You Keep Me Sane
For 8 years, Aileen and Julie have been each other's sounding board from opposite sides of the globe – Aileen in London and Julie in Melbourne.
They have navigated everything – motherhood, relationships, menopause, health, grief, and everything in between – through daily voice messages. These exchanges often became lifelines, and now they share that space with their listeners.
In You Keep Me Sane, Aileen and Julie hold honest conversations on life's challenges, growth, and connection. They lend an ear and share heartfelt insights, creating a space that allows both them, and you, to be human.
Listeners are encouraged to write in with their own experiences and topics, becoming part of the conversation that feels like a chat with close friends.
You Keep Me Sane
Breaking Stigma: Johnny Starr on Men’s Mental Health, Resilience & Fitness | YKMS
Episode Summary
This week we sit down with Johnny Starr – entrepreneur, fitness coach, and founder of Never Home. Johnny’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical honesty about men’s mental health. From hitting rock bottom and multiple stays in a psychiatric ward to building a thriving brand with a powerful mindset message, Johnny shares how he’s learned to manage criticism, protect his self-worth, and turn personal battles into fuel for helping others.
We dive into the stigma men still face when opening up, the mental toll of tall poppy syndrome, the pressures of social media, and why fitness became Johnny’s lifeline. This is an unfiltered conversation about courage, growth, and using your platform to lead with integrity.
Key Discussion Points
- Johnny’s mental health journey – from online hate and drug use to suicidal lows and recovery.
- The impact of tall poppy syndrome – why success and positivity can trigger criticism, and how Johnny reframed it.
- Men and vulnerability – breaking the silence, seeking help, and the role of therapy.
- Fitness as a mental health tool – how routine, discipline, and physical wellbeing transformed Johnny’s life.
- Building Never Home – creating a brand rooted in mindset, resilience, and purpose.
- Social media pressures – separating self-worth from material status and external validation.
Listener Takeaways
- Seeking professional help can be life-changing – therapy isn’t just for crisis, it’s for maintenance and growth.
- Your self-worth can’t be tied to material possessions or public perception.
- Criticism often says more about the other person’s insecurities than about you.
- Fitness, routine, and self-care aren’t just physical – they’re powerful mental health strategies.
- Vulnerability is strength, and sharing your story can give others permission to speak up.
Links to Johnny:
https://www.instagram.com/johnny_starr/
https://www.instagram.com/teamneverhome/
Join the Conversation
How do you protect your self-worth when criticism or comparison hits?
We’d love to hear your thoughts – send us a DM, an email or leave us a voicemail.
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If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our paid partner BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/youkeepmesane for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.
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Links:
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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy
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Disclaimer:
Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.