2 days ago

EP 17: Redefining Strength: A Man's Story of Vulnerability

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.