25 STAY ALIVE

With the world engulfed in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we thought it would be appropriate to talk to a Doctor who is on the frontline of it all. Dr Izzy Smith is also a mental health advocate, Movember ambassador, and most importantly, she is down-to-earth, caring and passionate. Hugo talks to Dr Smith about what it is like being on the frontline, some ways to stay mentally healthy, and why it's more important than ever that we remain socially and emotionally connected. We all need a little extra support during these times, so let's be kind, stay connected, and check in with each other. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and follow us on Instagram @25stayalive, we would love to hear what you thought of the episode. As always, thanks for tuning in! *Introduction contains a sample of Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees, courtesy of Master Chic Remix. This is a non-for-profit podcast production.

In this short bonus episode, Hugo talks about his health journey, and why he subsequently started 25 STAY ALIVE. Thanks to ABC Radio South Australia and Georgia Roberts for conducting the interview.

With the AFL Grand Final this weekend, we thought it would be appropriate to interview an AFL Premiership player, and someone who has had to overcome significant adversity. Hugo was fortunate enough to sit down with Alex Johnson (former AFL player for the Sydney Swans) to talk about the highs and lows of his AFL career. Alex has one of the great sporting comebacks, but it's what happens after this which is truly devastating. Football can be a cruel game at times... Alex's resilience, determination, and positive outlook is simply inspiring, and Sydney Swans Premiership Coach, John Longmire, had this to say: "Alex's perseverance and strength is among the best I've seen in the game and it was a real credit to him that he was able to fight his way back to playing after so many setbacks." Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and follow us on Instagram @25StayAlive, we would love to hear what you thought of the episode!

This week on the show we have a more broad Q&A episode! Over the course of the past few months we have had a bunch of different questions come through our social media channels, so we figured it was about time we answered some on air! We'll tackle everything from first diagnosis to post remission complexities, hope you enjoy! We'll do another one of these in a few months so if you have a question of your own that you'd like answered, don't ever hesitate to send it through and hopefully we can get to it next time around :) As always, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW and follow us on Instagram @25stayalive.

This week on the podcast, Hugo sat down with Maria, an incredibly strong women who lost her son, Peter, to suicide at just 22yo. Peter was also one of Hugo's best mates, and Maria and Hugo now share a very special bond. Although there are moments in this episode that are quite emotional, there are also some very important conversations surrounding mental health. Maria discusses what it is like as a mother to lose a child, what she has learnt about grieving, why suicide is not the answer, and why she started the White Bear Foundation. As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to click SUBSCRIBE and follow us on instagram @25StayAlive, we would love to hear from you! If you, or someone you know is struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support. You are not alone.

This week on the show we are joined by our resident nutritionist, Sara, to talk all things diet, lifestyle and exercise. Sara has essentially cured herself from rheumatoid arthritis without relying on medication. We discuss the benefits of diet, lifestyle and exercise, especially for those living with chronic conditions. Exercise is the pill. Lifestyle is the medicine. It's available now. As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to click SUBSCRIBE and follow us on instagram @25StayAlive, we would love to hear from you!

This week on the show we delve into the mysterious (to many) world of alternative pooping methods. Dahlia shares her experiences with her ileostomy (aka stoma baby), and Hugo explores his apprehension with the possibility of having one 'installed' himself!

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15-44. Something needs to change. In this week's episode, we talk about a recent post from AFL star Dayne Beams, who has openly admitted that he is a "broken man". We also discuss the impact of our hyperconnected digital lives, and why we all need to be having genuine conversations around mental health as part of everyday life. There is no shame in seeking help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling to cope, there are people who care and are ready to listen. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Melanoma kills more young Australians than ANY other cancer. This week on the show we chat with Natalie Fornasier, an inspirational 25 year old whose life was flipped upside down when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. Similarly to Hugo & Dahlia, Natalie has dedicated her life to educating others on the realities of living with cancer. Natalie is the face of Call Time On Melanoma, and she is passionate about reframing sun safety as self care. As always... there will be plenty of laughs. Be sure to click SUBSCRIBE and follow us on instagram @25StayAlive, we would love to hear from you!

Alcohol addition is very real... and it needs to be talked about. This week on the show, we are joined by a brave young man called Damien, who at only 29yo went into rehab for alcohol addiction. He openly talks about his experience with alcoholism, how seeking help literally saved his life, and what it means to be sober. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our show and follow us on Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!

Have you ever wondered what it's like for someone living with cancer? During this episode Hugo and Dahlia answer some questions about their experiences with hospitals, chemotherapy and what the future holds! Make sure you click subscribe and follow us on instagram @25stayalive. We would love to hear from you!

In this week's episode we talk about the intriguing topic of comparing yourself to others. The grass certainly isn't always greener on the other side...In this era of social media it's hard not to constantly compare yourself to others. We often compare ourselves to others who are perceived to be 'doing better', rather than comparing ourselves to those who are far less fortunate. We seem to always wont more... but more is never enough. Psychological obsolescence is when you convince yourself you need an upgrade. What do you value most in your life? As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and follow us on Instagram @25stayalive.

"It was so overwhelming that I couldn't actually comprehend it. I was purely in survival mode...It was absolutely confronting, and absolutely terrifying." This week on the show, we are joined by a brave young lady called Michelle, who's emotional journey started when she was sexually assaulted at just 23. Michelle openly talks about how this has ultimately helped her cope with other adversities in her life, such as her ongoing battle with cancer. We also discuss remission complexities, and how life post cancer can be just as, if not more difficult. As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!

This week we welcome the amazing Dahlia as the new co-host of the 25 STAY ALIVE Podcast! Don't worry... Willy will still be a regular guest on the show! Make sure you go back and listen to episode 3 to hear all about Dahlia's inspirational story. In this episode, Hugo & Dahlia provide an update on their health, and answer some of your questions. Including tips for when you're feeling down, their experiences with health care professionals, how Hugo went on his 80km trek, and who they would love to interview. Make sure you tune in to find out who they have coming up on the show! Follow us on instagram @25stayalive and let us know what you thought of this week's episode.

In the latest episode of the 25StayAlive Podcast, Hugo is joined by one of the most inspirational people you will ever meet. Curtis McGrath, OAM, epitomises what it means to be a true Aussie hero. His story of overcoming adversity and triumphing from tragedy is simply remarkable. Imagine having both your legs blown off in Afghanistan... and then 4 years later, winning a gold medal for your country. True Aussie hero! **Please note the sound quality in Hugo's mic wasn't working properly, however do tune in because Curtis sounds fantastic and it's all about his story! ** Make sure you subscribe on iTunes and Spotify for fresh new weekly episodes and follow us on instagram @25stayalive.