Talking Youth: Recent Episodes
Fiona Luca
Talking Youth is a platform for young people to have a voice and be heard. I have had the pleasure of teaching and guiding youth for 20 years professionally and have learnt and gained so much insight from them. I believe it is not until you sit down, give them time, space and an opportunity to share that you really learn who they are, how they feel and what their experience of life looks like. So my interview process will do just that. I will be having incredible conversations with young people of all walks of life who are open to sharing their story, their dreams, their wins and their struggles to inspire others and to celebrate how awesome they are!!
Talking Youth is so excited to present its first guest for the Inspire You Series; a selection of episodes created to inspire YOU guys, interviewing some seriously epic and influential young people.
Ben Considine is a bloody superstar.
He started surfing at age 8 and now, as a 24-year-old, has an internationally established name in the field of longboard surfing.
Having been ranked 4th in the world, Ben has learnt, sometimes the hard way, what it means to stick to a goal and aim high, all while juggle travelling the world, competing, and being a teenager.
Ben is now a 4th-year physiotherapy student and founder of Ben and Lee Considine Longboard Coaching.
Oh yeah, he also has an epic YouTube channel called TheSundayGlide.
Throughout this conversation, Ben shares what his journey has looked like and HOW he has overcome the down talk in his head, to support him in continuing to reach high and achieve his dreams.
Ben's honest, relatable and relaxed. There are so many pearls in this conversation. You'll love it!
Let us know what you think and how Ben's insight has supported your own journey.
You can catch Ben in so many places:
@ben_considine
@benandleeconsidinesurfcoaching
TheSundayGlide
I have been bursting with excitement to release this amazing conversation.
Lewis Taranto and Kyle Jdali, two Geelong-born 18-year-olds, are the founders of Atman, a mental health brand created to reach as many young people as possible and open up channels of conversation about mental health and life as a youth.
Through their podcast endeavours, live talks, fundraisers and the like, these guys have brought humour, lightness and a conscious and insightful vibe to what is often a heavy and taboo conversation.
Although Atman has remained quiet of late (through their own accord and choice). the Talking Youth podcast was so honoured to bring these two lads together to do what they do best: CHAT!
You will learn how their experiences of high school and being teenagers have unfolded very differently, yet they both have this uncanny ability to finish each others' sentences and dart to and fro like pros!
I didn't want this chat to end ... and you won't either!
We talk about high school, mental health, being separate from our ego, life lessons and so much more!
Please note, there may be some triggering mental health disclosures throughout, so please avoid listening if you are feeling vulnerable or fragile and please seek support.
Enjoy this episode, gang, and as always, if it resonates and you feel MORE folk should have access to it, please share it, subscribe and, better yet, leave us a review!
Have you heard about our upcoming online event? The one that Atman will feature in a LIVE interview for?
Talking Youth Sees You is a fun, interactive and insightful 3-hour personal development online event hosted and facilitated by amazing folk that are committed to supporting the mental well-being of young people.
Open to ages 15-21 years, this event promises to feel completely inclusive. We WANT to hear you and give you the resources and insight we KNOW you are asking for.
Don't miss out.
Reserve your seat at: www.talkingyouth.com.au
Sammy Wilson is a rockstar!! Not only is she cool, calm and collected, she is purposeful in her actions and has created something to support SO many people in our nation.
Sammy is the founder of Sober Mates, a community, an educational platform and a place to go where you can explore your drinking habits. It was created for those people that want to cut down, learn more about their drinking habits and find all the information in one place with no judgement from others.
What started as Sammy's 3-month commitment to sobriety has now become her new way of life. Sammy realised that her drinking had become a problem and during this time of exploration has not only learnt so much about herself and her lifestyle habits but has been able to access SO much more of herself, now not leading a life that relies heavily on socialising with alcohol!
In this conversation, we explore the strong correlation between mental well-being and alcohol and Sammy gives us some super humbling information about the impacts of our drinking choices.
A must listen for EVERYONE, even purely to educate yourself.
I loved this chat. No doubt you will, too!
