Bottled Up: Recent Episodes

Sunny Bahuguna

Sunny and Mayank get behind the mic and create conversations amongst other men about mental health, wellbeing and heaps more in between. We provide a platform for people to share their journeys and mental health stories in the hope of inspiring others to do the same. So, when was the last time you checked in?

Say hello to us on Instagram at @bottledupaus!

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

Chris 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. 💙

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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

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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. 💙

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-sophie-martin-b6ab8884/

Medium Article: https://medium.com/non-disclosure/the-20-that-may-make-you-lose-your-mind-2555cd43a8bd

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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

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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. 💙

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-sophie-martin-b6ab8884/

Medium Article: https://medium.com/non-disclosure/the-20-that-may-make-you-lose-your-mind-2555cd43a8bd

______________

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

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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.

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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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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

View Details

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.

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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

View Details

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

View Details

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 Mumm

Dean 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.

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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

View Details

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. (👀)

In this episode we chat about:

🔥 The impetus for Bottled Up and rewinding the clock back to February 2020 when had our first dinner planning the podcast.

🔥 What has Sunny got planned? Leaving his job in Melbourne and travelling for the next few months, including what drove the decision

🔥 The story behind how we became good friends with someone after a random encounter on the street (😮)

🔥 Mayank's 50km run in London

🔥 + Both of us trying our luck at comedy

Enjoy the listen and stay tuned for the guest list drop over the coming days. 💙


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

View Details

Join Sunny and Mayank in a powerful conversation with Mandy Dante, founder and CEO of Flourish Girl, as she shares her journey of reclaiming her identity as a South Asian woman. As a TEDx speaker and Accredited Facilitator, Mandy sheds light on the often overlooked topic of toxic femininity and the impact it has on body image.

With her role as the first-senior female facilitator at The Rites of Passage Institute, Mandy is paving the way for empowering teenage girls across Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia. Tune in for a transformative conversation on identity, confidence, and breaking free from societal expectations.

Hope you enjoy the listen. 💙

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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 Girl

LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-girl/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishgirl\_/

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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

View Details

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. 💙

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Where can you find Chris Hope:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishope/

You can also find some of Chris' deeply insightful articles on social connection, here:

https://connectionsbrewing.substack.com/

Where can you find the 100 Coffee Movement:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/100coffeemovement/

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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

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View Details

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. 😉

We speak about life growing up in Mauritius, his experiences at Stanford and friendships formed. What is clear in JP's story is his value on belonging, not only his own sense of belonging, but how he creates a safe space for others as well. The intentionality is incredible.

We also chat about our relationship with parents, friends, what carving out time for our own self-care looks like and plans for the future.

Hope you enjoy the listen. 💙

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Where can you find JP:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpvertil/

https://www.jpvertil.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

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View Details

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. 😉

What's changed? Not much, other than the fact that his picked up two new hats, one as a Father, and the second as an Author.

On this episode we touch on many new topics, including:

  • The process and journey he has been on behind his new book, Nowhere to Hide: A memoir of football, mental health and resilience.
  • An even deeper dive into his mental health journey and life after football. Tom talks candidly about his mindset right after high school, and then again after hanging up the boots.
  • Reflections on COVID-19 - losing his source of income, bouncing back, and the renovation of his new house.
  • What lies ahead as he embarks into fatherhood with a beautiful young girl.
  • And many more topics.


Buckle up and enjoy the listen. 💙

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In case you're wondering, who is Tom Boyd?

Tom Boyd lived the dream of many young Australians. As the 2013 AFL number 1 draft pick, he was marked as a future superstar in his sport. Fame and money were guaranteed, all the more so when he returned home to Melbourne to join the Western Bulldogs on a record-breaking $7 million contract.

But success as a footballer came at a cost Tom wasn't prepared to pay. The intense scrutiny from media and the public added to the enormous expectations he placed upon himself, creating a toxic cycle of insomnia, anxiety and depression. Even being part of the Bulldogs' famous drought-breaking Premiership win in 2016, when Tom arguably played the greatest game of his career, could not fundamentally change the chronic mental health issues he was experiencing.

Tom decided to make one of the bravest calls of his life and walk away from the team he loved, from his hugely lucrative contract, from celebrity and adulation. He did it because he knew he was much more than the sum of these things, and that mental wellbeing was the one essential he could not ignore.

Tom is now a public speaker and mental health advocate and recently released his first book, Nowhere to Hide.

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You can learn more about Tom (and find his book) here:

instagram.com/tomboyd17

https://www.booktopia.com.au/nowhere-to-hide-tom-boyd/book/9781761065491.html

https://www.millennialtranslator.com.au/

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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

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View Details

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. 😉

We’ve been keeping busy over the summer break, recording over 15 episodes on SO many exciting topics.

Stay tuned over the coming days for a sneak peak of what's ahead.

Hang tight, we're coming in with a bang.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

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

View Details

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 conversations

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

View Details

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:

💡 The role superheroes played in his earlier days and how this gave him a sense of belonging as an immigrant.

💡 The importance of language around mental health and its role in strengthening our articulation of mental issues

💡 The vulnerability he felt around health complications with the birth of son

💡 What Fatherhood looks like in the modern world

Sandeep brings a unique perspective on pursuing your purpose and openly shares his own story and the key moments, including mental health challenges and shifts in perspective, growing up South Asian in the United States, fatherhood, reclaiming #southasian unity and the power of creativity and community in defining your own narrative

If that isn't cool enough, he is also the x4 Australian Chilli cooking champion (chile con carne) and a BBQ judge. 👀


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

View Details

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 👀) update on what’s ahead for Bottled Up.

In this episode we chat about:

🔥 Mayank relocating to the UK, lessons learnt and the experience so far

🔥 Sunny's half marathon experience

🔥 Bottled Up invited to speak on a panel with Deloitte

🔥 Shoutout to upcoming guests (including Tom Boyd, Hunter Johnson, Sandeep Varma, and a few other legends)

🔥 + Both of us trying our luck at comedy

Enjoy the listen 💙


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

View Details

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: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

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 level
  • Looks 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 them
  • Started the Bachar Houli Foundation and the ambition behind why it started
    • Many more topics

Bachar 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 Foundation

The 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.

@BHFoundationAU

bacharhoulifoundation.com.au

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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

View Details

-- 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: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

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:

💡 Early days, childhood and upbringing to two Australian Olympian parents

💡 Journey navigating between basketball and rowing in her earlier days and what ultimately led her into rowing

💡 Time abroad in the States at UC Berkeley and stepping up her training program, including the awareness of self-destructive and often toxic behaviours she had picked up along the way

💡 Gruelling training program and working through self-expectations, the feeling of loneliness and making sacrifices for her rowing career

💡 Mindset between being disciplined and hardline vs. having some fun along the way

💡 View on cultivating and management key relationships and picking the right mentors

💡 Mental health when the Olympics in 2020 was cancelled and what that meant for her as she had to buckle down for another year of training ahead of 2021's games

💡 Perspective on 'community' and the importance it plays within all communities, including the work she is doing with Rosemary Local, an initiative to support local creatives

💡 + Many more

Mental poise is not about pushing past limits of physical and mental anguish. It is an acute awareness of the present moment, your personal limits, and the limits of the environment. It is understanding when your performance is at its peak, and at what point efforts are counterproductive to your own well-being and the well-being of others. It is using a moral compass to drive your behaviours and actions.

This conversation is one step towards changing the culture of athletics. Athletes are humans first, and the value of humanity is not tied to our achievements. These athletes are finally redefining—for themselves—what performance success looks like.

The bottom line is that mental health is always a worthy endeavour — no matter the cost.

______________

You can find Rosemary Popa and Rosemary Local through the following channels:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rosiepopa

Website: https://www.rosemarylocal.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

View Details

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

In Episode 51, Sunny and Mayank sit with superstar (and Bottled Up Alumni), Heshan Fernando. 😉

He's a familiar face, having joined us in Episode 3 to chat about his relationship with his father, taking responsibility in life and his purpose-led organisation, The Model Man. Hesh is a man that has truly motivated us both behind the mic to be better humans.

In this episode we cover Hesh's:

💡 Reflections since the last time we chatted in 2020. What Hesh has learnt about himself, his priorities and what he is working through at the moment. (You don't have to have listened the last one to contextualise - we will touch on it all again!).

💡 Journey creating The Model Man, an organisation that was born out of a (turbulent) father-son journey between.

💡 Journey of taking self-responsibility and creating a life aligned with his values (this one might sound cliche, but trust us, give it a listen and you won't be disappointed!).

💡 View on role models and mentors. Their purpose, value in life and how to get the most out of them.

💡 Outlook on being a father and what is most looking forward too, as well as lessons learnt from his own father.

