John Comerford

Author/Motivational Speaker

John Comerford: Author, Speaker, Advocate for Men’s Mental Health

John Comerford is a leading advocate for men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and are living with the long-term effects of trauma. A survivor himself, John endured sexual abuse within the Catholic Education System and suffered in silence for over 40 years before a mental health crisis forced him to confront his past. Today, he has emerged as a powerful voice in men’s mental health, using his lived experience to support, empower, and inspire others.

Born in Sydney, Australia, John currently resides in the beachside suburb of Coogee, a place of peace and reflection that contrasts the turmoil he lived with for decades. His journey has been marked by personal resilience, emotional transformation, and a relentless commitment to speaking the truth about trauma, survival, and hope.

After a suicide attempt, John began writing as a way to process the pain he had buried for so long. What started as a personal outlet soon became the foundation of a new life’s purpose, storytelling. Through this process, he discovered not only the therapeutic power of writing but also a calling to help others find their voice.

His debut novel, 'Tarzan Loves Jane', began as a gift for his partner Amber. A dark romantic comedy, the book blends humour, love, and emotional honesty in a story based on their real-life relationship. It struck a chord with readers worldwide for its raw portrayal of trauma wrapped in a relatable and at times light-hearted narrative. 'Tarzan Loves Jane' was ultimately nominated for 'Book of the Year' a testament to its resonance and impact.

John’s second book, 'Battle Armour: 25 Tools for Men’s Mental Health', is a practical guidebook for men who have endured abuse, trauma, or emotional suppression. The book distills John’s own healing journey into 25 actionable tools that help men build resilience, process emotional pain, and begin to reclaim their lives. Each chapter is structured to be direct, simple, and effective, designed to meet men where they are, without shame or judgment.

Unlike traditional self-help models, *Battle Armour* speaks in the language of lived experience. John does not offer theories, he offers what works. He uses the metaphor of “armour” not as a mask or emotional wall, but as a set of tools that men can use to protect and strengthen their inner selves. These tools include practices for managing anger, confronting shame, breaking silence, redefining masculinity, and cultivating courage.

John’s mission is simple but urgent: 'No man suffers in silence.' It is a mission born of personal necessity and carried forward through public advocacy. He believes silence is the enemy of healing and that every man deserves a space to speak, be heard, and begin again.

In the time since the publication of his first book, John has become a frequent guest on podcasts, radio interviews, and mental health forums, where he speaks openly about the lifelong impact of childhood abuse, the realities of suicidal ideation, and the importance of vulnerability in male healing. His voice has been praised for its rawness, relatability, and refusal to conform to outdated ideas of toughness or stoicism.

John’s advocacy extends beyond writing and speaking. He is currently working in partnership with 'Sir Marco Robinson', a bestselling author and humanitarian, on the 'Start Over' book series, an international #1 bestseller focused on stories on how ordianry people became heroes by rebuilding their lives from rock bottom. John’s and the other authors involvement brings a unique and deeply human perspective to the project, and their collaboration continues to reach new audiences worldwide.

Through all of his work, John aims to shine a light on the hidden epidemic of male trauma, particularly the kind that originates in childhood. His own silence lasted decades, not because he lacked strength, but because the world lacked space for his truth. That is what he now seeks to change.

He speaks to the men who never told anyone.
He speaks to the ones who were never believed.
He speaks to the ones who carry shame that never belonged to them.
He speaks to the men who want to heal but don’t know where to start.

John is not a clinician or therapist, he is a survivor who turned his pain into purpose. That distinction is core to his impact. He offers no diagnoses, only solidarity. No promises, only truth. He creates safe spaces by showing that healing isn’t linear, it’s layered and it begins with the courage to speak.

Outside of his books and speaking engagements, John is building *Battle Armour* into a broader movement. With plans for workshops, retreats, digital resources, and community outreach initiatives, *Battle Armour* is evolving into more than a title; it’s becoming a lifeline for men around the world. His vision is to create a global support network where men of all ages, backgrounds, and identities can come together in brotherhood, free of shame and full of purpose.

John also mentors young men, particularly those navigating grief, identity, or unresolved trauma. His one-on-one mentoring is intimate and personal, grounded in deep listening and radical honesty. For many of these young men, John is the first adult who has ever truly heard them. That impact is not lost on him. He often says that if he can help just one man avoid the pain he endured in silence, it’s all worth it.

Despite his growing platform, John remains grounded in his values, authenticity, compassion, and courage. His writing style mirrors his personality: raw but refined, direct but deeply human, dark at times but never without light. He continues to live by the ocean, write daily, and lean into the uncomfortable but necessary work of healing, both personally and publicly.

Topics John Speaks On

* Male mental health and emotional suppression
* Childhood sexual abuse and long-term trauma
* Suicide prevention and post-attempt recovery
* Masculinity, identity, and vulnerability
* The power of storytelling as a healing tool
* How to build your own “battle armour” for life

John is available for podcast interviews, media appearances, keynote speaking, and panel discussions on men’s mental health, trauma recovery, and lived experience advocacy.