The Mindful Men Podcast

Welcome to Episode 119.  Community and Mindful Men   This week we’re getting mindful about community – and in particular – the benefits that can come from creating your own community to grow and thrive in! We’re building something special here at Mindful Men, and I’m excited for you to join me.   This episode also marks 7 months of sobriety, and to celebrate this – and this wonderful community of Mindful Men – I will share some amazing feedback I have been receiving through this podcast, or podcasts where I have made a guest appearance.    If you’re loving the show, and would like to provide some feedback about how it is helping you to grow mindfully, send me an email hello@mindful-men.com.au   Key Points   In the full episode, I share: How engaging with community can have positive impacts on connection, happiness, and personal growth. How creating your own community can be empowering and fulfilling. Feedback from listeners Come and join our Facebook Community Come and join Blokes, Boards and Brews   Key quotes   "I think for a long time I've expected community to come to me”   “Sometimes, particularly if we’ve moved around and we’re fro the place where we grew up. It’s very hard to get in on some of these cliques that already exist in your new location."    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health   Welcome to Episode 118. Somatic psychology and archetypes with Dr Brian Tierney   Imagine trying to do some inner work. You close your eyes and all you can see is greyscale. There are no other colours, just grey. You can sense that pain and suffering is there, but you have no words to recognise or express it. According to Dr Brian Tierney – this is the impact of toxic masculinity. We’re not taught emotional intelligence; but we should be taught it so we can recognise our pain and express it in healthy ways.   Dr Brian Tierney is a somatic psychologist in private practice and a professor of neuroscience and psychological assessment. He has been a facilitator of men's groups for many years, is a dancer, a trauma resolution expert, a drama therapist, a clown trainer, and a father of two. Brian sits down with me to discuss how somatic psychology and archetypes can be used to support men to recognise and release their trauma. It’s a fascinating discussion that includes his work with men’s groups; and the transformation men experience when they go deep with other men.    Key points   In the full episode Brian shares:  The benefits of clown training How Somatic Psychology can help release trauma What archetypes are How our archetypes change over time Why social constructions of masculinity are toxic The transformations he sees in the men’s groups he facilitates   Key quotes   "When we don't receive something, you can’t really give it.”   “The social construction of masculinity is toxic.”   “You come to see a somatic psychologist and they are like a plumber."   Connect with Stan: Website: www.somaticdoctor.comWebsite: www.connectioncrucible.com   Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health   Welcome to Episode 117. Compassion Focussed Therapy with Dr Stan Steindl   When we think of compassion, most of us could probably say that we have compassion for others. We’re able to recognise the suffering in others, and take steps to help alleviate that suffering.    But when it comes to self-compassion, we can sometimes let ourselves down. We can be self-critical, and get stuck in a loop of negative thought cycles that never seem to end. And for men… the thought of being self-compassionate can seem unnatural. But there is strength and courage and self-compassion; and this can be learned through Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT).    Dr Stan Steindl joins me this week to explore CFT and how it can support men to become the best version of themselves. Stan is a Clinical psychologist in private practice at Psychology Consultants Pty Ltd, and an adjunct professor at the university of Queensland School of Psychology. He is also a TedX speaker, and host of Compassion in a T-Shirt. In the full episode Stan shares:  What compassion is and why it is important How he defines trauma and suffering  Why men avoid self-compassion What Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) is  Supporting men to increase their self-compassion 4 little steps to start practicing self-compassion   Key quotes   "Compassion is a sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try and alleviate and prevent it”   "Often self-compassion is the tougher choice in the service of health and wellbeing”   “Often men can baulk at the idea of self-compassion because they think its self-pity"   Connect with Stan: Website: www.stansteindl.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCujCvGkc_TFF7KmA0Sk4E7A Private Practice: www.psychologyconsultants.com.au    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Welcome to Episode 116 - Bio-hacking and Epigenetics with Chris Barnes   Do you struggle with low energy, weight gain (or loss), brain fog, pain, stress, bad sleep or even mental health challenges? Maybe you’ve tried clean and healthy living, strict dieting, daily exercise, more sleep, less alcohol and drugs – but you don’t seem to be feeling better? And like me… do you feel older than you really are, but you want to feel younger?    If you answered YES to some of these, then the answer may lie in epigenetics and bio-hacking. This week I sit down with holistic epigenetic coach Chris Barnes from Chris Barnes Wellness. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into men’s health, having lived and breathed the industry for over 15 years. He’ll talk us through what epigenetics and bio-hacking is – and how it can benefit us to improve our health and wellbeing and turn back the aging clock.    