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You don't have to have listened to Episode 3 to familiarise yourself with Hesh's story. In the last episode, Hesh discusses how the Model Man was born out of a father-son journey between founders Hesh and his dad, Chris. However, it didn’t all start this way. Hesh describes how his dad would accumulate workplace stress and bring it back home daily. He describes the countless times he would lock himself in his room, hiding from his father and describing what it was like growing up in a toxic home environment - the impacts of which showed to carry on into Hesh’s personal life. Just when you’d think it would stop, Hesh recounts the time he was physically bottled inside a club at 22, shattering his confidence, and keeping him in hospital under intense care for many weeks.

Fast forward to today, their relationship has now come full circle where Hesh looks up to his father as a mentor, as they look to create a real lasting change they both feel they were built to deliver in this world. An incredible conversation about forgiveness, and the many lessons learnt from pointing the finger inwards. Hesh is a wealth of knowledge, and we had great pleasure in sharing this conversation.

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Model Man Instagram: @themodelmanofficial

Model Man Website: www.themodelman.com.au

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

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:

💡 Journey navigating perfectionism, through wanting to become the 'best' captain, whilst balancing a demanding workload, especially as a dad to three beautiful children

💡 Story of getting in front of the Richmond playing group in the 2017 pre-season. This was ultimately a defining moment that switched the mentality of the Richmond FC to then go on and win three AFL premierships

💡 Journey navigating social media scrutiny and press whilst staying true to your own values, authenticity and vulnerability

💡 Emphasis on embracing different cultures and values and how this can foster a sense of belonging within a team

💡 New organisation, Posisocks, which embraces gratitude and positive affirmations in a very clever way (stay tuned!!)

Bottled Up is also proud to support the AFL - Australian Football League with their latest ‘Kids go Free!’ Campaign. Between June 16 to July 10, the AFL will be paying tribute to their biggest fans; Kids! Bring all your friends and enjoy time with the family at matches between Rounds 14 to 17 full of family friendly activities and entertainment. Stay tuned for another ripper episode.

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You can find Trent Cotchin and Posisocks through the following channels:

Instagram: @trentcotchin9 and @posisocks

______________

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

View Details

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:

💡Dialogue around mental health whilst growing up in a South-East asian household

💡 The humble beginnings of creating their own podcast and following living out their own mission and vision

💡 Experiencing racism and methods to deal with racist behaviour

Available on Spotify and Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

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You can find the Unapologetically Asian Podcast through the following channels:

Instagram: @unapologeticallyazn

(https://www.instagram.com/unapologicaticallyazn/

Website: www.unapologeticallyasian.com.au/

______________

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

View Details

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:

💡Owning the morning through routine and dedication, and the importance of minimising the number of 'inputs' to start the day

💡 Realising that there is no 'bad emotion' to have, rather, it is merely a balance between whether your emotions are balanced vs unbalanced

💡 Recognising that your identity can be defined by your genetics and your external environment

💡 Unpacking the relationship with his dad

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You do not want to miss this one 💥

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You can find Josh through the following channels:

Instagram: @josh_balia

(https://www.instagram.com/josh_balia/)

Linkedin: Joshua Balia

______________

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

View Details

In Episode 46, 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:

💡 Taking accountability and being the maverick of this own life

💡 Navigating a biracial upbringing in Australia (Ukrainian and Ugandan)

💡 Processing death and grief after the passing of his late father

💡 Unpacking his true values and identity

💡 Navigating the switch from corporate to authentic content creation

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You do not want to miss this one 💥

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You can find Mamba through the following channels:

Instagram: @datblackmamba (https://www.instagram.com/datblackmamba/)

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/datblackmamba

______________

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

View Details

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:

  1. Kevins upbringing in the States and his experiences as the first queer Student Body President at The University of Texas at Austin
  2. How 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...)
  3. 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)
  4. Understanding Identity: Intersectionality, Neurodiversity and the Queer movement
  5. Leadership lessons and what's ahead
  6. Cheeky rapid fire 👀

Kevin shed's light on his lived experiences with Tourette’s; sings the neurodiversity gospel; and make three calls to action.

  1. Question first impressions – they’re based off limited sets of data.

  2. Take time to learn someone’s story – and do it with grace, empathy, and curiosity.

  3. Actively expand your in-group – we learn from folks who look, act, think, pray, and love differently than we do.

This one is a powerful one, you do not want to miss it. Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple 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

View Details

In Episode 45, 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.

