Leave A Light On Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What if the real question isn’t “Is tech good or bad for kids?” but “How much, when, and to what end?” We sat down with Melissa Harries again, a psychologist with a sharp eye for evidence, to unpack what decades of research actually say about phones, gaming, and social media—and why the dose often makes the poison. Rather than fearmongering, we explore the markers that matter: sle...

Send us Fan Mail What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was wrong? In this thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Melissa Harries, we explore a revolutionary approach to understanding mental fortitude that might just change how you think about emotional strength. Drawing from her 20 years of psychological practice, including her time as a military psychologist deployed...

Send us Fan Mail When a young Australian backpacker walked into Russell Square tube station on July 7, 2005, he had no idea he was stepping into one of the darkest moments in London's history. Jim Hancock was simply heading to a job interview when he found himself at ground zero of the 7/7 terrorist bombings that claimed 52 lives and injured over 700 people. With remarkable courage and compas...

Send us Fan Mail "You don't know my God." These powerful words from fifteen-year-old Jett Dow capture the extraordinary spirit of resilience that has defined his battle against stage four brain cancer. When doctors discovered a massive tumour and cyst crushing Jett's brain stem in October 2022, they delivered the devastating news to his mother Sam: her son had hours to live. Sh...

Send us Fan Mail Kristina Cook's story will stop you in your tracks. Diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, an incredibly rare brain tumor affecting just 0.02% of the population, her journey reveals what true resilience looks like in the face of overwhelming odds. For six years, Kristina struggled with symptoms misdiagnosed as depression and anxiety before an MRI revealed the truth. What followed...

Send us Fan Mail When Melissa Histon was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, she made a promise to herself while lying on her bedroom floor during treatment: if she survived, her life would be different. That pivotal moment sparked a journey of transformation that would impact countless women's lives. After recovery, Melissa's newfound perspective led her to Nepal where she photographed...

Send us Fan Mail What if your darkest moments could become the foundation for helping others? Meet Todd Ennis, a man whose journey from childhood trauma to mental health champion will leave you speechless. Todd doesn't hold back as he shares the brutal reality of surviving sexual abuse at six years old and how this early trauma shaped his path. With remarkable candour, he reveals how his life...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we finally tell the stories we've kept locked inside? Entertainment veteran Garth Russell takes us on a captivating journey through his 67 years of life experience, revealing how sharing our authentic narratives can transform not just our mental wellbeing, but potentially our physical health too. From his early days as a nervous radio DJ in Tamworth to actin...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to run successful hospitality venues in today's challenging economic landscape? Luke Tilse, the visionary behind Happy Wombat, Young Street Hotel, and Apple Truck Cider, pulls back the curtain on his decade-plus journey through Newcastle's hospitality scene with raw honesty and philosophical depth. When Luke established the Happy Wombat over ten years a...

Send us Fan Mail Heartfelt stories and critical conversations take center stage as we shine a light on men's mental health. Our special guests, Paul and Matt, co-founders of the impactful organization Spoke to a Bloke, join us to explore an issue that is often shrouded in silence. Inspired by the tragic loss of Paul’s brother, Nick, in 2021, they turned a simple idea conceived amongst friends...

Send us Fan Mail Kat Duggan bravely steps into the spotlight, sharing her journey of healing from an abusive relationship, underscoring the power of vulnerability and the importance of professional help. Her story is one of courage and resilience, shedding light on manipulation, gaslighting, and trauma. Through her personal narrative, we are reminded of the silent battles many endure and the trans...

Send us Fan Mail What if overcoming adversity could reshape your entire life? Join us as Tommy Pullein, a former Australian Army infantry soldier, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to military service and beyond. Tommy's compelling stories about his deployments to Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Iraq reveal not only his resilience but also his passion for veteran mental healt...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a life-threatening diagnosis inspires a mission to transform the world of health? Meet our first guest of Season 2, Luke Whitby, who uncovers his journey from overcoming a severe health crisis to establishing his own company focused on empowering others through natural health solutions. His story is not just about personal triumph but a powerful reminder of the i...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why some New Year's resolutions stick while others fizzle out by February? We're diving into the intricate world of resolutions, revealing the secrets behind successful goal-setting and why the younger crowd seems more inclined to embrace them than their older counterparts. This episode is packed with personal stories as we reflect on how New Year's ce...

Send us Fan Mail What if Santa traded in his traditional velvety suit for board shorts and an Aussie accent? Join us as we weave through the jingling joy and occasional hilarities of the festive season. From debating Santa's drink of choice—beer or milk—to sharing our personal holiday favorites, we infuse our signature humor with the warmth of cultural traditions. With a hearty dose of laught...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we kick off with some fun contrasts between snowy landscapes and sweltering climates, setting the stage for a chat with our dear friend and mining aficionado, Jason Walsh—affectionately known as Walshy. Together, we uncover the intriguing transformation from digging for gold to scaling life’s metaphorical mountains, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on personal...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how societal shifts are impacting the traditional male identity and what it really means to be a man today? Join us as we tackle these complex questions head-on, exploring the multifaceted issues of masculinity, purpose, and mental well-being in our latest episode of Leave a Light On Podcast. Shayne and Chev, without the interruption of guests, offer a candid convers...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly tough exterior? We introduce "The Viking," Chris Van Namen, whose transformation from a guarded individual to a nurturing presence is nothing short of inspiring. As our special guest, Chris shares his riveting journey, shedding light on the stark contrast between appearances and character, and how embracing vulne...

Send us Fan Mail Reflecting on a journey filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments, we celebrate our significant milestone—our 10th episode! With immense gratitude for your unwavering support, we reminisce about the paths traveled and the stories shared. Dive into the nostalgia as we revisit cherished episodes, like the profound insights shared by sports star Taylor Regan, whose jo...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to a healthier mind with our exciting new segment, "Mindful Moments with Mel." Join us as we welcome Mel Spinks, a seasoned psychologist with seven years of experience, who brings her wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Mel shares her journey, her passion for diagnostics and therapy, and gives us a sneak peek into her innovative online multidisciplin...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a dedicated police officer transitions through some of the most intense and specialized roles within the force over an 18-year career? Meet Mel McLachlan, a former member of the New South Wales Police Force, whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days at the Police Academy in 2000 to her promotion to sergeant in 2011, Mel’s story is one o...

Send us Fan Mail Can a simple shift in workplace conversations save lives? Join us as Amanda, the National Operations Manager, and Joe, A field operative, from Mates share the profound impact their organization is having on mental health and suicide prevention in Australian industries. From the origins of Mates in Construction in 2007 to its expansion into mining, energy, and manufacturing, Amanda...

Send us Fan Mail How can you transform your marriage from good to great? Join us as we sit down with the "Love Doctor" himself, Darren Chapman, who shares invaluable insights from his book "The Happy Marriage" and his nationwide workshops with his wife Beck. From the importance of simplicity and relatability in advice to the evolving landscape of modern marriages, Darren offers...

Send us Fan Mail How does a professional footballer navigate the highs and lows of a demanding career while balancing personal life challenges? Join us for an illuminating conversation with retired footballer Taylor Regan as he shares his extraordinary journey from the Newcastle Jets Academy to the rigors of the A-League and the Malaysian Premier League. Taylor's candid recounting of his prof...

Send us Fan Mail How does a young boy adopted at six weeks old grow up to become a six-time state and four-time national Taekwondo champion? Meet Matty Kavanagh, a fifth Dan Black Belt, as he shares his awe-inspiring journey on Leave a Light On Podcast. From moving countries at a tender age to excelling in multiple sports, Matt's story is filled with resilience, dedication, and a passion for...