Challenges That Change Us

Today we are talking to an incredible man who, together with his with Phoebe, went through the horrendous experience of losing their daughter Josie to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).Matt Dun is Professor of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Research at the University of Newcastle and Deputy Director of the Precision Medicine Research Program at Hunter Medical Research Institute, Matt is currently a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator. He has many more titles and awards that would honestly make us go over our word limit just to post them all.The research of Matt’s lab underpins the international clinical trial for patients diagnosed with DIPG, a combination therapy strategy targeting the unique and emerging features of DIPG, with each drug targeting critical hallmarks discovered by the research of his laboratory.In this episode Matt shares:-      His military experience and transition to civilian Life-      The experience of having his daughter diagnosed with DIPG-      How he started running as a way to cope with internal sorrow-      Why he decided to run a marathon to raise awareness and funds for research-      The way he and his partner started a charity called Run DMC Run to raise awareness-      What is DIPG and its treatment challenges-      How there is a need for increased funding and research for childhood cancer treatment Key Quotes “What we need to do is attract the world’s greatest minds to take on the world’s biggest medical challenge.”“I just started to run…and for that time I was feeling physical pain instead of emotional pain and it just felt great.”“Families just disintegrate. Because what they watch their kid go through, it’s hard to disentangle what you’ve experienced when you look at your partner again.”About Matt For more about Run DIPG through their website: https://rundipg.org/run-for-run-dipg/Donate to Matt’s upcoming run here: https://rundipg-org.grassrootz.com/run-for-run-dipg-23-sunday-24-09-23/matthew-dun#claimFollow Run DIPG on social media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RUNDIPGInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rundipg/Get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus To find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the website:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance

Trigger warning: anxiety, imposter syndromeThe term imposter syndrome gets used more and more commonly these days and many of us have probably experienced it at some point. But just how closely is it connected to anxiety? And just how devastating can its effects be?To share her personal experiences with anxiety and imposter syndrome we have Alison Shamir joining on us the podcast.Alison is an Imposter Syndrome Expert, International Speaker, Certified Coach and Media Contributor. Through her work, Alison empowers global organisations, teams & individuals with the knowledge, tools and methods grounded in science they need to overcome Imposter Syndrome and present and perform as their most confident selves. Alison is also a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has held Leadership roles across the Technology and Media sectors. She combines both lived experience and professional expertise to help her clients make transformative change. In this episode Alison Shamir shares: -      Overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating the lasting effects of a difficult childhood.-      The panic attack that led her to confront her deepest fears,-      How she has used her experiences to become an advocate for domestic and family violence-      The importance of finding someone who offers psychological safety when sharing personal stories or seeking support.Key Quotes “Everything from the exterior, looking in, looked good. But on the inside I was really, really suffering.” “You can’t outrun imposter syndrome. Unless you address it at its core, it just keeps a hold on you.” “One conversation can make a profound impact. Just one conversation flicks that first domino.”More about AlisonYou can find out more about Alison on her website: Find me at www.alisonshamir.com  Follow her on social media:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-shamir-67440b17/Instagram: @alisonshamirFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonshamirYou can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance

Trigger warning: eating disorders and depressionEating disorders are a mental disorder that is gaining a lot more awareness, but there is still so much we do not know.That is why I am so honoured to have Hannah Campbell share her journey of recovering from Anorexia Nervosa in such a raw, detailed and personal way.Hannah is 32 years old and currently lives in the United Kingdom. She completed her PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology and is one of the first Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists in the UK. She's now the Programme Lead for the Bachelor in Human Physiology at the University of Leeds.In this episode Hannah shares:- Her experience of a friend's death and subsequent rumours and bullying at school- How she felt isolated and lost trust in people- The early warning signs she was developing a disorder- What support could have looked like for people with an eating disorder- The experience of refeeding in a hospital setting- How the struggle with eating disorder compares to alcoholism or drug addiction- The lasting impact of bullying and why she urges bullies to consider the consequences- There is always hope. Key Quotes "I was so exhausted. I just started eating, and I'd eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat until I was so full, and then I'd feel disgusting."“I wasn’t just losing a couple of kilos a week, I was losing a kilo a day”“I had a GP who told me my BMI wasn’t low enough to have an eating disorder”More about HannahHannah suggested these resources and books around eating disorders:https://butterfly.org.au/https://emilyprogram.com/resources/books/https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/downloads-resources/helpful-books/The book: Goodbye Ed, Hello Me: Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life by Jenni Schaefer.Follow her on X: @HannahCampLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-campbell-clark-b126a2223/Her professional achievements: https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/biological-sciences/staff/2618/hannah-campbell-You can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance

Cancer is a topic that has come up a bit on Challenges That Change Us, but my good friend Col Secomb has an incredible story to share about not only overcoming a brain tumour the size of a plum, but also overcoming a challenge he describes as being even harder than going through brain surgery.Col was born, raised and educated on the east coast of Australia and moved to England in 2010 after travelling extensively. Since then he has gone through brain surgery, founded a law firm and founded a legal tech company.Cole opens up about his own experience with a brain tumour and the shocking death of his father that changed his world.. We'll explore their unique perspective on life and how it shaped his approach to challenges, as well as the contrasting viewpoints within their relationship. Cole also navigates the complexities of parenting, the importance of treating people equally in business and living your live with no regrets as life is short, Just crack on with life.In this episode Cole Shares-      His discovery of a plum-sized brain tumour that caused him to lose his ability to speak-      How his biggest fear was if his tumour affecting him in communicating with children-      Reflection on why he needed to be selfish during difficult experiences-      Why the loss of his father was his real challenge that changed him-      Navigating differing perspectives on the same issue-      His parenting dynamics in guiding children and how it has shifted as they grow older-      How he gets clarity and relaxation through walks and thinking through thingsKey Quotes“Without physically holding my hand, She held my hand, and allowed me to guide myself through the way that I thought I needed to do it.”“You know, the only thing you take your grave is memories”“As soon as you start to realise that people are just people, it's makes all the relationships easier.More about Col If you want to connect with Col personally you can do so via linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/col-secomb-4072326b/You can find his law firm here: (www.lewisdenley.com)And you can find his legal-tech company here: (www.yaotechnology.com)You can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance

Trigger warning – depression and suicideWe have been honoured to have a few guests share their stories of mental health battles, this week’s episode is a truly detailed and immersive story of what it’s like to live with a parent who is battling depression.Meg Southcombe is currently the Where There’s A Will There’s A Way Ambassador and it is her story of coming to terms with her father’s depression that has allowed her to have such an impact with the organisation.She attended St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen and was a WTAW student leader and takes every opportunity afforded to her to promote WTAW’s approach to community wellbeing and lobbies for every Australian school to adopt an evidenced based approach towellbeing education.Meg is the Recipient of the National Council of Women, Dame Marie Bashir Peace Award for work on international women’s day , mental health, and homelessness advocation.She is also a panellist for The Australian Broadcasting Commission – ‘The Drum.In this episode Meg shares:-      Her Father's illness and the impact it had on her-      Feeling trapped and unable to escape the situation-      Embracing vulnerability and honesty-      Sharing their experiences to help others relate and understand their struggles-      Emphasising the importance of reaching out for support-      Working with the organisation "Where There's a Will"Key Quotes“You see, I was so caught up in presenting a picture-perfect life because I was embarrassed and didn't want to be associated with anything negative. I felt trapped, unable to escape the situation at home.”“It wasn't until I started working closely with a program that teaches coping methods to kids that I truly began to understand the importance of opening up and talking about our struggles.”“It was important for me to be seen as positive and a go-getter, but deep down, I was struggling. I would cope with stress on my own, not reaching out for support when I desperately needed it.”More about MegYou can follow her on social mediaInstagram: @meg_southcombeLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-southcombe-538663269?originalSubdomain=auYou can check out the charity, Where There’s A Will” here: https://uhwheretheresawill.com.au/You can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance

Time is almost out to sign up for our Resilience course. To subscribe to the course, use this link: https://altitudefitnessarmidale.clickfunnels.com/from-surviving-2-thrivingTrigger warning – difficult birthsCombining long term health issues like diabetes and birth complications is enough of a challenge for anyone to overcome, but Katie Godden has gone through it all.She has experienced the negative self talk, the struggles of not having a system that works for you and has come out the other end.Now Katie is a committed and purpose driven holistic health practitioner, qualified with a bachelor of education, a Master in Hypnotherapy and Timeline Therapy and is and NLP trainer.In this episode Katie shares: -      What it’s like living with type 1 diabetes-      How her relationship with diabetes has changed over the years-      The moment that she realised she was done with the way she was living and that things needed to change-      How the thoughts were all consuming for such a long time and the excuses and self talk she had in her mind-      The power of timeline therapy and neuro linguistic therapyKey Quotes“Experiencing Type 1 Diabetes is not a straight line.”“Knowing what felt good for me was the key.”“There were moments that I thought oh gosh I can’t do this, this is too hard.”More about KatieYou can find out more about what Katie does via her website: http://katiegodden.com/You can also follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.godden/You can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeus If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.auOr you can follow them on Instagram:@Altitudefitnessarmidale@trialtitudeperformance