Episodios
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Hello, welcome to the show! I’m your host Michelle Cox and it makes me so happy you’re here with us once again to learn from another incredible guest that I will be ‘mining’ information from again this week.
If you missed last week’s episode, go back and have a listen first as this is Part two! We are back with the Queen of Reinvention herself - the gorgeously talented Valerie Khoo. Valerie is the first guest in a ‘series’ we’re currently running on the show - where all guests will be asked to talk about the same topic, and that topic is REINVENTION!
Why are we doing this? Well, it’s a topic I get asked about a lot; how I reinvented myself, why, the process I went through, and I was keen to talk to others about their transitions and what they went through to create new lives for themselves.
A recap on today’s guest; Valerie Khoo is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Val & I often have such incredible conversations in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today.
There was so much GOLD in the chat with Val that we split it into two parts. Let’s dive in and hear more of the wisdom this incredible woman offers us.
And don’t forget - the One Question podcast now has a YouTube channel. Please, go check it out here so we have more than 5 views!! :)
One Question Youtube
For more information about Valerie, check out these places;-
Websites: Valerie Khoo and Australian Writers Centre
Instagram: @valeriekhoo
Linkedin: Valerie Khoo
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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We are kicking off a ‘series’ for the first time on the show - where I bring on guests to talk about the same topic over the coming weeks, and that topic is REINVENTION! It’s a topic I get asked about a lot; how I reinvented myself, why, the process, and I wanted to talk to others about their incredible transitions and hear about their reinvention stories too.
So, our first guest in this series is my dear friend, incredible entrepreneur and fellow creative studio buddy, Valerie Khoo who I’m sitting with here in our joint creative studio, Atelier 9 in Avalon. Valerie is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. As you’re about to hear, Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Her latest books are So you want to be a writer (co-authored with Allison Tait) and Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business. Val & I always have such incredible conversations whist we are painting and potting in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she’s had a fascinating journey that’s led her to where she is today.
There was so much GOLD in this chat that I’ve split it into two parts - let’s dive in and here some of the wisdom this incredible woman offers us in part one.
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Also - HUGE News!! I’m excited to announce that the One Question podcast now has a YouTube channel. It will be wonderful to be able to bring you visual content of our interviews as well. This episode with Valerie will be the first to feature on the platform - so please, go check it out here so we have more than 2 views!! :)
One Question Youtube
For more information about Valerie, check out these places;-
Websites: Valerie Khoo and Australian Writers Centre
Instagram: @valeriekhoo
Linkedin: Valerie Khoo
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Today I get the tables turned on me as we hit a wonderful milestone here on the One Question Podcast. I’m lucky enough to once again sit down with Helene Thomas, a Hobart based creative audio producer with a PhD in journalism.
You may recall that I had Helene on the show a few months ago - you can have a listen to that interview it’s #189 on the show - it’s such a great conversation. But this time I connect with Helene for a different reason. You see Helene considers every story as a living spirit. This is why she takes her time and goes deep into the lives of others as they share their life worlds with her. She has been producing audio features and documentaries for 17 years and learned very quickly that telling people’s stories carries a huge responsibility, so she decided to make this the topic of her PhD study.
Through her research, she developed a practice that she calls Journalism of the Heart. It’s where you slow down and take the time to get to know people so that it leads to deeper human connections and better stories. Helene’s passion is crafting people’s stories into intimate audio experiences and this is precisely why I felt she would be the perfect person to interview me for this very special 200th episode.
It’s a frank and honest interview- I was a little nervous before we started as I know Helene has a knack for bringing out stories we often keep under wraps. And as you’re about to hear.. she certainly caught me off guard with a few of her questions. This is a conversation about life, love, and the love of life and it’s ultimately a story about living a life more aligned with self and creative reinvention. I hope you enjoy it.
For more information about Helene, check out these places;-
Over the past year she has been engaged with a variety of storytelling projects with elders in the community and LGBTQIA+ folk (Pridefinder and working with academics on an Australian Research Council funded project).
Website: https://www.thewayfinder.com.au/Instagram: @thewayfinderstorystudio/Linkedin: Helene ThomasHead to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there is one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“The Power of Play. The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. PLAY! For some reason, we dismiss it as childish, not important to our life's goals and conquests or we are just too busy. And yet, when we look at the science behind play the only word I can use to describe its effects on our wellbeing is POWERFUL.”
