It’s Rhys here, and in this additional mid-week episode, I chat with special guest, musician, Kris Dawson.

You might know Kris as one of the guitar players in banging British metalcore outfit, Bury Tomorrow, but did you know that he’s actually a man of many talents and also training to be a barber?

Well, now you do…

In this wide-ranging conversation, we chat about Kris’ journey of self-discovery, which led to a breakthrough and positive change in his mental health and wellbeing.

A big piece of the puzzle for Kris, was for him to stop drinking alcohol because over time, he’d come to realise how much of a negative impact it had been and was having on his mental health.

Kris goes on to share his experiences with anxiety and depression and how there were moments on tour when he really, really struggled day to day to cope. 

Following on from this, we talk about how and when Kris sought mental health help and the importance of sharing your feelings with those you trust.

Along the way, we cover Kris’ passion for exercise and the positive effect it’s had on his mental health, and how it’s helped him focus over the past year in lockdown.

Thematically, we also cover:

Uncertainty, spending time in solitude, letting go of the things that you no longer enjoy and impinge upon your ability to live a happy life, letting go of the things we can’t control, focus, hard work, determination, ego, authenticity, change, counselling, travel and touring in a band, self-awareness and development, friendship and peace.

I loved this chat because you know what I’m like by now, I love self-development and hearing stories of how people have managed to better their lives and mental health. It gives me hope and inspires me to keep heading in the right direction, and I know it’ll have this effect on you too!

Also, after hearing it back, the stand out theme of this podcast is rooted in authenticity, which in Kris’ words, subsequently then leads to a sort of inner peace — I fully agree.

I’m stoked to have had an opportunity to chat with Kris, as I’ve always been a big fan of his music, so please, enjoy!