Connect With Confidence - with Kerrie Phipps

Content note: This conversation includes experiences of war, trauma, suicidal thoughts, substance use and significant mental health challenges. Please listen with care. We talked about pain and hope, moral injury, faith, relationships and the power of being heard. This isn't simply Andy's story of recovery from military trauma. It's also Zoe's story; the often-unseen experience of the spouse, care...

Shannon Lemanski returns to Connect with Confidence with some extraordinary news — becoming the first Australian to receive a global King’s Trust Award. In this conversation, Shannon shares what it was like to be recognised at the Royal Albert Hall, meet King Charles III, and have his award presented by Benedict Cumberbatch. We also revisit the story behind Aqua Ubique — Shannon’s mission to gener...

When I first met Mithul Krishna Kumar Ramachandran , he was a teenager in Coimbatore. When we reconnected more recently, he was much taller, well-travelled, educated connected - and more curious and kind than ever. Mithul shared his experiences studying overseas, building friendships with people around the world and approaching different cultures with a beautiful openness and curiosity. In this co...

What happens when we approach a polarising subject with curiosity instead of certainty? In this episode: authentic and compassionate leadership speaking up with confidence nuclear science, medicine and safety culture curiosity in difficult conversations STEM careers beyond the obvious learning from people with different experiences and expertise Kerrie chats with Jasmin Diab - nuclear security spe...

I was recently in Cyprus with Peter Sewell, and we found ourselves talking about something that sits at the heart of so many meaningful connections: curiosity. Pete and I were there working with teachers from Poland, and in between the training, the heat and the travel stories, we sat down for this conversation about what happens when we stay curious about people, places and perspectives that are...

What does courage look like? Sometimes it looks like standing on a stage or doing something dramatic. And sometimes it looks like picking up the phone and calling someone you’re nervous to speak to. In this conversation, I meet three remarkable young women whose honesty, courage and compassion deeply moved me. One of them shares openly about her experience of social anxiety, fear of rejection and...

What happens when you slow down enough to truly listen? In this episode of Connect with Confidence , I’m joined by photographer William Debois - someone who quite literally travelled thousands of kilometers to meet strangers and ask just two simple questions: - What does sacrifice mean to you? - What sacrifice have you made? What emerged is a beautiful collection of portraits and stories - powerfu...

In this fascinating and beautifully human conversation, Kerrie speaks with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan , whose book Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life explores not only the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, but also the people who have spent decades searching for answers. Rachel shares how a chance hallway conversation at National Geographi...

What if building a successful business didn’t have to mean carrying everything? What if it could actually feel… enjoyable? In this thoughtful and spacious conversation, I sit down with Ellen Bathgate - someone I’ve had the privilege of journeying alongside for nearly two decades. We begin with a simple but powerful reflection from Ellen’s younger years, writing letters to her future self and what...

What if the conversations you’re avoiding are the very ones that could change your day, your life, or someone else’s? In this warm and insightful conversation, Kerrie sits down with behavioural scientist Nicholas Epley to explore the surprising science behind talking to strangers and why we so often get it wrong. From a quiet train carriage in Chicago to life-changing family decisions, Nick shares...

There are conversations that stay with you, not because they’re perfectly planned, but because they unfold with honesty, depth, and unexpected wisdom. In this episode of Connect with Confidence, I reconnect with Mathew Samuel - a global business leader I met in India recently, over a simple cup of tea in Dr Ram’s office at GRD College. What followed was a conversation about life, business, intuiti...

What if the conversations we often dismiss as “small talk” are actually helping us build a richer, more connected life? In this delightful and deeply affirming episode of Connect with Confidence, Kerrie is joined by Professor Gillian Sandstrom, researcher, speaker and author of Once Upon a Stranger. Together they explore the science and the story behind everyday interactions – from chatting on tra...

Bonus Episode | Outback Radio 2WEB Conversation This episode is a little different. Recently, I joined Rod and Heather on Outback Radio 2WEB to talk about our upcoming Wisdom and Wellbeing Women’s Retreat at Lower Lila, just outside Bourke in far west NSW. What unfolded was a genuine, unscripted conversation about something much bigger than a retreat… ✨ saying yes to unexpected opportunities ✨ s...

