The Tables Turned! 🎙️ I was the Guest, with Steve Carey Hosting!

On a very warm Sunday in February, at 94.1FM 3WBC, for the first time ever, I handed over the reins of my show and settled in as a guest of longtime friend and magnificent media man, Steve Carey.

He took the lead and asked me “what does it feel like being you, today?” which provided foundation for a deep dive into my personal and professional journey … a story I’ve not told in its entirety and it evoked all kinds of emotions 😃 🤔 😐 😑 🫨 .

Accustomed to being the “interviewer”, it was certainly a shift – but Steve, former CHANNEL 7 TV News Director, crafted a surprise package of questions and delicately peeled back my layers, as he expertly guided conversations around my early life, challenges with mental health, and how my career evolved to focus on men’s health and mental health.

We also tackled some of the more gnarly topics like suicide, self-harm, addiction, and violence – backed up with information about where find support.

What does it feel like being you today?

www.raebonney.au

#MensHealth #MentalHealth #MaleSuicide #SupportMen #Family #Wellbeing #estingdisorders #kindness #care

It was a long-awaited honour to speak with UK men’s health advocate Mark Brooks OBE, where we unpacked the often-dismissed issue of domestic and family violence against men and boys.

As a sector leader in male health, education, inclusion, and domestic abuse, Mark brings over 25 years of experience and thought leadership to this important topic.

He has played a pivotal role in championing the rights of male victims through his work with organisations like the The ManKind Initiative in the UK, which continues to raise awareness and provide critical support to men facing domestic abuse.

Mark's recent achievements include leading the campaign for a Men's Health Strategy for England, publishing influential reports on male suicide and boys' education, and raising the profile of male victims of domestic abuse. He also leads the successful INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY (UK) LTD. platform, which engaged over 800 organisations in 2024.

Historically, the gender-specific needs of male victims have been overlooked in both research and service provision, making this discussion essential.

Through our discussion, Mark and I aimed at sparking a broader conversation, bringing men and boys into the dialogue, exploring their involvement in ending domestic violence, the unique challenges men face in harmful relationships, as well as barriers to effective support.

For listeners, I want exercise some self disclosure and reflection - also a heartfelt apology to Mark. Great friend of mine and the show, Mike Hagan, who also expertly produces my podcast, bought to my attention in his incredibly kind, thoughtful, and generous manner—that during the conversation, I became a bit of an interrupter, cutter offerer and over talker of Mark. Mike, in his usual gracious way, acknowledged my enthusiasm and intent as noble, but still, I want to own it, disclose it and learn from it as I listen through the show.

Anyway, in any case I hope you enjoy our conversation ❤️

Mike Hagan is a Distant Conspirator who has become a very close collaborator of mine over the past few years 😀.

In a mash up of our respective fields, mental health, workplace wellbeing, men’s health, safety and compliance, we shared all the how, what, why, when and where we’re both currently at.

On one of the biggest topics going round, Mike and I sketched out what organisational responsibility in addressing workplace psychosocial hazards and risks can look like, and described simple yet effective strategies anyone can use to create safe and supportive environments.

My experience in men’s health, mental health and workplace well-being, combined with Mike’s expertise in all things safety and compliance, provided valuable insights on how companies can proactively manage these risks and support their workforce’s overall health.

We also touched on our respective roles at October's Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney, which featured the latest developments in workplace safety, new technologies, and best practices.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

rae@raebonney.au