Tim Rogers - The Art of Surviving

Tim Rogers is an Australian rock icon, a charismatic ARIA Hall of Fame inductee whose decades fronting You Am I defined a generation of live music. Yet, away from the roaring crowds and the sharp-tongued bravado lies a profoundly quiet, internal narrative that paints his life's journey in a whole new light. In this raw and strikingly candid conversation, Tim steps away from his rock-and-roll legacy to reintroduce us to "Timothy"—the deeply anxious, self-conscious kid who struggled with painful skin conditions and the volatility of constantly moving home.

Together, we venture deep into some of the darkest, most misunderstood corners of mental health, unpacking the fragile realities of panic, paranoia, and adolescent substance use. Tim discusses with startling honesty how teenage drug experimentation triggered a terrifying mental shift, "clicking" open a door to psychotic episodes that he would spend the rest of his life managing. The episode culminates in an unforgettable moment as Tim picks up his acoustic guitar for an exclusive, lyrical performance of his spoken-word piece, Letter to My Younger Self. Through his music, he leaves us with a beautiful manifesto on empathy: an urging to look past our own suffering so we can offer kindness to the outcasts around us, a reminder to find reason in rhyme, and the quiet defiance of a simple phrase: "Stick to it, punk."

SEND US YOUR CHILD LETTER! For our Season 2 finale, we want to hear from you. If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? We are inviting our listeners to share their own stories, reflections, and messages of healing. Can be anonymous if you'd prefer. If you'd like us to read your child letter on the show, please email it directly to james@youreagoodkid.com.au.

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Credits: Produced and Hosted by Dr James van Cuylenburg & Nick van Cuylenburg.

Audio production by White Owl Sound.

Season 2 is brought to you by Engage 1on1 Psychology

If you believe in what we are doing and would like to support us to make more, then we will gratefully accept any donations here: https://youreagoodkid.com.au/support