Happy Place

Christian O'Connell

Aug 30, 2021

Former radio presenter Christian O'Connell opens up about his experience with panic attacks and his decision to move to Australia. The conversation explores the challenges of male friendships, the impact of patriarchal expectations, embracing vulnerability, and the unique experience of his radio show and book.

55:28

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Episode guests

Christian O'Connell

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Quick takeaways

Accepting and understanding anxiety can lead to a better mental state.

Mid-40s is a crucial time for reassessing and seeking new adventures.

Anxiety can offer empathy and make individuals better in various roles.

Deep dives

Understanding Panic Attacks and Making Friends with Anxiety

Christian O'Connell discusses his experience with panic attacks and the therapist's advice to make friends with them as a way to cope. Initially resistant, O'Connell eventually realized that by accepting and understanding his anxiety, he could reach a better place mentally.

Introduction

2min

Overcoming Panic Attacks and Seeking Help

23min

Trusting Your Instincts

8min

Challenges of Male Friendships and the Vulnerability of Making New Friends

5min

Navigating Gender Norms and Challenges of Making New Friends

3min

Embracing Vulnerability and Personal Growth

14min

A Conversation about Radio, Personal Connections, and Male Mental Health

3min

The concept of a mid-life crisis has become a funny cliché, and that’s what Christian O’Connell jokingly told people he was having when he left his successful radio career in the UK to start a new life in Australia in 2018. The truth was that he had had what he now recognises as a break down, and needed to find adventure and joy as an adult to reignite the fire in his belly.

In this chat, Fearne and Christian share their experiences of having panic attacks, and compare notes on how they both use distraction techniques to avoid confronting difficult realities.

Christian’s book, No One Listens To Your Dad’s Show, is out now.

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Happy Place

Christian O'Connell

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Panic Attacks and Making Friends with Anxiety

Starting Afresh: Moving to Australia for Mental Health and Happiness

The Journey to Self-Acceptance and the Gifts of Anxiety

Dealing with Uncertainty and the Search for Validation

Breaking Apart and Finding Self-Identity

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts