With the world engulfed in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we thought it would be appropriate to talk to a Doctor who is on the frontline of it all. Dr Izzy Smith is also a mental health advocate, Movember ambassador, and most importantly, she is down-to-earth, caring and passionate. Hugo talks to Dr Smith about what it is like being on the frontline, some ways to stay mentally healthy, and why it's more important than ever that we remain socially and emotionally connected. We all need a li...
Apr 14, 2020•25 min
In this short bonus episode, Hugo talks about his health journey, and why he subsequently started 25 STAY ALIVE. Thanks to ABC Radio South Australia and Georgia Roberts for conducting the interview.
Dec 17, 2019•9 min
With the AFL Grand Final this weekend, we thought it would be appropriate to interview an AFL Premiership player, and someone who has had to overcome significant adversity. Hugo was fortunate enough to sit down with Alex Johnson (former AFL player for the Sydney Swans) to talk about the highs and lows of his AFL career. Alex has one of the great sporting comebacks, but it's what happens after this which is truly devastating. Football can be a cruel game at times... Alex's resilience, determinati...
Sep 26, 2019•40 min
This week on the show we have a more broad Q&A episode! Over the course of the past few months we have had a bunch of different questions come through our social media channels, so we figured it was about time we answered some on air! We'll tackle everything from first diagnosis to post remission complexities, hope you enjoy! We'll do another one of these in a few months so if you have a question of your own that you'd like answered, don't ever hesitate to send it through and hopefully we ca...
Aug 14, 2019•29 min
This week on the podcast, Hugo sat down with Maria, an incredibly strong women who lost her son, Peter, to suicide at just 22yo. Peter was also one of Hugo's best mates, and Maria and Hugo now share a very special bond. Although there are moments in this episode that are quite emotional, there are also some very important conversations surrounding mental health. Maria discusses what it is like as a mother to lose a child, what she has learnt about grieving, why suicide is not the answer, and why...
Aug 06, 2019•56 min
This week on the show we are joined by our resident nutritionist, Sara, to talk all things diet, lifestyle and exercise. Sara has essentially cured herself from rheumatoid arthritis without relying on medication. We discuss the benefits of diet, lifestyle and exercise, especially for those living with chronic conditions. Exercise is the pill. Lifestyle is the medicine. It's available now. As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to click SUBSCRIBE and follow us on instagram @25StayAlive, we woul...
Jul 24, 2019•42 min
This week on the show we delve into the mysterious (to many) world of alternative pooping methods. Dahlia shares her experiences with her ileostomy (aka stoma baby), and Hugo explores his apprehension with the possibility of having one 'installed' himself! 💩 As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to click SUBSCRIBE and follow us on instagram @25StayAlive, we would love to hear from you!
Jul 17, 2019•29 min
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15-44. Something needs to change. In this week's episode, we talk about a recent post from AFL star Dayne Beams, who has openly admitted that he is a "broken man". We also discuss the impact of our hyperconnected digital lives, and why we all need to be having genuine conversations around mental health as part of everyday life. There is no shame in seeking help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling to cope, there are people...
Jul 10, 2019•25 min
Melanoma kills more young Australians than ANY other cancer. This week on the show we chat with Natalie Fornasier, an inspirational 25 year old whose life was flipped upside down when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. Similarly to Hugo & Dahlia, Natalie has dedicated her life to educating others on the realities of living with cancer. Natalie is the face of Call Time On Melanoma, and she is passionate about reframing sun safety as self care. As always... there will be plenty of laugh...
Jul 02, 2019•58 min
Alcohol addition is very real... and it needs to be talked about. This week on the show, we are joined by a brave young man called Damien, who at only 29yo went into rehab for alcohol addiction. He openly talks about his experience with alcoholism, how seeking help literally saved his life, and what it means to be sober. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our show and follow us on Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!
Jun 26, 2019•57 min
Have you ever wondered what it's like for someone living with cancer? During this episode Hugo and Dahlia answer some questions about their experiences with hospitals, chemotherapy and what the future holds! Make sure you click subscribe and follow us on instagram @25stayalive. We would love to hear from you!
Jun 19, 2019•27 min
In this week's episode we talk about the intriguing topic of comparing yourself to others. The grass certainly isn't always greener on the other side...In this era of social media it's hard not to constantly compare yourself to others. We often compare ourselves to others who are perceived to be 'doing better', rather than comparing ourselves to those who are far less fortunate. We seem to always wont more... but more is never enough. Psychological obsolescence is when you convince yourself you ...
Jun 12, 2019•23 min
"It was so overwhelming that I couldn't actually comprehend it. I was purely in survival mode...It was absolutely confronting, and absolutely terrifying." This week on the show, we are joined by a brave young lady called Michelle, who's emotional journey started when she was sexually assaulted at just 23. Michelle openly talks about how this has ultimately helped her cope with other adversities in her life, such as her ongoing battle with cancer. We also discuss remission complexities, and how l...