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You can get in contact with Callum by following:

Instagram: @youngbloodsmentalhealth

If 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

View Details

In Episode 44, 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 <3

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You can get in contact with Damien by following:

Instagram: @damienbugeja, @runforjoey

Website: https://www.runforjoey.com.au

If 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

View Details

In Episode 43, Sunny and Mayank sit with Devian and Jagesh Panchal. The twin brothers are co-founders of Shakti Melbourne and The Brown Come Up, platforms that raise awarness on mental health within South Asian disaporas in Melbourne and around the world.

Together we discuss everything mental health from our personal journeys on mental health, communicating mental health to Brown Parents, and advice on mental health practices for young South Asians that may be struggling. You can find them:

https://www.shaktimentalhealth.com/

Instagram: @shaktimelbourne

______________

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

View Details

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: @armanvestad

Website: 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

View Details

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!

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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

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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:

🔥 Upbringing in an Asian family and the values it taught him

🔥 Journey through university life (with an Arts background!)

🔥 Decision to leave his stable role in corporate role and take the plunge into startup land

🔥 Decision to join Jarvis and what he looked out for

🔥 Early years of Jarvis, including balancing leisure time and the 'hustle'

🔥 Views on hustle culture and toxic productivity

🔥 Journey navigating personal ego and pride

🔥 Perspective on relationships -- friendships, romance and everything in between

🔥 Personal lessons learnt along the way

🔥 What's next (including a new book...)

It's a powerful conversation that traverses between humility, interpreting personal success and reflecting on what matters most. Enjoy and reach out to Sunny or Bottled Up if you'd like to get in touch with Ronnie!


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

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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

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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

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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: @gotcha4life

Website: https://www.gotcha4life.org/

You can find more on Bottled Up on:

Instagram: @BottledUpAus

Facebook: @BottledUpAus

LinkedIn: @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

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Sunny and Mayank sit back and kick-off 2022 with a bang. Stay tuned for a cheeky rapid fire (juicy 👀) and an update on what’s ahead for Bottled Up.


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

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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

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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 Australia
  • Navigating 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 school
  • Finding 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 life
  • Dopamine, 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=en

Instagram: @sanctum.creative

Podcast on The Dopamine Matrix: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iRD8zPy0G0b7uHFXBLVWf?si=4r8neyGmRlK6rZ56PMA6bw

You can find more on Bottled Up on:

Instagram: @BottledUpAus

Facebook: @BottledUpAus

Linkedin: 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

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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 challenge
  • Shoutout to some past guests
  • Shoutout 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: @BottledUpAus
  • Facebook: @BottledUpAus
  • Linkedin: 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

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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 Premier
  • Reflections on his overly obsessive and ambitious desire to create his own legacy
  • The power of the conscious and subconscious mind
  • Building resilience during his youth years, that have now formed the foundation for a holistic outlook on wellbeing
  • How we all make mistakes and the important to learn from them
  • Why listening to your gut is one of the most important things to do
  • What success really is

All 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.com
  • Podcast "Move your Mind", available on all major platforms
  • Instagram: @NickBracks
  • Twitter: @NickBracks

You can find more on Bottled Up on:

  • Instagram: @BottledUpAus
  • Facebook: @BottledUpAus
  • Linkedin: 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

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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:

  1. Brendan's story within mental health as the ex-CEO of RUOK and Global Director at Movember
  2. Brendan's journey with mental health and his key learnings
  3. Brendan's vision for where he sees mental health in a post - COVID world
  4. How 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

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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.com

More 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/3mfwdF6

Our 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

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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 <3

~ Tarang Chawla ~

Instagram: @tarangchawla

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

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:

  1. His work with the Primal Man Project
  2. Multiple relationships and what Jason learnt about himself through the process
  3. Battle with addiction to sex and a discussion about pornography
  4. How men can look inwards to find passion and purpose

We hope you enjoy this episode!


~ Jason Bluett ~

Instagram: @jasonbluett

Primal Man Project: @primalmanproject

Find out more: linktr.ee/PrimalManProject

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

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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:

  1. Multiculturalism and racism within sport
  2. Mental health as it relates to his culture and background
  3. Physical setbacks
  4. Toxic masculinity within the football setting

We hope you enjoy this episode!

~ Lin Jong ~

Instagram: @linjong46

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Episode 26 is live! Ujjwal and Sunny get behind the mic for first time as we continue our Book Review Series - this time we chat about the Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg. This one's another shorter episode as we chat through why we loved about this book, the key themes and some of the actions we've taken since reading the book!

