Episodes
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Elise Elliott’s successful media career encompasses a trifecta across television, radio, and print that has spanned more than twenty-five years. In her late forties, she was inspired by her husband, Tom Elliott to take on a new adventure - surfing.
Although both Elise and Tom live a very parallel life in the media, her husband has an incredible passion for surfing and would come out of the water with a look of astounding elation on his face. It was this reaction encouraged Elise to pursue surfing.
In this journey Elise recognised that surfing is a humbling experience, especially when learnt at an older age.
In this episode of Amongst The Waves, Elise tackles her learnings while surfing, how it has affected her mental and physical health and why she’s a firm believer that it’s never too late to go after a new pursuit regardless of your age.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● How Elise started her surfing journey (02:47)
● The barriers and the support Elise had in the surfing arena (06:40)
● Breaking the assumption of you need to be young to start in sports (13:29)
● The effects of surfing on her mental and physical health (15:52)
● The story of why surfing is such a humbling experience (19:30)
● Her next goal in surfing (23:00)
You can find Tanya here:
Instagram - tanyaacarroll
You can find Elise here:
Instagram - eliseelliott_media
The ELLIOTT EXCHANGE on Apple or Spotify
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Candice Land is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, creator of The Female Surfer, and Exercise Physiologist for the World Surf League.
In this episode of Amongst The Waves, Candice shares her expertise in coaching people, particularly female surfers and how she changes the game by using gender-specific variables that can impact performance and well-being.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Fears in relation to surfing and the gender bias of the brain (07:19)
● The difference between a female and a male’s brain? (12:03)
● Overlooked biological factors to consider when coaching females (17:59)
● Rest and how it affects an athlete’s recovery and performance (26:28)
You can find Tanya here:
Instagram - tanyaacarroll
You can find Candice here:
www.thefemalesurfer.com
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Jess MacLeish is co-founder of the Peninsula Surf Sisters and an advocate for helping women find their strength.
After overcoming a toxic relationship, addiction and then burnout, Jess found the tools that have led her to start living life on her terms.
Through a journey that traversed the heights of burlesque dancing and then through some of what she describes as being her darkest times, Jess has learnt how important the aspects of community and allowing people the space to find their own tools, are.
The focus of what Jess advocates for is less about her story and more about what as community we can do to support each other, and how she found much of that by getting back into the ocean.
In this podcast we talk openly about how energy flows through us to give light to ideas that are of service to others and that in the case of the Peninsula Surf Sisters, it was women coming together at the same time with the same idea, that birthed a movement of women, for women, exactly when it was needed.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Jess' teenage years and where she grew up (00:49)
● What led to her addiction? (04:47)
● The empathetic role models she had in her life (08:30)
● How Jess traversed through her moment of clarity (12:03)
● The tools and resources she used to manage herself (14:55)
● How she made up for lost time - The burlesque world (17:01)
● How Jess got into burlesque (18:12)
● Jess’ burnout phase and recovered (24:18)
● The impact of surfing in Jess (33:10)
● How did Peninsula Surf Sisters start and what is it about? (39:48)
● The energy shift from masculine to feminine (46:35)
● Moments when Jess felt most disempowered and empowered (50:42)
● The intention for Peninsula Surf Sisters (53:10)
● How can people connect with Peninsula Surf Sisters? (54:30)
You can find Jess at Peninsula Surf Sisters on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/peninsulasurfsisters/
You can find Tanya at:
https://www.instagram.com/tanyaacarroll/
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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Brett Connellan is a Surfer, Motivational Speaker, Story Teller, Mental Health Advocate, and a
Shark Attack Survivor.
Brett doesn’t want to be defined by a single incident rather, he uses this life-changing
experience to tell a powerful, and transformational journey for people experiencing setbacks in
life.
After the incident, Brett knew that his life would never be the same. He was also told that he
may never walk again after losing three-quarters of his left quad. But instead of focusing on
what he can’t do, he looked at this circumstance as a second chance at life.
In this episode of Amongst the Waves, Brett shares how his purpose and perspective changed
after that fateful day. He also tackles his journey towards recovery and how he developed a
different mindset that allowed him to do what was once thought impossible - being able to walk
and surf again.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● How a life-changing experience transformed Brett's purpose (00:30)
● Why is the surfing culture addictive and immersive (04:20)
● The moment Brett realized he was going to surf professionally (06:45)
● The event that changed Brett's life (10:12)
● How instincts help us survive dangerous situations (25:15)
● Brett's learnings from The Bite Club (27:30)
● The recovery process after the shark attack (28:47)
● The changes in Brett's purpose after the incident (38:20)
● Where is Brett right now physically? (42:00)
● Brett shares his story through the film Pyrophytic (47:39)
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Michelle Mitchell is a champion of surfing and sports in general. She’s also regarded as the
most qualified individual in the realm of athlete engagement and wellbeing.
