JLR Unfiltered

In this Episode of JLR Unfiltered, Jami-Lee speaks to several hundred senior students at Elim Christian College in Botany as part of the school’s ‘Real Talk’ series. Jami-Lee is interviewed by Elim principal Murray Burton and shares his views on a wide range of subjects, including why he returned to politics earlier this year and how hard it is battling a mental health challenge in the public eye. He also reveals who he believes were New Zealand’s best Prime Ministers, the changes he would like to see made to the political system, and about how one of the biggest things he’s learned in the past year is the “the kindness and compassion of fellow human beings”.

In Episode 3 of JLR Unfiltered Jami-Lee meets with Ivan Miller who is walking the length of New Zealand to raise awareness about mental health, and trying to use his experiences to help others. Ivan and Jami-Lee discuss the journey Ivan has been on, from struggling with childhood trauma, to his admission to a mental health facility, and now to his on-going recovery. Ivan is now doing great things for others by taking on his Walking for Life challenge to stimulate discussion and generate action among New Zealanders. 

When Jami-Lee held a discussion with his own psychiatrist, Dr Hugh Clarkson, they covered a number of areas that could not all be included in Episode 2.  This bonus audio covers more of Jami-Lee's discussion with Dr Clarkson. They discuss childhood trauma and how it can impact later in life, Dr Clarkson's views on his time as a clinical leader, and various approaches to treating mental illness.

How often do mental health patients let their own psychiatrist tell the world about their personal struggles? In Episode 2 of JLR Unfiltered, that’s exactly what Jami-Lee does as he discusses mental health with his psychiatrist, Dr Hugh Clarkson. They talk about Jami-Lee’s experience of dealing with mental health problems as well as Dr Clarkson’s diagnosis and treatment. They also explore why men aged 25-45 have one of the highest rates of suicide in New Zealand. Jami-Lee and Hugh find by talking about how to help friends and family members who are struggling, and how to encourage people who need assistance to reach out. The content of this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance please call or text 1737 any time. The 1737 service is free of charge and available 27/7 in New Zealand with trained counsellors available to assist.

In Episode 1 of JLR Unfiltered Jami-Lee explains how taking up the challenge of one of the nurses at Middlemore Hospital’s acute mental health facility has lead him to start this podcast. He details his own experience, and moves from the personal to the broader policy issues facing mental health in New Zealand. He offers his views on the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, and stresses his view that New Zealand needs more action on mental health, not just talk.  The content in this podcast may be distressing to some people. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance please call or text 1737 anytime. The 1737 service is free of charge and available 24/7 in New Zealand with trained counsellors available to assist.