Back After The (Psychotic) Break: Osher Günsberg's Incredible Story Of Recovery

Rich sits down with Australian TV personality Osher Günsberg to talk about his struggles with mental health & addiction-and how he transformed his life wholesale. To read more about Osher and peruse the full show notes, go here👉🏾bit.ly/richroll776
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FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS & DAN DRAKE
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00:00:00 Intro
00:00:33 Osher's Mental Health Journey and Recovery
00:01:38 Childhood Anxiety and Panic Attacks
00:02:58 Body Image and Weight Struggles
00:08:31 Mental Health and Intesive Obsessive Thoughts
00:11:48 Mental Health Outpatient Clinic
00:14:33 Using Alcohol and Drugs to Manage Mental Health
00:21:57 Stress and Pressure in Live TV
00:28:09 Seeking Help for Mental Health
00:31:23 On Our Cultural Relationship with Alcohol
00:32:22 Ad Break
00:33:20 Becoming the Host of Australian Idol
00:41:48 Hitting Bottom and Pain Threshold
00:42:41 Confronting Disposition and Extra Mile
00:46:11 Beginning of Mental Health Journey
00:50:59 Complex Mental Illness and Homelessness in California
00:53:04 Experiencing Psychosis and Seeking help
00:59:01 Understanding Psychosis
01:02:05 Discussion About Medication and Its Effects
01:03:48 Exploration of Psilocybin as a Potential Treatment
01:05:50 The Setbacks & Limitations in Research on Psychedelics
01:10:44 Anxiety Around Climate Change
01:12:32 Facing Discomfort
01:13:16 Overcoming Mental Health Challenges
01:18:25 Understanding and Dealing with Psychotic Episodes
01:21:17 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support
01:23:30 Sharing Stories of Mental Health Struggles
01:25:49 Understanding the Seductive Nature of Negative Thoughts
01:30:52 Meeting His Partner, Audrey
01:32:35 Becoming a Better Person
01:33:52 Taking Action on Climate Change
01:38:05 Mental Illness Statistics
01:39:21 Disclosing Mental Health at Work
01:47:04 Parenting and Self-reflection
01:51:56 Fitness and Mental Health
01:56:33 Learning and Managing Mental Health
01:57:48 Seeking Help and Breaking the Stigma
01:59:20 Taking Control and Asking for Help
02:01:15 Closing
* * * * *
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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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[@bluegreenOD]

Rich - I’ve been following you for over 8 years and your fidelity and connection to your friends / guests is testimony to your sincerity / authenticity- you are such a mentor to many

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

Very well said!

[@kmsch986]

Wow, I’m a doctor and this was such an important discussion for people to hear who don’t understand suicidal ideation. Both of you have really saved lives because of talking about this. All the time, families will say to me, my child or spouse would never do that. But, they don’t realize it’s the quiet whisper of an impulse in just the wrong moment that can change everything. It’s not a logical thought out decision. Thank you for talking about this.

[@user-gs5hw7pr1l]

Thank you so much 💗 I am Australian, same age as Osher and remember him throughout my life and never realised our stories are so alike. Everything he says resonates and while I am crying here, I am so grateful for conversations like this ❤

[@wandarask8444]

Nice comment. You might think my comment is strange, It's people like you who make our world feel that bit softer, cause your honest, and we don't feel alone. Thanks care Love your fellow Aussie

[@Plan_it-Farm]

Brave man talking about this on such a large platform. I've got a dear friend that has gone through a psychosis break and the amount of shame attached to it and embarrassment he experiences is still a huge challenge. Thanks for this

[@OnceUponATimeLori]

The way he describes how he felt during his mental illness episodes is so real, and how he talks about meds being a way to be able to do the work. Brilliant. It's so difficult to convey to people who don't deal with mental illness, how it feels and how meds work. This was very relatable. Thank you.

[@chrissik3102]

I’ve listened to so many episodes of the RRP, this is probably the most powerful one for me. Thank you both and everyone who made this happen.

[@jodiebbruce]

Omg! Osher! I am so proud and so blown open by this inter by! Proud to be Australian beside you and blown open by your honesty! Thank you endlessly!!! Great interview Rich! Bless you all! 💖

[@connieroller]

Bravo. Describing a brain malfunction to people that have never had one is brutally difficult. Thank you for educating all of us.

[@stevetipp7340]

The complexity and speed with which Osher speaks gives you a sense of how his mind works and it’s really illuminating. And it’s so intense.

