Tess Talks

What if the reason you’re tired, foggy, anxious, or constantly getting sick… isn’t stress, hormones, or burnout — but your home?Raphael from EcoLibria, specialises in testing homes and workplaces for mould, indoor air quality issues, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and EMR (wireless radiation). This episode is practical, science-backed insight into what’s actually worth paying attention to… and what’s not.Raphael has worked in this space for 20+ years and shares real case studies that will make you think differently about Wi-Fi routers, baby monitors, smart metres, hidden water leaks and even where you place your bed.If you’re building, renovating, pregnant, raising kids, working from home, or just tired of feeling tired… this episode will open your eyes.We cover:The real difference between EMF (electricity-based fields) and EMR (wireless signals)Whether living near powerlines or 5G towers is something to worry aboutWhy distance and duration matter more than panicThe simple swaps that can dramatically reduce EMF exposure in your homeWhy your bedroom should be the “quietest” room in the houseThe truth about baby monitors and sleeping near electrical metre boxesElectrical hypersensitivity — and why some people react more than othersHow EMF exposure may impact sleep, oxidative stress, melatonin and inflammationWhy mould is often hidden (and how moisture is always the root cause)Symptoms of mould exposure: fatigue, hormonal disruption, depression, gut issues, skin flare-upsWhy one family member can be severely affected by mould while others feel fineThe connection between inflammation, environment and long-term healthPractical air quality upgrades: ventilation, HEPA filters, rangehoods and reducing VOCsWhether air purifiers are actually necessaryMentioned in this episode:Find Raphael at EcoLibria: HereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Annabel Karmel, one of the world’s most trusted voices in children’s nutrition and the author of over 50 books that have helped millions of families feed their kids with confidence.Annabel shares the deeply personal story behind her career — from the devastating loss of her first daughter to building a global food and wellness brand rooted in helping parents feel calm, informed, and empowered at the table.This is a real, honest conversation about feeding babies and toddlers without the pressure, guilt, or constant second-guessing.In this episode:Natasha’s storyWhy feeding kids feels so hard — and why it’s not your faultBaby-led weaning vs purées (and why doing both often works best)Finger foods, gagging vs choking, and how to feed with confidenceWhen to start weaning — and why flexibility mattersAllergies, eczema, and why early exposure can be protectiveThe truth about fussy eaters (spoiler: it’s often genetic)Why bland food isn’t the answer — and how flavour builds adventurous eatersIron, healthy fats, protein & what babies actually need from six monthsSensible snacking, lunchbox swaps & real-life food winsHow to take the pressure off mealtimes and stop power strugglesParenting guilt, trusting your intuition, and letting go of perfectionThis episode is for new parents, parents-to-be, and anyone who’s ever felt anxious, confused, or overwhelmed by feeding advice,  especially in the age of social media.Mentioned:Annabel Karmel Books: hereAnnabel Karmel App: hereGROW tableware range: hereFollow Annabel: @annabelkarmelFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chinese New Year isn’t just a cultural moment, it’s an energetic reset. And this year? It moves fast.In this powerful episode of Tess Talks, Tess is joined by accredited Feng Shui Master and Chinese astrologer Kelly McCloskey to break down what the Year of the Horse really means — and how to work with its energy instead of burning out or being left behind.Horse energy is bold, fiery and high-momentum. It rewards confidence, leadership and action, but it also exposes chaos, impatience and misalignment. This episode is your guide to navigating the year with clarity, strategy and intention.In this episode, we cover:Why Chinese New Year is a more powerful energetic reset than January 1What Horse energy represents — and why this year feels faster, louder and more intenseHow to use Horse energy to your advantage in career, business and lifeThe biggest mistakes people make during high-momentum years (and how to avoid burnout)Why your Chinese zodiac animal matters more than you thinkA high-level breakdown of what each zodiac animal can expect this yearSimple feng shui shifts to support momentum, health and balanceHow to stay grounded while still making bold movesFollow @kellymccloskey_fengshuiFind Kelly at www.kellymccloskey.comFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gut health is everywhere — IBS, inflammation, leaky gut, food fear — yet so many of us still feel confused, bloated, exhausted, and unsure where to even begin.In this episode, Tess sits down with board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author Dr Will Bulsiewicz for the release of his new book Plant-Powered Plus. Together, they unpack why inflammation has become one of the biggest health issues of our time — and why the solution might