The Hair Therapist

Mel sits down with Salli Cohen, founder of The Policy Room and a seasoned policy practitioner with over three decades of experience, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the role of good policy in shaping communities. Salli shares her personal journey, the tribulations she has faced, and the lessons learned from working across government, the not‑for‑profit sector, and community organisations. With a background spanning criminology, public administration, and frontline service delivery, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise. Together they explore youth advocacy and empowerment, the importance of amplifying young voices, and how well‑crafted policy can positively impact communities. Salli reflects on the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Northern Territory, highlighting the urgent need for culturally informed, community‑driven solutions. She also speaks to the resilience required to navigate personal and professional hurdles while staying committed to advocacy, and why curiosity, courage, and capability are essential for leaders and policy teams. This conversation is not just about policy, it’s about people. Listeners will walk away with insights into how advocacy and good governance can transform lives, especially for young people navigating systemic challenges. Salli’s story is a testament to resilience, and her work underscores the power of policy done well to create lasting social impact.(1) Salli Cohen | LinkedInPolicy Room | Policy Services On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Salli CohenEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

Today’s episode brings us into the heart of what community care looks like when it’s done with courage, creativity, and an unwavering belief in people. And there’s no one who embodies that more fully than Mim O’Flynn. For more than two decades, Mim has dedicated her nursing career to walking alongside people who are too often pushed to the margins, those experiencing homelessness, stigma, incarceration, or the heavy weight of health challenges. As the driving force behind Queensland’s Kombi Clinic, she’s helped transform hepatitis C care by taking it out of sterile rooms and into the real world: drop‑in centres, correctional facilities, community gatherings, and the streets where people live and sleep. What makes Mim extraordinary isn’t just her clinical expertise, though she’s recognised globally as a leader in mobile hepatitis C point‑of‑care testing and treatment. It’s the way she shows up. With humour. With bright Hawaiian shirts. With a yellow van named Ruby. And with a message that cuts through shame and fear: We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. In this conversation, Mim shares how she found her way into this work, what she’s learned from the communities she serves, and why she believes that giving back isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about consistency, compassion, and meeting people exactly where they are. This is a story about innovation, humanity, and the quiet power of choosing to care. Let’s dive in.Home - Kombi ClinicMim O'Flynn - Kombi Clinic Ltd | LinkedInOn behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Mim O'FlynnEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

In this powerful episode, Mel sits down with PJ Humphreys, Community Development Officer at Sunshine Coast Council and the driving force behind Street Up - a grassroots homelessness initiative built on one simple but transformative belief: nothing about us, without us. Street Up was established in 2023 to harness the strength, insight, and leadership of people with lived experience of homelessness, ensuring their voices shape the policies, services, and community responses that affect them most. Joining PJ in this conversation are Irene and Jacqui, two remarkable Lived Experience Leaders whose courage and clarity cut straight through the noise. Their stories illuminate the realities of homelessness, its complexity, its human cost, and its moments of unexpected resilience. More importantly, they share how Street Up has given them not just a seat at the table, but a platform to influence real change in their local community through presentations, training, peer support, and policy consultations. PJ reflects on the evolution of Street Up, the importance of community‑led solutions, and the role local government can play when it chooses to listen deeply and act collaboratively. Together, the group explores what happens when lived experience is not only acknowledged but centred, how it shifts conversations, strengthens communities, and leads to better outcomes for everyone.Street Up On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuests: PJ Humphries / Irene / JacquiEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

In this episode, Mel speaks with Martine Richards, founder Freedom Wigs Australia and a leading alopecia wig specialist. Martine’s journey began when she started losing her hair as a young child. Misdiagnosed at the time, she faced years of confusion and isolation before learning she had alopecia, a turning point that shaped her resilience and her mission to help others. Today, Martine channels that lived experience into her work at Freedom Wigs Australia, where she provides medical-grade silicone wigs designed to restore confidence and dignity. As she shares in her story, the wigs are more than just hair - they’re about identity, empowerment, and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey. In this conversation, Martine opens up about: The emotional impact of losing her hair as a child.The challenges of being misdiagnosed and misunderstood.How her personal journey inspired the creation of Freedom Wigs Australia.The transformative role wigs play in helping people reconnect with themselves. Her story is a reminder that resilience can spark innovation, and that lived experience can become a powerful force for change.Freedom Wigs Australia(1) Instagram - Freedom Wigs(5) Facebook - Freedom WigsFundraise and Donate Your Hair To a Children's Charity | Variety AustraliaPonytails - Materials | Sustainable SalonsHome - Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation Supporting Australians with Alopecia Areata On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Martine RichardsEditor: Robert Alsemgeest