You can learn more about Sammy and her incredible community online at:
www.sobermates.com.au
... and on social media:
@sobermates
Her personal profile (which is SO inspiring and fun!) :
@_sammywilson.
If you listen to this episode and realise you need further support about your drinking choices please contact Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS):
1800 250 015 (24 hours/day, 7 days/week)
Georgia Roubicek is an 18-year-old force to be reckoned with.
Georgia DOES life, rather than sitting and watching it go by. At age 16, a formal diagnosis was delivered, one that has changed the course of her life. Georgia has MS and, in today's episode, she bravely shares what that looks and feels like. An empath and nurturer from way back, Georgia has always had a deep desire to help others. Her own adversities growing up led her to engage with mental well-being support from a very young age and her belief is that if she can be the sounding ear for someone -- the way her support network has been for her -- then her cup is full and she has served her purpose. Georgia's diagnosis has not defined who she is, what she can do nor how she shows up everyday. Instead it drives her to expand her knowledge, awareness and ability, to show up as her best version, not only for herself, but for others. Georgia is currently studying Youth Support, at Gordon University, in hopes of supporting youth and adolescents who are on a trajectory of challenge. I adored having this conversation and emplore you to share it with others to spread the awareness of MS and the story of another incredible young person! You can follow Georgia on her insta page @georgia_maree52 and learn more about Multiple Sclerosis here: https://www.msaustralia.org.au/what-ms
I first stumbled across Billy O'Toole whilst sifting through my local paper. His photograph featured on the front page, announcing his success as being recognised as a young person making a big difference!! Billy is an emerging Aboriginal artist and proud Waddawurrung man, residing in Waddawurrung country, who uses his art and work to educate the community on his culture. In today's conversation we talk about how his art has supported his often challenging and 'perceived' unconventional upbringing and how his culture has guided and nurtured him to be the capable and inspiring young man and father he is today. An inspiring conversation from a humble bloke!!! You can find Billy's work at: https://www.facebook.com/papulaborginalart
This episode is quite the special one and is landing at a very opportunistic time.
This month of May, 2021, is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and in this episode I have the most incredible conversation with South Australia's 2020 local hero Emmah Money. Emma was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a newborn and her biological parents were told she would barely survive childhood and subsequently put her up for adoption. Now, 32 years later, this inspiring woman has defied all odds and has a list of achievements under her belt, including motherhood, which so many professionals advised her against. Emma has fought long and hard to get the critical CF drug Orkambi on the Australian PBS list and at age 17 wrote and published her own book titled "The Words Inside," which speaks of her struggles with bullying and depression growing up. Emma is the founder of CF Mummy and devoted to supporting those with CF who want to have children. The list is endless, and during this conversation we unfold, unravel and explore the journey of this warrior and the impact she is making on so many lives. You can learn more about what Emmah does and how she can support your next event, school or workshop:
https://www.instagram.com/cfmummy/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmahmoney/ If you are interested in learning more about Cystic Fibrosis, or how to help, check out this incredible initiative:
https://www.cure4cf.org/
Every little bit counts.
This podcast is a representation of just how bloody awesome young people are!!
Sophie Boyce is an 18-year-old Melbournian, who has moved to Canberra on campus at ANU to study International Relations.
A leader from way back, Sophie noticed she thrived in environments where she could apply her leadership skills and confidence. After attending a global Young Leaders conference in America, she realised she could make her interest in politics and leadership a career path.
Now immersed in study and the reality of politics, Sophie has come to the hard realisation that women continue to be underrepresented in this forum and has often felt like her dreams have been pulled from underneath her.
As this conversation unfolds, you will learn first-hand what determination, commitment and purpose sound like.
Sophie is a force to be reckoned with.
Her insight and maturity is way beyond her years and I am so excited to share this young woman with the world.
You can learn more about Sophie through her instagram handle @sophie.boyce.
Season 2 has landed, folks, and we kick off with one incredible young human!
Jamey Reihana is a freshly graduated 18-year-old, living in sunny Queensland.
She chose to steer away from the conventional study after school theory, and instead has signed on with an agent to pursue an acting career.
