embrace humans: Recent Episodes
Mel Joss
embrace humans is an on-the-go community podcast designed to fit perfectly into your already busy life. We are sharing your stories. Stories of everyday remarkable people to create change, awareness and connection. Subscribe now!
On this week’s episode I chat with Tim who is also known as Timberlina.
Tim is a busy person who is passionate about the arts, especially bringing the arts to the Country!
His love of community is infectious, and even during our chat he was telling you all “to reach out to him if they wanted support”. What a generous & big-hearted human!
When the wig, the spanks, the stockings, makeup and sequins go on Timberlina is who you’ll need to watch out for. Timberlina is the Sassiest Drag queens I know, and she’s all about entertaining and educating people, one person at a time.
Live shows, virtual shows and events, 2 podcasts, a production company, working with brands to share his message, Tim is changing the world for the better.
We started this podcast to create change, awareness and connection. Its conversations like these that give us the opportunity to grow and learn.
I had a great time chatting with Tim + I can’t wait to have some laughs with Timberlina on Friday night at Drag Virtual bingo. (For tickets go to Drag Virtual Bingo | Timber Productions)
I know you’re going to love listening to Tim’s remarkable story.
For more information on this week’s organisation focus please head to
ACON HEALTH
www.Acon.org.au
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
There you’ll soon find our ethical Australian manufactured clothing + apparel. #goodvaluegreatvalues #wecareaboutpeopleandtheplanet
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (www.soundstreet.com.au)
If you were ever searching for the most positive person in the world, stop looking we’ve found her!
Her name is Amanda, and in this episode, we have a chat about her positivity even when navigating Stage 4 cancer and raising a young family.
If you are a State of origin fan, chances are you’ve heard her amazing voice earlier this year as Amanda sung the National Anthem.
This moment was a huge highlight and another thing she’s ticked off the bucket list.
In 2016 at 31 Amanda was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy but in 2018 her cancer returned as stage 4 with 7 tumours in her spine.
Currently + The last 3years she is still receiving Oral chemotherapy 21 days out of every 28 days, and trips to the Calvary Mater hospital in Newcastle NSW.
When I asked Amanda what her biggest fear around her cancer, she talks about being “Twenty years younger than most people in the chemo waiting room” and how hard it is to be navigating this as a Mum with a young family knowing her plans have changed.
I had a great time chatting with Amanda and I can’t wait for us both to get out of lockdown so we can keep laughing and exchanging stories over a drink of some sort.
The quote “a stranger is a friend that you haven’t met yet” rings so true when I think about Amanda.
I know you’ll be amazed by her positivity and her resilience. I was, and I am still.
I know you’re going to love listening to Amanda’s remarkable story.
For more information on this week’s organisation focus please head to
CALVERY MATER HOSPITAL
https://www.calvarycare.org.au/about/support-us/make-a-donation/?to=47
Also be sure to check out Breast Cancer Network Australia Homepage (bcna.org.au) for more info on Breast Cancer, support and ways to help there too!
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
There you’ll soon find our ethical Australian manufactured clothing + apparel. #goodvaluegreatvalues #wecareaboutpeopleandtheplanet
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
In this episode, I chat to Mary about her love and natural born passion around community. She is finding new ways to help others and to create ways for others to find their community too.
Mary is responsible for developing and establishing an education program for young parents. The Young people’s education program (YPEP | SELLEN) gives them the opportunity to return to school and complete year 12, and bring their baby with them.
The program gives young parents the opportunity to access support and advice from a range of experts about parenting, early childhood development, financial literacy and counselling, mental health, wellbeing, legal, housing and more.
Mary truly understands the meaning of Community and Family. So much so, that she has also founded “Happy places and co”. Which is a a beautiful business built around creating connections, especially around the table at events.
“The table is for everyone. My goal is inclusivity not exclusivity”
Charity Spotlight
This week we highlight WORLD VISON AUSTRALIA as Mary’s Charity of choice.
“World Vision Australia works with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.”
For more information on WORLD VISON AUSTRALIA please head to
www.worldvision.com.au
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
Australian fashion that cares about people + the planet. Launching soon!
fashionthatdeservesyourattention #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
In this episode, I chat to Daniel about his story and what he loves in his life.
