The Curious Collective - Veterans & First Responders

For many veterans and first responders, talk therapy is just the beginning ~ what comes next is rarely talked about. In this episode, Kate sits down with Dr Lauren Barker to cut through the noise on esketamine, ketamine-assisted therapy, and psychedelic medicine - what the science actually says, what's now TGA-approved in Australia, and why so many people wait decades before anyone mentions th...

What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was incomplete? In this conversation, Ben Pronk, DSC —24-year Defence veteran, Special Operations Officer, and co-founder of The Resilience Shield—shares why the "suck it up" mentality is one of the most dangerous definitions of resilience, and what actually builds sustainable strength. After witnessing vastly different reactions t...

Former Air Force technician turned psychedelic therapy advocate Michael Raymond gets refreshingly real about his path from being medically discharged and over medicated to finding profound healing through plant medicines in Ecuador. This conversation cuts through the noise: Why traditional ceremony matters. Why integration is harder than the experience itself. Why self-agency is non-negotiable. An...

What if everything you've been told is "wrong" with you is actually your superpower? In this raw and transformative episode, Kate sits down with Alexander Kenny—a certified CliftonStrengths coach who helps high-performers turn their natural intensity into strategic advantage. Alexander reveals how Australia's tall poppy syndrome nearly derailed his potential until he discovered t...

Transforming Trauma Through Nervous System Education Join host Kate Chisholm for an inspiring conversation with Nick Moss, veteran turned nervous system educator, as he shares his remarkable transformation from Australian infantry service to pioneering holistic health practitioner specialising in functional neurology and kinesiology. After experiencing the challenges of civilian transition, Nick's...

In our milestone 101st episode, we welcome Gareth Goodsir—and the synchronicity couldn't be more perfect. When we first met, Gareth was serving in the 101 Battery 8/12 Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Darwin, and now he joins us as guest 101 on The Curious Collective! From our shared military roots to our parallel paths supporting the service-connected community, this conversation feels...

In this milestone 100th episode, I connect with the dynamic Kadi Sonntag, a women's empowerment coach and Australian Army veteran, to explore the transformative shift from "doing" to "being." With Kadi's natural adaptability and freedom-seeking spirit, this conversation illuminates the unique challenges faced by women in military and first responder settings, especially...

Join host Kate Chisholm for a powerful conversation with Jason "Frosty" Frost, a veteran whose path from elite military service to community leadership reveals the transformative power of self-agency in recovery. After 16 years in the Australian Army's elite Special Boat Teams, Frosty's medical discharge in 2015 began a harrowing battle with polypharmacy, severe medication side e...

Transform Your Nervous System Through Breathwork | Chris Payten on Body Wisdom & Regulation UNLOCK YOUR BODY'S NATURAL REGULATION SYSTEM - No Tools Required! Discover how your breath—something you're already doing 20,000+ times daily—can become your most powerful tool for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. This conversation with breathwork expert Chris Payten, Co-Found...

Welcome to the NEW season of The Curious Collective Podcast, where we explore the intelligence of the body and pathways to authentic healing. This season, we're diving deep into somatic practices, nervous system education, and transformative stories from the curious community. Host Kate Chisholm brings together veterans, first responders, and holistic practitioners to share their expertise and...

In this insightful episode I connect with Phil Hedges, founder of Mind Mechanics, to discuss how hypnotherapy can help individuals transform their lives by tapping into the power of the unconscious mind. Phil shares his incredible experience from martial arts instructor to prison officer to becoming a renowned hypnotherapist. After experiencing the life-changing effects of hypnosis firsthand, he b...

Roz Bolton is a life coach, gong sound practitioner, and self-proclaimed rebel dedicated to helping people live their version of a "rebelicious life" - one filled with peace, love, joy, happiness, and good vibes. With her unique approach, Roz combines life coaching, essential oils, and the power of sound to create a safe space for her clients to offload their worries, anxiety, and fears....

