We bring you a chat with Sydney-based musician Joe West in this episode. Joe talks about his upbringing in regional New South Wales, and his life working as a musician for many years. Joe discusses the challenges that the lifestyle can pose for many, often resulting in a strained connection with society.
Joe shares his own experience struggling with mental heath challenges and issues with substance use and addiction. He talks us through how he came to understand the problems he was having, and what he was able to do to address and overcome them. As part of this, Joe discusses how gaining a greater understanding of the neuroscience and neuropsychology behind mental health problems and addiction was a key step on his journey to better health and wellbeing today. Joe discusses the part that meditation and mindfulness have played in assisting him and how having structure and discipline is essential to overcome poor mental health and addiction in the longer term.
You can see more about Joe on Instagram @joewestau and his latest project @analogamoeba