What makes Jamey's story so interesting is that although she is embarking on such a brave journey of the unknown in such a transient industry, mental health has been a big struggle for her. It stemmed from early on in high school and it was only recently that she was given a formal diagnosis.
This conversation is honest, raw and beautiful.
In a clear yet playful way, Jamey dissects the role Mental Health has played in her life and shares with us the tools she has acquired to support herself and her well-being so that it doesn't consume her entire world.
Jamey has found the courage to pursue the things in her life that matter most and wants everyone she has a connection with to enjoy this also.
You can learn more about Jamey on her instagram handle:
@jamey.kia
Stay posted on all of the initiatives for young people that Talking Youth offers:
@talkingyouth_au.
Spread the love, friends, or better yet, share a cheeky review so that this conversation reaches EVERYONE it needs to!
Melissa Garlito is a 25 year old dance teacher, performer, the Director of Jade Entertainment and the ambassador of Get Psorted. At age 18, she was formerly diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Psoriasis which essentially consumed her life for the following handful of years. Melissa openly, honestly and bravely shares her hournery, and her skin, that has caused immense pain and suffering in order to support others and heal her own wounds. This young woman wears her heart on her sleeve and this raw conversation will evoke many emotions and assist in spreading not only the awareness of Psoriasis but the importance of loving the skin you're in and leading from a place of integrity and honesty. You can learn more about Melissa ambassadorship and her entertainment company (Jade Entertainment) on her handles below. Insta: @lovetheskin_ur_in@melissa_jade_ @jadeentertainmentco Facebook: Jade Entertainment Web: www.jadeentertainmentco.com
Emily Carnibella is a 21 year old Psychological Studies student passionate about loving the skin she is in and learning about the mind. Having faced her own experiences with anxiety and formerly being diagnosed with an Eating Disorder, Emily is hugely passionate about wanting to delve deeper and support others in the mental health space. Anxiety has defined Emily for the best part of her teenage years, and in today's conversation we will learn how this has played out for her and where and how she finds support and relief from it's all consuming nature. Em told me that she believes seeking help is the epitome of strength and I cannot wait to learn more from this incredible young lady.
Katie Rockliff is what I would call a spirited, creative, and awake businesswoman that has created a platform dedicated to empowering and inspiring Tweens. REAL. PRETTY. KIND. was founded in 2019 with a philosophy that is simple yet powerful. Tweens to the Front, with Gear that's got your back. With an entrepreneurial spirit and head deep dive into learning from Tweens themselves, Katie quickly realized the potency of creating a brand that could harness and support an age bracket that is often left behind. Her values, sentiments, and authenticity in collaboration with dominant mental health and anti-bullying campaigns are at the forefront of her branding and ethos which delivers so much more than just a very cool fashion. You can learn more at www.realprettykind.com who donates a percentage of every item sold to https://bullyzero.org.au and https://butterfly.org.au.
Tayla Williams is a 22 year old student and performer, studying a masters of Dietetics and Personal Training Her professional endeavours hold an enormous amount weight given she is on a mission to create change and support others, having been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa at just 13 years of age. In today's episode we will learn first hand the chaotic journey that spanned over 4 years, that led Tayla to become the grounded, aware, present and purposeful young lady she is today. Tayla is passionate about the Arts and attributes so much of her healing to the community she has gained through dance as well as the pure joy of moving her body and releasing emotion through this platform. This chat is going to be raw, honest and so important. You can find Tayla on her social media channels at tayla.w_. If any of what is discussed in today's episode triggers thoughts that are concerning or overwhelming, I urge you to be brave and reach out for support. We cannot do this lifetime alone, there IS help out there. www. butterfly.org.au.