[@gelanotiamo]

23 years old and experienced my fair share of psychological problems. Could relate a lot to him and definitely gave a sense of ease & confirmation that I’m not alone with those exact kind of problems. After a ”psychosis breakdown” which of the worst part lasted about 3 days, I finally sought help and it definitely did help to clarify a lot, but most people cannot understand it fully. I’ve had straight up the same experience that I thought people put mind altering drugs or whatever in my food / drinks, even if it where close friends sometimes. I was aware of everything and yet it still was such a strong feeling / thought that didn’t go away. Anyway this is the short version of the story. Never used any hard drugs, excessive drinking or whatever. Lots of OCD thoughts & build-up stress / anxiety over the years though. I eat healthy, active daily, never ever drink / smoke / party crazy. It’s a battle that lasts a lifetime so you better find a way that works for you to deal with it and stay “sane”.

[@Starfish2145]

I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with a young man. As a mom I feel for you. I hope you stay well.

[@endgamefond]

Rich Roll pod is underated. He asks very great questions.

[@TheAstrologicalBuddhist]

Doesn’t matter how long you are sober listening to shared stories is imperative. My 7 years and 7 months don’t mean a thing when I look at today, and today I recognise my self sabotage and I will get my ass to a meeting. Thank you for sharing, I needed this today like many will who will listen. ❤

[@shobhas8729]

As a mother of an adult daughter who went through psychosis it’s very relatable. It was very hard on her. With proper medication and therapy things have been great. She is working as a data analyst in a good company. I’m and she is so proud of herself. The key was proper diagnosis ,medication,therapy and family support. She does take meds without fail. Again the interview was very informative and osher articulated it perfectly. I have asked my daughter to listen to this podcast with me again . I want her to listen to the part where you emphasize on the importance of meditation and exercise. Thank you richroll!

[@betsirianni5625]

One of the best episodes! The description of his experiences was so enlightening. I really appreciate that he had the courage to share it all. (Both with vulnerability and humor) thank you!

[@gailcohee7970]

This is such a vulnerable and insightful recounting of a traumatic life struggle. I so thank you. And Bluey has been a favorite for years. I used my grandchildren as an excuse to watch it.

[@cheekychoc5132]

Rich - more guests like this. Truly fascinating and interesting to hear someone go through this and come out the other side. Just afascinating interview. Bless you for showing this and destigmatiaing it.

[@Sensewithsam]

This episode is absolutely amazing. What a gift- thank you ❤ to Osher and to Rich.

[@SchalkNeethling]

This has so far been my favourite episode. I could relate to so much of what Osher shared it was kinda scary. IT was almost like he was retelling my life journey from a different continent. Thanks for sharing, Osher and Rich! ✌

[@rosaliegrady6996]

Thank you both. Alot.

[@pamelaforward1414]

Brilliant conversation and Osher, your final comment about the Australian media and the Australian attitude is priceless, so true. Keep doing you! You make the world a better place

[@barbarajean7208]

I so appreciate Osher’s insights and willingness to tell it like it is. I have a tendency to think I’m supposed to be ok all the time, because I envision people like Osher are ok all the time. His transparency is refreshing and I believe it’s the only way to truly benefit others. Thank you, Osher!

[@harland327]

Loved this episode thank you. I remember meeting Osher when he was known as Andrew G in Melbourne. Lovely Man

[@GlimmerDoesGrunge]

This was incredibly inspiring. I needed this today.

[@connieroller]

Rich, Your gift of telling Oshur he always has a home with you was priceless. Just by giving the offer you provided a lifeline that he can hold to, even if he never needs to ask.

[@aanchaallllllll]

0:08: 🏄 The speaker discusses their journey with mental health, including panic attacks, body image issues, and irrational fears of sexually transmitted diseases. 10:52: 😔 The person struggled with mental health issues and turned to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism, eventually realizing the need to stop but only doing so after 14 years. 20:59: 😨 The speaker recounts their time as a VJ on Music Television (MTV) in Australia, describing the stress, pressure, and partying that came with the job, as well as the intense panic attacks and PTSD they experienced after witnessing a riot and surviving the 9/11 attacks in New York City. 30:59: 🍺 The speaker discusses his struggles with alcohol and drugs, including his realization of having a problem and his attempts to quit. 40:53: 😰 The speaker discusses his experience with mental health issues and the challenges of managing them. 50:40: 😰 The speaker describes his experience with psychosis, including paranoid delusions and distorted perception of reality. 1:00:48: 😔 The speaker shares their experience with mental health issues, including depression, medication, and therapy. 1:10:25: 🧠 The speaker shares their experiences with mental health challenges and the importance of facing discomfort to bring about change. 1:20:05: 🗣 The speaker discusses the power of vulnerability and the importance of seeking stories of people who have overcome similar struggles. 1:29:13: 💔 The speaker discusses the challenges of managing mental illness, the importance of support from loved ones, and the need for action in addressing climate change. 1:39:41: 🌟 The journey of overcoming addiction and mental health challenges, finding purpose in work, and becoming a better person. 1:50:26: 🚴 The speaker discusses the importance of physical activity in managing mental health and suggests seeking help and learning about cognitive distortions. 1:59:51: 🚗 Take care of your mental health like you would take care of a car with roadside assistance. Recap by Tammy AI

