Caring Between Minds: Mental Health Advocacy in Action

About Caring Between Minds: Mental Health Advocacy in Action

This podcast is brought to you by MHCN and hosted by Patty Kikos. Through honest conversations, our guests share the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and how these experiences continue to shape their lives. By sharing these stories, we hope to create a space where mental health carers feel understood, connected and less alone. If you’re a carer, a health professional, or someone interested in mental health advocacy, we’d love it if you joined us.

Publisher

Mental Health Carers NSW

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jul 2026

Latest episode

8 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Nov 2026

   From Panic Attacks to Policy Change

   John’s journey as a carer began in childhood, shaped by panic attacks, emergency calls and the responsibility of supporting his mum while growing up in a regional area. Years later, his caring role continues as he helps his nonna navigate aged care and dementia, while advocating for young carers across Australia. Patty Kikos speaks with John about growing up too soon, turning lived experience into meaningful change, and why young carers deserve to be recognised not only for what they do for others, but for who they are and the futures they are building. Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and medical emergencies. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

2. 

   25 Oct 2026

   When Caring Becomes the Loneliest Kind of Grief

   Tanya became a carer long before she realised how much it would ask of her. Supporting her husband through Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, caring for her father through cancer and grieving her mother’s sudden death left her living in a constant state of crisis. Tanya speaks with Patty Kikos about ambiguous grief, burnout, isolation and the pain of watching someone you love slowly change while the world around you keeps moving. She shares what happened when she finally found support, reclaimed pieces of herself and discovered that carers deserve care too. Content warning: This episode discusses grief, terminal illness and isolation. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ ) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

3. 

   11 Oct 2026

   When Caring Means Letting Go

   For almost two decades, Alex believed that caring meant finding solutions, preventing crises and holding everything together. Supporting loved ones through complex mental health challenges taught him that love and control are not the same thing. Patty Kikos speaks with Alex about learning to sit with uncertainty, setting boundaries without losing connection, and discovering that carers have their own recovery journeys too. He reflects on letting go of the pressure to fix everything, finding hope for his own future and why sometimes the greatest act of care is simply being present. Content note: This episode discusses mental illness and complex relationships. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD ) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ ) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

4. 

   27 Sept 2026

   A Mother's Love, A Carer's Voice

   When her daughter Amber was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis alongside lifelong disability and complex physical health challenges, Sharon’s role as a mother became something more — a carer, an advocate and a voice when her daughter could no longer speak for herself. Patty Kikos speaks with Sharon about the emotional weight of caring, the guilt that many parents carry, the exhaustion of advocacy fatigue and the moments when love, hope and resilience are tested. She shares what it means to fight for better care while learning that even the strongest advocates need support too. Content warning: This episode discusses mental health crises, hospitalisation and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ ) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

5. 

   13 Sept 2026

   Consumer, Clinician, Carer — But First, Luke

   Luke became the capable one long before he learned how to let others care for him. Growing up as a young carer, he learned independence, responsibility and resilience early, but also the weight of carrying more than most people could see. Luke speaks with Patty Kikos about living through multiple lenses—as a consumer, carer and clinician—while exploring neurodivergence, identity, boundaries and the challenge of separating who he is from what he does for others. He reflects on learning to accept support, setting boundaries without losing compassion, and why the person behind the roles has always mattered more than the roles themselves. Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

6. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Caring for the Parent Who Couldn't Care for Me

   After losing her mum as a teenager, Nikkie found herself losing her dad in a different way—to homelessness, addiction and mental illness. Years later, she became his carer, supporting him through schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and a complex mental health system while trying to rebuild a relationship shaped by grief, distance and love. Patty Kikos speaks with Nikkie about caring for a parent who couldn't always care for her, the challenge of setting boundaries without losing compassion, and how becoming a mother changed the way she understands vulnerability, forgiveness and what it means to break generational cycles. Content note: This episode discusses mental illness and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ ) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

7. 

   16 Aug 2026

   Am I a Husband Today or a Carer?

   Shaun spent years seeing himself as Joel's husband, not his carer. Supporting his partner through PTSD challenged not only their relationship, but Shaun's understanding of love, responsibility and where caring ends and control begins. Shaun speaks with Patty Kikos about navigating hospital admissions, balancing his own ADHD and anxiety, learning to step out of "fixer mode," and discovering that sometimes the greatest act of care isn't rescuing someone—it's staying beside them through the hardest moments. Content note: This episode discusses mental illness and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ ) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

8. 

   2 Aug 2026

   I Love Her... But It's Hard To Like Her

   Growing up with a mother living with schizophrenia, Laura's childhood was shaped by trauma, unpredictability and responsibilities far beyond her years. Laura speaks with Patty Kikos about the emotional complexity of caring for someone who has also caused deep pain, exploring people-pleasing, guilt, boundaries and the reality that love, resentment and compassion can exist at the same time. She also reflects on protecting her own wellbeing, building a life beyond caring, and why relationships, and caring itself, are rarely black and white. Content note: This episode discusses mental illness and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. Disclaimer: The views, language, experiences and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) as an organisation. More from MHCN: Website: ⁠https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ⁠ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram:⁠ @mentalhealthcarersnsw⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: ⁠@Mental Health Carers NSW ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: ⁠https://pattykikos.com/ ⁠ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: ⁠@pattykikos⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: ⁠@Patty Kikos ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ ) If this episode raises anything for you, support is available: Helpful carer services: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/resources-for-carers/helpful-supports-and-services/) Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 13YARN: 13 92 76 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

9. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Caring Between Minds - Mental Health Advocacy In Action

   This podcast is brought to you by MHCN and hosted by Patty Kikos. Through honest conversations, our guests share the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and how these experiences continue to shape their lives. By sharing these stories, we hope to create a space where mental health carers feel understood, connected and less alone. If you’re a carer, a health professional, or someone interested in mental health advocacy, we’d love it if you joined us. Content note: This podcast series discusses mental illness and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for professional mental health advice or treatment. More from MHCN: Website: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/ ) Instagram: @mentalhealthcarersnsw (https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcarersnsw/) Facebook: @Mental Health Carers NSW (https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthcarers/ ) LinkedIn: @Mental Health Carers NSW (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-carers-nsw1/ ) More from Patty Kikos: Website: https://pattykikos.com/ (https://pattykikos.com/ ) Instagram: @pattykikos (https://www.instagram.com/pattykikos/ ) Facebook: @Patty Kikos (https://www.facebook.com/patty.kikos.page) LinkedIn: @Patty Kikos (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattykikos/) Become a MHCN member here, it’s free and takes about 5 minutes to join: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5CWMVYD) Sign up to our e-newsletter here: https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/ (https://www.mentalhealthcarersnsw.org/subscribe/) If you think this podcast series will resonate with you, please like, subscribe and share to help more carers find this space.

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.