Radio Western Port

Episode – Our Winter Garden Guests Winter may seem like a quiet season in the garden, but it's one of the busiest times for our native wildlife. Join Dennice as she explores how our gardens can become safe havens for birds, possums, insects, frogs and other native animals during the colder months. In this episode you'll discover: • Why winter can be challenging for wildlife • The benefits of bird...

Western Port Secondary College Podcast Series Western Port Secondary College students continue to showcase their communication, creativity and broadcasting talents through an exciting series of student-produced podcasts in partnership with Radio Western Port. The latest collection of episodes features a variety of engaging topics that highlight both school life and the wider Hastings community. Th...

Episode 100 Celebrating 100 Episodes of Inspired to Soar with Hannah Welcome to a very special milestone episode! In this episode, Hannah celebrates reaching 100 episodes of Inspired to Soar with Hannah and reflects on the incredible journey that has brought the podcast to this moment. Hannah shares how the podcast began, what inspired her to start it, the challenges she has overcome, and the many...

In this episode, Julie and Jan welcome Maria, Hastings U3A's new Excursions Organiser. Hear about the success of recent trips to Werribee Zoo and the Blue Lotus Water Gardens, Maria's vision for future excursions, and how these outings help build friendships and strengthen the Hastings U3A community. If you're interested in community, travel, and discovering new experiences across the Western Port...

Hosts Julie and Jan sit down with Pip Ransome, tutor of the Buddhist Meditation course at Hastings U3A. Pip discusses the principles of Buddhist meditation, what attendees can expect from her classes, and the many ways mindfulness and meditation can enhance wellbeing. Whether you're interested in learning to meditate, considering joining a class, or exploring the benefits of mindfulness, this epis...

🎙️ Episode 99 – Reuben Returns! Reuben is back on Inspired to Soar with Hannah for another fun-filled episode! Join Hannah and Reuben as they chat about ABC Kids shows, Jane Bunn, weather, music, Paul McCartney, The Greatest Night in Pop, school life, soccer, State of Origin, and much more. Filled with humour, positivity, and plenty of laughs, this episode highlights the importance of being yourse...

🎙️ Episode 98 – Shane Walden Join Hannah Swinnerton as she sits down with Shane Walden, owner and operator of Hire A Hubby Western Port and Vice President of Hastings RSL. In this episode, Shane shares his experiences as a small business owner, his passion for supporting the local community, and the rewarding work he does through Hastings RSL. The conversation explores business ownership, communit...

Acacia Conversations | Episode 3 | Growing the Winter Garden This episode explores one of winter's most beautiful flowering plants, the camellia. Host Dennice is joined by Robert Breechschoten, President of Camellias Victoria, to discuss the history of camellias, why they flourish on the Mornington Peninsula, how to grow them successfully and the role gardening plays in bringing people together. T...

Episode # 97 | Laura | Living Authentically, Building Community & Supporting Others In Episode 97 of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah sits down with Laura, a disability support professional with more than 20 years of experience and the founder of Trans Women Society. Originally from the United Kingdom and now living in Frankston, Laura shares her remarkable journey of supporting others while f...

In this episode, Hannah Swinnerton speaks with Cherie Wanat, Deputy Mayor at Frankston City Council, long-time Frankston local, urban planner, business owner, and community-focused leader. Together, they explore Cherie’s leadership journey, the realities of working in male-dominated industries, workplace pressure, burnout, resilience, mental health, tall poppy syndrome, youth connection, and the i...

In this very special episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah welcomes her first-ever young guest onto the podcast… 11-year-old Reuben. Reuben is bright, funny, creative, footy-mad, and passionate about making a difference. Living with cerebral palsy, he shares honest conversations about school life, family, kindness, inclusion, creativity, AFL, TV shows, and the anti-bullying and cyber saf...

Episode 2 of Acacia Conversations – Growing Well on the Peninsula explores the theme of growing community. This week’s conversation reflects on community gardens, Indigenous plants, libraries, countryside storytelling, creativity, and the quieter spaces that help people feel connected during the cooler months on the Mornington Peninsula. The episode explores how shared green spaces bring people to...

