The Curious Life: Recent Episodes
Written, hosted and produced by Jana Firestone
The Curious Life is hosted and produced by therapist, writer, entrepreneur and passion-seeker Jana Firestone. As a highly skilled and compassionate interviewer, Jana has talked with some of Australia’s most well-loved television, media and sports personalities about how they have turned their tragedies into triumphs. These are inspirational stories of overcoming and becoming the best version of ourselves.
This week I’m joined by my friend, mentor and fellow Bravo enthusiast, Heidi Anderson - author, PR coach and confidence queen - for a wild Pop Therapy session diving deep into the latest chaos from the Real Housewives universe.
We unpack the RHOM bombshell Julia dropped (what is going on in that twisted mind?!), how it could impact her marriage to tennis legend Martina Navratilova, their newly adopted sons and the whispers about Julia’s shady past. We also explore Guerdy and Adriana’s painful experiences of exclusion and the heat that only Miami can bring.
Plus, we get into RHOSLC and RHOC - what’s working, what’s not, and which cast shake-ups we’d love to see next.
This one’s juicy, funny, and full of therapy-level insight with a Bravo twist.
Listen out for a CODE WORD in the second half — the first 5 people to DM us will win copies of Drunk on Confidence and Plot Twist!
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: @_heidianderson
Connect with me:
Instagram: @jana.firestone
YouTube: The Curious Life Podcast
Website: www.janafirestone.com
Audio engineering by the wonderful Sam Talbot – work with him at www.samtalbot.com.au
It’s a solo ep!
First up, Rihanna’s baby girl announcement, and the internet’s relief that her family is now “complete.” It speaks to the deep cultural obsession with gender balance and the right we think we have to comment. Gender disappointment is real, and so are the constant judgements about whether our families are “enough.” I share my own experience as a mum of three boys, and why envy and expectation around gender tell us more about society’s scripts than our own worth.
Then we shift to Bravo, where fractured friendships aredominating every franchise. RHOM ends with bonds in tatters, RHOSLC opens with explosions, and RHOC is still stuck in cycles of betrayal. Why do friendship breakups cut so deep, and how do we process that grief when the people wethought we’d have forever suddenly aren’t there?
Two conversations that ask: whose script are we living by,and what happens when those scripts fall apart?
Thank you to our wonderful audio engineer/producer, Sam Talbot, as always.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @jana.firestone
Website: janafirestone.com
YouTube: Jana Firestone on YouTube
POP THERAPY: With Ryan Bailey
We are back with a refresh! New artwork, new website and a whole new take on pop culture.
We are joined by the king of Bravo deep dives himself - Ryan Bailey from So Bad It’s Good, with Ryan Bailey. Ryan’s here to get me BravoCon-ready as we unpack all the buzz: meeting Bravolebs, the new season of Vanderpump Rules, RHOM, how leaks are rewriting the rules of reality TV, the future of Below Deck, and the brand-new Summer House spin-off. Plus, we dig into the evolution of Countess Luann - from Housewives royalty to full-blown cabaret queen - and what her journey says about growth, fame, and the chaos of living your life on TV.
It’s juicy, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect warm-up for BravoCon.
🔗 Connect with Ryan Bailey:
• Listen to So Bad It’s Good: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Support on Patreon: patreon.com/sobaditsgood
• Watch on YouTube: So Bad It’s Good with Ryan Bailey
• Follow on Instagram: @sobaditsgoodwithryanbailey
🔗 Connect with me, Jana Firestone:
• Website: janafirestone.com
• Instagram: @jana.firestone
• Watch episodes on YouTube: The Curious Life Podcast
Work directly with our expert audio engineer, Sam Talbot at www.samtalbot.com.au
POP THERAPY: In this episode, we mention it all! A brief look at the return of Salt Lake City and the heartbreaking latest news about Mary Cosby’s son, with some real talk about addiction and what sobriety looks like when it’s playing out on reality TV.
You’ll hear why Real Housewives of Miami is hands-down the most underrated Housewives franchise, and yes… my unfiltered thoughts on Orange County. The Tamra of it all, the blogger nonsense, and why she keeps skating past accountability for some of the ugliest moments in Housewives history.
And to finish, I’m answering your questions, from my spiciest Bravo takes to the dinner party of my dreams, and which Bravolebs I’d secretly love to see in therapy.
A little Bravo buzz, a little pop culture, and a lot ofhonesty.
Follow the show and get your BravoCon questions and ideas in at @jana.firestone.
Head to www.janafirestone.com for all the things! And watch episodes in full on YouTube at @thecuriouslifepodcast.
Edited by the brilliant Sam Talbot. You can work with him directly at www.samtalbot.com.au
If you haven’t watched this doc yet – be warned. Spoilers are very much throughout this ep!
After watching myself, I couldn’t help but jump on the mic for a deep dive into the psychology behind Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish - exploring the devastating impact of deception, manipulation and betrayal, and what happens when trust is broken in the most unimaginable way.
And right up front - a big announcement: BravoCon is coming, and with it, more Bravo content than ever before. From panels to Bravolebs, this marks an exciting new chapter for the show – and I’m taking you along for the ride!
To join in the fun, find me at @jana.firestone on Instagram and share your thoughts, questions and Bravo big fish you'd like me to hook, direct to my DM’s.
Don't forget you can watch full interview eps on YouTube at The Curious Life Podcast too!
Please leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify to keep this show moving.
A big thank you to our editor Sam Talbot – if you would like your own project to sound this good, head to www.samtalbot.com.au to get in touch today!
Actor, writer and creator Clayton Farris joins me for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, inspiring, and full of heart. You know him from his wildly popular sketches like That One Rich Couple - and in this episode, he drops a huge scoop about what’s next for the series that fans can’t get enough of.
We also veer into an impromptu improv session that had us both in stitches (couldn't help myself), while diving into the real stuff: Clayton’s later arrival in Hollywood, how he uses optimism and journaling to stay in the creative flow, and the ways he’s learned to push past self-doubt and imposter syndrome to step fully into his talents - and the number one movie worldwide!
This one is deep and insightful, with takeaways that we can all apply in our own lives - whether you’re chasing Hollywood dreams or just trying to write your next chapter.
Follow Clayton and inhale all his content immediately at:
Instagram: @claytonfarris
TikTok: @claytonfarris4ever
Follow the show on Insta at @jana.firestone or WATCH IN FULL! On YouTube at: The Curious Life Podcast
Thank you to our wonderful and talented audio engineer/producer Sam Talbot. Brilliant as always!
Rewind Episode: When Grief Gets Loud with Sal and Im from Good Mourning.
Today we’re rewinding to one of the most downloaded episodes of The Days That Follow - and for good reason. I was joined by Sal and Im, the brilliant duo behind the Good Mourning podcast, for a refreshingly honest and unexpectedly funny chat about grief, growth, and the mess in between.
Sal and Im both lost their mums suddenly and just months apart. In the thick of heartbreak, they turned to each other - and what followed was not only deep friendship, but a podcast that has created a global community of grievers who are tired of whispering about loss.
In this episode, we unpack what grief actually looks like behind the filters and platitude. The awkward moments, the gallows humour, and the WTFs no one prepares you for. How Good Mourning was born from pain, connection and a need to be real and the ways grief reshaped their identity, purpose and friendships. This one is all about the power of talking about loss openly - even when it's uncomfortable.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt broken by loss,or just a little lost in the after. Sal and Im bring the warmth, wisdom and wit you didn’t know you needed, and they prove that even in the hardest moments, connection can be life-changing.
Follow Sal and Im at @goodmourningpodcastand tune into their pod wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow the show at @jana.firestone and watch episodes in full - even this flashback ep on YouTube at The Curious Life Podcast.
Thank you as always to the wonderful Sam Talbot from team TCL, for the production and audio engineering.
Renowned psychic medium Jonathan Mark returns to the podcast for an extraordinary conversation. Jonathan has helped to solve countless crimes and missing persons cases, working with the FBI and law enforcement across the US. In this episode, he tunes into a case that has haunted so many of us here in Australia, for decades.
In this episode, we revisit the infamous unsolved murder of Karmein Chan, the 13-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl abducted from her home in 1991 and explore the chilling connection to the predator known as Mr Cruel. Active through the late 1980's and early 1990's, Mr Cruel was responsible for a series of terrifying home invasions, child abductions, and assaults that left Australia on edge and sparked one of the country’s largest criminal investigations.
Karmein’s case remains one of Australia’s most haunting cold cases, and for me, it’s a story that has lingered since childhood. With Jonathan’s remarkable intuitive abilities, we explore possible new insights into a mystery that has baffled police and the public for more than 30 years.
If you’re interested in true crime in Australia, cold cases, or the enduring mystery of Mr Cruel, this is a must-listen episode.
Watch this episode in full on YouTube at @thecuriouslifepodcast
For more of Jonathan's incredible work, catch him on socials below:
Instagram: @jonathanmarkmedium
TikTok: @jonathanmarkmedium
Listen to his podcast: Connect with Jonathan Mark
Follow the show on Instagram at @jana.firestone
Thank you to our brilliant Sam Talbot, for production and audio engineering.
This week I’m joined by none other than the iconic Below Deck Mediterranean star, Hannah Ferrier, for a conversation that’s as bold as she is. We’re diving deep into her reality TV journey, from the high-pressure world of yachting to becoming a household name on Bravo.
But this isn’t just another Below Deck recap - Hannah’s pulling back the curtain on the struggles we didn’t see on camera, including the truth about the anxiety and panic attacks she battled while filming, and the real reasons behind them. How she and Captain Sandy have repaired their relationship after her shocking firing from the show, and as a Bravo fan herself, Hannah unpacks her thoughts on The Valley, the Real Housewives of Orange County and Miami, Tamra Judge, Ramona Singer and so much more.
This one’s packed with behind-the-scenes stories and personal insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in for a conversation that’s real, raw, and unfiltered! You don’t want to miss it!
Connect with Hannah online at @hannahferrier234.
Follow the show at @jana.firestone on Insta and watch episodes in full on YouTube @thecuriouslifepodcast.
Thanks as always to the wonderful Sam Talbot our producer/engineer, for the audio wizardry!
This episode came together faster than you can say “divine timing.” After hearing Jonathan Mark on Connect with Jonathan Mark alongside friend of the show, Kate Casey, exploring the haunting unsolved cases of Jodi Huisentruit and Amy Bradley, I reached out - and within hours, we were recording.
Jonathan is no ordinary medium. He doesn’t just connect with the other side - he uses his gift to help solve real-life crimes. He’s worked with law enforcement and families of the missing, offering insight, connection, and sometimes, the kind of closure that’s eluded them for years. From thedisappearance of Gabby Petito to the Long Island Serial Killer investigation, Jonathan has contributed to some of the biggest true crime cases of the last decade - often juggling hundreds of cases at once.
Jonathan shared the emotional and physical toll of this work, the responsibility he carries, and how he manages being flooded with energy and messages. We explored what it’s like to live with this gift, and the very human drive behind why he continues to do it.
We also took a deep dive into the chilling disappearance of Amy Bradley, who vanished from a cruise ship in 1998. It’s a case that has had so many of us gripped, especially following the success of Netflix doc Amy Bradley Is Missing. Jonathan shared his insights into what might have happened to her, and you’ll be hanging on every word.
Watch the full interview on YouTube at The Curious Life Podcast, and follow the show on Instagram at @jana.firestone.
Follow Jonathan on Instagram at @jonathanmarkmedium and listen to his podcast Connect with Jonathan Mark for more of his powerful work.
If this episode moved you, intrigued you, or kept you up Googling long into the night, please leave a rating and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It really helps more people find these conversations.
Thank you as always, to our brilliant producer/sound engineer Sam Talbot.
POP THERAPY: The Bravo Investigator is back on the case!
This week, we have returning guest and fan favourite Dana Regan, the brilliant mind behind The Bravo Investigator. Together, we dive deep into the glittering mess that is The Real Housewives of Orange County — and no stone is left unturned.
We dive headfirst into Tamra’s grip on the group, the hypocrisy that fuels the drama, and why the cast can’t seem to hold anyone to the same standard.
From the crocodile tears and blinding double standards running rampant through the cast, we dissect the drama with sharp insight and a touch of snark. We also unpack the return of Gretchen Rossi, why it’s stirring up old feelings, and revisit some iconic OC lore that only the real ones will remember.
We also touch on The Valley, casting shakeups and shakedowns across the network.
If you're into Bravo with a side of receipts and a sprinkle of outrage, this one’s for you.
Follow Dana on socials at The Bravo Investigator and listen to her podcast The Bravo Investigator here!
Follow the show at @jana.firestone and watch this episode and more in full on YouTube on The Curious Life Podcast channel.
Thank you as always, to the wonderful Sam Talbot for all our audio engineering magic!
When Grief Meets Glamour: The Daughters of Jayne Mansfield and Natalie Wood with Kate Casey
This week, I’m joined once again by the incomparable Kate Casey — a true force in the podcasting world and the brilliant mind behind Reality Life with Kate Casey. Kate has an uncanny ability to spot the heart of a story before the rest of us even know what we’re looking for, and today’s conversation is no exception.
We’re diving deep into two standout HBO Max documentaries: My Mom, Jayne, which explores the life and legacy of Jayne Mansfield through the eyes of her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, and Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, a moving portrait of Natalie Wood created by her daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner.
These films aren’t just about fame, tragedy or the glittering veneer of old Hollywood. They’re about the private pain behind the public image — and what it means to grow up grieving a mother the world thought it knew. We talk about identity, loss, and the long shadow cast by unanswered questions and complicated legacies.
This is a layered, emotionally rich episode about grief, fame, motherhood and memory — the kind of conversation that stays with you.
Follow Kate on socials at @katecaseyca
Get her What To Watch Guide here: www.katecasey.substack.com
Follow the show at @jana.firestone and leave us a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.
Watch this episode and others in full, on YouTube at The Curious Life Podcast.
Thank you as always to our production /audio engineer wiz, Sam Talbot - best in the biz!
Content warning: This episode discusses child abuse and may be distressing to some listeners. Please listen with care.
In this urgent episode, we’re joined by former Detective Senior Constable and child safety expert Kristi McVee, to unpack how we can better protect children in today’s world - at home, in care, and online.
Kristi spent over a decade in the WA Police Force as a Specialist Child Interviewer before founding Child Abuse Prevention & Education Australia (CAPE-AU). She’s also the author of Operation KidSafe, a powerful guide for families navigating child safety.
We discuss the devastating case of Joshua Dale Brown, a Melbourne childcare worker charged with over 70 offences involving the abuse of at least eight children — some as young as five months — across 20 centres between 2017 and 2025.
We cover:
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The system failures that allowed this abuse to continue unchecked.
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Sleepovers, school camps and other tough safety decisions.
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The risks of sharing children’s photos online.
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How Kristi’s background as a detective shapes her own parenting choices.
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Practical strategies every family can implement to keep kids safe.
This is a confronting but essential conversation about turning fear into informed, protective action. Kristi offers clear, practical tools that every parent, educator, and caregiver should hear.
Connect with Kristi on socials at @kristimcvee.
Buy her book Operation KidSafe: A Detective’s Guide to Child Abuse Prevention and go to her website Child Abuse Prevention & Education Australia (CAPE-AU) or www.kristimcvee.com
From the episode: 10 Body Safety Books Every Protective Parent Should Own
Connect with the show on socials at @jana.firestone and watch FULL video episodes on YouTube at The Curious Life Podcast.
Thank you to our wonderful engineer/producer Sam Talbot, as always!
Content warning: This episode contains discussion of death, grief, suicide, and suicidal ideation. Please listen mindfully.
In this special episode of The Curious Life Podcast, we are re-sharing a powerful conversation originally recorded for The Days That Follow (a grief recovery podcast).
Chris Walker is best known for his work behind the scenes of some of Australia’s most beloved television programs. But in this raw and moving interview, he opens up about the sudden death of his older brother, Adam, who died on Christmas Eve when Chris was just nine years old.
What follows is a deeply honest exploration of childhood grief, unspoken trauma, and the invisible weight of loss carried into adulthood. Chris reflects on the silence that surrounded his family’s tragedy, how grief resurfaced later in life, and the ways he’s worked to heal while building a meaningful life and career.
This episode is a tender, reflective reminder that even the most successful lives can hold private pain — and that healing often begins by breaking the silence.
Connect with Chris on socials at @chriswalkertv
Watch full interviews on YouTube: The Curious Life Podcast
Follow the show on Instagram: @jana.firestone
Love the show? Please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
This episode was audio engineered and produced by the brilliant Sam Talbot.
