“Depression Saved Me!” - Jimi Hunt On Mental Fitness, Divorce & Doing Epic Sh*t

Jimi Hunt is a mental fitness advocate. It’s a role he fell into after experiencing poor mental health and having a rock bottom moment.

His passion is sharing his lessons on resilience, growth and navigating adversity.

He is the founder of an organization called Live More Awesome and has done some huge attention-grabbing stunts to get the conversation started about mental fitness- like building the world's largest waterslide, walking the length of New Zealand and even paddling the length of the Waikato River on an inflatable Lilo.

In this conversation, Jimi open’s up about the tools that helped him survive his toughest days, and why asking for help is the bravest step anyone can take.

This is Jimis story. But there are tools in here that we can all use to live happier healthier lives.

It’s a conversation about connection, compassion, and finding meaning through adversity.

I hope you like it. And if you know someone who you think could benefit from listening to it, please share it.

Mental Health Support in NZ (24/7 & Free)

📞 1737 – Call or text to talk to a trained counsellor

📞 Lifeline – 0800 543 354 | Text 4357 (HELP)

📞 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

📞 Youthline – 0800 376 633 | Text 234 | [email protected]

📞 Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 | Text 4202

📞 Anxiety Helpline – 0800 269 4389

📞 If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 111.

*** Chapters

00:00 Intro 03:08 Understanding Mental Health Continuum 05:59 The Importance of Connection and Community 08:53 Observing Thoughts and Meditation 11:45 The Journey of Self-Discovery 15:06 The Impact of Expectations and Validation 17:59 Navigating Depression and Adversity 21:11 The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth 24:03 Lessons from Heartbreak and Betrayal 27:02 Transforming Pain into Purpose 30:06 The Power of Perspective 32:47 Embracing Change and New Beginnings 43:17 The Lilo Adventure Begins 46:03 Lessons from the Journey 49:37 The Power of Asking for Help 50:34 Confronting Death and Grief 53:11 Unexpected Media Attention 57:36 The Shift to Public Speaking 01:02:08 Creating Live More Awesome 01:04:34 Redefining Mental Health 01:07:01 The World's Biggest Water Slide 01:10:01 The Illusion of External Validation 01:15:22 Walking the Length of New Zealand 01:19:06 The Importance of Connection 01:23:13 Remarkable Experiences and Personal Growth 01:26:33 The Bakery Encounter and Mental Health Conversations 01:29:25 Understanding Aroha: Connection Beyond Love 01:30:24 The Evolution of Mental Health Awareness 01:31:59 The Need for Action in Mental Health 01:32:52 Suicide Reporting and Its Complexities 01:35:14 Stigma Surrounding Mental Health 01:37:49 Legislation and Systemic Change for Mental Health 01:40:21 Tools for Mental Well-being: Meditation and Breathwork 01:47:37 Navigating Inner Voices and Self-Perception 01:55:33 Future Aspirations and the Quest for Joy

*** Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]

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