Jun 05, 2019•47 min
This week we welcome the amazing Dahlia as the new co-host of the 25 STAY ALIVE Podcast! Don't worry... Willy will still be a regular guest on the show! Make sure you go back and listen to episode 3 to hear all about Dahlia's inspirational story. In this episode, Hugo & Dahlia provide an update on their health, and answer some of your questions. Including tips for when you're feeling down, their experiences with health care professionals, how Hugo went on his 80km trek, and who they would lo...
May 24, 2019•50 min
In the latest episode of the 25StayAlive Podcast, Hugo is joined by one of the most inspirational people you will ever meet. Curtis McGrath, OAM, epitomises what it means to be a true Aussie hero. His story of overcoming adversity and triumphing from tragedy is simply remarkable. Imagine having both your legs blown off in Afghanistan... and then 4 years later, winning a gold medal for your country. True Aussie hero! **Please note the sound quality in Hugo's mic wasn't working properly, however d...
May 12, 2019•53 min
In this episode of the 25StayAlive podcast, Hugo & Willy talk with Daniel Bryant about his incredible story of survival. Dan's story defies belief, and makes you realise how precious life really is. As a result of advanced testicular cancer, Dan has endured 8 major operations, 4 months of chemotherapy, over 100 nights in hospital, and due to an inoperable 20cm tumour, was devastatingly given only 6 months to live. Dan was literally lying on his death bed when he was miraculously given one la...
May 01, 2019•57 min
In this episode Willy sits down and talks to Lucinda, an inspirational, positive and caring young lady who has been fighting a brain tumour for over 10 years. At only 17yo, Lucinda experienced a brain hemorrhage. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey. After extensive recovery, she moved on with her life. Fast forward 10 years, and on a night out she went from thinking she pinched a nerve on the dance floor to having an emergency operation to remove a brain stem tumor. Lucinda has t...
Apr 16, 2019•58 min
In this episode, Hugo and Willy welcome back Dahlia! The three of them will give an update on their health, and answer some of your questions. As always, there will be plenty of laughs. •Do you believe everything happens for a reason, or do we just find reasons after things happen? •How do you accept death? •How do you have such a positive outlook on life? •How do you support someone who has been affected by cancer? •What habit would you like to stick to? Be sure to subscribe to our show and fol...
Mar 30, 2019•55 min
What is Positive Psychology? Positive psychology is essentially the science of what goes well. It's looking at achievement, success, happiness, love, kindness and post traumatic growth. It aims to find ways to make life better for people. In this episode we talk to Dr Jo Lukins about all things positive psychology, working with the minds of professional athletes, embracing the 'suck', the power of habit, and so much more! Make sure you listen right up until the end for some take home strategies ...
Mar 25, 2019•1 hr 15 min
In this episode Hugo and Willy answer some of your questions. •How did 25 STAY ALIVE come about? •Why did you get into podcasting? •Do you think there will be a cure for all cancers in our lifetime? •Where do you believe your cancer originated from? •How has your life changed since being diagnosed with cancer? •What do you do to relax or de-stress? •What are you currently watching on Netflix? •Who has influenced you post cancer diagnosis? Be sure to subscribe to our show and follow us on Faceboo...
Mar 17, 2019•45 min
"I have 7% ability... not 93% disability." Ben is a 24yo tetraplegic, and despite only having 7% movement, he is unbelievably positive. In this emotional, yet hilariously funny interview, nothing is off limits... so prepare yourself for tears, laughter, and to be completely inspired. Be sure to subscribe to our show and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!
Mar 03, 2019•48 min
It is every parents worst nightmare for their child to get cancer...let alone twice! In this emotional, yet heartwarming episode, Hugo talks to his Dad in a unique "behind the scenes" look at a father's perspective during his son's battle with cancer. Be sure to click subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @25StayAlive! Let us know what you thought of this episode, we would love to hear from you!
Feb 24, 2019•36 min
In this inspiring episode we talk to the amazing Dahlia, a 27-year-old who is fighting advanced bowel cancer. We talk all things cancer, chemo, IVF, living with a stoma, and everything in between. Dahlia's lively personality and positive outlook on life is infectious... and she has a smile that can light up a room. ----- Be sure to subscribe to our show and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!
Feb 17, 2019•45 min
Hugo is a 27-year-old Captain in the Australian Army and 2 x cancer survivor. In this inspiring episode of survival and heartbreak, Hugo will open up about what it was like to go through two different types of cancer in his twenties, and why he is now committed in raising awareness to other young men and women that they are not invincible. ---------- Be sure to subscribe to our show and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!
Feb 07, 2019•40 min
Matt "Willy" Williams is a 22 year old infantryman in the Australian Army who is currently living with incurable brain cancer. In the first episode of the 25StayAlive podcast, we will explore his inspiring story of survival, heartbreak, and passion in wanting to help others. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @25StayAlive. We would love to hear from you!
Feb 01, 2019•44 min