Comedian Chris Franjola is back for the third time, for some much needed lightness in these heavy times.
We dissected some of the latest hot topics, wondering what happened to Katy Perry, why the Bezos wedding has been top of all social media news, and Chris' reflections now on his time on Chelsea Lately.
Chris also shared some inside Hollywood experiences and just why he and Chelsea Handler will take their secrets to the grave.
Chris is an absolute delight and we had a lot of fun skipping around the pop culture world together.
Catch his podcast Cover to Cover and follow him at @chrisfranjola.
Leave us a rating and review of this episode and don't forget to like and subscribe on Youtube at @thecuriouslifepodcast. Full episodes now available to watch!
Follow the show on insta at @jana.firestone
Thank you as always to the wonderful Sam Talbot, for our brilliant production and audio engineering.
The hilarious and brilliant, Victoria Vanstone is back with a new book and new insights into the wild world of parenting... while sober.
You will remember Vic from her previous episode and book, A Thousand Wasted Sundays (as brilliant and funny and relatable as her new book). In this episode, we went deep into our shared experiences of parenting, from guilt and shame, to the need for a separate identity and the year that Vic spent in active pursuit of becoming a better mum. That's just scratching the surface.
For the reality fans, we also drew a sharp comparison to the thankless tasks of household duties and the interior crew on Below Deck. Where's our tip!?
You can read all about Vic's year of experiments and exploration in her new book, Mumming: A year of trying (and failing) to be a better parent.
Listen to her podcast if you have any thoughts or curiosities about a sober life at Sober Awkward. Find her on socials at @drunkmummysobermummy.
Follow the show at @jana.firestone on Instagram and WATCH FULL EPS ON YOUTUBE at @thecuriouslifepodcast.
Please make sure you're liked and subscribed, leave a rating, review on iTunes or Spotify and jump into the comments on YouTube!
Thank you to the wonderful Sam Talbot who had to work his audio magic even harder with this ep, thanks to a technical failing on my part! A true audio engineering and production extraordinaire.
This week we welcomed back the legend that is Ryan Bailey, from So Bad It’s Good with Ryan Bailey. And what a treat it was! This is the ultimate Bravo breakdown for anyone interested in reality tv and pop culture.
We covered the Summer House reunion, the Paige and Craig breakup, the darkness of The Valley, the joys and horrors of Bravo’s Love Hotel, and the palate cleansing sweet relief of Four Seasons on Netflix.
We wondered why we are both blocked by Paige, and if Jesse Solomon really is just one giant gland? What is it about Scheana that triggers a complete lack of empathy in so many? Thoughts on Trump’s pardon of the Chrisleys and will the Menendez brothers be next?
And that’s just scratching the surface. Ryan’s takes on popculture and Bravo are deeply insightful and might just give you another lens to view your favourite shows through.
Subscribe to So Bad It’s Good with Ryan Bailey on Youtube,listen to the podcast (it’s my actual fave!) and remember to rate his show five stars.
While you’re at it, please rate this show five stars and leave a review on iTunes. It’s the easiest way to support (and we would be so grateful!)
Find me at @jana.firestone and share your thoughts on this episode.
Thank you to the wonderful Sam Talbot, engineer and production whizz that keeps this show going.
What if there really is life, before life?
Journalist, editor, podcaster and author Amy Molloy has spent time exploring just that. Do we have past lives? And if we do, can children remember them? Which led to her next enquiry - how we can parent our children in a way that supports their previous life experiences.
In this conversation, we dove right into what past life parenting means, how we can connect with our own past lives, a new way to look at neurodivergence and the layers of research that Amy undertook to gain these intriguing insights.
In her new book Wise Child (which we chat about here), Amy uncovers the lessons we can learn from our children about life and death, childhood fears and phobias and her own experiences as a mother of three.
This is a fascinating look at parenting from a completely different perspective.
You can find Amy at @amy_molloy or at www.amymolloy.com.au
Follow the show at @jana.firestone
Please leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify, to help the show keep ticking along!
Thank you to the wonderful Sam Talbot for the production of this show.
Emmy Sharrett is a rising star and bonafide Bravoleb, who you might know from Bravo's "Southern Hospitality".
With three seasons now under her belt, Emmy has had to face the reality tv gauntlet, with unique highs and intense lows.
She faced more than most, with her relationship with partner Will Kulp under constant scrutiny, and her co-stars accused of fabricating elaborate schemes to bring their relationship down.
Emmy had some pretty iconic scenes in Season 3 as far as reality tv goes, which were often a direct result of her raw emotion and overwhelm.
But what we didn't know at the time, was that bubbling away underneath all of her reactions, was actually a lifelong diagnosis of ADHD and sensory processing challenges. Both of which can cause an intense experience of overstimulation - and as we saw, some big reactions.
In this episode, Emmy goes deep into her life with a neurodivergent brain, the challenges she faced at her various schools across the world and throughout her life, and how she has learned to manage it through the decades. She has great advice for parents of kids with ADHD and shares her thoughts on the medication debate.
You'll also hear Emmy's insights into the show, her behaviour, her castmates and her thriving relationship with Will.
Whether you're a Bravo fan or are curious to learn more about the experience of ADHD , then this episode is for you!
Follow Emmy at @emmysharrett.
Follow the show at @jana.firestone.
Please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Thank you to Sam Talbot, for audio engineering and production as always!
In this electric episode, I sit down with The Queen of Confidence herself—Erika Cramer.
From a childhood in foster care, to surviving abuse, a lifechanging injury and losing her husband in a tragic accident. Yes, all of this in one lifetime. Rebuilding her life from scratch in Australia, Erika’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Now a powerhouse speaker, coach, and bestselling author, Erika shares the raw truth behind her new book Becoming Magnetic—a guide to healing your past, owning your story, and stepping into the kind of confidence that pulls people toward you.
We talked about:
- The turning points that reshaped her identity
- What it really means to be magnetic (hint: it’s not what you think)
- How she moved through immeasurable grief, trauma and fear
- Her favorite tools for self-trust and confidence building
- Why sharing your story can be your biggest superpower
Erika is bold, unfiltered, and full of heart. And this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.
🔗 Follow Erika on Instagram: @thequeenofconfidence
📘 Grab her book Becoming Magnetic: Available now wherever books are sold
🎧 Follow the show @jana.firestone and make sure you're subscribed, rating, and reviewing on iTunes!
Audio engineering and production by the wonderful Sam Talbot.
Georgie Collinson is one of Australia’s leading anxietyexperts who has turned her lens to relationships. Anxiety is such a common experience and affliction for so many of us, but did you know that it can turn up and disrupt our romantic relationships too?
Don’t be afraid though, Georgie has created a beautiful roadmap out of some of the most common ways we might sabotage, repeat patterns or even choose the same (wrong) person over and over again.
We shared some laughs over the terrible relationshipchoices we have both made over the years and as you’ll hear, Georgie shared some of her childhood and lifechanging moments, that have lead her to her happy place today.
This episode is all about taking control of the things thatwe can - and letting go of what we can’t.
You can read all about it in her new book Master YourRelationship Anxiety, find her on Instagram at @georgiethenaturopath or via herwebsite at www.georgiecollinson.com
Follow the show at @jana.firestone and leave us a rating orreview on iTunes, so that we can beat the algorithm!
Thank you to our audio and production engineer, the wonderful Sam Talbot.
Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph is the Head Chef on Bravo's Below Deck Down Under, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
She's a firecracker, a private chef and a go-getter who can't help her impulses sometimes.. So where did all that come from?
We went all the way back to get a glimpse into early life for little Tzarina, who was a young girl struggling with dyslexia and ADHD - without knowing it at the time.
Now, as a much loved (and sometimes trolled) bonafide Bravolebrity, Chef Tzarina is lifting the lid on the yachting industry, rallying for change on behalf of the many women who have felt unsafe or at risk at sea, and advocating to destigmatise mental health.
Chef Tzarina is an open book when it comes to her own struggles and we covered so much ground, from the benefits of hypnotherapy, EMDR and traditional therapy to the ways she has learned to navigate ADHD without medication.
She is an absolute delight and I know you will love her as much as I do.
You can find her on Instagram at @cheftzarina or catch her on Below Deck Down Under, Season 3 now airing.
Follow the show at @jana.firestone and make sure you're subscribed, rating and reviewing on iTunes!
Thank you to the wonderful Sam Talbot, for our audio and production magic, and to Bravo NBC Universal for approving this interview!
We’ve nearly made it to the end friends, our evenings will be reclaimed and our outrage quelled.
But before then, we are here to say all the things you’ve been thinking.
In the final twist in the experiment, Paul failed BIG TIME. And then faced the firing squad from Carina and the rest of the cast. They were not holding back and neither did we.
We unmasked Jacqui, questioned Ryan, and can hardly believe it.. But even had a moment of affirmation for Adrian. What is happening!?
One week to go..
Listen now on your fave podcast app and make sure you’refollowing @yvie_jones and @jana.firestone to join in on our REUNION live event!
Huge thanks as always to the brilliant Sam Talbot for hisaudio and production prowess – we could not do this show without you. Please leave a rating and review on iTunes so we can smash the algorithm.
If you would like to work with Jana (believe it or not, butI really am a measured and experienced therapist, when I’m not raging about MAFS!) please email directly at firestonetherapies@gmail.com to see if we might be a good fit for each other.
It's the MAFS shakedown with Yvie Jones and Jana Firestone.
The cast is back from home town visits and all we can think about is Jacqui's lies and trolling, Ryan's neck veins and toxic masculinity and their complete inability to carry an authentic feeling for longer than a few minutes at a time.
The masks well and truly came off this week and we finally saw the real Ryan (and what a relief that was). We were confused by Dave's 180 back to lovey dovey land with Jamie and wondered how much production had to do with it, the Beth and Teejay breakdown and the enraging hero edits for Adrian and Paul.
Yvie also drops some news about her latest TV projects and we digressed into Survivor, Big Brother and the Jungle territory.
Show up for us (IYKYK) on socials and share your thoughts at @yvie_jones and @jana.firestone - we'd love to hear them!
Leave a rating and review on iTunes or Spotify and share this episode with your MAFS loving friends.
Thank you as always to our production master Sam Talbot, for your audio magic.
MAFS Shakedown: We are back and Yvie Jones and Jana Firestone are just as confused as you are.
What happened to Green Flag Dave? Was it a sudden change of heart or a series of unfortunate circumstances?
We are feeling the ick ourselves when it comes to Ryan and his bro show, while Jacqui is just letting her freak flag fly!
We dissect Veronica's bizarre behaviour, Eliot's redemption arc and dare we say... was Adrian actually right?!
Yvie shares her Botox regrets from her time in the jungle and gives us more insight into the behind the scenes of production on some of our favourite shows.
We give our predictions for the Final Vows (and they might not be what you think..) If you're watching MAFS, you can't miss this chat!
Will we stay or leave? Listen to find out!
Thank you to our production wiz, Sam Talbot who survived the plague to get this episode out!
Join us on Instagram to chat more. You'll find Yvie at @yvie_jones and Jana at @Jana.firestone
Please leave us a rating and review on iTunes so that other MAFS fans can enjoy this and other eps too!
Kate Casey is an unscripted television expert and host ofthe highly acclaimed podcast Reality Life with Kate Casey. She has worked in crisis PR in the political space, she has interviewed stars, producers, directors and show creators and is known for her intelligent analyses of the shows we all love.
Kate has a fascinating backstory that would rival many of the docuseries she now dissects for a living. Her tumultuous childhood included boarding at the Milton Hershey School, a place for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education on a level playing field. Her resilience,tenacity and curiosity for the world comes from this intriguing start to life, which led to her love of storytelling, very early on.
Kate is also a mother of 5 and lives in glossy Orange County,California but don’t let that fool you! Kate tells it like it is and calls out the BS where she sees it.
We talked about the impact of her upbringing on her careerchoices, her parenting and interests - and had the questions turned on me, in her trademark curiousity style! We tapped into her reality and pop culture expertise with some hot off the press recommendations (and what not to bother with!)
Follow Kate at @katecaseyca on socials, or at www.katecasey.com. Subscribe to her podcast, Reality Life with Kate Casey for interviews, recommendationsand discussions around all things unscripted television.
Don’t forget to leave a rating and review on iTunes and toconnect online, follow @jana.firestone on socials or send an email to thecuriouslifepodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you as always to the masterful Sam Talbot, for his audio and production wizardry behind the scenes.
TW: This episode discusses family violence, coercive controland abusive relationships.
After a few technical glitches and gremlins (and some imperfect audio) we are back with our second MAFS shakedown! In this ep, we dissect the details of Adrian’s newly released police report. Do the producers intentionally hire people with dangerous behaviours and combative fight styles?
Where was Paul during the retreat? Do the producers reallythink we’re just going to forget about him and his behaviour by diverting our attention (again and again) to the girls?
We unpack the cycle of violence that appears to be in full swing with Adrian and Awhina, and what the warning signs might be in other relationships.
Yvie drops the brilliant idea of reference checks by exes,for new relationships. Would this solve some of these issues? She also shares her experience of production interference and persistence on The Bachelorette, her experiences on Gogglebox and being sweated into compliance on I’m A Celeb. You cannot outrun the producers!
We also wonder, is Veronica there for the group or for Eliot? Was Ryan doxing his ex-partner’s abortion?! Was Morena’s real life husband emasculated by her or was she unloved?
This and so much more. Listen now on iTunes and Spotify.
Follow us at @yvie_jones and @jana.firestone for more hottakes and join us next week as we follow up on the next commitment ceremony and whatever else is coming next in these unchartered MAFS waters!
A huge thank you to Sam Talbot, audio and production wizard, for bringing this episode to life!
If you or someone you know needs support, please use theresources below to find out what your next steps might be.
1800 Respect (National sexual assault, domestic and familyviolence counselling service)
www.1800respect.org.au
Call: 1800 737 732 or text: text 0458 737 732
Call, text or use the website for webchat, 24/7.
EMERGENCY EPISODE! TW: this episode includes an open discussion about family and domestic violence, abusive patterns in relationships and coercive control.
You know and love Yvie Jones from TV, radio and podcasts but it was her recent story about the violent behaviour shown on MAFS that really got my attention. And I just knew we had to drill down into Yvie’s thoughts in more detail.
We jumped straight in to unpack our thoughts on Paul and Carina, Adrian and Awhina, how the MAFS experts handled the content (and what we think they missed), and why this was a wasted opportunity to turn something all tooreal into a crucial lesson for all Australians.
We had many, many thoughts. And because of that, we’ll bedoing this weekly! Subscribe now to be the first to hear our weekly MAFS deep dives, from the frightening to the inane.
You can find Yvie at @yvie _jones on socials or through herwebsite www.yviejones.com.au
Come and say hello at @jana.firestone on socials and please leave a rating and review on iTunes, when you've listened to the ep.
If you or someone you know needs support, please use theresources below to find out what your next steps might be.
1800 Respect (National sexual assault, domestic and familyviolence counselling service)
www.1800respect.org.au
Call: 1800 737 732 or text: text 0458 737 732
Call, text or use the website for webchat, 24/7.
Thank you to the endlessly talented Sam Talbot, who is thewizard behind the curtain. Couldn’t do it without you!
When this week’s guest couldn’t make it to the recording, I rolled up my sleeves and took to the mic alone, in my first ever solo episode.
Given how much brain space the current season of MAFS is taking up in my head, it felt like the perfect time to unpack some of my many thoughts on this years’ participants.
In this episode, I went a bit deeper into the idea of MAFS as a therapeutic tool and what we can learn from the relationship dynamics and communication styles (or lack thereof) that we are seeing from some of our favourite (and most jarring) couples.
Are sex and hormones to blame for Awhina’s attraction to Adrian? What role does childhood trauma play in the failure or success of these couplings? What happens when two people with narcissistic traits are paired together? And without pathologising, what is actually wrong with some of these people!?
As a therapist, I can’t help but view the series through a therapeutic lens, but I am also a genuine fan of the genre. What you’ll hear in this episode, is the fine line I often dance across between excitement and professionalism when talking about these shows. Ultimately, it’s all about entertainment, but why not make some meaning out of the hours of tv we’re consuming!
Hit me up with your thoughts on socials at @jana.firestone and share the episode with a friend!
If you enjoyed this or any other episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes!
Thank you to the legendary Sam Talbot for your unwavering support and supreme levels of talent in the production of this podcast.
