Storytellers

Dating out loud, vulnerability as power, creating better connections This week's guest is the vivacious Jess Matthews, otherwise know as The Boy Detox. Jess is a relationship and dating coach, writer and all round real human, who I connected with over Instagram. Jess lives and dates out loud and creates content that is super real and engaging, whilst also providing advice and guidance to others out there navigating the wild world of dating!I spoke to Jess about how The Boy Detox came about, uprooting her life to live the expat life in Bali, and her tips on modern dating.The Boy Detox InstagramThe Boy Detox website 

Julia VoglConfidently navigating, leaning into the discomfort, playfully real Julia Vogl is breaking stereotypes of what it means to be confident. With the majority of her adult life in the spotlight, the former TV presenter, actor and model was immersed in a world where confidence is often manufactured, and has had to find her own authentic voice amongst the noise. And now she's shouting that voice from the rooftops as she helps others do the same.I spoke to this inspiring woman about how she has navigated this journey, how uprooting her life on the brink of a great opportunity was the best decision she'd made, how she has used social media to her advantage, and why she's so excited to help people become more confident on camera, and in life.For more information about Julia and her program, visit her socials.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliavogl_/ 

Happy new year kin!I was reflecting a lot as the year came to a close, about the big lessons that caused a stir in my life in 2022. And whilst there were many, I thought I'd share the most poignant ones for me as we kick off this calendar year - perfectionism, change and every nuance in between.Listen to me show up perfectly imperfect and i'd love to hear your own reflections and intentions for this year ahead!@storytellers.id

I'm delighted to welcome back transformational coach and high vibrational spirit Rachel Rose to the podcast to talk about relational energetics.We decode and myth-bust the concept of the masculine and the feminine, explore the different attributes of each, how they play out in romantic and sexual relationships, and chat about Rachel's own journey through the energetics and how she brought them into alignment in her own life.Rachel can be found on Instagram hereRachel's website can be found here

Alexandra SutherlandAdvocating with experience, sexual liberationalist, inclusion-first.TW: Suicide, mental health, domestic violenceAlexandra Sutherland has lived it. She's been down to the darkest depths and worked her way back out to be the strong, resilient and inspirational person she is today. It's through these very lived experiences that Alex has found her life's calling as a Counsellor and Sex Therapist. And she's recently started her own clinic, Inclusive Therapy, to help others who are struggling or who just need some guidance in their lives.I spoke to Alex about topics very close to my heart, including mental health and the sexual liberation of modern society - you know, the juicy stuff.Visit Alex's clinic, Inclusive Therapy at https://www.inclusivetherapyvic.com.au/If you're struggling and in need of urgent crisis support, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14

There's no time in your life quite like your teens. The newness, the emotion, and dear god, the hormones! Miranda Luby not only remembers those times well, but she also embraces their subtle, and sometimes not so subtle nuances, on the pages of her recently published novel, Sadie Starr's Guide to Starting Over. It's this type of raw honesty that avid Youth Fiction readers lap up, and which has led to this life-long storyteller becoming an Australian Young Adult writer to watch.I spoke to Miranda about the roller coaster ride that is writing and the publishing industry, her advice to anyone wanting to take create their own writing career, the highs and lows of getting your first book published, and the exciting, honest and raw world of young adult fiction.Buy Sadie Starr's Guide to Starting OverMiranda's Instagram

Welcome, happy equinox wherever you may be in the world!The equinox signifies a shift in the seasons, so I thought it was the perfect time to not only chat about big changes in life, but also my first solo episode.Four  months ago I quit my very stable, very sensible, well-paying job, without a plan, besides to step back into the world again. And I really now do think that's something to celebrate. In this case episode I'm going to talk around themes of taking big leaps to find your own joy, taking ownership of your life, and why not having a plan can be the best plan of all.Follow me @story.tellersid

Dr Lizzie McCreadyHorse whisperer, knowledge seeker, integrative animal practitioner.I'm delighted to feature Dr Lizzie McCready on this episode of Storytellers! Lizzie is a horse veterinarian, deep thinker and exporative human. After years of traditional clinical practice, Lizzie is taking her healing practice to the next level by also training as an acupuncturist. Lizzie suffered a back injury last year as a result of burnout that almost ended her career altogether. But this temporary setback gave her the space to reevaluate her career path, and as a result she's also started her own business in equine first aid training; empowering horse owners all over the world to be the first point of call in a horse crisis. In this episode we talk about:- Her clear-directional journey to becoming a vet and the point at which that direction changed- How a back injury as the result of burnout almost derailed everything and how she overcame that- The power of working with mentors, of nature, and connecting with others Lizzie's Facebook: Empowering Equine EducationStorytellers Instagram: StorytellersStorytellers website: Storytellers

