Brent Draper

Welcome to Proper Mental episode 30!

I’m joined this time around by Brent Draper!

Brent is a MasterChef Australia contestant, father, husband and mental health advocate.

He made the news all around the world earlier this year after leaving MasterChef Australia mid-way through a season to protect his mental health.

There is a moment where Brent raises his hand during a show and tells the judges and his fellow competitors that he needs to go home and it is one of the most moving and relatable bits of television that I’ve ever seen.

As a former Boilermaker, Brent was chasing his dreams of being a chef and as he moved through the MasterChef process a lot of things started to build up and really affect his mental health until he felt the need to leave.

Brent’s story is in an unusual setting but the story behind it is very common and I think a lot of people will recognise themselves in his story.

We chat about getting stuck in a rut and changing careers, we chat about men’s mental health and the idea of masculinity and we chat about the build up to Brent leaving the show and what happened next.

Brent is such a lovely guy and is story is brave and moving and really, really common.  He happened to be on TV but the thoughts and feelings he experienced are so very human and I think a lot of people will relate to this episode.

You can follow Brent’s journey on Instagram @brentdraper_ or connect with him via his website www.brentdraper.com.au.

If you would like to keep up to date with his van adventures you can subscribe to his YouTube channel here Brent Draper - YouTube

You can catch up with me on all socials @propermentalpodcast or via my website www.propermentalpodcast.com. 

Please take 5 minutes to review this episode or any others you might have listened to!

If you need to seek support, you can find services close to you by visiting www.hubofhope.co.uk

Thanks for listening!  Enjoy!