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"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw".
Imagine if your whole idea for existing as a business is to measure and improve Australians' wellbeing! Pretty cool mandate, huh?! Well, that’s the aim of my guest today and he’s well on the way to having an incredibly positive impact on Aussie lives.
The Elixir of Life - Eternal Youth. We spend billions of dollars every year trying to make ourselves look and feel younger and yet the solution is staring right at us. Apparently, all we need to do is re-introduce PLAY back into our daily lives!
Tim Jack Adams is a thought leader and speaker in the Wellness Industry. He founded GreenX7 in 2012, an innovative company that created an overarching framework for wellbeing that enables leaders, teams and organisations to thrive sustainably.
Tim works with the likes of Six Senses, Alila, Australian Defence Force, Red Bull, Olympians and many of the world's top companies. He is an international keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and expert advisor on wellness for corporations in the Asia Pacific region.
Though Tim's passion is PLAY! Tim founded the company Watersports Guru in 2009 in Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast. It's an ecotourism company inviting people to play in the great outdoors through fun adventures like Snorkel with the Turtles and Mindfulness in the Mangroves. Tim's mission through his companies is to improve the wellbeing of Australians and he believes PLAY plays a big part! His greatest feats of PLAY are with his wife Carly and two kids, Sonny and Frankie. Let’s meet this wonderfully enthusiastic human.
For more information about Tim, check out these places;-
Websites: GreenX7 and Water Sports Guru and Tim Jack Adams
Instagram: @timjackadams
Linkedin: Tim Jack Adams
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Perinatal mental health and postpartum psychosis”
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Ariane Beeston is a child protection worker and newly registered psychologist when she gives birth to her first child – and very quickly begins to experience scary breaks with reality. Out of fear and shame, she keeps her delusions and hallucinations secret, but as the months pass Ariane gets worse. Much worse. Finally admitted to a mother and baby psychiatric unit, the psychologist is forced to learn how to be the patient.
With medication, the support of her husband, psychotherapy and ultimately, time, Ariane rebuilds herself. And she also begins a new chapter working in perinatal mental health, developing resources to support other new mothers.
Ariane has been a staff writer at Fairfax Media's Essential Baby and Essential Kids and has also published articles in The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Life, Babyology and Mamamia. She recently released her first book, Because I'm Not Myself, You See: A memoir of motherhood, madness and coming back from the brink is an incredible story of the impossible pressures placed on new mothers and how quickly things can go wrong during 'the happiest time of your life'.
Ariane currently works for Australia's peak body in perinatal mental health, The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), as their communications and content manager. She is also a dancer and choreographer - one fascinating woman.
For more information about Ariane, check out these places;-
Find her book here: Because I'm Not Myself, You See
Website: https://www.arianebeeston.com/
Instagram: @arianejbeeston
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianebeeston
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“I’d like people to understand the complexity and challenges for parents and carers looking after neurodivergent children.”
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Today you’ll meet a truly beautiful and inspirational person. Her work has positively impacted so many kids and families trying to overcome some extra challenges that life has thrown at them. Her name is Michelle Mennillo and she’s spent the past 20 years building a globally recognised occupational therapy business that has transformed the lives of over 10,000 young people and counting.
Michelle has dedicated her career to helping others overcome self-doubt and learn how to master their universe. An entrepreneur, mother, and now leadership coach, Michelle understands firsthand the challenges of balancing ambition with authenticity. Through her latest venture, MLM, she shares her proven strategies to help professionals unlock their limitless potential, embrace their true selves, and leave an indelible mark on the world.
For more information about Michelle, check out these places;-
Website: https://otfcgroup.com.au/
Instagram: Michelle Mennillo
Linkedin: Michelle Mennillo
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“I wish people in society would speak more openly about their dreams and desires rather than allow society to dictate what they should be doing and how their career should look like.”
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Throughout your life have you ever felt the need to do something just because someone else wants you to? Perhaps it’s wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or going to a party or an event you really don’t want to.. but how would you feel if that was your career?
