Episode 80: Mental Health, ADHD & Surf Therapy with Blakey Johnston

***Blakey's new film - In pieces together ***

What happens when a world-record surfing challenge becomes a mission to save lives?

In this inspiring episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon sits down with world-record endurance surfer, surf coach, and mental health advocate Blakey Johnston to explore the powerful connection between mental health, ADHD, anxiety, movement, and purpose.

Blakey shares the deeply personal story behind his 40-hour world-record surf attempt and how losing his father to suicide became the catalyst for helping men speak openly about mental health. Sharon and Blakey unpack the science behind surfing, cold water, community, movement, and emotional resilience — especially for people navigating ADHD, anxiety, and overwhelm.

If you’re looking for practical mental health strategies, inspiring resilience stories, and powerful conversations around ADHD and emotional wellbeing, this episode delivers both heart and hope.

👀 In This Episode:

✅ Blake Johnston’s 40-hour world-record surfing challenge
✅ The mental health crisis impacting men and families
✅ How movement and surfing support ADHD and anxiety regulation
✅ The emotional impact of losing a parent to suicide
✅ Why community and connection are critical for mental wellbeing
✅ The science behind cold water, nature, and emotional regulation
✅ Burnout, stress, and high-performance mindset traps
✅ Parenting, vulnerability, and emotional resilience
✅ Practical mental health strategies for everyday life
✅ How purpose-driven challenges can create real impact

⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide, mental health struggles, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the ADHD Families Podcast
01:30 – Meet Blake Johnston
03:10 – The story behind the 40-hour surf challenge
07:20 – Losing his father to suicide
12:45 – Anxiety, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
18:15 – Why surfing helps mental health
23:50 – ADHD, movement, and nervous system regulation
29:40 – The physical and mental realities of endurance surfing
36:10 – Community, connection, and vulnerability
42:20 – Parenting, resilience, and emotional awareness
48:00 – Practical mental health strategies anyone can use
53:45 – Blake’s message for struggling men
57:10 – Final thoughts and key takeaways

Key Takeaways

• Mental health conversations save lives.
• Movement and nature can regulate stress and anxiety.
• Community connection is essential for emotional wellbeing.
• High performers are not immune to burnout.
• ADHD nervous systems often benefit from physical activity and structured challenges.
• Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
• Purpose-driven action creates long-term impact.

Quotes From The Episode

“Real change requires more than conversation — it requires action.”

“Connection and community are some of the most powerful tools we have for mental health.”

“You don’t have to struggle alone.”

What's Coming? 👀 👀 The Money Hunt — Five Days, Five Money Wins

While screens leak your child's attention, subscriptions and forgotten auto-renewals are quietly leaking money from your household every month. The Money Hunt is a five-day live event for mums of ADHD families who want that money back.

No budgeting. No spreadsheets. No willpower. Just one 45-minute session a day, one bingo square to tick off, and a running tally of every dollar you find. Most Hunters cover the cost of the event by Day 2.

• 5 days. 5 wins. Cash back in your pocket.
• Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026, 1pm AEST daily
• Live on Zoom plus a private Facebook group
• Six months of replay access
• $97 AUD (Regular Price: $397)

JOIN THE MONEY HUNT

Already in The ADHD Family Quest? It's included in your membership

🔔 Next Steps & Resources

• Blakey Johnston Social Media Links <ul