit nostalgic in a way. Yeah, yeah, 100% it is. Yeah, you know what nostalgic means, chef? Oh, I've heard of it.
Speaker 3:Yeah, isn't it like the old school where you buy like a Super Nintendo and you're like, oh, that's nostalgic. Yeah.
Speaker 2:You're still saying it's nostalgic. But what does that mean? It means old school. No, nostalgic doesn't mean old school. Nostalgic is when you look back on something with fondness. Oh right, it holds a special place, it's nostalgic. Yeah, well, that's.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah, cool. Thanks for that, I'm just educating you, yeah. This is why I stick with Shane, yeah, because not only do I love him, but he helps me out. Every day is a school day.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I've actually got something very special for you and my listeners, obviously, but this is something that you don't even know about, chef, so you obviously know with our guests that we love to have their own little intro either.
Speaker 1:A song or something like that.
Speaker 2:It's generally been a song that we can introduce them with. Obviously, we had Mindful Moments with Mel in our previous episode, which was a real cool jingle. It was awesome.
Speaker 3:I think she was still smiling when she left.
Speaker 2:Actually, I think she had sore cheeks by the end of the day, and so I've actually made a very special song to celebrate our 10th episode.
Speaker 3:That's awesome. Yeah, lay it on me, lay it on the list, oh man, I'm keen.
Speaker 2:So this is it's pretty cool. You put it together. The Live Align On yeah, celebrating 10 episodes of the Live Align On podcast. You ready, here we go? Here we go, sit back, enjoy.
Speaker 5:Two episodes and we're growing Stories from hearts just showing Laughter and tears in the night. We're here to share our light Forces that rise like sunrise, echoing dreams in disguise. Each moment a snapshot of truth In this journey, built for you. Leave a light on. Shine it strong. Share your stories. Come along Every episode. Heartfelt song. Leave a light on we belong, we belong, be alone. Journey's just beginning here, facing our doubts and our fears, hands held tight through it all Together, we answer the call. Keep climbing higher with pride, no need to ever hide. Rise like a beacon, so bright, riding through darkest night. Leave a light on. Shine it strong. Share your stories. Come along Every episode. Heartfelt song. Leave a light on we belong.
Speaker 3:That is awesome. How good, shane. We need to put that honestly. Yeah, yeah, that is so good. We need to put that in the file because we're going to have to use that song later on. Yeah, definitely. We have to save that, because I like that. That's a good jingle.
Speaker 2:I saw you bobbing your head along. Yeah, I did. I love it. It's good and you're a bit of a rocker.
Speaker 3:Oh, yeah, so you need to bob your head to that. I was actually pretty. I was like I thought it might have been a little bit heavier, but that's actually not the direction I thought you were going to go in. Yeah, so that's good.
Speaker 2:I like it A little light-hearted a little obviously just describing the journey that we've been on, about how we're just sharing stories, opening up our hearts and just kind of being a bit vulnerable, as you said, and just creating the space where people can share their stories and their journeys. Yeah, and encourage others. Yep, and that's obviously the motto when we come to Live Aloud on podcast.
Speaker 3:Well, that was the whole concept behind the whole thing, why we started the thing in the first place, as you said, is to share personal journeys with people that struggle every day and, yeah, just light their life up by, you know, getting their word out and stuff, yeah, and show their resilience?
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, let's dive straight into it. Yeah, I mean, obviously, after your episode came out, you were a little bit nervous because it was quite vulnerable and obviously sharing this journey that you've been on and even struggled up to fairly recently, yeah, and still kind of walking that journey. What was the kind of response that you received?
Speaker 3:So I had a really, really good response. So I'm not going to shy away from it, I'm going to speak out. I had a meltdown at work a couple of months ago and I was in a really, really dark place and I'm only just crawling myself out now, but seeing a psychiatrist and seeing people to help with everything. But the response was awesome. There was people at work like yourself. You messaged me every day to make sure I was feeling all right.
Speaker 3:And, yeah, my boss at work. I'm not going to say his name or anything, but he knows who he is. He's a good supporter of the podcast as well. Actually, he loves listening to us and, yeah, he helped me out a lot. And then also my personal boss, which is who I work for yeah, for Programmed. So she's been awesome too. So I had a really good response. There is some people out there that are willing to help and, as I said, I like to think that I'm crawling myself out slowly. Yeah, you've got to crawl before you walk baby steps, but I'm getting there and I've had a good response.
Speaker 3:As I said, I've been seeing a psychologist and a psychiatrist and there's been nothing but positive thoughts.
Speaker 2:Well, that's the key thing, Like you said. No, I think that's the thing that we've kind of always wanted to get out of this is that people feel that it's okay to not be okay and then want to change.
