If you live in Sydney, you probably know Wippa. He’s on NOVA every morning with Fitzy and Kate Ritchie (or 6-7pm in the rest of the country), but he's also a veteran of Australian radio, having been on air for 20 years, making his start in Port Augusta before moving to Perth, then Melbourne and now Sydney.

Wippa and Ryan have been great friends for a long time. They even co-hosted the NOVA drive show for two years with Monty Dimond in 2009 and 2010. During this time, Wippa went through one of the darkest periods of his life and leant on Ryan for support. Wippa talks about that time in this episode - how he got through it and the positives he takes out of it all these years later.

But if it’s not Wippa’s extreme vulnerability that will stay with you after this episode, it’s the truly bizarre but incredible gift that he surprises Ryan with at the end. Wow.

To watch Wippa sing 'The Confrontation' from Les Miserables with Hugh Jackman, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BVhcPH

This episode contains a conversation which mentions depression and suicidal thoughts. If this feels like it is too much for you to listen to right now, you may want to skip this one and come back another time.

If are worried about someone you know, need to talk to someone bereaved by suicide, or want to start a discussion about suicide prevention in your family or community, Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective discussions about suicide, to access, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Wx9tAO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael (Wippa) Wipfli - Light at the End of the Tunnel