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

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Episode 25 is live! For the very first time, Mayank and Ujjwal do a podcast together as they review one of the few books they've both read - The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku. This one's a shorter episode as we chat through why we loved about this book, some of the key messages and how it applies in the world today. Hope you enjoy!!

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

--

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On this week's episode, Ujjwal and Mayank are back behind the mic to speak with Vi-An Nguyen, a psychologist at the Melbourne Centre for Women's Mental Health as well as at an organisation she helped kickstart, Shapes and Sounds! In her spare time, she is also an academic tutor at Deakin University for various undergraduate psychology units. In this episode, we touch on the different aspects of our lives that can effect the way your mental health, specifically ones culture and gender. We also touch on toxic masculinity - a topic we hope to touch on a little more in our upcoming podcasts. We hope you enjoy this one!

~ Shapes and Sounds ~

Instagram: @justshapesandsounds

Website: https://www.justshapesandsounds.com

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

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Sunny sits down with Geoffrey Ahern (@geoffreyahern), a senior mental health clinician from Melbourne with extensive experience across emergency and trauma, alcohol and other drug counselling. He currently works part-time in the Emergency Mental Health Response team in a large Emergency Department in Melbourne.

In our conversation, Geoffrey shares his story dealing with trauma after being sexually abused, dealing with the loss of a child and a marriage breakdown. It's a story of bravery and courage, as he shares how he has found recovery by giving back to others in the community through his work on the frontline.

Geoffrey was also part of PACER (Police, Ambulance and Clinical Early Response teams), a joint crisis response from police and mental health clinicians to people in crisis within the community. We touch on Geoffs time on the road with the police, and finish the discussion with Geoff sharing his transition to a plant-based diet and the role this has played on his mental health.

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 <3

--

~ Geoffrey Ahern ~

Instagram: @geoffreyahern

Website: https://www.geoffreyahern.com/

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

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Sunny and Mayank sit with Ash Judd.

Ash was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) two years after being deployed in Afghanistan. In our conversation, Ash reflects on his time in the Australian Army, where he served as an infantry officer and his combat with the Taliban that shaped his outlook on the war. We touch on themes of mental health, resilience under pressure, the morality of war and what masculinity means today. Ash says that he has almost completely recovered from his PTSD and wants to provide a message of hope to those who have suffered the same illness, that one can have a long, happy and fulfilling life on the other end of seeking support.

~ Ash Judd ~

Instagram: @ashjudd_84

LinkedIn: Ash Judd

~ Key Resource ~

TEDx London Business School:

A long shadow: war, mental health and leadership | Ash Judd

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0NMDlkarvE

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

View Details

Mayank and Ujjwal sit down with a great friend and Indoor Cricket captain, Tom Monagle. We reflect on a truly inspiring journey, delving into the challenges growing up in with Tourettes syndrome and his experiences with Sexual Abuse. We found this conversation truly insightful as we learnt how the challenging experiences in Tom's life have shaped him into the person he is today where he has a powerful story to share with everyone.

Bottled Up recognises that the themes discussed in this episode are intense and can have a different effect on people, but having these conversations is imperative in ensuring that these topics are normalised.

~ Key Resource ~

https://casa.org.au/

~ Tom Monagle ~

Instagram: @serialoffendersofficial

Tiktok: @tommonagle

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

View Details

Sunny sits with Nivae for EP 20, a Junior Doctor in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

We pull the curtain back on what it really is like being a doctor -- going through the medicine degree and being surrounded by high-achievers, to experiencing burnout when completing placements within hospitals (with some weeks reported to have 70-80+ hour weeks).

It's a candid conversation that flips the table on the traditional doctor-patient relationship -- now asking the medic how they really feel. A must listen for anyone who is studying medicine, knows a friend/loved one completing their placements or would like to know more about the doctor's journey.

Had a lot of fun sitting behind the mic with Niv and hope you all enjoy the listen.


~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Dr. Karan Sinha is a knowledgable and insightful mental health advocate who currently works as a Psychiatrist.

In this episode, we sit down with Karan to explore his journey leading to his life today as a professional in the mental health space. We explore many strategies of self care and compassion which form the foundation of the ideas he has shared with many people through his compelling research, highlighting the importance of self-love.

Bottled Up recognises that some of the statistics and facts shared in this episode may be distressing and can have a different effect on people.

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

View Details

Episode 4 is LIVE! We are stoked to bring this conversation with the man who ran a marathon in every country in the world. In this episode, we explore the truly inspirational, physical and emotional journey that Nick embraced over 4 years. After following his journey closely for the last year, the 3 of us cherished the opportunity to chat with Nick. We hope you enjoy this convo as much as we did.