Speaker 3:Exactly, that's exactly right and that's why I make myself vulnerable a little bit, especially on this podcast, because I want people to know that it's all good not to be all good. That's my whole thing and it's only been, I think, in the first episode we ever did. I think it was only like the last five or six years where I thought you know what bugger it. I'm going to actually stand up and talk about this stuff because I know that I've seen people not friends of mine, thankfully but I have seen people go through, people that they know or family members that have committed suicide, and it's an absolute travesty. So I don't agree with that. Do you know?
Speaker 1:what I mean.
Speaker 3:I don't want to say that there's got to be other solutions to that before it gets to that point.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah. We always said that.
Speaker 2:The whole thing is that, if we can, reduce that stat make a change, you know, before it gets to a place where that's where you're thinking, then that's the whole purpose of what we're doing. So, yeah, I know we've had some real positive feedback from people, absolutely Either at work or in our personal life, or family members who have come to us and have listened to particular episodes and it's resonated with them. You know, yeah, and it's just sparked those conversations, which is kind of what we've wanted the whole time and the whole way through it. So I'm really glad that for you, obviously, like you said, it's been a real positive journey.
Speaker 3:It's been a long journey, long journey, hard, but yeah, 100% positive.
Speaker 2:But, yeah, positive and, like we've always said, it's the small steps. You know, it's exactly right One small step at a time and eventually those turn into big ones. Yeah, that's exactly right. That's great. I'm really really glad that that has been the case for you, shiv, and obviously, that you continue to get stronger and stronger every day.
Speaker 3:Well, yeah, you'll hear later on in the episode as well, as we touch on different episodes. But with Darren, there's been a lot of positive feedback with him as well.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so as. I said we'll get to that later on but yeah, yeah, I mean there's no agenda to this. No, I mean I'm happy. Obviously, I know we had Matty Cav on Yep. For those, obviously, who have followed the progression of the podcast, Matty Cav's story has really resonated with so many people. I've had.
Speaker 3:I was just telling you before off air, I've actually had family members, family members, family members Okay, yeah.
Speaker 2:Sorry, it's just sounded like family members.
Speaker 3:I probably did do that. I probably did so. I've had family members and friends say that they have. Just, they were blown out of the water when they heard Matty Cove's episode. How heartfelt it was and that was one of their favorite episodes. That's the feedback that I've gotten.
Speaker 2:Yeah, he really did kind of allow us to really see that vulnerable side of him. And that's not to say that maybe a lot of our other guests haven't been vulnerable, but yeah, there was a real softness about him. Yeah, that's true, it kind of came through that episode In fact it was, yeah, one that I look back on with a lot of fondness and one that I think him and I still reminisce about today. We constantly are checking in on each other.
Speaker 3:Yeah, 100% yeah, and especially because he's still like I guess he's doing a lot better than I am, Like I'm still obviously at the early stages, but he's still crawling his way out of that as well.
Speaker 2:So it's good to check in. Yeah, he's been a big support with you as well. Yeah, 100%.
Speaker 3:He has been amazing. He's texted me, you know, making sure I'm all right. You know he said to me, any time of day, whatever, so he's a really good friend to me and you.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Just a good person to, yeah, have in your arsenal. My boy saw it yeah. So he's slowly crawling out himself, but he's doing well.
Speaker 2:Yeah, he's doing really well and, like I said, I have a lot of admiration for everyone who has shared their story with us, because it's really it can be daunting. I know everyone that has come and sat in with us and has got in front of the mic and before we started recording, all of them have said I'm nervous.
Speaker 3:You know, and it's funny that they say that because within five or ten minutes of the conversation with us just talking, absolute rot to them. They forget the mic's there, they forget that their headphones are on, yeah.
Speaker 2:And they've actually said that to us afterwards. Yeah, it wasn't as bad as we thought. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, but it was like me and you.
Speaker 3:I'm not going to lie to you. I'll be the first one to say it. Mate, I'm not really good with my words, as Shane knows, and I'm very nervous to start off with, but I think as the episodes get older and we get into it a little bit more, we start to find our groove and I am starting to get a lot more confident.
Speaker 2:So, yeah, it's a good thing. If you had to look back on all the episodes that we've had, what would your one of your most memorable moments I don't want to say favorite, but like one of your most memorable moments be?
Speaker 3:One of my memorable moments was in just in my personal opinion would be episode number five with Taylor Egan, because I'm never really a like. I love my sports, don't get me wrong, but it was so interesting to hear his side of the story as a professional sports star. I've never heard anything like that before. Do you know what I mean? Like you only see what's on the media is what I'm trying to say. So to get his perspective and find out that when you don't sign a contract and you don't have a job, that was, yeah. That was pretty crazy to me to think yeah, so where? Me and you, we could lose our job tomorrow, but we can go get another one. Yeah, I think it's.