*Mindset magic, new habits, inspiring community​*It's all about mindset. Thats was the penny drop moment for Alyce Merrilees. Struggling with lockdown and work overwhelm, Alyce came to realise that she was putting everyone else ahead of the most important person in her life, herself.   This revelation would see her embark on a transformational journey that included waking at 5am, practicing over 4000 minutes of mediation and breath work in 4 months, and going for cold water swims every single day for 100 days (today is actually her 100th dip!).Sharing her progress on her Instagram page, Alyce is inspiring everyone around her, has convinced countless friends and strangers to join her in ice baths (including myself) and is bringing smile and joy to everyone she meets.I spoke to this vivacious human about her incredible journey, how it's changed her outlook on life, and the wonderful opportunities that have fallen into her lap as a result. Instagram: @alyce.eatslife

Reigan JacksonStar reader, embodied guide, awakening others Some people tell her she's the luckiest person they've ever met. That life has fallen in her favour, especially when she's needed it most. But the truth is, Reigan Jackson deeply understands the forces that are guiding her through life and how to harness them so that she receives everything she needs and wants. And she has received this knowledge through her study of the stars, as a decade-long student of astrology.Reigan lives and breathes astrology, and in her presence you can't help but be swept up in her passion - even the most pessimistic of minds would probably be turned towards the stars. Because it's very clear that she embodies her work, and is able to communicate about what can be a controversial topic, with authority and grace. Plus she is genuinely one of the brightest spirits in the room, beaming joy to all who come into her field.Reigan isn't here to convince anyone whether or not to “believe”, but to awaken as many people to the possibility that they aren't living at their highest vibration. She wants to share her gift and her connection with spirit to enlighten the lives of those around her. I spoke to this magnetic being about her path to finding and connecting with astrology, the struggles that she's had to overcome to allow herself to open up fully to the experience, how she deals with the sceptics, and the exciting next steps in her journey.https://www.instagram.com/the.art.of.astrology/

Nurturer, purpose-driven paths, breaking down stigmasDiscourse around mental health have come a long way in the last decade. Growing from a place of shame, stigma and taboo, to slowly becoming more open, healthy and supportive, covering the full spectrum of experience, these conversations are being driven by a plethora of different people and organisations. These are discussions that Nic Bloom is not only participating in, but driving with passion. When Nic finished his high school studies, he didn't even know that working in the mental health was an option, let alone his purpose-driven path. This is despite growing up with a parent with a mental illness and an acute awareness of his feelings and the feelings of others. Although this passion was always lying beneath the surface, it took the tragic passing of a close friend in 2020 to ignite the fire that saw him quit his 9 to 5 and dedicate his life to helping and educating others.Uniquely, Nic is forging his path from a number of different angles – as a facilitator, a mentor, as a speaker and as a friend. Each has not only provided him the opportunity to connect with a whole range of different age groups and backgrounds, from school kids to professionals, but also allowed him to share his own story and work through his own healing process. I had a beautiful and expansive chat to Nic about this journey, how he navigates the ups and downs of working in the mental health and anti-bullying space, the power of sharing stories, and how he looks after his own mental health and that of those around him.- Connect with Nic on LinkedIn here- See Nic's media releases, interviews and content here- Check out Nic's upcoming MHFA workshops here

Potato aficionado, celebrating the mundane, building online communitiesYou ever meet someone who was living the dream you never knew you had? As the unofficial hot chip queen of Instagram, Michelle Easson is living mine. What started out as a joke in 2013, has seen Michelle, or 'Mip', wanted to celebrate the humble potato, which was often overlooked by not only restauranteurs but also "best of" lists. So she decided to create her own, with her Instagram 'Mips Chips'. After years of curating her ladder of Melbourne's best chip, a 2020 pandemic saw her rotate her reviews to the frozen chip, which rocketed her into the local zeitgeist and amass quite the online following, and a couple of TV appearances to boot, for her hilarious and honest fry reviews.Michelle is a long-time buddy of mine so it was an absolute joy to catch up and chat all things hot chips, her sudden rise to the spotlight, plagiarism and the downfall of modern journalism, and how to manage online communities.

