The Women of Influence Podcast with Kate Meade

From crime to classroom this Ex Detective wants us all to be more aware when we are out and about. Particularly young women.  I love it when you nominate our Women of Influence.  This is the note I received- A fitness instructor in Camperdown, Cobden and Warrnambool for 10 years, at 30, she joined the Police force. She was in the Police Force in Melbourne for 12 years and ended up becoming a Detective whilst also having 3 babies along the way. She has gone from crimes to classrooms. She's started an empowerment based self defence program for women and girls called Girl Aware. She's sharing her knowledge about how to stay safe, how to prevent danger and she's helping to build confidence and empower women and girls. Last week she presented to 400 girls in a nearby school which is amazing. Listen to this episode. It might just give you something to be more aware of yourself.  Share this episode with a young woman in your life.  This program should be in every school in Australia. Love Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If I ever needed someone like Megan to enter my life I needed it now.  Megan speaks to the woman who looks capable on the outside but feels quietly depleted underneath. She’s leadership-forward, spiritually literate (without being woo-woo), and offers practical language for the “I can’t keep doing life like this” moment. Note- I love woo-woo! I need to get moving because I need more of Megan's content right now. Megan is a game changer.  Enjoy the episode,  Love Kate     *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes. You did read that correctly. It's a reading party.  Not a book club. I repeat! NOT A BOOK Club!  Phew. No pressure of reading the book pior. At this event you turn up with your book and read. Read glorious, read! And then you hang out together, make new friends, talk about what you are reading or even..... just read some more.  In a time when we doom scroll this is your perfect excuse to make time for yourself.  And what my favourite part is; it all started with two young women looking for a flatmate.  This is a new event, a new community building in Melbourne. I think the hardest part now is to pick the book.  Love Kate   *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24/100 TAKE 2: Jackie O. The Queen of Australian Radio. Relentless.(This episode was released on the 15th of January 2020 and recorded at the end of 2019) If I'm honest, I can't listen back to this. I was such a novice interviewer at the time. I don't think I can go back and cringe. I was awestruck, I was a bit fangirling and I was sitting in Kyle's seat!  So why am I re-releasing this now? At the moment the KJ show as we know it is over.  I don't mind if you loved or hated the show. I couldn't care less.  But what isn't being talked about was the relentless effort that went into making this show. What did it take to be number 1 over and over again?  I asked Jackie at the time- what did you enjoy more? The fight to get to the top or maintaining top spot and Jackie said 'the fight to get there'.  Jackie is a Woman of Influence and I have always been so grateful she agreed to be on the podcast.  She had told me at the time that she really said no to appearing on podcasts because if you wanted to hear about her life you needed to listen to the KJ Show.  I think she said yes as a favour to my brother Pete!  Either way. Luv ya Jackie (as Helen would say) and thank-you. * This episode was recorded while I was working for ACE Radio. *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working from her studio just outside Port Campbell is an artist of Millinerary.  Susans (or Sue) hats aren't just a hat but a peice of art. From teacher to creator this is a story that starts in the class room, fills the kitchen table and ends with an extra room being built at the house.  It's a story of making something with your hands and trying, and placing and rejigging until it is just right. It's about choosing to follow a passion. Even if it means travelling 3 plus hours every week to learn a new skill. It's a story about evolving.  This is a special edition of the 100 Women in 100 days that celebrates the women in dairy and the land in Southwest Victoria.  Follow @sw.dairyladieslunch on Instagram and save the date for Thursday August 13th.   *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22/100 TAKE 2: Andrea Rowe. Author with a post it note Andrea Rowe has the super power of crafting words that will hold a child's attention with their eyes, and their minds.  The super power to help adults process a situation.  The super power that gave a young girl permission to be fearless. To not be afraid to jump off her bed.... or jetty.  Even after reading at Parliament to all the important decision makers and children invite to this special occasion; I asked- where is your favourite place to read?  Andrea said- in a Regional area out on tour with young minds. Andrea has an imagination and a post it note waiting for the next yarn but it was her story that held me captive and I hope yours too. Love Kate   *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caz Rowland decides to start her own label.  After working with women, going back to study to really understand the blocks that women put up around their bodies she set out to change the narrative.  Caz is so full of energy. A passion and there is something (like many of our women of influence) that have had to learn and fight and find a path their own way that is so captivating.  Caz is an open book.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I love bringing it to you.  