What does it feel like being you today? With Rae Bonney

23/03/2025

🎙️ Erik Thomson: How Popularity, Accomplishment, and Unwavering Professionalism Masked His Offscreen Struggle with Addiction 🎙️

This is more than just an interview - it’s a raw, honest, and personal conversation with one of Australia’s most celebrated actors, Erik Thomson, aired recently at 94.1FM 3WBC.

For the first time ever, Erik opens up about his struggles with alcohol and other addictions, providing a candid look at the highs and lows behind the scenes of his remarkable career.

Erik doesn’t just speak about his journey in acting - from iconic roles in Packed to the Rafters, All Saints, 800 Words and Aftertaste - but shares emotional experiences that shaped him, including battles with substance misuse to the toll it took on his mental health, and recovery.

He also reflects on his upbringing, including his father’s pride in moving their family into the middle class through hard work as a doctor, and the tension of generational expectations when Erik chose acting over the Navy, something his father envisioned as the ultimate career.

The honesty Erik brings forward, about the unspoken challenges so many grapple with, offers a conversation that feels human and relatable.

His story invites us to reflect, resonate, and recognise our own strength in facing difficult situations. This isn’t just an interview—it’s a reminder that even during the hardest times, there’s options. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CDqAO8NCKIt0MBpc4TsBz?si=iu80Qo4VSImc0PphcQbPBg

Don't forget, you can now listen to this show and many more like it on your favourite podcast platform. https://rae6z.podbean.com

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

Workplace mental health | Men & boy’s health | Crisis support | Counsellor | Speaker | Radio presenter Rae employs more than a decade of experience to develo...

14/03/2025

🎭ERIK THOMSON (AKA DAVE RAFTER) OPENS UP ABOUT HIS BATTLE WITH ALCOHOL ADDICTION

This coming Sunday, I’m honored to be bringing you a special pre-recorded interview, with the very talented actor, Erik Thomson at 94.1FM 3WBC.

Many will know and love Erik from iconic roles like Dave Rafter (Packed to the Rafters), Mitch Stevens (All Saints), and more recently, Easton West (Aftertaste). He was incredibly generous, sharing colourful stories of his life and achievements – beginning in Scotland, taking a detour to New Zealand, and eventually landing here in Australia.

But what’s truly remarkable about this interview is that, for the very first time ever, Erik speaks publicly about his personal journey with alcohol addiction and how he’s managed it.

In this profoundly personal conversation, he speaks openly about the shame and guilt associated with addiction, emphasising the importance of understanding what real support looks like and managing expectations of how others turn up for you.

This is a conversation close to Erik’s heart, as he hopes sharing his story will help others feel less isolated and encourage them to seek support sooner.

Tune in this coming Sunday, 16 March, between 10.00am and 12 noon at 94.1FM 3WBC on your dial (if you’re local), otherwise, stream live from anywhere around the world at https://www.3wbc.org.au/

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

02/03/2025

23/02/2025

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE, BEING RAE BONNEY?

I’m feeling a whole range of emotions, sharing the recent special edition of my radio show “What does it feel like, being you, today?” at 94.1FM 3WBC🫠😥😕😔😵‍💫🤔🥰🤩🥵 - when I was very chuffed to be interviewed by magnificent friend and media man, Steve Carey.

He put so much love and care into creating a story of my endeavours and achievements, reflecting on what is, essentially, a blessed life. 🥰

Steve started with the surprise and gratitude I felt, recently being awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia and my plans to leverage this recognition to further my work in men and boys health.

On this, we spoke directly about the critical, often overlooked issues like male victims of domestic violence, and the vastly ignored tragedy of sexual assault towards boys.

I wandered through personal grapples with my experience of disordered eating, anxiety, depression, su***de and alcohol – most importantly, the ways I’ve worked to understand and live proudly with all parts of me. 🤗

Steve expertly guided the conversation around my commitment to promoting accountability in self-care, boundary setting, and where to find support - highlighting my commitment to creating environments that support good mental health, safety and wellbeing for everyone.

