Rhythm & Words

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to Ben Stewart, who is a songwriter, the frontman of Slowly Slowly, and the mastermind behind Congrats. We dive deep into Ben’s experiences with writing music, overcoming self sabotage and staying true to yourself and your art.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Ben shares openly about his approach to songwriting and its evolution, the process of making albums and showing up for his creativity.We also chat about Ben’s early musical influences, the magic of gigs, what a rescheduled 2020 meant for Ben and his music, liking what you create, having others back your work and so much more.To follow along with Ben’s journey and support his work, find him on Instagram on Congrats and Slowly Slowly.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to writer and creativity coach, Talise Burton. We dive deep into Talise’s experiences with writing, creativity, perfectionism and coming back home to herself.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Talise shares openly about her experience as a Black creator in college and beyond, writing fiction from an early age, and the challenges and magic that have risen from working on her first novel.We also chat about how perfectionism manifests for BIPOC creators, navigating self doubt around your work, how Talise repaired her relationship with her creativity after studying, and why we’ve thrown the word ‘practical’ in the bin.To follow along with Talise’s journey and support her work, find her on Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to actor, writer, director and podcast host, Maiah Stewardson. We dive deep into Maiah’s experience as an actor in Australia, and growing up in the performing arts industry.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Maiah shares openly about her experiences with performing arts as a child and teenager, finding her community, working on creative projects and expanding into writing and directing.We also chat about the effects of COVID on the arts, navigating self doubt, what the audition process is like for a young actor, Maiah’s habits to support her creativity and more.To follow along with Maiah’s journey, and support her work, find her on Instagram.Listen to Maiah’s podcast, The Social Distance Pod.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to writer, content creator, slow fashion advocate, podcast co-host and all round creative slashie, Maggie Zhou. We dive deep into Maggie’s experience finding her way as a gen z writer and growing up online.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Maggie shares openly about her experiences establishing herself as a writer, studying media, unpaid internships, and growing up online.We also chat about teenage nostalgia, juggling work and studies, transparency online, slow fashion advocacy, size privilege and more.To follow along with Maggie’s journey, and support her work, find her on Instagram.Listen to Maggie’s podcast, Culture Club.Learn more about your favourite brands with Good On You.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to creative business-woman, designer and coach, Sarah Puckeridge. We dive deep into Sarah’s experiences with creating and launching products for her activewear brand, Kamuka.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Sarah shares openly about her experience with starting Kamuka at the age of 20, creating the brand’s first product, growing the collection and navigating setbacks and hurdles during launch periods.We also chat about the power of having mentors and reaching out for help, choosing to close a thriving business, defining success and so much more.To follow along with Sarah’s journey, and support her work, find her on Instagram.For heart-led design work, business coaching and content creation, visit The Sparkk.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to freelance writer, soon-to-be lawyer, and Self Care™ Originals Founder, Rachael Akhidenor. We dive deep into Rachael’s experiences with wellness, and how they led her to creating “an ethical clothing label steeped in advocacy and activism”.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Rachael shares openly about her experience with the wellness industry as a Woman of Colour, self exploration through her teens and early twenties, navigating anxiety through university and building Self Care™ Originals into the brand it is today.We also chat about perceptions of the wellness industry, why self care is more than a buzzword, holding brands accountable, conscious consumerism and so much more.To follow along with Rachael’s journey, and support her work, find her on Instagram.Shop Self Care™ Originals Merch Tees.Join the Self Care™ Originals community.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to author, writer, creativity coach and podcast host, Amie McNee. We dive deep into Amie’s journey as a creative finding her way in the world, and the many lessons and experiences that came with it (so far).We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Amie shares openly about her experience with the arts growing up, writing her first book in her early twenties, her battle with perfectionism and how she’s cultivated a healthy relationship with her creativity.We also chat about breaking through old stories and patterns, the power of journaling, making money from our art, and healing our inner and past selves through creating.To follow along with Amie’s journey, and support her art and magic, find her on Instagram.Shop Amie’s latest book, For The Perfectionist.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats business woman, artist, designer and trauma survivor, Elena Strohfeldt. We dive deep into Elena’s experience with hitting rock bottom in her mid twenties, and the events and circumstances from that time in her life.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Elena shares vulnerably about her assault in 2018, losing her job, supporting a loved one through a suicide attempt, and navigating anxiety and depression amongst these experiences. Elena’s story is one full of hope and resilience and grit, and is a testament to how strong a person can be.We also chat about Elena's business baby, Elso Jewellery, and how having a side hustle and creative outlet supported her recovery. Elena also shares some excellent advice around starting a business, building a community, and reaching out to those you admire.To follow along with Elena’s journey, and support her art, find her on Instagram.Support Elena’s business, Elso Jewellery.