The Blokes Psychology Podcast

In this episode, Craig sits down with psychologist Shanae O'Leary to discuss end-of-life care, existential distress, and the emerging role of psilocybin-assisted therapy for people living with terminal illness.

Together they explore the psychological challenges of facing the end of life, the research and ethics surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapy, and how we can better support meaning, dignity, and wellbeing during life's final chapter.

Host Craig sits down with Psychiatrist and mindfulness trainer Dr Chris Walsh to define trauma, its long-term psychological effects, and how it can pass between generations.

They discuss links between trauma and substance use, moral injury, and the need for community and cultural rituals to restore safety and belonging. Clinical approaches covered include EMDR and trauma-sensitive mindfulness techniques.

The episode offers practical insights for individuals and communities seeking recovery and points listeners to mindfulrepresentations.com for more information.

What is addiction really?

In this episode, psychologist Jeremiah Belina explains why addiction is often a response to emotional pain rather than a lack of willpower. Craig and Jeremiah discuss trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, shame, and the signs of problematic use, as well as practical steps toward recovery and self-compassion.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Fergus Watts, Chairman of the Reach Foundation and
former AFL player, for a powerful conversation about identity, purpose, and the moments
that shape who we become.

If you’re curious about leadership grounded in character, or the power of helping young
people understand who they are, this episode is well worth a listen.

The Blokes Psychology Podcast is back with another powerful conversation, this time with Jeremy Forbes, founder of HALT – Hope Assistance Local Tradies.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Jeremy to unpack the story behind HALT, his own personal mental health journey, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Jeremy shares openly about what it was like to face his own struggles and how his experience of losing a friend to suicide inspired him to start HALT, a grassroots initiative that has grown into a nationwide movement. Together, Craig and Jeremy explore:

• Why community-led initiatives are so important in suicide prevention and mental health
• How stigma still shows up in tradie communities and what’s helping to shift the culture
• Practical ways to support a mate who might be struggling, including what to say (and what not to say)
• The ripple effect that happens when workplaces, families, and communities get involved

This is a raw, insightful conversation that cuts through the surface-level awareness campaigns and dives into what really makes a difference — connection, honesty, and community.

We’re excited to announce the return of the Blokes Psychology Podcast – a space where we have real conversations about mental health, wellbeing and growth.

This season, the podcast will be hosted by Craig Hyde-Smith, one of our psychologists here at Blokes. Craig is passionate about making mental health conversations approachable, practical, and relevant for men, and he’s excited to bring fresh voices and insights to the show.

For our first episode back, Craig sat down with Andrew Hall, another psychologist at Blokes, to talk about what therapy is really like. Many people imagine therapy as lying on a couch while someone silently takes notes, but the reality is often very different.

In this episode, Craig and Andrew demystify the process of therapy, unpack common misconceptions, and explore how it actually works in practice.

They also dive into some of the stigma that still surrounds seeking support, particularly for men, and share insights into what helps break down those barriers. The goal? To make therapy less intimidating and more approachable for anyone who might be considering it.

Featuring Blokes Psychology's very own, Sheyan Gunapala, discussing all things ADHD, including his lived experience of living with and being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. 

Carl chats to The Gentle Sleep Therapist Tara Mitchell about all things sleep when it comes to babies & toddlers! 

Matthew is a social worker, researcher, academic, phd student and an individual who has lived most of his life with significant mental health challenges. This episode will challenge how you view mental health/illness and what we can do to address stigma and improve supports for people in the community.

Discussing addictions, covid-19 & trauma with Psychotherapist & Counsellor, Jackson Goding from "Find Reason Therapy".