Her personal and professional mission is to help athletes, individuals, and teams to become the
best version of themselves. Michelle’s learning methods help athletes learn, grow, prepare, and
flourish not just in sports but also in life.
Michelle focuses on values-based coaching, so individuals know who they truly are, and they
learn to assess whether opportunities are aligned with their values. Furthermore, she helps
people identify their skill set and potential.
In this episode of Amongst the Waves, Michelle shares the knowledge she gained from being a
professional athlete and transitioning to athletic leadership. She also gives valuable advice on
how to better handle the opportunities and circumstances an athlete and his/her support system
are presented with.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● The difficult decision Michelle had to make (00:42)
● Transitioning from one sports organization to another (01:51)
● What is Athlete Coordination Education (ACE) (03:00)
● The dangers of having athlete entitlement (10:15)
● The significance of values-based coaching (12:22)
● Encouraging athletes to have unconventional conversations with sponsors (15:50)
● How Michelle helps individuals identify their skill set (22:52)
● The four doctors towards well-being (27:05)
● Michelle's advice to athletes showing potential (29:30)
● What is Michelle excited about in the near and distant future? (31:00)
You can find Tanya here:
https://www.instagram.com/tanyaacarroll/
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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7-time world champion Layne Beachley is widely regarded as the most successful surfer in history. The only surfer to claim 6 consecutive world titles, Layne’s story is the testimony to the power of self-belief.
A traumatic childhood ignited a flame of desperation to prove she was worthy of love. Layne’s affinity for the ocean and competition created the perfect storm to achieve her dream of becoming the best of the best.
Learning how to lose taught her how to win. 19 years on tour, 29 tour victories, 7 world titles (6 won consecutively), 5 in a state of fear.
Her career was an emotional rollercoaster of happiness, injury, adventure, depression, failure and ultimately, success.
An officer of the order of Australia, Chair of Surfing Australia, and founder of the Awake Academy, Layne lives a life of unapologetic honesty, sharing her experiences with humour and humility, standing firm in her values with a clear vision for the future. Her sights are firmly set on cultivating connection, growth and happiness in humanity.
Show Notes:
0.47 – The stigma attached to mental health
2.59 – Teenage suicide and the affects of covid
5.31 – Childhood shame and patterns
8.27 – How learning she was adopted fuelled Layne’s career
10.20 – I am enough
13.20 – Mentoring with Craig Harper and pushing myself out of my comfort zones
15.03 – Meditation and the role that plays
17.05 – Signs of depression in others
21.36 – Comparison and when the tools don’t work
23.00 – Trigger warning around suicide
25.06 – WOW and ‘got an issue, get a tissue’
25.48 – Andy Irons
28.16 – Tyler Wright
33.35 – The roles Layne took on as an ambassador in surfing
34.40 – Soul purpose – Awakening others awakens me
41.00 – Kirk, Layne’s husband, diagnosis of prostate cancer
44.00 – Cancer
46.50 – Human potential
You can find Layne here:
https://awakeacademy.com.au
You can find Tanya here:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
www.integritychiropractic.com.au
References:
https://www.foundationwow.org
https://www.lifeline.org.au
https://headspace.org.au
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
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When it comes to surf board shaping, before this conversation with Gillian Grove, I had no idea of the complexity yet simplicity of the art.
After recording this, in my ideal world, as a coach, I will have a shaper on the beach with me doing analysis and working together for the best outcome for my athlete.
In this conversation Gill and I discuss how her obsession with shaping began, how learnt experience has taken her down the rabbit hole and what she hopes for the future of the shaping industry which includes more women!
I hope you feel the same level of joy listening to this episode, as I felt in the moment recording with Gill! She really has passion for her craft!
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Gillian’s first ever surfing experience (0:22)
● How her surfing accident affected her ‘surfing comeback’ (8:24)
● Gillian’s journey after she took a break from surfing (10:18)
● From surfing to surfboard shaper (12:14)
● Her first encounter with surfboard shaping (17:50)
● Why is matching your surfboard to your skills important? (23:26)
● Gillian’s surf quiver - how surfboards should fit on how surfers surf (27:51)
● Educating people about surf shaping and how it can affect their skills and performance (31:57)
● Gillian’s biggest challenge when it comes to surfboard shaping (39:33)
● Her interest and passion in the whole art of surf shaping (46:35)
● Where can people see Gillian’s unique surf works (52:02)
You can find Gill on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/shapedbyshe/
You can find Tanya across all social media and at:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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In this episode I speak with Taylor Cecil who is a Chek Professional and a father of two young children, who has built a reputation for being a sought out coach by some of Australia’s top athletes.
As a child, Taylor began his life as an athlete playing various sports such as rugby league, soccer and surfing. At 16, he started entering triathlons which later led to him becoming a professional triathlete. An opportunity that took him all around the world.
During this experience, at the age of 19, he developed and was later diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Though he knew that he needed to rest, he was stuck between listening to his body and looking for answers to his situation, and continuing to compete.
And that was the start of Taylor’s journey in understanding his body, his mind and holistic health.
Taylor’s passion in helping others is a large part of his personal dream.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Who is Taylor Cecil? (0:34)
● Taylor’s Surfing Journey (10:02)
● CHEK Program: Physical and Holistic Lifestyle Coaching (11:56)
● Surfing Localism (23:55)
● Athlete's Mindset: Understanding Your Whys (31:12)
● Coaching Young Athletes (34:46)
● Holistic Health: Spiritual, Mental, Physical and Emotional (37:25)
● Spreading Awareness about Holistic Coaching (54:46)
Resources:
www.bhavanacookingschool.com
You can find Taylor across socials and:
www.taylorcecil.com.au
You can find tanya across socials and:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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Mitch Barraclough is a former WSL QS surfer who, grew up on the East Coast of Australia.
Through his own injury at the age of 21, leaving the sport and then returning to the QS many years later, Mitch studied human movement as a way to understand his body.
This then evolved into a career in the rehabilitation space, where now after retiring from competitive surfing, he helps other athletes overcome physical and mindset challenges to succeed.
In this episode we break down what it is like to live inside the tour and how facing a career threatening injury forced Mitch to evaluate the reasons why he wanted to be a professional surfer.
We also discuss the topic of building a relationship with sponsors as a young athlete and the skillset it takes to navigate the business world without a business education.
In this conversation we also talked about the role of parents in a young athletes inner circle and when the line of parent and business advisor is crossed.
EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNING
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Mitch’s first surfing experience (0:53)
● The story of Mitch’s Qualifying Series (2:37)
● Surfing: Career or Passion? (7:00)
● Mitch’s injury (10:04)
● Mitch’s backup plan besides being a surfer (14:15)
● How Mitch influence others as a mentor (20:02)
● Sponsorships of athletes (41:26)
● Surfing as an Olympic sport (55:47)
● Mitch’s advice to young surfers (1:07:51)
You can find Mitch across social media and at:
www.mitchbarraclough.com
You can find Tanya across social media and at:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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** This episode of Amongst The Waves comes with a trigger warning **
A retired competitive surfer on the WQS, Jess Grimwood has been honest about her battles within her mental health, and her recovery which has led her to become a commentator for the Surfing NSW and the WSL. But more than that Jess is a passionate supporter of women finding their pathway in the world of competitive surfing be that as an athlete or working in a role within the industry that supports women athletes.
In this episode of Amongst The Waves Jess and I have a deep and candid conversation about life on the tour, the challenges she faced in supporting herself financially to stay on the tour and how with the support of her family she has come back from the brink of death, to find a reason to live.
We discuss what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that is often not willing to listen to the patient, as well as what it took for her to design her own recovery.
We also talk about the pressures within the highly structured and high pressure environment of being a firefighter, and the subsequent trauma Jess experienced as the result of being a first responder.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Who is Jess? (0:56)
● Mental health aspect in surfing (11:34)
● Different pathways and opportunities for athletes (15:24)
● The start of Jess’ surfing journey (23:41)
● The fall of Jess’ mental health (31:01)
● Manipulation as a prominent part of mental health problems (33:42)
● The worst time for Jess (37:41)
● How Jess recovered (1:02:35)
● Meditation vs Medication (1:05:04)
● Factors that helped Jess to get through her mental health challenge (1:10:36)
● Where Jess is now (1:15:42)
● Surfing program (1:19:35)
● Advice to young athlete women about mental health (1:21:55)
* All opinions expressed in this conversation are individual and should not be used as a prescription for your own mental health.
