mental health ambassador

In the final episode of season 4 Andy concludes his chat with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR veteran, Registered Nurse and spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie share's his lived experience transitioning from military to civilian life,  he speaks to coming back to his Jiu-Jitsu training and the opportunities through the sport which which allowed him a smoother transition into being a civvy. This however wasn't without its challenges where Brodie recalls the big culture shift and difference in mindset from the military, in particular lowing his expectations and standards to meet his new surroundings and work culture.

Their conversation then pivots to Brodies curiosity and thirst for knowledge in medical and health care fields leading him to further studies and becoming a Registered Nurse and landing a job in the Emergency Department (ED) of a private hospital.

Through his jiu-jitsu Brodie also met a key figure at Veteran Benefits Australia where he felt the organisation was in alignment with his values and interest in preventative care. He's now a spokesperson for the organisation where the pair chat the amazing things VBA is doing for the veteran community and their immediate support.

Veteran Benefits Australia's mission is to help veterans connect with trusted and reputable sources of information on services, and programs available to them post-military services. A recent addition to VBA's offerings is their program to assist veterans to connect with Psychiatry services with a focus on claims reports to streamline what is often a frustrating and lengthy process for veterans., especially when they're not in the best mental health state.

Listen to the concluding episode to find out more about the whole range of services VBA provides.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the season finale episodes Andy speaks with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR soldier, now spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie shares his enlistment and recruit training experiences, subsequent posting to 6RAR and how he used his martial arts skills having trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to inadvertently create an opportunity building rapport, trust and confidence to be a handful of young diggers posted to the company within the battalion next-in-line to deploy to Afghanistan. It was his enlistment dream and wish come true.

Moving on he also details daily life at a Forward operating base, keeping tabs and being real when it came to recognising the signs and looking out for the welfare of his fellow comrades, especially when there were indicents that caused casualties and KIA's in the latter part of their tour.

Rounding off part 1 Brodie candidly shares his post deployment / transition mindset and development of "bad and toxic habits:" that were used as coping mechanisms to process his traumas and transition to civilian life and the point where he decided to take action to reset and rebuild, calling on his martial arts training and repurposing his military skills to give him purpose and determination to do positive things and be of service.

Tune in to the season finale episode where Andy and Brodie shift their focus to the amazing work Veteran Benefits Australia is doing for the veteran community.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode to host Andy's chat with Trudy Dwyer, ex WAPOL officer (General Duties), the pair shift the focus to the point in time where Trudy was experiencing the debilitating effects of her PTSD, anxiety and dysfunctional nervous system.

Being stood down from duty medically wasn't easy for Trudy to come to terms with and she withdrew further, self medicating, stress eating and increased drinking leading to putting on weight....she entered a toxic feedback loop.

It got to a point where Trudy decided enough was enough and made the decision to seek specialist help and have a go at a holistically based approach to the treatment of her PTSD and repairing her nervous system. This is where the idea of the Bibbulmun track was planted, slowly allowing herself the TLC and self care to build up the courage getting out the house, to walking outside, the lead up training and trekking 1000km to become a member of the "end to ender" alumni of the Bibbulmun track.

She highlights the insights of life on the track with "me, myself and I" alone with her thoughts, reconnecting with nature and the power it has to transform, repair and build....especially her nervous system.

Completing the Bibbulmun track was an achievement and catalyst for her Post Traumatic Growth and continued journey and it also enabled Trudy to come to accept that although she is no longer able to serve the community in law enforcement it, she's capable of repurposing her skills to service the community in many other ways.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode host Andy chats with Trudy Dwyer, a former WAPOL officer (General Duties). The pair chat about her motivation to join WAPOL as a mature age recruit and (at the time) single mum with two teenage kids.

From her lens Trudy shares her experience at the recruit training college and the generational gap between her and the majority of the cohort. What was initially a dream posting  to a smaller station closeby to where she grew up in the Goldfields region, Western Australia slowly turned into a nightmare with her experiencing a cumulation of on-the-job organisational trauma and increased workplace bullying.

Trudy shares a glimpse of how debilitating these traumatic experiences were for her on a daily basis, the isolation of not being able to confide in her immediate support person (as they were at same posting) and the negative impact this had on her nervous system.

Closing part one of their chat she touches on how "Grapevine" chat set her up for failure at a subsequent posting which was supposed to be a fresh start for her and her husband.