Something you spend most of your waking hours doing, and it was a job you hated. You only really got into it because you felt the pressure of others convincing you that’s what you needed to do with your life. There’s a growing trend with professionals across many sectors - law, finance and medicine who are disillusioned with their career choice and feeling the pull toward doing something they love, vs what they feel everyone else wants them to do.
My guest today works in this space every day and she’s making a change in helping those who feel the pull to do more of what they love and move away from what others tell them to do. Marija Duka is a speaker and workshop facilitator who works specifically with lawyers helping them to uniquely design their careers. She is a commercial lawyer, with both in-house and private practice experience, having previously worked for renowned Australian brands.
Marija is also the host of The Career Confidence Podcast, designed for those in the legal profession looking to step out of the traditional path and build fulfilling and purposeful careers. Whilst I have a bit of experience in re-inventing yourself, this is a topic I’m keen to hear more perspectives about, so let’s meet Marija.
For more information about Marija, check out these places;-
Website: https://marijaduka.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marija-duka/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marija.duka/___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Creating better habits isn't just about exercising more or eating healthier, or having a great bedtime routine. It's not about external achievements like making more money, getting fit or losing weight. While habits can and do lead to these outcomes, the real value of habits lies in their power to shape who you become. They mold and reflect the person you aspire to be, telling the story of your life. Ultimately, you become your habits.”
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If you’re anything like me, you are constantly working on habits…breaking those bad ones you’re not proud of and trying to replace them with the good habits that (supposedly) make our lives better and make us overall better humans. But it often gets all too hard… I wanted to talk with something that’s an expert in this field - and has done (and continues to do) the research to back her findings.
Meet Dr. Gina Cleo, who is one of the world’s leading experts in habits and is passionate about translating scientific evidence into simple, actionable strategies to help improve health, wellness, mindset, and lifestyle-related habits – long-term. Gina has a PhD in habit change, is an Adjunct Professor at Bond University and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian.
Gina’s habit change research has been published in medical journals globally and she has appeared for over 250 news outlets including many of Australian’s major television networks; ABC News, Today Show & Studio 10. She is also a regular keynote speaker and expert panellist at national and international conferences. When she’s not geeking out on new habit research, Gina is running courses through her Habit Change Institute and obsessing over chai lattes. She has also recently published a book, ‘The Habit Revolution’. I have soo many questions…let’s dive in!
For more information about Gina, check out these places;-
Website: www.drginacleo.com
Free Habit Course: habitchangeinstitute.mykajabi.com/masterclass
Book: ‘The Habit Revolution’: www.drginacleo.com/book
IG: www.instagram.com/drginacleo
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Finding sobriety at midlife and how empowering that can be”.
With over 3 decades of rich and varied life experiences Belinda Stark’s journey embodies resilience and relentless personal growth. Her life's trials include battling 2 severe bouts of post-natal depression, and clinical depression, defeating breast cancer, managing fast onset menopause and confronting a 20 year drinking problem in midlife. All of this has contributed to a profound foundation of strength and survival that defines who she is.
She has built a successful retail fashion business & created her own fashion label, fulfilling a professional dream to provide a platform to support midlife women wanting guidance with fashion and finding their style. This calling to help women feel good inside and out grew louder after her transformational journey during early sobriety. She has written for Mamamia, been featured in 9 Honey, Ticker Tv & is the official monthly 'all-things midlife' contributor to Bellamumma. Her accumulated knowledge, practice and learnings have made her the sought-after coach that she is today.
For the last 18 months, she has taken a back seat in her retail business & thrown herself into helping women in midlife change their relationship with alcohol & live their best life. Belinda is dedicated to changing negative perceptions about ‘grey area drinking’ and embracing midlife.
**Belinda's next course intake for 'Get your sober sparkle' is soon - launching Sep 30 - so jump on her website for more information.**
For more information about Belinda, check out these places;-
Website: https://www.belindastark.com/
Instagram: Belinda Stark
Linkedin: Belinda Stark
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Crucial life decisions. Why don’t we talk more about the importance of health during mid-life - including physical, mental, financial, legal.”
Lisa Walker, co-founder of Eir Women and mum of two boys, transformed her life and career after the sudden loss of her husband at 47. Determined to honour his memory by living fully, she launched Eir Women to support women over 40 in prioritising their well-being.