POP THERAPY: This week I am joined by return guest and one of my favourite podcasters of all time, Ryan Bailey. You know him from So Bad It’s Good with Ryan Bailey, wherehe does a deep exploration of pop culture, with episodes around the clock.
We were lucky enough to have him back on the podcast thisweek, to dive right into the evolution of reality tv, how these shows are made and what’s missing from the secret sauce.
We covered everything from our Bravo faves RHONY, Southern Hospitality, Southern Charm and RHOSLC, to Elvis and the Menendez brothers! Spoiler alert – Ryan does not have high hopes for their release. Yikes.
This is a high energy conversation about all of the pop culture and reality tv we love (and hate watch) and exactly why that is.
Follow Ryan on socials at @sobaditsgoodwithryanbailey, listen to his podcast, watch him on YouTube and become a “Baddie” by subscribing to his Patreon!
You can find me at @jana.firestone on socials and if youenjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes, share it with friends and tag us on socials!
Thank you as always, to our brilliant sound engineer and production legend, Sam Talbot.
Nadia Mahjouri is a counsellor and group facilitator specialising in maternal mental health, with a professional background in research, focussed on ethics and feminist philosophy. She also has a fascinating backstory, that lit up the pages of her first novel, Half Truth.
Her debut novel tells a somewhat fictionalised version of her own journey to find her family.
Nadia grew up as a dark skinned child in 80’s Tasmania,with a white mother who never talked about her Moroccan father. She had no contact and very little information about him or his family.
When she was 21, she had a baby and just four months later packed him up, hopped on a plane and landed in Morocco. She felt pulled to connect with the side of her heritage and her identity that she had known nothing about.
There, she started to unravel the many mysteries of her life and the discover all of the untold stories that lived within her DNA, in ways she could never have imagined.
And of course, I wanted to hear all about it.
Nadia’s story is inspiring, moving and exciting. We covered so much ground, from the importance of identity and belonging, to the complexities of families and straddling cultures.
This is a story about self-discovery, connection to roots and that age old question around nature vs nurture.
You can connect with Nadia on socials at@nadiamahjouri.
Listen to her podcastThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life with Nadia Mahjouri
Or find her atwww.nadiamahjouri.com or at ww.theholdingspacecounselling.com
Please leave a rating and review on iTunes sothis and other stories can find their way into new listener’s ears!
You’ll find me at@jana.firestone or atwww.thecuriouslife.net
Thank you as always to The Curious Life team –legendary sound engineer Sam Talbot and the wonderful Julie Reynolds of@audiolemonade .ww.audiolemonade.com
Welcome to the first official POP THERAPY episode of The Curious Life! As you may already know, I am a therapist with 18 years’ experience in the field of human behaviour. But my therapy is reality tv and pop culture.
On these Pop Therapy episodes, I will be inviting a guestfrom the pop culture world to join me in dissecting the shows we are hooked on, and unpacking the human behaviour behind the storylines and the headlines thathave us all talking.
This week I'm chatting with The Bravo Investigator, Dana Regan and we did a huge Bravo deep dive.We recorded this before the final episode of RHONY, so we don't get into that darkness, but we do share our thoughts on that franchise in general, as well as our current fave Southern Hospitality, the new season of Southern Charm, RHOC, RHOSLC, VPR and The Valley.
Dana reminded me just why as Bravo fans, we might need to put down pitchforks and embrace some of the more unlikable characters on some of our favourite shows. A novel concept!
We went all over the Bravo-verse in this one, so if you’re aBravo fan, strap in and enjoy the ride!
You can find Dana on Instagram at @thebravoinvestigator and her brilliant podcast has just had a rebrand and is now The Bravo Investigator Podcast (formerly, I Take Bravo Very Seriously)
You can find me at @jana.firestone or at thecuriouslife.net
If you liked this episode please leave us a rating or reviewon iTunes and hit up the DM’s to share your thoughts!
Thank you to my wonderful sound engineer Sam Talbot, for putting this show together so seamlessly.
We are back with the first episode of 2025! Kicking off Season 7 – we have returning guest, author, podcaster and astrologer Jordanna Levin, to talk all things astrology and her new book All Signs Point To You. Jordanna shared her forecasts for 2025 and you'll need to buckle up, because it sounds like we are in for a bumpy ride this year.
But as you’ll hear, these enormous shifts and challenging times are actually all about renewal and reflection. So don't be alarmed by all of these Mars and Mercury Retrogrades - in this ep you'll discover how to empower yourself with knowledge instead.
Thinking about starting a business or getting married this year? Then you won't want to miss what Jordanna thinks about those plans!
It's the perfect way to kick off the new year, with someinsights into the year ahead so take a deep breath, get your notes app ready and take note!
Find Jordanna at @jordannalevin and listen to her podcast @lunar__lover wherever you get your pods.
Connect with the show at @jana.firestone or at www.thecuriouslife.net.
Thank you to the dream team Sam Talbot (audio engineer) and Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
Don't forget to leave us a rating or review on iTunes to bump us up in 2025!
Leonie Akhidenor is property developer, a relationship coach and the host of the Parenthood Podcast, which was a finalist in the 2024 Australian Podcast Awards. Leonie is also a mother to two young boys and although she spends her time interviewing couples about their parenting experiences, she's not one to shy away from sharing her own, either.
In this episode, Leonie delved into her own experiences with mental health, from anxiety to pre-natal depression and how she managed to move herself through some of those difficult days.
We talked about the impact that family dynamics and background can have on our own parenting, and Leonie shared how the vast contrast between her father's upbringing in a village in Africa to her children's experience of relative privilege, growing up in Australia, informs her own choices in parenthood.
There is so much in this episode, from taming that achiever mindset, the many shifts in identity as a parent and ways to balance our own needs and mental health with the demands of parenting.
You can find Leonie on socials at @parenthoodpod and you can listen to the podcast wherever you get your pods.
You'll notice that we've had a little identity change over here at The Curious Life, and you can find me on socials now at @jana.firestone. Same page, new handle!
If you enjoyed this ep, please leave us a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.
Thank you as always to the team - Sam Talbot our brilliant sound engineer and Julie Reynolds from @audiolemonade. www.audiolemonade.com
Dr Billy Garvey is a renowned developmental paediatricianand one of the hosts of the brilliant Pop Culture Parenting podcast. His new book Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child's Mental Health is out now.
If you have kids or work with young people in any capacity - THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ.
Have you ever wondered how we build self-esteem in kids? Or what the long-term ramifications of shame might be? Do you know where anxiety comes from and how early it can start? Did you know that there is one thing youneed to do before you can help improve your child’s mental health?
In this episode, we drilled down into all of these questions– and so much more – and thanks to Billy’s invaluable insight and professional expertise, you will finish this episode with evidence-based answers and strategies thatyou can start implementing immediately.
Billy is passionate about creating accessible resources forall families, to ensure better outcomes for our children and young people. To learn more, head to Guiding Growing Minds, a social enterprise founded by Billy, dedicated to changing the future of our kids.
You can access all of the Pop Culture Parenting videos andpodcast content (for free!) on Youtube here.
You can find Billy on socials at @drbillygarvey and at @popcultureparenting
To connect with Jana, head to @thecuriouslifepodcast or send an email via thecuriouslifepodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you to The Curious Life Team – Sam Talbot for hissuper speedy audio engineering, and to Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade for her wonders with VO!
Please leave us a rating and review on iTunes so that thisepisode and the show can be found by new listeners too.
Dr Nick Fuller is a leading obesity researcher and internationally recognised health expert, who is committed to helping families get the best start in life. He joins us for the second time to talk about his new book, Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids: Six Steps to Total Family Wellness.
In this chat, Dr Nick shares exactly how we can transform our habits and behaviours, to give our kids (and ourselves) the gift of good health and longevity. Is there any greater gift?
And it's amazingly simple, really! No fads here, just clinical evidence that teaches us what our bodies need, with a clear guide to the changes we can implement from today, how to feed our fussy kids and the importance of the messaging we give to our kids around movement and health.
To find out more, go straight to the source for resources, recipes and cooking demonstrations for your own family, by heading to Feeding Fussy Kids.
There is more on Youtube at: @FeedingFussyKidsbyDrNickFuller
And to learn more about Dr Nick's work and research in the adult realm, head to Interval Weight Loss.
You can connect with Dr Nick on socials at @intervalweightloss
Come and say hello at @thecuriouslifepodcast or send us an email at thecuriouslifepodcast@gmail.com
A big thank you to Sam Talbot for jumping in so expertly on the audio engineering tools! And as always a big thanks to our lovely Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
Heidi Anderson is a bubbly ball of brilliant energy, who has pivoted from a life in the reality and radio spotlight, to PR and confidence hype queen.
But she's not all sequins and sass, Heidi has had to do the heavy lifting to overcome significant challenges in her own life. From body image and self-esteem, to her new normal of balancing a busy work and media life, with her role as a doting mum to her beautiful young son and partner to her loving hubby. To manage this, Heidi is constantly evolving and doing the work in a meaningful way.
In this conversation, we dug down into some of Heidi's most vulnerable spots. From grieving former identities andthe path through a very difficult family choice, to a harrowing parental diagnosis that has brought Heidi and her family closer together than ever before.
This one has laughter and tears but through it all, I hope it inspires you to ask yourself the hard questions, to talk to the people you love about the scary things and as Heidi says - to shed your shit!
You can work directly with Heidi through her VIP PR Champagne Confidence Club – offering a personalised PR plan, pitch templates, access to Heidi and her media expert besties and so much more. So, if you’re ready to make a splash – contact Heidi today on socials at@_heidianderson.
While you’re at it, grab a copy of her book “Drunk on Confidence” and why not grab a copy of my new book, PLOT TWIST, while you’re there!
If you have any questions for Heidi or for me – send usa DM on socials or send me an email, at thecuriouslifepodcast@gmail.com.
You can catch me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and I would be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review on iTunes.
This episode was sound engineered by the brilliant Sam Blacker of @thepodcastbutler and delightful voice over work by the lovely Julie Reynolds at @audiolemonade.
You can work with either or both of these legends at:
www.thepodcastbutler.com and www.audiolemonade.com
Returning guest and one of our favourite documentarians, Marc Fennell sat down to unpack his new project that explores the early days of the internet and where it all went wrong, through a deep dive into a previously unexplored world of tech hippies, eccentric web subcultures and simmering paranoia, uncovering how this tongue-in-cheek artistic experiment backfired on its creator and went on to influence much of what’s wrong with the internet today.
Marc was quite candid about his approach to documentary making and storytelling, and to my delight, shared just how he really felt about being labelled as the "cheerful Aussie version of Louis Theroux" - the same day he was sitting down to interview Louis himself.
This is a fun one.
The Audible Original series, This is Not a Game with Marc Fennell, is out now. Listen for free at audible.com.au/notagame”
My new book Plot Twist is available now in bookstores everywhere or online and I'd love to hear your thoughts! Hit me up with a DM on socials at @thecuriouslifepodcast or send me an email at thecuriouslifepodacst@gmail.com.
This episode was put together by the audio engineering wizardry of Sam Blacker at The Podcast Butler.
Voiceover as always by the lovely Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
Please leave a rating and review on iTunes so that we can continue to deliver this show into new ears.
Victoria Vanstone has lived the nightlife of a rockstar –blazing through bars across the world, waking up in random locations with hazy memories of the night before, with clubbing injuries and risky scenarios all partof her weekly experience. It was a blisteringly good time – until it wasn’t.
As a mum of three kids, and an author with a thrivingpodcast, Vic is now sober and living in Queensland, in stark contrast to her blackout days.
She has had some wild adventures, that she recounts in quite hilarious fashion, in her book A Thousand Wasted Sundays. We got right to the heart of things, unpacking Vic’s journey to sobriety, through her early years growing up in the UK, to her many misadventures across the world – including a traumatic firsthand account of the Boxing Day Tsunami, bearing witness to the unthinkable tragedy in the unfolding days.
We got deep about the complexities of parenthood, grief, peer judgement and accountability – and so much more.
Vic’s story is entirely engaging, totally relatable and incredibly inspiring.
Listen to this ep and then grab yourself a copy of herbrilliant book A Thousand Wasted Sundays, but be warned – you won’t be able to put it down!
You can hear more of her story in her award-winning podcast Sober Awkward and on socials at @drunkmummysobermummy.
Find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow.
You can also order your copy of my new book PLOT TWIST via Booktopia by clicking this link, or in real life at your favourite bookstore.
Thank you to my wonderful team, Editor and Audio Engineer, Luke Hensel @lukehensel07, and voiceover artiste Julie Reynolds @audiolemonade www.audiolemonade.com
We are back with Season 6 and we’re kicking things off with a huge announcement! Plot Twist! You’ll hear it here first and I’m so thrilled to finally be able to spill the beans.
Following that big announcement, we welcome back returning guest, comedian Chris Franjola – live from Las Vegas. Well, he was live on location at the time of recording anyway. Chris brings some much-needed laughter and lightness into the conversation, and we talk about his Hollywood connections, what’s next for Megan Markle, a tangential royal education for Chris – and the realities of life on the road as a touring comedian. We also connected over the battles of parenthood and unwelcome input from strangers – this episode really has it all.
There are plenty of laughs and relatable moments in thisone, and it’s the perfect start to the year.
You can keep up with Chris on socials at @chrisfranjola and find out where he’s touring next at www.franjola.fun.
You can find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow and pretty please leave us a rating and review on iTunes so that this episode and the show can reach as many people as possible.
The pre-order link to Plot Twist: a personal guide to surviving life’s unexpected curveballs can be found below!
PlotTwist by Jana Firestone | A personal guide to surviving life's unexpectedcurveballs | 9781761470448 | Booktopia
A huge thank you as always to the brilliant team that puts this show together!
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Luke Hensel: editor/audio engineer @lukehensel07
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Julie Reynolds: voice overs/podcast coordinator @audiolemonade. www.audiolemonade.com
Welcome to the final episode for 2024… And what an ep it is!
In this lucky last conversation for the year, I had theabsolute privilege of meeting one of my favourite content creators, the brilliant Sean Szeps.
If you’re not already a fan – you soon will be. Sean is an American expat, author and a married father of twins who makes a living creating hilarious content on the (rude) realities of parenting.
But in this conversation, I got to know the more seriousside of Sean. The real Sean.
Growing up in a religious family in New Hampshire, Sean’s early discovery that he might be gay was a terrifying prospect. This sparked the beginning of a deeply existential and extremely difficult period in Sean’s life, where he began to question everything.
Sean has been through many difficult transitions in his life,but we go deep on the one that changed everything.
We talked parenting and partnering, post-natal depression and mental health, and Sean left me with fresh ideas and insights on many aspects of family life, that we should all be pausing to consider.
Sean shares all of this and more, but if you’d like to goeven deeper, you must read his wonderful book Not Like Other Dads.
You can find Sean on socials at @seanszeps.
Connect with me at @thecuriouslifepodcast or@thedaysthatfollow and if you love this ep, please let us know with a rating or review on iTunes. It’s the only way we will get into new ears and keep the show growing.
Have a happy and safe new year!
A massive than you to our brilliant Editor and AudioEngineer @lukehensel and Voice Over artist extraordinaire Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade, who have worked right up until the very last moments on 2023, to bring you this episode. What a team!!
Get ready for Part 2 of The Road to Self via Paris, with Rachael Coopes. This episode opens with a personal interruption, that could not have been more perfectly timed. It illustrates the balance we are daring to strike at all times, as busy working parents, pulled between commitments and responsibilities, with demands on our time and energy tugging us in every direction.
So how do we find ourselves in and among all of thisbeautiful chaos? How do we find stillness, follow our hearts and thrive in the middle of the maelstrom?
We unpack that and plenty more, in this zinger of a secondhalf of a conversation I could have carried on all day long.
Listen now on all the podcast apps.
Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review on iTunes please! The team here at The Curious Life would be incredibly grateful for the support!
You can find Rach at @rachaelcoopes.
Follow the show at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow.
Audio engineered by Luke Hensel and VO by Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade.
Apologies for the delay in releasing this episode, althoughI know many of you will understand. With so much grief and horror unfolding in the Middle East, and then such sadness and disappointment with the referendum here in Australia, I thought it important to take a pause and recalibrate a little bit. I know that so many of you have needed that too. Thinking of everyone affected by the war and terror in Israel and Gaza, and standing with our First Nations families, here at home, hopeful for a brighter future for all.
In this episode, the beautiful, bright light that is Rachael Coopes joined me again for an epic chat about her new book Paris For Beginners and the road to self and the learning that comes from those big life experiences. We went everywhere – from people-pleasing and the creative life balance, and stepping into your power amid the chaos.