I truly hope this conversation validates and promotes the significance of resilience, kindness and empathy - serving as permission to engage in support, self-care and connections that are right for you.

“To be oneself, simply oneself, is so amazing and utterly unique an experience that it's hard to convince oneself so singular a thing happens to everybody.” - Simone de Beauvoir

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

ALSO LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gRk9vDy7
Apple: https://lnkd.in/geypVtXU

***deprevention

https://youtu.be/y9Q0hoQghjk?si=fN3pQRckmgn8RPrq

The Tables Turned! 🎙️ I was the Guest, with Steve Carey Hosting!On a very warm Sunday in February, at 94.1FM 3WBC, for the first time ever, I handed over th...

21/02/2025

🌟 How Kindness and Care Changed My Path 🌟

During my recent radio interview with Steve Carey, I shared a vulnerable moment about a time in my life when I felt unsafe, grappling with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

It was a time when speaking up felt impossible.

A doctor named Ronnie changed everything by creating space and making me feel truly heard and cared for. He said, “You are the most important person in my world right now.” Those words, alongside Sarah McLachlan’s song, Angel, were amongst the most significant moments of my life. 💙

Kindness and care .... it can be lifesaving ❤️.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

www.raebonney.au

***deprevention

13/12/2024

📣 Tune in for the many faces of not so SCarey - Sunday 15 December 10am

Wrapping up 2024 doesn’t get much better than being 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 Channel 7, Channel 9, and the ABC Australia, Steve is the ultimate life hack—proving that age is no barrier to success, fulfillment, and discovering joy in all the right places.

This Sunday, we’re diving headfirst into the complexities of today’s fragmented media landscape.

In a world where no single news program can satisfy all audiences, Steve will unpack his remarkable journey and shine 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 promise to be as inspiring as they are thought-provoking.

Don’t miss this chance to hear what it feels like, being Steve Carey, as we explore the evolving responsibilities of journalism and the power it holds to shape perspectives and empower choices.

Tune in this coming Sunday, 15 December, between 10.00am and 12 noon at 94.1FM 3WBC on your dial (if you’re local), otherwise, stream live from anywhere around the world at https://www.3wbc.org.au/

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

08/10/2024

Small and family businesses account for more than 97 per cent of all Australian businesses and they employ almost 8 million Australians.

Family businesses in Australia can face unique mental health challenges, due to a lack of clear boundaries, formal process and management of human expectation.

😠 Boundary blurring
😡 Interpersonal conflict
👿 Succession tensions
🤐 Communication issues
😥 Emotional pressure
👨‍👧 Generational differences
🤑 Financial Stress
I'm looking forward to sharing a stage with Fair Work Commission GM, Murray Furlong at this weeks FBA AU State Conference in Melbourne.

Murray's presenting current legislation regarding employment contracts and policies for family members, including the processes for handling dismissal and redundancy. I'll back him up with insights and management tools to inspire the creation of environments that support good mental health, safety and wellbeing.

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

12/09/2024

What does it feel like being you, today?

It’s more than a question.

Ask it any time, any day, any place to any one ❤️

www.raebonney.au

04/09/2024

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY SHOW - SYDNEY - OCTOBER 23-24

With the construction industry presenting double the risk of su***de compared to other industries in Australia, it's critical we address unique challenges faced by people working in this sector.

I feel incredibly honored to be leading this conversation with a panel of expert changemakers in Stefanie Nutt (John Holland), Joel Anderson (Foremind), Donna Hoblos (Buildcorp), and Brad Parker (MATES in Construction) at the Workplace Health & Safety Show in Sydney on October 23-24.

Here we will share insights, experiences and strategies aimed at the sector's complex nature. From identifying and mitigating psychosocial risk factors to implementing successful intervention strategies, we'll navigate the path towards creating a positive, safe and inspiring work environment.

