In the captivating Episode 73, Sunny and Mayank sit down for a thought-provoking conversation with Matthieu Komorowski, a Senior Lecturer at Imperial College in London and an Honorary Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia at the NHS. From from the East of France originally, Matthieu opens up about his upbringing as the middle child in a middle-class family—a crucial aspect that has significantly shaped his emotional maturity.

Reflecting on his childhood, Matthieu shares how growing up in an emotionally immature family has influenced his present self. He candidly discusses how this background fueled his inner drive to "be someone" in order to garner recognition and value from his family and friends. This deeply rooted desire for validation led him on an ambitious path, one that saw him aspiring to become an astronaut. Matthieu recounts his experience of making it to the final 94 candidates for an astronaut position, only to face heartbreaking rejection due to a low heart rate.

Against the backdrop of Matthieu's personal journey, Mayank and Sunny navigate a discussion on the dangers of the happiness trap. They explore the complexities of the pursuit of happiness, the analysis paralysis that can accompany the quest for finding meaning and answers, and the toxic behaviors that can emerge when one is driven by an insatiable desire for more.

Join Mayank and Sunny in this introspective episode as they delve into the layers of Matthieu Komorowski's life, unpacking the intricacies of ambition, emotional resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment in the face of setbacks.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthieukomorowski/

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There are some sensitive topics we touch on regarding mental health so if there are any triggers for you please know there is support and there will be plenty of links in access below.

LifeLine (Australia) - Ph: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Banksia Project - https://thebanksiaproject.org.au/

Mr. Perfect - https://mrperfect.org.au/

NHS (UK) - Urgent mental health support https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

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As always, Bottled Up is a passion project to help provide a voice to those many men who are going through the peaks and troughs of life. We are not trained professionals and if you're worried about someone close to you and their mental wellbeing, it's important to get professional advice.

Start a conversation with them and let them know that they're not alone and that there are many support resources out there - including friends, family, school chaplains and plenty more!

If you're feeling distressed or overwhelmed, Beyond Blue has a number of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 on 1800 512 348.

For immediate support, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 and in an emergency, always dial 000.

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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com