In fact, we covered so much ground that this episode hasbeen split into two, so you don’t miss a minute of the action. Enjoy Part 1 of our chat now, with the luminous Rachael Coopes.
If you liked this ep, please leave a rating or review oniTunes, so others can enjoy it too!
You’ll find Rach at @rachaelcoopes and me, at@thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow.
A big thanks to the team, our sound engineer and editor Luke Hensel @lukehensel07 and Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade for the VO magic as always!
In this episode, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, S2 WINNER, Spankie Jackzon!
I became a huge fan of Spankie’s when the season aired last year, thanks to her raw honesty, genuine empathy and sparkling sense of humour. She wasn’t afraid to speak up when things weren’t right and showed the world that you can be a winner without tearing other people down to get there.
Spankie is an absolutely riot, so funny and full of zest, but it wasn’t always sequins and sparkles in Spankie’s world. Before she was Spankie, Blair Macbeth had to survive a tough childhood in rural New Zealand. There was hideous bullying and some awful encounters, but at the centre of it, Blair was completely and utterly himself, with grit and resilience that has led to incredible things.
But this is just the beginning for Spankie Jackzon and I personally can’t wait to see what’s next.
This is a fun one, enjoy!
You can follow Spankie at @spankie_jackzon
Find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow
Please do leave us a rating or review on iTunes, it would mean the world!
A big thank you to Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade and Luke Hensel @lukehensel07 for all the hard work and audio wizardry that brings this show together!
Share your thoughts with us on socials!
You might know Brooke Blurton as Australia’s first Indigenous, bisexual Bachelorette. Or perhaps as the contestant who walked away from the Honeybadger, on his infamous season of The Bachelor. You might have also seen her on Bach in Paradise. But Brooke is so much more than just a reality television OG. Brooke’s journey to success came out of a childhood filled with unimaginable challenges, enormous loss but most importantly, immense love.
Brooke is a podcaster, author and a youth worker, and we sat down for an in-depth conversation about the way that Brooke’s childhood and survival mentality created the hustle mindset that stays with her today. We talked about grief and losing a parent, and our shared experiences in child protection. This led us into a deep conversation about community and culture, and the experience of First Nations Australians.
It was such a beautiful conversation and one that I was so excited to be having, after reading Brooke’s brilliant autobiography, BigLove. Brooke also stars in the Audible Original podcast, POWER Talks with Kemi Nekvapil (www.audible.com.au/powertalks), which is free for Audible members and non-members.
You’ll hear all about it in this episode, as we unpacked many of the themes that arose through her session with Kemi.
You can find Brooke on Insta at @brooke.blurton.
Follow this show at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow.
Thank you to Julie Reynolds at @audiolemonade for the VO and a big welcome to the team, to our new editor Luke Hensel! @lukehensel07.
Let us know your thoughts with a rating or review on iTunes!
Ever wondered what really happens inside the stadiums of Hillsong?
Or what exactly it is that draws people into these large-scale production religious events, that have even had the likes of Justin Bieber front and centre? And what encourages church members to dedicate their entire lives to the church, at what can sometimes be huge financial and personal costs?
Well, you’re about to find out.
In this episode, I sat down with renowned journalist Marc Fennell, to unpack his experience making the brilliant new documentary, The Kingdom.
Marc grew up in the Pentecostal church and brings a unique perspective to the complexities of faith and the juggernaut that is these larger than life, megachurch operations. Marc delves into how allegations of bullying, sexual assault and financial mismanagement have eroded Hillsong’s once mighty empire and examines the answer to the question, who is going to inherit the remainder of the Kingdom?
This was an eye-opening conversation about faith, belief, corruption and came with a lot of deep thinking and reflection from Marc’s own personal experience as a former church member.
You can catch this fascinating doco on SBS On Demand and you can find Marc on socials at @marcfennell.
Follow me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow and if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Audio engineering by Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade – www.audiolemonade.com
This episode is a little bit different to our usual style, here at The Curious Life, and that’s because we all need a little brain break from time to time. For some people it’s long walks on the beach or a hot bath – in my case? It’s reality television.
In this episode, I had the thrill of chatting with American pop culture expert and podcaster, Ryan Bailey. If like me, you’ve been glued to the hourly updates from Scandoval HQ or are a fan of the Real Housewives in any capacity, then this will be a real treat for you too.
If you’re new to reality TV or are sceptical about it in any way, there are some themes unpacked here that may just change your mind. Reality TV isn’t the fluffy escape that it used to be. It’s become dark and raw and the storylines, like what is playing out in the current Vanderpump Rules season, have taken us from couch potatoes to armchair experts, dissecting and diagnosing and united in our outrage and disbelief.
Ryan and I had so much fun in this episode, sharing our thoughts and theories on the themes of latest Bravo TV shows, as well as discussing theimpact of reality tv consumption on mental health, the profound effect on viewers and why we so often feel so connected to the people we love to watch (and hate watch) on TV.
For more of Ryan, you can catch his brilliant in-depth pop culture podcast at @sobaditsgoodwithryanbailey.
You can find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow and please don’t forget to leave a rating or review for this ep on Apple Podcasts – it would mean the world.
This episode was masterfully edited by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade. Find her on socials or at www.audiolemonade.com for all yourpodcasting needs.
Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster, a host, an author, a cook, a parent of many and so much more. Her new book Welcome to Sex¸is the fourth in the “Welcome To” series, co-written with former Dolly Doctor (yes, that Dolly Doctor!) Dr Melissa Kang, that unpacks the sticky topics that are much needed for young people and their families. Periods, boobs, consent and now sex. They are filled with a robust and honest explanation of the big moments in young people’s lives, that empowers tweens, teens and parents alike, to understand bodies and relationships in a real and relatable way.
Yumi is a firecracker and this chat is so much fun.
Yumi also stars in the Audible Original podcast, POWER Talks with Kemi Nekvapil (www.audible.com.au/powertalks), which is free for Audible members and non-members. She sat down for a session with Kemi, who is a leading executive and personal coach, and in a twist, found an aha moment that has stayed with her since.
This episode has it all – sex, consent, sobriety, the chaos of a busy family life, and Yumi delivers all of this with her trademark sense of humour and boundless energy.
Listen now wherever you get your pods and head to Audible to catch the POWER Talks series in full.
As you’ll hear, Yumi has her fingers in a lot of pies! You can find the details below:
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Insta @yumichild
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Ladies, We Need To Talk Podcast
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The Welcome To book series, in all good bookstores
Please take a moment to leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so that we can be heard by many. Each review makes it possible for us to grow the show. Thank you in advance!
Find Jana at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow.
Content warning - this episode contains a frank discussion around sexual violence, education and consent.
We are opening the new season with a bang. A bang with enthusiastic consent, that is. In this interview, we hear from investigative journalist and Stella Prize winner, Jess Hill. Her groundbreaking new series Asking For It, is a three part documentary series that explores the epidemic of sexual violence in Australia and the issue of consent, from every different angle. It's dark and confronting, but filled with hope and inspiration.
Jess is brilliantly insightful about this difficult and distressing issue. In this conversation, Jess shares what she has learned from her research and discussions with the some of the trailblazing advocates leading the charge to make lasting change in our communities. People like Grace Tame, Saxon Mullins, Noelle Martin and Richie Hardcore, one of the men taking fresh and impactful approaches to educating our young boys and men on these key issues.
The series is unmissable, and Jess Hill is a formidable leader in deeply insightful, thought provoking and meaningful investigations that we are all lucky enough to benefit from.
The world is not the same as it once was and there is so much for us all to learn and improve on.
This is such an important conversation for all of us, and I know you'll be just as intrigued and moved by this conversation as I was.
Catch the series on SBS and SBS On Demand. Find Jess at @jessicahelenhill.
Find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast or @thedaysthatfollow.
As we move into Series 5 - please take a moment to rate and review the show on iTunes, so that we can continue to share these episodes far and wide.
Audio engineering by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
This is one of those episodes that when listening back, I was crying, laughing and doing both at the same time. Georgie Abay gets it.
Georgie’s new book Best Laid Plans truly spoke to my soul. Having recently had Baby #3 and trying to strike the balance between ambition, passion and family demands, I was underslept, overwrought and so, so ready for this conversation.
Georgie and I clicked immediately and went deep into her experience as a mother, having had two traumatic and premature births in quick succession, challenging first months with her babies, along with enviable career opportunities to rival any Hollywood movie.
We unpacked the raw and ugly truth about the toll that parenthood can take on your mental and physical health - as well as your relationship - and the complex layers that compound all of these issues for so many of us.
Georgie Abay is a busy woman, a creative and a former Vogue Australia deputy editor, founder of The Grace Tales and current acting Head of Marketing Campaigns, Operations & Content at Mecca. She truly knows the pressure that so many of us feel as women – but best of all – she is willing to talk about it. What worked, what hasn’t and why.
Don’t miss this one – and grab yourself a copy of Georgie’s book now for an inside look at her brilliant career, the highs and the lows, and her generous gift of insight and reflection that I know will connect with so many.
You can find Georgie on socials at @thegracetales or via her website at www.thegracetales.com
Find us at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow on Insta for all the latest updates.
Thank you to Julie Reynolds at @audiolemonade for getting this episode out despite the wrath of wild weather and blackouts! Find her at www.audiolemonade.com.
Rob “Millsy” Mills rose to fame on Australian Idol in 2003 and spent the immediate years following, under the dizzying and intense spotlight of fame. At the height of the Idol frenzy, Rob had a terrifying panic attack that literally took him right to the edge and back. This was his first brush with mental health in a serious way and one that we got into during our conversation in this episode.
Rob is a bit of an open book and has taken that approach in his new role as an author, sharing so much of his own life and reflections while exploring all the edges of masculinity and mental health, and what it means to be an “Aussie bloke”. Turns out there isn’t one single way to be a man in this country and thank god for that!
We unpacked Rob’s reasons for diving into such a meaty topic, and what he learned from the conversations he had with some of the country’s top experts in mental health. Rob also shared his thoughts on the complexities of shifting family dynamics, mateship and the incredibly important role his relationship with his two brothers has had over the years.
Rob has done a huge amount of research for this book, covering areas like toxic masculinity, gender equity, violence, suicide, online misogyny, penis size and sexuality but all handled with humour and deep insight that has certainly left me, a mother of three young boys, rethinking so much of what will be important in raising them. It's a great chat.
Grab your copy of Rob’s book “Putting On A Show”, read it and give it to all the men in your life.
You can find Rob on Insta at @robmillsymills or at www.robmills.net.au.
Follow along at @thecuriouslifepodcast and please let us know your thoughts on the ep!
Edited and Voiceovers by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
At age 20, Emma Carey literally fell out of the sky. She landed at full speed on the ground, with an adult male strapped to her back – and survived. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Two minutes that changed everything and started Emma on the most painful, impactful, inspirational journey that has led her to where she is today. Surviving the fall was one thing, but how did Emma survive the recovery process? The lengthy legal process? The psychological battle that she had the grit and determination to win. But interestingly, there was already a dark undercurrent that Emma had been dealing with since she was a teenager.
Emma learned some invaluable lessons in her recovery from her massive, life-altering injuries and she quickly developed an impressive resilience and gained a remarkable positive outlook on life.
She shares those lessons with us, as we unpack anxiety, facing mortality and discovering gratitude for the small things in life.
Emma’s memoir “The Girl Who Fell From The Sky” is available everywhere and you can find her at @em_carey on socials.
Follow our new podcast The Days That Follow: a grief recovery podcast, at @thedaysthatfollow on Insta and @thecuriouslifepodcast to be the first to hear new episodes as they drop.
Edited and voiceovers by Julie Reynolds from @audiolemonade.
At age 20, Emma Carey literally fell out of the sky. She landed at full speed on the ground, with an adult male strapped to her back – and survived. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Two minutes that changed everything and started Emma on the most painful, impactful, inspirational journey that has led her to where she is today. Surviving the fall was one thing, but how did Emma survive the recovery process? The lengthy legal process? The psychological battle that she had the grit and determination to win. But interestingly, there was already a dark undercurrent that Emma had been dealing with since she was a teenager.
Emma learned some invaluable lessons in her recovery from her massive, life-altering injuries and she quickly developed an impressive resilience and gained a remarkable positive outlook on life.
She shares those lessons with us, as we unpack anxiety, facing mortality and discovering gratitude for the small things in life.
Emma’s memoir “The Girl Who Fell From The Sky” is available everywhere and you can find her at @em_carey on socials.
Follow our new podcast The Days That Follow: a grief recovery podcast, at @thedaysthatfollow on Insta and @thecuriouslifepodcast to be the first to hear new episodes as they drop.
Edited and voiceovers by Julie Reynolds from @audiolemonade.
Chris Franjola is a writer and comedian, who you may know from his years on Chelsea Lately and After Lately with Chelsea Handler, from his stand up work, or from his podcast Cover To Cover. He’s also a fan favourite with Heather McDonald’s Juicy Scoop crowd, and that’s how I was lucky enough to connect with him.
In this episode, I revealed much of my not-so-secret, decades long, obsession with Elvis and we unpacked some of the tragedy that played out on the big screen in Baz Luhrmann’s epic recent production of “Elvis”. We also chatted about Will Smith and that Oscars apology, the life-altering impact on mental health that stratospheric fame brings and Chris’ former friendship with arguably one of the most famous people on the planet, Meghan Markle.
There's plenty more as we took a dive into pop culture, American gun culture and life as touring comedian.
Chris shares much of his insights on Hollywood from his own perspective and what it is that keeps him feeling grounded and well from a mental health perspective.
Listen now on all the podcast apps or at www.thecuriouslife.net
You can follow Chris on socials at @chrisfranjola or at www.franjola.fun
Find us at @thecuriouslifepodcast and please leave us a rating or review and share this episode with your friends!
Edited and VO’d by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. Hit her up for all your audio needs at www.audiolemonade.com
You might recognise Jodi Rodgers from the smash hit series, “Love On The Spectrum” which aired on ABC and is now available on Netflix.Jodi is a qualified sexologist, counsellor and special education teacher, and her role on the show saw her supporting the cast on their quest to find love.Jodi is one of those very special people, who connects deeply with the people she is working with and with those around her. This conversation is no different. We talked about her time on the show, sex and intimacy in relationships and of course, the beautiful community of people on the spectrum that she knows and loves. Jodi’s honesty and generosity is just beautiful and I know you’ll love this chat.You can find Jodi on Insta at @jodirodgers_ or look her up in her private practice at www.birdsandbees.com.auEdited by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.Follow us on socials @thecuriouslifepodcast and please leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Ariella Nyssa is a breath of fresh air. Not only is she an incredible advocate for body positivity, she is also the author of The Self-Love Bible, which is jam-packed with anecdotes and exercises designed to get readers reflecting about how they think and feel about themselves from the inside out.But things weren’t always so rosy for Ariella. Growing up in a religious community, the expectations of what her future should look like were vastly different from the world she now lives in. These expectations and beliefs saw Ariella fall in with the wrong crowd as a teenager, making choices that saw her fall deeper into the religious beliefs of her community. As a result, Ariella found herself getting married and then divorced, all before the age of 20.Her mental health suffered significantly, to the point where she was actively considering ending her own life. This was a terrifying realisation and a lightbulb moment that led her to the glorious path that she is on today.Ariella is a bright light, full of warmth and insight who has seen the darkest days and been able to turn them into beams of positivity. Her story is inspiring. You can find her at @ariellanyssa and @theselflovebible_We would love to hear your thoughts, so please share them via @thecuriouslifepodcast and remember to share, like and subscribe.Edited by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
Chezzi Denyer is an accomplished television producer, broadcaster, podcaster and believe it or not - former car salesperson! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chezzi has seen and done it all and isn’t afraid to talk about it. In this conversation, Chezzi shares some of the tremendous challenges she has overcome, to become the woman she is today. Part of that journey includes a very difficult time with post-natal anxiety following a traumatic birth, an adult diagnosis of ADHD and the relentless scrutiny of her body and marriage to hubby Grant Denyer, by the media. We go deep in this chat, from the painful and traumatic, to the lessons learned by surviving so many of the hurdles thrown Chezzi’s way. And there is a lot we can all take away from this conversation, as Chezzi’s warmth and strength resonates on so many levels.You can listen to Chezzi and Grant’s podcast It’s All True? on any of the podcast apps and see what Chezzi is up to on Insta at @chezzidenyerFollow @thecuriouslifepodcast for all the latest updates and don’t forget to leave a rating or review!For all your podcast editing or voiceover needs, head to Audio Lemonade and ask for the fabulous Julie Reynolds!