Neither Jess nor I are qualified medical practitioners and cannot take responsibility for actions taken as a result of this podcast.
If you are concerned for your own health or for someone you love, you should consult with your own medical professionals or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can find jess on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jessgrimwood/?hl=en
You can find Tanya across all social media and at:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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Rob is a Waves of Wellness' Lead facilitator, with a professional background in mental health - having graduated with an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Sydney.
Rob began volunteering as a Surf Mentor with Waves of Wellness towards the end of his psychology degree and has been working as a program facilitator in Sydney ever since.
Rob’s core passions in mental health include providing accessible and equitable therapy and psychoeducation, promoting healthy lifestyle practices and increasing mental health literacy among the general population across Australia.
These passions align directly with the missions of WOW.
IN THIS EPISODE:
· What is WOW and how did the foundation get started (1.00)
· Combining clinical mental health therapy and surfing (2.53)
· The growth of the WOW program (4.09)
· Where does funding come from (4.50)
· Who can apply to be a participant in the programs (5.53)
· Expanding the mental health tool kit (8.60)
· Social connection as a core value (10.39)
· Vulnerability and breaking down the ‘four walls’ theory therapy (13.36)
· Learning what works for you in strengthening your mental health tool kit (20.20)
· The bullshit barrier – the line where the water meets the sand (22.58)
· Where is the WOW foundation expanding next and hub sites (23.30)
· Fostering connections within the community (25.37)
· Plank up the volume (27.07)
You can find more information about the WOW program across all social media and here:
https://www.foundationwow.org
You can find Tanya across all social media and here:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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Damon Tudor is the CEO and General Manager of URBNSURF. URBNSURF is Australia’s first surf park which is helping people surf more perfect waves, more often. They provide a safe and controlled environment with ocean-like waves that caters to all surfers of any age.
Damon has spent over 20 years in a range of consumer-focused industries across goods and services, including holding key executive roles with African & Eastern Middle East (as part of AB Inbev), Nakheel Middle East and NRMA in Australia.
In this episode of Amongst the Waves, Damon shares the lessons he has learned opening and managing URBNSURF, the different trends in the wave pool industry, and where URBNSURF is headed in the future.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● Damon’s background (00:21)
● Core values of URBNSURF (1:10)
● Surf culture in the ocean vs in surf pools
● Passing the core values to the guests (8:43)
● How Damon deals with negative comments on wave pools (12:55)
● The new trend in wave pools (16:36)
● Managing and understanding waves and currents (19:40)
● The popularity of the industry and how far can it go (25:50)
● Importance of having flexible technology at a wave park (27:26)
● Giving back to the environment (31:49)
● Damon’s learnings from opening wave parks (35:30)
You can find Damon at:
www.urbnsurf.com
You can find Tanya across all social media and at:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
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Cris Mills is a surf strength coach and has been in the business for over a decade.
His primary intention with his coaching business is to help surfers improve upon themselves, so that they may not only surf more, but also become injury resistant, and learn how to look after themselves.
Cris has both one-on-one coaching sessions as well as online courses that teach you not only how to surf but how to improve upon and heal the body by focusing on a whole body approach to wellness.
In this episode of Amongst the Waves, Cris shares the lessons he has learned from the past decade of surfing and coaching, his insights on the trajectory of surfing, and how you can balance your passion for surfing while actively looking after your body.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● How has the Wave Pool changed the face of the way people surf? (4:40)
● What brought Cris to Australia (6:19)
● Cris’ primary market in coaching (8:35)
● The balance between Cris’ online programs and face-to-face clients (10:48)
● How COVID has changed the landscape of surfing (12:40)
● Cris’ biggest influence in his career (15:00)
● Cris’ coaching demographics (18:30)
● How Cris’ injuries have changed the way he coaches and his programs (23:40)
● Lessons to learn outside of surfing (27:00)
● How to listen to your body (30:45)
● What are the most common surfing injuries? (32:20)
● How to find the balance of surfing and keeping your body healthy (35:00)
● The mental health benefits of surfing (38:33)
● The trajectory of surfing and how surfing in the olympics will change the face of it (40:33)
● Will there be a division between ocean and wave pools? (52:05)
You will find Cris across all social media and at:
www.surfstrengthcoach.com
You will find Tanya across all social media and at:
www.rawheartandsoul.com