[@caroladams9462]

Amazing that he has been so successful because vast majority would end up on the street! The United States Mental health system is horrific. Having money and support is crucial. Psychiatrists dole out meds and send you out the door in minutes and appts with good psychologists are hard to come by and expensive. Beyond awful situation. Heartbreaking.

[@zjzj6800]

In Australia you still need to pay couple of hundred dollars to see a psychatrists. If you don't have that money, you can be put on a public hospital waiting list, but that takes a while. You do get some money back from Medicare when you see a specialist privately. You still need to have money to see a medical specialist. Sometimes there are bulkbilling clinics where you don't pay anything to see a GP but they are becoming far less common, as most bulk billing doctors now charge.

[@jadedoe9966]

My uncle is homeless and on drugs in ca and he has free healthcare, gets free hospital visits, free rehab stays, he just spent 2 weeks at a psych hospital for free… No idea what you’re talking about

[@caroladams9462]

Have been through 2 heartbreaking and terrifying Bipolar episodes with loved one. How dare you say I have no idea, have lived it!

[@becthompson3919]

Thank you both What a gift you have given It hasn't just been an important conversation. I have been blessed by your generosity Feeling humble, grateful and in awe.

[@nikkacar7949]

Signor Osher e coraggioso, sincero, bravo e forte. GRAZIE!!!!!!!!! Con sua intervista aiutera a molte persone. ❤

[@judithgolledge1960]

Great great episode - that absolutely resonates with me and family members - thanks for having such a giving and honest guest.

[@kandilula]

Have loved Osher ever since the first time i saw him on Idol, and even though I don’t watch that kind of (or any really) TV anymore, this was great. The best part of it was his tribute to his wife. Just lovely. ❤

[@DeliaSlucutt]

Wow. So good. Cheers the both of you and team around in production.

[@ohwell9093]

Thankyou Rich and Osher for having this conversation and being so generous, open and honest. I didn't know how terrifying your journey has been. There are so many precious bits in your conversation to learn from and I'll try and bring these forward in my life

[@ravenwild5184]

So powerful, kudos to being vulnerable and sharing this, this can save others. It is also a testament to free health care. I believe so many go untreated and fall through the cracks here in the US because they cannot afford necessary treatment.

[@tomnohmy1273]

Famous people face less prejudice regarding mental health, avg people still face alot of prejudice and are much more reluctant to talk about it

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

True

[@aulukas]

Incredibly authentic thank you for sharing 🙏

[@muscleNPmama]

His description of Hollywood = truth 😅

[@Cassper11]

Love you Osher! Remember when you were Andrew G on Australian Idol back in the day. Come so far. Much love ❤

[@JRad-ms2zw]

Wow you are right, in about 2002, when Guy Sebastian won it!

[@GayleDE]

Osher, thank you.

[@victoriagiardinieri1904]

I can very much relate to this.

[@anoucheerbil-babayan6728]

Bravo to both of you ❤️❤️

[@lynnekemp4728]

I too learned so much from this podcast and l too am very grateful for the insight. The only downside l would say is that the best/most effective treatment and help is available to those who can afford it. People lower down the food chain do not always access the same level of treatment in time to either help or save them. Let's hope that in time, this will change. Love and appreciate what you are doing.

[@daxlkelm75]

What a gift🙏🏻

[@tendaichiota97]

Thank you

[@shiewhun1772]

Psychosis. This is probably the first time I've heard someone else describe what I call 'dry psychosis'. I.e. psychosis not triggered by a drug you used to get high. Because when the psychosis is triggered by weed or any hallucinogenic, you sort of understand why it's happening and it's not scary. But it is scary when you don't take any drugs and are all of a sudden very paranoid and start to have distorted thoughts. And then you see someone with full-blown psychosis on the street and you realize the only difference between you and them is that you know something is wrong in your head, and you have a support system that you can go to for help. It is scary. I realized crazy people are not that crazy; they are having a very real experience, but their brain's error/reality-checking systems are offline.