~ Nick Butter ~

Instagram: @nickbutterrun

LinkedIn: Nick Butter

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

View Details

The wait is over, Episode 3 of Season 2 is now live!

Sunny sits down with Johnny Starr -- an auctioneer by trade, but also one of the first pioneers of the social media fitness scene back in 2011 and Gymshark's first sponsor in Australia. He sheds light into the earlier years of his journey, getting into fitness and how social media has played a role in his own mental health -- including his own admission into a psychiatric ward. We also chat about 'tall poppy syndrome' in Australia and how there needs to be more uplift around how we can help each other out.

It's an incredible story of sacrifice and discipline as he shares some vulnerable parts of his journey for the first time with the public. He is committed to sharing knowledge with followers on fitness and nutrition, and speaks about how they play a fundamental part in his own day-to-day life.

Hope you all enjoy!


~ Johnny Starr ~

Instagram: @johnny_starr

LinkedIn: John Gorman

~ Neverhome ~

Website: https://www.neverhome.com/

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Join Sunny, Mayank and Ujjwal as they chat honestly about their days during lockdown - increased screen time, impact on sleep and how they have tried to make the most out of each day

--

Follow us on Instagram and check out our journey on @bottledupaus!

--

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

View Details

Join Sunny, Mayank and Ujjwal as we share our wonderfully strange lockdown stories and chat about the importance of Family in these times.

--

Follow us on Instagram and check out our journey on @bottledupaus!

--

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

View Details

Mayank, Sunny and Ujjwal recommence their journey. They chat about where they've been over the past couple months and what's new for Bottled Up in 2021.

--

Follow us on Instagram and check out our journey on @bottledupaus!

Subscribe to find out when the next episode drops at 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

View Details

The second instalment of Season 2 is now live! 🥳

Sunny sits down with Anubhav Dhingra, also known as ‘Doomsday Dhingra’ for this weeks conversation. Anu sheds light into his experiences with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through his younger years and how that manifested into a ‘Saber-Toothed Tiger’ in his day-to-day life. It’s an incredible story of resilience, discovery and introspection as Anu shares some of the deeper sides of a hidden story through his teenage years.

Building on his advocacy for mental health, Anu is also a support crisis worker for the national crisis lines here in Australia, as well as an advocate with the Anxiety Recovery Centre here in Victoria.

We hope you enjoy :)


~ Anubhav Dhinga ~

Instagram: @anubhavphotogaphy_au

LinkedIn: Anubhav Dhingra

~ The Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) ~

Website: https://www.arcvic.org.au/

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Hello and welcome to Season 2 of Bottled Up, we hope you've all been safe and well!

We thought no better way than to kick things off with a bang! A couple months back, Mayank sat down with Tom Boyd. He is an ex-AFL footballer and former number 1 draft pick in the 2013 AFL national draft. Having played for Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, having an integral in taking his latter club to premiership in 2016, Tom understands the meaning and pressures of dealing with expectations.

In todays conversation, we uncover Tom’s story a little more, with his battle with his mental health, and dealing with expectations forming a key part of our conversation. We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

We hope you enjoy :)

~ Tom Boyd ~

Instagram: @tomboyd17

LinkedIn: Tom Boyd

Tom's Last Time I Cried Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyEXOyC_zBY&t=513s

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

We also touch on different topics concerning the world of journalism and social media.

View Details

Ujjwal sits down with Gen D’mello for an insightful conversation about her take on mental health. Gen works as Doctor, specialising in mental health and in this episode, she delves into not only her experiences as a Doctor but also her personal experiences of getting therapy. We touch on the importance of early childhood in mental health, the potential of psychotherapy and the deep roots behind the stigma in mens mental health. Enjoy!

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Ujjwal sits down with Rishi Kher, the co-founder of the not-for profit Third-man up. It's difficult to put Rishi's journey into words- whether it be working as an accountant, driving Uber or running a dance academy, Rishi has embraced life to the fullest. We reflect on many significant life events and relationships including growing up with a younger brother with an intellectual disability, the unfortunate loss of a best friend and heaps more in between.

--

Instagram: @rishi_kher

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Mayank sits down with Pump n' Click principal physiotherapist, Minhaz Chowdhury, where they explore how physical fitness can be used as the vehicle for positive change that spreads to different aspects of one's life - including mental health. Minhaz delves into his life of starting his own clinic and the struggles he has faced, how to deal with adversity and failure and imparts his wisdom to those who are transitioning from university life into the world of full-time work.