Speaker 2:You know, I think professional sportsmen and that goes for any sports in general they get a lot, of, a lot of flack in terms of because they earn some sports obviously more than others. They earn astronomical amounts. Like you, look at some of the numbers that NRL players are pulling in, soccer players in America, I mean in England, some of the contracts that they signed, it's like millions and millions of dollars, yeah, and everyone goes. Oh, you know, like you're earning so much money and you know, you forget that they're just normal people. Yeah, that's exactly right, just a normal, but in that their source of income can literally end in an instant and that's exactly right.
Speaker 3:So what they've got to do? Just from what I gathered from his episode, 100% with what you're saying is they've really got to think ahead so they can't go into it?
Speaker 3:I guess you could say pig-headed where they go oh look, I'm getting $100,000 a year or $200,000 or a million dollars a year or whatever it may be. They've actually got to plan that out. So they've got to be thinking oh you know, maybe I should be putting money aside into another account because if I only get a contract for 12 months and out of a job and I've got a family to support. So it was very interesting to hear his side of story, his side of the story and, yeah, how he handled it.
Speaker 3:So it was good, that was one of my yeah, really oh wow moments. Oh wow. Oh wow, yeah, oh wow. So it was good and he was a good guest.
Speaker 2:Yeah, he was great. He was great, I agree with you. I loved also the fact that he really was very open and honest about what he was talking about. Yeah, he had some really incredible funny stories as well about some of the guys he played with. It was good. Yeah, he could take a joke, that's for sure.
Speaker 3:Especially when all you're giving him heaps about.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and that's what I even said in that episode was that he is such an authentic guy even on the field. Like he is as much as and I think anyone will understand this is that you can get pretty heated on the field in the moment, but generally like you would walk off and he would be perfectly fine. You'd have a beer with the guy and there was no issues Like there was. So he was really like down to earth, humble. He wasn't like arrogant or stuck up and so he was. I really did enjoy just the rawness that he shared with his journey in professional sport yeah, that's exactly what you said.
Speaker 2:Whatever dramas he had on the field stayed on the field and he came off and he was a genuine guy yeah, and then just to hear his journey, obviously, how it went from, because in COVID, like professional sportsmen took a real hit. Yeah, buddy, I think they did.
Speaker 2:So there was a lot of bullshit around that surrounded sports at that time, during COVID, and that's not to negate or take away from anyone else who went through the financial, know Financial hardships. I know hospitality Obviously took a big hit as well. But yeah, it was just. He really has had a career that I think I know he would look back and be really proud of.
Speaker 3:Oh yeah, 100%, and so he should be. You know, like some of the Goals he achieved and all that Was awesome, the goals he achieved and all that was awesome. So, yeah, I personally think that it was just really refreshing to hear his story from a professional point of view, especially because, as I said to you before, like you see the media and the media just like sorry for swearing, but they shitbag a lot of sports stars and that's what we see. So, to get his actual outlook on everything, I reckon it's refreshing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, I suppose in that industry you do open yourself up to a lot of criticism, because the spectrum of criticism is a lot greater, whereas if you're at your work, you've only got a very small spectrum of criticism.
Speaker 3:That's true too, and you're not on the media either. Yeah, so I suppose it's….
Speaker 2:Yeah, that was a good one Comes with the job.
Speaker 3:I think Absolutely.
Speaker 2:Always does what about yourself.
Speaker 3:What memorable thoughts have you got from any of the episodes really.
Speaker 2:Yeah, there was quite a few. One of my favourite ones was probably having the love doctor, oh yeah.
Speaker 3:Yeah, he was oh, does that? Share that to your brother?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I can't remember which Hold on Technical difficulties. No, it's not, I've just got to find it here. It is there, we go here. It is Got there eventually. No, that's good.
Speaker 3:That was awesome, he was awesome, and actually I was going to touch on that as well before. Yeah. I've actually put so. I listened to his episode three or four times and I've actually put some of what he said into play in my relationship at home Because me and my missus God forbid we've had some rocky, some really rocky yeah, rocky stuff.
Speaker 2:I mean if you're open to share, share.
Speaker 3:Oh, yeah, 100%. So like when I went through all my stuff, yeah, she was like, got to the point where she was like didn't know if she could handle it. So my missus her name's Ashley, so Ash, yeah, she didn't know if she could handle it because the way I was not in a bad way, just more so. The fact is that she had kids and then her ex-partner don't want to go too much into it just because it's still before the courts and all that, but her ex-partner was dragging her through court and all that sort of stuff. So she had her own dramas going on and then I had my own dramas going on.
Speaker 3:So we were like really hitting the rocky road there for a while. But I've actually got in touch with Darren and I'm actually going to do a couple of personal one-on-one sessions with him, me and Asher, and that's definitely so. I've actually got to hit him up later on through the week to see when he's available to do that. So, yeah, me and Asher are going to get counselling just to make sure we're on the right path, that's great, that's awesome.
