A Safe Space: Breakthrough Podcast

Welcome to A Safe Place – The Breakthrough Podcast Series brought to you by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation. A space for real conversations, lived experiences, and the latest insights driving change in mental health research, support, and hope for a better future.

A Safe Space: Breakthrough Podcast

A safe space podcast shares real conversations between people to break down the stigma of mental health, empowering listeners with practical.

This podcast shares real conversation with people driving change in mental health, breaking down stigma and turning awareness into action. It exists to connect, empower, and give listeners clear ways to support themselves and others.

Episodes

EP2 - Breaking the Silence on Suicide: Lived Experience & Hope

Episode 2: In this powerful episode, James Thredgold shares his lived experience with grief after losing his wife, Holly, and the lessons that have followed around recognising signs of distress, supporting families, and improving mental health care and hospital response. Joined by Dr Ian Zajac, Clinical Pscyhologist and Breakthrough Research Fellow in Suicide Prevention, shares his research, and the importance of creating a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.

EP1 - In Check: Andrew Hayes Talks Mental Health, Masculinity & Public Pressure

Episode 1: In our launch episode, we sit down with Breakthrough Ambassador Andrew Hayes — better known as “Hayesy”, to talk about men’s mental health, vulnerability, and the pressures that come with life in the public eye. Inspired by attending Breakthrough’s 2025 Men’s Meals & Mental Health Dinner, where more than 600 men came together to help break the stigma, Hayesy shares his passion for changing the conversation around men speaking up, checking in on each other, and prioritising mental wellbeing. He also opens up about navigating public speaking, media pressure, and the importance of family and support networks.