Jon Faine is an award-winning broadcaster, known for his tenacity, fearlessness and as Tony Abbott once put it, his always being prepared to ask the “mongrel question”.It was because of this reputation that he felt compelled to bring to light some of the dark and horrifying truths of Australian history, that Jon uncovered during his research for his new book Apollo & Thelma. While the secrets he discovered were shocking and abhorrent, and there in black and white on the page, Jon realised that much of this Indigenous story has been kept hidden from the history books.Jon has both a personal and a professional interest in making these truths known and he shares much of those inside the book. Apollo & Thelma is a number of true stories cleverly woven together, from the tale of the famous strong man and his family to Jon’s honest and frank account of his early years as a young and mischievous lawyer – and how these stories have intertwined for over 40 years.In this conversation, Jon shares his experience with Imposter Syndrome, reflects on his youthful risk-taking behaviour (that he is surprised he survived at times), and why it was important for him to write this book during a very difficult time in his life.Jon is one of the great storytellers and it was an absolute privilege to have this conversation with him.You can listen now on any of the podcast apps or head to www.thecuriouslife.net to listen online.Edited and VO by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. www.audiolemonade.com. @audiolemonadeFor the latest updates follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast and don’t forget to leave a rating or review on iTunes if you liked this ep!
Welcome to Season 4 of The Curious Life Podcast! In the first episode of the new season, you’ll meet Jordanna Levin. Jordanna is the author of three successful self-help books, but she’s not actually a fan of the genre herself at all. In fact, it’s because of this, that her writing in personal development takes a slightly more self-deprecating, honest and revealing turn. After suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage, through her grief Jordanna came to the realisation that she was never going to be the same person she was before this life-altering loss. And that was okay. It was just going to take a little bit of work to discover who she had become and who she was going to be in the future. Reflecting on her own three steps to self-awareness allowed her latest title Make You Happen to be written, a follow up to her first book Make It Happen – helping readers to manifest their best lives and best selves.In this episode, Jordanna shares much of her own personal story of loss, career rollercoasters, pivoting and following your passions. She also shares her thoughts on the practice of manifestation and simple ways that we can get curious about our own lives and all begin to manifest the truest, most powerful version of ourselves.You can find Jordanna here @jordannalevin.To purchase your copy of Embracing Change by Jana Firestone, as discussed in this episode, click on the link below:https://www.booktopia.com.au/embracing-change-jana-firestone/book/9781922626776.htmlPlease leave a rating and review on iTunes and follow us on socials at @thecuriouslifepodcast.For all your podcast editing needs, head to www.audiolemonade.com and chat with the wonderful Julie Reynolds.
AJ Clementine always knew she was a girl. Even when her mum was pregnant with her, she was certain she was having a girl and had all the cravings and symptoms to prove it.Imagine the confusion all round, when she was born into the 'magical' shell that looked, on the outside, like a perfect little boy.Starting life as a boy on the outside made the world a very confusing place for AJ.In her teens, this conflict between her outer and inner selves exploded, igniting years of anxiety and panic attacks.In the final episode of the year, AJ shares some of the pieces of the journey of her gender transition and her transformation into a model, digital creator and transgender advocate.AJ is a ray of light and generous with her thoughts and experiences. We unpack some of the themes of her book Girl, Transcending and find out what life has been like for AJ in the years since those dark times.You can find AJ on Instagram at @ajclementine_ or on YouTube at https://youtube.com/c/AJClementinexoYou can follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast for all the latest podcast news and stay tuned for exciting book release news on January 25th! You can pre-order Embracing Change on Booktopia at https://www.booktopia.com.au/embracing-change-jana-firestone/book/9781922626776.htmlA big thank you to Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade who keeps this show running! Book Julie for your own podcast needs at www.audiolemonade.comThank you for all your love and support in 2021 - see you in the new year!
You might know Lola Berry from her myriad endeavours as a nutritionist, television presenter, podcaster, yoga instructor, entrepreneur and author. She is passionate about throwing yourself at your dreams, giving everything a red hot go and not being afraid to fail. Which is exactly what her new book Fearlessly Failing is all about. In this episode, we chat about the big risks that Lola has taken along the way and Lola’s firm belief in regular therapy for managing all the aspects of her life. From the lessons of failures in love and in life to why it is so important to run towards the disappointments, rather than away from them. Lola’s new life includes two big moves to LA and the Byron, splitting her time across the world and immersing herself the scary new landscape of acting classes in the home of Hollywood. So how does she balance her long-distance relationship, her businesses and her passions alongside the big life questions about what next?The answers might surprise you.You can find Lola at @yummololaberry or at www.lolaberry.com and can order her new book Fearlessly Failing via the link in her bio.Edited and VO’d by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade – www.audiolemonade.comIf you enjoyed this ep, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes and follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast.And guess what? Jana has a book coming out soon too! You can pre-order your copy of Embracing Change by Jana Firestone via the link below. The book will be available in stores on January 25, 2022.Embracing Change - Booktopia Pre-Order
Kate Langbroek has been a shining star of radio and television for the last two and a bit decades and is known for her quick wit and mirthful observations – and isn’t afraid to share a strong opinion, either.Two years ago, Kate was at the top of her game with a top rating radio show with a legion of avid listeners and regular, much-loved television appearances. At the height of this acclaim, Kate and her husband Peter, made the bold move to pack up their family of six and move them to Italy for a year.What came next was a combination of highs and lows, time for reflection and a healthy dose of la dolce vita.One year in Italy rolled into two, when Kate found herself at the epicentre of the global pandemic during what should have been her sweet escape.So, what sent her packing? And how did she manage with all those kids in an apartment during months of intense lockdown on the other side of the world? Kate chats with Jana about the magic of Italy, the stark realities of life as a busy mum of four and the depths of grief that having a child with a cancer diagnosis brings.Kate has plenty of advice for Jana as she gives us insight into her own little wolf pack and just how she is raising her three boys to be good men. They chat about the changing landscape of friendships, medieval plague doctors and all the beauty that lies within Kate’s brilliant new book Ciao Bella!It's a vibrant conversation that will have you both laughing and crying, much like Kate's book. You can find Kate on Instagram at @katelangbroekFor all the latest follow us on Insta at @thecuriouslifepodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review!A huge thank you to Julie Reynolds for whipping this episode into shape (despite major tech fails at our end with a dodgy mic this week!) You can work with Julie too at www.audiolemonade.com or follow her at @audiolemonade.
Jamila Rizvi is a best-selling author, sought after public speaker, thriving podcaster presenter and gender equality advocate. You may remember her incredibly rousing speech at the Women’s March 4 Justice earlier this year, sharing her thoughts on the painful experiences of women in Australian politics. Jamila lives in Melbourne with her husband and young son and although it sounds like she might just have it all, she is also living with the devastating damage caused as a result of a recurrent brain tumour.This impacts her life in every way imaginable and in this episode, Jamila shares some of the battles she has had to face in dealing with this from initial diagnosis, through treatment and in the unexpected ways that her mental health has been challenged beyond the medical interventions.As the host of The Secret Life of Carers Podcast, Jamila found herself immersed in the stories of mental health carers and we unpacked some of the ways in which their experiences resonated with her own.It’s an insightful chat about mental health and resilience and the many surprises that life might have for us all in the ways that our lives unfold.You can find Jamila on Instagram at @jamilarizvi where you will fin the links to all her podcasts, her work with Future Women and latest collaborations.Follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast and please leave a rating or review on iTunes if you have a spare moment too.Thank you to Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade, for the whizz bang editing as always. You can hire her yourself at www.audiolemonade.com
Briony Benjamin, is the kind of woman you want to be best friends with. She is a self-confessed video mischief maker, global storyteller, keynote speaker and author. She’s incredibly down to earth to boot. Briony was living a fabulous life, working at Mamamia and flexing all her creative muscles, when things started slowly falling apart.Suddenly Briony found herself having to tell a story she never thought she would be telling, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma at just 31. She made a video of her experiences called “You Only Get One Life” that went viral, and has now been seen by over 200 million people.The way Briony handled life’s biggest curve ball is a great reminder that Life Is Tough But So Are You…which happens to be the name of her brilliant book - out now.In this episode, Briony will take you through her incredible story of grit and resilience through the darkest days of her life, with great wit, charm and a massive dose of inspiration.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.You can follow Briony on Insta @briony_benjamin.Find us at @thecuriouslifepodcast and follow along for all the latest updates.A huge thank you as always to Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade for the editing and Voice Overs – you can hire her too at www.audiolemonade.com.Don’t forget to leave a rating and review as each one makes a huge difference to this little show.
Tilly Lawless is a queer, Sydney-based sex worker who is using her platform to break down the many misconceptions and stereotypes about the sex industry. But as you’ll hear, that is just one string to the bow of this multifaceted, brilliant young woman.Tilly was outed as a sex worker by the world news, when she sparked a movement by creating the hashtag #facesofprostition, in response to an unfair depiction of sex workers in an article published by Mamamia. Tilly’s response on social media led to a global response from sex workers around the world, bringing to light the real people behind the sex work industry.Tilly is an accomplished speaker, activist and Ted Talker, breaking down the barriers and sharing her insights into the challenges faced by many in the sex industry.Tilly has shared some of her own personal experiences as a sex worker in her brilliant debut novel, Nothing But My Body. Her writing is a literary feast, taking us deep into the inner sanctum of her brothel work while taking us through the complexities and the emotional turmoil of a breakup, her deep connection to her friends and to her roots in northern NSW.Tilly’s insights are vivid, sharp and thought-provoking. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a young woman in the sex industry, then strap in for this one. Tilly does not hold back. This conversation may just change your own thoughts about sex work and the sex industry, that perhaps you weren’t even aware you held.You can purchase Tilly’s novel Nothing But My Body here:https://www.booktopia.com.au/nothing-but-my-body-tilly-lawless/book/9781761065149.htmlAnd you can find Tilly on Instagram at @tilly_lawlessFollow us @thecuriouslifepodcast and please leave a rating and review on iTunes, if you like what you hear.Edited and VO’d by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. www.audiolemonade.com
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to discover you were descended from royalty?This week’s guest didn’t have to imagine. Princess Sarah Culberson was adopted at the age of one, into a loving, white family in West Virginia and raised knowing very little about her birth family.When she decided it was time to start the process and begin to explore her roots, she unlocked a secret that was bigger than anything she could ever have dreamed of. Not only did she find her birth father and travel to Sierra Leone to meet him, her arrival was met with a celebration and reunion that was fit for the screens.In fact, her story is so incredible that Disney has bought the rights and is making a movie out of the events that unfolded from her beginnings in America to her enormous discovery in Sierra Leone.But taking her place in the line of succession was not the end of the story for Princess Sarah. Her journey to Sierra Leone has sparked a movement for change and she is now committed to making lasting change in a country that has come to mean so much to her. Princess Sarah is an incredible ray of light. She is warm, bright and an exceptional storyteller. You cannot help but be moved by her extraordinary story and I know you’re going to love this one.You can find her on socials at @iamprincesssc, on her website https://sarahculberson.com/ or through her work with Sierra Leone Rising https://www.sierraleonerising.org/If you liked this episode, please share it with your friends and follow us on socials at @thecuriouslifepodcast.Edited and VO’d by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. Find her at www.audiolemonade.com
Joshua Coombes is the founder of the #DoSomethingForNothing movement, that encourages people to contribute their skills, time or simple acts of kindness to people who need it most. This is something that Joshua himself, has been doing for many years now. In 2015, quite by chance, Joshua met a man who was living on the streets, and they shared a long and meaningful conversation. As a professional hair stylist, Josh happened to have his scissors and clippers with him and on the spur of the moment, offered him a haircut. That moment transformed Joshua’s life in the most monumental way.This one moment of connection on the streets of London to the streets of the world, sparked a movement and Joshua has continued to offer his time and skills to people living on the streets across the globe. This isn’t about Josh though, and he would be the first to say so. It’s about the incredible stories of human connection that he shares with each individual.By sharing these transformational stories through social media and now through his beautiful book Do Something For Nothing, Joshua's aim is to destigmatise the issue of homelessness and advocate for social change.In this chat, Josh shares some of the poignant stories he has encountered along the way and the lessons he has taken away from them. It’s a moving discussion, delving into the themes of homelessness, love, inequality, shame and resilience.His work is truly inspiring and takes him around the world, amplifying the voices of some of life’s forgotten people. Josh is an incredibly humble, down to earth human, doing wonderful things for the global community.You can find Josh and take in some of his incredible work @joshuacoombes and @dosomethingfornothing and www.dosomethingfornothing.orgIf you liked this ep, please share it with your friends and follow us @thecuriouslifepodcast.Thank you to Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade for her excellent editing and voice over work, as always. Find Julie yourself at www.audiolemonade.com
In this episode, we hear from the firecracker with a tiger heart - the sparkling Tanya Hennessy. Tanya is a comedian, writer, TV presenter and now Junior Fiction author with a contagious laugh, who isn’t afraid to go deep.Tanya shares some of her experiences with anxiety and mental health, the pros and cons of sleep aids, overthinking and Imposter Syndrome, all of course, with her trademark humour peppered throughout.This one has it all – from crystals and kinesiology, to the grounding techniques that help Tanya get out of her head and into her body.She also reveals the joy behind the writing of her latest release, Drumroll Please it’s Stevie Louise and unpacks the parallels between her own childhood experiences and those faced by Stevie Louise and the gang.This episode is jam packed full of laughter and inspiration and is the perfect antidote to a long and busy day.For more light and laughter, you can find Tanya on Insta @tanhennessy.If you enjoyed this ep or any of our previous conversations, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes and share the show with your friends.Follow us on socials @thecuriouslifepodcast for the latest updates about the podcast and upcoming guests and tag us in your thoughts!Edited and VO’d by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. www.audiolemonade.com
In this episode, you’ll hear from Stacey June who you may remember from her radio program and podcast, The Thinker Girls and The Stacey June Show. Stacey is now a self-care coach with a passion for women’s voices being heard and delves into issues that others fear to broach.. And that’s exactly where we go in this episode. Stacey can now add published author to her list of achievements, with her new book Single Pringle available everywhere. In it, Stacey shares many incredibly personal stories and anecdotes about her time as a single woman and what she has learned about the importance of learning to flourish alone.We unpack many of the themes that emerged in the book as well as Stacey’s road to self-care coaching after a painful bump in the road in her radio career. Self-care is so much more than the basics and talk about what that looks like in Stacey's world.For anyone who has ever been single or might find themselves on their own right now, this one is for you. It’s an empowering discussion about the expectations placed upon women (whether we like it or not) and how to completely revamp the way you might have been thinking about yourself.You can find Stacey on Insta at @staceyjune or at @singlepringleauWe would love to hear your thoughts on the episode, so please tag @thecuriouslifepodcast on socials and share with your friends. As always, a rating or review would mean the world, so please take a moment to scroll down to the bottom of the Podcast App and leave your rating and review below.This episode was brought to you by The Sneaky Treat Co. and Audio Lemonade.Edited and VO’d by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade and you can work with the team at www.audiolemonade.com
Content Warning: This episode includes an open discussion about suicide.In this episode, I chat with the lovely Jules Sebastian, who you might know as a stylist, the host of the podcast and YouTube series Tea & Honesty and as the wife of singer and songwriter, Guy Sebastian. Jules can now add author to her list of achievements with the release of her first book Tea & Honesty.We sat down to chat about some of the important themes that Jules addresses in her book, from the perils of comparison in parenting, to understanding and raising wild boys and the challenges she has faced as a very busy mother of two, with a thriving media career and a schedule that demanded she make some tough decisions.Jules also shared her painful experiences with grief, following the loss of her brother to suicide. As anyone who has lost someone they love will know, the pain and the anguish can feel insurmountable. In this conversation, you will hear how beautifully Jules has been able to work through the loss, to find the moments of acceptance and joy, even through the darkest days. It’s incredibly heartening to hear her trademark positivity guiding her through what undoubtedly has been an immensely painful time for her family.Jules shares so much of her story in this heart warming chat and just like in her book, there are a lot of lessons to take away, for anyone who might be wondering how to get through the trenches they might find themselves in or have any sense of doubt about who they are and where they are heading. Plenty of inspiration here.You can find Jules on Insta at @julessebastian and her book Tea & Honesty is available at all good bookstores.Follow us @thecuriouslifepodcast and please take a moment to leave a rating and review on iTunes.Thank you to our lovely editor and VO queen, Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade. Find her at www.audiolemonade.com.
