Summary
Mike King reflects on his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a prominent advocate for mental health in New Zealand. He shares personal stories about his relationship with his father, revealing that he waited until he was 45 to hear his dad say "I love you." This experience shaped his understanding of love and parenting, leading him to strive for better connections with his own children.
King discusses the evolution of his work with I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in mental health. He candidly addresses the challenges he faces, including criticism and the pressures of running a charity, while also expressing gratitude for the support he receives from his community. King acknowledges the complexities of mental health, noting that everyone struggles in their own way, and emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in society.
As he approaches his 65th birthday, King reflects on the lessons learned from his past, including the importance of accepting one's flaws and the value of genuine connections. He remains committed to helping others navigate their mental health challenges, believing that sharing his story can inspire others to seek help and foster a more supportive environment for those in need.
Show Notes
Mike King is back for his second appearance on the podcast.
Mike was one of my very first guests when I launched the podcast in 2022, and a lot has happened since then. In this conversation, we get into his charity I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, the criticism that comes with his work, and whether being so outspoken sometimes gets in the way of what he’s trying to achieve.
But some of my favourite parts are much more personal. Mike talks about waiting 45 years to hear his dad say “I love you”, his regrets as a father, getting sober, and the counsellor he credits with saving his life.
There are some big laughs, some uncomfortable questions, and A LOT of brutal unfiltered honesty. ***
Massive thanks to my long‑term podcast sponsor, Generate. Like a lot of Kiwis, I spent years saying, “I’ll look at my KiwiSaver account later.” Turns out later comes around faster than you think, and the decisions you make now could be the difference between counting every dollar in retirement or having the freedom to take that trip you've always talked about. I switched my KiwiSaver account to Generate after they came on board, and honestly, I should’ve done it sooner. They’re an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with strong long‑term performance. You can check out their latest returns online, or book a no‑obligation chat with one of their friendly advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom. No pressure, no judgement — they’re just there to help wherever you’re at in your investing journey.
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