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Between The Walls
A podcast by the Architecture + Design Library
Step Between the Walls and into the world of design, creativity, and connection. Brought to you by the Architecture + Design Library, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and collaborations shaping New Zealand’s built environment — and beyond.
Join us as we talk to architects, interior designers, builders, makers, and industry leaders about their processes, challenges, and the spaces that inspire them. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply design-curious, Between the Walls offers honest conversations, fresh insights, and a look behind the scenes of the creative industries.
Welcome to your new favourite place to listen, learn, and be inspired.
Between The Walls
Turn the Corner with Glen Thurston
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Between the Walls, Janey and Verity sit down with Wānaka builder Glen Thurston to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Glen shares his own story—one that includes burnout, alcohol dependence, and suicidal thoughts—and how he found the courage to ask for help and turn his life around.
We explore the brutal reality behind the statistics: 53 construction workers lost to suicide each year in New Zealand. In response, Glen launched Turn the Corner—a mission to climb Corner Peak 53 times in 53 days, each climb honouring a life lost. No fundraising, no fanfare—just a call to start talking.
Glen also shares how his journey led to Mental Hunts, an initiative working to change the way mental health is handled for firearms license holders and rural communities. This is an open, honest, and important conversation for anyone in or around the building industry.
Content warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and depression.
Key Takeaways
– 53 lives a year: the mental health crisis in construction
– Glen’s personal story: from rock bottom to recovery
– Why opening up to a GP was the hardest—and best—decision
– The power of movement: why walking and talking matters
– Financial pressure, industry stress, and toxic culture
– How Turn the Corner got tradies talking on the mountain
– Mental Hunts: tackling the fear of losing your firearms license
– What you can say when someone is struggling
– Why mental health training should be as normal as first aid
– The need for everyday brain maintenance—not just crisis support
Follow Glen Thurston
Instagram: @_turnthecorner
@mentalhunts
Support & Resources
Mates in Construction — Free, confidential support for workers in the building industry
Follow Between the Walls
Instagram: @betweentheII_IIs
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