We rarely consider it, but each social media platform is in fact a business competing for our attention. Thus it is in their best interests to ensure that we are as engaged as possible. They accomplish this by matching the content in our feeds, with our prior online habits and demographic details.

Thus the content is highly individualised and narrowly focused. Which sounds great, until you look into the implications: it creates an echo-chamber, ideological isolation and does not regard our best interests (or mental health ) at all.

The importance of self care cannot be understated. There is no point in working yourself so hard that you have a break down. In this episode, Zachary shares his recent experience of overworking himself to the point of break down, as well as the lessons that he has learnt from the experience.

QOTD: How do you practice self care?

Finding the balance between work and relaxation is vital for both mental health and productivity. Work too much, and you run the risk of becoming run down. Relax too much and your dreams will forever stay as dreams. 

In this episode I discuss my continuing journey to finding a balance between these two aspects of life. 

Australia has just voted "yes" for marriage equality - 66.6% yes - 38.4% no, with 79.5% of eligible voters participating.

This short eppisode is my initial responce to the vote!

Writing therapy is one of the core components of my ongoing mental health plan. When I feel a build of of mental pressure - I write!

The page listens and does not judge, and therefore you can tell it anything without fear. Writing enables me to collect, organise and express my thoughts. By writing them down, I am able to detach from them and let them go.

Developing assertiveness is key to ensuring a stable mental state. By actively addressing issues as they arise, you cut them off before they can fester and derail you into bouts of rumination.

In addition, assertiveness easily overcomes bouts of indecision that can plague groups, individuals or businesses. If it is ultimately of little importance, take the initiative and choose

Zachary reads a chapter of his first book: Under the Influence - Reclaiming my Childhood.

Chapter title: "Who Let The Bum In"

Travelling and reading have a unique way of expanding your mind. They open you up to new possibilities, new ways of living and new concepts.

In this episode, Zachary discusses the lessons learnt from his recent trip to Indonesia.

Grief comes in waves.

In this episode, Zachary discusses what grief feels like, as well as the feelings that arise when someone commits suicide.

Regardless of your proximity to the person, their death can be confusing and can significantly impact you.

In this episode, Zac discusses why people get trapped working in a job that they don't like and suggests ways that they can change into a career that they actually enjoy and look forward to performing.

"Counting time until retirement is not for me" ...

When I am depressed, the 'pointlessness of life' becomes overwhelming.

This episode addresses why life can feel pointless, as well as some of the ways that I overcome those feelings.

It will never feel like a good time to follow your dreams ... There will always be barriers, blocks and reasons not to. But if you don't do it now, when will you? 

The books you read, shows you watch and the company you keep literally shape you. They will change how you think, feel and ultimately behave ...

So choose them wisely.

This is a follow up to my blog post "Your Passion Is Detrimental To Your Cause - Why Militant Veganism Doesn't Work" In this episode I respond to the significant amount of feedback (positive and negative), as well as offer further advice for anyone who wants to convince someone to change their opinions/behavior - primarily they should: make slow and incremental changes rather than the 'cold turkey' approach.

The problem comes when these feelings are projected and forced onto unwilling and unsuspecting ears. This is often met with anger, annoyance and confusion...

Maria Phillips joins Zachary, to provide a follow up on how they are now finding parenthood. Recorded at three months in, they cover the joys and challenges that they have faced, as well as provide advice as to what information and purchases were useful and which were not.

Teachers and parents often push the importance of reading. But what they often fail to do is explain why it is so important.

In this episode, Zachary discusses how widely reading (particularly of fiction and autobiographies) increases detachment and allows you to live someone else's life.

"When the characters in our books face moral dilemmas, overcome obstacles, learn and grow, so does the reader. I will never be able to see the world through your eyes, but if I read your book, I would have a greater ability to empathise with your perspective"

Zachary talks about his day off from life, spent in solitude meditating. No social media, communication, reading, writing or eating; just observing the mind.

"I noticed that my mind would throw up strong urges and emotions. I started to act on them before I realized that I was doing so. This led me to wonder (in normal waking life) how much do my emotions, thoughts and feelings control me? I always presumed that I lead them, but I think I am drastically wrong about that."

"I am planning on taking a day off everything to just meditate. I want to see what my mind throws up at me, and what I am often striving to avoid. I will spend a day with out technology, talking, writing, reading or eating - with the sole focus of meditating and facing the demons of my mind" 

"For me, a lot of the symptoms of anxiety are physiological: shortness of breath, headache, coldness, and clumsyness. I get trapped in rumination, often overthinking everything. This has an impact on my ability to cope in social situations as there is a lot of stimulus to take in and process.

I find myself creating multiple potential futures for each outcome and simultaneously contemplating the worst of each. This causes my mental state to be focused on the worst possible outcomes for futures that never eventuate."

"When you open up and start to talk about your traumatic experiences, a few things will happen.

More memories will come flooding in and that may become overwhelming. In addition, people will react differently to what you will expect. Some will be supportive and will share their own experiences, while others will disbelieve what you say..."