The Brave And The Wild

Nutrition and Mental Health: The Powerful Link - Abby Soares (Ep.15)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

What if your fatigue, anxiety, brain fog… even your skin issues, are rooted in what you’re eating? In this episode, I sit down with Abby Soares, a registered nurse, qualified nutritionist, and founder of Nourish Health & Nutrition. Abby shares how food, gut health, and mental wellbeing are deeply connected, and why functional medicine looks beyond prescriptions to find the real cause. We dive into gut health, plate building, emotional eating, energy crashes, kids' nutrition, and the small changes that can lead to massive transformation. If you're feeling stuck or unwell and don’t know where to start, this conversation is a game-changer.

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Firearms, Mental Health and Reform - Glen Thurston, Mental Hunts (Ep.14)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:10:09 GMT

Glen Thurston is a builder, father, husband, and hunter from Wānaka, New Zealand - and the founder of the charity Mental Hunts.

In this episode, Glen shares his journey from hitting rock bottom to losing his firearms license after seeking mental health support, and how that experience sparked a campaign to climb a mountain 53 times for suicide awareness. What began as a personal mission is now a nationwide movement changing how mental health and firearms are talked about.

We explore the stigma that still surrounds mental health in rural and hunting communities, the evolving regulations around firearms in New Zealand, and how Glen is working with the Firearms Safety Authority to create change from the inside out.

Listeners will come away with honest insight, practical tools, and real hope, no matter the tools they carry.

⚠️ Please note - this episode makes mention of suicide.

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Beautiful Chaos: Life with ADHD & Kids - Selina Thomson (Ep.13)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:18:18 GMT

In this new episode I dive deep into the world of ADHD with Selena Thomson, a late-diagnosed mum, and lawyer… who shares her unfiltered journey from anxiety and depression to unshakable self-acceptance.

Selena shares her experiences, from the "fuzzy vision" before medication to the crucial realisation that pills alone couldn't erase a lifetime of suppressed identity.

Discover why ADHD is actually "unregulated attention", and how embracing flexibility in work and education is key to unlocking the potential within neurodivergent minds.

This episode is a raw look at motherhood with ADHD, battling rejection sensitivity, and the power of brutal authenticity in building a life surrounded by your true tribe.

Selena's story is a testament to why women, especially, should "delusionally love themselves" and recognise the "beauty in the chaos".

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Living With the Loss: A Friend’s Perspective on Suicide - Gareth Hughes (Ep.12)

Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 GMT

⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains open discussions of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners, please take care or skip this one if you need to.

In this episode I’m joined by Gareth Hughes, owner of Victory Knives. We have an honest and candid conversation about moving through life after losing a number of close friends to suicide. We discuss grief, the important role of support systems and mental health advocacy. Gareth also dives into his journey from sales, then the liquor game and entrepreneurship (42 Below, Moa Beer and now Victory Knives), raising his kids and cherishing meaningful relationships.

🎙️Some of the things we discuss:

- Hunting and the outdoors
- Gareth’s business background and Victory Knives
- The loss of friends to suicide
- Support systems, advice and advocacy
- Parenting and changing roles
- Personal resilience and self-care habits

Whether you’re here for connection, hope, or guidance, this honest chat is an important reminder that simply being present, making a call, sharing a walk, or quietly keeping someone company can change, or even save a life.

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Burnout Unpacked: From Subtle Signs to Recovery with Clinical Psychologist Charlotte Gibson (Ep.11)

Wed, 21 May 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Burnout isn’t just stress or laziness… it’s often a full mindbody shutdown that creeps in quietly, then takes over everything. In this episode, I’m joined by Clinical Psychologist Charlotte Gibson to unpack what burnout really is, why it happens, and how to recover. This conversation blends clinical insight with lived experience, including my own story of long-term burnout, the road to recovery, and everything in between.

We explore how burnout shows up physically, mentally, and emotionally and why it’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Charlotte breaks down the full burnout cycle, from the early warning signs to chronic and habitual burnout. We talk about what burnout does to your nervous system, how it connects to anxiety, depression, and trauma, and what actually helps you come back from it - slowly and sustainably.

This episode also covers how to communicate when you're struggling, how to support someone else without trying to fix them, and the role of workplaces, managers, and EAP programs in preventing and responding to burnout. Plus: how to know if you're at risk, what real rest looks like (hint: it’s not scrolling), and how deeper identity beliefs like “I’m not good enough” can quietly drive us into overwork and exhaustion.

Whether you’re in it, coming out of it, or trying to avoid it altogether — this episode is packed with real tools, hard truths, and hope.

#burnout #burnoutrecovery #mentalhealthpodcast #nervoussystemregulation #chronicstress #eap #perfectionism #mentalhealthawareness #overachiever #thebraveandthewild #tbatw

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Grief, Loss and Love: A Daughter's Story with Monica Shepherd (Ep.10)

Sun, 11 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this deeply personal episode, writer and creative Monica Shepherd shares the emotional journey of losing her father to cancer. We explore anticipatory grief, hospice care, the healing power of storytelling, and how grief affects creativity and life itself. Listeners will walk away with heartfelt insights on how to live with loss - and support others through it.

⚠️ Content note: This episode contains open discussion of terminal illness, loss, anticipatory grief, and the death of a parent. Please take care as you listen.