Tune in to part two where the pair discuss her ongoing pathway to post traumatic recovery & growth including her "Bibbulmun Track" sojourn to reset her nervous system.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode to Andy's chat with Tanya Cory, Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach she shares insights for beginners looking to commence a yoga practice,  the importance of building a solid foundation thats in-tune with the persons mobility and range of motion for that day and finding a teacher & style that you connect.

Rounding off the episode Tanya also speaks to the holistic benefits of the other parts of yoga besides the postures including self-regulation techniques of active breathing (pranayama), acceptance and being mindful and present in the moment.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Strap in for the concluding episode of host Andy's chat with Lex D Reilly, Army veteran (6RAR), survival expert, wellness coach and founder of "Compelled" as an international wilderness guide.⁠

Lex allows himself to be vulnerable by opening up and sharing a snapshot of his work, personal struggles what daily life was like at end of his military career, transitioning back to civilian life and toxic coping mechanisms of alcohol and substance abuse. At this point his purpose and self-care plan wasn't a 10 year plan, it was a minute to minute, day by day plan to survive.

Something had to give as Lex's life was unravelling around him. At this low point he made a life changing decision placing a challenge on himself to face adversity, reconnect to himself, surroundings and to survive in a primal state and  through nature. This was the perfect setting to reset.... which he achieved. It was to be the catalyst for the long road to personal, spiritual, emotional maturity and growth based on holistic and primal principles.

Fast forwarding to the present day Lex now shares his passion for nature, survival and hollisticaly wellness through Compelled expeditions, "to guide you in connecting further with nature, learning key wilderness skills through memorable experiences to bring a sense of inner peace".

Lex's story is inspirational, he's also part of a fast growing movement of men who believe and address the topics of masculinity, spirituality and growth.

Listen to the episode to find out more about his "Compelled" story.

Contact -  Lex D Reilly
Website: https://compelled.com.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the latest episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast we continue exploring evidence based holistic modalities building on chats on the topics of breathwork, connection with nature, emotional maturity and spiritual growth.

Tanya Cory is a Yoga teacher and Wellness coach, she's been in the wellness industry for over 20 years and brings a unique perspective and depth of knowledge having also instructed in personal training, pilates and nutrition.

In part one Tanya share's her story of how yoga found her when she was a young woman working on a luxury yacht looking to create some breathing space in between the demands of being in hospitality. Fast forwarding to how her self-practice of yoga played a big part in keeping her grounded when she was playing the role of immediate support / carer when her child was experiencing health issues.

Rounding off the episode the pair chat about the benefits of a consistent practice of yoga (thats not dictated by the length of time in the session), giving yourself permission to be non-judgemental and non-seeking, setting the scene for part 2.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode of his chat with Shane Saunders, Navy veteran, co-founder of Breathe Me & Online Breathing Academy, author, mentor, hi-performance/wellness coach and entrepreneur.

The pair discuss how Breathwork (pranayama) found Shane through his curiosity,  passion for knowledge and by experiencing the benefits of a regular self practice there was potential that they could help thousands of people.

Moving forward Shane shares how he and wife, Angelina, co-founded Breathe Me and the Online Breathing academy, he also shares many nuggets of gold and a self-regulation technique that our audience can easily implement into their own self-care / daily life.

Contact -  Shane Saunders
Website: https://www.breatheme.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In this episode Andy chats with Shane Saunders, Navy veteran, co-founder of Breathe Me & Online Breathing Academy, author, mentor, hi-performance/wellness coach and entrepreneur.

A great mate, colleague and breathwork mentor we're thrilled to have Shane share his military story, glimpses of his deployments and diverse opportunities in 2 different roles and trades as a Navy Communications Specialist and PTI.

Shane also shares how as a PTI he trained elite unit soldiers and clearance divers and openly shares his experience, disappointment and learning points from a sailors point of view of the SAS selection course.

Rounding off part one the pair talk about Shanes transition from Military to Civilian life, different roles to make ends meet and finding his purpose by being curious, having a thirst for knowledge and the entrepreneur mindset and how breathwork came into his life, setting the tone for part two of their chat.

Contact -  Shane Saunders
Website: https://www.breatheme.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

In the concluding episode of Barry's story we visit how he's continued to manage life living with his PTSD along with his role as a carer for his wife with PTSD and the amazing work he's also doing with Operation Soul Surf on the Mornington Peninsula, VIC

So moving forward, you’ve seen your specialist Barry, got a self care plan, what does that looks like now while still serving?  Barry’s plan has changed over the years but fitness, healthy lifestyle and surfing have featured heavily in his life.   He shares his love of sport and the benefits of releasing stress and tension even though he’s approaching 50 years of age.   Never a gym guy, trying to eat healthy, strictly a social drinker, he is aware of the first responder pitfalls.   

