us for a raw and deeply honest conversation with Sean Phillip—founder of The Shaka Project, mental health advocate, and former gym owner—as he shares his personal journey through depression, suicidal ideation, and the life-changing power of vulnerability. What started as a small community initiative is now a national movement challenging how men talk about mental health and connection. In this episode, Sean opens up about building his business while silently struggling, why vulnerability is a superpower, and how reshaping systems can save lives. Whether you're a parent, leader, coach, or friend—this episode will challenge you to rethink what strength really looks like and how to show up for the people you love. About our guest: Sean Phillip is the founder of The Shaka Project, a national mental health movement reshaping conversations around suicide prevention, masculinity, and emotional wellbeing—especially for young men. After two decades in the fitness industry and his own experience with mental health challenges, Sean launched Shaka to help others feel safe, seen, and ed. Today, he speaks at schools, sporting clubs, and conferences across Australia, inspiring individuals and communities to prioritize vulnerability, connection, and meaningful change. Follow Our Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_shaka_project/ Website: https://beacons.ai/theshakaproject Follow Us On: Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/ Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 01:19 - From personal trainer to mental health advocate 04:50 - Creating The Shaka Project to spark real conversations 07:15 - Suicidal ideation, shame, and the power of shared stories 10:53 - Starting with vulnerability: a leadership tool for change 14:19 - Why young men are afraid to be seen as weak 18:10 - The identity crisis in modern masculinity 22:30 - How social media and society are impacting young boys 27:12 - Why labeling youth is dangerous—and what to do instead 31:28 - ing teens without shame or silence 34:06 - Tools to recover from low states and emotional triggers 38:03 - When media glamorizes dysfunction but ignores solutions 41:09 - How reality TV and online bullying influence real-life harm 44:12 - We created the toxicity—now our kids are paying for it 48:14 - Teaching kids emotional intelligence through creativity 51:06 - Trauma, upbringing, and why bullies are often in pain 54:16 - Redefining the influencer: it starts in your own circle 58:15 - What The Shaka Project is doing across regional Australia 01:02:20 - Rethinking mateship: replacing beer with conversation 01:06:32 - Small-town outreach vs big-city 01:08:06 - What success means now: presence, peace, and parenting 01:10:19 - Sean’s biggest teacher: his younger self and his daughter 01:13:07 - The hardest lesson: when working hard made him a worse dad 01:16:19 - Why your mental health matters more than your job title 01:18:07 - Redefining leadership, fatherhood, and what really lasts 5p6d39