The Glitter Effect

In this episode of The Glitter Effect , host Kate talks with Sam Clifford , a local venue coordinator for Winter Shelter in Melbourne’s outer east (Maroondah). The community-driven initiative provides warmth, a three-course meal, and vital human connection to homeless men during the freezing winter months. Sam explains the shelter’s unique “travelling” model: each night, a trailer pack...

In this episode of The Glitter Effect , Kate welcomes Tammy Robinson , founder of Formally Ever After —a grassroots initiative in Logan, Queensland, that provides free formal wear to disadvantaged youth. Driven by her own childhood memories of financial hardship and the anxiety of feeling “different,” Tammy launched the project from her kitchen. Spurred on by her 17-year-old son, Caleb...

In this powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Roni Millard, the founder of The Wellbeing Edge. With nearly three decades of experience in high-stakes global leadership roles, Roni appeared to have it all from the outside. However, she pulls back the curtain on the silent toll that “addiction to pressure” takes on high-performing professionals. Roni shares her...

In this episode of The Glitter Effect , host Kate interviews Julie Fisher , a passionate inclusion advocate and author whose work is inspired by her son Darcy, who has Down syndrome. Julie shares how her journey began with a prenatal diagnosis that allowed her to prepare her community to welcome Darcy with celebration rather than pity. This lived experience fueled her transition into a public spea...

In this powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, Kate sits down with James “Woody” Wood, a former diesel mechanic whose life was irrevocably changed by a workplace accident. James shares his journey from a young, ambitious apprentice in the mining industry to becoming a leading safety advocate who travels across Australia to prevent others from making the same life-altering mistakes he...

In this heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate welcomes a woman who truly embodies compassion, community leadership, and the spirit of making a meaningful difference: Louise O’Neill, CEO of Palliative Care Queensland and the visionary behind the beautiful and deeply human program, Ambulance Wish Queensland. Louise shares her incredible journey from hospital-trained registered nurse to...

✨ In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Jules Brooke flips the script by interviewing the show’s very own creator and community champion, Kate Gniel. Known for her tireless commitment to connection, kindness, and giving back, Kate opens up about the experiences that shaped her passion for helping others — from her childhood efforts to raise money for the RSPCA to...

✨ In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, we shine a spotlight on the phenomenal Jules Brooke — a powerhouse in PR, media, and entrepreneurship, and a woman on a mission to elevate the visibility of women in business, especially those over 45. Host Kate reconnects with Jules, a long-time mentor and collaborator, to unpack the journey that shaped her passion for helping women step confide...

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, we sit down with Helen Parker, founder of The Babes Project — a life-changing initiative built on the belief that every woman deserves dignity, support, and empowerment through pregnancy and early parenting. What began as Helen’s deeply personal journey — navigating unexpected pregnancy as a young woman — has evolved into a powerful movement creatin...

In this powerful and heartwarming episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Jodie Hollis, the inspirational founder and CEO of Cancer Support Angels. Jodie shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of her not-for-profit organisation, born out of her own battle with cancer and the stark realisation that far too many patients face their fight alone. Motivated by the lack of...

In this powerful and heart-centred episode of The Glitter Effect, we sit down with Lane Stockton, a proud Wiradjuri man and co-founder of Yarn’n — Australia’s only Indigenous-owned and Australian-made toilet paper company. But Yarn’n is far more than a household essential; it’s “toilet paper with purpose,” created from a deep desire to give back, uplift culture and create long-lasting...

In this deeply moving episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Wayne Holdsworth—father, advocate, and founder of Smack Talk, an initiative created in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Wayne’s beloved son, Mac, died by suicide at just 17 after being targeted in a devastating act of online sexual extortion. Wayne courageously opens up about who Mac truly was: a natural leader, school...

In this empowering episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate is joined by Samantha Gowan, the dynamic CEO of Dress for Success Victoria—an organisation committed to transforming lives through dignity, confidence, and opportunity. Samantha shares the inspiring mission behind Dress for Success, a global movement that started in a New York basement in the 1990s and has since grown into an internationa...

