The Best Interest Mates Podcast
Best Interest Mates is a safe and supportive community for men to unmask through open conversations about men’s mental health and raise funds to improve men’s health.
We’re all about having real, laid-back conversations about looking after ourselves and our mates. Join us as we break the stigma, share real stories, and create a space to open up.
In this podcast, we'll chat with a variety of interesting people who bravely share their struggles and lessons in looking after themselves and those around them, and we'll share stories and tips that we can all learn from and use in our everyday lives.
All Episodes
.png)
Episode 5: Bruce Patten - Building a supportive community - The importance of connection
Summary Blake Norrish, Bruce Patten, and Leigh Tsoumerkas discuss the Best Interest Mates community, focusing on men's mental health and the importance of connection and support among mortgage brokers and advisers. They share personal experiences, the challenges of isolation in their industry, and the stigma surrounding mental health. The discussion emphasises the need for balance in life and work, building relationships, and the role of community in fostering mental health awareness and support. They discuss the importance of building a supportive community for mental health, particularly focusing on men's health issues. Takeaways - The Best Interest Mates community aims to support our mental health. - Isolation in the mortgage industry can lead to mental health challenges. - It's crucial to prioritise self-care and mental well-being. - Breaking the stigma around mental health is essential for open conversations. - Building relationships is key to providing support. - Finding balance between work and personal life is a continuous effort. - Community support can help reduce feelings of loneliness. - Regular check-ins can strengthen connections among peers. - Sharing personal struggles can encourage others to open up. - Inclusivity in mental health discussions benefits everyone. - Community events foster connections and support. - Open discussions can alleviate feelings of isolation. Keywords Best Interest Mates, men's mental health, community support, mortgage brokers, mental health awareness, connection, stigma, work-life balance, relationships, advocacy, mental health, community support, Best Interest Mates, Movember, inclusivity, international collaboration, men's health, suicide prevention, networking, wellbeing.png)
Episode 4: Kerry Kalendra - From darkness to light: a mental health journey
Summary Kerry Kalendra shares his journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and the importance of accountability and support. He discusses how his experiences shaped his passion for wellness and helping others, emphasising the need for vulnerability and open conversations about mental health. Takeaways - Kerry's journey into mental health advocacy began unexpectedly. - Men often feel invincible until faced with serious health issues. - Vulnerability is key to overcoming mental health challenges. - Acknowledging and accepting one's struggles is crucial for recovery. - Accountability through coaching can significantly aid personal growth. - Creating a safe space is essential for open conversations about mental health. - Everyone's mental health journey is unique and should be respected. - Small steps can lead to significant changes over time. - The stigma around mental health is slowly changing, but challenges remain. - The Fuel project aims to provide resources for personal development. Keywords mental health, wellness, addiction, accountability, personal development, coaching, support, vulnerability, stigma, recovery.png)
Episode 3: Leigh Tsoumerkas - What legacy will you leave?
Summary Blake Norrish and Leigh Tsoumerkas discuss the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the context of the Best Interest Mates community. They explore the challenges of balancing work and family life, the journey of new parenthood, and the significance of community support. The discussion highlights personal growth, self-criticism, and the impact of legacy and influence on future generations. They emphasise the need for connection and the importance of reaching out for help, as well as the role of Best Interest Mates in fostering a supportive environment for individuals in the mortgage and finance industry. Takeaways - Mental health awareness is crucial, especially in high-stress jobs. - Balancing work and family life requires intentional effort. - New parenthood brings both joy and challenges that can lead to self-doubt. - Self-criticism can hinder personal growth; it's important to be kind to oneself. - Community support is vital for mental health and well-being. - Best Interest Mates aims to create a supportive network for individuals in the industry. - Legacy and influence on children are significant motivators for personal change. - Overcoming personal struggles can lead to greater empathy and connection with others. - It's important to reach out for help and support when needed. - Every individual has the power to make a difference in their community. Keywords Best Interest Mates, mental health, work-life balance, new parenthood, community support, personal growth, influence, legacy, connection, self-criticism.png)
Episode 2: Mark Winter - Connection: The heart of mental health
Summary Mark Winter shares his journey as a long-time advocate for men's health, particularly focusing on mental health awareness through community engagement and events. He discusses the importance of breaking down mental health stigmas, the role of local support systems, and the impact of community events in fostering connections among men. Mark emphasises the need for ongoing conversations and the significance of individual connections in supporting those in need. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in conversations, the need for active listening, and the significance of creating deeper connections over time. They emphasise the necessity of self-care and personal time, recognising that taking care of ourselves is essential for being there for others. Takeaways - Mark's advocacy for men's health began after a tragic event in his community. - Breaking down stigma is crucial for encouraging men to seek help. - Creating a non-judgmental environment is essential for open discussions. - The importance of finding common ground to foster deeper connections. - Encouraging vulnerability requires you to be vulnerable yourself. - Listening without jumping to solutions is crucial for support. - Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for mental health. - Building relationships takes time and effort, but it's worth it. - It's important to share your burdens with trusted friends. Keywords men's health, mental health, community support, stigma, Movember, Best Interest Mates, awareness, connection, advocacy, local help, vulnerability, mental health, self-care, listening, personal growth, relationships, communication, emotional support, connection, mindfulness.png)