Nine creative youths from across the Narrabri Shire have joined forces to produce a podcast series that encourages people to take a mental health break by tuning into their inspiring interview chats by the banks of the Namoi River.
The Good Talk Great Mate podcast has been created by young people for young people.
The talented GTGM podcast team members include: Wee Waa High School students Caitlyn Coutts-Smith, Mackenzie Jones and Millie Collins; Narrabri High School students Jesse Weekes, Alex Mison, Piper Williams, Kate Weekes and Luke Longworth; Narrabri Shire Youth councillor Tim Mirtschin. (Scroll down to view the photo gallery)
GTGM was officially launched last Friday during the Narrabri Shire Council and Narrabri and District Community Aid Service’s Youth Week celebrations, with podcasters Mackenzie and Caitlyn speaking at the community event.
Fellow podcaster Jesse conducted an impromptu Q and A with attendees curious about what goes on behind the scenes during a podcast project. Jesse also explained how the podcast gave Narrabri Shire youth a voice.
As the name Good Talk Great Mate suggests, the podcasters will keep listeners entertained by their good chats with a stellar line-up of guests. They hope to become a great mate to listeners throughout the series and inspire them to support their mates, too, as they share tips and tricks on how to feel good on the inside and out.
GTGM’s impressive interview guest list includes: Australian Ninja Warrior contestant and PCYC worker Cruze Morley, who is better known as ‘the Boggy Ninja’; TradeMutt social impact workwear co-founder Ed Ross; NRL player and proud Kamilaroi man Braydon Trindall who was born in Wee Waa; Platform and Co’s nutritionist Ellie Hatton and personal trainer Jake Packer, who also coaches the Narrabri Blue Boars; Narrabri’s David Pierce, who has been a mentor and role model to many young locals; and outstanding 2021 Wee Waa High School graduates Alisha Conomos, Bryony Allen and Amelia Kiem share their secrets to surviving and thriving in Year 12.
As part of the podcast project, the Narrabri Shire youths took part in a mental health first-aid training course with Sarah Green before embarking on the production of their podcast series. Working as a team and learning new skills from recording, scripting, and researching to the editing and design techniques required to create podcast magic.
Building up the courage to talk into a microphone and interview guests is no easy feat, but the podcasters were up for the challenge, and they nailed it.
In the six-episode series, podcasters ask guests about the highs and lows of their success stories, including the battles they’ve faced and how they conquered them.
Each interview gives listeners an insight into the issues playing on young people’s minds, from bullying to body image and social media, with guests sharing helpful hints about ways to realistically maintain a positive mindset and, importantly, how to start a conversation about mental health.
While recording the episodes, podcasters shared their personal experiences and struggles, too, and asked guests to rewind the clock and give advice to their teenage selves.
GTGM does dive into some serious topics, but listeners will hear lots of laughter and engaging yarns from the witty podcasters, too, with plenty of interview airtime given to football chatter and Ninja Warrior obstacle course banter.
The podcast project was supported by the Narrabri Shire Council, with funding from the NSW government.
People can tune into Good Talk Great Mate on the Narrabri Shire Council website or listen here or on your favourite podcast listener apps.
Podcast episodes discuss mental health issues and suicide; if you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or the Suicide Call-back service on 1300 659 467.
Alternatively, you can talk about support available with your doctor or local rural mental health coordinator (RAMHP).
