MFEP+ME

*This episode discusses bowel cancer. It is a gentle conversation. If this topic is challenging for you, please take care when listening or circle back another time. In his early 40's, Jason shares his deeply personal journey following a recent bowel cancer diagnosis. In this honest and courageous conversation, he opens up about receiving a temporary colostomy bag, navigating treatment, and the im...

*This episode discusses child protection, moving overseas, a range of therapies and neurodivergence. It is a gentle conversation. If these topics can be challenging for you, please take care when listening. Jenny Podorozhnaya is the founder of Positive Future Self. She is a psychotherapist, counsellor, clinical supervisor, and NLP coach who moved from the UK to Australia in 2015 with her family an...

*This episode discusses all things farming, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening. Julian Baillie, known to his mates as Julz, is a farmer with big dreams and deep roots. From appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife to managing the realities of rural life, Julz is as committed to his future as he is to the land he works. Whether it’s chasing sheep, dreaming of build...

*This episode discusses suicide, grief and the challenges of menopause, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening. Ingrid Kennerley has always had a passion for connection, whether that be in community for bringing pieces of fabric together to give them new life. Ingrid is a loving Mum, an active community member and a passionate mentor for people navigating grie...

Mentally Fit EP began in 2014 with a collective vision to flip mental illness on its head; to create conversation about mental health and to focus on wellbeing and what is in our control. A group of 'go-getters' came together to create magic. Some of the key players being Kirsty Traeger, Angela Cordon, Jo Clark, Ash Lawrie, Penny Will, Leonie Green, Sue Berry and some of the Port Lincoln Rotary Cl...

*This episode discusses anxiety and depression, which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening. Steven Johnson’s life path was pretty ‘straightforward’. He did pretty well at school. Got some great bonus points, thanks to living in Port Lincoln, and enrolled in Uni. A story that sounds like so many other people. Steve soon realised the course he chose wasn’t ‘right’ fo...

*This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, stillbirth and other topics which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening. This episode is a conversation with Rachel Sherry. With the world at her feet, Rachel headed up to Whyalla as a teen to study hairdressing. At their intro day the lecturer said that one of the girls WILL get pregnant. They were right. T...

*This episode discusses farming, suicide prevention and Ski for Life. Hayden McFarlane has had a few different career changes in his time. He is now working on his family farm but has the best of both worlds by living 'in town'. Hayden's love for water skiing, teamed with his own challenges with his mental health, has seen him take part in Ski for Life. Ski for Life events have been he...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses childhood cancer, death of a child and Voluntary Assisted Dying. Circa 2021, Liz Habermann appeared on ABC TV and in the media, but not due to being a famous actress. Unfortunately Liz’s name became known to many across the Nation due to her heart breaking experience of losing her teen son, Rhys, to cancer. That wasn’t the only reason her name became me...

SEASON 3 || EPISODE 3! *Please be aware that this episode discusses isolation, bipolar, ADHD and suicide. Lee has become a bit of a West Coast Legend. He is another one of those awesome people who we have adopted from across the border. With a passion for music, outdoors and keeping busy, this guy is one who is always sure to bring laughs, but like we always say… you never truly know what someone...

Welcome to SEASON 3! *Please be aware that this episode discusses death of loved ones due to accidents and life with an autoimmune disease. Lain has been part of the Mentally Fit EP team for over 6 years. Her creative pursuits and her can-do attitude are what has led her to where she is today. Enjoy getting to know a little more about Lain! If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and...

Welcome to SEASON 3! *Please be aware that this episode discusses death of a parent due to cancer, death of a loved one due to an accident and mentions attempted suicide. Emma is an incredible part of the Mentally Fit EP team. She is an incredible advocate for community, for mental wellbeing and for innovation. Everyone needs an Emma in their life! Enjoy getting to know a little more about our pow...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses domestic violence, child protection and state care, the Stolen Generation, the Forgotten Australians, homelessness, statutory rape and teenage pregnancy. Louise Pozvek came to the Eyre Peninsula to meet her father. From that moment on, this has been her home. Coming from a tough upbringing, Louise shares her journey from then until now. Her determinatio...

*Please be aware that among the deep discussions of life and society, this episode alludes to hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Mike Pearson wears many hats. Many of you may know him from his younger days at Cockaleechie. Many of you may know him from the music shop and venue, ‘Sound City’. We loved the journey this interesting chat took us on. Music creeps into another episode – what a great to...

*Please be aware that, among lots of amazingness, this episode discusses suicide attempts, hospitalisation and feelings of hopelessness. Dom Robinson is someone who loves to give back to his community and bring a smile to the faces of those around him. A talented, fun and happy person, Dom really highlights the fact that we really don't know everybody's story and to always be kind. This ep...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses the death of a sibling. Brooke Montgomerie has always been one to 'give life a crack'. What many people, who knew Brooke from a young age, wouldn't have known is that she struggled with her self-confidence and often thought that she wasn't able to achieve targets she set. When Brooke was 30, her younger sister, Simone, tragically passed...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses living with a congenital heart defect, fertility challenges and depression. Louise Pickford was born with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries, which is a rare heart defect. In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA), the heart twists abnormally during fetal development, and the ventricles are reversed: T...

Simone Bertram is on a mission to leave no stone unturned! She is here to live her life to the fullest and is using her mindset to do just that! Simone is passionate about transformation and growth and is using her belief in herself and the universe to live a life she loves with her family, but also supporting others to live the life they wish to. Simone's mission is clear: to empower individu...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses childhood cancer and cancer treatment. Jac Cowan is a ball of energy! She loves a fun challenge and doesn't shy away from stepping out of her comfort zone. Something that doesn't occur to a person when they meet Jac is that she is a cancer survivor. Of course Jac's past does not define her, but her experiences have set her on the path of liv...

Charlie Giles has been living on Eyre Peninsula for a long time, in fact he is edging his way to 97 at the time of this recording. At 96 years of age his memory recall is pretty impressive. The life he describes is something that is so hard to fathom in this day and age where everyone is so connected... but are people really connected? This conversation definitely gets the mind thinking about diff...

“The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the Pearls.” – Chris Gardner *Please be aware that this episode discusses depression, low self-esteem and alcohol and drug use. Shane Grocke has been what many would describe as someone who is the life of the party. He has mates on both sides of the country and gets the opportunity to enjoy living up north for half the year and then back on the EP...

*Please be aware that this episode discusses depression, hospitalisation and challenges related to motherhood. Blaise Baldissera is a brilliant Mum! Like many Mums she found the transition to becoming a Mum a challenge that she didn't quite expect. With the support from her family and loved ones, Blaise reached out and received the support she needed in the form of a stay at Helen Mayo House....

*Please be aware that this episode discusses substance misuse, depression and contains some coarse language. Nathan Ackers has had some really challenging times in his life but with every challenge he has found a way to propel himself forward. Nathan reflects the quote "Life is a song, sing it" (Mother Teresa) and he really does sing his life for us on this episode! Enjoy, we did!! We th...

*Please be aware that this episode (and blurb below) discusses death by drowning, life as a young widow, depression and grief. Danni Skinner is a kind, fun-loving and loved person. If you were standing next to her in the supermarket you would never know that she was widowed at just 27 when her husband Brad, at just 31 years old, passed in a tragic accident. Danni and Brad were together for 9 and a...

Marcus Jutzen is a student from Cummins who lives with Tourette Syndrome. Tourette (too-RET) syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can't be easily controlled. Tics — sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds — are the hallmark sign of Tourette syndrome. They can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms can significantly interfere with comm...