Speaker 2:And that is 100% the honest truth and, like we've always said on this show, counselling is not weak. No, absolutely not. It is a beautiful thing that I think everyone should experience, because I think you will just benefit and grow from having at least a session, even if you don't think you have something going on. I guarantee you that everyone has something that they're struggling with.
Speaker 3:have something going on, I guarantee you that everyone has something that they're struggling with. That's exactly right, we're human beings.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so, yeah so yeah, his episode was really insightful for me.
Speaker 3:Well, we've actually started communicating a lot more, me and Ash. So it was nothing bad to do with me and Ash at all. It was just the stuff that she had her going on and the stuff that I had going on was clashing, so we were arguing. So we started communicating a lot more now.
Speaker 2:That's this whole thing. Is that just wanting that communication between couples? And.
Speaker 2:I think the whole thing was just from what I can gather. What I took out of it is that in this relationship or in our relationships, that we have to have healthy relationships, we need to know how to have healthy conflict. And that goes not only for, like, if you're married or if you're in an intimate relationship. It goes for friendships as well. Oh, of course, you and I often have heated discussions. You know we do, and that's okay. We do and that's okay. I think it's learning how to do it in a way that is not I don't want to say conflicting, it's more. I suppose aggressive is the way I'm thinking. Heated, for lack of a better term. It's having open, good communication without the anger and aggression and hotness that comes with it sometimes.
Speaker 3:And me and you definitely me and obviously I've noticed working with you on this podcast. It's been awesome because I still classify you as a very, very good friend. Still after 10 episodes.
Speaker 3:After 10 episodes no, I do, I really do. But you're 100% right, I've noticed obviously not just me, because I know I'm hot-headed but I've noticed that when we have an argument or a disagreement, we both get very hot-headed and we need to walk away and that's okay. I like to think we always come back together and just be like you know what? That was bullshit, we shouldn't have done it. All good, let's move on, and that's what I want to do especially with this podcast because I don't want to do that.
Speaker 2:You know what I mean, yeah yeah, it's good, I enjoy working with you. I just yeah, I do stupid shit sometimes.
Speaker 3:No, yeah, you do. I mean, I think our listeners can agree with that. Yeah, yeah, but but yeah, I just I know what you're saying.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I loved it that he just really did. He brang a real simplicity to how we can really have healthy relationships with our spouses and I think one of the things I really loved what he said, and I remember it clearly was you made a comment and you said happy wife, happy life, oh, yes, and he immediately said no, no, happy spouse, happy house and I use that at home.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I do 100%, and that is the God's honest truth. I use that at home, yeah.
Speaker 2:And it's good, and I think you need to be careful about using it for your advantage, because I can see you going to your wife and being like no, no, it's not about me making you happy, it's about you making me happy. She's a tough cookie.
Speaker 3:Yeah, she is awesome, she's my rock, but she's right most of the time she is.
Speaker 2:Yeah, she is, and I can agree wholeheartedly with my wife as well. Most of the time she is right.
Speaker 3:That sucks that we're admitting this on air.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I'm going to get flack for it later, that's for sure. I told you I was right.
Speaker 3:I was right last night for the first time in history. But don't you hate it when you?
Speaker 2:are right, Yep, and you feel like damn it.
Speaker 3:I can't feel vindicated in this because I'm so far between, I told my missus I was going to get a banner made up last night. So every time I was right I'd bring the banner out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it wouldn't be very often so she wanted.
Speaker 3:All she was craving last night was a packet of salt and vinegar chips. So you know, those boxes you get, yeah, I'm like, yeah, no, there's none left because, like, our kids eat them. And she's like, no, there's one more packet left. And I'm like, standing behind her in the pantry cupboard and going, yeah, no, I was like damn it, I was like a toad, and the kids got into him, so yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, first time ever. First time ever. Yeah, I mean, it's got to be a first every now and again hey. Yeah, so yeah, just I love the simplicity that he brought and obviously one of the things that we've spoken about is, in a future episode, to not only get him on but to get his wife with him.
Speaker 3:Yeah, you mentioned that, which I'm really really excited about that, because it's not just one marriage cancels two.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we're going to brainstorm together, but it's also, I think it's very easy. You know, on that particular episode there were three males involved. Get a woman's perspective, Get a woman's perspective 100%, man 100. And I really like that. I really like the diversity and hearing the different perspectives, because I feel I can be very objective in those kinds of situations where I can be a little bit more thoughtful in that, whereas I feel sometimes it's still not to the extent where women feel that kind of emotional connection. Yeah and so, yeah, as they said, women think a lot more emotionally than men do. Yeah, yeah, and so I would love to hear that process and, and you know, from a woman's perspective, on some of the thoughts and the discussions that we had. So I really look forward to having Beck and Darren on.
