Courage Beyond the Game: Mental Health, Performance, and Hope

This week has been a powerful reminder that true strength isn’t just measured on the field. From All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan opening up about his journey and championing Mental Health Performance Plans, to AFL superstar Bailey Smith’s moving announcement at the All-Australian Team night, the conversation around mental health in sport—and in life—is breaking barriers.

In this episode, we reflect on the courage it takes to speak out, the importance of daily “mental fitness” practices, and how athletes at the top of their game remind us that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a foundation for resilience, connection, and growth.

Whether you’re an athlete, a business leader, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, this episode is about finding strength in the struggle and building your own performance wellness plan.

🎵 Song: “The Mental Gym”

Verse 1 I’ve been down in the darkness, Felt the weight of my own mind. Like a knee that’s torn and broken, I needed space and time. But healing is a muscle, You’ve gotta train it every day. Meditation, affirmation, Helps me find my way.

Chorus I’m going to the mental gym, Building strength from deep within. Breathing through the pain, Gratitude’s where I begin. It makes sense in retrospect, These scars will guide me when— Life’s not happening to me, Life is working through me again.

Verse 2 Bailey spoke with courage, Sir John Kirwan too, Even heroes wear the struggle, Just like me and you. From Phelps to Lady Gaga, From Adele to Robbie W, They all had to stumble, Before they finally grew.

Chorus I’m going to the mental gym, Training hope when it feels dim. Visualising light, Till it shines where it’s been thin. It makes sense in retrospect, The pain becomes a friend. It forged me into something more, A strength that will not bend.

Bridge Don’t run from the demons, Look ‘em in the eye. The fire of your struggle Can light the darkest sky. Smell the roses on the journey, Even as you climb— Through adversity we’re finding Our purpose and our rhyme.

Final Chorus / Outro So I’ll keep going to the mental gym, Lift my spirit, limb by limb. Every tear and fall I’ve faced, Is fuel for where I’ve been. It makes sense in retrospect, The pieces all align— I’m not broken, I’m becoming, Through the struggle I will shine.