[@annaweatherupmusic]

This interview is really important. I can relate to some of these experiences. Thank you for sharing guys! PS - I still can't roll a good cable! x

[@NelCapeTown]

Very powerful. I'm so grateful I heard it and I will try to do it justice by remembering in those moments when I feel like a ramp model falling off her heels whobbly kneed.

[@cheekychoc5132]

More episodes like this

[@janedavies703]

Really enjoyable.

[@DavidRussellM]

Interesting interview! Y'all made me look up System of the Down again and I'm loving it! =)

[@MereMortalsBookReviews]

This was lovely to listen to, the brutality and reality of it all. Hits close to home being a Brisbanite too.

[@debrachase3131]

"God or Buddha or Prince..." Love it:)

[@highcapnative]

Christian Bale looks good blonde !

[@Dio-up7yh]

I have watched this podcast in instalments. What stopped me watching the whole interview was because Osher’s dialogue is so hard for me to follow- it was like Rich had to interject and interpret the rant just to articulate better the thoughts that his guest had. Rich is the master intellect and interviewer.

[@bethraflowers5799]

❤❤❤

[@alim8167]

The wound is the place where the light enters you. Rumi

[@thegoddesswithin8859]

Fellow Aussie here. Exact same age as you. Feminine version of some of your traits. Also very healthy, very vulnerable and very real these days. 3 things... 1. We were all very, very scared of the f!#$ing Grim Reaper. Those TV adds with the bowling balls didn't help one little bit. 2. It's true. Aussies have no concept of a healthy relationship with alcohol until we go O.S. And that is to our detriment and needs to be addressed. And 3. Hughsie had your number!!! I'm glad. I see you. I hear you. Some of what you are talking about I understand. You've grown. We've grown. Good for you mate. 👍🙏

[@scottlangrehr144]

Some things hs are out of our control.... Our heart beats, we breathe, we sweat, our organs breakdown food an we take it all for granted without thought Our minds are also to a large extent outside our control. So much of our wiring relies on the experiences in life, our fears, our own unique perspective on life. Yet we beat ourselves up about our thoughts a lot of which we can't control and are instinctive. Life is a team game, collectively we are much more resilient than our individual self. Always speak up and ask one simple question to those you care about or even remotely know... RU ok

[@geoffmerritt]

41:46 Geez, I thought Dave Hughes was a there...

[@ryanscottlogan8459]

What gorgeous hair!

[@makellyjt]

They're on DSM 10 now 😮

[@ashleydymond3681]

I think DSM-5 is the latest version like Rich mentioned.

[@jessicap5010]

Isn’t his name Andrew G

[@kyleebristow6223]

Yep but he changed it to Osher. I think it means happiness.

[@arturcuryllo5832]

No. That's Ali G

[@TurkeySub-wq6zl]

He looks incredible for 49

[@upendasana7857]

...also Rich,stop trying to rationalise or not acknowledge as your guest does that if it was not for his privileges of being a white,middle class man and with money for certain interventions and help thehn he might well not have made it to be sitting there with you.That is often the only difference between people who end up "crazy"on the street or in and out of insitutions and this man who has the grace to acknowledge that. Please just accept that often for those who are poorer and lower down the socioeconomic scale and those of colour very often their chance of a recovery or finding better treatment options are less than slim and as he says are often lightly to be shit dead by US cops or left on the streets exposed to more trauma.

[@jamesrose2312]

Pretty sure he says something on this a couple times, maybe not exact or emphatically. 1:14:05

[@jadedoe9966]

If you can’t afford anything here in America you get it for free. “Poor” People have better insurance than I do, stop being a victim you sound mental

[@edwinagetty1345]

heard of letting go and coming off meds get real

[@mokhtaralgerian4784]

To everyone who wants to know the truth of the world, I say to him: Walk towards Islam

[@skippy5388]

If I was walking on a bridge and Osher Gunsberg was walking toward me from one end and Whitney Cummings from the other, I'd have to jump off.

[@TundeEszlari]

I love your videos, can I get a comment heart?

[@jimparsons4312]

❤️

[@platogenova9573]

Them? How many people is he talking about? Everyone “will get it” on climate change 😂 Oh god, the arrogance.

[@markkerryfinney5608]

I love hearing the personal stories and the hope they can bring to others but I could not keep listening to the foul language coming from Oshers mouth. Disappointed it could not be bleeped out of this conversation. I get a bit of language here and there but this was insulting my ears. 😔

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

Haven't seen Andrew G for ages! He doesn't look like he's aged at all! Except for the hair!

[@kristylouise727]

So happy to see Osher on Rich Roll.. how amazing. I've watched you since Channel V days and loved this podcast. :-)