Barry uses the analogy of a car needing maintenance rather than major repairs.  He  prefers a independent  sounding board  rather than venting or overloading friends and family.   There’s  real value in having a few different people in your support network.  

Barry has more lived experience than most being married to an ex- Police Officer.  Pamela became a Detective specialising  in sex offenses and child abuse investigations.   Her career came to an end after witnessing a traumatic event in her job role.  Pamela is managing her own mental health journey and Barry is some times  her immediate support.  The Trauma was so significant it was a catalyst for a Mental Health Review and things are handled differently today, which is a positive.  

They turn to the conversation to Operation Soul Surf.   Such an amazing work that incorporates what you love out on the water.   A circle of friends Barry connected with bought him back to the ocean on the Mornington Peninsular.   He realised how much he missed it and how beneficial it was.  The seed for Barry’s program was planted by a Netflix documentary called “Resurface” filmed in California.    A program that supported military veterans, with significant physical injuries, many from Iraq & Afghanistan.  

A great antidote to social isolation, reconnecting loss of brotherhood and camaraderie that often follows illness within that group .  The list of job roles is extensive.  They come in “stand-off-ish” and leave with friends and smiles. The bonus being the sharing of treatment talk about their respective worlds through shared experiences in a safe space.  There is an anonymous survey and Psychologists attached to the program.   Lots of women have graduated too ladies.    Around a 60/40 ratio.  

Contact -  Barry Randal
Website: https://operationsoulsurf.com
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

"Routine Jobs With Big Consequences"

In this episode were thrilled to have Barry Randal, a career first responder of 30 years and excitedly our 1st police officer on the podcast join us to share his story and the inspirational work he's doing with Operation Soul Surf.

Casting back to his early days Barry remembered a strong sense of community at a young age.   Extended family and friends in the Police Force on the NSW  Coast, who were respected those days. He played Rugby League and Rugby Union and the usual things at a young age but once he started to focus on  recruiting a friend contacted him to say there was a heavy Police recruiting drive in Victoria.   So he left the sea and surf to move to Melbourne.  

Andy asks how Barry’s role in the Police Force was determined.    In Victoria they are trained as a General Duty uniformed officer.  After that 2 year foundation you may specialise in another area, then there is a  ballot process and you could go anywhere. He goes on to explain his posting to Aubury Wodonga after graduating in early 1995.   

It was a bit of shock for the staff there as well as Barry.   Them knowing how to do stuff quickly and a punk recruit knowing nothing in the middle of their well oiled rural station.  I did a lot of listening at 21 while my best mate there was 65 and a great mentor. 

At first it was a good lifestyle until my partner and I had a lethal force incident.  It began as a typical routine noise complaint but rapidly escalated.  Barry’s partner was a female with a good deal more experience than he did and the focus was resolve things in “Safeway” for all concerned but it didn’t pan out that way.  Barry walked the audience through the backend of a fatal shooting and the timelines starting with his night shift at 11pm and finishing 4:30pm the following day.  How that felt to be part of that process.  He expanded on the environment then around mental health and his conflicting advice as to when to return to work.  

First they discussed the merits/ pitfalls of early/delayed return and then move on to the GP presenting issues.  Mainly hyper vigilance causing  “maximum overdrive mentally” for every little job then a “dump” at the end of the day Barry volunteers, which is not good for your body and brain.   Insomnia, low energy, dulling it with a few bourbons was the progression.   Then a good friend of a similar age casually intervened and  eventually encouraged the GP visit which Barry is grateful for.  

Be sure to tune into Part 2 where Barry discusses his PTSD 30 years on,  his personal care plan, how he self manages and the upside that  “Water” provides as therapy for him and others.

Contact -  Barry Randal
Website: https://operationsoulsurf.com
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

1.04 - ”I do want to be their friend'

Guest - Katie Thistleton
Radio 1 DJ, presenter and author

Katie’s 5 picks reveal the unexpected journey her professional career has taken, how her family are such an supportive backbone for her; and how self reflection has allowed her to build confidence professionally and personally. 

Amazing insights into Katie’s career progression, what drives her to do the work she does and how she will always be Katie from Ashton.

PODCAST INSTAGRAM - @a.thousand.words.podcast
Georgia's Instagram - @katiethistleton