Available in Print,
Digital, Audio

The immutable laws of a helpful conversation when supporting someone through emotional pain

We think that ‘talking’ and ‘connecting’ are the same thing.

It turns out that they are completely different.

Very few people know how to actually connect... until now.

REAL CONVERSATIONS

In this book, Mitch Wallis delivers a powerful solution to one of life’s most difficult challenges: how to stop fumbling through awkward, yet crucial conversations about mental health.

With a precise, 5-step framework called ‘ELsA.B,’ Mitch offers a counterintuitive yet deeply effective approach to navigating complex issues in human relationships.This bite-sized framework is your map to sitting in the mud with someone — leaning into discomfort when they need you most — because real, effective communication doesn’t just make a difference.
It can save lives.

It’s time to drop the small talk.
Stop asking about the weather.
Stop trying to fix people or cheer them up.
Stop ignoring the conversation you know you need to have.

Instead, learn how to lean in with confidence and create conversations that truly move the needle — in their wellbeing and in the strength of your relationship with them.

Real Conversations — a practical guide to finding deeper connection, greater impact, and a whole new level of meaning in your life.

ORDER NOW

Why I wrote this book

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"Mitch Wallis has penned a must-read mental health guide for anyone who cares for, works with or supports a person living with mental illness. Read this book - and learn exactly how your conversations and connections will save lives."
Antoinette Lattouf
Journalist & Author
"Reading Real Conversations was incredibly insightful for me, as it is packed full of very practical tools that I know will be useful for me in several ways: as a peer supporter for those struggling to adapt to the change that comes with living with a spinal cord injury; in my own personal connections and relationships; and when it comes to my relationship with myself. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in growing their ability to connect on a deeper level."
Brad Smeele
Author and mental health advocate
"A very compelling read at a time where a significant number of our community are going through particularly challenging times"
Colin Seery
CEO, Lifeline
"Forging meaningful connections and finding a place where one truly belongs can have a transformative effect on mental wellbeing and psychological safety in the workplace. Real Conversations is a must-read to gain the appropriate skills and confidence to do just that!"
Lainie Cassidy
Director – People and Inclusion, KPMG
"Humans are more disconnected than ever before; Real Conversations acts as the practical guide to bring us all back together. A much-needed read for everyone seeking to foster genuine connections."
Joe Williams
Mental health advocate, author & former professional athlete
"Every so often, a book comes along that pieces together the most complex puzzles. Real Conversations tackles the intricacies of mental illness with hope and clarity. Beyond helping others, this book is a Trojan horse that unveils profound insights about yourself and your actions in all your relationships. It is a game changer for improving meaningful connection."
Luke Cook
Founder of Cuppa
"Turning up for those we love the most is one of the most important yet challenging things we’ll ever do. More difficult yet is being able to turn up while still maintaining one’s own sense of self and identity. Throughout this book, my beautiful friend Mitch is able to guide us through those conversations with the warmth and honesty he is so well known for."
Madison de Rozario OAM
Paralympic gold medalist
"The ultimate guide to supporting someone through emotional pain."
Mallika Chopra
Bestselling author
"Mitch grabs you at the start with his vulnerability and courage: he has the special ability to hold both of those things at the same time. The book made me reach for the phone to call my mum and daughters. The fear of doing damage when someone you love is in emotional pain can stop you engaging and thus connecting, but Mitch gives you the skills and methods to overcome this."
Pip Marlow
CEO, Salesforce Australia
"I’ve been where Mitch has been and understand the journey that you need to take – the learnings and peace that can be found. With this book, Mitch will help readers understand why the pillar of connection is fundamental to understanding, break down stigma and give practical ways to look after your mental health."
Sir John Kirwan
Former New Zealand All Black & founder of Groov
"After the disconnection and distress of a serious mental health issue, Mitch Wallis seeks to connect himself and us more authentically to this planet and to each other through real conversation. His personal journey of discovery speaks of the power of connection, compassion and story to enable genuine sharing, listening and talking with each other."
Tim Heffernan
Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW
"Sometimes it can be challenging to talk to someone about mental health. Feeling like you need to ask the "right" questions or feel scared to say the wrong thing. Even as someone who has suffered poor mental health, this book has given me the confidence to talk to anyone who might be suffering. Mitch has made having real conversations about tricky topics, easy."
Leisel Jones
Olympic gold medalist
"Mitch’s perspective is insightful and engaging. His ability to articulate what occurs in a mental health episode is extraordinarily empathetic. He shares tangible tools to build strong connection and provide life-saving support for those we care about. As with mentoring, this is all about really listening, and Mitch’s book will give you the practical skills you need to step in and walk alongside those you love. It’s extraordinarily helpful, and it’s just what we need."
Vicki Condon OAM
Founder & CEO, Raise Foundation
"Mitch Wallis has penned a must-read mental health guide for anyone who cares for, works with or supports a person living with mental illness. Read this book - and learn exactly how your conversations and connections will save lives."
Antoinette Lattouf
Journalist & Author
"I’ve been where Mitch has been and understand the journey that you need to take – the learnings and peace that can be found. With this book, Mitch will help readers understand why the pillar of connection is fundamental to understanding, break down stigma and give practical ways to look after your mental health."
Sir John Kirwan
Former New Zealand All Black & founder of Groov
"Turning up for those we love the most is one of the most important yet challenging things we’ll ever do. More difficult yet is being able to turn up while still maintaining one’s own sense of self and identity. Throughout this book, my beautiful friend Mitch is able to guide us through those conversations with the warmth and honesty he is so well known for."
Madison de Rozario OAM
Paralympic gold medalist
"The ultimate guide to supporting someone through emotional pain."
Mallika Chopra
Bestselling author
"Reading Real Conversations was incredibly insightful for me, as it is packed full of very practical tools that I know will be useful for me in several ways: as a peer supporter for those struggling to adapt to the change that comes with living with a spinal cord injury; in my own personal connections and relationships; and when it comes to my relationship with myself. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in growing their ability to connect on a deeper level."
Brad Smeele
Author and mental health advocate
"A very compelling read at a time where a significant number of our community are going through particularly challenging times"
Colin Seery
CEO, Lifeline
"Humans are more disconnected than ever before; Real Conversations acts as the practical guide to bring us all back together. A much-needed read for everyone seeking to foster genuine connections."
Joe Williams
Mental health advocate, author & former professional athlete
"Every so often, a book comes along that pieces together the most complex puzzles. Real Conversations tackles the intricacies of mental illness with hope and clarity. Beyond helping others, this book is a Trojan horse that unveils profound insights about yourself and your actions in all your relationships. It is a game changer for improving meaningful connection."
Luke Cook
Founder of Cuppa
"Forging meaningful connections and finding a place where one truly belongs can have a transformative effect on mental wellbeing and psychological safety in the workplace. Real Conversations is a must-read to gain the appropriate skills and confidence to do just that!"
Lainie Cassidy
Director – People and Inclusion, KPMG
"Mitch grabs you at the start with his vulnerability and courage: he has the special ability to hold both of those things at the same time. The book made me reach for the phone to call my mum and daughters. The fear of doing damage when someone you love is in emotional pain can stop you engaging and thus connecting, but Mitch gives you the skills and methods to overcome this."
Pip Marlow
CEO, Salesforce Australia
"After the disconnection and distress of a serious mental health issue, Mitch Wallis seeks to connect himself and us more authentically to this planet and to each other through real conversation. His personal journey of discovery speaks of the power of connection, compassion and story to enable genuine sharing, listening and talking with each other."
Tim Heffernan
Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW
"Sometimes it can be challenging to talk to someone about mental health. Feeling like you need to ask the "right" questions or feel scared to say the wrong thing. Even as someone who has suffered poor mental health, this book has given me the confidence to talk to anyone who might be suffering. Mitch has made having real conversations about tricky topics, easy."
Leisel Jones
Olympic gold medalist
"Mitch’s perspective is insightful and engaging. His ability to articulate what occurs in a mental health episode is extraordinarily empathetic. He shares tangible tools to build strong connection and provide life-saving support for those we care about. As with mentoring, this is all about really listening, and Mitch’s book will give you the practical skills you need to step in and walk alongside those you love. It’s extraordinarily helpful, and it’s just what we need."
Vicki Condon OAM
Founder & CEO, Raise Foundation