At 49, Lisa began a "year of yes," committing to saying yes to every opportunity. This included experiences from fly-fishing to pole dancing, culminating in an extravagant 50th birthday celebration. These adventures brought joy and profound change, making her more confident and resilient.
Lisa’s journey inspired her mission, emphasising the importance of midlife health and joyful living. She is passionate about finding purpose after grief, designing a fulfilling life, and making critical health decisions in midlife to set you up for your future. So much goodness in all of that, I can’t wait to dive in and hear more from the fabulous Lisa Walker…
For more information about Lisa, check out these places;-
Website: Eir WomenLinkedIn: Lisa WalkerInstagram: Lisa Walker Insta___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“We need to talk more about money. Making it, investing it, losing it.”
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My guest today has a story quite unlike anything I’ve ever heard before… actually, it seems unbelievable. Sadly, it’s all true and as you’ll hear, the ordeal that this beautiful unsuspecting single Mum has been through made such an impact on her life - she’s now using that for good.
Tracy Hall is an author, keynote speaker and senior marketing executive. In 2019, Tracy became known as Hamish McLaren’s famous ‘last victim’ thanks to her role in The Australian’s hit podcast, ‘Who the Hell is Hamish?’ If you haven’t listened to it, I’d highly recommend you do - it’s riveting and to think that Tracy’s situation instigated such an in-depth investigation to occur around the globe has you gob-smacked at the audacity of this guy.
Over the last 25 years, Tracy has had extensive exposure to start-ups, large corporations and global tech brands including Virgin Mobile, eBay, GoDaddy and Afterpay. She frequently consults for smaller companies, volunteers as a teen mentor for The Raise Foundation and is a Board Director for the Men’s Mental Health Charity - Mongrels Men.
Today, Tracy is an advocate for financial wellness, writing and speaking publicly about intimate fraud, scams, financial empowerment, victim mindsets, resilience, rebuilding and our need to rethink how we trust. Her book, The Last Victim is a riveting read and eye-opener to how the world of fraud, scams, and being taken advantage of can happen to any one of us. This is an incredible story that provides such a different take on this ever-growing topic.
Order Tracy’s book here: The Last Victim
For more information about Tracy, check out these places;-
Website: Tracy Hall LinkedIn: Tracy HallInstagram: Tracy Hall___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“As a health enthusiast, I feel the need to talk about our lack of responsibility around our own health. What instead, if we had to ‘pay’ for our sickness? Currently we have to pay to be healthy. Is it easier to be unhealthy knowing our Health (..or ‘sickness’) System will cover most costs if we’re sick?”
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Kris Abbey has been a health advocate for a very long time… since she was 15 in fact! She has studied Science, Exercise Physiology, PE and nutrition, and spends her time writing, speaking, and consulting on all things Spa, Wellness & Wellness inspired travel.
Whilst her career in the health and fitness industry spans over 30 years, she’s accumulated an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector where she shares this through facilitating health and wellness workshops and retreats in both Australia and overseas. She has authored several books sold globally, including the popular The Low HI Diet.
Kris also publishes Spa and Wellness Magazine and online directory: spaandwellness.com.au inspiring readers to achieve wellness in their everyday lives from treatments to travel. And her most recent undertaking is launching the Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness awards and the Wellness Summit! This women knows a lot about health and wellbeing and I was eager to meet her and chat more…
For more information about Kris, check out these places;-
Website: Kris AbbeyLinkedIn: Kris AbbeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/spagirlkris/___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you wish society would talk more about, what would it be?
“Our imaginations and creativity and the myths around being creative and an artist”
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I met today’s guest through a mutual friend and right from the get-go we had fascinating conversations about what it means to be a creative. Gav Barbey is an Interdisciplinary Artist and he’s unlike anyone I’ve come across before so I’ve been really looking forward to this conversation.
When it comes to his art, Gav’s interest is within the collaborative process; his practice is based on immersive movement, the invitation for himself, the audience and the medium he’s working with to participate within the co-creation. He works across multiple disciplines and has had a fascinating background. Originally trained within commercial arts and has a degree in theatre and film studies, majoring in production/set and costume design from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), to his 24 years as an exhibiting visual artist and filmmaker; along with his work within the corporate and education sector as a human centred design and facilitation, ideation and critical thinking facilitator - Gav has a unique approach to many things.
