Four Blokes, Two Mics & a Surf Park - The Waves Of Wellness Debrief

The Imposter Podcast AU

In this chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly meaningful episode, Burso is joined by Fitzy, Juzzy, and Dave “Johnno” at Melbourne’s URBNSURF to reflect on their eight-week journey through the Waves of Wellness surf program—a mental health initiative blending group therapy and man-made waves.

The episode opens with mic mishaps, Ricky Bobby impressions, and awkward lollipop-style handling of audio gear—before settling into a rich and relatable conversation about why the surfboard might be the new couch for veterans and first responders.

They discuss what it was like stepping into a wetsuit for the first time in years—especially ones that feel more like sieves than insulation—and how man-made barrels (even if only 4 seconds long) created space for real emotional release. Amongst the banter, one surprising revelation stood out: the real healing didn’t happen in the chat circles—it happened during party waves and post-surf coffees.

The team jokes about flaps, velcro shoes, and microphones that feel like Cossack hats, but also get deep:

• Why are younger veterans so hard to reach?
• Why is it easier to open up during a wipeout than in a psychologist’s office?
• Has the loss of the “after-shift beer” killed off one of the best support tools we had?

Anecdotes You’ll Love:

• Dave Johnno DJ... pees in his wetsuit (accidentally?), only to discover it was a drysuit.
• Fitzy openly admits if he’s not having fun surfing, “no one’s getting up”—sabotage is the name of the game.
• Dave finally talks… and ends up being the most poetic, describing mic windscreens as “Russian hats for mice in Stalingrad.”
• They debate shrimp breeds and the philosophical merit of Neocaridina.
• Multiple running jokes around “adages,” eventually becoming a game of Adage Bingo.

Despite the laughs, there’s real substance here. They talk about how this kind of surf-based therapy helps where traditional models don’t—no pressure to perform, no clinical coldness, just mateship, motion, and momentum.

They reflect on the disconnect between veterans and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), pointing out the flawed communication systems and outdated platforms like DVA TV. Even with good programs like this one, they say, “How do you help people if you can’t even contact them?”

The episode closes with a discussion on sustainability—can the crew keep surfing after the program ends? Would they pay to come back? Can this model work nationally? They’re not sure, but one thing's clear: connection, even over shrimp jokes and cold water, can be life-changing.

Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Urban Surf (00:00:00)

2. Waves of Wellness Program Explained (00:06:43)

3. Surf as Therapy for Mental Health (00:15:23)

4. The Lost Art of Post-Shift Debriefing (00:21:12)

5. Reaching Veterans and Support Programs (00:32:15)

6. Discussing DVA and Veteran Resources (00:50:58)

7. Final Thoughts and Pricing Information (00:55:10)