Honest Chat: How to tackle your feelings and befriend vulnerability

by Dylan Buckley

Like a lot of footy blokes, having a chat has always come easy to Dylan Buckley. But how to move beyond banter to the deeper conversations he didn’t know he needed is something he’s only learned more recently – a hard-won skill developed through his podcast and the career reboot it gave him after injury, anxiety and a 'lack of form' cut his AFL career short.Through facing his own discomfort and publicly sharing some of his hardest personal challenges, Dyl has made his studio a space where athletes, coaches and personalities beyond sport get vulnerable about sharing the things that matter most – from failure, adversity and unexpected change to difficulties with physical health, mental wellbeing and loved ones.Honest Chat is filled with all the best insights and wisdom from the Dyl and Friends podcast, plus humorous and poignant stories from Dyl’s own life. This illuminating book will resonate with young men and their supporters, making clear that whatever life’s ups and downs, we’re never alone.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychology

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for pretty much everyone. The way Dylan goes about this book is so genuine. Loved it.

[Ronan Ladds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Wish this book was around when I was younger. I resonate with all the themes throughout and found a lot of it inspiring. A very moving book which made me tear up multiple times. I think with topics like this it’s very easy to get caught up in just talking or sharing stories but it gave accessible and tangible tools. Dyl is a legend.

[Tess Flintoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dyl so this was just brilliant, top stuff

[Ana Copping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan writes the way he presents his podcast and I appreciate the authenticity to this read. I really enjoyed the way he reflects on some of the podcast interviews he has done and how he has used these interviews to better different aspects of his own life.

I do think this is a great book for men (definitely the target demographic) who can’t really get into reading books about mental health but are wanting to give it a crack.

The book has great flow and a lot of character.

[Richard Hollands · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7

[Megan Tolson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every young boy needs to read this book

[Stephen Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book everyone should read! Whether you have an understanding of the importance of vulnerability or you are new to the topic, it provides an insight and reminder of how we can be more connected to others and live life in the most fulfilling way. Dyl normalises the feelings many young people, particularly males in their 20’s have and shared his experiences and lessons in an entertaining and insightful way. Reading this book has led me to have a better understanding of myself and remind me what I should do when I don’t. It sets as a great reminder that everyone we come across can teach us something if we look for it. I’d love for my friends to read this.

[Fraser Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it, fantastic the way Dyl tackles so many issues through such a humanising lens. The book reads as a normal bloke talking through his issues, compelling as fuck. Last two chapters tugged on the heartstrings hardddd.

[Deb Chapman · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, yeah nah, didn’t do it for me but then again I’m not the intended audience. Honest and useful account. But what irritates me about these kinds of books/podcasts/self help stuff is the complete lack of structural analysis. Being authentic and working hard doesn’t work if you are facing so many other hurdles. Anyway, good on him, wish it well. And the last chapter on their fertility challenges was the best for me

[Paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Dylan himself. Full of so much wisdom and knowledge, I’ve been recommending this to everyone I know. I’ve learned so much about men’s mental health and can’t wait to listen to his podcast

[Carly Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really easy read, nice short chapters. Insightful and meaningful to different aspects of life. A little male gender centered but still enjoyed as a female reader.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great easy read that has the potential to help more people have difficult, honest conversations.

[Ryley Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and got through it quickly. Insightful and feel good.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, loved this book so much! I copied quotes from it, I spoke to others about it, I got so much from it!

[Jay Perennial · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the journey Dylan has been on since starting his podcast. Very digestible and great tools within.