*Art nude, natural light master, celebrating diversity"Nudity in art has been a prominent form of creative expression, ever since artists have been creating. But its acceptance within society has always trodden a fine line between goddess form and porn. But as it's place within the modern zeitgeist grows more and more precarious, artists like photographer Melbourne Art Natural have started stepping up and pushing their body-positive agenda and celebrating just what it means to be human.Because for M.A.N, nudity in art isn't about selling sex; it's about promoting bodies of all shapes, sizes, genders and backgrounds. In this episode, I spoke to M.A.N about how he got into art nude and how he navigates it as a male, why it's so important for him to showcase and celebrate a wide range of bodies, and how he hopes to change the narrative when modern technology fights hard to shut his voice down. Melbourne Art Natural websiteMelbourne Art Natural Instagram

Josh CarmodyFurniture maker, sustainably sourced, creating shapesIn a world of mass consumerism and cheap pricing, high quality craftsmanship has become the rarity instead of the norm. Fortunately for Josh Carmody, he had an eye and the innate skills to carry on this legacy.Now designer and maker of high-end, bespoke timber furniture through his business Josh Carmody studio, Josh cut his teeth in the world of architecture, spending nearly a decade at some of the world's most prestigious firms.His passion for hand-built craft began in high school woodworking class, where he realised very quickly that he not only enjoyed the process but was good at it too. And while he was pushed into the world of academia after graduation, the passion was always there in the background ready to take focus.Even to the untrained eye, you can see how his work exudes incredible quality and very clearly references his architecture roots. And it's been noticed near and far, with Josh now commissioned for boardroom tables and office fit outs across the globe, as well as his own passion pieces for his consumer audience.I had a wonderful chat with Josh about how his highly commended career evolved, how his hard work behind the scenes finally paid dividends, turning your hobby into your career, and the importance of sustainable practices and slowing down the retail chain.  https://joshcarmody.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/josh.carmody/

Comedienne, feminist firecracker, creating inclusive spaces.The world of comedy is brutal. It's relentless and often thankless. Often heralded as the platform for cynics and critics, traditionally comedy, and in particular standup, is a predominantly male, no-holes barred free-for-all. But Maryellen George is on a mission to change that!Diminutive in stature, but an absolute firecracker in personality, Maryellen breaks the mould on your grumpy, acerbic comics. She is happy and bubbly, and her main mission with her comedy is to spread joy. And she is completely unapologetic about that, much to the disdain of some of her contemporaries. Growing up in a creative family, she knew her path would lead her somewhere in the arts, and it was her love for writing and making people laugh that ultimately led her to an all-women's comedy room where she first flexed her comedic muscles.Now she is mapping her own path, and taking other ‘underrepresented' comics on her journey with her comedy platform Bits and Pieces. Oh and not to mention she's also a full time personal trainer! Girl is busy!I caught Maryellen to discuss all things comedy, including navigating the space as a woman, some of the safety pitfalls of the industry, and how Zoom became the international comedy room. We also spoke about her passion for helping women love and accept their bodies, Can Jam and her upcoming show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival show Open Bike.

Personal trainer, women's community creator, beam of shining light.A perfect day that involves a 5am wakeup, training and work – you might be reading this thinking, who on EARTH would call that a perfect day? But if you met Ange Drake, and I really hope you do, you'd not only totally understand it, but also celebrate it. Because Ange wholeheartedly loves what she does for a living, completely emanating that sentiment – if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.Personal trainer, women's community facilitator, mother, wife, friend, and beam of shining light, Ange is the cheerleader everyone needs to live a happy, healthy and well-rounded life. But don't think she's not going to make you lift heavier, plank longer or skip just that little bit faster while championing you.A former school teacher, and now the proud owner and leader of women's strength gym 23W, Ange is dedicated in her mission to help women reach their health and fitness goals, in a supportive, judgement-free environment. But it's not been without its struggles – with a baby and a global pandemic testing that very energy that keeps her inspiring others.We spoke about taking the leap to becoming a small business owner, how she and her community rallied together to keep her gym open and spirits alive during lockdown, all whilst juggling the challenges of being a first time mother. We also spoke about the misconceptions of strength training for women and why it's so important for long term health. Instagram@twentythreew@ange_drake

Energetic alchemist, ritualist, magnetic force. Rachel Rose is magnetic. She draws people into her field, just being herself. Her most authentic and true self. Because that's where the magic happens, when her most vulnerable self connects with another's. This is the full embodiment of the work she does as an Emotional Alchemist and tarot reader through her business, The Soul Connection. And while Rachel is relatively new to the energy space career wise, her ability to connect with others on a deeper level is something she says has probably always been within her, even during her years working in the events space. I spoke to Rachel about how she discovered this calling and the internal struggles she had to overcome to see it come to life, how she helps people connect in with their emotions to heal years of trauma, and the power of the feminine rising when women champion women in a safe and supportive environment. The Ritual Club begins on 17th March, schedule in a chat with Rachel via this link at The Soul Connection if you'd like to find out more.Follow Rachel on Instagram or learn more about her work on her website.

