Josh Beckett opens his heart in this raw, unfiltered conversation about trauma, mental health and the healing power of creative expression. 

A Waka Waka and Yuggera man balancing work in the federal government with his passion for screenwriting and poetry, Josh shares the story of losing his Aboriginal father just before his ninth birthday – a loss that disconnected him from his culture and sent him spiraling into substance abuse.

With unflinching honesty, Josh recounts his suicide attempt at age 16, when ”the rope broke” in what he calls possible divine intervention. This dark period became the catalyst for his writing journey as he emphasises how creative expression saved his life.

The conversation takes us through Josh's reconnection with Aboriginal culture through his work at Screen Queensland, marking his first significant community connection since his father's death. Now raising a two-year-old son and celebrating six weeks of sobriety – his longest streak ever – Josh shares practical wisdom for aspiring writers and anyone struggling with mental health challenges.

His advice cuts through typical writing guidance: simplify your story to its essence, wait until you're halfway through before seeking feedback, and reject the concept of writer's block entirely. ”Go write poetry, go write longhand… continuously write and it doesn't matter what format and it doesn't matter how bad it is,” he insists.

Perhaps most importantly, Josh reminds us that healing isn't about perfection but persistence: ”One step in front of the other, one foot in front of the other and just trying to keep it together.” For creative souls battling inner demons, his message resonates deeply: ”You do art for yourself first, not for people outside.”

Listen now to this powerful conversation about vulnerability, truth-telling and finding light in darkness – even when that means just putting one foot in front of the other.