Episode 37 | The Lost Art of Circling the Wagons: A Lifeline for Men's Mental Health

In Conversation with Stuart O'Neill

Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations around suicide.

This episode asks a simple question with a definitive answer: What does showing up really look like? From the rolling hills of Deepwater to the everyday Australian homes where people quietly fight their battles, we explore how connection can be a shield, a comfort, and sometimes the difference between holding on and letting go.

We’re joined by Stuart O'Neill — Suicide Prevention Advocate, Public Speaker, the driving force behind Australia’s first mental health pub and author of Just One Reason, a 5 times best selling, raw and powerful account of his own journey through the darkest corners of mental health attached to a simple yet profound toolkit to help others. Stu’s work is a reminder that resilience isn’t something we find alone. It grows when we circle the wagons — when we gather close, create safety, and refuse to let anyone stand on the edge without support.

In this episode we unpack the power of listening, the courage it takes to tell the truth about how you’re really going, and the remarkable change that happens when communities decide to show up for each other with compassion instead of judgment.

This is an exploration of the wagons we build — the human ones — and the strength we discover when we stand together.

Just One Reason

Just One Reason Is A Book Tackling Suicide. A Mental Health toolkit with a simple technique against suicidal thoughts.

On my way to "the spot", a single thought cut through the darkness like a spotlight I couldn’t ignore. I had to make a choice...

That thought stopped me in my tracks, urging me to re-consider. I was lucky in that moment, I found a reason not to end my life.

The strategy of Just One Reason saved my life that night.

Not long after, it became clear to me that there are so many people facing this silent battle. Without a solid way to pull themselves back from the edge, many are not so “lucky” as I was that night. Every 39 seconds another life is lost to suicide.

And so, I wrote the strategy of Just One Reason into a pocket-sized book, to share with anyone struggling with thoughts of taking their life. It's so simple, and can be used by anyone once they 'get' it.

Stuart O'Neill

Purchase A Copy Here

The Top Pub | Deepwater N.S.W

For more than 150 years, the Top Pub has been a favourite stop for locals and travellers — a true country watering hole that’s proudly locally owned and run. Perched 970 meters above sea level, the nights stay cool enough that the fires glow almost year-round, setting the tone for slow evenings, good stories, and proper hospitality. You can count on a genuine country welcome the moment you walk in.

But this isn’t just any pub. The Top Pub is Australia’s first Mental Health Pub — a space intentionally curated to feel like home. The mismatched couches, quirky art, and gentle lighting aren’t just décor; they’re an invitation. A signal that here, you’re safe. Here, you can breathe. Here, no one is a stranger — just a friend you haven’t met yet, on either side of the bar. It’s a place where kindness is the first rule, listening is the second, and the doors are always open to anyone who needs a moment to talk, or simply to be.

Art By Alli

Weather Report by Shaggy

In memory of Stan....

The best kisser in Deepwater!

How One Moment Saved His Life | Stuart O'Neill

The Wisdom Vault

What happens when one thought stops a man from ending his life, and becomes a global movement for hope?

Author, public speaker, and mental health advocate Stuart O’Neill joins Don’t Let the Old Man In to share the deeply human story behind Just One Reason, a 10‑minute book that has quietly become a suicide prevention tool used by Lifeline, hospitals, and families across 20 countries.

In this powerful conversation, Stuart and The Wisdom Vault host Pod O’Sullivan explore what survival really looks like after the storm, and why Australia urgently needs new spaces for men to talk honestly about mental health, failure, and finding purpose again.

Follow Just One Reason on Socials

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If you or someone you know is suicidal and there is an immediate risk of harm call 000

Free Support Services - available 24/7

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.

Visit Lifeline

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.

Visit The Suicide Call Back Service

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.

Visit Beyond Blue

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

Visit MensLine Australia

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.

Visit 13YARN

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.

Visit Kids Help Line

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.

Search for Suicide Prevention Services by Country and Region