Stand Tall Podcast

Understanding Anxiety - with Psychologist Eleni Tsoukalas

Have you ever suffered with anxiety? Have you ever experienced those physical feelings you can't control in your chest? Sweaty palms? Heavy breathing? You are not alone!
For some people even leaving the house can bring it on. But IT IS OK!
In this episode, host Tyler Antcliff and psychologist Eleni delve into the complexities of anxiety, particularly among teens.
There is strength in speaking out, it is NOT a weakness! They explore the VERY REAL physiological and psychological aspects of anxiety, its triggers in modern life, and the importance of self-discovery and vulnerability in managing mental health.
Eleni shares with us the significance of having a 'toolbox' of strategies to cope with anxiety and encourages listeners to seek help and support when needed.
If you are struggling and need some extra support there are services in Australia you can reach out to including:
Your own GP - Don't be scared to tell a doctor!
Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/
BRAVE - https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/
 
 

SERIES 2 - Guys Don't Talk About it - MAHIR MUNOT

After being pinned to the ground a week before the HSC, abused online and verbally - he flipped his life on its head once he left school. Bullied for the majority of high school, 18-year-old Mahir Munot's story isn't uncommon. But guys don't talk about it!  But what he made out of it the next year is uncommon. 
All the caged up energy, ambition he wanted to achieve something just exploded - and just this year he has spoken at TEDxSydney Youth 2024, assistant produced with Channel 7 for Stand Tall 2024, speaks at high schools across Sydney about careers, is a student director at UTS representing the voice of 44 000 and is proud to call himself the founder of Interview HQ, his first ever business helping Years 10-12 with their job and scholarship applications, interviews and to become better written and spoken communicators! 
 
 

The Elephant in the Room (Stages & The Ick) - Relationship Series - Part 3

Ever got "The Ick" and didn't know why??
In this third and final part of our Relationships series, Anna and Nathan discuss the complexities of high school relationships, focusing on the various stages of dating, the all important 'ick'.
What if that happens? Why does it happen? And what do you do if it does?
 
Takeaways
High school relationships are filled with grey areasThe talking phase is crucial for building connections.The 'ick' is a common experience that can signal self-sabotage.Self-reflection is key to understanding relationship dynamics.It's normal to feel confused about emotions in relationships.Enjoy the process of getting to know someone.Communication is essential in navigating feelings.Don't let the fear of commitment hold you back.Take relationships day by day, without pressure.Everyone is learning about relationships together.
 
 

The Elephant in the Room (Break-ups and Rejection) - Relationship Series - Part 2

In this episode Anna and Nath address the elephant in the room, the heart break of break ups and feelings of rejection!
Ever been ghosted ? Did it make you wonder, what on earth happened? One minute you are messaging and getting along great, the next thing you don't hear back.... EVER AGAIN!!
In this conversation, Anna and Nathan discuss the complexities of relationships. They share personal stories, emphasising how normal it is to experience these feelings and the importance of communication. The discussion also touches on the impact of ghosting and the necessity of self-respect in dating. 
 
Takeaways
It's incredibly normal to feel hard emotions during breakups.Everyone has different experiences with relationships and rejection.Communication is key in all aspects of life, especially in relationships.Ghosting can leave people confused and hurt.Self-respect is crucial when rejecting someone.Rejection can be a form of self-development and learning.It's okay to feel sad after a breakup; allow yourself that time.Every failed relationship brings you closer to the right one.Listening to podcasts can help during tough emotional times.You are not alone in your experiences with love and loss.
 
 

The Elephant in the Room (Big Feelings & Crushes) - Relationships Series - Part 1

In this episode Anna and Nath address the elephant in the room, those big feelings and those crushes you can't ignore! 
Ever experienced a feeling where you like someone so much you feel your heart beats out of your chest?  And you realise that actually you might have a crush on someone? It is completely normal and ok. Every single human goes through these feelings and they can feel big and overwhelming at times but they ARE REAL! So let's discuss what it feels like and see how other people dealt with those emotions. This first part of a 3 part series we talk about the  feelings the crushes, the rejections and love. Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3. 
 

We are a Generation of Change Makers - with JACK BERNE

In this episode we hear from Jack Berne at the Stand Tall Sydney event 2024. 
15-year-old Jack Berne was only 10 years old when he started an initiative called 'Fiver For a Farmer' to support drought affected farmers. Jack has changed the lives of thousands having since raised over $2 million. He is an inspiration to young people, proving that you are never too young to make a difference. He has shown young Australians that great things can happen when we come together to support one another. Jack and his family continue to start fresh initiatives including school dress up days, presentations and advice on additional ways to support farmers including water conservation.

Nothing can Keep me Down - with GRACE ROWE

In this episode we hear from Grace Rowe speaking at the Stand Tall 2024 event.
Grace grew up racing motocross and enduro as one of the only junior females fully sponsored in Australia.
In recent years she has trained in freestyle motocross where she became one of just a few girls in the country to clear a 75ft gap. In March 2023 she had an accident in training that left her with a broken pelvis in 5 places. She was airlifted to hospital where she had 2 surgeries and suffered an extremely painful recovery period for 31 days. After intensive physio and hydrotherapy, she is recovering and living life with a new found appreciation. She shares her remarkable story of overcoming adversity.
 
Takeaways
Adversity can unlock potential for growth and resilience.
Building character prepares us to face challenges.
Tough times will eventually pass.
Gratitude can transform our perspective.
Letting go of self-blame is essential for healing and moving forward.

Defying the Odds - Turning Blindness into Strength - with DEREK RABELO (Blind Big - wave Surfer and Author)

In this episode we hear from Derek Rabelo at the Stand Tall 2024 event in Sydney.
Derek is a blind, big-wave surfer and author who was the first blind person to ride life-threatening monster waves at Pipeline in Hawaii. Derek has overcome significant adversity in life, defying the odds and re-defining what it means to believe in yourself and to never stop chasing your dreams. Derek recently surfed some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world in Nazare, Portugal.
 

What do I do after High School? The Pressure of Year 11 - with TAMARA SWISSA (PART 2)

PART 2 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.

What do I do after High School? The Pressure of Year 11 - with TAMARA SWISSA (PART 1)

PART 1 - What do I do after high school?
A question many people struggle with. All the changes and all the choices.
In this episode, Nathan and Anna interview Tamara Swissa, a high school student from Sydney, about the pressures and challenges she faces. The increased workload in year 11, the importance of finding the right group of friends, and the social pressures of social media.
Tamara shares her experiences and strategies for managing these pressures and staying motivated. Anna and Nath also offer advice on balancing schoolwork and social life, and remind listeners that there are many paths to success.