In this episode of Relational Lives, we sit down with former paramedic, Dave Zaple, to hear his honest and moving story of mental ill health, recovery and finding purpose. From witnessing daily trauma in the emergency services to confronting the stigma around men’s mental health, Dave opens up about his breakdown, therapy, identity loss, and eventual healing through connection, creativity, and community. This episode is an unmissable listen for anyone interested in male vulnerability or finding purpose after crisis.
Whether you’re struggling yourself, or supporting someone who is, Dave’s story shows there is life - and growth - after trauma.
Shownotes:
Episode: Breaking Point to Breakthrough: A Men's Mental Health Journey
In this episode:
00:00 – Intro 01:40 – When professional and personal trauma collide 03:51 – Getting help: TRiM, taking time off, starting therapy 05:07 – What PTSD looked like for Dave (and what surprised him) 07:12 – Growing up male: cultural silence around emotions 10:15 – Identity and recovery 13:47 – Support networks: Rock2Recovery, REORG, gym community 20:30 – Finding purpose with SoulKind and human stories of resilience 24:15 – Letting go of an identity 26:00 – Using photography to connect and help others 32:00 – Supporting others: you don’t have to fix it, just show up 34:00 – Finding community, rebuilding identity 38:00 – Dave’s final thoughts: from crisis to creativity 41:06 – How others can find help – and why support matters
If this episode resonated with you or you know someone it might help, please share it. You can also reach out or comment - we love hearing from you. Talking helps, and you’re never alone in the dark.
📍 Resources mentioned:
Rock2Recovery - Charity supporting armed forces and blue light workers https://www.rock2recovery.co.uk/
REORG Charity – Supporting service personnel through physical fitness https://reorgcharity.com/
Surfwell – Surf therapy for emergency service workers https://www.surfwell.co.uk/
Walking With The Wounded https://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/
Millimetres 2 Mountains - A mental health charity that supports individuals to redifne their limitations through the great outdoors https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/
SoulKind Journal (CIC) – Human stories of resilience and adventure. Pre-order edition 4 now: https://www.soulkindpeople.co.uk/
Connect with Dave Zaple:
Website: https://www.davezaple.com/ Email: davezaplephotography@gmail.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/davezaplephoto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davezaplephoto
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Relational_Lives
Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at relationalives@gmail.com or you can anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.
Have a question or want to share your thoughts on trauma and PTSD? Reach out at relationallives@gmail.com. Subscribe for future episodes on OCD, trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.
Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.
Credits:
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
Music by: Stile Tree Audio Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.