Woman in business, achieving greatness, driven to succeed.Drive, ambition, motivation. For high-performing women in the workforce, these words can often be construed as negative, even dirty. And god forbid you have an opinion or stand up for yourself, thus you be labelled aggressive, moody, or a bitch. Sarah Hutcheon has had to expertly tackle all these obstacles throughout her career as one of the top sales representatives for a multinational pharmaceutical company. I've known Sarah since the tender days of our early 20s, where fluro headbands and multi-coloured eyeshadow were the height of clubbing fashion. Even then, I looked up to her as someone who was exceptionally driven, who knew what she wanted out of life, as I floated along aimlessly trying to find inspiration for mine. Sarah had a strong sense, even as a kid, of what she wanted out of life, of the lifestyle she wanted to live. Not one for the quiet family setting, Sarah was driven to achieve success, to enjoy the finer things in life, and has made no apologies for pursuing her desires.A low-key brainiac, Sarah took her love of science and combined that with a Masters in Business, quickly working her way up the sales ladder thanks to her determination and fire-cracker personality, to become one of the youngest sales executives in the company before the age of 30.Usually on the road as an Oncology Territory Manager, Sarah has been adjusting to life at home. Which was the perfect opportunity to chat to her about her career path and motivation, dealing with sexism and gender roles in the workplace, and stepping away from the societal norm with her decision not to have children.

Entrepreneur, Pilates powerhouse, building communities.It takes a hell of a lot of courage to start your own business. To fill a gap in the market and create a desirable and sustainable idea that no one else has latched on to. Cat Webb has courage in spades, but also a clear vision and savvy business instincts that has seen her business flourish and look to expand only two years in.Cat's reformer Pilates studio Good Times Pilates was never going to be your average studio. That's just not the way Cat rolls. She knew she needed to create a space that unique and fun, as well as free from the pretence and ‘fitspo' culture she had felt and hated in so many Melbourne studios. Throw on top of that her love for curating spaces and creating things that are just a little bit kitsch and corny, and you have an all-inclusive community for people who want to move, connect and have a good time (pun absolutely intended).It's been such a pleasure to both watch and participate in the success of Good Times (I even made it to the 100 class board!); Cat is one of the hardest workers I know and has a cracking sense of humour to boot! So it was a great to catch-up and reminisce all things discos and dumpling clubs, her slow but solid journey to opening her own studio and the importance of creating an all-inclusive community through the death of toxic fitness culture.https://www.goodtimespilates.com.au/@catwebb_

Nature enthusiast, holistic healer, symbiotic creature.Asher Cloran didn't have a childhood immersed in nature. Often stuck in front of a TV, with unhealthy eating habits to match, Asher suffered from a multitude of illnesses and mental health issues that consumed his happiness as a young man. And it's precisely the reason he has spent the last eight years not only transforming his own life, but also helping educate other young adults and children on the immense value of health and nature. Asher speaks so passionately and poetically about the magic of nature that it's abundantly clear the profound impact it has had on his life. Now the owner and program director of Life Rocks, a science-based education company, Asher is dedicated to teaching children and parents alike about the power of the natural world.https://www.liferocks.com.au/

Yogi, teacher, master of change.Amy Carmody knows how to pivot. It's not just the 10 years of classical ballet, or over a decade as a much-loved yoga instructor that has helped her with this flex. It's also her innate instinct to seamlessly adapt in times of change. It's what sets her apart from many of her peers – a kind but no bullshit approach to her practice. It's not about the music that is playing, the scent of the candles burning or the “vibe” of the studio you're flowing in. Core to her practice, is the practice itself. Strong, slow, considered, informed. Amy Carmody Yoga is about strengthening the anatomical building blocks of the body, to help her students live a happier, pain-free life. I think Amy's ethos is why I connected so easily to her practice. It's smart, it's educational, and dear god it's hard. Just try one of her resets, I dare you!I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Amy over the past couple of months and watching her, the platform and her community flourish. We caught up again recently to discuss how it's all going, the power of finding your niche, and the knowledge she is passionate about instilling in every one of her community members.https://www.amycarmodyyoga.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/amycarmodyyoga