Frankie Jefferey has already experienced a lifetime of just 16 years of age. Like her peers, she presents as a recognizable 16-year-old, but Frankie, a songwriter, performer, and creative has had her fair share of battles with mental health. Throughout today's podcast, we will open up a conversation that no doubt many of you will relate to and learn first hand the impact mental health has had on Frankie's life and how it affects so many young people. Frankie is raw, she is honest and she is brave, and shares the same passion as me to open up conversations and talk 'real' and normalize what consumes so many young people each and every day. Mental Health is a serious topic, and I encourage anybody listening to ensure they feel supported prior to pressing play. If any of today's conversation raises alarm for your own mental and emotional wellbeing, I strongly urge you to reach out for support. https://headspace.org.au/ https://www.beyondblue.org.au/home
Jessica Kelly is a 17 year old from British Columbia, Canada that started her performance journey at the tender age of 4 years old singing the Canadian National Anthem. Her journey from this moment has been nothing short of exciting, adventurous and endearing. One of the sweetest, most grateful souls I have met, Jessica shares her story on and off stage and reminds us all to find the FUN in every moment. As a shy, introverted teen offstage, we delve into the energy and confidence performing has allowed her to attain and why being surrounded by supportive role models has really shaped who she is today. You are in for a treat listeners, enjoy! You can follow Jess's journey @jessicaakelly17
Jenna O’Connell (educator) and Mariane Power (Psychologist) are 2 of the most dynamic, infectious and passionate spirits I think I have ever met. With an unwavering determination to create change and empower youth to discover meaning and purpose, they have banned forces to create a sibling led institution. The Posify Group! In this chat we delve into what is means to lead a purposeful and meaningful life. Discuss the beautiful connection between psychology and spirituality and how teaching and learning should be an integration of so many theories and methods to ensure each and every student has an opportunity to shine bright! A great listen for everyone, especially parents and educators. These ladies really know their stuff!! Learn more about the incredible work that they do at www.theposifygroup.com.au and follow their socials @posifygroup. This episode will leave you really thinking, that’s a promise!
What are your thoughts towards the environment? How much knowledge of or care do you have towards sustainability? Have you ever considered backpacking solo one day once you finish school or your university degree? Well Nathalie Hunt, in today's episode shares passionately about all of those things. Nat is an absolute ray of sunshine, having grown up in Torquay, Australia and now studying Outdoor Education at Ballarat University, her love and appreciation for all things nature is real. Her incredibly brave and adventurous travels abroad as well as her open and wise perception of the world, are all topics broached in this warm, friendly and hearty conversation. A wise old soul, that was such a treat to learn from. Enjoy this episode.
Today you are in for a treat guys! Georgia Ryan is a 14yr old bright spark, from Port Macquarie, Australia. As a young child, her parents instilled in her the importance of Self-Advocacy, and this young lady is doing just that! Georgia has dyslexia and dysgraphia, she has trouble reading and writing and processing written material and language and was not diagnosed until high school, which presented many challenges for her as a primary school student. Being the optimist she is, Georgia has used this diagnosis to feel empowered and find her voice, normalising it amongst her peers, creating petitions to introduce a compulsory module in every teaching degree in Australia to support students further and is currently the Youth Ambassador for Dyslexia Mid North Coast. She is a superstar. So eloquent, so passionate and so determined to create change and make a difference. You can find Georgia's incredible advocacy on the following handles: Instagram: georgia_iamdyslexic_ Facebook: Georgia Ryan - Dyslexic Warrior Twitter: georgia_iamdyslexicau You can learn more about Dyslexia and even contribute to close the gap of 1 in 5 diagnosis here: https://dyslexia-support-mnc.raisely.com/ Enjoy this very inspiring episode.
Jaymee Crook is an exceptional young lady. Jaymee was born with Cystic Fibrosis and spent the best part of her school life hiding it from her peers in order to fit in and feel 'normal'. Throughout this interview I talk to Jaymee about the poignant moment that changed her perception of her health and how she started to make drastic changes to not only improve her health, but save her life! Today's interview is to open up a conversation and build awareness about the reality of Cystic Fibrosis, a conversation that is well overdue. This conversation is real, brave and honest. You can find all of Jaymee's amazing advocacy work on her Youtube channel Jaymee Crook and her instagram page jaymee_crook. Let's all learn more in order to support more.
