The Hair Therapist

Merrin is here today to bravely share her mum’s, Narell Cook’s, raw and honest account of her final weeks before using the voluntary assisted dying (VAD) medicine to end her life before her terminal brain cancer slowly did the same.   Narell ended her life on her terms with dignity, slowly falling into a deep sleep before her heart took its final beat, on her journey to the other side.  ...

This interview is about getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations regarding domestic and family violence. 1 women is killed every week at the hands of a current of former partner.   CEO of 4 Voices, Joanne Westh, saw a need to fight for the rights of women and children, connecting with at risk women and girls over a cuppa so they feel safe enough to share their experiences, seek he...

This podcast is the story of Anthony, starting his criminal life as a young innocent boy that was persuaded to climb through bathroom windows and open front doors for his older mates to break into houses. He was too small to reach the handle and had to stand on phone books. The lollies he earned made it worth it…   Anthony soon realised he was entering the criminal world, finding the money he...

I met Paulien many years ago in the salon, I was so intrigued by her life experiences and her creative abilities.   We learn some home truths about being at school and not being accepted because you looked different, being isolated from forming childhood friendships. It was tough to be an immigrant when Paulien was growing up, and it led to a path that could have broken her.   The story...

This is what locked out of learning looks like – imagine a world where you don’t have a laptop, no internet, nor the right uniform and can’t scrape up enough money to attend a school excursion with your friends. The stuff most kids take for granted.   Alan LeMay explains how The Smith Family support children and teens access the tools they need to keep up at school, helping young Australians...

Lee is one of those super humans that has had a fascinating career life, working and managing restaurants, then transitioning to a Residential Youth Worker for an NGO, to the razzle dazzle of working in the hairdressing industry.   I met Lee when I was rep calling on a salon he worked in.   Not long after connecting with Lee it was clear that he has a powerful message to share about his...

Homelessness can strike anyone, Sheltered by Grace provides more than just a shelter, they offer a path to having stability and a brighter future.   Before Lisa and I recorded this podcast I drove out to visit the shelter to see how they operate.   While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet some of the residents, staff and volunteers – I was blown away! I wish when my mum lived in...

In this podcast you will find out how I discovered prisoners had access to do a rehabilitation program in completing a cert 2 or cert 3 in hairdressing, learning a new skill to help them support themselves once released.   I worked for six years supporting Rach in two of Queensland’s women's correctional facilities, and it was one of the best things I have done. Giving women in need something...

Lou shares the dark side of her childhood of sexual abuse, her experiences of domestic and family violence, and how finding her dad at 22 (who apparently looks like Laurence Fishburne) started a turning point in her life…   With all the trauma she has experienced, her son and her best friend have kept her going, along with the support and services she receives from the community at Red Cross...

Learn how Charlie found art in prison and used it as a rehabilitation therapy to stay out of prison.   We first hear the story of how he got there.   When I asked Charlie what was one of his lowest points of life was – he replied, “when I was homeless…” which shows just how important wrap around support services, like Mission Australia, are in providing the homeless a safe place to sleep...

When Paul Slater was volunteering, he saw big gaps in the support network for the homeless or those at risk (of becoming homeless). He then started distributing clothing, food and set up tents at parks across Brisbane for our most vulnerable community – fighting for the rights of humans when the system let them down.   Northwest Community Group Inc was born – a local grass roots charity organ...

There is a real stigma over what addiction looks like in Australia. We have many great humans that are functional addicts, who work and live in our communities.   Rob tells us his colourful life story, a fascinating world of drugs, love, fatherhood, motor bikes and acceptance…   Alcohol and Drug Foundation Ph: 1300 858 584 Family Drug Support Ph: 1300 368 186   FOR SUPPORT:   L...

The Mental Awareness Foundation was created with the goal of spreading the message of suicide prevention and mental health issues by empowering organisations and individuals.   Tudor gives us his story about how he and his brother, Wesley, saw a need in our community and took action…   Mental Awareness Foundation | Mental Health Organisation   Now in its 14th year, the Walk for Awar...

Discover the story of T and her journey to conquer a $1000 a day heroin addiction, and what it takes to come out the other side...     Alcohol and Drug Foundation Ph: 1300 858 584 Family Drug Support Ph: 1300 368 186 FOR SUPPORT:   Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT on 1800 737...

A confronting interview with Alison Geale, CEO of Bravehearts, being an Australian child protection non-for-profit organisation solely dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. They work to holistically educate, empower and protect children from child sexual abuse.   6th September is Bravehearts Day #BeBrave and fight child sexual abuse by taking the #BraveChallenge &nb...

Narell wanted to share her very personal story about the decision she made to end her life by going through process of voluntary assisted dying after learning of her terminal cancer diagnosis, being told she only had 8 weeks to live.   We are privileged to have been afforded a window into her past and the wonderful legacy she leaves behind for her family and friends. Voluntary assisted dying...

Mel interviews Teresa Reed, CEO of Mangrove Housing and the Forgotten Women, who talks about the services these organisations provide in our community.   Mangrove Housing works with a range of networks and partnerships to provide quality housing and support services.   It is shocking to learn that women over 55 are the fastest growing homeless population in Australia. The Forgotten Women...

Mel interviews Duane from Mission Australia, Inner City Brisbane Services, providing a spotlight over the work they do for our most vulnerable community.   Did you know that 13.6% of Australians live below the poverty line? Many of whom rely on organisations like Mission Australia to live.   Home | Mission Australia   Mission Australia's Supporter Relations Team Ph: 1800 888 868 FOR...