Courtney Nolan, a relationship and intimacy consultant who transitioned from being a police officer to studying NLP, coaching, and delving deep into the world of relationships and sexuality. Courtney's path to her current work has been a remarkable one. She ventured into sex coaching and yoni mapping to gain a holistic understanding of sex and relationships. As her business grew, Courtney star...

Meet the inspiring Josh Grandinetti, a fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, USA. With over 14 years of experience in the fire service and a deep passion for mindfulness meditation, Josh shares his journey of integrating holistic practices into the first responder community. Tune in to hear how an unexpected injury gave him the opportunity to launch Foundation Fortified, a platform dedicated to...

Welcome to The Curious Collective! Today, I connect with multidimensional healer Petra Tezak to delve into the profound connections between our DNA, body, and energy field. In this enlightening conversation, Petra unravels the mysteries of the "Matrix" within us, highlighting the essential role of trusting our bodies and distinguishing the 3D brain from our deeper essence. We explore how...

Michael Sugrue, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, has led a life marked by international experiences and deep personal commitment. His story has brought him back to his roots, where he now serves as a national speaker. Sugrue dedicates his efforts to raising awareness about post-traumatic stress injury and suicide prevention, focusing on the unique challenges faced by first responders, milit...

Meet Brendon Whitmore, an expert in craniosacral therapy, prenatal and birth therapy, and ecotherapy! Brendon shares his profound story from serving in the New Zealand Defence Force to becoming a holistic healer. Here are three key takeaways from this conversation: 🔹 The Body's Inherent Wisdom: Craniosacral Therapy is a light-touch therapy that harnesses the body's innate ability to heal...

When the life you've built no longer fits the person you're becoming, what comes next? Nadine Muller, founder of one of Australia's fastest-growing personal and professional development companies, knows this crossroads intimately. In this raw and revelatory conversation, she shares how she became the one to break decades of intergenerational patterns—not through force, but through the...

Meet Brad Williams, a firefighter from Victoria, Australia, with a rich background in both the Army and Police Force. Brad is also the founder of PoliceFit, an online personal training business helping police applicants and officers navigate the physical and mental demands of their careers. In this episode, Brad and I delve into the significance of self-awareness and building a robust framework fo...

Meet Erin Jane, a life and wellness coach specialising in supporting first responders and their loved ones. Erin's unique perspective stems from her dual experience as a former police officer in Australia and now as the spouse of an American first responder. Throughout our conversation, we'll explore the delicate balance between structure and flow in high-stress roles, and the essential ne...

In this episode we have an incredibly inspiring guest whom I’ve been eagerly waiting to introduce to all of you – Sarah Watson. In this episode, Sarah shares her transformative story from her career in the Australian Army to finding new passions and purpose post-service. She opens up about her healing process after experiencing PTSD, the role of sport in her recovery, and how participating in the...

This week's episode features an insightful conversation with our guest, Dan Vincent (Vinnie), a dedicated advocate for veterans and first responders. Host Kate Chisholm and Daniel delve deep into the importance of perspective in life, especially for veterans facing post-service challenges. Daniel highlights the value of reconnecting with one's original purpose and rediscovering personal va...

In this episode we dive into the transformative world of feng shui with our esteemed guest, Suzanne Butler. Suzanne, a veteran and feng shui and manifestation expert, shares her personal journey and the profound impact that balancing her home’s energy has had on her life. From finding financial stability to navigating personal challenges and emotional wellbeing, Suzanne’s experiences are nothing s...

In this episode we dive deep into the interconnected worlds of holistic practices, mental resilience, and self-discovery with our guest, Chris Thompson-Lang. Today, Chris shares his inspiring journey from the military to becoming a yoga and Pilates instructor, deeply involved in aiding veterans and first responders through his work with Frontline Yoga. We'll explore how Chris leveraged his exp...

Gary Bates is a figure whose reputation precedes him, known among his peers for his profound understanding and insightful perspectives across various fields. He possesses a wealth of experience that is not within easy reach for many. His journey is marked by a long-standing dedication to personal growth and the acquisition of knowledge. Gary offers guidance and clarity on numerous topics, whether...