I can’t believe we are here at Episode 10! The end of Season 1 of Talking Youth Podcast. I am so grateful for the wonderful guests we have had in the show thus far. For your honesty, bravery and willingness to GO THERE! In this episode I share with you 3 pearls I wish I knew when I was a sifting through my teens and early 20’s. Actually...I think these pearls apply to every age bracket, but my purpose on this podcast is to empower and support young people and I TRULY believe this episode will be a game changer for some of you! Well worth 10 minutes of your time... I promise! A reminder that my September intake for my 4 week online Youth on a Mission program is still open for enrollments. You can learn all about it at www.movewithfiona.com.au 10 spots only available. Are you ready to take the leap and work with me to uncover your true potential and break free from situations in your life that are holding you back! I’d love to support you.
Leanne Rowbottom is a Conscious Nutritionist. What does that mean...she is an experienced holistic practitioner of almost 20 years, qualified as a nutritionist, remedial massage therapist, Access Consciousness Bars facilitator and ESSE body worker, and meditation teacher. Her approach to nutrition and the body is not about the food, the diet or the scales, it is about educating and supporting people (young and old) to break free from emotional eating and overeating, improve body image and self-esteem, develop a healthy relationship with themselves, and finally feel free with food and their bodies. In this chat you will gain so much valuable information that will allow you to make sense of your thoughts and feelings towards yourself and your body image. This truly is a hearty conversation that is well worth a listen. Stay posted for the release of my Body Image Webinar, collaborating with Leanne Rowbottom and Merrin Wake for Parents and Teens. A topic of conversation that needs to be dissected and spoken about. In the meantime, if you haven't checked out my newest online program for Teens - Youth on a Mission, jump onto my website to learn more www.movewithfiona.com.au. Only 10 places available for the September intake.
Sophie (Aqua) Dezelak is a YouTube phenomenon. With 50 thousand plus followers and over 100 videos getting daily views, what was an innocent upload a few years ago to share with the world her new lipstick, has now become a full-time business. In today's conversation we hear from the 'Sophie' behind the camera. The kind, thoughtful and independent young lady, that wants to create change and instill confidence in her peers. Sophie opens up about her own struggles and her pursuit to grow and develop herself to remain authentic in her business and videos. This is an awesome and very relatable conversation for young people. Do yourself a favour a tune in! You can find Sophie on her channels: YouTube: Sophie Aqua Instagram: sophieaquaa Sophie talks a lot about meditation, building awareness and personal growth, which leads perfectly into my current intake for my Youth on a Mission Program. Check it out at www.movewithfiona.com.au.
Episode 7 showcases the inspiring Georgia Kelly, a 19 year old Geelong born creative that is dedicated to making the world a more connected place through her art, writing, love and care for nature and encouraging others to appreciate the small things in life. In this interview you will rarely hear Georgia speak of her challenges, her obstacles or her misfortunes. Georgia's take on life is so positive and so present that it almost makes you question how you go about your day to day world and how often you show gratitude for your privileges. I delve into Georgia's relationship with meditation, as she attributes her commitment to this hugely to her perspective on life. As this podcast unfolds, I continue to be in awe of how mature and aware young people are...and Georgia is no different. Enjoy this awesome chat!! You can learn more about Georgia and her art work on her social handle @g_kelly_creations.
Due to the enormous feedback from Episode 1, where we spoke to Renee Gartner about her eating disorder experience, I am overjoyed to welcome Merrin Wake, founder of the Aware Project who has worked in the field of Child and Adolescent health , heavily in the Eating Disorder Space, for over 20 years. Merrin has spent most of that time growing her professional portfolio, entering the world of education and training and now specialises in developing workshops on child and adolescent health, mental health, eating disorders, diversity and inclusivity and trauma informed practice. Merrins knowledge, experience and passion to work with and support young people is inspiring. During this episode we truly go there, and dissect both the clinical and holistic approach to Eating Disorders and remind you all that there is NO shame, No blame and there IS help out there. You can find Merrin's incredible work at theawareproject.com.au', and parents and teachers, please stay posted for an evening of education in September facilitated by myself, Merrin Wake and conscious nutritionist Leanne Rowbottom dedicated to Disordered Body Image in Youth. Details to follow but for now like my socials @movewithfionaluca to stay informed.