Over the past 5 years dance and somatic movement have become a focus within his work and during Covid, he posted himself dancing every day for 3 years which became a new form of creative expression within his studio practice. As a yoga and somatic educator with a strong practice within BMC (Body Mind Centring), his interest is in the organic flow and symmetry of patterns.
Gav says “For me, it is not always about gaining a new way, yet experimentation within an already quantified technique or style is a key to the sense of discovery. To find, to get lost, to yield, to play, to seek, is to experience a new expression of something we may already think we understand, this may open us up to new knowledge. I imagine a world inspired by imaginative creativity, storytelling and inclusion.”
There is an inherent emergent nature to Art, a transformational space. By expanding what we believe we know, or perceive we know - we meet new opportunities, ideas and influences. Art as sensory, blends touch, taste and smell, sound and sight into a conversation that takes on a sensuous form, heightening our connection to belonging, both within self and the boundaries that self may break. I know this is going to be a wonderfully unique conversation - let’s dive in!
For more information about Gav, check out these places;-
Website: https://www.gavbarbey.com/LinkedIn: Gav BarbeyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavbarbey/___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you wish society would talk more about, what would it be?
“Storytelling has become ubiquitous. It’s become a buzzword and is on trend for marketing purposes and branding. Radical storytelling on the other hand is less spoken about and I would love society to talk more about this.”
“Radical storytelling can be used as a tool for social change. Feminism and movements like #MeToo have encouraged and given legitimacy for women to write from their own experience and incorporate their own voice and standpoints in their storytelling.
As a journalist, I've been trained to be objective and detached. Later in my journalism career, I came to see value in in-depth personal storytelling, and I am passionate now about feeling-based and women-centred stories.”
I’m thrilled to introduce you to a special guest today - she’s an audio artist and storyteller who hails from Nipaluna/Hobart. Helene Thomas is obsessed with the sound of the voice and the power it has to move people. Originally a print journalist, Helene found her true passion when she discovered the intimacy of sound and immersive audio storytelling. She created her very own mobile sound studio and it’s enabled her to travel throughout Australia to capture people’s voices and bring to people's ears marginalised voices and incredible untold stories.
Helene understands that sharing people’s stories comes with significant responsibility so she made this the topic of a PhD study. Through her research, which was based predominantly in Rwanda, she developed a practice that involves slowing down and making deeper human connections to ensure more responsible and ethical storytelling occurs. Helene is in her happy place when she’s with people who are sharing their lifeworlds and feels it a privilege to step into people’s lives and hear their stories.
As you’re about to find out, Helene is one very interesting woman…
In the episode, Helene and I talked about her story. You can find it here;-
“My story is called A Simple Act”: https://www.thewayfinder.com.au/podcast/episode/c11844ce/a-simple-act
Helene also talked about a new process she developed called Stories as Soul Medicine.
You can find out more on her website;- “The process involves listening to creative, highly engaging true stories in an intimate and safe setting followed by sharing feelings, emotions and thoughts that stir from deep within. These sessions tap into the healing power of being fully present while listening deeply to sound and stories. This is my passion. This is what makes my heart sing. This, is what allows me to reclaim my power as a survivor of sexual violence.”
For more information about Helene, check out these places;-
Website: https://www.thewayfinder.com.au/Instagram: @thewayfinderstorystudio https://www.instagram.com/thewayfinderstorystudio/
Linkedin: Helene Thomas___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“We're all so used to living that most of us are barely alive. What I’d like to talk about is ‘languishing’ (aka the absence of flourishing/ mental wellbeing) and it’s effect on mental health, living a fulfilled and regret-free life, midlife crisis, and happiness.”
Dr. Maike Neuhaus, founder of The Flourishing Doc, is one of today’s most forward-thinking and globally acclaimed psychologists, specialising in behaviour change strategies and positive psychology. In her roles as speaker, coach, and educator, Dr Maike guides high achievers from mere success to true significance. She’s a highly-cited author, having published in international scientific journals, encyclopaedias, and the world’s largest psychology and wellness platforms and magazines. Dr. Neuhaus stands out for her evidence-based approach, combining scientific rigour with practical wisdom to empower individuals to lead regret-free lives.