Register for your FREE tickets here https://lnkd.in/gE4bjejF

What does it feel like, being you, today?

www.raebonney.au

07/08/2024

STROKE IS A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG MEN

🔵 400 Men per week have a stroke in Australia every week
🔵 45% of Aussie blokes don’t know the common signs of a stroke
🔵 About 4 in 5 strokes are preventable

Risk factors for stroke include:

🔴 High blood pressure
🔴 Smoking damages blood vessels, which can cause a stroke
🔴 Overweight and obesity
🔴 Diabetes increases stroke risk - harming blood vessels in the brain
🔴 Alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and increase the risk for stroke
🔴 Lack of physical activity causes health conditions that increase stroke risk

It’s national stroke week and the Stroke Foundation encourages everyone around the world to know the F.A.S.T. signs as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

😕 Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
🏋‍♂️ Arms Can they lift both arms?
🗣 Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
⏰ Time Is critical.
🚑 If you see any of these signs call emergency services straight away.

Know the risks, get checked and take action.

Australian Men's Health ForumAustralian Men's Health Forum

04/08/2024

August is Tradies National Health Month

90% OF AUSTRALIAN TRADIES EXPERIENCED WORK-RELATED INJURIES OR PAIN IN THE PAST YEAR

A recent survey conducted by the Australian Physiotherapy Association https://lnkd.in/gYBS8Yej revealed that:

🦵 Knee and back pain is the most common ailment

🤕 More than three in four tradies experienced pain that stops them enjoying life

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The biggest cohort to experience pain were millennials (aged 27-42)

💊 Almost nine in 10 tradies said they needed to take medication or self-medicate to manage the pain

🍻 39% ignored their pain and hoped it would go away, while one in three used drugs or alcohol to manage the pain

💰 64% were worried about long-term physical ailments and 54% worried about the financial costs of healthcare

⏰ Long hours and the physical intensity of work were among the biggest concerns and only 35% felt their employers understood or supported their health needs.

WorkSafe Victoria has also embraced Tradies National Health Month by providing free tools and resources for leaders.

Their Workwell toolkit https://lnkd.in/gwrCCAJu is another great resource with a step-by-step approach to preventing mental health injuries and promoting safe and mentally healthy workplaces, especially when falls remain one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in Victoria's construction sector.

🚧 Over the past 10 years there have been 17 construction workers killed due to falls.

🚧 Over the past 5 years more than 6,400 construction workers have needed workers' compensation for serious injuries from a fall; many of these injuries have been life changing.

Get on board and construct your own life changing initiatives for Tradies National Health month, like Bunnings who are offering expert advice and tips on how to improve mental and physical health, ‘and ensuring you have the right tools for the job.’ https://lnkd.in/gkwKff9S.

Australian Men's Health Forum CFMEU Vic-Tas ***de

01/08/2024

GRASSROOTS MEN'S GROUPS - AN ANTIDOTE TO LONELINESS
from The Australian Men's Health Forum

A new report, to be launched by Loneliness Awareness Week on 5 August 2024 states that 1 in 3 Australians are lonely, but misconceptions and stigma prevent people from talking about it and seeking the help they need

Many of the grassroots men’s initiatives, supported by the Australian Men's Health Forum address the crippling effects of loneliness through accessible, welcoming, diverse and inclusive opportunities for connection.

Some great examples are:

🚶‍♂️ Men’s Walks operate in all parts of Australia and you can find one near you through The Man Walk Australia directory of official Man Walks. They estimate 2,250,000,000 steps have collectively been taken “while connecting men, strengthening the communities and combating social isolation and loneliness.”

📚 The Tough Guy Book Club organises ‘chapters’ of men across Australia, discussing the book of the month and other matters that fall between the lines. Founder Shay P Leighton also runs optional monthly challenges such as donating blood, writing stories and hunting for literary treasures in second-hand book shops.

👨‍🍳 Mɽ Pèŗfècţ is a community organisation connecting men across Australia over a relaxed free BBQ to chat about all things life. But they are more than a BBQ. Online Mɽ Pèŗfècţ provide quality resources for the good of men’s mental health.

🍴 The Men's Table puts men together for a regular meal, where they are free to download without judgement, listen and support each other. These tables have been highly successful, with now 200 tables across Australia.