Daniel has Down Syndrome and although you hear my voice a little more this episode, Daniel confidently held his own in this conversation.
We get Daniel’s sister Bree on the mic to ask her a few questions and I love that she says “he’s the life of the party”.
We talk about Daily life, working life and of course we talk about his romantic life.
I sincerely loved chatting with Daniel or Boonie, as his friends call him and I can’t wait for you to hear his story!
This week we highlight the children’s charity- VARIETY.
“Helping to give kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs a fair go in life”
For more information on VARIETY please head to
www.variety.org.au
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
Australian fashion that cares about people + the planet. Launching soon!
fashionthatdeservesyourattention #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
** This episode comes with a trigger warning.
We talk about child loss and death.
We understand that this may be triggering for some, please take care.
In today's episode, I chat with Laura who is a Mum of five.
Laura has a very unique story and it is quite triggering.
As a human, this story rattles me, as a mum, this makes me want to crawl into a ball and cry. Laura and her husband Macka lost their son Jack in 2013 to a blind cord incident.
Most people in that circumstance would shrivel up and barely survive, but Laura has been committed to bringing awareness to save other people's children, as she knew that there was nothing more she could do for her own boy Jack that day.
When I think of my conversation with Laura, the word resilience comes to mind.
She has survived one of the most horrific days any mother could ever imagine.
She has rebuilt her life despite the guilt and heartbreak.
Laura is now happily remarried with two more beautiful children alongside her daughter Ella, who proves to be more like her Dad Macka every day.
In the background, you'll hear Laura's little 2 1/2 yr old playing.
This is real life, this is mum life.
I think it's beautiful that we can hear Laura's son in the background as we talk about Laura's son, who is now in heaven.
I'm so honored that Laura felt comfortable sharing her story to bring awareness.
Being vulnerable is difficult and often scary especially when you go back into memories that changed your life in an instant.
** Want to know more about blind cord safety?
https://www.blindcordsafety.com.au/
Blind cord safely Australia is an independent company focusing on all facets of minimising the risk of strangulation of children by unsecured or loose blind and curtain cords.
** For more information on how you can donate to WESTPAC HELICOPTER please head to
https://rescuehelicopter.com.au
For over 45 years, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter has grown to become a vital 24-7 aeromedical operation. Every life they save and every person they assist, provides a reminder of the critical role they play in our community.
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.auhttps://www.embracehumans.com.au/password
Soon you’ll find our Ethical tee’s, clothing and apparel manufactured in Australia for the fashion and planet conscious consumer.
#fashionthatdeservesyourattention #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
In this episode, I chat with Rick Prosser.
He’s a likeable, down to earth and selfless guy who’s passionate about helping others.
Rick is the CEO of the grassroots non-government funded charity “Soul Café. “Soul is a community response to deep community needs".
Soul Cafe provides over 1017 free sit down and take away meals each week for many people who are dealing with issues of homelessness, drug or alcohol addiction, crime or violence, poverty, separation, mental health or illness concerns and accommodation needs.
Soul Cafe’s desire is to do more than just serve a meal. The ultimate mission of Soul Cafe is to see vulnerable cafe guests placed on a path towards increased safety, health and purpose.
Theres a culture at Soul between the volunteers rather than rules. Rick explained this culture simply, “We’re going to do whatever we can, with whatever we have for whoever walks in”.
I am so thankful that Rick wanted to share his story about the Soul’s Cafe.
For more information on how you can help or donate SOUL CAFE
Please head to; www.soulcafe.org.au
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
Soon you’ll find our ethical tee’s, clothing and apparel manufactured in Australia for the fashion and planet conscious consumer. #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
*Trigger Warning*
This episode may be triggering for some. Especially those who have struggled or are struggling with Mental health or around Loss and Grief.
In this episode, we talk about the harsh realities of living with anxiety and depression on a daily basis and how we can help the people around us.
“I almost need to be an actor. I am pretending the whole day that I’m ok”
After losing her Dad at aged 6, Beth and her sister began navigating and supporting their Single Mum as she slowly became an high functioning alcoholic as the years went on.
At 28yrs old Beth lost her Mum.
“I am Sharing my story to create more awareness and understanding of mental health”
Now 36, Beth is a realist and she calls it as it is.
I am so honoured that my lifelong friend Beth has recorded her remarkable story for embrace humans.
