Episode #77 What it takes to break a cycle of disadvantage to become happy, healthy and successful. Mark Ryan's incredible story of success.

 Mark Ryan's story of courage.He grew up in a single-parent household in public housing in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane (parents divorced when my twin brother and I were three years of age after a relationship characterised by domestic violence - mental and physical)He showed promise academically and was included in various gifted and talented programs as a child- One of the first students offered a 'Learning for Life' scholarship through The Smith Family in 1997, which allowed me to study Law and Journalism at QUT- Started my career as a sport journalist in Townsville in 2001, moved to England to play semi-professional cricket in 2006, and stayed there until 2009 working in sports television production- Worked in various media, communications and strategy roles over the past decade with organisations such as Tatts Group, the Gold Coast Suns AFL Club, and MaterIn 2019, I was named runner-up in the Griffith University Responsible Leadership MBA Scholarship competition, sponsored by Queensland Business Monthly.  Since 2017, I've been the Chairperson of Return Serve, which is a not-for-profit organisation which uses free or low-cost sporting activities to help create healthier lives and brighter futures for people from disadvantaged backgroundsHis current role is Manager, Strategic Communications, with Queensland Rail. I've held this role since June this yearWe discussChildhood trauma - how does that affect the human brain and lived experience?Changing a person's story and identity throughout life - building a new narrativeThe effect of identity on relationships and how you're positioned in society - and how a shift in thinking can change your perception (i.e. when you've come from a disadvantaged background, it's easy to perceive that you're not of the same social status as others ... I tended to feel more comfortable relating to people who had also experienced adversity or come from a challenging background)How do I make the most of my brain's plasticity (playing new sports; meditation; gratitude; constant learning; curiosity; etc.)Importance of language in shifting thinking and behaviours (e.g. power of stories and metaphors; performativity; etc. - and how it can be used to translate neuroscience to reach a broader audience)Important shifts we need to make in the way society views people from disadvantaged backgrounds - acknowledging the complexity of social disadvantage and treating it as a complex challenge, not something that can be 'fixed' with short-term measuresWith brain health, shifting from the pathogenic paradigm of health to a salutogenic way of thinking, where appropriate ... again, the human brain and our bodies are complex, they are not there to be 'fixed' as though there is some baseline of healthPsychological safety in the workplace and in society - in organisations, we love ideas that provide certainty (e.g. models of change) which don't embrace the notion of neuroplasticity ... they primarily serve the need for certainty and linear progression amongst people in powerSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Om Podcasten

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it's time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education. With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she's on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique? It's not just about theory – it's about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now.  From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection. Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They're exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part? Let's make brain health everyone's business. They're inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health.  Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive. The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett's personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.