If you haven’t read Of Gold & Dust, by Samantha Wills – pause this podcast immediately and go out and get yourself a copy. If you don’t already know, Samantha Wills became a highly sought after jewellery designer after turning her little kitchen table hobby into a global success. She has been at the helm of several other successful businesses and a creative director who on the surface, appeared to be living an exceedingly glamourous life between New York and Sydney.What most people don’t know, is exactly what it took to get to that place. Just how much Samantha poured into her creative career from within every inch of her soul, her energy and in amassed credit card debt. This is a story for anyone, who has ever thought about doing ANYTHING. A brilliant reminder that no one is an overnight success and just how vital it is to listen to your intuition, surround yourself with the right people and wrangle that nagging inner critic back into darkest recesses of your mind, where they belong.Samantha bares it all in this brilliant memoir and it was such a thrill to unpack some of the themes with her in this conversation. Importantly, Samantha shares in great detail, her ongoing battle with endometriosis and the pressure that she and so many women face, in choosing a life for themselves with or without children.Samantha is a ray of light and such an inspiration – do not miss this episode.You can find Samantha on Insta @samanthawills or through her website https://samanthawills.com/Please share this episode with your friends and tag us in your thoughts @thecuriouslifepodcast.As always, ratings and reviews are what makes this show go round, so if you haven’t already – please head to iTunes and pop in your rating when you have a moment to spare.A special thank you to Julie Reynolds who did a brilliant job pulling all the editing together this week, under exceptional circumstances. We are so lucky to have you Julie, thank youFind her yourself at www.audiolemonade.com or on Insta at @audiolemonade.
You might recognise this week’s guest as the cheeky intruder on Love Island Australia, who shared his vulnerabilities with the world. What you might not know, is what a deep thinker this impressive young man is, and how he has managed to overcome a complex early life to become a beam of positivity with a firm belief in the law of attraction.Teddy shared some of the darker times in his life, his thoughts on the impact that appearing on reality television can have on mental health and his link to the tragic story of Love Island UK’s Mike Thalassitis.It’s not all doom and gloom in this ep, far from it in fact. Teddy’s light and joy is infectious, and he gives us a peek into his high flying life, straight from his new home on the Gold Coast.You can find Teddy on Instagram at @teddybriggs_Don’t forget to follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast for all the latest news.When you have a moment, please leave us a rating and review on iTunes – this is how the show stays visible and the stories are heard.Thank you as always, to our darling editor extraordinaire Julies Reynolds of Audio Lemonade. You can find her at www.audiolemonade.com or on Insta @audiolemonade.Enjoy the ep and please share your thoughts!
This week’s guest is the essence of grit, charisma and determination. Tyler Mahoney is a fourth generation gold prospector from Kalgoorlie, WA, whose happy place is elbows deep in red dust. She has been a model, a designer, a business owner, a breakout international television star on Aussie Gold Hunters and now on the hit Discovery network series Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail and isn’t afraid to share her stories and the sometimes ugly truth about living with bipolar disorder.We get deep into the dirt together in this riveting conversation about mental health, mining, morals and manic episodes – and how we can support people who might be going through it themselves.There is absolutely something for everyone in this one, she's an absolute gem. Pun intended.Tyler also hosts a podcast called Let’s Unpack That, sharing more of her experiences with mental health so go and check that out. You can find her on Instagram @tyler_m_mahoney and at @letsunpackthat_pod.If you’d like to join her private prospectors club and learn the tricks of the trade, head to @theprospectorsclub_ .Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and tag us in the post! As always, a rating and review on iTunes would make all the difference, so please find a moment to hit 5 stars on your app!Join in the fun on Insta @thecuriouslifepodcast.A big thank you to editor extraordinaire, Julie Reynolds from @audiolemonade and you can find her at www.audiolemonade.com
Candice Warner has weathered many a storm in the glaring eye of public scrutiny. After surviving a compromising video being leaked nearly 15 years ago, an alleged ball tampering scandal involving her husband, Australian cricketer David Warner, a devastating miscarriage and the public breakdown of her relationship with former friend and PR rep Roxy Jacenko during their time as contestants on Channel 7’s SAS: Australia, Candice has really been through it allHer grit and tenacity is palpable and her outlook on life is remarkable.Candice is a former champion ironwoman and a mother to three young girls, who is passionate about giving them the best start in life.We chat about parenting and balancing family life in the public eye, and the incredible challenges she has overcome. Curious about how Candice has managed to maintain such resilience and grace through the darker moments in her life? Listen now on all the podcast apps.You can follow Candice on Insta @candywarner1 and The Curious Life @thecuriouslifepodcast.Please do leave us a rating or review on iTunes when you have a moment, as those reviews are what keeps the show visible and helps us to continue to share these important stories.A huge thank you to the wonderful Julie Reynolds for her mad editing skills and you can find her at @audiolemonade or at www.audiolemonade.com.
If you watched Big Brother any time in the last 20 years, you will know this week’s guest. Mike Goldman has narrated the show, hosted Up Late and Friday Night Games and The Big Bro Show in 2020.Mike really has done it all, he’s been acting and performing for most of his life, has worked in film, radio and as a voiceover artist and has been hosting his podcast On the Mike for the last five years.But what is it really like behind the scenes of the entertainment industry and a juggernaut like Big Brother? How does he balance the highs and lows of a career in the spotlight? We talk faux friendships, dressing room stalkers and delve into the personal reasons for Mike's public stance on legalising CBD in Australia.You can find Mike on all the social platforms at @mikegoldmanlive.Follow us @thecuriouslifepodcast on Facebook and Insta and please leave us a rating and review on iTunes, each and every one counts.The Curious Life Podcast is edited by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade and you can find her at www.audiolemonade.com
Welcome to Season 3! In our first episode of the new season, we chat with writer, director and actor Kathleen Lee about her compelling Australian web series, Sex and Death. It’s an awkward and hilarious look at love and relationships through a neurodiverse lense.Kathleen shares much of herself in the series, as she explores the challenges she has faced in her own efforts to interpret human interactions throughout her life, and highlights the strangeness of the neurotypical people around her.After a lifetime of masking her difficulties and after she had wrapped the series, Kathleen finally received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In this episode, Kathleen chats about the road to her diagnosis and how it transformed her life exponentially.So often we hear about what life on the Autism Spectrum is like for children, but it’s rarely do we hear the stories of young adults, making their way in the world and what it can be like to navigate the sticky mess of sensory overload, music festivals, relationships and the realities of adult life when you’re neurodiverse. Kathleen is incredibly generous with her insights and experiences and is a young film maker to keep your eye on!The series was aired on SBS Viceland but you can catch it here on YouTube. You can also find Kathleen on Instagram @kathleenmarylee or via @kewlstudio.Follow The Curious Life on Insta @thecuriouslifepodcast and please do leave us a rating and review on iTunes when you have a moment, it would mean the world!This episode was edited and VO’d by the incomparable Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade and you can find her at www.audiolemonade.com
In this episode, we meet the incredibly funny, bright and brilliant Gabrielle Scawthorn who went from Ipswich school girl to Channel V presenter and contender in one swift kick.An overnight baptism of fire saw Gab rubbing shoulders with the biggest names in entertainment and presenting on live TV, while competing for an ongoing position with the station.Gab shares some of her more precarious moments as an underage girl who found herself backstage and in hotel rooms with musicians almost twice her age, and the experience of being on reality television before there was social media.Gab talks frankly about the impact this had on her mental health when the show ended as abruptly as it began, and the dark places this took her through.Needless to say, Gab had plenty more to give and what followed was training at the prestigious NIDA and a stellar career on the stages of Australia and the UK. This young firecracker has also been hosting a new podcast called Back From Reality, deep diving into the muddy waters of reality TV from every perspective.Gabrielle is an absolute delight with magnetic energy and I could have spent all day unpacking the problems of the world with this lovely one!Gab is also starring in a one-woman show called The Apologists, at the Old 505 Theatre in Sydney after two highly successful seasons in London. The Sydney season is running from January 20-31. Click here to get your tickets!You can follow Gab on Instgram here.If you love this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes or send us screenshot with your thoughts on Insta @thecuriouslifepodcast.As always, this episode was edited and voice-overed by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.www.audiolemonade.com
To say that Claire Summers has seen and been through it all, is an epic, indisputable understatement . You would never know it from her bright, smiling face and her incredibly positive outlook but Claire has lived a life that many would not survive.From growing up with a father who suffered from a severe mental illness, to an abusive relationship, pregnancy loss and a fertility journey that nearly ended her life and periods of deep and dark depression, Claire’s resilience and outlook are extraordinary.It was through these traumatic experiences that Claire began practising the art of gratitude and created the Gratitude Glass Jar as a beautiful way of visualising her practice.The hits kept coming for Claire, which she shares in this incredibly personal interview, culminating in the greatest reward and the overnight astronomical success of her business, thanks to none other than Oprah Winfrey herself.Claire’s positivity and light are an utter inspiration and there is so much we can all take from her story.If you would like to bring a little gratitude into your own life, head to:www.gratitudeglassjars.com.auOr follow Claire on Insta @gratitudeglassjarsDon’t forget to tag us in your thoughts @thecuriouslifepodcast and we would be very GRATFEUL for a rating or review on iTunes!
In this episode, we meet with Kath and Terry, two of the lovely people featured in The Feed documentary, Covid Surrogacy. (Now available at SBS On Demand).Both Kath and Terry have their own stories about surrogacy here in Australia. Two very different paths that eventually led theirs to cross, and for two beautiful lives to be created.The doco explores the stories of families at various stages of the surrogacy process, from the perspective of intended parents, local and international surrogates and the incredible women caring for the babies who have been born during COVID and have been left stranded overseas due to travel restrictions.Kath and Terry share the events that led up both pregnancies, the reality of carrying a baby that is not genetically yours (and will be handed to their parents after the birth), the highs and lows of the hormones, and the emotional bond that has formed between the families through their experience.Terry and his partner Ben came very close to not being present for their daughter's birth, from travel restrictions to legal arguments and that left huge questions for both families about what would happen in the event of the worst case scenario.They share all that and more, and in this eye-opening discussion that sheds light on a slice of the reproductive world that is not often talked about.To follow the journey of Kath, Terry, Ben and their two gorgeous girls, you can find them on Instagram at Making Another Berry.To watch to full documentary, head to SBS On Demand, or click on this link.To find out more about surrogacy, head to the Surrogacy Australia Facebook page.You can follow The Curious Life here and please tag us in your thoughts!Don't forget to leave a rating or review on iTunes, so we can keep sharing the stories that matter.Edited and Voice Over work by the endlessly incredible Julie Reynolds for Audio Lemonade. This was a tricky one with plenty of challenges, so thank you Julie!www.audiolemonade.com
In this episode, we chat with the wonderful Michala Banas, who shares her story of a life in film and television. Michala has worked in front of the camera from the tender age of 18 months (although insists that doesn’t really count), and rose to fame in the acclaimed Australian family drama Always Greener. You might recognise her as the very direct and somewhat uncouth Amber Wheeler, in the Aussie comedy, Upper Middle Bogan. A role which she played with delight.Michala has worked with some of the biggest names in film, on stage and in television and has had a raft of experiences that could have kept us chatting all day.Over the course of the conversation, Michala analysed some of her own professional setbacks, and how she has overcome some of her biggest challenges. She also shared her thoughts on the often overlooked mental health of people in the entertainment industry and her involvement with the revealing documentary The Show Must Go On.Michala recently added a new string to her already impressive bow, training in London as an Intimacy Coordinator. Wondering what that entails? Well you’ll just have to listen to find out!You can follow Michala on Instagram at @michalabanas Don’t forget to follow us at @thecuriouslifepodcast to share your thoughts on the ep.And please leave us a rating or review on iTunes – every single click counts!Edited and Voice-Overs by the fabulous, magical unicorn Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.www.audiolemonade.com
In this episode, we meet three people whose lives have been impacted by eating disorders, with stories that are less commonly shared in mainstream media.The Butterfly Foundation's Talking Helps campaign was created to urge people living with an eating disorder, to reach out for help - particularly those who may not fit the eating disorder stereotype.To bring to light some of those stories, I had the opportunity to talk with Dominik and TJ who have lived with eating disorders themselves and are now in recovery. They both have stories that we don't typically hear, as men suffering with disordered eating and the ways that they were able to access support and begin their recovery journey.I also spoke with Amelia, who gave us an insight into her work for the Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline, supporting people with eating disorders and their families, carers and professionals.These were enlightening conversations and reinforced the importance of taking that first step, to talk with someone about your mental health.For anyone wondering about their own relationship with food or their bodies, call the National Helpline to talk with someone today 1800 33 4673.Head to The Butterfly Foundation website for more information and resources. You can also access support by chatting online through the website or by email at support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.auThis episode was brought to you by Southern Cross University - reset your future today!A huge thank you to the wonderful Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade for her voicework and brilliant editing skills as usual!Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @thecuriouslifepodcast and please do leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Each one counts and helps these stories be seen and heard.
Trigger warning: this episode contains a frank and honest discussion about suicide, family violence and addiction.This week’s guest is author Marcia Abboud, who talks openly about the trauma and grief she has experienced throughout her life, which she bravely laid bare in her book, “Every Shitty Thing”.In it, Marcia tells her story of growing up with an abusive father, the impact on her brothers who bore the brunt of his rage and their subsequent spirals in and out of addiction. She also reflects on her experience of sudden loss, marriage breakdown, double lives and the impact on her own mental health that almost saw her take her own life, one frightening night.We talk about the events that shaped the pages of Marcia’s book and how she has been able to overcome so many profound traumas to live a full and happy life today.This truly is a story of turning unfathomable tragedies into triumph.Marcia is generously offering listeners 50% off her book! Just head to her website and enter the code JANA50https://marciaabboud.com/You can also follow Marcia on Instagram at @marciaabboudauthor.Don’t forget to follow @thecuriouslifepodcast and please do leave us a rating or review on iTunes!For anyone impacted by the themes discussed in this episode, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.This episode is brought to you by Southern Cross University – reset your future with Australia’s #1 ranked Psychology degree.Edited by the ever-fabulous Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
In this episode, celebrity chef and restauranteur Sarah Todd shares her story of transformation from a shy country girl to a confident, successful and celebrated chef in one of the most densely populated countries in the world.Sarah’s adventure began after being discovered by chance at a fashion show and being offered a contract to move to Sydney and pursue a modelling career.While her modelling took off and sent her travelling all over the world, it was cooking that truly ignited Sarah’s passion. After enrolling at the famous Le Cordon Bleu in London and training classically in French cuisine, Sarah took a leap of faith, applying for Masterchef back home in Australia.Little did she know, that leap would catapult her into international fame and dramatically change the course of her life.Sarah is a single mother, has opened two hugely successful restaurants and has books and television series under her belt and in the pipeline. She talks candidly about the challenges of balancing the demands of a thriving career and motherhood, across two continents and finding ways to make each moment count.Sarah’s passion, resilience and ability to adapt is ever-present throughout her story and if you’ve ever wondered about taking the leap and following your own passions, then this is episode for you.Follow Sarah on Instagram to hear all about her latest ventures or check out her website www.sarahtodd.com.auDon't forget to give us a follow @thecuriouslifepodcast and leave us a review on iTunes!
As a therapist for the last decade and a half, Jana has a particular interest in bringing you interviews with the most fascinating people with the most interesting stories to tell.Today, Jana is joined by a much loved previous guest, Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist Sarah Calleja.Together they explore a question on a lot of people’s minds, after reports of alleged trysts between quarantined guests and security guards recently, at a luxury Melbourne hotel. What is the seductive enticement of forbidden love? Why is it so alluring? And are you thinking about it a little too much? Sexy or salacious? Plus how are you feeling? Sexually? And what can you do if you are alone at this time of lockdowns and isolation? How are other people compensating for a lack of touch? And what really goes on behind closed doors with sex workers.Plus, Jana and Sarah will give you some amazing tips on how to look after yourself and your partner. So sit back, relax and enjoy this episode of The Curious Life Podcast.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Southern Cross University, with Australia's #1 ranked psychology degree, according to the Good Universities Guide. Reset your future today!Southern Cross UniversityYou can find Sarah through her website Action Psychology or on Instagram here: Action PsychologyFollow The Curious Life on Insta and Facebook here.Edited and voiceovers by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade
As a therapist for the last 17 years, having worked intensively in grief and trauma and with families and young people, I have a particular interest in stories of overcoming challenges and turning them into triumphs.No one has done that quite like this week’s guest, Blair James.Blair is the co-founder of the world’s top selling self-tanning brand Bondi Sands, turning over more than $100 million dollars last year. As impressive as his business savvy is, Blair’s vision and grit is only part of the picture here.Before his incredible success, Blair endured immense losses, from periods of poverty and the loss of the family home, to the death of both his parents at a young age. In spite of these family tragedies, Blair continued to self-propel and use every ounce of tenacity to push forward.Blair’s passion for his business and his undeniable resilience is an inspiration.It was an absolute pleasure talking with Blair and his story is truly encouraging.You can find Blair on LinkedIn or on Instagram and you can check out Bondi Sands and their vast range of fabulous products by clicking this link.You can find The Curious Life on Insta right here and on Facebook here.