Being vulnerable is difficult and often scary.
I am proud that Beth makes a determined effort every single day to “be here” and to live a better life despite second guessing her worth and struggling with anxiety and depression.
For more information on LIVIN please head to
www.livin.org
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
Soon you’ll find our Ethical tee’s, clothing and apparel manufactured in Australia for the fashion and planet conscious consumer. #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
In this episode, we talk about how even spending years climbing the corporate ladder to become a Regional Mangers at one of Australia’s largest building societies, Christie felt unfulfilled, isolated and trapped.
“On paper it was the perfect job, but I couldn’t fully be me”
Christie is now an Intuitive Life Coach after the blunt realisation this corporate "perfect job on paper" job was not what she ultimately wanted.
When she had the realisation of "oh wait this isn't for me" the only way out was to make a huge life decision despite affecting her family, and those around her.
Christie walked away from a great organisation, with solid and stable income to find her passion now helps others do the same despite the fear of the unknown.
These days Christie is happily wearing many hats as a Mum, Step Mum, Grandma, energy healer and soon to be published author.
When you step out of, or in Christie’s case, blindly leap out of your comfort zone, magic really does happen.
I can’t wait for you to learn as Christie shares her story to bring awareness and understanding around her Personal growth.
*This episode we are highlighting the Charity Lifeline.
Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. 131114
They are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
They exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
For more info and to help Lifeline with a donation head to www.lifeline.org.au
To read more about Christie's business "wholistic life transformations" and how she helps people move out of their own way head to www.wholisticlifetransformations.com or @WholisticLifeTransformations on facebook.
*Trigger Warning*In this episode, we talk about child sexual abuse and the effects it has on peoples lives, even 40 years later. This episode may be triggering for some.
A beautiful and kind soul dressed in an array of tie-dyed clothing, Tracey shares her story about being a survivor of child sexual abuse.
Tracey is one of 3 siblings, who were all exposed to Child sexual abuse very early in their lives.
"We always had each other and our amazing Dad"
When your power is stolen from you at such a young age, it’s a daily decision and choice to work towards the life you want and to take back your power.
Today and since 1996 Tracey is an early childhood educator who is passionate about protecting children from having the experience she and her 2 sisters faced. She has found joy and love in her life since this time and is in my opinion the epitome of strength and determination.
Tracey found therapy in Chromotherapy and has been sharing her good vibes attitude through her lifelong affair with Dye dying.
I can’t wait for you to learn as Tracey shared her story to bring awareness around sexual abuse.
For more information on Bravehearts please head to
www.bravehearts.org.au
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
There you’ll soon find our ethical Australian manufactured clothing and apparel. #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
*Trigger Warning*
This episode is Raw and emotional.
If you have experienced loss or grief, this episode may be triggering.
In this episode, I (Mel Joss) share my story of my Dad living with Parkinson's Disease & Lewy Body Dementia, and navigating the hard moments as he slowly died before our eyes.
Nothing can prepare you for the moment you need to put your ego aside to make sure your loved ones medical needs are being met.
When there's no cure on the table, there are only ever 2 options, to live and suffer so we can be with him, or die and be at peace.
“I wanted my Dad to live forever, but not like that”.
For more information on Parkinson's Disease please head to
https://www.parkinsons.org.au/
Don't forget to hit subscribe, leave a review and share our podcast.
If you're not following us already on social media make sure you check out @embracehumansthepodcast on both Instagram and Facebook.
Feel like you want more embrace humans?
Joining our mailing list!
https://www.embracehumans.com.au
There you’ll soon find our ethical Australian manufactured clothing and apparel. #goodvaluegreatvalues
Produced by: Sophie Jackson (soundstreet.com.au)
Join me, as I share your stories.
Stories of everyday remarkable people in our community to create change, awareness and connection.
Are you curious about certain topics but worried you’ll offend someone by saying the wrong thing? Me too!
Come listen and learn with me while I ask the fun questions, the hard questions and the questions many of us have simply put in the too hard basket.
Nothing is out of the question.
Our on-the-go podcast is designed to fit perfectly into your already busy life.
*The embrace humans podcast is a community project from embracehumans.com.au. An Australian owned and Manufactured clothing and apparel label that specialises in ethically made.