Teacher, spa maven, mother.This was a bit of a special interview for me, because this is my mum, Leanne. Now this might seem like a little bit of nepotism, and my sister will most definitely call me a suck up, but my mum is one of the people in my life who has inspired me the most. To work hard, to be a caring, loving human, and to bring joy and light into the world.A self-proclaimed below-average student, Leanne started teachers college at the tender age of 17, with a determination to keep furthering her education beyond just learning a skill. A teaching career that has now spanned around 40 years (with a break somewhere in the middle), she is renowned and celebrated for her innovative and exceptionally creative approach to the classroom, becoming a much-loved and much-requested leader for students and teachers alike.In a stroke of chance and perfect timing, Leanne bought the very first two franchises of the highly successful Endota Day Spa, in Mornington and Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, mid-way through her career. The pair sold businesses off at the height of its success, and without an ounce of regret, besides maybe the loss of free treatments (or maybe that's just me). Not one to sit still or even contemplate retirement, at least as long as my dad is spending like it's going out of fashion, Leanne is back in the now-virtual year six classroom, helping guide our female leaders of the future.I spoke to her about teaching now and then, how expectations around the role have changed, taking the leap to start a business in your 40s, and how her fear of failure has ensured she'd never settled for less than she knows she can achieve.

Lauren SmithSurvivor, integrative practitioner, nurturer.Western society promotes a sense of pride in being busy, in being relentlessly overwhelmed and overworked. Because if you're not, you're not trying hard enough, you're lazy. For Lauren Smith, being up-against it, stressed to the eyeballs, was her sense of achievement. That was, until it brought her world crashing down.For over a decade Lauren slogged it out in the competitive world of TV news and sports production, working ridiculous hours, barely sleeping, all to prove that she could make it in that male-dominated world. And while her head was determined, her body had other ideas. After two years of unbearable facial seizures, at the age of 28, she ended up in the emergency ward undergoing brain surgery.That wakeup call saw Lauren completely reassess her life and her priorities, and undertake a Pilates teacher training course, a skill with which she then got to spend a number of years running retreats in far-reaching tropical locations. Now back in Melbourne and running her (currently online) studio The Balanced Base, we caught up to discuss her previous life of chaos, her incredible story of survival, and while she will never stop convincing people to take care of their mind, their body and their soul. https://storytellers.id/2020/10/07/lauren-smith/

Diversity leader, firefighter, thriving in chaos.It takes a special type of person to be a first responder. To witness tragedy, death, injury and unspeakable horror through everything from fires and floods, to accidents and acts of terror. But like many high-stakes vocations, those who choose to take on that responsibility are those who not only also thrive in chaos, but have an unwavering dedication to help their fellow human. Dawn De Pew Hartog is one of those people.I met Dawn during my time working in communications in the emergency services space, where she was briefly my manager, and also a team leader within the State Control Centre (SCC). Dawn is also not only a volunteer at the Country Fire Authority (CFA), but also her local brigade's Captain and on the CFA Board. For someone who is immersed in a very intense, often sober environment, Dawn is a bundle of positive energy.On top of this, Dawn's day job is as the Senior Program Manager in Forest Fire Management Victoria's (FFMVic) Culture and Diversity team, where she is working to bridge the gender gaps across the fire and emergency services space, as well as create greater cultural diversity.I spoke to Dawn, from what I shall call her forest log cabin, about her journey to the fire frontline, looking after the mental health of yourself and your team in a crisis, and being a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated world.www.ffmvic.vic.gov.au

Buyers advocate, going against instinct, first home owner angel.Stepping off the path you thought you should be on is a risk too great for some to take. For Amy Lunardi, turning her back on her higher education and a stable job to go back to the bottom of the ladder, on minimum wage, initially seemed like too many steps backwards. But thankfully, with a little push from a colleague, she took the leap and has not only found a job she is wildly passionate about, but is also exceptionally good at.This leap saw her dive into the wild world of real estate. While she did start back at that bottom rung, her drive and determination saw her quickly find her niche and cement herself as one of Melbourne's most well-respected and reputable buyer's and vendor's advocates. And fortunately for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the somewhat terrifying property market, Amy's passion is the journey of the first-home buyer and creating robust educational resources to support it. A buyer herself in her mid-twenties, she experienced the minefield that is buying your first home, filled with conflicting advice, misinformation and a general lack of resources. Recently stepping out on her own with her new business Amy Lunardi Property, Amy has dedicated these recent months to refining her education offering through her podcast The Buyer's Bible, a future series of workshops, and of course, continuing to guide her clients through the buying and selling process. Amy has been a friend of mine for around ten years, and has always been one of the hardest working people I know, who always gives the soundest advice. We spoke about her chance move to leave behind her original career path, why she's so passionate about helping first-home buyers and all the brilliant resources she has in the works. Website: www.amylunardiproperty.com.auInstagram: @amy_lunardi_property@thebuyersbible