be far simpler (and more hopeful) than we’ve been led to believe.Will explains why the gut microbiome is the command centre for human health, how 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, and what’s actually happening when people say they feel “inflamed.” They dive into IBS, leaky gut (aka increased intestinal permeability), histamine intolerance, chronic fatigue, bloating, hormonal symptoms, and why so many women feel dismissed when their tests come back “normal.”This conversation cuts through wellness noise and extremes — from restrictive diets to supplement overload — and brings things back to basics: food quality over food rules, consistency over perfection, and simple daily habits that genuinely support healing.In the episode:Why inflammation is so widespread in modern lifeThe real science behind leaky gut and IBSHow ultra-processed foods quietly disrupt the microbiomeWhy fiber helps some people — and hurts others (and how to approach it safely)The four pillars of a gut-healing dietWhy fermented foods aren’t for everyoneThe surprising gut benefits of coffee ☕How morning light, routine, and circadian rhythm affect digestion and energyWhy healing doesn’t have to be complicated — and can begin quicklyThis episode is empowering, practical, and deeply reassuring — especially if you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop of symptoms, restriction, or overwhelm.Healing is possible. And it often starts in the gut.Find more here:Purchase ‘Plant Powered Plus’ HereFollow Dr Will Bulsiewicz: @theguthealthmdFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if most chronic illness wasn’t inevitable — but simply detected too late?In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Dr Steven Lu, one of Australia’s leading voices in preventative health and longevity medicine. A GP turned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience across ICU, surgery and general practice, Steven has seen firsthand where modern medicine saves lives — and where it fails people long before they ever reach hospital.Steven is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Everlab, a pioneering health platform using advanced testing, imaging, biomarkers and AI to identify disease risk before symptoms appear.Together, Tess and Steven unpack what actually predicts how well we age — and why “normal” health results are often misleading.In this episode, we cover:Why muscle mass and bone density are two of the strongest predictors of longevity (especially for women)The hidden dangers of visceral fat — even in lean, active peopleWhy BMI and standard GP blood ranges often miss early disease riskHow cardiovascular disease develops silently — and why it’s still the #1 killerGenetics vs epigenetics: how much control do we really have over our health future?Why stress is one of the most underestimated drivers of metabolic and heart diseaseThe difference between biohacking noise and the fundamentals that actually move the needleHow personalised prevention can help reverse or reduce damage from earlier yearsThe biggest “return on health investment” actions most people overlookSteven also shares sobering statistics about ageing and disease — along with practical, empowering steps you can take now to protect your future health without fear or overwhelm.Visit www.everlab.com.auFollow EVERLAB on Instagram: @everlab_healthFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year comes to a close, this solo episode is a gentle pause — a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and intentionally step into the season ahead.This year has held immense polarity: expansion and contraction, joy and grief, certainty and surrender. In this episode, Tess reflects on the lessons, growth, and quiet moments that shaped the past year, while offering a grounded and soulful approach to welcoming the new one.Rather than leaning into the typical “new year, new you” narrative, this conversation is about alignment over pressure — closing chapters with intention, reconnecting to your inner compass, and creating space for what’s next.Tess shares her personal practices for:Reflecting on the year that’s passed through journalling and compassionate self-inquiryThe importance of symbolic closure and why it matters for emotional and energetic clarityHow she sets goals rooted in identity, values, and how she wants to feel — not just what she wants to achieveHer manifestation process, combining meditation with intuitive journallingHow vision boards can act as visual anchors for the life you’re consciously buildingThis episode is an invitation to slow down, release what no longer belongs in the next chapter, and step into the new year feeling grounded, clear, and aligned — without hustle, urgency, or reinvention.If you’re craving a more meaningful way to welcome the year ahead, this episode is for you.Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Tess Talks, I’m joined by Kelli Zakharoff — midwife, author, educator and one of Australia’s most outspoken voices challenging the modern maternity system. After decades working across public hospitals, private practice, alongside obstetricians, and as a home-birth midwife, Kelli has seen both the beauty and the deep fractures within birth care.Her book The Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma exposes the emotional toll placed on midwives, the systemic failures impacting women and babies, and the realities no one wants to say out loud. This conversation goes beyond birth stories — it questions power, autonomy, trauma, and who our maternity system is really serving.In this episode:Why midwives feel “muzzled” and unable to speak openly within the systemThe emotional, physical and psychological toll of being a midwifeHome birth vs hospital birth — autonomy, safety and evidenceCaesarean rates, medicalisation and risk-driven maternity careBirth trauma and the rise of obstetric violenceWhat really happened at the end of Kelli’s midwifery careerThe lack of support for healthcare workers after traumatic eventsCOVID’s impact on maternity wards and frontline staffWhy continuity of care matters more than most women realiseThe myths — and realities — around home birthingEmpowerment, choice, and reclaiming trust in birthWhat midwives actually need to survive in the systemWhy telling these stories is the first step toward changeThis episode will challenge what you think you know about birth, hospitals, and the people entrusted with bringing life into the world. It’s essential listening for women, parents, healthcare workers — and anyone who believes women deserve to be heard.Follow @kellizakRead Kelli's Book: midwifecrisis.com.auFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this practical and personal episode, Tess sits down with her husband Shaun to unpack what high-performance really looks like, not just in business, but in life, leadership and long-term relationships.From building one of Australia’s most successful consumer brands, Bondi Sands, to navigating marriage, parenthood and loss, this conversation explores the habits, mindset shifts and communication tools that sustain momentum through seasons of growth, pressure and change. Together, Tess and Shaun share how clarity, curiosity and consistency can shape both professional success and a strong, connected partnership.In this episode:What “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals” really mean, and why long-term thinking mattersHow to break big goals down into executable behaviours and daily habitsWhy focus beats hustle, and why fewer goals lead to better outcomesThe role of curiosity in innovation, leadership and personal growthBuilding high-performance cultures through clarity, candour and trustDelegation, energy management and knowing where your highest impact liesWhy routines, sleep, fitness and organisation underpin sustainable successHow high-performance habits translate into strong relationshipsTreating your partnership like a team — supporting each other through different seasonsPractical communication tools for alignment, including mirroring and weekly check-insThe importance of values, long-term vision and evolving together over timeThis episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about how you live, lead and love along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by Dr Lynn Burmeister, one of Australia’s most recognised fertility specialists and founder of Number 1 Fertility. Lynn has spent decades at the forefront of reproductive medicine, training under global pioneers and helping thousands of women understand their fertility with clarity and confidence. Lynn breaks down IVF and egg freezing in a way that finally makes sense, simple, honest, science-backed and female-focused.We cover the full fertility foundation: what women should know in their 20s and 30s, how egg quality really changes with age, the true timelines involved, why preparation matters, and what you can actually expect from both egg freezing and IVF. From AI-graded embryos to gut health, supplements, male factor infertility and the emotional side of the journey, this is a must-listen starter guide for anyone wanting to protect or understand their fertility.In the episode:How Lynn entered the fertility world and how rapidly the industry has evolvedThe shift from day-3 to day-5 embryos and how AI now helps grade embryo qualityWhat makes a great fertility clinic (technology, care style, lab quality)Why Lynn built a more holistic, patient-centred clinic environmentWhen women should consider egg freezing: AMH, AFC and ideal timelinesWhy age 30–35 is the window to seriously evaluate your optionsCommon reasons women freeze their eggs (single, career timing, future flexibility)Step-by-step egg freezing: testing, injections, collection & recoveryIdeal egg numbers (why 20 eggs under 35 gives the best chance)Emotional + hormonal changes to expect during a cycleLifestyle prep: 90-day optimisation, supplements, diet, alcohol, smokingHow past drug use or long-term contraception may impact egg qualityEndometriosis & PCOS: why diagnosis matters before starting treatmentIVF 101: what actually happens from Day 2 cycle start to embryo creationFresh vs frozen transfers — and when one is better than the otherEmbryo testing: who needs it and why it increases success after 35Managing expectations when a “perfect” embryo still doesn’t implantSleep, stress, and lifestyle factors that directly affect egg and embryo qualityMale fertility: why 50% of infertility is male-factorSperm decline, microplastics, radiation, overheating and environmental toxinsPractical male optimisation tips (cooling, supplements, lifestyle changes)Gut health, inflammation and the vaginal microbiome — and how they affect fertilityCosts: typical pricing for egg freezing, IVF, storage fees and clinic variationsLow-cost options, superannuation access and when to invest in higher techGender selection, multiples, overseas options and why Australia regulates themLynn’s final advice: protect your fertility early — your future self will thank youFind out more about Lynn here: www.drlynnburmeister.com.au Follow Lynn on Instagram hereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a whirlwind year of weddings, travel, motherhood and heartbreak, Tess is finally back in the studio for a long-awaited solo chat. Fresh off her honeymoon and settling back into life in Melbourne, she opens up about the emotional contrasts of 2025, the joy of marriage and family, and the profound grief of losing her mum.In this episode, Tess gets raw, honest but also offers some candid discussions on her honeymoon recap, wellness, routines, and all the little rituals helping her feel grounded again. She answers your most-asked questions, shares the practical hacks she’s loving, and brings you behind the scenes of what life really looks like right now.IN THIS EPISODE:A full life update post-honeymoon and how Tess has been feeling returning homeWhy she and Shaun aren’t rushing baby number two (but it’s on the horizon)Travelling with a baby — what worked, what didn’t, and the toys that saved themWhy ages 1–3 can be the hardest time to travel (and why it’s still worth it)The emotional reality of her mum’s cancer diagnosisNavigating caretaking, denial, decision-making and rapid declineThe heartbreaking timing around the wedding and rushing homeWhat grief feels like right now and the metaphysical comfort she’s foundThe “rock in your pocket” analogy from Jay Shetty and why it resonatedHow routine is grounding her: slow mornings, movement, simple pleasuresThe wellness habits she’s prioritising for the rest of 2024How she uses ChatGPT to structure her day, meals, supplements and even her pre-wedding glow-upCurrent training routine: lower cortisol workouts, more strength & PilatesHormone-aligned training (why she doesn’t run on her period anymore)Screen-time boundaries and the device that locks her apps at 7:30pmThe peptide stack she’s using now that she’s stopped breastfeedingRed light therapy, sauna routines and creating a consistent weekly rhythmThe sentimental ritual she’s obsessed with: journaling for RomeeThe unexpected gift found in her mum’s apartment — decades of her journalsWhy she’s focusing on slowness, softness and gentleness to end the yearThe Tess Talks “diary entry” message for this week: being kinder to yourselfFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Tess Talks, I’m joined by Kayla Barnes — certified brain health coach, biohacker, and founder of Brain Biohacking Co. Kayla is known globally for helping women optimise their performance, longevity, and wellbeing from the inside out. In a space dominated by male research, she’s carving her own path and becoming one of the most studied women in this field, bringing an evidence-based yet accessible approach to brain health, gut health, and bio-optimisation.In this episode, we dive into how daily habits can reshape your brain and body, the future of longevity, and why true health begins long before the results show up. It’s a chat about discipline, data, and using science to build a life that feels good. Whether you’re deep into biohacking or just curious, this episode has something for everyone.In this episodeHow Tess and Kayla first entered the health world through brain fog and curiosity.Kayla shares her journey to marriage, how she “just knew,” and why being married has been her best biohack yet.Why connection and community are essential for longevity and emotional wellbeing.Kayla’s takeaways from Wanderlust WellspringWhat sparked her interest in biohacking and health optimisation.Becoming an entrepreneur at 17 and exploring human potential.Designing her female longevity protocol after realising women are often excluded from research.Why women have been overlooked in testing and how Kayla aims to change that.The story behind Timeless Biotech and her ovarian age testing breakthrough.Her mission to live past 100 and the daily rituals behind it.Kayla’s morning routine, sleep insights, and supplement stack.Foundational habits: food first, movement, stress reduction.How she manages her protocols while travelling and why she now only travels for work.The value of testing: bloodwork, hormones, genetics, toxic load.Why gut health underpins everything and how environment and products influence it.Microplastics, water filtration, EMFs, and creating a restorative home.Her wind-down rituals, early dinners, and stress management tools.A day on her plate and her love for Heavenly Heat Saunas.Episode sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Olympia, award-winning massage chairs and portable relaxation devices, meticulously designed in Australia to elevate your comfort experience. Visit