In this inspiring episode, Hannah welcomes Benjamin, Director and Principal Therapist at Watkins Therapy Group, for an honest conversation about mental health, counselling, workplace wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of human connection. Benjamin shares his personal and professional journey into the mental health space, what led him to establish Watkins Therapy Group, and why creating prac...

In this episode, we chat with Mike, leader of the Hastings U3A Musos group, along with August, the group’s musical director. The Musos group is a welcoming and social gathering for musicians who simply enjoy playing music together. Mike shares what members can expect, the fun atmosphere of the group, and the friendships built through music. The group is currently welcoming new members, especially...

In this raw and inspiring episode, Hannah sits down with Victoria Cox, founder of 24 Seven Pilates Club on the Mornington Peninsula. Victoria opens up about her journey through anxiety, depression, grief, postpartum struggles, motherhood, separation, financial hardship, and rebuilding her life during some of her darkest seasons. At just 8 weeks postpartum, she made the courageous decision to creat...

In this episode, Hannah speaks with Sam Jones, owner of Bittern Automotive, passionate racer, husband, father, and lifelong local from Bittern. Sam shares his journey from starting in the automotive industry through work experience over 20 years ago to eventually owning the business and recently moving into a brand-new workshop in Hastings. This conversation explores much more than business and ca...

In this deeply personal solo episode of Inspired to Soar, Hannah Swinnerton shares her own journey through bullying, self-doubt, mental health struggles, healing, and rebuilding confidence. With honesty and vulnerability, Hannah reflects on the experiences that shaped her life and the strength it took to slowly find her voice again. A raw and heartfelt conversation about resilience, personal growt...

Welcome to the very first episode of Acacia Conversations on Radio Western Port hosted by Dennice Breeschoten. In this opening conversation, Dennice shares the heart behind the programme and explores why slower, more meaningful conversations still matter in a busy and noisy world. This episode reflects on: • wellbeing and community connection • local stories from the Mornington Peninsula • creativ...

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, we speak with Gill, tutor of the popular Keeping What You Have yoga group. Gill explains the structure of the course, what participants can expect from each session, and who the classes are best suited for. She also shares insights into the gentle, maintenance-focused style of yoga she teaches, helping listeners understand how movement, balance, flexibi...

In this episode, Alan from the Hastings U3A Rail Trails Cycling Group joins us to talk about the joy of exploring Victoria’s scenic rail trails. From historic railway lines transformed into peaceful cycling and walking tracks, to the friendships and wellbeing benefits created along the way, Alan shares what makes these group rides so special. A warm conversation about community, healthy ageing, ge...

What if a magical balloon, two adventurous cats, and one young girl could take you around the world and inspire you to dream bigger? 🎈🐈🌍 In this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah welcomes local Bittern authors Dennice and Robert Breeschoten, creators of the self-published book Around the World in 80 Cats. Together, they explore: • The inspiration behind the book • Their creative w...

This week’s student-led episode is packed with music, leadership, community updates, and behind-the-scenes insights from the upcoming production of Legally Blonde. Featuring: 🎵 Liam Ricard – Music Makes You Lose Control 🌟 Open Night reflections with William Parker & Maddie Forecast 🎭 Exclusive Legally Blonde cast interview with Ms Mackenzie, Hayley Greensmith, Rocky Puglisi, Indy Bellinger, Syl...

In this episode, Julie and Jan speak with Nat, leader of the Tai Chi group at Hastings U3A. Nat shares insights into the gentle art of Tai Chi and explains how its slow, flowing movements can support balance, flexibility, posture, coordination and mindfulness, particularly for older adults. The conversation also explores the welcoming community spirit within the group, where participants encourage...

In today’s episode, Hannah sits down with Frank Schiefler former Australian Army soldier, community advocate, and Liberal candidate for Hastings. This is a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really means to show up for people. Frank shares: • His journey from the military into community leadership • What he’s hearing on the ground as a Liberal candidate in Hastings • Cost of livin...

In this episode, Jan and Julie chat with August from the Hastings U3A Philosophy Discussion Group. They explore how philosophy connects to everyday life, and why creating space for open-minded, respectful discussion matters more than ever. August shares how the group approaches topics like ethics, modern society, and human behaviour, encouraging reflection, curiosity, and lifelong learning in a re...