#griefjourney #anticipatorygrief #mentalhealthawareness #lossofalovedone #hospicecare #griefsupport #tbawpodcast #thebraveandthewild #bereavement #copingwithgrief

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Laura Kuggeleijn #9: Chronic Fatigue, Trauma & the Power of Nature

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 03:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Kuggeleijn - a teacher, passionate diver, and someone who brings a lot of thoughtfulness to the way she moves through life. We talk about her experience living with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, being diagnosed with ADHD at 27, and how the ocean became a space for calm, challenge, and healing. Laura also shares openly about a traumatic event that happened while travelling in her late teens, and the non-linear process of recovery that followed.

This is a conversation about invisible illness, boundaries, resilience, and the power of connection - to nature, to community, and to yourself. It’s candid, reflective, and full of moments that might help you or someone you care about feel a little less alone.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of chronic illness, PTSD, physical and sexual assault. Please listen with care. If these topics feel like too much right now, skip it or come back when you're ready.

Learn more about ACC Sensitive Claims:
https://www.acc.co.nz/for-providers/provider-contracts-and-services/sensitive-claims-service

Find a Helpline Now:
https://findahelpline.com/

Learn more about Laura:
https://www.instagram.com/spearo.diaries/
https://www.instagram.com/spearotual_mermaid/

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Craig Sutherland #8: Grief, Anger and Rebuilding Yourself

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Brave and The Wild, Craig Sutherland opens up about grief, anxiety, anger, and the pressure to always appear strong. From losing his father and falling into deep anxiety, to finding healing through the gym, the beach, music and brutal self-reflection - this is a raw, honest conversation about mental health, identity, and rebuilding yourself.

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Tim Kavermann #7: Why The Brave and The Wild Exists (And Why We Need to Talk About Mental Health)

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Hey, I’m Tim Kavermann, and after a long break, The Brave and The Wild is back - with a refined direction. In this episode, I’m taking a moment to share where this podcast came from, why it exists, and what I hope it can offer you.

This is the story behind The Brave And The Wild, how my own mental health journey, a lifelong obsession with understanding the mind, and years of conversations led me here.

The Brave and The Wild is growing into something bigger than I ever expected, and this episode is the starting point for what’s next.

If you’re new here, welcome. And if you’ve been around for a while—thanks for sticking with me.

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Tim Kavermann & Simon Bridges #6: Business Resilience

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Brave and The Wild podcast by Eat What You Kill. I’m Tim Kavermann, and in this episode, I’m revisiting a conversation from last year with Simon Bridges from First Steps NZ, where we dive deep into resilience and business. First Steps NZ is a mental health and wellbeing initiative (run by the Auckland Business Chamber) I’m proud to be involved with outside of EWYK. It’s designed to support business owners, managers, and employees in prioritising their mental health so they can grow impactful, profitable businesses while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. You can learn more at Firststeps.nz.

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Tim Kavermann #5: 7 Tips For Nurturing Your Mental Health

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m flying solo again with a follow-up to my previous one on Burnout. In this episode, I will go over my top 7 tips for nurturing your own mental health. I will provide tools, insights, and ideas for self-help practices that anyone can start doing today.

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Dave Perry #4: Army Life, Hunting and Combating Depression

Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m joined by Dave Perry a soldier turned engineer and now a passionate hunter based in Wellington, New Zealand. In this episode we discuss some of Dave’s experiences in the army and how they set an early foundation and connection to the wild. Now, the Ruahine Ranges is Dave’s second home, a place to nurture his mental health on solo missions while also guiding others into the world of hunting. To keep in theme with the promotion of positive mental health we also delve into Dave’s experiences with depression. He describes what went wrong, what went right and how he continues to manage, thrive and instill in others the experiences that helped him recover from a time when things weren’t so great. This episode is entertaining, inspiring and informative.

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Tim Kavermann #3: Burnout, Depression and Anxiety

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 03:00:00 GMT

In this episode of The Brave And The Wild, I’m flying solo and discussing a topic I am seeing pop up in online conversation more and more – burnout. Burnout is a state of total emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. It’s something I’ve experienced and something I hope to shine some light on to help others. I’ve included the steps I took to feel good again and some tools I’ve learned along the way.

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Dallas Abel #2: From Fish Waste to Community Feast: The Kai Ika Revolution

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Dive into the inspiring world of The Kai Ika Project with Dallas. Learn how this innovative initiative is transforming fish by-products into valuable resources to feed communities across New Zealand. With a mission rooted in maximum utilisation and sustainable practices, The Kai Ika Project is not only reducing waste but also reviving traditional culinary customs by promoting the delicious potential of fish heads and frames. Join us as we explore the journey from a small-scale operation to a movement with the potential for national reach, and discover how you can get involved in making a difference. Perfect for listeners passionate about sustainability, fishing, and community empowerment!

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Ryan O'Connor #1: Embracing the Wild - A Journey into Hunting and Wellness

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 22:00:00 GMT

In the premiere episode of "The Brave and The Wild," join us as we dive into the fascinating life of Ryan O'Connor. Ryan takes us on his journey from a sports-filled upbringing to becoming an optometrist and a passionate hunter. Discover how hunting, wild food, and the great outdoors have shaped his life and view on personal development and mental wellness. With discussions ranging from the rewarding challenges of solo hunting to the deep connections between mindfulness and nature, this episode is packed with insights for both novice and experienced hunters. Whether you're curious about the intersection of health and the wild or seeking inspiration to start your own hunting journey, this conversation offers valuable lessons and food for thought. Tune in for an engaging discussion that captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery in the wilderness.

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