https://olympia.auIn this episode:Follow Kayla: @kaylabarnesFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan & tesstalksofficial  Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a wedding and don’t know where to start? In this episode, Tess sits down with Brittney from Nuptial Collective; the creative team behind Tess and Shaun’s four-day Beverly Hills celebration, to share practical, actionable tips for planning the perfect wedding, no matter your budget or location.Together they unpack the real steps of wedding planning: when to book suppliers, what a wedding planner actually does, how to choose your venue, how to build a guest experience people remember, and the small styling choices that make the biggest impact. They also break down destination wedding logistics, timelines, budgeting mistakes to avoid, and how to design a wedding aesthetic that feels timeless and true to you.Whether you’re newly engaged, drowning in Pinterest boards, or trying to plan without a planner, this episode is filled with expert insights, emotional guidance, and behind-the-scenes detail from Tess’ own multi-day LA wedding.Show notes:Tess chats with Brittney from Nuptial Collective about wedding planning, guest experience and how to bring a vision to life.What a wedding planner really handles — logistics, timelines, sourcing, styling, and full on-the-day execution.Why hiring a planner frees couples to enjoy the emotional moments instead of the admin.The importance of connection and trust between planner and couple.How Tess moved from a Byron wedding to Beverly Hills Hotel and why destination weddings can be magic.Planning an overseas wedding with a nine-month timeline and mixing Australian + LA suppliers effectively.Breakdown of Tess and Shaun's multi-day events: family dinner, rooftop welcome party, wedding day, and recovery pool party.Using touchpoints, stationery, gifting, and music to create a cohesive experience for guests.Designing an aesthetic based on lifestyle over trends and weaving storytelling through each event.Music as a design tool — from Sinatra-style live sets to disco & late-night high-energy moments.Practical planning order: book planner, venue, photographer/videographer, then celebrant.Ideal planning timeline, budgeting challenges, and using spreadsheets to stay organised.Why intentional elements matter more than trends or unnecessary décor.Small high-impact touchpoints: personalised notes, welcome gift bags, Polaroid guest book moments.Tess’ advice on staying grounded and present on the day, including meditation and going phone-free.How pre-planning logistics like touch-ups, handbags and run sheets prevent stress and help you stay in the moment.Episode Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Vorfreude Stationary, timeless keepsakes and personalised gifts. Every piece made with love, care, and a deep passion for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. Discount code for listeners: 15% off storewide, use TESSTALKS15 Follow @thenuptialcollectiveFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Tess sits down with nutritionist, author, and TV host Zoe Bingley-Pullin for a refreshingly real chat about food, hormones, and feeling your best! Trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London, Zoe is known for making nutrition simple, enjoyable, and actually doable! No fads, just smart changes that last. As WelleCo's newest ambassador, she reveals the supplements she swears by, busts wellness myths, and shares the insider tips that can transform your energy, gut health, and hormones without the overwhelm.In this episodeThe life shift that inspired Zoe’s latest bookHow food became Zoe’s freedomWhy gluten feels different in EuropeSoil depletion, cheap manufacturing & hidden health impactsSmart supplementation: gut, energy & hormone healthTess & Zoe’s must-have WelleCo productsThe protein myth affecting women’s healthHormones decoded: stress, reproductive, and balanceTracking kids’ food and surprising insightsFoods for hormone balance & rethinking intermittent fastingThe role of zinc, soy truths, and supplement shopping tipsNavigating perimenopause & menopause with graceLiver health, skin “glow-ups,” and Zoe’s favourite recipesMentioned:Episode sponsor: This ep is brought to you by WelleCo premium, plant-based supplements designed to elevate your energy, support your gut, and balance your hormones from the inside out.Discount code for listeners 15% off sitewide (use code: TESSTALKS15)Eat your way to healthy hormones! Shop Zoes books hereFollow Zoe on Instagram: @zoebingleypullinFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of my chat with Nick Bell, we dive into the bold moves, biohacking obsession, and business mindset that keep him at the top of his game. From fending off a stalker to buying a company for $289 million in under a month, Nick shares the unfiltered truth about scaling fast, making killer pitches, and investing millions into cutting-edge wellness treatments. It’s part business masterclass, part health experiment and completely unpredictable.In this episode:The stalker story that sparked the launch of RemovifySelling WME after hitting $300M in revenueHow he’s now acquiring a business for $289 