🔵 Sunshine Coast- Grab Life By The Balls Community is about improving boys’ and men’s health and wellbeing through mate ship. Started by Sam Parker, GLBTB runs get togethers ay multiple locations.

🤸‍♂️ Mongrels Men Health & Wellbeing has a purpose to get Men moving, so improving physical health is a huge benefit as well as forming strong connections. Founder Tim Hewson continues to expand activities that facilitate deeper conversations.

🏛 Men’s Sheds started in Australia and are globally recognised as an effective antidote to loneliness, especially among older blokes. There are 1200+ men’s sheds listed on the Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) website, welcoming more than 50,000 Aussie men.

While grassroots men’s health initiatives appears to be filling gaps, helping combating loneliness, mental health and social isolation, some health practitioners believe the ‘system’ is not doing enough to engage men in self care and social prescribing opportunities https://lnkd.in/gFjqXd6d.

Check out the Know Your Man Facts toolkit https://lnkd.in/gmkbAgYx

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31/07/2024

WORKPLACE WELLBEING IN MALE DOMINATED WORKPLACES
Wellbeing at Work Summit - September 2024 - LONDON

Obscured mental health problems continue to be an obstacle for men achieving safety through wellbeing, in male dominated workplaces where stigma, judgement and assumption is often underpinned, by a persistent “just tough it out” attitude that is still commonly valued as strength.

These societal pressures experienced by men, create barriers to help seeking, and can result in increased stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship breakdown, substance misuse and more times that’s ever known, leads to su***de.

On the 24th of September, I’m proud to be representing Global Action on Men's Health - sharing a stage with award recognised Global Director - Mental Health and Wellbeing at Royal BAM Group – Ruth Pott, MSc (Workplace Wellbeing), LLM, FCIPD - at this year’s Wellbeing at Work World Summit in London.

We’ll be speaking with great conviction about our perspectives on Workplace Wellbeing in Male Dominated Workplaces and inviting you to come along to join our conversation.

Here’s a link to the live and online programme https://lnkd.in/gziYS8TN

***de ***deprecention Men's Health Forum

28/07/2024

Trigger warning: mention of su***de.

THE REAL FACE OF MEN report launch by Movember last week, inspired a note from a past client, which underscores some key messages. https://lnkd.in/g7CUScet

👍 Meet men where they're at
👍 Listen
👍 There's a positive ripple effect when investing in men's health

My client asked that I publicly share his words, in an effort to show his own Real Face of pain that often masquerades as anger.

Dear Rae, When I first reached out to you, two years ago all I did was cry.

It was outta selfishness as I just wanted someone to hear me in the hopes it’d reach my kids, because my plan was drop them off to school then video call them at 6pm and say good night and commit su***de because I lost everything and felt so hopeless.

BUT that first time we talked on the phone you said,
“I didn’t ask what you’re doing I asked how are you feeling!?”
You didn’t react, judge or tell to think about other people.

As a Samoan man - 1 of 5 siblings and the only boy in my family I started to cry because no one had ever asked about my feelings and actually wanted to hear it with no judgement of my actions that I didn't know were coming from pain.

I was only ever told I was angry and for the first time I was finally being heard and it was what I really wanted as a man who’s not angry, but in pain.

I’ve always been told/shown it doesn’t matter what you feel, it matters what you can do and what you provide for everyone else!

But your help and multiple video calls and phone calls HELPED me – I’d tried to commit su***de 3x before I met you and your voice and the way you put things is truly something I held onto that made me stay alive.

Not one day goes by that I’m not grateful that I hug my kids that much tighter and kiss them that much more - it’s 2 years from our first talk and I’m finally back with my family - my partner (mother of my kids) - and understand my pain and trauma it’s a beautiful part of me that I can use for good things!

I’m not an angry man - I was a hurt boy who grew up not understanding what that meant.

I now feel seen and heard. Thank you so much - I’ll forever love the fact there is someone like you in this world!

What does it feel like, being you, today?
www.raebonney.au

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