The 15th-21st of June is Men’s Health Week, here in Australia, shining the spotlight on the key issues in men’s health to raise the profile of men, their health and outcomes and health needs around the country.Who better to share some insights into men’s health than this week’s guest – Dr Kieran Kennedy.Dr Kieran is one of those incredible go getters, with degrees in science and in Medicine/Surgery and is currently completing the last few months of his Psychiatry residency. For those that don’t know, those last two take a total of 12 years study and a serious commitment. He is passionate about health and fitness and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.Dr Kieran is incredibly warm and funny, intelligent and informed and we had an enriching conversation about men’s mental health, the personal and professional impact of the current COVID climate, and what it’s been like working at one of Melbourne’s busiest hospitals during the pandemic.We also talked about managing anxiety and self-care, as well as some moving stories from his life as a doctor. He talks with ease about the more difficult things in life and as a mental health professional myself, it was a delight to tackle some of the bigger issues together.Dr Kieran’s zest for life and enthusiasm for breaking down the barriers when it comes to mental health is incredibly encouraging, and I know we'll be seeing a whole lot more of Dr Kieran in the years to come.You can find the links to his website here, as well as to Dr Kieran on Instagram and don’t forget to leave us a rating and review and tag us in your thoughts on The Curious Life Insta!Now in the interest of good mental health, pop on your runners, pop in your air pods and head out for a walk while listening to The Curious Life with Dr Kieran Kennedy.Edited by Julie Reynolds of Audio Lemonade.
In this well overdue episode (apologies - COVID chaos!), I met with PR maven and quite literally one of the loveliest, warmest people I’ve ever met – Angela Ceberano.Ange is the Founder and Managing Director of Flourish, a creative communications agency based here in Melbourne, who spent some time chatting with me about the highs and lows of her personal and professional life.Ange has had a thrilling career to date, spending the first 10 years working with some of the biggest names in music, as the National Publicity Manger at Sony Music Entertainment. She has quite literally seen it all. And some of it’s pretty juicy!She is also a self-confessed workaholic who has paid the price for throwing everything she has into her passions, finding herself in hospital and forced to down tools.Ange gave us a peek into her marriage with musician Phil Ceberano and shared some of her experiences of their continuing IVF journey. In the lead up to the interview, Ange told me that she is an open book and that nothing was off limits. This couldn’t have been more true - she is incredibly generous and an absolute joy to talk with.There is so much that I personally took away from this chat and I know that many of you will too.Finally, just a quick reminder to please do leave us a rating or review if you’re enjoying the show and don’t forget to tag us in your thoughts on Insta @thecuriouslifepodcastYou can find Ange on YouTube here or on Insta @angelaceberanoDon't forget to check out Ange's stunning range of luxe candles Marco & Co - they're divine!This episode was edited by the multidtalents and truly sent from the gods, Julie Reynolds @juliehollywood of @lemonade80.9
This was the first episode recorded in lockdown so the sound quality is going to be a little shaky unfortunately as we enter the new world of Zoom interviews! But in this episode, I had the distinct privilege of chatting with triple Olympian and world champion swimmer, Michael Klim.It might be a surprise to learn that one of our greatest champions, considers himself to be quite a shy guy, despite what you may have seen on TV. Michael has spent his life in the water, taking in the life lessons and applying them to his life beyond the pool.Michael shared his story from his early expat years, where his father’s work took the family across the globe countless times, learning to swim at the Breach Candy Club in India as a toddler and the resilience he built through his many years of adapting to a new environment.The one constant throughout, was swimming.Michael recounted some of his experiences as an Olympic swimmer, the challenges he faced and finding the drive to persevere through injuries and setbacks – and how he has learned to apply these skills to his life after swimming.We also talked about his life as a parent to his three beautiful children, who he shares with ex-wife Lindy and how they worked through those sticky days of public separation and finding their groove as co-parents.Michael is a warm and generous spirit who has remained humble throughout his success. He is very generously offering listeners 30% off his Milk & Co products until July 1st, using the code MILKTCLP.I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed talking with the wonderful Michael Klim.Don’t forget to leave us a rating or review on iTunes and follow us on Instagram @thecuriouslifepodcast.Shop the full Milk & Co range here at https://www.milkandco.com.au/You can connect with Michael on Instagram here or Milk & Co hereor Klim by Michael Klim for the active range for men.Stay safe and stay well and enjoy the show!
As this episode goes to air, our country is going into lockdown.Someone who is an expert in lockdown and in fact, has had two stints of being locked down for months at a time (with the eyes of the nation glued to his every move), is this week’s guest Tim Dormer.You may remember Tim as the mischievous misfit who took the crown, winning Big Brother Australia in 2013.Tim was known as a master strategist and a cheeky larrikin who won the love and affection of the country during his time on the show.After winning Big Brother, Tim ran the gauntlet of celebrity and the evolution of Insta-fame and was invited onto Big Brother Canada, where he made it right up to the final night. During this time, Tim was grappling with the one of biggest decisions of his life – whether to share with the world and his conservative Christian family, that he had fallen in love with a man, his now fiancée Ash.Tim talks us through his journey of discovery through reality television, spirituality and sexuality with his trademark energy and plenty of self-reflection.Tim is an OG of reality TV and shares his insights and thoughts on the new season of Big Brother set to relaunch in 2020.Apologies for the sound quality on this one guys, we recorded the ep in a hotel in Sydney and had a major technical fail, having to use the video sound as a backup instead.Stay safe, stay home and enjoy the ep!You can find Tim on Instagram or on Twitter here.Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thecuriouslifepodcast.www.thecuriouslife.net
Layne Beachley AO is a 7-time world champion, hall of fame surfer who has smashed the records many times over. She is widely regarded as the most successful female surfer in history and is the only surfer, male or female to win six consecutive world titles.In this episode, Layne shares her story from the beginning. Layne experienced the loss of her mother at the age of six, followed by the discovery at 8 years of age, that she had been adopted.This crucially rattled her sense of security and identity, propelling her into success, driven by the underlying need to be loved and accepted for who she was.In the years that followed, Layne experienced two more significant losses and the end of a long-term relationship while competing for World titles and found herself rocked with the emotional repercussions of her history.Despite all of this, Layne has funneled those tough life moments into positive achievements, learning to create balance and a gratitude mindset across the board.Layne shares the ground rules she and husband, INXS rocker Kirk Pengilly have set for themselves and what has made their relationship so successful to date.She also takes us through a very dark period in her life and how Kirk was able to pull her back into the light by offering support and acknowledging the place she had found herself in.However, this conversation is full of the light and positivity that Layne embodies and filled with strategies for managing some of the tougher realities of life.Layne has packaged together the lessons that she has learned and transformed them into her Awake 2 Evolve workshops, driven to helping others to transform their own lives.Stay tuned for Layne’s online course The Awake Academy, launching in May.You can find all the details on the workshops at laynebeachley.com and follow Layne on Instagram @laynebeachley.Don’t forget to follow us @thecuriouslifepodcast on Insta and FB and if you like what you hear, please leave a rating or review in the podcast app – each one truly makes a big difference!Head to the website to listen online: www.thecuriouslife.net
We are launching Season 2 with an earnest and insightful conversation with the multi-talented and truly wonderful Sarah Davidson. You may know her as Spoonful of Sarah or as the host of her fabulous podcast, Seize the Yay.Sarah’s professional career started as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer for a top tier firm in Melbourne but took a sharp left turn when she suffered a severe bout of adrenal fatigue, which saw her exploring other options. It was from this that her first foray into business was underway, in the creation of Matcha Maiden with her now husband Nic Davidson. Their business exploded onto the market and just one year on, they opened their award-winning plant based café, Matcha Mylkbar.Sarah has achieved so much in her life and career to date and is an absolute delight to chat with.One of the things I love about podcasting and this format, is that the shape of the conversation can change dramatically at any point and you can think you’re going to be talking to someone about one particular aspect of their lives and then something entirely different comes out of the energy you each bring on that day.This conversation was the perfect example of that. I thought we were going to dive straight into Sarah’s incredible journey as a self-styled funtrepreneur – and while we did explore much of that, the conversation went deep into anxiety and mental health from jump. Sarah’s story is inspiring and her warmth and candour is infectious.Oh and if you’ve ever been curious about what goes on on Richard Branson’s private island when no one is looking? Then sit tight and Sarah will give you low down on her exclusive retreat and wild bachelorette party thrown by the man himself!You can connect with Sarah through her website Spoonful of Sarah or through Insta as Spoonful of Sarah or Seize the Yay. Don't forget to check out Matcha Maiden and Matcha Mylkbar while you're at it!As always, your reviews and ratings are very much appreciated, so if you like the show - please let us know! You can also connect with us at The Curious Life Podcast on Insta and Facebook by clicking on these links.
In the FINAL episode of 2019, we chat with psychologist and parenting expert, Dr Justin Coulson.Justin has teamed up with leading swimschool, Kingswim to spread the message loud and clear, about the importance of water safety and swimming lessons for children of all ages.Justin shares cautionary tales and a harrowing story of loss that may be triggering to some listeners.This episode is intended as a timely reminder for all parents, pool owners and beach goers as we head into the summer months.Justin also shares his expertise as a best selling author and nationwide authority on parenting, delving into the common issues that arise for parents.He shares his top three parenting hacks, to help reframe parenting, curb the rage and ultimately be the kind of parents we would all like to be.Not a parent? No worries! Justin's parenting hacks and ideas translate universally across all kinds of relationships and there is something for everyone in this episode.You can find Dr Justin Coulson through his website Happy Families or through his Instagram page here. He is also on Facebook here.Time to book in swimming lessons? Check out Kingswim in 20 locations across Australia.A big thank you to all of you for listening to Season 1 of The Curious Life Podcast - don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook using @thecuriouslifepodcast and tag us in your posts and stories.Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and looking forward to reconnecting when we're back in Season 2 in January!
Luke McLeod is a wellness consultant and passionate meditator, whose mission has become to help others reach their potential and find balance in a meaningful and accessible way.Luke first appeared on our screens as a front runner in the race for Sophie Monk’s heart on The Bachelorette. Sadly for Soph, that didn’t pan out.It wasn't long before Luke was back looking for love in the inaugural Australian season of Bachelor in Paradise, catapulting him into the spotlight once more.When his relationship on the show went the way of many, Luke suddenly found himself at the centre of the wrath of the Bachie fanatics.For many of the people who knew Luke well, the move into reality television seemed like a surprising choice for the former Army officer and philosophical soul. But a transformative experience in India following the breakdown of just about every part of his life, had left Luke open to new experiences in a way he had never been before.In this episode, Luke shares his experiences behind the scenes on The Bachelorette and BIP, his relative fall from grace in the eyes of the Bachie fans and his thoughts on the responsibilities of the networks to provide ongoing care for participants, well beyond their contractual screen time.Luke shares his journey through devastating losses, to finding meaning and strength in meditation, and the drive he feels to share what he has learned along the way.He is passionate about helping others reach their potential and allow themselves the time to just “be”. He does this through his teaching platform Soul Alive, offering guided meditation and support in a thoroughly modern, accessible and affordable way.Luke is generously offering listeners a Christmas special on 6-month Soul Alive memberships where you will receive 20% off using the discount code SOULXMAS.This code can be used right up until Christmas to head over to the Soul Alive product page to sign up now!You can find Luke on Instagram or through the Soul Alive Insta page by clicking on any of these links.We would love to hear your thoughts so please leave us a rating or review on the podcast app and tag us in your posts on Instagram, using @thecuriouslifepodcast
Tracey Dimech is a bubbly, bright and delightful Mum of three from the Central Coast of NSW. She also happens to be a highly regarded psychic medium and spiritual alignment coach, with some of the strongest gifts and insights in her field.I know this, because I had the distinct honour and privilege of experiencing her incredible talents firsthand, over the course of a magical few hours.In this episode, Tracey shares her experiences as a lifelong psychic medium, taking us through her first memories of connecting with the other side. She gives a detailed account of what it looks, feels and sounds like when talking to spirits, how she receives her messages and why she feels pulled to share her gifts with a wider audience.Tracey's abilities are rare and refined, with a passion for connection and authenticity, sharing messages from loved ones who have passed on and poignant information from spirit guides. Her readings provide a fully fleshed out, 3D package of ways to amplify, improve and balance your being.She doesn't shy away from the hard stuff and reveals a number of spine tingling encounters with powerful celebrities from beyond the grave as well as her own personal experiences with the people she has known and loved.Tracey is warm, engaging and laser focused on providing healing, clarity and strength to the people who are lucky enough to find themselves in her light.If you have ever been curious about what it's like to "see dead people" then this episode is for you!Tracey has just announced a capital city tour, with limited availability – click on the link below to reserve your ticket now!See Tracey LIVEYou can find Tracey on Instagram and Facebook or through her website www.traceydimech.com.auDon't forget to leave us a rating or review and tag us in your socials! @thecuriouslifepodcast
Over the years Neale Whitaker has become a household name, gracing our televisions with his elegance, sophistication and impressive eye for style.Neale is probably best known for his work as a host and designer on Love It Or List It Australia, and for the past decade as a judge on the renovation juggernaut that is The Block.However Neale's creative career hasn't always been in interiors, nor in fact in publishing where he has spent the best part of his recent working life at the helm of major publications such as Belle magazine, Vogue Living and Delicious.Neale's journey so far has been filled with passion and intrigue and a healthy dose of adventure along the way.In this episode, Neale takes us back through his life in the UK following the loss of his father at a young age and into his formative years as a young man in a country emerging from a dark time.In the 1980's as the UK was discovering its new identity and breaking free from a repressive government, Neale was also on his own path to self-discovery and recounts some of the highs and lows of that time.Neale shares his story with his trademark wit and charm, answering some of my burning questions about what really goes on with those reno shows.You can find Neale on Instagram here and be sure to tune in this week to the final episode of season three of Love It Or List It Australia, available to watch or stream on the Lifestyle channel on Foxtel.We would love to hear your thoughts on the episode so make sure you tag Neale and The Curious Life Podcast in your posts on socials!
To the outside world, the model life appears to be one of luxury and glamour, with expensive shoots in exotic locations and a fast paced version of the high life.But what happens to a young mind when the pressures to conform to dangerous industry standards become overwhelming?Former Miss Universe Australia, Olivia Rogers tells us exactly what happens when the business of baring your body becomes increasingly impossible to live with, as she shares her story of spiralling into the grips of an eating disorder that plagued her for years.She gives a raw and real account of the unhealthy expectations of the modelling world, the impact it had on her mental health and how she managed to survive some of her darkest days.She also gives us a behind the scenes look at the Miss Universe competition that supported her during her recovery and propelled her into the spotlight. Olivia’s intention is to break down the barriers and reduce the stigma related to mental health, encouraging others to seek help rather than suffering in silence as she did for so long.Olivia is an impressive young woman who has not only come through the other side fighting, she has taken control of her career, balancing her work as a speech pathologist and life in the public eye, sharing her message with warmth, honesty and humour.You can contact Olivia through Instagram here.We would love to hear your thoughts so please tag @thecuriouslifepodcast and @oliviamollyrogers in your posts on socials and keep the conversation going.
