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Mental health is often a topic that’s difficult to discuss, especially in industries where toughness culture is valued over vulnerability. Yet, Jason Banks, co-CEO of TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), is on a mission to change that. In our latest episode of Major Convos, Jason shared his personal journey from the corporate world to a transformative 4-year sabbatical and how his experiences have shaped his passion for making mental health care more accessible—particularly for blue-collar workers.
Bringing Light to Mental Health Awareness
Before diving into his work with TIACS, Jason’s career was firmly rooted in the corporate world. But after years of climbing the corporate ladder, he took a major step back—opting for a four-year sabbatical to reevaluate his purpose, the result of an enlightening conversation with his wife. It was during this time of introspection that Jason came to understand the profound importance of mental health, both for himself and others.
His sabbatical wasn’t just a break—it was a chance to recalibrate his values and rethink what success really looked like. During this time, Jason took part in a life-changing trek along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, a challenging yet rewarding experience that further cemented his desire to do meaningful work that could help others. Those years led Jason to his current work with TIACS, where his focus is on supporting people in blue-collar industries who often struggle to reach out or access mental health resources.
TradeMutt: Turning Workwear into a Conversation Starter
This episode sees Jason delve into the work of TradeMutt, a movement that’s using colour and conversation to bring light to mental health issues that are often left in the dark. TradeMutt’s iconic workwear shirts have become a powerful tool for breaking the stigma and turning strangers into mates, all while raising the essential funds to provide free mental health support to tradies, truckies, farmers and other blue-collar workers through the services of TIACS.
Every purchase of TradeMutt merchandise is helping make mental health care accessible for everyone, everywhere and fund professional, confidential counselling services, possibly offering another hour of support for someone in need.
Traditionally, blue-collar industries like construction, trucking and farming have seen mental health as a taboo subject. Workers are often expected to “tough it out,” which can create a culture where emotional struggles are silenced. TradeMutt is changing that by creating a visual cue that encourages workers to open up and talk. These shirts have become symbols of support and solidarity, allowing workers to wear their mental health concerns on their sleeves—literally.
As Jason explained in the podcast, TradeMutt’s shirts aren’t just about looking good—they’re a conversation starter and a movement. When someone sees a colleague wearing a brightly colored shirt, it can spark curiosity and serve as an invitation to discuss something that’s usually avoided. It’s this simple yet effective approach that’s helping to normalise mental health conversations, one shirt at a time.
The Power of Conversations
But it’s not just about the shirts. At the core of TIACS and TradeMutt’s work is the belief that mental health begins with a conversation. For many workers in blue-collar industries, mental health services can feel out of reach, either due to cost, stigma or simply a lack of information. That’s where TIACS steps in.
TIACS provides free, confidential, and professional counseling services to tradies, truckies, farmers and other blue-collar workers who may not otherwise have access to support. It’s a brilliant example of how a small action—like purchasing a brightly colored work shirt—can have a ripple effect, helping to create a culture of care and support.
How You Can Help Yourself and Help Others
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and could benefit from a conversation, TIACS is here to help. The service is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM, and you can reach them by calling or texting 0488846988. Whether you need someone to talk to or you want to learn more about mental health support options, TIACS is just a text message away.
Core Takeaways
Jason Banks’ journey is a powerful reminder that mental health is not just an individual issue—it’s a community issue. By creating spaces where workers feel safe to talk, by offering practical tools like colorful work shirts and by ensuring that professional support is available for those who need it, Jason and his team are helping to build a more supportive, open and healthy work environment for everyone.
So, whether you’re a blue-collar worker or someone who supports them, consider getting involved. Buy yourself or a mate a TradeMutt shirt, start a conversation and help make a difference. You never know when that small gesture could be the beginning of someone else’s journey to being heard.
