Content warning: This post deals with the topic of suicide and might be triggering to some readers.
Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye are the duo from Tassie who are making waves in radio — for all the right reasons.
They're best mates, co-hosts of a national radio show on the Hit Network and their audience is growing bigger by the minute.
As two larrikin Aussie blokes in radio, they're often compared to another very famous Australian male radio duo... Hamish and Andy.
"It's kind of something that we've battled with internally and externally for many years and will continue to do so. I mean, we're two straight white men on the radio working together, we're always going to be instantly compared," says Nath on Mamamia's No Filter this week.
"It would be stupid of us to assume that it wouldn't be like that. It's become part of the parcel. So many male duos come in and hang their hat on the fact they want to be the next Hamish and Andy. Whereas Jimmy and I want to be the first 'Jimmy and Nath.'"
Watch: Jimmy and Nath being hilarious. Post continues below.
Since 2014, Jimmy and Nath have been close mates. In 2015, they landed their first radio show together, and ever since their friendship has grown in parallel to their working relationship.
"It's escapism, it's really joy [working together]," says Jimmy. "I think when we started it, we just wanted to make each other laugh. If we can just put a smile on someone's face, that feels really good, even when things are hard."
Jimmy has been open about his experiences with having depression and anxiety. It's something he's struggled with his whole life, though it was through the journey of radio and talking on air that brought things to the surface.
"I'm somewhat jealous of Nath's relationship with his wife, they met via NOVA before Nath and I met. She has been with Nath over our work and radio journey. I've then made terrible decisions in my own life that haven't allowed me to have that," says Jimmy.
"I made terrible decisions with drugs and alcohol and trying to self medicate the depression. I've hurt ex-partners by cheating on them and making terrible decisions. I wish I hadn't done those things."
There was one raw moment on these themes that went viral.
In May, Jimmy and Nath spoke about the death of a famous golfer, who had died by suicide. Their conversation on air left Jimmy visibly emotional.
"My biggest fear is one day I will take my own life. 8 Australians die every day by suicide. 75 per cent of those who take their own life are male. It f**king needs to stop. You never know when someone is suffering," he said on the show.
"The mask is something people who suffer from depression, anxiety and other things use so they can face the day. Some people have told me, 'Jimmy you don't need to wear a mask, you can just be yourself.' And I appreciate that. But sometimes you want to wear the mask. You wear the mask because it's nice to pretend that you don't have depression and anxiety."
Nath tells No Filter that it's incredibly difficult to see the pain his best friend goes through. But he wants to always be there for him, no matter what.
"I don't see it as exhausting, like Jimmy worries. I see it as my best friend who needed help, so I would be there. We'd stay up talking until 2am, getting his feelings out."
Although Nath has relatively good mental health, he sadly lost his grandfather to suicide.
"We never spoke about it. Even to this day, we still don't speak about it. All of my family are so incredible. My dad is this big, gentle giant but I could count on one hand how many times we've spoken about his father. All I know is that he [died by suicide]."
Jimmy says his mental health is "one of the hardest things" he's spoken about on air. But seeing the positive impact it has had, it feels worth it.
Today, Jimmy's in a much better place. He has a partner he loves dearly, and someone he sees a future with. He hopes that now with a stable life outside of work, he can great more "separation" between work and home life.
Nath adds: "It's been an unbelievable journey of highs and lows. The bravery that Jim shows on air to talk about this stuff, it's just so important. The messages and emails we get when Jim opens up, it's amazing. Complete f**king strangers share their own stories. It's a lot and it's heavy. But it's so powerful."
You can listen to the full interview on No Filter now.
If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
Feature Image: Instagram @jimmyandnath.
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