Get Off The Bench Podcast

In this episode, I talk about taking action. Last week we had our 5th annual Girls With hammers conference, and Gem Gale spoke about her new book that’s about to be released. At last year’s conference, Gem talked about this being an idea. She took action and made it happen. Mentions: Girls With Hammers Daughters of the Deep Kate Gale Tiffanee Cook Nelly Thomas Gem Gale

In this episode, I talk about the power of one idea, and how that one idea can change lives. The problem is, we often give up on our ideas because we fear failure, rejection or criticism. Also in this episode I introduce two amazing young men who are actually saving lives through their ideas. One, Heman Bekele, has invented a soap that has the power top heal melanoma, and is accessible to all. The...

Megan Munckhof is the co-founder of Lead n Hand, and product for keeping ropes and leads looped perfectly without the tangles. The idea of Lead n Hand was dreamt up many years ago by Megan’s Dad (Darcy White) who is a farmer and contractor in Queensland.  It came about due to a need to tidy up his service vehicle and to provide a storage for all his leads and hoses. The issue of tangled ropes...

In this episode, kindness is the focus. I always wonder why we need specific International Days for particular things, and wonder why we can’t be decent human beings every day of the year. Despite my personal thoughts, November 13th is International Kindness Day, and that should extend to self, others, animals and the planet. By the way, kindness has scientifically proven health benefits, so why w...

In this episode I ponder the answer to the question “What question would you like to ask a time traveller from 200 years in the future?”. Firstly, I’d be surprised that humans still exist at that time! But I’d be curious about what solutions humans found to resolve problems. I’d also want to know what I could do better today to contribute to a better world in the future.

Jan Clarke has been a finalist in many awards across the decades. Teacher of the Year, Telstra Business Woman of the Year, and Nominated for Australian of the Year, but her proudest moment was when she pitched the Door 2 Story and won Founder of the Year in the Launch Victoria pitch event.  Jan describes herself as an ‘old lady with a startup’ but in reality she has always been telling storie...

In this episode I chat about the myth that is overnight success. If we were to imagine success as an iceberg, on the top we would see all the accolades, awards, and maybe even what we imagine that person has regarding finances. But we don’t see the stuff beneath the surface that has to happen first. The sacrifice, the tears, the rejection, and so on. We often feel the need to criticise the success...

Emilia A. Leese, is the co-author of  Think Like a Vegan: What everyone can learn from vegan ethics . Emi is also the host of the podcast, Think Like a Vegan. She writes essays on life, travel and veganism for a variety of online publications and is closely involved in a long-term forest rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands.  Emi is a speaker on vegan ethics at a variety of events...

In this episode I chat about the Polynesian concept of whakapapa (pronounced Far-ka-pa-pa). Whakapapa is about an endless line of people with interlinked arms that stretches back to the beginning of time in one direction, and in the other continues on until the end of time. We hold our place in that line, and when the sun shines upon us, which is our lifetime, it is our turn to be the custodians o...

Harry is a 12 year old reptile breeder & keeper in Gippsland. He currently has 17 reptiles in his collection including 7 snakes ! Harry is also a public speaker and advocate for reptiles. Harry is seeking to change the way people view reptiles – especially snakes – and the language parents use about them so as not to create fear about these animals, but awareness instead. He wants people to un...

In this episode I chat about being impressive as opposed to leaving an impression. Too may of us worry about impressing people, or living up to the expectations of others, but what we really should be worried about is whether we left an impression on somebody. And hopefully one that will shift the other person’s life in the right direction.

In this episode I chat about the key ingredients to building confidence, and it’s not that hard if you’re willing to take courageous action and put in the effort to improve with practice. So many people say they are lacking in confidence and it paralyses them, so they end up doing nothing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Of course you have to have some basic underpinning skills and knowledge,...

In this episode I chat about the four personality types in DISC. There’s the Dominant Driver, the Interactive Influencer, the Steady Supporter and the Conscientious Complier. They are all amazing and they each play such an integral part in the big picture. Which one are you? Once we understand personality types and what motivates and drives us, we can then do better at building strong and effectiv...