In this powerful episode, host Kate welcomes Dr. Anthea Skinner—musician, researcher, and disability advocate—whose lived experience has inspired a groundbreaking initiative: the Adaptive Music Bridging Program. A collaboration between the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Youth Orchestras, the program is revolutionising access to music education by providing adaptive instruments and inclusive...

In this powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, we meet Bernadette Blair, founding board member and chair of Next Steps Australia, a compassionate force supporting women and families escaping domestic and family violence. Bernadette shares the emotional journey behind the creation of the organization — from her early experiences as a school principal to heartbreaking stories from family members in...

In this heartwarming episode of The Glitter Effect, we shine a light on Jane Bourne — community leader, changemaker, and co-founder of Kiama Unplugged, a grassroots movement inspiring people to put down their phones and reconnect in real life. Based in the beautiful coastal town of Kiama, New South Wales, Jane and her partner Ian have created a space for genuine human connection through music, gam...

In this episode of The Glitter Effect, host [unnamed] welcomes Nic Marchesi, co-founder of Orange Sky, the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness. Nic shares the inspiring story of how he and co-founder Lucas Patchett—two 20-year-olds from Brisbane—started Orange Sky in a garage with nothing more than a van named Sudsie, some washing machines, and...

In this heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, host welcomes Tina Kendall-Davies, a seasoned counsellor with over 20 years of experience helping people through grief, trauma, and mental health challenges. Tina is the founder of Anytime Counselling, a service created to reach those who often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems—especially in remote or rural communities. Tina sha...

🎙️ The Glitter Effect – Episode Summary Guest: Matt Cronin, Co-founder of the Pat Cronin Foundation Host: Kate Gniel Theme: From Tragedy to Legacy – Choosing Courage, Kindness, and Change In this heartfelt and powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate Gniel sits down with Matt Cronin, co-founder of the Pat Cronin Foundation and proud father of Pat Cronin, whose life was tragically cut shor...

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate Gniel chats with Barbara Gill, the dynamic General Manager of Garage Sale Trail—Australia’s biggest community reuse event. What began as a spontaneous idea during a local Bondi festival in 2010 has now blossomed into a nationwide movement promoting sustainability, community connection, and the circular economy. Barbara shares the incredibl...

In this inspiring episode, host Kate is joined by Ben Duffy, a 20-year-old with a huge heart and unstoppable determination. Ben is currently taking on the challenge of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise awareness and funds for the Pat Cronin Foundation, which works to end coward punch violence and promote a safer, kinder community. Ben shares the emotional story behind his motivation—sparke...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, Kate sits down with Jen Waltmon — a passionate mental health advocate and suicide prevention leader whose journey from personal adversity to national impact is both moving and inspiring. Jen shares her deeply personal story, beginning with a childhood shaped by trauma, addiction, and the early loss of both parents. She opens up about he...

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Rochelle Courtenay, founder of Share the Dignity, a groundbreaking Australian charity tackling period poverty. Rochelle shares the powerful story behind the movement’s creation — sparked in 2015 when she read an article about homeless women using makeshift items like socks and newspaper during their periods. Outraged and mov...

In this episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate welcomes Emma Rose Parsons—a passionate psychologist, mum, and the powerhouse behind Mountain to Melbourne, a grassroots fundraising movement bringing critical support to local children’s hospitals in Victoria. Emma Rose combines her professional insight into childhood anxiety with her personal experience as a mother to champion better care fo...

In this deeply moving episode of The Glitter Effect , host Kate sits down with Jason Sotiris , founder of SuperT ee—a superhero-inspired medical garment transforming the hospital experience for children across Australia. Jason shares the heartbreaking journey of his daughter’s cancer battle and how one moment of frustration and helplessness led to a life-changing idea. Tired of hospital gowns that...