Tommy Herschell on Saving Lives, One Workshop at a Time
In this moving episode of Chiming In Chimes is joined by Tommy Herschell, the founder of "Find Your Feet." Herschell, a former journalist and teacher, has dedicated his life to helping young people and adults navigate mental health struggles by giving them a platform to share their stories.
The Origin of "Find Your Feet"
The inspiration for Find Your Feet came from a 16-year-old boy named Bastian Marger, who passed away from a rare form of cancer. His final message to his mates was to "love life and don't waste it." At the time, Herschell describes himself as a "functioning lunatic" and an "alcoholic" who was wasting his own life. This wake-up call, combined with a literal and figurative intervention from rugby league legend Neil "Bing" Pringle, led Herschell to get sober and start his organization.
The "Coke Bottle" Analogy
Herschell shares his personal battle with anger and a "wounded little boy" mentality stemming from his parents' divorce at age 10. He explains how he would bottle up his emotions until they exploded, likened to a shaken Coke bottle. Through counseling, he learned to "take the lid off" a little at a time to release pressure in a healthy way. This analogy is a cornerstone of the workshops he now runs for schools, sports clubs, and corporate groups across Australia.
Star-Studded Support: The Ambassadors
Find Your Feet has gained massive traction within the NRL and Australian sporting community. High-profile figures like Nicho Hines, Harry Grant, Luke Lewis, and Dale Finucane serve as ambassadors. Herschell shares a powerful story of Nicho Hines visiting a school and immediately connecting with a student who had been bullied, proving that even "superstars" are human and have faced their own challenges. Australian cricket captain Mitch Marsh and legend Matthew Hayden are also deeply involved, with Hayden playing a pivotal role in Herschell's own recovery and mentorship.
Breaking the "Toxic Masculinity" Myth
Herschell challenges the idea that men need a "talking stick" or a formal setting to open up. He advocates for "pit crews"—a small, trusted group of mates who can hold you accountable and support you when you're "on the track." Whether it’s having a beer at the pub (without the masks), sitting in a golf cart, or being out in the surf, he emphasizes that men just need the opportunity to be honest.
Saving Lives in Real Time
The most gripping part of the interview involves a story from a year 9 workshop. A student admitted he was planning to take his own life that afternoon, but seeing his mates share their own struggles made him realize he wasn't alone. This transparency allowed the school and his family to intervene, and a month later, the boy was back on the basketball court, thriving and supported by his peers.
The Grand Plan
While Herschell avoids "ego-driven" goals of global expansion, he is focused on sustainability and providing resources through a new "Find Your Feet" app. His goal is to ensure that whenever a workshop ends, there is a "net" (composed of teachers, mates, and tools) fine enough to catch anyone who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ANamXonI4
