Life insurer AIA is presenting an eight-part mental health conversation series with some of the country’s top sports stars such as Ash Barty and Ian Thorpe about their experiences and how they overcame their psychological struggles. 

The first episode of Let’s Talk premiered yesterday with retired AFL player Majak Daw, who discussed with host Hamish McLachlan being a refugee and dealing with racism, bullying, addiction, depression as well as the power of gratitude and resilience. 

“Mental wellbeing is as critical as physical wellbeing,” AIA CEO Damien Mu said. 

“Mental health conditions are a leading cause of the global health burden, but we hope the Let’s Talk interviews… will help people know that they are not alone in their feelings and inspire them to talk about things they may have bottled up with their own friends and loved ones.” 

The remaining seven episodes will air each Sunday until late September. 

Mr McLachlan, who is an AIA Ambassador and sports presenter, says Let’s Talk is a project to help people realise that “we all have struggles” and a follow-up to his previous “Last Time I Cried” series in 2020. 

“Millions of Australians watched that project, and many have shared positive feedback on how those interviews impacted their lives,” he said. 

“We wanted to follow up and do even more to inspire people.” 

Click here to watch the series.