91 – Behind the Smile: Brent & Shonleigh Draper on Battling Anxiety Together

In this special R U OK Day episode of Boob to Food the podcast, we sit down with Brent Draper, well-known for his appearance on MasterChef Australia, and his wife Shonleigh, as they open up about their journey through Brent’s experience with anxiety and mental health challenges. This episode is a timely reminder for R U OK Day to check in with yourself and those around you, because a simple conversation can make a world of difference.

Brent Draper (Drapes) is a loved and respected TV personality, and the Winner of MasterChef Australia Season 15 (2023). Not only is Drapes known for his finesse of cooking on the hibachi but he’s also known worldwide for his mental health advocacy after exiting MasterChef in his first season in 2021 due to recurring mental health issues. Drapes is also a self confessed ‘very keen but very average fisho and surfer’ who lives in Northern NSW with his wife Shonleigh and their children Alfie and Bowie. 

Drapes and Shon candidly offer a raw and honest look at the realities of mental health struggles within relationships and as parents. Whether you’re facing your own mental health battles or supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to not be okay, and that asking for help really is a sign of strength.

In this podcast we chat about:

• When Drapes realised that something was going on with his mental health and what some of the warning signs were
• How he managed to return to MasterChef and what he did differently to support his mental health
• How his struggles with his mental health has influenced his parenting, and how they speak about mental health challenges with the kids
• What it is like being the partner of someone going through a severe mental health crisis
• The things that Drapes found to help him see the way out
• …and so much more

You can connect with Brent on instagram

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can see a list of additional mental health and support services HERE

Today’s episode was brought to you by Part & Parcel. Part & Parcel is our favourite one stop shop for pantry staples – not only do you have the convenience of them being delivered straight to your door (who wants to go shopping with 3 kids!), but they have also curated the most incredible range of organic, ethical and sustainable products so you don’t have to waste your time researching ingredients on labels. They’ve done the work for you. But be warned… you may want to add one of everything to your cart like Kate! Thankfully their annual membership allows members to receive extra savings on their shop (so maybe you can add that extra block of chocolate!).

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