In this episode I chat about the fact that humanity is becoming more mean. It’s been bothering me for quite some time as I have not really known what to do about it because the problem seems so big. But, I actually think that flooding the world with kindness is the best place to start. We often don’t and up or speak up because the perceive the outcome of doing so puts us at too much risk, but by e...

WE ARE THE WHEELY SERIOUS PROJECT! But who are we? Where did this idea come from? And what is it all about? An Engineer (Joshua Wilhelm), a Makeup Artist (Jessika Evans), a Dairy Farmer (Belinda Griffin), a Land Manager (Renee Hutchinson), and a Forester turned Planner (Andrew Stanton), walk into the Gippsland Community Leadership Program. Coming to the program from 5 different walks of life; with...

Andrea Lane is an economist who believes in the irrefutably brilliant impact of artists in regional places. She is also the co-founder of FLOAT, an art space in East Gippsland, located on the gorgeous Lake Tyers.  Andrea and the crew at the FLOAT are following their instinct. For art, nature, generosity and fairness, in pursuit of a regenerative region. With the luxury of being (non-indigenou...

In this episode I chat about the fact that ageism sucks. A lot of people have the narrative that they are too old to start something new or to change jobs, or to change their life.  I share a story about Shirley Newton (see link below), who just held her first art exhibition at 92 years old, and a few other thoughts on this matter. Hopefully it inspires you to believe in yourself and not let...

Brock Williams is a 22 year old, 3rd year chiropractic student, who has shifted his life significantly from his days of school yard trouble maker. Brock was never a great student, and spent most of his later years in school giving the teachers grief.  Brock grew up thinking he would play some form of elite level sport, but it wasn't meant to be, so from the age of 17 he fell into the cycle of...

Carolyn Apostolou is a true catalyst for change, dedicated to transforming workplace well-being and inspiring individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. As an accredited coach, mentor, and keynote speaker, Carolyn has spent years empowering leaders and teams and implementing corporate wellness programs that foster a thriving culture of success. Drawing from her extensive experien...

James Hand is a series author, but life didn’t start out like that. Ian Handasyde (real name) spent most of his life as a Primary school teacher, and musician. His cover band Turn It Up can still be found entertaining crowds throughout the leafy Melbourne suburbs.  Ian eventually found his way into film making. Having written a number of scripts (Feature and Shorts), he decided to dip his toe...

From schoolyard-bullied introvert to extraverted entertainer extraordinaire, Nathan has a lot of unique insights on overcoming adversity, all the world being a stage, and the entertainment industry. Nathan has become an award-winning Master of Ceremonies with over a decade of experience, including as a former Entertainment Host with Princess Cruises. Based in Sydney, Australia, Nathan specialises...

Mridula Minasvi is a passionate grassroots activist and community organiser, who truly believes in the power of people to create positive social change. She is particularly thrilled to be a feminist activist, challenging oppressive patriarchal norms and sparking innovative ideas for achieving gender justice. Her work as a fascinating artist and digital media practitioner allows her to promote demo...

Brett Ashby is a multidisciplinary artist, performer, presenter, and author from Naarm, Australia. Ashby’s art practice includes sculpture, performance, installation, painting, music, and major public commissions, framing Ashby as a prodigious figure in the contemporary art world. Ashby is recognisable for his unique methods of practice employing a skateboard or surfboard as a tool to paint aura....

In a recent leadership workshop, I asked participants to make a list of characteristics that great leaders might possess. One word that came up was convincing. This prompted me to talk about my Influence Scale model, where the word ‘influence’ is challenged regarding the negative and positive intent that aligns to this word. In the episode, I explain the Influence Scale, and how we can lead people...

Bessie Kay is a TV Presenter, Producer & Marketing Director, with 20 years experience working in the entertainment and media industries. Bessie started her career as a performer in the Australian musical theatre industry and eventually making her way into Australian TV, both on screen and behind the scenes.  Her most 'noteworthy' TV credits include Presenting Australia...