You may remember Sam Wood as the quintessential good guy, who rose to fame (literally) as The Bachelor on the third Australian series, breaking the hearts of millions of viewers when he found love with the gorgeous Snezana.Fast forward a few years and they are now very happily married with three beautiful daughters and are the shining example to all the Bachie contestants that have followed in their footsteps.Sam wasn't always in the spotlight however, spending a very happy childhood in picturesque Tasmania, until tragedy struck the family while Sam was only in his early teens.The eldest of his siblings, Sam navigated the dark waters of grief while continuing to complete his schooling as his father rose to the challenge of suddenly becoming the sole parent to three children.Sam shares his very personal experience with grief, and the decisions that saw him take a coaching position in The States, which sent him hurtling towards the mainland to set him on a path that would lead to the big life he is living now.Sam takes us through the lessons he learned along his professional journey, how he built his 28 by Sam Wood empire and the most important role in his life as a father. For the Bachie fans, this is not to be missed as Sam cheekily lifts the curtain on the Bachelor stage, giving us the low down on what really goes on behind the scenes of one of the world’s favourite TV franchises.Sam is not afraid to be vulnerable or to share his thoughts and experiences, so settle in and enjoy this enlightening conversation.Sam has very generously offered a FREE copy of his bestselling cook book 28 By Sam Wood, by using the coupon provided in the episode, to everyone who signs up to the 28 program by midnight on November 4th. Get listening for the coupon code!You can sign up to 28 by Sam Wood by clicking on the link.Share your thoughts on the episode by tagging us in your posts on Instagram or Facebook!If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review on your podcast app.
You asked for a juicy ep and you got it!Our resident sexpert, Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist Sarah Calleja is back in a powerful episode, unpacking the common myths and fears around pornography and the impact it can have on kids.Using Emily Rothman's Pornography Literacy programs as a launching pad, Sarah shares her thoughts on how we can use porn as a tool for teaching kids about some of the broader concepts around consent, respectful relationships and negotiating our own boundaries.Instead of vilifying pornography and taking a negative approach, Sarah shows us how we can use it to empower our kids to become critical thinkers when inevitably exposed to explicit content, and turn it into a discussion about intimacy and relationships that will help them understand the context of the sexual world around them.This episode will have you laughing and cringing but most importantly, leaving you with plenty of resources and practical ways to talk with your kids, friends or students about some of the more important conversations about life.Links to the resources mentioned in the episode are below:Parents, Teens, Sex App - Sarah CallejaEmily Rothman - Porn Literacy Ted TalkMarty Klein - Changing the Way People, Politics and Media Look at SexThe Hunting - SBSeSafetyJoin in the conversation over at The Curious Life on Instagram or Facebook and if you like what you hear, please do leave us a rating or review on the podcast app or iTunes.
The global refugee crisis is a political football that gets thrown around in parliamentary discussions and across the media, with the often simplistic focus of whether or not to "let people in".The issue itself is far more complex and broad but at the heart of it are real people, who have suffered immeasurable trauma, who are seeking refuge in a safe place.Someone who is actively doing something about it, is Stephanie Cousins. Steph has spent the last 15 years working for Amnesty International and Oxfam in a number of roles, and in 2017 was awarded the Churchill Fellowship to research innovative refugee admission programs in Brazil, USA, Canada, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.She documented this incredible experience and the outcomes of her research for her website Make Refuge.Building on her findings across the globe, Steph is now the Australian Director of Talent Beyond Boundaries, connecting refugees to international job opportunities.She shares her thoughts and experiences of working within the refugee and advocacy sector for the last 15 years, from the highs to the lows, as well as some of the personal stories of the people she has encountered along the way.Steph is an inspiring young woman, following her passion and truly making a difference to the lives of others around her.To join in the conversation online, follow us on Instagram or Facebook @thecuriouslifepodcast. Send us a screenshot of you listening to the ep, along with your thoughts!You can connect directly with Steph by clicking on the links above.To read about Behrooz Bouchani, you can click here.A rating or review on iTunes would also be much appreciated.
In this episode we chat with Australian actor, writer, yogi and storyteller Rachael Coopes, who shares her philosophies on life, parenting and following your passion.Rachael has been on our screens for decades in shows such as McLeod's Daughters, Life Support and The Secret Life of Us, and is a much loved presenter and writer on the Australian television treasure that is Playschool.We take a look at Rachael's journey of self-discovery as a writer and performer, muddling her way through the murky waters of parenthood in what can be an incredibly isolating and difficult time.Rach shares her thoughts on the modern challenges we face today and how yoga has become central to her way of relating to the busy world around us.We get a behind the scenes look at the wondrous world of Playschool and the incredible efforts that go into the creation of this great icon of Australian television.Rachael is genuine, charming and inspiring, while providing a healthy reminder to find that moment to pause and reflect, amid the chaos.To contribute to the her passion project 'Rachael and the Minis' click on the link below:Rachael and the MinisOr you can contact her here:https://www.rachaelcoopes.com/Rach on Facebook or Rach on InstagramDon't forget to leave us a rating or review on the Podcast App and join in the conversation on Insta and Facebook!
It is only fitting that in Episode 13, we tiptoe down the hallway of paranormal activity and chat with part-time Paranormal Investigator, David Nesbitt.David shares some of his spine tingling encounters as a Ghost Hunter, that have taken him into some of the most active locations in Victoria, witnessing and recording the sights and sounds of the spirit world.We exchange personal stories about experiences with the unexplained and David gives us a behind the scenes look at what goes down on a typical night of ghost hunting. David's straightforward and honest approach to his nocturnal expeditions may leave you questioning your own beliefs, as he shares his journey from skeptic to believer through each spooky turn.If you've ever wondered whether authentic paranormal activity is just as they portray in the movies, then this one's for you, as we unveil the truth behind connection with the other realm.Don't miss the end of the episode, when David cracks out the professional gear and takes a wander through the house, in an attempt to connect with the mysterious footsteps that have been heard in the hallway of this Art Deco home.The results may leave your spine tingling too!You can find The Curious Life on Instagram or on Facebook and please don't forget to leave us a rating and review, if you like what you hear!
Have you ever wondered how couples bounce back from what might appear to be insurmountable challenges? How people are able to forgive humiliating or heartbreaking ruptures of trust? Are you wondering how to move forward in your own relationship?Well, our resident Sexpert is back to crack the lid on what is so often a tightly held secret, rarely shared outside of the relationship or the counselling room walls.In this episode, Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist Sarah Calleja peels back the many layers of relationship betrayals, from the mundane to the driving you insane, revealing surprising details about the intricacies and intimacies of relationships.Sarah chats candidly about her personal and professional experiences of betrayal and shares her thoughts on ways to create safer, stronger, more intimate connections for healthy and ever-evolving relationships.If you missed Sarah's first episode on sex and relationships, you can listen to it here:Let's Talk About Sex, Baby! With Sarah CallejaYou can find Sarah here:Action PsychologyPlease join in the conversation on Instagram or on Facebook and don't forget to leave us a rating or review, it's very much appreciated!If you have anything you'd like Sarah to explore further, send us a DM and let's put it to the expert!Thanks for listening!
Jessie Cole is the author of the exquisite Staying: A Memoir, which was shortlisted for the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award.It is an exceptionally written account of an otherwise idyllic and enchanting childhood, fractured inexplicably by the loss of two family members to suicide.In this episode, Jessie graciously takes us on the journey of wading through the trauma and loss, and shares how she was able to turn immense tragedy into an incredibly powerful and nourishing piece of literature.We chat about the impervious nature of grief, the complexities of family dynamics and the significance of the majestic rain forest that still plays an integral role in Jessie's life today.We get an inside look into the writing process and discuss the challenges that arise when writing a memoir, as well as the importance of representing the facts and the people as they were.Jessie generously explores these themes and many more, with deep thought and consideration and I'm sure you'll enjoy the conversation as much as I did.Jessie is also the author of two novels, Darkness on the Edge of Town and Deeper Water.To find out more or to connect with Jessie Cole, you can head to:https://jessie-cole.com/https://www.facebook.com/jessiecolewriter/https://www.instagram.com/jessiexcole/Don't forget to leave us a rating or review if you like what you hear and get in touch below:https://www.instagram.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/
In this episode, we meet entrepreneur, lawyer and twin mum, Dinzi Amobi-Sanderson.Dinzi was born in Nigeria, to Nigerian and English parents and moved to London at the age of eight. She shares her journey across the continents, from her deep and rich African roots to her contrasting British schooling, and what brings her now to be raising her family in Australia.We talk about the perception of cultural identity and how to raise kids with their own unique sense of self, and the challenges faced by parents raising kids in a culture different from their own.Dinzi shares her experiences as a mother of twins, trying to do it all, and the stark reality of so many women who frequently feel pulled in several different directions - professionally, personally and at home.Her unabashed honesty and dry sense of humour make this conversation both entirely relatable and enlightening. Not only is this incredible woman fiercely intelligent, inspiring and prolific in her own right, she launched ULO Australia, an African homewares brand, while wrangling newborn twins.If you're curious about cultural identity, finding the balance between raising a family, working out what's important in your own family dynamic or finding ways to follow your passion while laughing off the occasional horrors of parenting, then this episode is for you!You can check out Dinzi's fabulous designs through the ULO Australia website below and stay tuned for the launch of ULO Kids coming soon!https://www.uloaustralia.com/Or connect on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/uloaustralia/Don't forget to join in the conversation over at The Curious Life Facebook and Insta below:https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/https://www.instagram.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/Thanks for listening and if you haven't already, if you could find a minute to rate and review us, that would be wonderful!
Content Warning: this episode contains a personal account of childhood sexual abuse, that may be distressing to some listenersDassi Erlich has been leading the charge in an ongoing international battle for justice, that has waged unrelentingly for many years now.Dassi was a student at The Adass Israel School in Melbourne, when her then Principal Malka Leifer, began grooming and then sexually abusing her. The abuse continued into young adulthood and it wasn't until she was married and living in Israel, that the trauma began to unravel.This triggered a series of events that lead to Dassi speaking out about the abuse that she and her sisters suffered at the hands of Leifer, leaving behind the insular Adass community to become the public face of this incredibly inspiring story of survival and the fight to #BringLeiferBack.Dassi shares her incredible story of strength and resilience, courage and adversity, leaving us with a sense of hope for the future.For more information and the latest updates about the case, go to:https://www.facebook.com/bringleiferback/Don't forget to join in the conversation on The Curious Life Podcast social pages at:https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/https://www.instagram.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/And please leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
In this episode, we chat with the enigmatic storyteller, Cory Porter, aka Mr Congo.Born and raised in the small town of Tarpon Springs in Florida, Cory is now living and raising his family in Melbourne, Australia. The two places in his heart couldn't be further apart in terms of community, culture and identity.But this has only enhanced his perspective as we talk race and identity, in and around his two worlds.Mr Congo shares his philosophies on life and experiences of growing up in the 'hood', with his trademark storyteller flow, poetic flair and therapeutic analysis.Cory is a man of many talents, he's a father, an artist, a poet, a DJ, a philosopher, a therapist and even an ex-College football player.Come for the stories, stay for his delivery.You can find Mr Congo at the links below:https://www.facebook.com/mrcongo800/https://www.instagram.com/mrcongo800/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cEPuKSRwmA72_qMvU9togTo donate to his cause, Mr Congo x Ndoto Afrika, raising money for sustainable toilets in Tanzania, click here:https://www.facebook.com/donate/297196954550537/Or head to the live event:Congo x Ndoto for Afrika Artshow and Fundraiser11-13 Spring st. FitzroyJune 29th, 5pm-10pmFeaturing live performances, poetry in motion, art, music, dancing and good vibes.Don't forget to follow us @thecuriouslifepodcast on Insta and Facebook:https://www.instagram.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/And leave us a rating or review in the podcast app!Thanks for listening!
In this episode, we chat with former Bachelor villain and current Bachelor in Paradise sweetheart, Alisha Aitken-Radburn.Alisha is a formidable talent, who is incredibly articulate and intelligent, with a number of strings to her bow.We get the lowdown on how she found herself suddenly in the good graces of the Australian public, after receiving the villain treatment on her season of The Bachelor.Alisha dishes out some hard truths about many of her Bachelor and BIP cast mates and the events that transpired in Paradise, from the heartbreak to the controversy. This sharp shooter does not hold back!And when you've had enough of the reality, love and life chat, we get down to the brass tacks of Australian politics.As a current Labor staffer, Alisha shares her insights into the recent federal election and what went wrong for the ALP during the election campaign.Alisha has a naturally strong and effervescent style, but isn't afraid to be vulnerable when it comes to the matters close to her heart.You can follow Alisha on insta @alisha.aitkenradburnPlease don't forget to sling us a rating or review if you like this ep and thanks for listening!
In this episode, we chat with leading obesity expert and author of "Interval Weight Loss" and "Interval Weight Loss For Life", Dr Nick Fuller, about the common misconceptions around dieting and weight loss, that so many of us have bought into.Dr Fuller shares startling statistics on the obesity epidemic in Australia and the reasons that we are all dieting ourselves fat.We chat about influencers and celebrity endorsements, as well as getting a clear understanding about the dangers of following fad diets.Dr Fuller gives us the answer to a scientifically proven way to lose weight and keep it off for life.The links to the pages and reports discussed in this episode can be found below.Don't forget to give us a rating or a review and to join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram at @thecuriouslifepodcast.https://www.intervalweightloss.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/intervalweightloss/https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2019-01-02/us-news-reveals-best-diets-rankings-for-2019https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/the-biggest-problem-with-grocery-shopping/news-story/9a9eef114aa88f160342177925c73cd0
James spent his entire childhood and formative years, sequestered away as a member of Scientology's Sea Org, a "fraternal religious order, comprising the church's most dedicated members".For the first time, James shares his experiences of being a child growing up in Scientology and the events that led to his leaving the Church, despite it being all he knew... not to mention his billion year contract with the Sea Org.Many of the closest members of James' family are still deeply entrenched within the highest levels of the organisation and therefore, we have taken great care to speak as respectfully as possible, while shedding light on one of the most controversial organisations of our time.In this episode you will hear James talk about his experiences as a young person and his journey to discover his true identity in more ways than one.Join in the conversation on Instagram and Facebook at thecuriouslifepodcast.
Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist Sarah Calleja knows her body and wants you to know yours too!We chat about her work as a sex therapist, helping couples navigate their way through sexual anxieties, ways to reinvigorate your relationship and tips on exploring and increasing intimacy after kids.Sarah also shares her thoughts on pornography and the impact, both positive and negative, that the industry has had on social culture, and the ways we can teach our children about boundaries and body safety.Sarah recently partnered with Swinburne University to create an app called Parents, Tweens and Sex, a resource for talking with kids about sexuality and their bodies in a safe and fun way.https://www.ptsapp.com.au/You can contact Sarah here:http://www.actionpsychology.com/Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook at thecuriouslifepodcast and please do leave us a review!
Carla Fetter is an award winning real estate agent and partner at her agency, who is known for her sales and negotiation skills and selling some of the most sought after real estate in Melbourne.Last year, Carla gave birth to her beautiful daughter Teddy who was created thanks to the assistance of IVF, using her partner's egg and donor sperm.Carla talks frankly about her experience with IVF, the road to donor selection and the challenges she faced that lead her to elect to receive treatment interstate. Carla's journey to motherhood is an interesting one, so for anyone curious about how parenthood begins in same sex relationships, IVF or donor selection - this one's for you!Links to the websites we discussed can be found here:https://www.varta.org.au/https://fairfaxcryobank.com/australian-sperm-donors
In this episode we get serious with Sydney comedian Josh Hawkins, known as Hi Josh, who catapulted to fame thanks to a viral video that demonstrated the Australian obsession with abbreviation.His recent "Bad Lip Reading" videos for Married At First Sight (MAFS) has seen his Instagram followers double almost overnight, as he has found himself becoming a pop culture comedy king. Not that the incredibly humble and at times introspective man would use those words himself!But it's not all laughs and celebrity catch ups for Josh, who recently left his five year position as a Pastor in a church, for full time comedy. Josh has a very strong religious background and often finds himself balancing his boundaries and beliefs with his comedy career objectives, and it's not always as easy as it looks.We talk about religion, spirituality and his rise to fame as Josh shares some of his personal thoughts about life.Check him out on all social media platforms @hijosh Don't forget to give us a review and a rating if you like this episode, and you can join in the conversation @thecuriouslifepodcast on Instgram and Facebook.
In honour of Trans Day of Visibility celebrated on Mar 31st this year, we chat with Katherine Wolfgramme, a transgender woman and advocate. We take a look at her personal experiences and exceptional achievements along her nearly 30 year journey. Katherine shares her insights into transitioning at a time of great change, the challenges she faced as a young trans person growing up in Fiji and how we can be everyday allies. She does this with her trademark humour and unique ability to find the absurd in the abhorrent.Please join in the conversation online: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast/You can find Katherine at https://www.wolfgramme.com/Don't forget to give us a review or a rating and thank you for listening!