Stigma is a cop out with Craig Semple

Stigma is a cop out with Craig Semple

From Under the Rug at Work by Nicole Turnbull | Chief Courage Officer | Neon Shed

January 26, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of stigma on mental health in the workplace and features Craig Semple's journey from a police detective to a mental health advocate.

Stigma keeps people silent and unsafe at work. This episode looks at why it’s a cop out and what needs to change. Welcome to Under the Rug at Work, where we shine light on the things that are normally swept under the rug. On this episode, our Founder and Chief Courage Officer, Nicole Turnbull, chats with former New South Wales Police detective and director of Mentality Plus, Craig Semple. Craig shares his powerful story of life in the police force, living with post-traumatic stress, burnout and depression, and how he turned a breakdown into a breakthrough. He now uses that experience to help workplaces understand what real mental health awareness and culture look like. In this conversation, Craig and Nicole talk about how stigma and workplace culture stop people from speaking up, the early warning signs Craig missed and now recognises, and how masking at work can hide serious struggles. They also discuss what leaders can do differently to build understanding and real empathy in their teams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s serious about breaking stigma and building workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and…

People in this episode

Host: Nicole Turnbull

Guest: Craig Semple

Topics covered

  • stigma
  • mental health
  • workplace culture
  • post-traumatic stress
  • empathy
  • leadership

Keywords

  • stigma
  • mental health awareness
  • workplace safety
  • post-traumatic stress
  • burnout
  • depression
  • leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mentality Plus

Books & works: The Cop Who Fell to Earth

Places: New South Wales

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