Who I Am
Conversations worth having. Insights worth keeping.
Heavy Mental is a brand on a mission to kickstart bold, necessary and sometimes messy conversations about the mind — from burnout and self-doubt to creativity, identity, and finding meaning in modern life.
Through workshops, talks, digital courses and low-key killer merch, we blend psychology with pop culture, research with real talk, and mindfulness with a splash of rebellion.
Whether you're a creative on the brink, an organisation looking to spark something real, or just a curious mind with big feelings — you're in the right place.
Founded by psychologist, writer/designer and ex-music industry misfit, Dr Ash King.
“We’re all encouraged to hustle, achieve, succeed, but we’re rarely given the tools that will help us live better and be happy. Through my work, I hope to help people reconnect to their sense of meaning, weave wisdom into everyday living, and make being human a worthy pursuit.
— Dr Ash King [Heavy Mental]
MEET ASH
Psychologist. Writer. Recovering Overachiever.
I’m Dr Ash King — a registered psychologist, writer/designer and the founder of Heavy Mental.
Right now, I’m the Mental Health Programs Lead at Support Act (Australia’s music industry charity) and hold a PhD from the University of Sydney where I researched authenticity and online self-presentation (yes, Instagram was involved).
Before psychology, I worked across the creative industries — from music and film to radio and theatre — until a vocal injury pulled the plug on a dream and launched me into a new one. Now I help people manage their minds and reconnect to purpose, in ways that are raw, real and human.
Over the past few years, I’ve delivered workshops and talks for: Amazon, APRA/AMCOS, Unified Music Group, Linktree, Pinterest, AIM, Collarts, Pedestrian TV, SXSW Sydney, BIGSOUND, and more.
I’ve been featured in Vogue AU, The Guardian, Refinery29, Russh, Elle, ABC Everyday, and popped up as a guest expert on Triple J's Hack, Russh Weekend, and various industry events.
I speak fluent pop culture, love a deep dive, and believe that psychology doesn't have to be clinical to be transformative.
Short Bio:
Dr Ash King is a registered psychologist and writer/designer, with a PhD in Cyberpsychology. After a career-ending vocal injury shifted her from music to mental health, Ash now helps creatives and curious minds reconnect to meaning, manage their inner world, and tap into their creative potential. She’s worked across industries — from music to screen to radio — and believes insight and growth don’t have to be boring (or beige).