In this episode, Mel speaks with Josh Wilkins, the inspiring founder of One Voice, about the moment that changed his life - the first time he truly saw how homelessness does not discriminate. Josh shares how witnessing people from all walks of life without a roof over their heads revealed a truth that many overlook: no one is immune to the possibility of losing their home. From that experience grew One Voice, a movement dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to those experiencing homelessness. Josh talks about the journey of building practical solutions like the One Voice shower trucks, which provide hygiene and care to people living rough, and how these small acts of compassion can spark profound change. He reflects on the resilience of those he’s met, the misconceptions society often holds, and the importance of reminding us all that homelessness is not a distant issue - it’s a human one. This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply moving, offering listeners a chance to rethink what homelessness looks like and how communities can respond with empathy and action. Josh’s story is a call to see beyond stereotypes and to recognise that dignity, respect, and hope are basic needs we can all help restore. One Voice Mobile Showers(22) Josh Wilkins | LinkedIn On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Josh WilkinsEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

In this episode, Mel sits down with Yasmin Khan, founder of The Bangle Foundation, to discuss her groundbreaking work supporting South Asian women who have immigrated to Australia and are facing domestic abuse, coercive control, and the complex challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new country. Yasmin shares the story behind creating a safe, culturally responsive space where women can seek help without fear of stigma or isolation and explains why mainstream services often miss the nuances of migrant experiences. Together, they explore the hidden realities of coercive control, the barriers women encounter when trying to access support, from language and visa status to cultural expectations and the urgent need for advocacy that truly reflects the diversity of Australia’s communities. Yasmin’s insights highlight both the systemic gaps and the resilience of survivors, offering listeners a powerful reminder that change requires compassion, persistence, and culturally sensitive solutions. This conversation is not only a sobering look at the realities of domestic abuse but also a hopeful exploration of empowerment, community, and transformation. Yasmin’s voice is a call to action: to listen, to understand, and to support initiatives like The Bangle Foundation that are working tirelessly to ensure no woman is left behind.Home - The Bangle Foundation(22) Yasmin Khan CF | LinkedIn On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Yasmin KhanEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour 

What does it mean to rewrite your story and then help others do the same? In this episode, Mel sits down with Tahlia Isaac, founder and CEO of Project:herSELF, a transformative initiative supporting women impacted by incarceration. Tahlia’s journey from navigating the criminal legal system to becoming a fierce advocate for justice is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of lived experience. Through raw honesty and grounded wisdom, Tahlia shares how she built Project:herSELF to offer trauma-informed, peer-led support for women reentering society. She speaks candidly about the emotional toll of incarceration, the barriers to rebuilding life post-release, and the urgent need to challenge the labels that follow women long after their sentences end. Together, Mel and Tahlia explore: The founding vision behind Project:herSELF and its community-first approachThe role of storytelling in healing and advocacyWhy systems often fail women and how grassroots leadership is changing thatWhat it means to support those still inside, while thriving on the outside This is a conversation about dignity, justice, and the radical act of believing in someone’s future. Whether you’ve walked a similar path or want to be part of the change, Tahlia’s voice will stay with you long after the episode ends.Project:herSELF(4) Tahlia Isaac | LinkedInThe Handy Guide - The Lady Musgrave Trust On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Tahlia IsaacEditor: Robert Alsemgeest GET IN TOUCH:      https://linktr.ee/InfectiousBehaviour

What does it take to rebuild a life after prison? For Vincent Siahaan, it began with a brutal awakening, a nine-year sentence for drug trafficking, and the crushing reality of being separated from his young family. But his story didn’t end there, it transformed.  In this deeply honest conversation, Vincent shares how his time behind bars reshaped his understanding of justice, identity, and community. He opens up about the emotional toll of incarceration, the stigma faced upon release, and the uphill battle to reclaim purpose. Now the founder of InsideOut Pathways, Vincent is on a mission to rewrite the narrative for others leaving the system. Through employment, mentorship, and community support, he’s helping former inmates find stability and dignity - proving that second chances aren’t just possible, they’re powerful. Mel and Vincent unpack the systemic barriers that fuel recidivism, the role of empathy in rehabilitation, and the grassroots movement growing in Brisbane to support those walking out of prison gates into a new kind of freedom. This episode is a testament to resilience, accountability, and the transformative power of community. Whether you’ve experienced the justice system firsthand or are simply curious about what it means to truly break the cycle, Vincent’s story will challenge, inspire, and move you.(2) Facebook - InsideOut PathwaysThe InsideOut Method | INSIDEOUT BNE(22) Vincent Siahaan | LinkedInOn behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced. The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support: Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling ServiceKids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services  CREDITS:Host: Melissa AlsemgeestGuest: Vincent SiahaanEditor: Robert Alsemgeest