Speaker 3:So do I. I love Darren. When I first met him because I never met him until that episode he's just yeah, big heart, yeah. A hell of a guy.
Speaker 2:And I really really think that we should be getting him back on. He wears his heart on his sleeve, which is so great. He is awesome and he's got such a passion for just people.
Speaker 3:I've noticed that in the first five minutes I talked to him.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean you didn't even know him before that. No, like you said, you've developed a bit of a relationship with him since then and it's been great.
Speaker 3:I can't wait and that's going to message darren later on through the week and just to see what he's got available. But I can't wait to have a one-on-one session with him and um I think, it's gonna be awesome. I think he's got a lot of knowledge and I think he's he's gonna be awesome oh yeah, so yeah, he's great.
Speaker 2:Um yeah, moving on another, obviously really I don't want to say exciting one, but one that I really did enjoy was um ones with uh matesates organization.
Speaker 3:How good were they.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they were great. They were awesome. Amanda and Joe, amanda and Joe, they were cool. Shout out to Amanda and Joe How's it? How's it.
Speaker 3:Oh God, don't get him started, it's all good.
Speaker 2:No, they were awesome, yeah, yeah, so obviously anyone Such a critical space that they're working in and doing such an amazing job. That mates organization, you know? Yeah, like we said, they, they have the four different sectors that they're um associated with. Can you remember them? Uh, I remember it was mining, obviously. There was construction, which was the original one that they were in very good. There was manufacturing, yeah, which was, I think was their latest, and energy, which is manufacturing you.
Speaker 3:You left that out before when she, and immediately you Well it was the latest one. That's awesome. No, you did really well, I think that deserves a clap. Give a clap for that. Amanda and Joe would be.
Speaker 2:Oh, that wasn't a clap, but that's a good one. That's news. That's the news.
Speaker 3:It doesn't matter. We're sharing the news. Sharing the news. No, no, amanda will be happy and so will Jai. There we go, there we go. Shout out to Amanda and Jai.
Speaker 2:Shout out to Amanda and.
Speaker 3:Jai, yeah, no, I just love their organisation 100%. What you said they surround by, you know, surround themselves by anti-suicide and stuff like that. So, they, yeah, so they deal with all that sort of stuff, especially in miners and stuff like that. And construction workers deal with all that sort of stuff, especially in miners and stuff like that, and construction workers.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I love the resources that they had available for just everyone, you know. Yeah, yeah. Just able to access all these resources for anyone who was in the industry, whether it be the helpline that they had. Can you remember the helpline number?
Speaker 3:I can. It's sitting right in front of me. Yeah, what's the helpline number? I can, it's sitting right in front of you. Yeah, what's the helpline number? It's 1300 642 111. There you go. So if you have any dramas mining and the good thing about Amanda and Joe as well they told us it actually extends to families, miners' families. Well, it's not only mining remember it's construction, it's manufacturing and it's energy. Yeah, we go all right.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So if you're in any one of those industries and, yeah, you're obviously needing assistance in any way. What's the number? Chef?
Speaker 3:1-300-642-111. Give them a call. Yeah, give them a call.
Speaker 2:They have obviously someone available 24 hours a day and you guys can access, and they've got resources on their websites as well that you can access Anything from reading material to cool podcasts.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I'm glad you said that, because Amanda messaged me the other day and I think I sent you the link. Yeah, you did, man, we're on there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we're on the FIFO hub. We've made it. Now we're on the mates hub oh, that's awesome. Well, hopefully you guys get on and listen and check us out Making an incredible difference in the mental health industry and the workplace, which is great. And both really key individuals in that. You know, joe, obviously being a field worker boots on the ground is obviously the way they referred to it and then Amanda being kind of the driving force, driving force behind it all, which is really cool yeah.
Speaker 2:And something that we spoke to her about was obviously her degree in suicidology.
Speaker 3:Suicidology, yes, which is my hat goes off to a good on her for doing something like that and reaching out and doing something.
Speaker 2:It's definitely something that we would love to investigate more because, like we said, that's the most astounding stat that we deal with is the suicide stats you know.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah, 100%. So I was actually reading a stat the other day.
Speaker 2:Just one particular stat.
Speaker 3:Well, one particular stat. And this is actually quite interesting. Well, I found it quite interesting anyway, and I was just doing a little bit of research. And it's one in four, sorry one in 40 Australians adolescents, australians commit suicide every year. One in 40. And that's adolescents, that's kids. Do you know what adolescents means?
Speaker 2:It's like the teenage years. Yeah, good work. Yeah, I just wanted to test you out.
