LivingWell Talks

Dr Mel Baker sits down with Scott Brodie, director and horseman from the charity Horse Aid, for an insightful conversation. Mel, who served in the police and navy, medically discharged in 2015, found Scott's program to be transformative.Scott shares his journey of working with horses, from his time with the police Mounties to retraining Thoroughbreds after their racing careers. He discovered striking parallels between the trauma experienced by racehorses and that of military personnel and first responders. By bringing the two together, a powerful, mutual healing process unfolds.They both stared in the award-winning film The Healing documentary, which showcases this extraordinary work. Today, Scott's efforts have grown into Horse Aid, a charity dedicated to building hope, resilience, fostering connection, and guiding participants toward post-traumatic growth.This is a special episode as part of Podcasthon 2025 raising awareness for Horse Aid. Horse Aid thrives on the community's generosity to support serving and former first responders and military personnel with PTSD. Links: The Healing documentary, Baker's & Brodie's prequel book Conflict to Hope, Horse Aid, and the Living Expressions episode featuring participants' stories.  

In this long-awaited episode, Dr Mel Baker dives deep into the concept of Paradoxical Unity. Mel returns with a powerful message about living life without the need for entitlements or "you owe me" attitudes. Instead, she encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, be free of this, and find peace in the present moment. Drawing from her own experiences of immense stress, pressure, and relived trauma, Mel shares how a simple parrot brought her back to the present, alleviating her stress and reminding her of the importance of self-care. She discusses the significance of recognising that we are not our emotions or circumstances and highlights the importance of the question, 'What is happening for you in this moment?' as a tool for reflection and grounding. Despite the challenges, Mel continued to give and support others, finding strength in the concept of Paradoxical Unity. She shares valuable insights on how to live a satisfying life even in the midst of chaos and hopelessness.

In the quiet spaces where secrets fester, we find hidden truths waiting to be unveiled. This episode echoes the resilience of survivors, the power of belief and the urgent need for change. Let our voices reverberate through the silence, dismantling disbelief, and creating a world where every survivor is heard, believed and empowered.  If you would like to share your story with Dr Mel Baker, please reach out. Stories shared - echoes of resilience and healing - can break the silence and ignite change.

In this episode, American filmmaker from KINO Studios in Los Angeles speaks with Australian writer and filmmaker Mel Baker. We discuss the backstory to her award winning short film, 'Say My Name'. We also explore the intricate process of how this remarkable film was brought to life, and more importantly, the profound societal impact it aims to achieve. 'Say My Name' serves as a beacon of hope for countless survivors of child abuse who have been unjustly silenced. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on the darkest corners of our society. Mel shares her story to empower individuals who have also endured trauma, encouraging them to find their voice, conquer challenges, and ultimately, cast aside the shackles of shame. Join us on this journey of discovery, resilience and liberation. Mel's book Sleeping Under the Bridge (2022) that the film is based on is available now, and her short film will be available to see later in 2024.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or suffered from a traumatic experience? Most of us have experienced extreme situations where we feel so stressed or overwhelmed, it is hard to think, hard to see clearly and certainly hard to find the way out. In this episode, I explore those situations and through my own experiences I share the gifts that fall from the sky when we need them the most. Are we open to see and receive them? Are we ready to challenge what is in front of us with the tools that we already have?

Do you thrive in order or chaos or both? Have you experienced the space in-between? This episode explores why we need both order and chaos to survive, and what it feels like to experience the space in-between. I have named this the natural euphoria, as it is the most amazing pure energetic unity unfolding moment one can ever experience.

This week has been homelessness week. Being homeless is such a vulnerable place. On this episode, I chat with 3QUIRKS from 89.3FM, about my new book Sleeping Under the Bridge and the tools we need to transform our lives. It is an inspiring listen to hear from 4 passionate people wanting to help empower others. Topics include tools to find within ourselves, self-love and purpose.

How do we hold onto hope when we are overwhelmed and consumed? We can do more for ourselves than we realise. In this short episode, Dr Mel Baker shares those moments in her life, and it includes the first public reading of her new book Sleeping Under the Bridge. This is the first book in the trilogy on Mel's life story in overcoming trauma, so that we all may be inspired and find hope during those tough lonely times.

People who live with PTSD are aware everyday of the struggles. Living with trauma is hard but it is something we can overcome. I have discovered the hard way in with living with complex-trauma, six life-changing and life-saving steps to turning my post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth.

Today's world and all the pressure that comes with living in it, creates no time for us to simply be. Can you stop yourself from constantly doing? Can you rest your mind completely without paying any attention to anything else but this moment? Can you empty your mind and calm your being to experience peace? This episode is about how to give yourself the precious gift to reclaim your life. In the end, you will perform better, have more energy to focus and see things clearer.

It is part of being human that we will feel vulnerable, pain and suffering. It is also part of being human to avoid those feelings. By avoiding, we are actually missing out on living. This episode, speaks into vulnerability and how we can let our light shine. Dr Mel Baker speaks from her own story and recent experience.