Love Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When was the last time you asked yourself if you are happy? When was the last time you asked yourself 'am I happy at work?' This is Dr Kat Page and she explains and talks about being Happy. Well, that's where we start. But not like happy skipping around the place more about the; am I feeling content? Am I challenged just enough? Kat is an organisational psychologist, researcher and leadership advisor, and the author of Good Work: Transforming Your Work from the Inside Out (Wiley, 1 April 2026). And, again. I'm sorry not sorry! But I thought talking to Kat would be like talking to Wendy from Billions. I quickly found out no. That's not really where her research and work is grounded in.  For Kat, it is about Happiness.  I actually think I had the wind knocked out of me. I couldn't remember the last time I thought about being Happy at work. For me I just love it. And I loved this chat with Kat because she challenged my thinking.  I hope it will, yours too. Her book isn't designed for the managers and leaders but to empower you.  Loved it!  Also note her book and work includes- burnout is a systems failure, not a personal one  and the next era of leadership isn’t about training people for resilience to cope; it’s about redesigning work so performance and wellbeing can coexist.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.  Wow. I want to go back and listen again.  Love Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I could talk creativity all day and that is lucky because Tegan Higginbotham is oozing with it.  Australian comedian, writer, actress.... I tried to write her business card and failed.  But what I can tell is about this burst of joy when you hear her story.  From the Primary School teacher who first believed in her to this hunger, this need to create.  2026 is unfolding in magical ways for our Tegan and it was a privilege to capture this moment in time with her.  Also, I'm sorry. Not sorry. But I had to ask about Odd Ball (the movie). Very embarrassing due to the sheer list of achievements Tegan has but also..... Man, I love that movie! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I loved recording it for you.  Love Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hand on heart. I'm not sure if I could have stuck at it.  Episode 16/100 we heard from Molly's Mum Adelle and how the dance Mum upended her life and then helped navigate from the other side of the world to help her daughter when COVID hit. So, we couldn't not talk to Molly. (The daughter). Honestly. It was one challenge after another and there would be no-one that would have blamed this young woman from walking away from her dream of becoming a professional dancer. But this is the thing isn't it.  When you can't walk away. You fight and fight and fight. Whatever it takes.  Molly. Thank-you for joining us and thank-you for sharing your fight to follow your dream.  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy St Patrick's Day to you.  Zenita moved to Australia 15 years ago to play music and then made a life here. A band, two Irish pubs and another on Chapel Street this is a woman that has rolled with it. We talk about music, why the move, and then how it came about saving one of Melbourne's most Iconic Irish Pubs- The Quite Man now Auntie Annies in Flemington.Paying tribute to the original owner in the name, finding the blueprints of the building and saving it from demolition.  Now to be honest. If I ever wished I could edit these podcasts I would but I made a promise that even if I asked a stupid question it would stay in. So forgive me as I asked about an 'Irish' song I love and find out it's Scottish. YIKES!  Now to go enjoy this wonderful day of dancing and singing. Happy St Patricks Day everyone.  Love Kate *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Adelle and she is a Dance Mum.  Let me be clear. This is completely different to being a 'dance mom'.  When you have a child that wants to do what only the 1% can do it takes a great deal of committement. But more than talent, it's luck, the right moment and right time. It's waiting for a yes all while getting a thousand no's.  So, what do you do when your child 'makes it' and COVID strikes. How do you get them through when you are on different sides of the world.  This is only one part of Adelle's story. It's part her, and part her daughter Molly. What a team they have made. This is a story of what it has taken for one family to help their child make it.  Thank-you Adelle and like I say in this episode. Thank-you for all the support you have given the Victorian Dance Festival over the years. In the early days it wouldn't have been or got to what it was without you.  Love Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Briony. The make it happen person.  Her story has a familiar theme not quite fitting but with the power of great females around you; the support will get you through....and then you fly! I have know Briony since she was about 13 years old. I remember thinking I wanna be cool like Briony. Still do if I'm honest. She is a Marketing WIZ! I say again- the make it happen person. Just knows how to find a way.  This chat didn't intent to turn into a bit about a shoe brand it just happens that Briony is working for one and I wanted to know more about building community V traditional marketing.  I got off the end of this chat and just want to start creating.  Thanks Briony. Love you long time. Kate  *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Mrs McPearl also known as Norma.  I asked Mrs McPearl want she wanted most and she said 'to be taken seriously'.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.  