'We Need To Talk' is a podcast about three simple words that can mean the world to someone who's going through tough times: 'are you OK?'.

Each episode of 'We Need To Talk' explores a topic that will help you lend support to the people in your world. Experts and people like you share their stories -  sometimes confronting but always inspiring you with helpful insights and tips so you can start a conversation that could change a life.

This podcast is for anyone who wants to support  the people in their world, with a focus on LGBTQ+ communities. We're mindful that our current episodes haven't meaningfully reflected the experiences of people who are intersex and are exploring how we can do this better in the future.

'We Need To Talk' is brought to you by the Australian charity R U OK? in collaboration with Australia’s LGBTIQA+ community media organisation JOY.

New episodes every three weeks from March 6. Listen on Apple podcasts , Spotify  or wherever you prefer to listen.

Presented by Ruby Mountford.

Produced by Jordan Johnstone from JOY

Voice overs by Triana Butler.

If you or someone you know needs some extra support, help is available. You can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Can you spot the difference between a bad mood or something more serious in your friends or loved ones?  

While the signs someone’s struggling can be subtle, there are things you can look out for that could mean your loved one needs support. In this episode, we explore what someone might be saying or doing and what might be happening in their life or the wider community that could mean it’s time to reach out to them, ask them, 'are you OK?' and show them they’re supported. 

Amelia Arnold, the project lead for the LGBTIQ+ Suicide Prevention Affirmative Practice Training Project at Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council), Victoria’s largest LGBTI Health Organisation shares what she's learnt from her work.  Award winning psychologist and suicidologist Ann-Maree Fardell Hartley discusses the signs we can look out for online and R U OK? supporter Quinton Vea-Vea discusses the changes he looks out for in himself and others.

It’s normal to feel a bit worried or uncomfortable about asking someone how they’re going. That’s why in this episode we answer the question, 'am I doing this right?' by looking at how you can prepare for an R U OK? conversation and what you should say and do if someone says they’re not OK. Because continuing that conversation could change a life.

Our guests Ming Johanson, an R U OK? Community Ambassador whose life was changed by a conversation with a stranger, and Alan Woodward, a researcher and suicide prevention advocate, share their tips and roadmap for these conversations.

What if the cause is beyond their control?

Life can be challenging and on top of the usual pressures people who are LGBTIQ+ might be subject to minority stress, prejudice, discrimination, violence and abuse. While most LGBTIQ+ people lead healthy and happy lives, the impact of stigma and discrimination is that LGBTIQ+ people are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and be at risk of self-harm and suicide.

But what can we do to support a loved one who's impacted? In this episode we chat with Dr Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat and Tarnia Lee from Qlife about what minority stress is, how we can talk to our loved ones about what might help them and explore some safe spaces and places they can turn to for support.

What if extra support is needed?

We tackle the big question of “what if extra support is needed?” We discuss what getting help and support might look like and how can we stand alongside our friends and loved ones as they try to find what works for them.

Ruby's brother Sam joins the podcast to chat about how he and Ruby support each other and what's helped them navigate tough times in life. Tarnia Lee from QLif talks about what getting help and support might look like and what services are available for people who are LGBTIQ+. Triana Butler and Jordan Johnstone from JOY reflect on what this series means to them.

Are they really OK? Ask them today (bonus episode)

When it comes to our friends, family and loved ones, do we know how they’re really going? As close as we might be, sometimes it’s hard to tell. In this bonus episode of ‘We need to talk’. We explore the 2021 R U OK?Day message: Are they really OK? Ask them today. We chat about when and how to ask, 'are you OK?' and how to make it a part of your everyday. Because a conversation could change a life.

Our guests are Sam Mac, weather presenter and R U OK? Community Ambassador, psychologist and suicidologist Ann-Maree Fardell Hartley and R U OK? Ambassador Program Manager Charlie Willbridge.