Beyond The Banter

15/11/2025

G’day Western Sydney legends, we need a hand!

We’re Beyond The Banter — a men’s mental health charity based in Greystanes, doing our best to get blokes talking and looking out for each other.

We’re firing up the BBQ at Blacktown Bunnings on December 7th, and we’re chasing a bit of support from local businesses to help make it a solid day.

We’re looking for anyone who might be able to chip in with:

- 180 cans of soft drink + water bottles
- 50 loaves of bread
- 30kg of chopped onions
- 15 litres of condiments

If you can help out with any of the above, we’d be seriously grateful — and we’ll make sure the community knows exactly who backed us. Big or small, any support goes a long way.

Keen to jump in? Shoot us a message on any of our socials or hit us up at www.beyondthebanter.org

Thanks heaps for your time, legends.

Really appreciate it.

10/11/2025

#31 Interview with Boppa

In this episode, Chris and Bobba and Nick delve into the complexities of mental health, particularly anxiety and depression, sharing personal experiences and insights.

They discuss the impact of music as a therapeutic outlet, the challenges faced during high school, and the importance of friendship and open conversations in navigating mental health struggles.

The conversation also touches on coping mechanisms, the influence of parenting, and reflections on personal growth, ultimately emphasizing the need for understanding and support in mental health journeys.

Takeaways
- Anxiety and depression were not openly discussed in the past.
- Friendship plays a crucial role in mental health support.
- Music can serve as a powerful outlet for emotions.
- High school experiences can significantly impact mental health.
- Self-discovery is a continuous journey throughout life.
- Open conversations about mental health are essential.
- Coping mechanisms can vary and should be personalised.
- Parenting styles can influence children's mental health.
- It's important to challenge self-doubt and negative thoughts.
- Support from friends and family is vital in overcoming mental health challenges.





Podcast Details:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ldD-EFLDSpY

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48LcpOYyuxqWBXUm325SaB

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-banter/id1651550125

Did you know that Beyond The Banter is now a registered Australian charity?

To donate, please see the below link:

https://lnkd.in/gTTUJtwR

www.beyondthebanter.org

09/11/2025

We never really know what someone’s carrying.

A powerful reminder from LSKD to check in with your mates – even when they seem like they don’t need it.

Messages like this sit right at the heart of ? – taking 8 minutes to reach out could be the thing that changes a mate’s day, or their life.

At Beyond The Banter, we’re not here to compete with the other great organisations doing this work — we’re here to complement them, to help open up talking and keep the message alive in every circle.

Big thanks to LSKD for sharing such an important message for Movember Australia and keeping mental health in the conversation.

🎥 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/SBYQpV2c3zw?si=RARN4u5MZEGGvdgk

If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call Lifeline 13 11 14

We never really know what someone's carrying. A reminder to check in with your mates even if it seems like they don't need it. If you or someone you know nee...

27/10/2025

Topher (one of our Co-founders) agreed to share his thoughts today after visiting his son on what would have been his 12th Birthday. 😢💙

"Today would’ve been Kaden’s 12th birthday.

Instead of planning a celebration, I found myself standing in Kmart, crying quietly between the toy aisles. I caught myself looking at the things he would’ve loved (a skateboard, a new footy), things I reckon he’d be into now.

I bought them anyway. Not because he’ll get to play with them, but because it felt right to still do something for him.

There are flowers at his resting place from his aunties and other loved ones who still remember. That simple act means more than most will ever know. It tells me he’s still thought of, still loved, still part of our world even though he’s not here.

But while life keeps moving for everyone else, my world still carries that ache. The grief doesn’t fade. It changes shape, but it’s always there.

It’s not just about one moment of loss, it’s every day after. Every unachievable milestone is a reminder of what could’ve been.

People say time heals. Maybe it softens the edges, but the missing never goes away. It just becomes part of who you are, a dad who still loves a son he can’t hold, a man who’s learned that grief doesn’t end, it just changes its voice.

Some might wonder why I post something so personal. But sharing this helps me. It keeps Kaden’s name alive, and maybe it helps someone else out there know that these feelings are okay. Grief doesn’t have to stay silent.

So today, like every day, I love him. I miss him. And I carry him forward in everything I do. 💙"

25/10/2025

Today’s news out of Beenleigh is heartbreaking. A little boy is gone allegedly because of domestic violence — and no words will ever make that right.

Domestic violence doesn’t just harm one person — it ripples out to children, families, whole communities. It’s a reminder that being a man isn’t about control or silence, it’s about courage — the courage to face what’s really going on and do something before it’s too late.

If you overhear a mate putting someone down, if you see a situation that feels off, or if you sense a mate is losing control — say something. Pull him aside. Check in. Step up.

We’ve got to be better in ourselves — better men, better mates, better examples. Every time we speak up, we show what strength really looks like.

If someone’s in danger, call 000.

📞 DVConnect Mensline 1800 600 636
🕘 9am – Midnight, 7 days a week
DVConnect Mensline can support men who are using abuse or experiencing abuse in their intimate partner, ex-partner, or familial relationships.

If you need help, reach out to DVConnect 1800 811 811 or Lifeline 13 11 14.

Multiple crime scenes have been established as police investigate a fatal crash south of Brisbane.

20/10/2025

Couldn’t be prouder to see this message shared by Dan Repacholi MP, Australia’s first Special Envoy for Men’s Health.

His leadership and authenticity are exactly what we need to keep pushing the conversation forward.

Got 8 M8? isn’t just a slogan — it’s a simple challenge that can change a life:
✅ Find a mate
✅ Put the phone down
✅ Chat for 8 minutes

Thanks, Dan, for shining a light on why this matters and for backing the movement to help men connect, talk, and look out for each other. 👊

Topher & Chris [Co-founders]

You’ve heard of Got Milk? Well, now it’s Got 8 M8? 🕗👊

It’s not just a slogan, it’s a code between mates.

A way to say “You good, mate?” or “Need a chat?” without making it awkward.

The team at Beyond The Banter have turned this into a simple challenge:
💬 Take 8 minutes to check in with a mate.

No phones. No distractions. Just real talk.

Co-founder Topher Naylor kicked this off in honour of his son Kaden, and this October, during Mental Health Month, he’s reminding us all that connection can literally change lives.

So here’s the deal 👇
✅ Find a mate.
✅ Put the phone down.
✅ Chat for 8 minutes.

Because eight minutes might not sound like much, but it could change your mate’s day or even save it.

Tag your mate below 👇 and ask Got 8, M8? 🕗💬

16/10/2025

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 💥
Our first batch of Banter Legends are about to get their hands on these Mental Health First Aid workbooks as we kick off a new chapter with Beyond The Banter and our mates at PHSA - Prestige Health Services Australia.

Huge thanks to the team at PHSA for backing this mission and helping us bring practical, real-world mental health training to our community. Together, we’re equipping everyday blokes and leaders with the skills to recognise when someone’s struggling, start genuine conversations, and support their mates through the tough stuff.

This is where learning meets lived experience. Real people, real talk, real change. Sometimes it starts with nothing more than a chat, a coffee and a bit of banter. ☕💬

10/10/2025

8 minutes.
One mate.
No bull.

Today’s Mental Health Day — the perfect time to reach out.
Send the text. Make the call.

Ask: Got 8 M8? 💬

It’s our way of turning “You good, mate?” into action — encouraging blokes to give a mate 8 minutes of real conversation. No fixing. No judging. Just showing up.

Because talking might just save a life. 💙

07/10/2025

Twelve birthdays since losing my son.
Every year, this month reminds me how much a simple check-in can matter.
Got 8 M8? started from that truth — that showing up can save a day, maybe even a life.

– Topher

06/10/2025

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 “𝐆𝐨𝐭 𝟖 𝐌𝟖?” — 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Sometimes all it takes is eight minutes.

Got 8 M8? isn’t just a question — it’s a code between mates.

A way to say “I’m here” or “Need a chat?” without the awkwardness.
Inspired after watching Simon Sinek share how even short, genuine conversations can change how we feel, Beyond The Banter built a simple framework to help men check in and show up.

The October launch is especially close to home. For co-founder Topher Naylor, it’s both Mental Health Month and the anniversary of his son Kaden’s passing — a reminder of why connection matters.
“Having my best mate understand my ups and downs through just eight minutes of connection reminds me I’m not a burden,” Topher shared. “That’s what this is all about.”

So grab a mate. Put the phone down. Give eight minutes.
Because eight minutes could change a mate’s day.

🔗 Read the full release via the link at [https://beyondthebanter.org/news-and-media].

06/10/2025

🎙️ 3 Years of Banter, BBQs & Big Conversations!

Can you believe it? A little over three years ago, BTB kicked off this wild ride with one simple goal — to get just one person to listen to the podcast. Just one!

Fast forward to today... we’re celebrating Episode 30 (yep, the big 3-0!) and the podcast still sits right at the heart of Beyond The Banter.

We couldn’t have done it without YOU — the legends who tune in, share a laugh, drop a comment, or just keep the convo going.

Seriously, your support means the world. 💙

And guess what? The best is yet to come. The wheels are only just starting to spin.

So tell us — have you listened in?

👉 What’s been your favourite moment?
👉 Any advice that’s stuck with you?
👉 Has it fired you up to have a real chat with a mate?

Drop us a comment below and let’s hear it!

From all of us here at BTB — thank you, we love you, and the banter rolls on! 💙