In this episode of the 'I Should Have Stayed In Bed' podcast, Nick and Ray sit down with Ric Raftis — a passionate community leader, bush poet, musician, AI tinkerer, and mental health advocate from Wedderburn, Victoria. Ric shares his remarkable journey through the highs and lows of rural life, from coordinating Black Dog Ride events to raise awareness for depression and suicide prevention, to his deep involvement with the Wedderburn-Korong Vale RSL and Lions Club efforts to support local aged care and community resilience. Expect heartfelt conversations on mental health, the power of mateship in tough times, and Ric’s creative outlets — including his Australian bush poetry and original music. He also dives into his love of AI tools for personal knowledge management (Obsidian PKM workflows), strategic consulting for non-profits, and personal growth. Raw, honest, and inspiring — this episode is a reminder that even on the days you’d rather stay in bed, getting up and connecting with your community can make all the difference. Links: risestrategic.au blackdoginstitute.org.au

Join Nick and Ray on episode 28 of the I Should Have Stayed In Bed podcast as they sit down with one of Mildura’s most inspiring true legends, Chris Riordan! Living with cerebral palsy, Chris has overcome huge barriers to become a two-time Australian sailing champion, a passionate community advocate, and a tech-savvy trailblazer who’s mastered computers and assistive technology to live independently in his beloved Sunraysia home. Chris Riordan: Proving every day that barriers are just opportunities to sail further.

It's NEVER Okay

In this powerful episode of the I SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN BED Podcast, we sit down with Kim O’Reilly, a dedicated domestic violence (DV) advocate and survivor whose story has inspired countless individuals to seek help and reclaim their lives. Kim shares her personal experiences of escaping an abusive relationship, the challenges she faced in rebuilding her sense of self, and the pivotal moments that transformed her pain into purpose. Join us as Kim discusses the warning signs of domestic violence, the importance of community support systems, and practical steps for survivors and allies alike. She also dives into her advocacy work, including her efforts to raise awareness through workshops, policy reform, and online campaigns that empower others to break free from cycles of abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or someone looking to learn more, this episode offers hope, insight, and actionable advice. Tune in to hear Kim’s unfiltered truth and discover how one voice can spark a movement for change. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to Like & Subscribe. 🙏🏼