~ Pump n’ Click ~

Instagram: @pumpnclick_physio

Facebook: Minhaz Chowdhury

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Sunny sits down with University friend Himal Pillay for an incredible conversation.

Himal is a Motivational Speaker and Coach for high school students, speaking to over 30,000 people over the last few years as he tours Australia and New Zealand. However, it didn't all start this way...

Himal goes deep into his childhood trauma, sharing his experience growing up with an alcoholic father, often reflecting on the guilt that was placed on his shoulders at the age of 14. Being raised by a single-parent and with no other option in sight, Himal describes how he took on the responsibility of being both the mentor and father-figure for his younger brother. It may be a story we are familiar with ourselves - growing up faster than we should've, and having to carry many masks in our different social groups.

As Himal entered University, he realised that something wasn't right - chest pain and an overwhelming feeling of emptiness, leading to his diagnosis with depression. He describes seeking help, and how he found his passion through public speaking and empowering others. Turning passion into purpose, Himal is now on a mission to inspire others that you can turn your struggle into strength.

Join us as Himal turns passion into purpose, sharing his mission to inspire others that you can turn your very own struggle into strength. To make it a little more special, this conversation took place Father's Day - hope you guys enjoy and approach your day ahead with positivity.

--

~ Himal ~

Instagram: @himalpillay

TikTok: @himalpillay

Facebook: Himal Pillay

YouTube: Himal Pillay (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5i3kN_Itb_XujARxJhHPxA)

Website: https://www.himalpillay.com/

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram/Facebook & Linkedin: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

From Management Consultant to Wellness and Leadership Coach. ⁠

Kristian is the founder of The Timekeeper, ex-President of the Financial Management Association of Australia, an ex-management consultant with Strategy& (part of the PwC network) and taught business at the University of Melbourne for 5 years. Kristian suffered from extreme burnout, constant anxiety and the need for perfection, only then to be faced with a life turning experience which totally shifted his path.⁠

It were these experiences that taught Kristian that something else existed in the world - a calling, a dharma, a purpose. ⁠

Kristian is now a heart-led coach and facilitator empowering individuals, families and teams with the knowledge and tools to achieve optimal mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing.⁠

He has personally worked with more than 4,500 people and has facilitated with numerous organisations including The Man Cave, The Rites of Passage Institute, YMCA, Driven Outcomes, HeadQuarters Australia, Game Changers and Landmark.⁠

Join Sunny and Mayank on Episode 7, as Kristian brings a unique perspective blending ancient wisdom traditions and modern science to empower people to become the best leaders they can be.⁠

--

~ Kristian ~

Instagram: @kristianmartinow

The Timekeeper: https://www.thetimekeeper.co/

Blog: https://medium.com/@kristianmartinow

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

In our sixth episode, Sunny and Ujjwal sit down with Stefano Gunawan, to talk mindfulness, movement and everything in between. Stefano has an incredible philosophy on life, and describes the moment he decided to live a life in line with his values. One not to be missed!

--

We thought we’d change it up, and have a little introduction from the incredible soul himself:

'Hey everyone! My name’s Stefano and it’s a pleasure to have your ears for the next hour as I share my story and mental health journey (to freedom!)

I’m an Indonesian-Chinese blood born in Perth and I moved over to Melbourne as an 11y.o. for the beginning of high school. Having gone through some tumultuous adolescent years (didn’t we all?!) I landed at the University of Melbourne in a Commerce degree. 4-years and a whole bunch of life-changing events later, I decided to quit that degree (with a mere subject to go! Insane, right?... naaaahh) and move on with my life.

Releasing myself from the shackles of familial and societal expectations, I started to take the idea of rebellion very seriously. As Camus once said, “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Amen!

The main trigger for my radical change was a reality-bending 10-day silent meditation retreat (the second one, actually. I’ve been on four of them now), where I faced the demons of my depression and burnout. On the back of this ordeal, I committed wholehearted-and-soulfully to follow my muse whatever the cost to others might be, and I haven’t looked back since.

Concretely, what does that actually mean?

Well, these days my time consists of studying a Psychotherapy degree (which, importantly, I chose of my own accord; no parental influence!); writing and sharing my thoughts through my blog (eclecticchild.com) and Instagram (@stefanoryangunawan); dancing wildly (yes, even in lockdown); yoga-ing and meditating daily (hopefully to be a teacher of both in two years time); cohabitating with hippies in Brunswick (plus a CUTE ass puppy named Enoki); and generally just trying to live my life as best as I can.