Guide, empath, embracing power.Being in the presence of Claire Kenna is instantly soothing. She has this ability to make you feel at ease, to make you feel instantly seen. And therein lies her power to who she is and what she does an energy worker and a spiritual guide. Nothing is forced, nothing seems fake or insincere. It feels as though she is peering into the depths of your soul and is instantly ready to move whatever discomfort that lies within to where it needs to go.What Claire does completely relies on her empathic nature, which ironically, but unsurprisingly, came from her own personal life-experiences that required her to embark on a self-healing journey. Whilst she has done the necessary training to earn her credibility within western culture, with certifications in Kinesiology, Yoga and Reiki, it is really Claire's innate intuitive ability that has her sharing unique and authentic offerings within the wellness community.Claire and I met through the wonderful Facebook group Tit for Tat*, and she has not only been vital in helping me through some times this year, but we have also become good friends.She and I had a beautiful chat about her journey to empowerment, giving others the tools to heal themselves, how wellness and the energy space is growing and flourishing right now, and how she is navigating the online world through her work.Instagram: @clairekennaenergyWebsite: www.clairekennaenergy.com

Welcome to Storytellers, a podcast that celebrates what it means to be human!My name is Taryn and I am your host, and I have interviewed some wonderful people in my life who are pushing boundaries, making lasting change and vibrating at their highest level.These people are of all ages, background and from all walks of life, and I hope their stories inspire you too.In this episode I give you a little background into how Storytellers came about, why I wanted to share these stories and how these people have inspired me and the people around them.I hope you enjoy!Please connect with me @story.tellersid 

Mental health advocate, heart of gold, eternal optimist.Rose Cuff is an eternal optimist. Which is hard to believe when, over the 34 years of her career working in mental health and the last 25 working with children and families where a parent has a mental health challenge, she has been the keeper of a huge number of distressing and heartbreaking stories. But stories too of hope and resilience.  Rose has only ever wanted to make a positive difference to this world and has used the diversity of these experiences to grow, to learn, to heal, and to try and support people in whatever way they want.Bringing her knowledge and enthusiasm to Australia in 1981, Rose has ended up, by fortunate accident, working primarily with families where a parent has a mental illness. In realising there was little to no support for the children, who felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and isolation in their situation, Rose now heads up The Satellite Foundation, a not-for-profit committed to changing outcomes for children and young people where a parent has a mental illness, to futures of hope and possibility.I spoke to this kind, generous human being about the importance of sharing story to create community and a sense of belonging, changing the dialogue and stigma around mental health, and the power of how just listening can bring about your biggest lessons in life.Website: www.thesatellitefoundation.org.au

Touring agent, philanthropist, humble warrior.One moment, one witnessed experience. Sometimes that's all it can take to define your life's purpose. This is what happened for Mike Toner, one ordinary day back at University. One moment of witnessing the daily struggle of another human navigating the world around them – a struggle which for that young man was the norm – but for Mike has become the driving force behind everything he dedicates his energy to.Mike Toner, aka Irish Mike, aka Radiator, is a legend in the Melbourne dance music scene, not only because he is an incredible promoter, event creator, and DJ, but also as one of the loveliest and most humble human beings you'll ever meet. Best of all, Mike uses this never-ending positivity to motivate and inspire those around him to be the best versions of themselves. And he expects as good as he gives, and so don't try and make any excuses as to why you can't strive just as high as he.Mike owns one of Melbourne's most well respected touring agencies, Thick as Thieves, playing host to some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Patrick Topping, Phil Kieran, and Claptone.But it's his philanthropic efforts – we're talking over three quarters of a MILLION dollars raised for The Fred Hollows Foundation alone – that Mike is most passionate about. That moment, over 20 years ago, forever in his mind. I had such a great catch-up with Mike to chat about the joy he gets from pushing the people he loves to be their best, getting DJs to play for free in the name of restoring eyesight, and raising the vibration of everyone around him. Be ready to be inspired!Instagram: @mike_toner @thick_as_thievesWebsite: www.thickasthieves.com.au