In this episode of Dropped Balls and Big Calls, Jodie Hellings opens up about some of the toughest moments of her life, moments that left her questioning everything. With raw honesty, she shares how she leaned on her family, rebuilt her sense of self, and found the courage to move forward.

This conversation is about resilience, self worth, and the power of family and community when you feel like the ground has been ripped out from under you.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself or struggled to find a way through, Jodie’s story will hit home.

For more, please visit: https://linktr.ee/bigcallspod

#bigcallspod #droppedballsandbigcalls #podcast #resilience #mentalhealth #thesetbackcollective #grief #newpodcast #newepisode #parenting #community #family #chronicpain

In this conversation, Musician Jacob Petrossian shares his journey exploring personal growth through music and community.

He discusses the significance of rites of passage, the impact of the Christchurch earthquake on his life, and his transition to living in Melbourne. Jacob reflects on his experiences with journaling, early musical influences, and the importance of supportive teachers in his education.

He also talks about his current musical projects and aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and resilience.

Jacob is the frontman of Paeon and guitarist for Myriad Drone, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jacob Petrossian YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jacobpetrossian?si=1jfUPep8cqQtqloiInstagram: @jrpetrossianPAEONhttps://paeonband.comMyriad DroneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19sbRPpENB/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: myriaddrone

Also referenced in this chat:Centre for men and Familieshttps://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au

Forged: https://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au/events/forged/

Men’s Rites of Passage: https://www.centreformenaustralia.org.au/events/mens-rights-of-passage/

#bigcallspod #dropballsandbigcalls #thesetbackcollective #jacobpetrossian #musician #guitarist #Christchurch #Newzealand #Melbourne #Australia #Paeon #MyriadDrone #Ritesofpassage #forged #centreformenandfamilies #earthquake #resilience #mentalhealth

In this powerful and honest conversation, I’m joined by Lauren Gibbs, a mum and business owner, who opens up about her trauma and the hidden side of parenting in one of the most important podcasts to date.

From intrusive thoughts to trauma, ADHD, OCD, and rage, Lauren shares what many parents feel but few are willing to say out loud.

We talk about:

​• Why some of the darkest thoughts happen to the most loving parents

​• The mental load, stigma, and silence that surrounds new parenthood

​• How trauma and undiagnosed conditions show up after birth

​• And why we need to listen without judgement

Worldwide insights:

​• Over 80% of new parents experience intrusive thoughts

​• Around 50% of mothers and 20% of fathers report thoughts of harming their baby (they rarely act on them, it’s anxiety, not intent)

​• 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience perinatal depression or anxiety

Lauren’s courage will help others feel seen, heard, and less alone. Whether you're a parent or know someone who is, this is an episode we all need to hear.

📸 Check out Lauren’s photography at laurenashleephotography.com

Support Services: Australia & New Zealand:

Australia:

​• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)

📞 1300 726 306 | 🌐 panda.org.au

​• Lifeline Australia

📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 lifeline.org.au

​• Beyond Blue

📞 1300 22 4636 | 🌐 beyondblue.org.au

New Zealand:

​• Lifeline Aotearoa (NZ)

📞 0800 543 354 or text 4357 | 🌐 lifeline.org.nz

​• Plunket – Parental Mental Health Support

📞 0800 933 922 | 🌐 plunket.org.nz

​• 1737 – Need to Talk?

📞 Free call or text 1737

​• Mothers Matter NZ

🌐 mothersmatter.nz

#bigcallspod #podcast #resilience #newpodcast #droppedballsandbigcalls #mentalhealth #parenting #parents #mother #fatherhood #postpartum #depression #postpartumanxiety #ocd #adhd

This conversation explores the journey of Kiwi musician Gray Vickers, from early influences and experiences to the formation of These Four Walls and navigating the music industry.

In this conversation, Gray discusses the differences in the music industry between New Zealand and Australia, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities faced by bands in both markets. He shares his personal journey of rebuilding after a difficult period, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the band and the impact of COVID-19 on their momentum.

Gray highlights the joy of creating music and the longevity of the band, as well as their plans for the future, including new music and tours.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make music your life or come back stronger when it nearly breaks you, this one’s for you.

For more, please visit: Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Paul Rourke is a musician, husband, a father, and a bloke who’s faced things most of us couldn’t imagine.

In this episode, Paul opens up about his journey through music, family dynamics, mental health, and the life changing experience of surviving not one, but two cardiac arrests in just seven days, with no clear answer as to why.

We dive into his relationship with alcohol, overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to communicate more openly, and the lessons that come from hitting pause on life in the hardest possible way.

This chat is about resilience, vulnerability, and figuring out what really matters when everything else is stripped away.

Thanks for tuning in to Dropped Balls & Big Calls.

For more please visit Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Tommy Flanagan’s that mate who somehow knows every sporting stat, every story behind it, and somehow, he's made a career out of it.

From calling Footy as a kid to building a media career that’s seen him work with Sportsbet, overseas cricket tours and Clubby Sports, Tommy’s journey is one built on passion, persistence, and the people he surrounds himself with.

In this chat, we cover everything from footy commentary and acting gigs to life lessons learned through resilience, family, and just showing up when it counts.

If you’re chasing a career in sport, media, or content creation, or just love a good story, this one’s for you.

For more, please visit Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Ross Niven is a man of many talents, Flight Attendant and Inflight Trainer, musician, ice hockey fanatic, and devoted family man. He’s also someone I’m proud to call a dear friend.

In this deeply personal conversation, Ross opens up about his journey through grief, mental health, and personal transformation following the death of his mother. He reflects on childhood, a life altering accident, and the evolution of his identity, particularly in his role as a father.

Ross shares how the COVID-19 pandemic became both a challenge and a catalyst for growth, how therapy helped him navigate PTSD, and why he's now more intentional than ever about expressing love and presence.

This episode is a moving reflection on healing, spirituality, and what truly matters in the face of loss.

Thanks so much for listening to this Podcast. For more information, please go to: Dropped Balls & Big Calls | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

#DroppedBallsAndBigCalls #BigCallsPod #TheSetbackCollective #TheGriefDiaries #MentalHealth #Grief #Healing #Fatherhood #RossNiven #Resilience #RealTalkPodcast #PTSDRecovery #podcast #newpodcast

Chris Bull is a family man, singer and guitarist of The Snake Behaviour, Southern Zone Rugby League board member, office worker and an all-round legend.

In this heartfelt first interview on Dropped Balls and Big Calls, Chris Bull opens up about his journey from childhood in Nelson to the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, losing both parents, and becoming a father himself. He reflects on music as a lifeline, the influence of family and friends, and how grief shaped his worldview.

With humour, honesty, and grit, Chris shares what it means to grow through loss, and why simple moments with his loved ones mean the most.

Now side note, we had a few audio issues throughout this chat so apologies in advance!

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Linkedin! Just search @bigcallspod

Like what you hear?

Dont miss future episodes, please like and subscribe or leave a review :)

#Droppedballsandbigcalls #bigcallspod #thesetbackcollective #Resilience #mentalhealth #grief #fatherhood #music