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to Black artist and multidisciplinary creative, Augustine Charles. We dive deep into Augustine’s experience as a Black creator, navigating the arts with a stutter and stepping into his power as a creative.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Augustine shares openly about his early experiences exploring the arts, the challenges he’s faced and lessons he’s learnt in college, and finding his rhythm with his poetry and choreography.We also chat about channelling grief through art, developing a creative practice, going against the grain, and Augustine’s work within his not for profit, Other Side of the Wall.To follow along with Augustine’s journey, and support his art, find him on Instagram.Purchase Augustine’s debut book, Obscurus.Support Augustine’s not for profit, Other Side of the Wall.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to digital marketer, creative and newlywed, Emma Nolan. We dive deep into Emma’s experience with planning a wedding and getting married in her early twenties, and the stigmas and lessons that came with it.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Emma shares openly about planning her wedding from the ages of 21–23, the reaction she received for getting married “so young”, how she and her partner approached the wedding, and how they pulled it all off in a relatively stress-free way.We also chat about Emma’s wedding budget, what she learnt from the overall planning experience, what the big day was actually like, and what life looks like for her now, as a married woman, at 23.To follow along with Emma’s journey, and invest in her digital marketing wizardry, find her on Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to fashion designer, businesswoman and creative, Veronica Tucker. We dive deep into Veronica’s experience of working in the Australian fashion industry and creating her own slow fashion brand.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Veronica shares openly about her love of fashion growing up, what it was like working as womenswear designer at a major fashion retailer, and her experience with building a slow fashion label.We also chat about Veronica’s experience studying fashion design and technology, how she got her first internship position, what it’s like building an online community, and what goes into creating a custom Veronica Tucker garment.To follow along with Veronica’s journey and shop her beautiful pieces, find her on Instagram or at veronicatuckerthelabel.com.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to writer, skinfluencer and stage iv cancer fighter, Natalie Fornasier. We dive deep into Natalie’s experience of fighting melanoma throughout her twenties in the second half of our conversation.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Natalie shares openly about experiencing her third melanoma diagnosis in 2019, the intense surgery that she underwent to fight it, and what it’s meant for her going forward. We also chat about Call Time On Melanoma, our mutual love of writing, the current influencer space, and how best to support someone battling cancer.Please note that this conversation is part 2 of 2 (yes, we spoke for nearly two hours! Natalie is incredibly generous like that) and Natalie’s story begins in episode 1.To follow along with Natalie’s journey and read her brilliant articles, find her on Instagram.Find us on the internet:

Welcome to season 2 of Rhythm & Words. On today’s episode host Viv Kruckow chats to writer, skinfluencer and stage iv cancer fighter, Natalie Fornasier. We dive deep into Natalie’s experience of fighting melanoma throughout her twenties.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Natalie shares openly about the last six years of her life fighting cancer; from the moment she first suspected something was wrong, to navigating doctors appointments, surgeries and IVF, to finding love ahead of a second diagnosis.Please note that this conversation is part 1 of 2 (yes, we spoke for nearly two hours! Natalie is incredibly generous like that) and Natalie’s story continues in the next episode.To follow along with Natalie’s journey and read her brilliant articles, find her on Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode (the season finale!), host Viv Kruckow chats to police officer and founder of Canvast, the dateless yearly planner for boss women, Emma Lewis. We dive deep into all things money in your twenties, and the reality of ticking the boxes.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Emma shares openly about her experiences with money from childhood through to her thirties, giving us real dollar values of what she spent and saved in order to achieve her big goals. We also chat about launching a product-based business, what you should consider before buying a property, and the sacrifices that come with saving.Please note that neither Emma or myself are financial advisors – we are, however, women who share their personal experiences with money and offer advice based on what we’ve learnt as humans existing in this crazy world.For more information on Emma and the brilliant work she does, you can head to Canvast’s website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to digital marketing and community specialist, writer and founder of Homebody Club, Lucy Green. We dive deep into moving to a new city in your twenties and all the self work and logistics that comes with it. Moving to a new city or town, at any age, is a wildly exciting and scary time, that often takes us by surprise.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Lucy shares the story of moving from Adelaide to Melbourne by herself at 21 in pursuit of her dream career. We also chat about the reality of moving, what you need to consider when moving interstate, the debate of taking your belongings or starting fresh, making friends and connections in a new city and tackling loneliness.Oh, and Lucy shares some excellent tips and behind the scenes of building a thriving online community like hers at Homebody Club, how much work goes into it (hint: a LOT) and how she’s taken her online connections IRL.For more information on Lucy and the brilliant work she does, you can head to Homebody Club’s website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to photographer, speaker, podcast host and mentor, Steph Doyle. We dive deep into writing a book in your twenties and all the inner work that comes with it. Writing a book, or writing anything really, can be incredibly cathartic, but it can also bring up a lot of old energy, thoughts and feelings that can be hard to tap into.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Steph shares openly about losing her mum to suicide as a teenager and how that shaped the trajectory of her twenties. We also chat about writing a memoir in your twenties, working with a book coach, overcoming shame, fear and limiting beliefs, and why we want to hear from more women our age.For more information on Steph and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.As promised, here’s some resources and love for those who might need it.Those who can help:Beyond BlueLifeline AustraliaHeadspace (supporting 12 – 25 year olds)Books and authors we recommend:Everywhere I Look – Helen GarnerEggshell Skull – Bri LeeHow to Fail – Elizabeth DayEverything I Know About Love – Dolly AldertonHannah Orenstein (brilliant writing BTS)Find us on the internet:

Season 1, Episode 8: Lillian GordonOn today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to graphic designer and website developer, Lillian Gordon. We dive deep into social anxiety and what that looks like for Lillian as a twenty something. Social anxiety manifests differently for every human, and Lillian did a beautiful job sharing her experience with it.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Lillian shares candidly about when she first realised she had social anxiety, her experience with seeking professional help, the barriers between patients and modern medicine, the magic of Headspace, starting a business with social anxiety, and how we can be better allies.For more information on Lillian and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to self-love and confidence coach, Hannah Goodfellow. We dive deep into body acceptance and confidence and what that looks like on a day to day basis. Both Hannah and Viv have had complicated relationships with their bodies growing up, and share vulnerably in this conversation.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. No stone is left unturned as we discuss learning to accept our bodies, why the fashion industry needs to ditch sizing, wearing a bikini at the beach, and how we can be more kind to ourselves.For more information on Hannah and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to university student and former biz owner, Georgia Press, for a special ‘In Anticipation’ episode. We dive deep into predicting, comparing and dreaming of our twenties and teens. At the time of recording Georgia was 18 and, less than 24 hours beforehand, had decided to close her successful jewellery business, Barnu (woah).We hope you love this episode as much as we do. In this conversation, we chat about the pressure deciding on your future at 17, dating as a Gen Z, travelling, running a business, and what Georgia hopes to get out of her twenties. I have so much respect and awe for this girl – she’s definitely one to watch.For more information on Georgia and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to business and life coach, candle maker and new mum, Bec Cuzzillo. We dive deep into manifestation and what that looks like in everyday practice. I know it’s a *big* one, but Bec’s tips and practical advice make mastering the concept – and practice – of manifestation so dang easy. It’s great.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. In this conversation, we chat about our big manifestation moments, where to start with your practice, working with the Universe and channelling your manifestation power for money and relationships.For more information on Bec and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to self-care advocate and business owner, Daniella Elias. We dive deep into self care and what that looks like on a day to day basis. As women, we’re often putting everyone and everything before ourselves, so it’s important to make space for the rituals and practices that are ours, and ours alone.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. In amongst battling an unpredictable Zoom connection, we explore breaking points, quitting our jobs, teaching, journalling, meditation and Daniella’s beautiful mum. Oh, and what self care *actually* is.For more information on Daniella and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to writer, artist and meditation teacher, Racquel Helmers. We dive deep into our relationships with social media and how they’re affecting our mental health. As millennials, we’ve both grown up through the ages of social media, and had it shape our lives – for better and for worse.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. In amongst the giggles, we compare our relationships with socials to our younger siblings, the reality of having an online business, getting offline and bringing back the tape recorder.Oh, and it was also the *very* first episode recorded for Rhythm & Words, so excuse the frantic “holy shit, is this still recording?” clicking.For more information on Racquel and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to social media strategist, Jarrah Brailey. We dive deep into Jarrah’s breakup from earlier in 2019, chatting through the reality of ending a relationship with the person you thought was your forever. Amongst *that* huge transition, and the logistical complications that come with a breakup, Jarrah was also running a business and dealing with being the face of her brand.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Our twenties are often shaped by breakups and heartbreaks, so it’s important to remember that we will get through it all, and that sometimes these devastating experiences are a blessing (or lesson) in disguise.For more information on Jarrah and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet:

Welcome to the first episode of Rhythm & Words, a podcast exploring the rhythm of women in their twenties. This feels so darn surreal, typing up these show notes, but here we are, turning dreams into reality *squeals*.On today’s episode, host Viv Kruckow chats to business and mindset coach, Elley Mae Charles. We dive deep into Elley’s personal experiences with imposter syndrome, when it first surfaced for her, how she’s learnt to manage it and advice for women currently battling the beast.We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Imposter syndrome is something that affects the majority of (if not all) women in their twenties, so we’re excited to be breaking down the stigma and starting the conversation.For more information on Elley and the brilliant work she does, you can head to her website or Instagram.Find us on the internet: