Episodes

  • Christina Vithoulkas - Normalising Disability

    Christina Vithoulkas - Normalising Disability
    Dec 16 2021
    In September 2018, Christina's life changed in an instant after a motorbike accident resulted in her becoming a paraplegic. But despite this, she's now the most fulfilled and happiest she's ever been. On this week's episode of Behind the Uniform, nothing is off limits as Christina very openly talks about everything from her everyday physical challenges, to what it's like having sex and using a vibrator when you don't have pelvic sensation. Christina epitomises what it means to be an influencer and she is passionate about normalising disability and using her injury to demonstrate that happiness isn't found from money or status, but from gratitude, helping others and appreciating what you have. Christina's positivity and resilience is almost hard to fathom and this episode will leave your heart full and feeling inspired.
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    47 mins
  • Hugo Toovey - Testicular Cancer Saved My Life

    Hugo Toovey - Testicular Cancer Saved My Life
    Dec 9 2021
    Today's guest is none other than our host, Captain Hugo Toovey! In our podcast we often speak so casually about Hugo's battles with cancer, but we've never properly dug 'behind his uniform' and explored the many lessons he's learnt at such a young age. In today's episode we discuss the impact that chronic bowel disease had on Hugo's childhood, the heartbreak of losing his best friend to suicide, and how testicular cancer saved his life. Despite some emotional conversations, this episode is also filled with joy, laughter and even some pranks you can play with a fake testicle! This is definitely one of our most inspiring and moving episodes yet.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Daniel Venables - The Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury

    Daniel Venables - The Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury
    Nov 25 2021
    At the age of just 19, Dan was on top of the world after winning the 2018 Premiership for the West Coast Eagles. However the following year Dan's life changed in a matter of seconds as he suffered a brain trauma injury in a marking contest. Dan spent the next 3 years undergoing rehabilitation, and in August 2021, he was forced into early retirement.
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    43 mins
  • Dr Izzy Smith - Behind the Scrubs

    Dr Izzy Smith - Behind the Scrubs
    Nov 18 2021
    Dr Izzy Smith is one of the hosts of this podcast, so we thought it was fitting to go 'behind the scrubs' and share Izzy's story. Izzy is an Endocrinology Doctor with a passion for sharing health advice that is easy to digest. She is also a Movember Ambassador, mental health advocate and a running enthusiast! In this week's episode of Behind the Uniform, Izzy opens up about what it was like losing her Dad at such a young age and the long-lasting psychological trauma grief can have on a child. Izzy also talks about the difficulties junior doctors can face when being confronted with death, and why reflecting on past experiences can help you get through some challenging times. We really hope you enjoy getting to know more about the wonderful Dr Izzy Smith, and you can follow Izzy on Instagram @doctorizzyksmith.
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    48 mins
  • Wayne Schwass - Connecting with Your Emotions

    Wayne Schwass - Connecting with Your Emotions
    Nov 12 2021
    Wayne Schwass has lived an extraordinary life. During his 14-year AFL career, Wayne played 282 games, won three best & fairest awards, was an all-Australian, and a premiership player. But behind all of these accolades, Wayne lived with obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. In this week's episode of Behind the Uniform, Wayne talks about how the cultures and attitudes of Australia in the 80s and 90s led him to believe that mental illness was only something that occurred in people from social disadvantage, and he refused to accept his own diagnosis, let alone share how he was feeling with others. Wayne also discusses why it's so important to have the communication skills and self-awareness to better understand and improve your own mental health & wellbeing. Through Wayne's personal journey and relationship with mental wellbeing, he created PukaUp - a social enterprise which aims to end suicide in Australia. This episode is full of wisdom, passion and hope. We learnt so much from Wayne and we have no doubt that you will too!
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Dr Zac Seidler - The Man Whisperer

    Dr Zac Seidler - The Man Whisperer
    Nov 4 2021
    Dr Zac Seidler aka "The Man Whisperer" has dedicated his career towards further understanding men's mental health and masculinity. His ultimate goal is to help reduce the staggering rate of male suicide worldwide.
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    57 mins
  • Lauren Rowe - Terminal Illness, Transplants + Other Taboo Topics

    Lauren Rowe - Terminal Illness, Transplants + Other Taboo Topics
    Oct 26 2021
    Lauren Rowe has lived with the roller coaster of Cystic Fibrosis her entire life. When she was 19yo she had less than 2 weeks to live and received a life-saving double lung transplant, and only a few months ago she had her second transplant. In this uplifting episode of Behind the Uniform, Lauren opens up about what it's like living with an invisible illness, her views on organ donation, and the power of sharing your story to help others. We also touch on the uncomfortable topics of terminal illness and death, and how humour can help normalise these taboo topics. This is one of our favourite episodes to date and not be missed! You can follow Lauren's journey on Instagram @rejectinglaurenrowe
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    51 mins
  • Josh Reid Jones - Just Be Nice

    Josh Reid Jones - Just Be Nice
    Oct 19 2021
    Josh Reid Jones is a funny guy with a big heart who has always wondered why people don't get help when they need it. He is the founder of the "Just Be Nice Project", an organisation that supports people with housing, employment and mental health, and he is passionate about the importance of being good to do good. This week on Behind the Uniform, Josh opens up about how his challenging upbringing taught him valuable lessons in life, why helping people takes time, and what it means to be a good teammate. Josh also discusses what it's been like living through the longest lockdown on the planet, and offers some wisdom and advice to those who have felt the ups and downs over the last 18 months. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and as always, there are plenty of laughs and feel good moments! Please share this episode with family and friends. We can all play our part in spreading these important conversations JUST BE NICE PROJECT - Home (jbnproject.com)
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    46 mins