We’re People Like You

Cam sits down for a chat with Mental Health Advocate, Poet and Author Sandy Jeffs, as she shares her journey living with schizophrenia and the power of creativity and recreation in healing. 

Join host Cameron Solnordal as he delves into the inspiring journey of SANE Peer Ambassadors, Sarah and Alice Martin, a remarkable mother-daughter duo from Sydney. This episode explores experiences with psychosis, bipolar disorder, and the transformative power of love and support.

Journalist and author Elfy Scott joins Cam for an honest conversation about the challenges of growing up with a parent living with schizophrenia. Elfy opens up about the lack of education and open communication surrounding mental illness, the impact on her family, and her journey to understanding and acceptance.

Author and mental health advocate Jill Stark joins host Cameron Solnordal for an honest conversation about her journey with mental health and her relationship with alcohol. In this episode, Jill challenges the idea of mental health as constant happiness, instead advocating for self-acceptance and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions.

Cam talks with SANE Peer Ambassador and stand up comedian who has toured globally in the USA, UK, Europe and all around Australia, Sam Kissajukian.  Sam was diagnosed with bipolar in 2022 at age 36. He lives in Sydney and has begun touring again after a two year hiatus. This included a multi arts project titled 300 paintings that combines comedy and visual art to explore the bipolar mind. 

1 in 5 Australians live with a mental health condition. That’s more than 4 million people. But despite it being one of the most common health issues impacting our community, we still find it difficult to talk about it. I’m one of those 1 in 5 people and I think it’s time we changed society’s perception of mental illness and how we view those who live it.  Because guess what? We’re people like you. So what is this podcast all about? And when you’re spoiled for choice, why choose ours? Whether you are living with a mental health issue, caring for someone, want to learn or simply interested in hearing inspirational stories of hope and recovery - this podcast is for you. Hello, I’m your host Cam Solnordal and I want to share with you a little more about this podcast series we’re building with SANE Australia.  In a series of one to one interviews I’ll be talking with people who have a range of different experiences and perspectives when it comes to complex mental health.  We’ll hear how they navigate life’s ups and downs, living, loving and making the most of the opportunities that come their way - just like all of us do.  I will be bringing you eye opening and sometimes challenging conversations as our guests welcome us into their world. Most importantly, I’ll be asking them what we can all do to shift stigmatising attitudes and unhelpful behaviours so we can get to a place of true acceptance in our society.