Riding the waves of mental health: Cooper Chapman’s journey from pro surfer to wellbeing advocate

Cooper Chapman is a former top-100 professional surfer who has transformed his passion for riding waves into a mission for improving mental health and wellbeing.

Cooper is the founder of The Good Human Factory, an organisation dedicated to equipping everyday Aussies with practical mental health tools. Drawing from his elite sports background and personal journey, Cooper shares how small, consistent habits, such as spending just 14 minutes a day on gratitude and meditation, can make a world of difference.

His new book, The 1% Good Club, unpacks this philosophy and provides actionable tips for living a clearer, calmer, and more intentional life.

If you’re looking for inspiration to take charge of your own wellbeing—one small step at a time—this is a must-listen conversation.

Key topics

1. Cooper Chapman’s Journey from Surfing to Mental Health Advocacy

• Early start as a competitive surfer in North Narrabeen, Sydney, and rapid rise to international competition
• Experiences with loss of sponsorship and transition from professional surfing to other work
• Personal and family experiences with mental illness and suicide influencing his new purpose

2. The Good Human Factory: Mission and Initiatives

• Founding The Good Human Factory to promote mental well-being
• Began with mental health workshops in schools, later expanded to corporate and sporting groups
• Focuses on practical, science-backed skills for everyday mental health (not just illness awareness)

• Runs a podcast featuring experts, sells positive-message merchandise, and builds mental health communities
• Partnerships like Blue Minds program address eco anxiety and climate issues in schools

3. The 1% Good Club and the Power of Daily Habits

• Concept of dedicating 1% of the day (~14 minutes) to mental health practices

• Daily structure: meditation and gratitude exercises within an Instagram accountability group

• Impact on participants, with strong testimonials and continued growth of the free community

• Emphasis on consistent, small actions for meaningful change

4. Science and Practical Benefits of Gratitude

• Neuroscientific research shows daily gratitude improves well-being by boosting positive brain chemicals
• Chapman integrates gratitude practices into workshops, book, and community activities
• Reframes “gratitude” from being “woo-woo” to a proven mental health tool

• Practical tips: use moments like meals or toothbrushing to reflect on the good in life

5. Navigating Stress and Building Resilience

• Acknowledgment of prevalent modern anxieties: eco, AI, burnout, and financial stress

• Grounding and self-care habits—breath work, exercise, time in nature—help regulate stress

• Importance of self-compassion and striving for “progress, not perfection” with healthy habits

• Encouragement to take small, daily steps to improve mental well-being and manage adversity

Timestamped overview

00:00 From Nippers to Surfing Success

04:23 "Mindset Shifts in Adversity"

09:13 "Good Human Origin Story"

11:09 Cultivating Mental Health Strategies

14:40 "1% Daily Mental Health Habit"

18:27 Daily Gratitude Sparks Positivity

23:21 "Habits for Feeling Your Best"

25:25 "Healthy Habits and Accountability"

28:26 "Habits to Calm Your Mind"

31:01 "Passionate About Mental Health"

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