⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of mental illness, addiction, trauma, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

In this raw and revealing conversation, former NRL star Dan Hunt opens up about his journey from playing 150+ professional rugby league games to founding a national mental health movement that has trained over 500,000 Australians face-to-face.

Growing up in a household marked by domestic violence, Dan found safety, identity, and purpose in rugby league. As his professional career flourished, he maintained the persona of the "happy-go-lucky" teammate while secretly battling inner demons. It wasn't until a devastating Achilles injury in 2010 that his carefully constructed façade began to crumble, leading to self-medication with painkillers, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

Dan shares the pivotal moments that ultimately led to his diagnosis with type 2 bipolar disorder—from his mother's painful observation that he was "becoming his father" to a life-changing conversation with legendary coach Wayne Bennett. Rather than seeing his diagnosis as a setback, Dan describes it as "the books going back on the shelf in chronological order," finally making sense of his thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

The conversation dives deep into the often-misunderstood distinction between mental health and mental illness, exploring how organisations can move beyond token awareness initiatives to create genuinely supportive environments. Dan's Mental Health Workplace Blueprint offers a framework for identifying psychosocial hazards, implementing real solutions, and treating the causes rather than just the symptoms of mental health challenges.

Most powerfully, Dan reveals his daily practices for mental fitness—ice baths, gratitude, exercise, connection, and regular "check-ups from the neck up" with his psychologist—while emphasising that everyone's journey is unique. For those currently struggling, he offers a heartfelt reminder: "Your struggles do matter... You may not see any light at the end of the tunnel at the moment, but it will pass."

Whether you're managing a mental illness, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in optimising your own mental fitness, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's been through the darkness and emerged to help others find their way.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Mental health in elite sport and high-performance environments
• The impact of injury, trauma, and undiagnosed illness
• Transitioning from professional sport to a purpose-driven life
• The difference between mental health and mental illness
• Building mental fitness as part of your daily routine
• Practical strategies for supporting yourself and others

📌 Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for general discussion and storytelling purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re struggling, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.

🛟 Support Services (Australia):

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 |

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Dive into the second part of this raw, unfiltered analysis of Australia's political landscape ahead of a crucial federal election. Former MP Michael Johnson and coffee entrepreneur Philip de Bella pull back the curtain on why our political system consistently delivers mediocrity—and why it's ultimately our fault as voters.

This episode addresses the painful truth that we have created a political environment where character assassination trumps vision, short-term popularity overrides long-term planning, and accountability is virtually nonexistent. As DiBella points out, "If a CEO failed to deliver what they promised after three years, they wouldn't even get an interview for another job"—yet politicians routinely break promises without facing consequences.

We explore how Australia's leadership challenges reflect deeper systemic issues: the rise of career politicians with limited real-world experience, parliamentary privilege that shields politicians from defamation consequences, and election cycles that incentivise band-aid solutions over structural reform. The housing affordability crisis serves as a prime example, representing a simple supply-demand equation complicated by political unwillingness to tell voters uncomfortable truths.

Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that talented young Australians are increasingly looking overseas to build businesses and careers, deterred by Australia's tax structure and policy instability. "My kids tell me they're not starting businesses in this country," shares de Bella, highlighting the generational consequences of our political failures.

Whether you're politically engaged or completely disillusioned, this conversation offers valuable context for making your vote count. As Johnson urges, "Vote for Australia, not necessarily for yourself." The message is clear: until Australians demand better by holding their leaders accountable, we'll continue to get the political system we deserve.

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When was the last time you truly understood what you were voting for? In this eye-opening conversation with former federal MP Michael Johnson and renowned entrepreneur Philip DiBella, we pull back the curtain on Australia's political landscape and examine how the upcoming federal election could reshape our nation's future.

Democracy isn't always what it seems. Our guests reveal how Australia's preferential voting system can result in candidates who receive fewer primary votes ultimately winning seats—something most voters don't fully grasp when casting their ballots. "We are a country of contradiction," DiBella observes, highlighting how our political structures often create outcomes at odds with voter intentions.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining the economic backbone of Australia. With 9.9 million Australians employed by small and medium businesses (compared to just 3 million in government), why do politicians making decisions about business regulations often have zero experience running a company? We explore how escalating costs are crushing hospitality businesses, with labour expenses jumping from 30-35% pre-COVID to an unsustainable 45-55% today.

As international tensions rise, our guests offer thought-provoking insights on Australia's precarious position between the US and China—what DiBella calls "trying to ride two bicycles at the same time." Johnson delivers a sobering warning about defence spending and national security that should concern every Australian thinking about the future.

Perhaps most revealing is the stark contrast between business and political accountability. In business, leaders who fail to deliver on promises face consequences. In politics, failed promises lead to attacking opponents rather than accepting responsibility—a cycle that undermines meaningful progress.

Whether you're politically engaged or feeling disillusioned with the whole system, this conversation will transform how you view Australian politics. Join us for this candid, non-partisan exploration of what really matters as we approach a watershed election that will shape our collective future.

Subscribe to the Mastering Podcast for more thought-provoking conversations on the issues that matter most to Australians. Your vote is powerful—but only when cast with understanding.

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