In her personal life, Maike took a significant step towards her own flourishing journey in 2019, when she exited the grind and started working for herself digitally on a global scale while travelling the world: I was eager to find out more about this story…
For more information about Dr Maike, check out these places;-
Website: The Flourishing Doc: theflourishingdoc.comEmail: [email protected]: Dr Maike Neuhaus https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maike-neuhaus/Instagram: @theflourishingdoc https://www.instagram.com/theflourishingdoc/___________
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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DISCREPANCIES IN HEALTHCARE with Clare Pearson
If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“I wish society would talk about the real discrepancies in healthcare that existing for children living in regional Australia compared to those living in the city.”
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Clare Pearson is the CEO at Little Wings, a charity based at Bankstown Aerodrome and providing FREE air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and rural NSW, ultimately, providing access to life-saving medical treatment via the Sydney Children's Hospital Network and John Hunter Children's Hospital.
Clare has dedicated her career to the not-for-profit sector; fulfilling roles as CEO in the anti-human trafficking and disability industries. Clare is a qualified psychologist, specialising in child and adolescent welfare, and passionate about working in community based projects aimed at making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Clare is also the author of a book titled, Threads of Hope, with the goal of celebrating the lives of human trafficking survivors. Ultimately, shining a light on the devastating scars humans have battled, the survivor stories of triumph and the incredible work, passion and intervention offered by Australians in creating change, raising the voice of those unable.
Clare is a strong believer in the power of people, whereby a united effort can affect meaningful and significant change on a local and global level. She’s a fascinating human so let’s go meet her…
For more information about Clare, check out these places;-
Instagram: Little Wings
LinkedIn: Clare Pearson
Website: https://www.littlewings.org.au/
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Giving can be a small amount and it still makes a difference.”
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If you’ve been listening to me for a while, you may recall that I attending the inaugural SXSW Sydney event in 2023 and amoung some of the most incredible talks and panels I attended, I came across today’s guest. Theresa Winters organised the panel and session with the topic being microgrants. Alternative forms of fund raising have always intrigued me and I’ve been involved in micro-financing and giving circles previously so I was eager to learn more.
Theresa is an international-award-winning community builder. Her full-time role is as the Alumni Programs Coordinator at the University of Technology Sydney (Australia's #1 young university), where she creates global connections between alumni, organisations, and students. She was the winner of the international Community Manager Award from the Global Workspace Association.
She is the co-founder and editor of The Plus Ones, a media company that focuses on telling people about the best events and experiences across Melbourne and Sydney. If that wasn’t already enough, Theresa is also the Dean of the Sydney chapter of The Awesome Foundation, and recently served as a Board member of the Surry Hills Business Partnership. She also acts as the Sydney lead for the Fomo Killer Society - a private group of the best founders, operators, and community builders throughout Australasia.
Theresa’s favourite activities include running a book club (focused on prize-winning and acclaimed literature); teaching workshops about Historical Linguistics at Laneway Learning; and planning elaborate theme parties for her friends! It takes a special kind of human to do the work Theresa does, so please enjoy meeting this wonderful woman.
For more information about Theresa, check out these places;-
Instagram: @desdrata and @awesomefoundsyd
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresawinters/
Website: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sydney
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“That our experience of the world is a choice. We can find equal dark and light. Equal utopia and dystopia. Equal heaven and hell. Where our focus goes gives us our reality.”
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My guest today has been an architect, created and headed up a financial planning business for two decades, then became a coach and mentor of business leaders and for even more diversity thrown in, the past nine years now an acclaimed Artist.
Maurice Goldberg leverages the inherent creativity in all human beings to innovate and implement better, faster... & more beautifully. He brings clarity, self-expression and expansive thinking to engage and innovate within organisations and take people beyond what they think is possible. He has created some of the fastest-growing and most forward-thinking businesses in Australia. He has been listed three times in BRW Magazines Fast100, being one of the fastest 100 growing companies in Australia (2004, 2005 and 2007). For over 30 years he’s been the CEO of businesses in Financial Services, Real Estate, Marketing and Public Art & Design where he has been instigating revolutionary thinking.