What a gift it was to sit in Mansi’s home in India, sharing meals, stories and wisdom; and to record this conversation surrounded by warmth, generosity and care. In this episode, I’m joined by Mansi Amlani author of Seven Management Lessons from a Homemaker. We explore what leadership really looks like when it’s rooted in empathy, presence and purpose. Mansi shares her journey from a shy, introver...

In this episode of Connect with Confidence, I’m joined by Tim Walmsley - recently named 2025 Defence Executive of the Year. What unfolds is a conversation about impact, perspective and how both can shift when you step away from the familiar and into something that asks everything of you. Tim shares the work he’s doing to connect Australia’s defence industry through new digital portals - alongside...

What if the most powerful communication skill isn’t knowing what to say, but knowing when not to fix? In this episode of Connect with Confidence, Kerrie is joined by former emergency services crisis negotiator James Taylor to explore why so many conversations miss the mark and how learning to truly listen can transform relationships at work, at home, and in leadership. Drawing on years of high-sta...

What does learning look like when there’s no syllabus, no classroom and no exams? In this special in-person episode of Connect with Confidence , Kerrie returns to Coimbatore, India, to reconnect with educator and changemaker Dr. K.K.Ramachandran (Dr KKR) five years after their last conversation during the global lockdown. Together, they explore what has changed in education, technology, leadership...

In this episode, Kerrie sits down with the much-mentioned (and very busy) Kelly Hopkins – a natural connector, community-builder and champion of collaboration. Fresh from being a finalist at the Prime Minister’s Awards , Kelly shares what it’s like to be recognised for work that she describes as “just what we do organically” – the kind of behind-the-scenes, people-first impact that rarely makes he...

What happens when a simple “good morning” becomes a doorway to years of connection? In this full-circle conversation, I’m joined by facilitator and connector Benny Callaghan and we trace our story all the way back to a Sydney train in 2009, a momentary meeting, and a chain of introductions that rippled outward in the most beautiful ways. Benny invites us to build connection across invisible walls...

In this episode of Connect with Confidence, Kerrie chats with Vinay Pushpakaran from Chennai - professional speaker, customer experience and sales consultant, past President of the Professional Speakers Association of India, and co-author of Filter Coffee Chronicles. We explore: How Vinay’s first business deal collapsed, and the mentor whose words helped him rise again Why every business is in the...

Humourist and master storyteller Tim Gard joins me for a joyful, deeply human conversation about humour, connection and the surprising moments that shape us. Tim shares stories from a life lived noticing the funny, the meaningful and the profound - from his US Navy days to travelling the world as a professional speaker with his tiny chickens and banana phone. We explore how humour opens doors, cal...

From HALO jumping over Mount Everest to heartfelt moments of courage, empathy, and cross-cultural connection, Zoe Dryden and Kerrie Phipps share stories that remind us of what’s possible when we stay curious, kind, and open to adventure. A conversation full of insight, laughter, and genuine humanity. Loved this episode? Support us to create more podcasts by buying our producer a coffee - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this inspiring episode of Connect with Confidence, Kerrie chats with Kevin Humphreys; former Black Hawk pilot, mental health advocate, and founder of Cor Infinitus. Kevin shares his journey from combat missions to confronting shame and suicidal thoughts, and how he turned that pain into purpose by creating memorials that give dignity to families and hope to those at risk. We explore: The link b...

Samantha Arrington Sliney shares how courage, creativity and connection can shape culture and how a Pentagon meeting inspired her first children’s book, All the Things Our Mommy Can Do. Loved this episode? Support us to create more podcasts by buying our producer a coffee - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bmc.link/kerriephipps⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Samantha here - Website: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.whitelaceandcomba...

Note from Kerrie Phipps A recent trip to India included the most extraordinary conversations with today’s – and tomorrow’s – leaders. They’ve written a description, so it’s over to K. Suwetha and Varsini. R to share their thoughts in the description – and their insightful questions in the video. Enjoy! Cheering you on, Kerrie Note from K. Suwetha and Varsini. R A Mind-Opening Interaction with Kerr...