Speaker 3:Yeah, but yeah, one in thanks, nostalgia is good too. Were you feeling nostalgic when you said that, yeah, I did. I was looking back, but seriously, one in 40 adolescents commit suicide every year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, or attempt sorry attempt to commit suicide every year, which is pretty crazy to think. I mean, I know 40 people is a lot, but one in 40 to attempt suicide every year. Yeah, it's pretty upsetting really. But while Shane's ginning around, I'll tell you there's suicide callback service as well. If you are feeling quite vulnerable and you want to speak out or you're feeling like you're having thoughts like that, the suicide callback service is 1300 659 467.
Speaker 3:So yeah, if you're feeling vulnerable and you're having sort of thoughts like that, give them a call and they'll help out.
Speaker 2:Yeah Well, like we said, the stat in or the 2022 was that there were 3,200 and something suicides 49, I think yeah 3,249 deaths, which on average, if you work that out over the span of the year, that's like nine deaths a day.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I know when Amanda put it like that, because she was obviously telling us about the stats that blew me away.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and that's not attempted. That is yeah. Deaths, that's deaths.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and that's obviously. We're here to try and minimize that number, hopefully, yeah, yeah, absolutely. If we can reach someone, that'd be awesome.
Speaker 2:Creating that awareness, which is what we're doing, and mates are doing a great job in that, you know. Yeah, hopefully putting a real big dent in suicide stats.
Speaker 3:Yeah, because me and you both know from firsthand working as a shift worker night shift and day shift and swapping between the two, that takes a toll on the mental health. It messes you up. Yeah, it's hard. 12 and a half hour shifts.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah. So yeah, I know we've pulled on resources from the Mates and Mining organization and we've had them come out to us and obviously advocate for what they're doing, which has been great. So, yeah, yeah, shout out to Mates.
Speaker 3:Mate, yeah, shout out to Amanda and Joe, amanda and Joe and mates, thank you, yeah.
Speaker 2:And then, yeah, moving on to, yeah, two of our most recent ones that we had, yep, which, yeah, were just incredible stories, yeah, well, the first was an incredible story and that was Mel McLaughlin yes, yep. First was an incredible story and that was Mel McLaughlin yes, Yep, what a story.
Speaker 3:Wow, yeah, I was going to say, yeah, you didn't know much on Mel. I got a bit of a back story and that was the first time you let me have the reins a little bit. So you were sort of a little bit unsure, not in a bad way, just you didn't really know much. So, yeah, you allowed me to take the reins and I told you a little bit of for organizations out there, for our veterans, our military veterans, and it was good to quite refreshing, and it was good to see that she'd come on to spread the word for our police to our police force Boys in Blue.
Speaker 2:So to speak, yeah, really advocating for kind of. I mean, she said that it has. Obviously there's been a big push in the industry now to get more resources and more help, and so it just unfortunately it wasn't around much when she was there. But yeah, just yeah, incredible stories. Like obviously shared some of the stories that she had in terms of her job a lot of undercover stuff. Old Rachel, good old Rachel.
Speaker 3:Share that to Rachel. Share that to Rachel. Share that to Belinda and Mel and Melissa.
Speaker 2:It's just, yeah, just the stuff that you would kind of only see in like movies. Yeah, that was pretty cool, it was good.
Speaker 3:Same sort of thing as the Taylor Egan episode. It was good to see the insight behind it all and, as I said, I'm a big crime buff. I love my crime podcast, love my crime shows.
Speaker 2:Yeah and just to hear the feedback that she's got and we've got from that episode as well. You know people just saying like, wow, what an incredible story. Didn't know Really so pumped for the fact that she's advocating for that mental health in that space, yep, but just the vulnerability that she shared in her story.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know talking about, like, some of the things that she struggled with how she battles to let you know people in like to have relationships, because obviously she battles to trust people, yeah, but how she's working on that.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and that's really good to see her step up and put her vulnerability out there to help others. I love that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, all of our guests, I mean, they've all been vulnerable to a point where I think that's what I think our listeners need to understand is that when people come and share their stories with everyone, it's a real vulnerable place that they're putting themselves into, because you're almost showing everyone like a real weak no, I wouldn't say weakness, but you might perceive it as a very weak moment in our, in our lives, yeah, um, and their lives. And so to share that with people that you don't know, there's no faces, there's no um names, it's just you're just sharing it to these people that are listening to your story and you.
Speaker 2:You don't know what the response is going to be or how it's going to be taken. Um, you know, it's a. It's a real.
Speaker 3:It's a real courageous thing oh yeah, mate, you just hit the nail on the head, like it is, because people come in here, into the little studio that we have here that we've created for ourselves, and you know, and, and they spill their guts and all that sort of stuff and try to spread awareness and all that, and you know, you don't know what response you're going to get from the listeners. You know what I mean. Like, hopefully they'll support you, but you don't know. So you know my hat goes off to all of our guests that we've had so far to put themselves in that sort of in the limelight, so to speak.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, absolutely, like you say, definitely take my hat off and I appreciate everyone. I mean, they're completely just adding their voice to the cause of what we're trying to do here on Leave a Light, On podcast. So, yeah, we're obviously grateful and really want to say thank you to every single person who has come on and shared. And that leads us obviously to our most recent one before this, and that was our first. Can I just throw come on and shed, and that leads us obviously to our most recent one before this.