What makes Maurice unique is his success in both Finance and The Arts which has given him mastery of both analytical left-brain and creative right-brain thinking. He also has decades of facilitating small and large groups to effectively, deep dive into clarity and accelerated engagement and increased ideation. This gives his clients momentum and insights that most organisations struggle to gain.
He has always been creative and often rocks the boat in his pursuit of better ways of doing business. His diverse career has led him to be part visionary, part rebel and part designer and like a great architect asks deeper questions that facilitate evolutionary pathways to success. He says challenges in business and life are design puzzles waiting to be solved by asking the right questions.
Evolving smarter happens by creatively unlocking the all too often hidden ideas, potential and passion, locked inside our organisations He is known for his razor-sharp intuitive insights and his uncanny ability to simplify what seems complex. Clients describe his facilitations as insightful, fun, unexpected and mind-blowing and a game changer.
In the past decade, he has also been making an extraordinary body of public art exhibited in public spaces, festivals and museums from Sydney to London and the Pilbara to New York. He is best known for his beautiful use of pattern, space, scale and colour and ease in facilitating collaborations with artists, organisations and communities. If that bio doesn’t intrigue you on meeting Maurice, I don’t know what will - let’s dive in!
For more information about Maurice, check out these places;-
**Maurice has an upcoming art installation in Melbourne from 18-21 July, 2024.
“GLOW” at the Stonnington Winter Arts Festival in Malvern East**
Instagram: @MauriceGoldberg @GoldbergAberlineStudio
LinkedIn: Maurice Goldberg
Website: https://www.thebeautifulandusefulstudio.com/
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“I’d like to talk about Sex toys, vibrators, and how we need to normalise female pleasure and the interesting topic of what it's like building a business in such a taboo space.”
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I was going to start by saying that today’s episode is one for the gals.. But honestly - male partners could do with learning about this topic as well! We are going to give you some ideas for great gift-giving in future, I’m sure! Our topic today is certainly not like any other I’ve ever had on the pod in the past 5 years. You will likely learn a few new things but most definitely giggle along with us as we chat with this remarkable businesswoman. I met today’s guest, Viv at a dinner recently and then saw her speak at a conference. She’s a powerhouse - but could also easily become a stand-up comedian - she has me in hysterics.
You see, Viv Conway is the Co-Founder of the 7-figure women’s sexual wellness brand, Girls Get Off. No stranger to the world of business, Viv previously built and sold an activewear brand and a social media agency. Girls Get Off is on a mission to empower women in all things pleasurable, removing the stigma or taboo that comes with talking about (and making the most of!) getting off. Viv believes that shame needs to be taken out of female masturbation and that there’s no greater awakening than getting to know yourself inside and out. (in the words of TayTay) Are you ready for it? Let’s strap on.. I mean strap in, as we learn more about this juicy topic with the ever-entertaining Viv Conway!
For more information about Viv, check out these places;-
Instagram: Viv Conway and Girls Get Off
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viv-conway-68ba9b93/
Website: Girls Get Off
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?
“Why social enterprise is the way of the future! It doesn’t have to be profit OR purpose, you can (and should) have both!”
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I meet a lot of people in the work I do and every now and then, I come across someone who I instantly want to learn more about. My guest today is one of those people. She has a quiet disposition and yet is fiercely passionate about the work she does - which happens to be impacting some of our most vulnerable members of society. She’s so fascinating, has built an incredible business and I was eager to sit down with her.
Her name is Jane Marx and she’s an experienced social entrepreneur and business innovator. She is passionate about creating meaningful employment opportunities for marginalised women to grow the skills, self-confidence, and financial independence they need to fulfil their dreams. Jane is the Founder and CEO of social enterprise, The Beautiful Bunch, and is an advocate for using the power of business to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Most recently, Jane has been working on a first-of-its-kind rose-growing operation, Rooftop Roses, and is on a mission to disrupt the floriculture industry, growing local roses that are good for people and the planet. Jane is a beautiful human and I can’t wait for you to meet her.
For more information about Jane, check out these places;-
Instagram: Jane Marx and The Beautiful Bunch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-marx/
Website: https://thebeautifulbunch.com/
Head to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today’s guests
Connect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCox
Connect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcox
Connect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox
AND, if you have a burning topic you’d love people to talk more about, or know someone who’d be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- [email protected]
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