Numbing is so easy and we do it without thinking. It is a natural human condition in wanting to find the easiest way out of difficult times. In this episode, Dr Mel Baker will explore the way forward to growth by reversing our subconscious programming to form new pathways to overcome rather than numb. Also this episode, has a reprogram tool to listen to at night as you are going to sleep to believe in you more and to know you are worth it.

Today's guest is Anchal Singh, with her first published book, RISE AND FALL: The Unpredictable Life. Anchal is a 17 years old, a blogger, writer and poet, who reflects different aspects of life through her writings. She has appeared on LivingWell Talks previously and published her poetry in 2020 and 2021 in Living Expressions publication to give hope to those who have lost hope. You can purchase a copy of her new book from Kindle Amazon.

Have you ever felt burnt out? So mentally, emotionally and physically drained from working under pressure for a long period of time? This describes my last 3 weeks. In this episode, I work through what is happening within our mind and body in such a tense time and the need to slow down. It could cost more than we know, if we don't. Whatever life is throwing at you right now, know that you matter. Your story matters. Stand in your truth, fortified by kindness to yourself. I know I will be paying a lot more attention to this.

How many of us carry around with us beliefs of our childhood and adulthood, saying that I am not enough or you don't measure up? We hold onto these negative things people say about us and allow those words to define us. It is time that we stood up for our truth to free yourself from these lies. They are no longer yours to carry. In this episode, I give examples of my own experiences and how I freed myself once and for all of these internal beliefs towards claiming my actual truth.

Do you carry a sense of shame from your past? As I worked through my trauma, things that were protection mechanisms to keep me safe, came into light. One of these was this feeling of invisibility. It made the fear of rejection and abandonment a more deadly sting. Having gone past the need to protect oneself, it is important to peel these subconscious layers back and start living. In this episode, I share how I turned invisibility into a gift.

It makes sense that many people today might be facing a lack of confidence. It might be from trauma or the pandemic, especially if that is one of the hardest things you have gone through in life. Have you noticed that daily activities are taking longer or you are struggling to make decisions? You might not have even noticed it. The world needs you as the confident person you are. You need this too, more than anything else, so you can live your true self. This episode, works through how we can build our confidence and belief in self, and how this will help you to keep growing stronger each day to get through anything. My validation analysis tool is available on the website as well.

How do you balance growth with self-love? In wrestling with this question recently, I have discovered how to find that balance towards a path of healing. Whether we are evaluating our lives for the coming year ahead or trying to work through trauma or an obstacle that is blocking our freedom, the process is a similar one. How we work through the beginning dialogue with ourselves is vital towards finding our key to living.

As we all draw closer to Christmas and the end of another year, why not bring a little more hope, love and gratefulness into our homes. Particularly this year as COVID cases are rising across the world causing a rise in stress levels into the unknown. I suggest in this episode to embrace an idea of bringing something to share with one another that you experience as family / friends together; to inspire hope, love and gratefulness. Change starts with us.

After suffering through horrendous loss in health, career and housing, I went through a rough period. I could only feel the suffering and the pain. Trying to find my way out, I wrote letters to emotions. One to Misery and one to Coup de grâce that were published with 25 other letters in my book 'Painting Beauty with the Ashes' along with my art. On my website, under this episode you can view 2 art pieces I did that belong to these letters as I moved from suffering depression and chronic pain to victory.

Most of my life, I've wondered when will love show up. I looked for it everywhere, and yet never found it. You will hear of my wrestling of love through childhood trauma and a suicidal attempt when I was 16, where love and life showed up. In my 30s, I felt trapped and judged, and wondered where love truly was. I discovered through these events in my life that love is always here. Always present, never ending. I may give up at times, but love doesn't give up on me. Love is found between the cracks and in the making. Love unfolds beauty. Love is here for you too. Featuring a song I wrote Under the Microscope with Ben McKinnon.

Do you struggle with fatigue? How often do you listen to what your body, mind, heart, spirit and relationships need in this moment? Fatigue is not just mental and/or physical, it can affect all or part of us. I explore what we need and how to tune in within ourselves to master rest and restoration. A free online tool I have developed to help guide you is available on the website: https://www.livingwelltalks.com.au/podcast/

One of those rare moments when everything comes together after a difficult few days. It is always worth holding on as this moment will come and we don't want to miss them. May it be encouraging to you.

We know that some physical illnesses can be cured, can mental health? This last episode of season 1 has been in the making for awhile, with a decade of learning from battling with my own mental health disorders following complex trauma, loss, abuse and DV relationships. I go through 8 vital steps that have been life changing and life saving for me. I have taught many of these to others as well and seen them move from being stuck to regaining life.

If you have gone through a traumatic experience and/or living in a pandemic with restrictions, then this is an episode to listen to. I reflect upon the movie and book by P.D. James 'Children of Men' that depicts the year 2021, where the world is facing extinction. It does send one into a complex desire to sustain and nurture our very existence. A common theme for us presently is that we wish to go back to the way things were and having lived through that desire over years following trauma, it is something that can never happen. What we can do is move forward and embrace what I have named as whole living. Four key steps to guide us towards who we can be tomorrow.