Speaker 3:And that was our first, can I just throw in there quickly? When we both said we take our hats off, we didn't actually we're both wearing hats at the minute we didn't take them off, yeah.
Speaker 4:Didn't literally take my hat off. We literally didn't take our hats off.
Speaker 2:But figuratively, I take my hat off to you. Yeah, but yeah. That leads us obviously to the latest episode that we had just before this, the start of something new for Leave a Light on podcast.
Speaker 3:Yeah, which I am super excited about.
Speaker 2:It is awesome we have gave?
Speaker 3:I don't know. I see you. Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:Moments, mindful moments with Mel, yeah, and for those who haven't obviously heard that, that he has a little Tit bit Of what you can expect, because this is Her little. This is awesome. This is her little jingle and her little Intro into Mindful moments with Mel.
Speaker 5:Yeah, knowledge deep. Breathe in, breathe out.
Speaker 3:Let your worries take a leap, mindful moments that was awesome and congratulations to you on that, because that was your little baby that you thought would be an awesome idea and yeah, it's's awesome, I like it. Yeah, a little segment that you A little segment that we've just started.
Speaker 2:Yeah, what a great kind of yeah, just really. What I love about it is we've always said that we are not professionals, yep, and so it's purely our opinions. We're just sharing our stories and maybe our thoughts and specific topics. I was just whispering.
Speaker 3:I'm having deja vu there, that bloody word specific. Oh God.
Speaker 2:But yeah, we were just sharing our opinions. But when you have someone like her, that came in, it just added a whole other dynamic.
Speaker 3:It was awesome, I think, for people that don't usually ask for help either. She's shed that light on Do you know what? That light on people that are a bit more reserved, yeah.
Speaker 2:I also think she created a very different opinion on what a psychologist does.
Speaker 3:Yeah. So a lot of people obviously yeah, think yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Like one thing of psychologists, but she's actually exploded it and let people know. No, this is what we actually do which is, I mean, that's a good thing. Now people can actually really get an idea of what, as you said, what psychologists do she?
Speaker 2:was just very like, obviously, that particular segment. We discussed ADHD, which was very close to your heart, obviously.
Speaker 2:Yeah definitely, but just I loved the fact that she was so informative. Yes, she gave us a lot of real like understanding behind the condition, what it entails. Also, what I loved about her explanation of things is that she said every case is so different. Yep, and when we obviously have a loved one or someone we know who is struggling in that area, it's how do we knock every other thing out the park to really narrow down that this is what this person is struggling with?
Speaker 2:Yeah, especially when it came to trauma was the one thing that she referred to, Yep Trauma being kind of showing a lot of symptoms of ADHD but not necessarily diagnosing it as ADHD. Yeah, yeah. Because it obviously was the trauma side of things that people were dealing with Yep and so, yeah, I really for me, that was really eye-opening, yeah yeah, yeah it was good to get her professional opinion on everything.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it was awesome, and I'm really, really hoping that the listeners got a good kick out of that episode and learnt something from it.
Speaker 2:You love people getting a good kick out of things, don't you? I love people kicking stuff? Yeah, clearly, as long as people don't kick the bucket then I'm good.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah, let's say they don't kick the bucket. Yeah, exactly, but yeah, that's awesome.
Speaker 2:I really do think that that's such a it was a Like super informative episode For people. If you haven't listened to it and you've just kind of Gone on to this one Because it was the latest one, I really do encourage you, go back an episode. I would encourage you To go back to the start, yeah, and hear Because also number one You'll hear how terrible we were at the beginning yes, and at the beginning and how much better we've got as every episode's gone on.
Speaker 3:You know, I've actually, because I've been listening to a few different podcasts and I jump from podcast to podcast, you know, and you go back and you listen to some of the episodes and you go man, this podcast sucks. But then you listen to it later on and you go this podcast is awesome. Yeah, Everyone starts real, not good.
Speaker 4:Yeah, they're learning you know what I mean. Yeah, they're learning you know what I mean, yeah. So, yeah, it's growth.
Speaker 3:Shane's right yeah, we're getting better slowly.
Speaker 2:So I encourage you, go back to the start, listen to it and listen to the journey that we've walked with every single one of our guests. Yep, You've obviously shared your story, Shev. Yep, I've shared my story to an extent.
Speaker 3:Which Just want to throw it out there. That was if you haven't listened to Shane's episode, his migration from South Africa to here. Really good, it's a good yarn.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a good one. Like a duck, I migrated.
