Former Triple J breakfast host Bryce Mills has delivered a devastating personal update, one year after stepping away from his high-profile role at the national broadcaster.
A Year of Change and Heartbreak
Bryce Mills, aged 31, resigned from his Triple J breakfast show in June 2024, publicly citing severe burnout and mental health struggles. In his first social media post for seven months, shared on Tuesday, the broadcaster revealed a period of profound personal tragedy, having lost both his mother and stepfather in quick succession.
His lengthy Instagram message began on a hopeful note, detailing his recovery since leaving the relentless schedule of breakfast radio. "It's been a year since I quit my safe and financially predictable radio job – a decision that was always going to be a leap of faith," Mills wrote. He reported that the physical symptoms of his burnout, including random eye twitching and vertigo, had finally begun to fade.
Creative Resurgence Shattered by Tragedy
Mills explained he had started to rediscover his creative passions, completing a documentary he had begun in 2024 and uploading it to YouTube in May. "I was excited to feel a bit of creative dopamine and work out the next step of this freelance situation," he continued.
This hopeful period was brutally cut short just one week later. Mills received a life-altering phone call from a paramedic informing him his mother had died. He recounted the paramedic's words: "We're here with your mum... sorry to have to tell you this, but she's deceased." His mother would have celebrated her 62nd birthday on the day he posted.
The heartbreak compounded a mere month later when Mills learned his stepfather, whom he had known his entire life, was in a coma. "A week after that I was told he wouldn't be waking up," Mills shared. He found himself back in the same seat, in the same room, mourning another parent taken suddenly.
Sharing Grief to Navigate a New Reality
The ex-radio star told his 29,000 followers he chose to share his story openly to avoid repeatedly reliving the trauma in casual conversations. He described the awkwardness of being asked, "'broooo what are you up to now after triple j??!!'" and facing the choice between a vague reply or delivering the painful truth.
While expressing gratitude for being free from the daily grind, Mills admitted he now has "a lot of time to fill." He reflected on the challenge of solitude, noting, "where there's free time, there's room for your mind to wander. And no one around to sense check any of those thoughts with."
He concluded his emotional post with a message of solidarity: "Love to anyone else sitting with grief at the moment. And thanks for your patience while I wrap my head around this year." The update prompted an immediate and significant outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and followers.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