WANT TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER FOR FREE?

DOWNLOAD HERE

WHO'S IT FOR

Duty of Care Supporters

People who have a non-negotiable critical responsibility to learn how to care effectively

Parents & caregivers

People managers & business owners

Teachers & principals

Concerned Confidants

People who need more tools to invest in important relationships where we have an obligation to show up well

Spouses/partners

Co-workers

Siblings

Friends

Accidental Counsellors

People who, by virtue of their role, are facing vulnerable moments with clients and customers. There is a window of opportunity for both parties to either grow or be injured in these situations

Hairdressers, tattoo artists, personal trainers

Financial advisors, mortgage brokers, insurance case managers

Pharmacists, doctors, vets, solicitors

Professional Supporters

People who are paid to support people through challenging times and build their livelihood/impact from their EQ and want more learning & development

HR managers

Counsellors or psychologists

Teachers & Principals

Optimizers
‍

People who are passionate about the maximising human potential and self-actualization

Salespeople

Self-help enthusiasts/ productivity hackers

Psychology intriguers

What you will learn

Transform your most important relationships

Master the art of meaningful conversations – Learn how to break through small talk, ask the right questions, and create deep, genuine connections, even in difficult moments.

Know exactly what to say when someone is struggling – Gain a proven step-by-step framework to navigate conversations about mental health with confidence, care, and impact.

Handle crises with clarity and confidence – Discover how to manage high-risk situations like suicide, self-harm, and emotional breakdowns without fear or uncertainty.

Help others without burning out – Set healthy boundaries so you can support loved ones without carrying their pain or feeling overwhelmed.

Transform the way you listen and respond – Unlock evidence-based techniques that build trust, validation, and emotional safety, making people feel truly seen and understood.

Commercial or large quantity orders?

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