Sports broadcaster who lost everything to addiction in 2016 — now shares a raw story of recovery and sobriety
Mark Aiston has been a fixture of Australian television and radio since 1980 — a sports host, radio commentator and radio show host whose career has taken him to the country's biggest sporting events. As a host and facilitator, his client list includes the Melbourne Cup, the Sydney Olympics, the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, the Toyota AFL Grand Final lunch, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Bathurst, the Gold Coast Indy, the Australian Moto GP, the Sydney to Hobart and the World Netball Championships.
In 2016, that career — along with his marriage, family and friends — was lost to addiction to marijuana, alcohol, cocaine and gambling. What followed is the story Mark now tells from the stage. He somehow managed to free himself from the grip of addiction, and his journey to recovery and ongoing sobriety has been nothing short of amazing. His message about addiction, mental health and sobriety is powerful and raw. He holds nothing back, telling openly and honestly of his spiral into the darkest of holes — and the SA Police Commissioner has credited presentations like his with opening the dialogue about mental wellbeing.
Audiences get two speakers in one: a candid, courageous account of mental illness and recovery, and a polished broadcaster who knows exactly how to hold a room. Clients consistently describe him as professional, humorous, fast thinking and generous with his time before and after events. For wellbeing programs, awards dinners and conferences needing an MC or facilitator, Mark Aiston offers something rare — hard-won honesty delivered with the timing of a career media professional.
Mark Aiston is a keynote speaker and MC based in South Australia who speaks on media & journalism, mental health & wellbeing and motivation. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
How addiction almost took Mark Aiston's life, and how he dug himself out of the dark hole to the light.
Recognising your own mental health and how to ensure your wellness going forward.
The art of the media interview and how to nail your TV appearance.
Corporate, sport fundraiser.
Thank you for your outstanding presentation on your personal journey and humorous media segments. To speak about such personal issues as your mental illness and to do so in such a humorous and open way was very courageous and struck accord with many members of our audience. Your professionalism, humour and openness made for an entertaining and information talk, I have received many positive comments, thank you for sharing. We all agreed your presentation was the best guest speaker presentation over recent years.Superintendent, SA Police
Mark Aiston was very easy to deal with and the feedback that we received regarding his content and the delivery was that it really resonated with people. The fact that he also mingled before and after his speech and took the time to take a lot of questions was very much appreciated.City of Pollock
Mark Aiston brought a really good energy to our event and gauged the tone just right. He put a lot of effort into the preparation and displayed a high degree of perfectionism. His interaction with our guests, use of humour and emotion and appearance all were a great fit.Local Government Managers Assoc SA DIV
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