Oh, and MOST importantly, I’m also co-running a Men’s Circle! The gentlemen from BottledUp are a part of it too, and we’re hoping to grow the family in the future. We meet every 2nd Sunday via Zoom (and once lockdown is over, in person) at 2pm.

If you haven’t already received or seen the open invitation from the Bottled Up guys, then consider this a personal invitation from yours truly: We are open and would love to have you join us at the next one! Come along with an open heart, a truthful tongue and attentive ears. It would be an honour to connect with you!'

--

~ Stefano ~

Instagram: @stefanoryangunawan

Free Will piece: http://eclecticchild.com/2018/04/02/there-is-no-free-will/

Giving and Happiness piece: http://eclecticchild.com/2019/05/12/a-radical-idea-for-doing-good-better-giving-and-happiness/

10-Day Meditation Retreats: https://www.dhamma.org/en/index

Tony Robbins’ 6 Core Human Needs: https://www.habitsforwellbeing.com/6-core-human-needs-by-anthony-robbins/

Blue Zones — Socialising for Longevity: http://bluezones.com

~ Bottled Up ~

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Mayank sits down with his high school friend, Solomon Monagle, where they go deep into his battle with mental illness during his high school and university years. They cover the confronting topics of suicidality and self harm.

Bottled Up recognises that these themes are intense and can have a different effect on people, but having these conversations is imperative in ensuring that these topics are normalised.

We believe that this episode is important for everyone as in any line of work or industry you are in, constantly dealing with people, and having an understanding of the different ways the human mind can work is required.

--

Indoor Cricket Instagram: @serialoffenders

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Join your founders Sunny, Ujjwal and Mayank as they reflect on the month so far and discuss what RUOK day means to them.

--

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled 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

View Details

Ujjwal chats with Sean Bell, an incredible man on a life changing mission. His story started from running in honour of a late friend, completing 50 marathons in 50 days. That was just the beginning for Sean as he has his eyes set on running 14000km around Australia in the future. We really enjoyed this conversation about how finding a powerful purpose influences mental well-being. At the time of the recording, Sean was planning to run around Australia in 2021 however due to the COVID-19 situation, the run has been delayed to 2022.

Overall, an incredible conversation about the power of going outside yourself, the importance of reaching out to others and the invaluable reminder to chase your dreams now as we aren’t promised tomorrow.

--

Sean Bell Instagram: seanbell__

Run for Wishes Instagram: runforwishes__

Sean Bell website: https://seanbellruns.com/

--

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:Purple Planet Royalty Free Music

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Sunny chats with Hesh Fernando, Co-founder of The Model Man, an Australian organisation on a mission to foster a community of positive male role models who lead by example.

Hesh discusses how the Model Man was born out of a father-son journey between founders Hesh and his dad, Chris. However, it didn’t all start this way. Hesh describes how his dad would accumulate workplace stress and bring it back home daily. He describes the countless times he would lock himself in his room, hiding from his father and describing what it was like growing up in a toxic home environment - the impacts of which showed to carry on into Hesh’s personal life. Just when you’d think it would stop, Hesh recounts the time he was physically bottled inside a club at 22, shattering his confidence, and keeping him in hospital under intense care for many weeks.

Fast forward to today, their relationship has now come full circle where Hesh looks up to his father as a mentor, as they look to create a real lasting change they both feel they were built to deliver in this world. An incredible conversation about forgiveness, and the many lessons learnt from pointing the finger inwards. Hesh is a wealth of knowledge, and I had great pleasure in sharing this conversation.

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Model Man Instagram: @themodelmanofficial

Model Man Website: www.themodelman.com.au

Bottled Up Instagram: @bottledupaus

Bottled Up Website: www.bottledup.life

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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.

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Mayank sits down with Musashi Fujihara, who for the the past five years has worked as a mental health clinician in the acute and community public setting. More recently, he worked in the Victoria's Hotel Quarantine Program providing direct counselling to returned travellers from overseas.

We delve deep into his relationship with mental health, his life as clinician during COVID-19 and his advice on how to manage your mindset during this global pandemic.

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Socials:

Instagram - @bottledupaus

Website - www.bottledup.life

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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

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Mayank, Sunny and Ujjwal start a new podcast journey. Three men chatting openly about how it all started, and why men's mental health is important to us! Stay tuned.

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Follow us on Instagram and check out our journey on @bottledupaus!

Subscribe to find out when the next episode drops at 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