Speaker 3:Yeah, you did yeah Because it was warmer over here.
Speaker 2:No really, actually what you're a duck. No, the warmer part.
Speaker 3:Yes really. I'm not a duck. The warmer part the warm and white.
Speaker 2:Oh right, yeah, is it? It's hotter over there, isn't it? Or is it hotter here? It depends where you go. Obviously, yeah, but where I was and where we are now In Australia, being Newcastle, yeah, very similar oh okay, there you go.
Speaker 3:Very similar, yeah, right, yeah, no, if you haven't listened to it, listeners. Yeah, jump back In episode number three. It was awesome, good yarn, yeah it was a good one.
Speaker 2:And then, yeah, obviously 10 episodes. Who would have thought? But I'm so excited for what is to come for us.
Speaker 3:Yeah, especially what we were just touching on with Mindful Moments with Mel. Obviously, shane and myself have got a few little different segments we're going to. We've got in the pipeline. I won't give too much away, but yeah, we've got a few little different segments we're going to. We've got in the pipeline. I won't give too much away, but yeah, we've got a few little segments in the pipeline which will be pretty cool. So, yeah, make sure you keep listening to that. So yeah, but it's awesome. I'm really enjoying the 10 episodes. This is awesome and, mate, honestly, I really can't wait to see what happens in the near future with this podcast and what the listeners do.
Speaker 3:Really hoping they stick with us, and you know yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah, just want to say. Obviously, I know we started off by saying thank you, but I'd just like to end off this episode by saying thank you again to every single person who has listened, who has shared, who has, you know, gained anything from our podcast. We just want to say thank you, thank you for taking the ride with us. Obviously, we appreciate you taking an hour out of your time just to listen.
Speaker 3:That's exactly right To two guys who have no qualification in this area no experience, no experience.
Speaker 2:Just share our story and the story of people that are like us in order to create awareness, to create healthy mindsets and also just to bring a bit of light into the world, like we've said, and that's the leave a light on goal.
Speaker 3:That's exactly right, as long as we touch one person out there. Yeah, that's made me extremely happy.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely it has. And I'm going to end off with one thing yeah, do it, celebrate it with a song, obviously.
Speaker 3:Oh yeah, cool, let's play our song again, too easy. Well, let me just say, before you do that congratulations again to yourself.
Speaker 2:Thank you and to you.
Speaker 3:Yeah, thanks for listening and please stay with us.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and we'll end off. But let's quickly have a quick listen to our celebratory 10 episode song. Get into it, peeps.
Speaker 5:I see that head bob. Yeah, built for you. Leave a light on shine it strong, share your stories, come along every episode. Heartfelt song. Leave a light on we belong, we belong that's awesome.
Speaker 3:That's awesome. As I said, put that in the file. Yeah, in the file. So yeah, in the file.
Speaker 2:So, again, thank you to every single person. Yeah, please keep sharing the story and the message of what we're trying to do here at Leave a Light On podcast, and always remember it's not weak to speak, nope. If you need help, shout out. Yeah, there are so many people out there that are in the same boat as you, that are just wanting to reach out and get some help or wanting someone just to see them. That's exactly right, and so we're always here. We're always here. Yeah, reach out on our socials. Yep, at any stage, obviously, shiv, what are our socials? You love doing this part. I hate this part.
Speaker 3:No, I don't. So, yeah, we've got Facebook Check us out there, leave a lot on podcast. We've also got Instagram At leave a lot on podcast. And then, yeah, we've got TikTok, which I don't really like. Tiktok, woo, tiktok, I'm only doing it, as I said, I think, in the last couple of episodes. I'm only doing TikTok Because it gets our name out there A little bit further.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but being yeah, but being our 10th episode. Shev, I reckon you need to give our listeners something on TikTok.
Speaker 3:In TikTok In.
Speaker 2:TikTok, yeah On Nicknock, nicknock, oh jeez.
Speaker 3:Yeah, okay. I'll try and plan something either for today or tomorrow. I'll do like a little jingle or a dance. Yeah, she's going to do a dance.
Speaker 4:It's just wayful, yeah it'll be good, that's all good, so yeah congratulations. Check us out on the socials.
Speaker 3:Yeah, congratulations again.
Speaker 2:Congratulations to you and we look forward to more than the next 10, but the next 100 episodes.
Speaker 3:Hopefully, if all goes well, all goes well. Yeah, all of our listeners stick with us and we'll talk to you soon.
Speaker 2:We'll talk to you soon. And remember be kind to one another.
Speaker 1:Stay safe, let's leave a light on. Hey, hey, thanks for listening. We hope you managed to gain some insight from today's episode. Jump onto our socials and reach out, and until next time, wherever you are, let's leave a light on.