Today I interview a young man that is way beyond his years, with the insight and awareness of a well read and well explored adult! Joshua Hunt is a 17 year old from Torquay, Australia, who moved to Dresden, Germany in 2019 to pursue his ambition of becoming a professional Dancer. We talk about his journey to get to this point and really embellish his mature and forward thinking perspectives and beliefs of life itself, which are often hard for his peers to understand or relate to. Josh is brave and open during this conversation and I personally gained SO much from this experience. You can follow Joshua on his Social Feeds @josh.hunt_official to learn first hand his incredible work and how he inspires action to lead a more grateful and present life!
Today I had an epic conversation with my very dear friend and internationally acclaimed Movement Director and Choreographer Zoee Marsh. Zoee has made her mark in the professional Creative Arts industry for over a decade, but her point of difference is that she has resisted the common urge to conform and has remained true to #1...herself. During this honest, insightful and hearty chat, Zoee delves straight into sharing with you all her traumatic experiences and memories of adolescence and how it has shaped the passionate, forthright and wildly successful woman she is today. We explore the concept of authenticity, self-acceptance and owning ALL of you. I titled today's episode; Self Expression and have utmost faith that this conversation will inspire you to discover your own. You can explore Zoee's incredible work on her SM feed @zoeemoves and as always, reach out to me if any of these conversations resonate with you or if you would like further support fiona@tomove.com.au.
During this episode I interview Martha Berhane, an 18 year old, Canadian born Eritrean, who has a story that spans way beyond her biological years. Currently a student at Melbourne University in collaboration with the Victorian College of the Arts, Martha' ambitions to pursue the performing arts as a triple threat has led her to make enormous sacrifices and brave choices. Martha is eloquent, articulate, grateful and honest. Her personal experience has allowed her the wisdom of an old soul and today's interview talks about so many taboo topics that truly deserve the time we gave them. You can watch Martha do her thing in George Alice's newest music video release 'Stuck in a Bubble' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnGJMx3pF_M
After such an incredible response from last week's episode and lots of feedback in regards to Disordered Eating, today I share my insight into my own personal experience and how Self Image plays such an integral role in our lives. Learn why you do what you do...and a way to change it for good!
A wonderful reference was passed onto me in relation to last week's topic. Stefan Tegelj is a film and television graduate, who works in retail and community development. He has recovered from an eating disorder and is an ambassador and mentor for Eating Disorders Victoria. This video that reiterates how Eating Disorders present in so many different ways, and each individual's obstacle is valid and requires support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPls3w6zwJw&feature=youtu.be You can reach out to me by email (fiona@tomove.com.au) or follow my social feeds (@movewithfionaluca) if any of what is shared on these podcasts resonates with you or if you would like my one-on-one support to move through your own personal circumstances.
I offer support in coaching, mindfulness, movement therapy and Yoga and am passionate about empowering young people to truly discover who they are and what they are capable of!
Talking Youth is a platform for young people to have a voice and be heard.
I have had the pleasure of teaching and guiding youth for 20 years professionally and have learnt and gained so much insight from them.
I believe it is not until you sit down and give young people time, space and an opportunity to share that you really learn who they are, how they feel and what their experience of life looks like.
So my interview process will do just that. I will be having incredible conversations with young people of all walks of life who are open to sharing their story, their dreams, their wins and their struggles to inspire others and to celebrate how awesome they are!!
You can reach out to me by email (fiona@tomove.com.au) or follow my social feeds (@movewithfionaluca) if any of what is shared on these podcasts resonates with you or if you would like my one-on-one support to move through your own personal circumstances.
I offer support in coaching, mindfulness, movement therapy and Yoga and am passionate about empowering young people to truly discover who they are and what they are capable of!
I am so excited to welcome my first ever guest Renee Gartner today.
Renee launched her blog 'The Self Love Project' only 2 months ago, sharing with her community the POWER of Self Love and using her personal experiences to inspire others.
Her blogs are raw, vulnerable and sincerely honest, in hope that by sharing her story, others too will find their own inner voice.
You will love listening to this 19 year old, whose articulation and sentiments are WAY beyond her age.
Throughout today's podcast there is reference to Eating Disorders and below is a link to a wonderful resource that provides support options for those in need.
www.eatingdisorderhope.com