Triple J radio presenter Bryce Mills stunned listeners on Monday morning by quitting his show live on air.
The breakfast show host said the demands of the job, which he has had since 2021, had left him feeling burnt out.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Triple J breakfast host explains why he quit his job.
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“I think I’ve averaged five hours (of sleep) a night in three and a half years,” he told his listeners.
He then posted a 17-minute-long video to YouTube going into deeper exploration of why he was quitting.
On Instagram, he explained why he had decided to make the video.
“Yo! This is my last week co-hosting Triple J breakfast,” he wrote.
“I made my decision to leave back in January and told myself I had 6 months to find a new job.
“And here we are …
“I’ve spent all of this year documenting the entire process.
“If you’re gonna watch PLEASE just promise me you’ll watch it right until the end.
“It won’t make ANY sense otherwise lmao.
“You’ve been so vulnerable with me over the years with all of your texts and calls and messages so I figured it was time to return the favour.”
Mills said the video was “unlike anything I’ve ever done,” and releasing it made him “so nervous I could throw up”, but he did not want to send out a generic press release and then just disappear from the airwaves.
In the video, Mills said he had been struggling with his mental health and had contemplated taking his life earlier this year.
“Of course, it wasn’t something I talked about on the show,” he said.
“The last thing they’d wanna hear is me coming on and being like, ‘oh guys, I was actually quite seriously considering taking my own life last night’.
“That’s not the vibe.
“If someone told me they were going through that, I wouldn’t judge them.
“But for some reason, I couldn’t afford myself that grace.”
Mills took four weeks off work — and that month turned out to be the life-changing moment that he realised something had to give.
“I want anyone watching this to know that it might feel like everything is on fire right now, but I promise you, when you take a bit of distance, when you open up and be vulnerable about these things, you just don’t know what’s going to be around the corner,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of getting in touch with the services that offer help to those who are struggling with their mental health (see bottom of article).
While Mills is leaving the breakfast show, he isn’t totally quitting Triple J.
In a few weeks’ time, he will begin co-hosting the lunch program with Dave Woodhead.
“I didn’t expect (Triple J) to offer … so it’s cool that I still get to be here and do that,” he said on air Tuesday.
His breakfast show spot will be taken up by comedian, presenter and podcaster Luka Muller, who will co-host with Concetta Caristo from July 1.
‘Huge run’
On Instagram, Mills’ fans wished him well for the future and thanked him for the video.
“This is so brave, and inspiring, you’re incredible, Bryce,” wrote one follower.
“So excited for you and this next chapter.”
“Such a huge run, Bryce,” wrote another.
“Few people could’ve pushed through a pandemic, different co-hosts, and breakfast hours like you did, with as much dedication and creativity as you have.
“You’re a singular talent, and it’s always been clear that you’d succeed at anything you turned your hand to.”
“Cool so I didn’t expect to cry … but I did,” wrote a third.
“Love you loads dude and excited for this new era for you, of sleep ins and fine-tuning what you love.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.