Key points   In this episode Chris shares:  -       Life as a father and the importance of nature for our health -       How the loss of his father prompted him to take control of his health and wellbeing -       Chronological age vs biological or epigenetic age -       What exactly epigenetics and bio-hacking is -       Why its important for men to improve their health and wellbeing -       How to model and educate our kids on eating and treating our body well  -       How he specifically helps people explore epigenetics and bio-hacking   Quotes   "We have the potential to thrive right up until our last days.”   "It's so easy to get trapped into sitting on the couch and vegging out and missing out on everything that’s out there.”   “Your genes are definitely not your destiny.”   "If you're aging for every chronological year more biologically, it's a big risk factor for a lot of chronic disease."   Connect with Chris: Website: www.chrisbarneswellness.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisbarneswellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbarneswellness/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGpK0-WpfKjJ1eVMU9wgl4Q   Amplified Wellness Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3myUxXekaAL0XYWCdAfnPv   Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Welcome to Episode 115 - Turning negative thoughts into positive ones   When we’re struggling with what life is throwing at us, it is easy to succumb to negative thought cycles. Once a negative thought enters our minds, it can be difficult to let it go like a leaf drifting along a stream. So this week I’m sharing a simple therapy tool that I use to help reframe those negative thoughts into positive ones. This is a simple tool that you can use to overcome mental barriers whilst finding inspiration to push forward.    So… grab the pen and paper or make a mental note. This episode is full of one-liners that will help you turn those negative thoughts into positive ones!   Key points   In this episode, I share:  How negative self talk can impact us The therapy tool I use to catch negative thoughts and turn them into positive ones Common examples of negative self-talk and positive ones What you can do right now to work on negative thoughts  How to disempower negative thoughts with humour   Quotes   “When we’re in the negative loop cycle we feel like we’re out of control”    “How many times do we say “I can’t do it” to ourselves? An easy way to reframe that is I can do it"    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health, Addiction   Welcome to Episode 114 - ADHD as a superpower with Dr James Stewart   Sometimes a mental health or disability diagnoses can cause us to dwell in the “label”. We can embody the condition, and struggle to separate it from our identity. But what if you could harness the uniqueness of your condition – and start thriving instead of simply surviving?   This week’s guest turned his ADHD into his superpower. Dr. James Stewart is Australia’s most decorated Cannabis clinician and three-time Australian Doctor of the Year at the National Cannabis Industry Awards. He shares his struggle with anxiety and addiction, and his journey from DJ to Doctor… using ADHD to supercharge his focus to support his clients thrive in life.    Key points   In this episode James shares:  -       What being a father means to him -       The impact anxiety and addiction had on his life -       Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult -       How hyper-fixation helped him to study medicine -       Life as a lived experience GP -       How pharmaceuticals have prevented the expansion of medicinal cannabis in western medicine -       The benefits of medicinal cannabis -       His advice and tips for those struggling with ADHD   Quotes   “If you're in a job where it's hindering your ADHD, you're gonna have to change it.”   "The faults I'm finding in myself and where they are from, I want to make sure my little fella doesn't get it.”   "The more open and honest I've been about my struggles, the better people have responded. And the more people accept it and relate to me."   Connect with James: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.james.stewart/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DoctorJStewartLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjs/ Website - https://www.drjamesstewart.com.au/    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health, Stroke   Welcome to Episode 113 - Challenges That Change Us with Ali Flynn   Life is full of challenges that we face. For the most part, we’re pretty good at overcoming these challenges, celebrating for a moment, then moving on with life. But what if that challenge fundamentally changes everything we do in life from that moment forward?   This is what happened to Ali Flynn. At 30 she was getting ready for her day when a stroke stopped her in her tracks. What started as a headache and pins and needles, resulted in hospitalisation, vision loss, memory loss, seizures and more. Ali shares how this challenge changed her life forever… and the lives of her husband, children, family and friends. Join us as we dive into life after a stroke. We’ll talk symptoms, diagnoses, recovery, family, work and so much more!   Key points   In this episode Ali shares:  -       Her story of having a stroke -       The physical, mental and emotional impacts of stroke -       How her stroke impacted her family life -       The systems she had to put in place to manage her day -       Sharing her story on the Challenges That Change Us Podcast   Quotes   "In my experience, there's more learnings when I get it wrong or when I'm up against challenges”   "I don't have a lot of memory of that time but I remember fighting through every day.”   "I wasn't the person that he married. I was homeless in my body, I was homeless in my mind."   Connect with Ali: Website: www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusPodcast: https://podfollow.com/challenges-that-change-us My chat with Ali: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TTUeakHA5DNQ80yKxk6lN?si=3Xle8XBwQ2OZZOXaS91J3w     Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health, Suicide   Welcome to Episode 112. Stress and breathwork with Thomas Beresford   Stress is inevitable in life. It comes and goes with different situations, and is actually a useful body response that enables us to evolve and thrive. But when we don’t release the stress through healthy outlets, it can grow and grow until we reach burnout. So how do we healthily release stress? Let’s find out with this week’s guest!   Thomas Beresford is recovering Chartered Accountant, husband, father and breath work instructor. Thomas shares his insights into the impacts of stress and burnout on his life, including how it impacted his sense of self, his drive and his friendships. Thomas also shares how breath work can help us to release stress, and why this is an important tool that can support men to improve their health and wellbeing.     Key points   In this episode Thomas’ shares:  -       What being a dad means to him -       How stress has shown up in his life -       What led him to discover breath work -       How breath work changed his life -       How he turned breath work into a business -       Different breathing techniques  -       What a breath work session looks like with him -       How breath work can support men   Quotes   "You start getting these little nudges from the universe and if you don't listen one day it hits you with a big stick.”   "For the first time, you don’t know you're burning out until someone points it out to you."   “that space where you can get everyone together, and that shared experience. It's something quite powerful.”   Connect with Thomas Website: https://www.breathspacewiththomas.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-beresford/ Dimash “SOS”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUARjexCTlQ    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health   Welcome to Episode 111. The Positive Impact From Sharing Our Stories   Sharing stories has become an integral part of my life. From first sharing my story with a GP and Psychologist in 2012, to sharing my story with the world after burning out in 2020. I share stories in a lot of podcasts, and also welcome stories into my therapy practice Mindful Men.   This episode highlights the importance of us sharing our story, but also the positive impact that sharing stories has. Stories are a source of inspiration, and by sharing your story you might just inspire someone else to share theirs.    To help inspire more men across the world to embrace storytelling – I also NEED YOUR HELP! Please give this show a 5 star rating on your podcast platform. The more 5 stars we have – the higher up the podcast rankings ladder we go. And once this happens, millions of men will start to see all the amazing stories that we bring each week on The Mindful Men Podcast   Key points In this episode I share:  ·       How good it feels to share stories ·       Challenges we experience sharing stories ·       Life as a podcaster ·       The positive impacts of sharing stories ·       A plea for help – Give this podcast a 5 star rating! ·       Some ideas for you to start sharing your story   Quotes "The more and more I shared my story, the easier things became.”   "You're never gonna know what someone is gonna say to your story, if you don't share your story in the first place"    Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon

Trigger warning: Mental Health, Suicide   Welcome to Episode 110 – Veteran and First Responder Wellbeing with Shane Dimech   Imagine you’re in a mental health facility, standing in line and waiting for your meds. You’re hoping to heal, but get stuck in a cycle of meds, sleep, meds, sleep. For some that works. But for others like Shane Dimech, it wasn’t a pathway he wanted to tread. So he made the decision to seek natural alternatives to mental health treatment, and turned towards meditation, mindfulness and yoga.    Shane bravely shares his story of hitting rock bottom after his military career, to transforming lives through natural therapies. We chat about his journey including military life, PTSD, alcoholism, suicide and family; and learn about the different types of yoga that can help improve the wellbeing of veterans and first responders.    Key points   In this episode Shane shares:  -        His military career -        His mental health following his military career -        The wake up call he needed to have  -        Hitting rock bottom and being hospitalised for mental health treatment -        The impact of mental health on his family -        Alcoholism and getting sober -        How he discovered yoga and how it changed his life  -        How he became a yoga teacher -        His mentoring through Buddy Up Australia   Quotes   "If the people you've been surrounding yourself with up until now aren't leading you along the right path, then maybe it's time to step away from them a little bit.”   "I worked out that if I want to get better, it's up to me.”   "All I could focus on was myself, and I had no realisation what was happening in the world around me."   Connect with Shane: Buddy Up Australia: www.buddyupaustralia.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/buddyupaustralia Front Line Yoga: www.frontlineyoga.com.auFacebook: www.facebook.com/FrontlineYogaInc   Connect with Mindful Men Website at www.mindful-men.com.au Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA   ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***   Stay Mindful, Simon