Welcome to the Mental Health Mallee Podcast: Proactive Approach to Building Mental Wellbeing

The first episode of the Mental Health Mallee Podcast has officially launched, inviting listeners into a warm, supportive space for connection, hope, and proactive conversations around mental wellbeing.

In this debut episode, host Jo Marie—Positive Psychology Practitioner, community leader, and founder of Mental Health Mallee—shares the heart behind the initiative and what listeners can expect from the episodes to come.

Studies have shown that podcasts can enhance social connection by giving people a sense of belonging and community. That research became part of the inspiration for launching this podcast, along with the belief that hearing from others with lived experience can help us feel less alone.

We often put pressure on ourselves to have it all figured out, to always be the strong one, or to know what to say. But just showing up—pressing play on a podcast like this, taking a breath, or checking in with a friend—is already a powerful step in the right direction.

About Mental Health Mallee

Mental Health Mallee (MHM) is a community-led initiative with a proactive approach to mental wellbeing. It offers programs, events, and now a podcast to help people build resilience, reduce stigma, and feel more socially connected.

The goal is simple: make mental wellbeing feel accessible, hopeful, and achievable. From the free 4 Week Mental Wellbeing Program to workshops and live events, Mental Health Mallee helps people take small, meaningful steps toward feeling their best.

Jo Marie also speaks to those who support others—leaders, teachers, coaches, parents—reminding them that this podcast is for them too. Because when we care for our own wellbeing, we’re better equipped to support the people around us.

“Mental wellbeing isn’t just about individual growth,” she shares.“It’s about creating cultures where people feel safe, valued, and supported.”

Why This Podcast Matters

Jo Marie explains her own ‘why’—why this podcast, and why now. She shares that, like many people, she’s experienced times when she felt stuck, lost, and unsure how to move forward. Discovering the science of Positive Psychology helped her shift from surviving to thriving, and ultimately inspired the creation of Mental Health Mallee.

What Listeners Can Expect

• Real Stories – Conversations with people across the Northern Mallee who have lived experience with mental health, resilience, and personal growth.

• Practical Tools – Evidence-based strategies to support everyday mental wellbeing, both personally and professionally.

• Community Connection – Local leaders, workplaces, and initiatives making a difference will be highlighted to inspire action and collective care.

Whether someone is tuning in to better understand their own mental health, support a friend or colleague, or create positive change in their community or workplace—this podcast is for them.

Take the First Step

“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for our mental wellbeing is simply talk about it,” Jo Marie says.“ And if this episode sparked something—whether for yourself or someone you support—I’d love to hear from you.”

Jo Marie closes the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude. Launching this podcast has been a dream, and she’s excited to grow this space with others. “Even the smallest steps can make a big difference. And we don’t have to take those steps alone.”

For those who support others—at work, in family life, or in community roles—she offers a final, important reminder: “Your wellbeing matters too. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”

The Mental Health Mallee Podcast is now available on all major platforms. Episode 1 is live and ready to welcome listeners into a space of reflection, connection, and possibility.