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 ❤️

Wrapping up 2024 was such a delight to be back on air at 94.1FM 3WBC with the legendary Steve Carey - one of Australia’s most seasoned voices in TV News & Public Affairs. With over 35 years of brilliance across Seven Network, Nine, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Steve is the ultimate life hack—proving that age is no barrier to success, fulfillment, and discovering joy in all the right places. In this show, Steve and I dived headfirst into the complexities of today’s fragmented media landscape. In a world where no single news program can satisfy all audiences, Steve unpacked his remarkable journey and shone a light on the critical role trusted journalists play in navigating our ever evolving world. From encouraging us to engage with diverse news sources to exploring the vital importance of journalistic integrity, in an era of ever increasing misinformation, Steve’s insights were inspiring and thought-provoking. Hear what it feels like, being Steve Carey, as we explored the evolving responsibilities of journalism and the power it holds to shape perspectives and empower choices.

On International Men's Day, I'm extraordinarily proud to stand within a sector of dedicated individuals, committed to making better lives for men and boys ❤️🌍.

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

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