To wrap Men's Health Week 2024, and inspire conversations beyond, I went to air at 94.1FM 3WBC with a very special and spontaneous radio show that showcased a story that had not yet been told.

Two days before, at a construction site Men's Health Week toolbox talk, I asked the room of around 130 men to raise their hand if they'd had any experience with paternal post natal depression (the kind that happens to dads).

One guy did.

I could not find him after the event, but received this note later in the day.

"Thanks so much for coming today Rae. I’m the one who put my hand up about post natal depression. Later in the morning a guy who I’d never spoken to before came up to me and asked about my experience. He then told me all about his own experience and we chatted about it for 5mins then went back to work. I hope he felt as good as I did afterwards. Thanks for giving me that chance to put my hand, you are making a difference."

And there's an example of the power of men supporting each other 💙 .

A few hours later, after a very humbling phone call "Dave" generously and courageously agreed to be interviewed live on the show and tell his story for the very first time.

This opportunity was not one to be missed, hearing what it feels like, being Dave and lots more about Men's Health Week.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

rae@raebonney.au

💙 https://lnkd.in/gfMWfy9w - sms4dads - Fathers, Dads-to-be, Families & Health Professionals receive free text messages, support, info & tips.

💙 https://lnkd.in/gzh-XT_q - DadSpace - Mental, emotional and practical support for expectant and new dads.

💙 https://www.dadsgroup.org/ - Dads Group is a bunch of dads supporting dads like you.

#menshealth #mensmentalhealth #paternalpostnataldepression #PPND #depression #anxiety #dads #fathering #workplacementalhealth #menshealthweek2024

I recently caught up with fellow community radio presenter Leah Veenhuizen on her fabulous show "Just a thought" at 94.7 the Pulse.

Leah asked early on about my reasons for advocating so enthusiastically for men and boys ... I surprised myself with an unguarded response that I tend not to often reveal 💛 .

We went on to challenge some of the damaging myths and misunderstandings about men and masculinity - also their alarming absence from global health policy.

We packed a lot into 27 minutes and I am so grateful to Leah Veenhuizen for her talent and expertise in bringing this conversation to air.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

www.raebonney.au

#menshealthweek2024 #menshealth #malesuicide #menandboys #menshealthpolicy #policymaking #masculinity

Earlier this year, #2 son and I attended one of the many amazing Melbourne International Comedy Festival events.

We were not nearly well enough prepared to have our sides split and possibly our pants wet, from the night’s headliner, Ashley Fils-Aime. 🤣

Supporting a mystery line-up of some of the best festival comedians, Ashley did not fail to keep the laughter level at “11” throughout the entire evening.

Looking a little closer at Ashley's trajectory, though – a Haiti-born comedy success, raised in Miami, Florida and performing on stage since the age of 18 – I started scratching the surface of a story that’s simply gagging to be told.

My radar on racial/ethnic disparities in men's health was also activated during Ashley’s performance, through his tongue-in-cheek references to personal experiences of being a black male.

Ashely very generously agreed to join me on Sunday, 19 May to hear what it feels like, being .. Ashley Fils-Aime. 💙.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

rae@raebonney.au

#comedy #menshealth #mentalhealth #standupcomedy #career #racialdiscrimination #inequality #ethnicminority #ethnicdisparity #blackminoritymen #laughteristhebestmedicine