Not quite 70 Mrs McPearl and Norma are the same person with two identities. But they share something beautiful in common. A passion for a story of a pearl or bead, that age is no barrier and if you think you can discount a person due to their age you have another thing coming.  Feminism, ageism, barbie dolls, teaching.... there is so much to celebrate in this story. In Normas story that has evolved into Mrs McPearl.  She is a Woman of Influence. *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I feel like I am sharing a dear friend with you and I have only known Donna maybe 18 months! Everyone needs a Donna in their lives.  This interview is the perfect example of thinking the story is going to go one way and then BAM! Off it goes in another directions. This is a story of resilience. That not all dreams come true and that regret can be real. But it's also about beginning again. Finding your place and writing your own story.  This is my Donna. A woman that welcomed me to Melbourne when I didn't know who anyone was. We haven't stopped talking since. This is my wonderful friend Donna and now she is yours too.  Oh, and she interviewed Clint Eastwood!!!! Come on!!! How cool is that.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I loved hearing it.  Love Kate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Posey. In all her energy. It's 150% or nothing. All in or all out.  But it's a work around. A non stop way to figure it out. Going through a school system that isn't always designed for all minds. Where the barrier of success is about the number or mark on a test.  What Posey shares is something that can be forgotten. That there are other ways to win in life without ace'ing the test.  That finding your skill can start sweeping the floors in a hair salon; that can give you the confidence to do anything.  If you really want it that is.  So, here she is. A big ball of wonderful energy and life, a wife and mother and creative genius!  I hope you feel as full of energy as I did after hearing Posey's story.  Love Kate   *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll give you 'just a Mum with a hobby' in a minute. Ok listeners. If you have ever needed to hear this. You will not, you do not not need anyone elses permission to shine. To dream. To have a go. To have a red hot go. Can you tell I'm fired up?! This is Bec's story. One of starting from scratch. Teaching herself and learning. To running a business that turns over one million a year.  I'll give you just a hobby! I'm reminded of this poem- Our Greatest Fear —Marianne WilliamsonIt is our light not our darkness that most frightens usOur deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory ofGod that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other peoplepermission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,Our presence automatically liberates others. —Marianne Williamson So to you. If you have an idea. Let Bec's story inspire you. And don't let anyone put you down as you chase your dream.  All my love Kate PS- I'm still fired up! Check out @botanicalsbyluxe and you'll see this "hobby"   *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok. It's time to talk women's health and we need to talk about it urgently. The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation needs our help and Amy is going to explain why. This isn't just about raising money or awareness.  What I have found is that we just don't know enough and that pap smear isn't going to cover it.Amy is a curious mind. I guess that's why she is doing the work she is doing. Bright pink hair. A big smile and a fight in her that we get behind.No tears with this one but real talk and real womens health and at the end of the day without more funding we aren't going to get answers or cures.  Follow @ocarf on Instagram and start the education process today. Here are some other helpful links Amy has provided for us. Here is the Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) symptom tracker diary: https://www.datocms-assets.com/102334/1691392879-symptom-diary.pdf And here is another by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC): https://ovarian.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/OCSD_2024.pdf   ** *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Amanda's story. Growing up in Regional Victoria and meeting the love of her life. This is one of those love stories where it reads like a fairytale...... until one day it doesn't. A knock on the door after work changes everything. A time when people didn't know how to talk about depression or suicide.  A time when you become the talk of the town and while you love everything about that town you can't escape it. When moving away and starting again is the best opinion. But home is always home and family is everything. If you ask Amanda- Are soulmates real she will say without a blink of the eye..... Yes.   *This is Amandas story and this episode talks about suicide and depression. These are Amandas words. We know what everyone choses to talk about suicide in different ways. We support Amanda as she shares so bravely her experience. ** *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy International Women's Day.  Sarah Case is our gal to hear from on this day.  She is your ultimate hype girl. Super smart, super driven, and a ball of energy.  With Sarah it's a fabulous bag (that matches the outfit perfectly), full of stories and life experiences.  Like, I don't know..... being one a part of Australia's first female bobsled team.  Oh, and being one of the most successful Real Estate Agents in Melbourne.  But mostly. She is a champion of women.  This is her story. *This episode was recorded via Zoom & is unedited.#ads placed by @arn_media_au and out of control of the producer & presenter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.