Michael Ray was thrust into solo dad life at the tender age of 51, and (ironically) the experience opened his eyes to outdated gender expectations which ignited an unbridled passion to advocate for equality and change that includes everyone.

His commitment to parental fairness is fierce, as it is inspiring, and he challenges social narratives to serve our positively evolving communities.

During this show, I helped Michael unpack ideas around misinformed gender roles, when it comes to raising kids, and how societal value/support of ALL parents/carers is so important.

In his very spare time, Michael penned an award winning and widely recognised book “Who Knew?” It celebrates modern day dads, where he openly discusses issues of mental health and ideas for raising our next generation – in light of the wonderful diversity of contemporary families.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

#raisingkids #genderroles #moderndads #mentalhealth #menshealth #nextgeneration #diversity #parenting #dads #daughters #parentalalienation

Earlier this year, I witnessed Mike Hagan speaking about workplace burnout and the need for a systematic approach, at Melbourne’s Managing Burnout and Fatigue in the Workplace Conference. (Me) a fellow speaker and ever curious audience participant, wondered what the General Manager for HR, CC & HS&E of leading global supplier of technology and services at Bosch Australia would have to say about this matter. So ..... if Mike's extensive role description wasn’t mouthful enough, what he had to say (in a very unexpectedly broad, northern English accent) was a head full of awesome and inspiration for everyone in the audience. Later that day, I had my own turn share about burnout, relating to the state of mental health in male dominated workplaces - and that’s when Mike and I truly connected, cemented, collaborated and conspired to conjure up initiatives that could really bring about positive action and change for everyone. Deciding to kick off with a stint on the old radio show, my research quickly uncovered that Mike’s talents, kindness, care and respect for the human condition, extend well beyond his day job (spoiler alert: Rock Star). He joined me, live in the studio to share what it feels like, being Mike Hagan … and so much more.

Remember, it really is OK to not be OK!! What does it feel like, being you, today?

#mentalhealth #burnout #fatigue #workplacementalhealth #musicindustry #mensmentalhealth #menshealth #griefandloss #rockstar #friends #covid #whatdoesitfeellikebeingyoutoday #distantconspirators

https://mikehaganandthedistantconspirators.com/

Back on July 17 2022, I colluded with co-host and dear friend, Mark Brown for his live radio debut. Mark helped unpack my recent “Lap of Tasmania” adventure, chatting with special Taswegian guests, Bec Mace and James Rowlands who I'd met along the way. Bec gave us an amazing insight into convict characters who created the Strahan railway with bare hands and full hearts. James Rowlands kicked off his segment with a poetic dedication to yours truly, followed by hilarious stories including one about a close encounter with an elephant. Mark Brown was the quintessential co-pilot - adding some great questions, a dash of hilarity and an l stellar first ever radio performance. #tasmania #mentalhealth #friends #wineglassbay #freycinet #colesbay #strahan #coolclimaterainforest #radiodebut

It was exactly 4 years ago, today that I had the pleasure of speaking alongside AFL Women's Champion Al Downie at the Sandringham Zebras President's Ladies Day and Beyond Blue Round. Alison captivated the room, as she described her experience as an elite sports person, coupled with managing some significant mental health challenges. Back then, Alison wore number 30 for Carlton AFLW, playing in the first-ever women's match - Carlton v Collingwood - in front of a packed house on Friday 3rd February 2017. Going on to notch up 31 games for Carlton, the Blues opted not to renew Alison’s contract for 2022, but Collingwood AFLW were on the hunt for a gun ruck and this superstar was not ready to hang up her boots.

We went to air on Sunday, 15 May, to hear Alison’s remarkable story of achievement and demonstration of true grit and resilience at https://www.3wbc.org.au/ Remember, it really is OK to not be OK!! #mentalhealth #aflw #womeninsport #womenshealth