Episode Details

We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode covers the topic of suicide

In a world where mental health struggles often go unspoken, three young blokes from Melbourne are turning their personal tragedies into a powerful force for change. Meet Ben Farish, one of the founders of Speak and Share, a charity that's taking Australia by storm with its mission to normalise mental health conversations and prevent suicide.

Born from the depths of their own mental health battles during the COVID lockdown, Ben and his mates, Nathan and Mason, transformed their pain into purpose. 

After losing a close friend to suicide, experiencing family upheaval, and grappling with grief, these three teachers realised the dire need for open, honest conversations about mental health. 

What started as a simple Instagram account sharing funny skits with positive mental health messages has now blossomed into a medium-sized charity running programs in schools, sporting clubs, and workplaces across Australia.

But Speak and Share isn't just another mental health organisation. With their iconic sunflower logo symbolising strength and community, and their sought-after merchandise drops, they've created a movement that's as cool as it is crucial.
 
Their approach is all about prevention, starting conversations early, and creating a world where speaking about mental health is as natural as talking about the weather.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnera

The Don’t Be Caught Dead Pub Quiz is back — now in its third year, and it’s a sellout event for a reason.

Join us on May 12 at 7pm at Hotel Lona in Frankston, as part of the South Side Festival.

Come solo and join a team, or bring your own crew — and compete for great prizes.

 Go to criticalinfo.com.au/events 

Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays —
free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.

No pressure.
 No expectation.

Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” —
 it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.

Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events

MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

SUPPORT SERVICES
If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Support the show

Support the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.

Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/

Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:
https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/