Episode 31 | Finding Your Path in the Most Unlikely Place
Episode 31 | Finding Your Path in the Most Unlikely Place
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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations around suicide.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations around suicide.
This year to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we share how ordinary people just like us can make a huge impact to the lives of others. We share the story of Don Ritchie, the “Angel of The Gap,” whose quiet compassion saved hundreds of lives. We reflect on what it means to truly see someone in their darkest moment, and how small acts of connection can have a life-saving impact.
We also explore the story of the real Patch Adams, whose philosophy of connection, humour, and dignity inspired a generation — and why he was frustrated with Hollywood’s portrayal of mental health. Along the way, we reflect on the loss of Robin Williams who played Patch and the shockwaves it sent around the world, reminding us that even those who bring the most joy can carry deep pain.
Its no surprise this episode is personal. I share my own lived experience of suicide and the turning point that changed how I think about prevention.
Join us for this powerful conversation — and this World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s all commit to checking in on one another, asking twice, and being present.
Compassion and connection really can save lives.
If you or someone you know is suicidal and there is an immediate risk of harm call 000
If you or someone you know is suicidal and there is an immediate risk of harm call 000
Free Support Services - available 24/7
Free Support Services - available 24/7
13 11 14
13 11 14
Lifeline is national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
1300 659 467
1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people at risk as well as those affected by suicide.
1300 224 636
1300 224 636
Beyond Blue is available to help all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.
Earlier, easier, together.
Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else, they here to help.
1300 789 978
1300 789 978
MensLine Australia offers free professional phone and online counselling to men across Australia 24 hours a day. Their experienced counsellors are available to listen, understand, and provide support for a range of issues, including:
Men’s mental health, including anxiety and depression
Relationship problems
Anger management
Coping strategies
Grief and loss
Loneliness and isolation
Parenting
Stress
Suicide prevention
13 92 76
13 92 76
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers their community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provide a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
1800 551 800
1800 551 800
Kids Help Line provide free support and counselling (talking through problems) to people aged 5-25.
You can chat to them about ANYTHING big or small, serious, or silly, easy, or complicated, long or short, bad or good, in the past, future or now...
The most common things people talk about include mental health, emotions, and family & friend relationships.
The stuff you say is private & confidential - and you can remain anonymous.
Information for International Listeners
Information for International Listeners
If you’re outside Australia and this conversation has brought up difficult feelings or you feel like you would like support, we encourage you to reach out to services in your country.
You can find international suicide prevention hotlines at findahelpline.com — a global directory of mental health and crisis support services.
Or click the button to be redirected to the International Association of Suicide Prevention's support search.
Recommendations
Recommendations
In today’s episode we mention Laurie Edmundson’s The Super Feeler podcast.
In today’s episode we mention Laurie Edmundson’s The Super Feeler podcast.
We highly recommend this to anyone who identifies as having strong emotions. You'll hear powerful stories from individuals with lived experience, their families, researchers, and mental health professionals. Each episode provides a strength-based perspective on mental health, filled with humor, raw emotion, and validation.
Every other week you will learn from a group of Super Feelers about how they navigate the world using Dialectic Behavioral Therapy skills.
You can find it here:
Don Ritchie shares how he changed countless lives with a simple conversation
Don Ritchie shares how he changed countless lives with a simple conversation
Don Ritchie (1927-2012) lived near a well-known Sydney suicide spot and regularly reached out to people doing it tough in their darkest moments. He shares how simply starting conversations with people has changed countless lives for the good.
Subsc
Donald Ritchie OAM Australia's Local Hero 2011
Donald Ritchie OAM Australia's Local Hero 2011
Trigger Warning: This interview contains historical images of suicide interventions that may be distressing to some viewers.
Patch Adams
Patch Adams
@realpatchadams
@realpatchadams
For 50 years, Dr. Patch Adams and the Gesundheit Institute have worked on a model of health care that puts care at the center of health.
Dr Patch Adams has some video's around suicide and suicide prevention. He has some specific views around joy that he has found helpful in his own life. However in my opinion, I don't know that people in distress may find his simplistic approach to happiness helpful so I have chosen not to include them here.
Dr Patch Adams has some video's around suicide and suicide prevention. He has some specific views around joy that he has found helpful in his own life. However in my opinion, I don't know that people in distress may find his simplistic approach to happiness helpful so I have chosen not to include them here.
He is a remarkable man, who has inspired me in so many ways. I am just choosing to be mindful in what I share and encourage you to be mindful in what you consume.
He is a remarkable man, who has inspired me in so many ways. I am just choosing to be mindful in what I share and encourage you to be mindful in what you consume.
Source Information
Source Information
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023) Causes of Death, Australia, 2022. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
Beyond Blue. (n.d.) Suicide Prevention. Available at: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/on-the-phone (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
Patch Adams MD. (n.d.) About Patch Adams. Gesundheit! Institute. Available at: https://www.patchadams.org/patch-adams (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
Ritchie, D. (2011) Mr Ritchie: The Quiet Man Who Saved Lives. Sydney Morning Herald, 14 May. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/mr-ritchie-the-quiet-man-who-saved-lives-20110514-1en4p.html (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
World Health Organization. (2023) Suicide Worldwide in 2019: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643 (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
Williams, R. (2014) Remembering Robin Williams. The Guardian, 12 August. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/12/robin-williams-death-suicide (Accessed: 8 September 2025).
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