Engaging with ancient traditions along with nature, creates within us our internal life force - energy and flow. Qigong literally means our life force. Earthing brings flow and energy to us just by standing bare feet on the ground. Put these two together along with breathing and we have created a place of calm and rest, exactly what our body needs!

How often are you living with stress in your life? Do you have days where you are completely free of stress? Do you take time out to destress? This episode covers the ability that is found within ourselves to tune in and do what we need in order to destress and live a more balanced life. All activities mentioned are tools that can be utilised wherever you are: at work, at home or at play. Listening in to what our body needs is one of the most powerful things we can do on a daily basis that will change your life and turn around mental health and physical illnesses. A free tool is available for download on the website with this episode.

Breakthroughs come from stepping forward into the challenge. Purpose comes from knowing ourselves. Being present with ourselves and therefore with others, builds are self-worth, our stability and helps us to shine our light into the world. Dr Mel Baker speaks to Jonathan Moore, Founder of Legacy Coaching, about this and more. Jonathan has a background as a brain-based chiropractor with over 20 years clinical experience. In recent years, he is helping people over 35 who feel exhausted, stuck and unstable, and are suffering the effects of a world that is almost too busy to keep up with, to grow into a place of living energy, clarity and confidence. Jonathan's passion is helping people to break out of the rut and to experience a life that is full of purpose. For more information, links and tools go to: www.livingwelltalks.com.au/podcast

How do we find meaning in today's world? Do you live life to the fullest in your purpose? Or do you find something is missing? Is there disconnections in your life? There are patterns and links that orchestrate our existence today. In this episode, we will explore these disconnects in life and go on a journey of self-discovery towards finding meaning, true connection and a way forward. I will touch on new technology of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) from a personal perspective and how to overcome and build resilience.

Are you holding shame from your past? Were you told negative statements that have influenced your life? These do not have to rule your life any more. It is time to believe in yourself and become the real person you are meant to be in your story. In this episode, I share my story in being bold to face adversities and confidently proclaim I am no longer a slave to the negative words that were constantly told to me as a child.

One of the hardest concepts to do is to forgive those who have hurt us, but it is also one of the most releasing, uplifting, empowering actions we can do. Dr Mel Baker shares her heart and personal story on a journey of forgiveness from those who abused her. A song she wrote is included in this episode, 'A new reality begins'. The full version of the song can be heard at https://youtu.be/9Vv_bWEsors

When we are swamped by the world around us and weighed down by burdens, getting back to the grass roots is one of the best things we can do. Listen to some simple strategies to ground yourself and find yourself in a moment that you will thank you for! To unearth a moment if you have to be in it.

As the school year returns, many kids are anxious about the year ahead and we want to empower them. Trauma informed counsellor, Heather Pinel, shares with us her expertise and experience as a parent in how we can change our perspective and our kids perspective from bullies in our head and in the playground.

2020 saw life as we know it change. Did you notice the positive changes too? 16 year old Anchal Singh from India, challenges us to look at what needs healing, not what we have lost. Rocco Jarman from Perth WA, Eyes Wide Open Life, challenges us to engage in more mutual connectedness and to engage more in critical thinking than we have ever done before. I challenge you to experience life - to connect more with each other and with nature, to boldly stand up with courage for justice for all people and to make wiser choices. I hope you are empowered to rise up.

This podcast we are reminded to be free to be ourselves, to not give up on our dreams, but to strive towards our purpose. Anchal Singh, 16 years old from Northern India shares with us three of her poems. Be inspired! Believe in you! Live your purpose!

Switching off from the world, especially online, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I have developed three subconscious tools (drawing, movement and words) to help you calm your being and express what is hidden deep inside of you. I also discuss the way our brain functions following a traumatic event or trigger and how brain waves work out of my research in order to understand the techniques. A free downloadable kit is available with personal examples and step-by-step instructions to utilise for yourself when you decide to take time off the grid. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it.

Mel shares her recent journey from the bottom of the pit to regaining her life again.

Australians, Rocco Jarman (WA) and Mel Baker (NSW), discuss the importance of sitting in discomfort and what disconnection reveals in today's world.

We live in uncertainty every day, but this year of 2020 uncertainty seems to have gone to the extreme! This episode reflects upon this and I read a chapter of my book published last year 'Painting Beauty with the Ashes' that looks at this very subject. Dear Uncertainty...

I had the opportunity to learn horsemanship skills with Scott Brodie and other military veterans. It was through connection with nature and ex-racehorses that I found healing. I reflect on a recent encounter with a Thoroughbred and then it picks up on parts of a radio interview I did with 3Quirks and a Turk earlier this year.

Paul and Mel discuss how important it is to have connection and resilience in times of stress, trauma and uncertainty.

I reflect upon a traumatic day and how I could change the negative emotions to positive ones. We have the power within ourselves to change our thought patterns.

Introduction talk of my lived experiences and the importance of reaching out and empowering each other.