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Challenges That Change Us
75 {Meg Southcombe} A daughter's story with her father’s depression
Trigger warning – depression and suicide
We 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 to
wellbeing 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 Meg
You can follow her on social media
Instagram: @meg_southcombe
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-southcombe-538663269?originalSubdomain=au
You can check out the charity, Where There’s A Will” here: https://uhwheretheresawill.com.au/
You can get involved with the podcast online
On facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeus
Or 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.au
For her other business you can find it through the websites:
www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.au
Or you can follow them on Instagram:
@Altitudefitnessarmidale
@trialtitudeperformance
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89. 89 {Peter Holtmann} Self doubt following a major career change
01:02:03To try out our resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1This week we have a returning guest, Peter Holtmann of Holtmann Professional Services.In the past episode we spoke about making a big career change, but this time we are going to be delving far deeper into the self doubt that comes with that and the advice he has for others making the same move.In this episode Peter shares: · The kinds of changes that can occur when changing a role· That support is crucial, and doubts can arise, but self reflection helps you approve of yourself· How Unexpected setbacks test resilience and ego· How to embrace challenges, and recognise true value in partnerships.· That taking small steps and recognising accomplishments can help you grow. Key Quotes“I’ve missed bringing the most important people with me, and that’s the audience.” “A good leader will use EQ far more than IQ” “You can be too fast or too inside yourself, you’re not focusing on your market or where your best value lies.”Get in Touch with Peterwww.holtmann.com.aupeter@holtmann.com.auYou can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.com If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au For her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.au@trialtitudeperformance88 {Sophie Scott} Burnout and the Neuroscience behind it
58:43To try out our resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1People throw out the term ‘burn out’ a lot these days but what does it actually mean and just how bad can it be?For some it’s a cognitive feeling and for others it can also manifest in physical symptoms.To help us talk about burnout today is Sophie Scott, a renowned international keynote speaker and award-winning journalist.Formerly the National Medical Reporter for the ABC, she now impacts tens of thousands globally through evidence-based science and personal experience.After suffering a big burn out experience Sophie now focuses on addressing burnout prevention, mental well-being in times of change, the science of high-performance habits, and leveraging neuroscience to establish and break habits.In this episode Sophie Scott shares:Her personal experience of burnout and its impact on their work and well-beingLearning about burnout and recognizing its signsCommitting to daily meditation and setting boundaries to avoid overworkingThe importance of diet, exercise, and relationships for emotional well-being. cognitive rest and creative rest and their importance in rejuvenationActivities that allow the mind to relax and stop overthinkingThe power of expanding perspectives and being open to different ways of resting and rejuvenatingThe importance of regulating the nervous system and its impact on recovery from burnoutWhy consistent, small actions like meditation and connecting with loved ones is necessaryStrategies for managing and overcoming uncomfortable feelingsThe impact of loneliness and disconnection on health Key Quotes"And we know from research that a lot of younger people are already reporting that they're feeling burnt out even in their twenties." "You can't just talk your way out of it. As much as people like, you know, we might like to think that that is the solution. You can't talk your way out of it." "With the kids I always want to check in with them, but also have them check in with themselves as well.” More about Sophie ScottCheck out Sophie's website here: https://www.sophiescott.com.auOr follow her on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiescott2/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-scott-oam-34863a/ You can get involved with the podcast onlineOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.com If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au For her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.au@trialtitudeperformance87. 87 {Jess Patz} Surviving life threatening domestic violence
01:06:40To try out our resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1Trigger warning: domestic violenceWe have talked on this podcast before about abuse, but domestic violence between partners is something is simultaneously incredibly prevalent in society, whilst also barely understood.To help us shine a light on this we have the incredibly brave Jess Patz joining us on the podcast.Jess is a passionate philanthropist, energetic podcast host and electric motivational speaker, mum of four and wife.One of the many ways Jess helps others everyday, is through her "I Choose Hope" Foundation. An organisation dedicated to helping domestic abuse victims and their families in need of emergency assistance. In this episode Jess shares:The starting point of her abusive relationship and how the abuse startedThe layers of manipulation, guilt, and religious abuse that survivors often face.She shares how she navigated a difficult situation and is now a survivor of abuse. The outrageous response after she reported him for strangling herThe way she started to recognise and eventually leave an abusive relationship,Why finances, logistics and resources made it difficult to leaveThe importance of safety plans and having a support system when escaping abusive situations.What happened after her abuser was taken to court Key Quotes “I got strangled with his hands, she got strangled with the belt”“The truth only goes so far it's about what you can prove and who can tell the better story.”“It was always my fault, if I wouldn’t have done A he wouldn’t have done B”More about JessPodcast:All The Things Jess: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/all-the-things-with-jess-patz/id1667999453Get in Touch with Jesshttps://www.instagram.com/_jesspatz/https://www.jesspatz.com/If you know someone in a DV situation, or are in one yourself you can use the below help lines1800 Respect- (1800 737 732) 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578)NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (Formerly NSW Rape Crisis) 1800 424 017To get involved in the podcastOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusIf you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.auIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.comFor her other business you can find it through the websites:www.altitudefitnessarmidale.com.au86. 86 {Shilpa Kulshrestha} Made redundant from a top level leadership role
01:05:01This week we are very lucky to be joined by 3 times Tedx Speaker, Shilpa Kulshrestha.In the modern day a lot of us can fall into the trap of defining ourselves by our careers. But what happens when that is all taken away?Sometimes, despite maybe causing a little bit of panic, it shines a light on the habits we have developed and the ways we have been restricting ourselves and allows us to change how we are living our lives.This is an experience very familiar to our guest, Shilpa. She is a Game Changer Coach, founder of Scintillate and bestselling author of “Play it Full”.Featured in Outlook, FOX, TV, Radio and top 200 podcasts, she enables mid-career professionals across 16 countries to create euphoric careers. A multi-awardee, recently she was named the Stevie Gold Coach of The Year 2022.In this episode Shilpa Kulshrestha shares: From being a high achiever, fighting an inner war, and living a mediocre life in her mind, to shifting her belief system.She wrote a book that was a bestseller, but was still broke, and she still had big dreams but needing to work for it.Overcoming fear of going out into the world to pursue dreams and achieve success.Embracing the process of creating results and viewing it as a journeyFocus on the things that really matter. The need to assess and evaluate how time is spent to be more productiveShift your belief system, from being an introvert, and needing to believe in oneselfFinding joy in personal excellence, and enjoying the journey of personal excellence and finding fulfillment.Reflecting on the process of self-discovery and growthFocusing on one task at a time to open doors and discover new opportunities Key Quotes“Remove the fluff and go to the basics.”“Big Goals, but tiny Joys.”“Think big, create big, and enjoy the journey.”“In the morning when I get up, even before I open my eyes, I setup a small intention for the day.”More about Shilpa KulshresthaTedx talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=0K3twQm6uEMLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpa-kulshresthaOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.comIf 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@trialtitudeperformance85. 85 {Jenn Henry} Drugs, homelessness, jail and psychosis
01:03:36TW: psychosis, drug abuse, suicidal thoughtsWe’ve had episodes with one challenge and we’ve had episodes with multiple, disconnected challenges. But this episode is truly a story of resilience and overcoming adversities that start from a young age and cascade into each other like a domino effect.Our guest is Jenn Henry, a multiple business owner, best selling author, award winning speaker and lifestyle recovery coach. Jenn has been on a mission to shift the growing epidemic of chronic disconnection and unhealthy lifestyle habits that have become the norm in our society. She believes that our inability to connect to who we truly are and what we actually want in life, has led to the decline of our society’s mental, physical and spiritual health. In this episode Jenn shares:- Her journey from an early age to being arrested at 18, which saved her life from drug addiction- Her psychosis symptoms and how she recovered by lying about progress to prioritise well-being- Her extreme disconnection during drug-related incidents, but she craved connection- Her struggle with lack of self identity- How she found the highest version of herself by looking inwards- The importance of surrounding oneself with the right people- How she found a treadmill in the Rec Room and that started her journey in fitness to became certified in functional nutrition Key Quotes “When my cup was full it could overfill to others, but when my cup was dry, I was of no service to others.”“I am” is the most powerful statement in the human language! It is manifesting.“I have changed, I have evolved, I have decided to be different.”“People can learn how to become a different kind of strong.” To try out our resilience course: https://www.challengesthatchangeus.com/surviving-2-thriving-course1More about Jenn HenryYou can follow Jenn on social media:Ig: @fitmindbodynspirit, @lifestyle_recovery_solutions, @unleashingresilienceFB: facebook.com/jennhenrylifecoach,Tik tok: missjennhenry,Linked in: Jennifer HenryYou can also find her book, Resilience: A Different Kind of Strong, here: https://a.co/d/bc5pCTd On facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.comIf 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@trialtitudeperformance84. 84 {Kelly Kessler} When perfectionism meets body image disorder
55:11Trigger warning: Anorexia, perfectionism, panic attacks Body image disorders can occur for a number of reasons and can slip quietly and insidiously into our lives through a number of ways.One space that can often make it hard to identify the issue is the sport and fitness space. Afterall, there is never a straight black line that determines what is and isn’t too much.On this episode we’ll be speaking to Dr. Kelly Kessler, a licensed physical therapist, transformation coach, host of the podcast Rewiring Health, the owner of Optimal You Health and Wellness, LLC and a mom of two boys. Inspired by her own journey of recovering from persistent negative thoughts, perfectionist beliefs, an eating disorder, chronic back pain, and panic attacks, Kelly has helped women harness their profound ability to shift from survival mode to thriving. In this episode Dr Kelly Kessler shares:The way that her eating disorder snuck into her life through athleticism without her realisingHow her eating disorder had a profound impact on her life, both physically and mentally.The way the stress from her eating disorder contributed to chronic back pain and other physical issues.The perfectionist mentality she has that made her constantly feel inadequate and pushed her too hard without allowing for rest.How perfectionism played a role in her eating disorder and the subsequent physical and mental struggles she experienced.The moment she started experiencing panic attacksThe importance of putting herself first and practicing self-care.The significant role that gratitude and mindfulness played in her recovery. Key Quotes“Stress is a huge producer of pain.”“What’s the smallest action from today, that can move you forward.”“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”More about Dr. Kelly KesslerPodcast:🎙️@rewiringhealthpodcasthttps://tr.ee/yYmZ0i1VBKWebsite:www.optimalyouhealthandwellness.comYouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@drkellykesslerInstagram:@drkellyKesslerMore about the podcastOn facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.comIf 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@trialtitudeperformance83. 83 {Kevin Dupe} The impact of multiple brushes with death
57:29This week’s episode is a little different to most. Kevin Dupe is a man who has lived an incredibly full life, and because of that there are just so many challenges that he has overcome. On top of that, his experiences have given him some incredible lessons. So we’ll be hearing about a wide variety of challenges and learning a lot all in one episode!Kevin’s career began working for the Australian Federal Government where he spent 14 years in various roles within economic and socio-economic policy units. He transitioned to the customer owned banking sector, initially as the National Government Affairs Manager for the sector. Kevin took on the role of Chief Executive Officer for the then New England Credit Union in 2001. Since then he has been a Regional Development Australia board member for the New England Region, a UNE council serving two terms as ministerial appointed Director, Chairman of Lifeline Direct and Director and Chairman of so many other roles we would run out our word limit listing them.In this episode Kevin Dupe shares:- The first experience with bad leadership- The first time he had a brush with death with electrocution- What happened when he had a massive heart attack- The loss of his young daughter- The challenges of undiscovered identical twins- How this opened his eyes to the world of disability- His advice for putting good will in the world- The impact all of these challenges had on his leadership style- Why, as a leader you need to understand your people at a personal level- How he shows up in the face of adversity- The tips he has for being a strong leader- The wrong types of leaders he was attracted to early onKey Quotes “You'll be remembered for how you behave and that’s influenced by who you meet along the way.”“As a leader you need to understand your people at a personal level.”“Most of us go to angry words too quickly and have to dig ourselves out of holes.”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@trialtitudeperformance82. 82 {Steph Wanless} The emotional repercussions of two premature births
01:08:24Trigger warning: This episode discusses premature birth, postpartum depression and anxietyFor those who haven’t experienced it, premature birth may seem like a simple concept. The baby is born early.But for those who have gone through it, it can be a traumatic, all consuming event that can have long lasting effects on their mental health and the very way they function as a parent.In this episode we speak to my friend Steph Wanless, an incredible woman who has co-founded and directs the publication FOUND Regional, all while juggling the life of a mother of two children who were both born premature.. She enjoys good grammar, good gin and good times. A self-confessed perfectionist with a penchant for Saturday night lounge room discos, when she's not writing a story, interviewing someone for a story or editing a story, she's usually staring into space planning her next 10 stories.In this episode Steph shares:- Her early career before becoming a mother and the life she built- The process of reconciling she had to give up some things to be a mum- The pivotal moment in their relationship when their child was born prematurely- Her experience in the neonatal ward- How she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety as a parent- The anxiety she feels about her children even now- The process of having a second premature birth- Parenting challenges and experiences- What it was like balancing work and childcare- Shift in focus from finance and tech to storytelling- The growth and challenges of the magazine Key Quotes “The first time I actually saw ted (my baby) was in a photo.” “I couldn’t be with him and I had to trust other people to keep him alive and that was really confronting.” “I was so used to physically seeing on a screen that they were breathing. So when I brought them home and I didn’t have the assurance of that machine, I panicked.” More about Steph WanlessYou can check out FOUND Regional via their website: https://www.foundregional.com.au/Or follow them on socials.Insta: https://www.instagram.com/found_regionalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOUNDRegionalYou 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@trialtitudeperformance81. 81 {Sally Douglas} Grieving after mum’s unexpected death
58:33Trigger warning: grief, miscarriageGrief has been a common theme on this podcast, but often it has been discussed as a side effect, or an addition to the main challenge.You might remember that we spoke to Imogen from the Good Mourning podcast in episode 61. In this episode I catch up with Sally Douglas, the second half of Good Mourning, about the loss of her mother and the long lasting impacts of grief.Sally Douglas is an author and the co-founder of Good Mourning, the movement changing how we think and talk about grief by humanising the taboo topic. Since launching, she's become one of the leading voices in grief education, the podcast has grown to be one of the top in the grief category, she and Imogen have built a community of over 150,000 and written a book. She's also a PR coach and consultant, helping purpose driven brands be seen and heard.In this episode Sally shares: - The experience of losing her mum in her early 30’s’- What it was like losing her mother while overseas- The practical challenges of loss- The physical and emotional toll loss can take on us- The different grieving styles (instrumental and intuitive)- How she found grief to be isolating- How the loss of her mother made her following miscarriage even harder- The way she shamed herself for feeling lonely- What she gained from the experience Key Quotes “Grief can make you peel back some layers on previous things that have happened in your life.”“It was the loneliness of grief. It is so very lonely and isolating, even if you’ve got good support.”“Grief has so many different faces...just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.”“It (grief) can be a huge source of fractured relationships. We don’t understand that there are different ways that we grieve.”More about SallyYou can check out the Good Mourning podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/good-mourning-grief-podcast/id1529978129You can also find out about their book and community here: https://www.goodmourning.com.au/#1You 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