93. Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Why You’re Not Alone - Sean Philip

Join us for a raw and deeply honest conversation with Sean Phillip—founder of The Shaka Project, mental health advocate, and former gym owner—as he shares his personal journey through depression, suicidal ideation, and the life-changing power of vulnerability. What started as a small community initiative is now a national movement challenging how men talk about mental health and connection.

In this episode, Sean opens up about building his business while silently struggling, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how reshaping support systems can save lives. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or friend—this episode will challenge you to rethink what strength really looks like and how to show up for the people you love.

About our guest:

Sean Phillip is the founder of The Shaka Project, a national mental health movement reshaping conversations around suicide prevention, masculinity, and emotional wellbeing—especially for young men. After two decades in the fitness industry and his own experience with mental health challenges, Sean launched Shaka to help others feel safe, seen, and supported. Today, he speaks at schools, sporting clubs, and conferences across Australia, inspiring individuals and communities to prioritize vulnerability, connection, and meaningful change.

Follow Our Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shaka_project/

Website: https://beacons.ai/theshakaproject

Follow Us On:

Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

01:19 - From personal trainer to mental health advocate

04:50 - Creating The Shaka Project to spark real conversations

07:15 - Suicidal ideation, shame, and the power of shared stories

10:53 - Starting with vulnerability: a leadership tool for change

14:19 - Why young men are afraid to be seen as weak

18:10 - The identity crisis in modern masculinity

22:30 - How social media and society are impacting young boys

27:12 - Why labeling youth is dangerous—and what to do instead

31:28 - Supporting teens without shame or silence

34:06 - Tools to recover from low states and emotional triggers

38:03 - When media glamorizes dysfunction but ignores solutions

41:09 - How reality TV and online bullying influence real-life harm

44:12 - We created the toxicity—now our kids are paying for it

48:14 - Teaching kids emotional intelligence through creativity

51:06 - Trauma, upbringing, and why bullies are often in pain

54:16 - Redefining the influencer: it starts in your own circle

58:15 - What The Shaka Project is doing across regional Australia

01:02:20 - Rethinking mateship: replacing beer with conversation

01:06:32 - Small-town outreach vs big-city support

01:08:06 - What success means now: presence, peace, and parenting

01:10:19 - Sean’s biggest teacher: his younger self and his daughter

01:13:07 - The hardest lesson: when working hard made him a worse dad

01:16:19 - Why your mental health matters more than your job title

01:18:07 - Redefining leadership, fatherhood, and what really lasts