million in under a monthWhat makes a pitch land: confidence, clarity, and knowing your numbersViewing business as the ultimate game and why he’s still hungry to winSpending millions on biohacking and wellnessStem cell therapy, gene therapy, and self-experimentationHow an ice bath helped repair his heart after COVIDMorning and night routines for staying sharpThe emotional side of success, acne, and taking care of yourselfMentioned:Thanks to our sponsor, Wanderlust Wellspring Australia’s biggest biohacking summit. Join world-leading experts on October 25–26 on the Gold Coast for two days. Purchase tickets by clicking this link & follow @biohackau to learn more!Join the biohacking summit now: click this linkFollow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcastFollow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficialFollow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Bell is one of Australia’s most successful self-made entrepreneurs, and in Part 1 of our conversation, he shares how he went from a uni dropout with no clear direction to building and selling businesses worth hundreds of millions. We talk about his early failures, the business that crumbled after a personal fallout, and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, hiring, and staying ahead in a competitive market. Nick is raw, unfiltered, and full of insights you won’t find in a textbook!In this episode:Dropping out of uni and rejecting the “safe” corporate pathLaunching a skincare brand at 28 inspired by his own skin strugglesStarting a digital marketing agency from scratch with cold callsThe collapse of a business after a personal fallout with a partnerWhy he refuses to hire from the corporate worldLeading over 5,000 staff and the importance of strong leadershipThe near-collapse of a business after stepping away too soonWhy degrees aren’t always relevant and what he’d tell his 18-year-old selfThe value of upskilling and avoiding complacencyMentioned:Thanks to our episode sponsor, NaturoBest! Creating a healthier world, one baby at a time. Use code TESSTALKS15 for 15% off your first order. Shop Naturo Best now: naturobest.com.auFollow Nicks podcast: @getharderpodcastFollow Nick Bell on Instagram: @nickbellau Follow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficialFollow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, the brand that pioneered the inner beauty movement. From fermenting whole foods in her Bondi kitchen to building one of Australia’s most iconic wellness companies, Carla shares the story of trusting her instincts long before gut health was a trend. We dive into the challenges of staying true to your vision, the hardest lessons she’s learned as a founder, and how her definition of success has shifted over time. Beyond business, Carla opens up about the rituals that keep her grounded, what’s been feeding her soul lately, and the truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industry.The instinct that led Carla to back gut health before the industry was readyEarly doubts, resilience, and the turning point where The Beauty Chef became more than just a productWhat the very first kitchen formulations looked like and how hands-on she wasThe hardest “no” she’s had to make as a founder and what it taught herHow her definition of success and growth has evolved over timeThe one Beauty Chef product that holds a special place for herAdvice for anyone feeling bloated, burned out, or disconnected and where to startCarla’s go-to rituals and hacks that ground her and make the biggest differenceWhat’s feeding her soul lately outside of the businessThe truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industryMentioned in this episode Shop the Beauty Chef range here  use code TESS20 for 20% off storewide 😊Follow the Beauty Chef: @thebeautychefFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A solo catch-up where I spill the tea on all all things wedding prep (the good, the chaotic, and the unexpected), share the beauty and wellness rituals I’m loving right now, and get real about routines, body image, and finding balance all through the lens of someone genuinely passionate about health. It’s like a voice note from your best friend.In this episode:Disclaimer: I mention what I eat and take in this episode. This is not advice, just my personal experience!A little sneak peek at our wedding location and how prep is goingThoughts on routines, why they’re helpful, but also when they become toxicMorning rituals and why it’s more important to enjoy them than to “do them perfectly”Beauty recommendations I’m loving right now (including my favourite Korean skincare obsession)How I am fixing my baby brain!LED light therapy and why I swear by itMy new functional medicine doctor and how it's genuinely changed my healthSupplement routine and what I’m currently takingFitness update getting back into running and finding flow againThe importance of body acceptance and how social media messes with our self-imageDeep dive into hair care hacks products, tools, and what’s actually working (check the “Hair” highlight on my IG)A real talk on balance, enjoying life and not taking wellness so seriouslyMentionedEpisode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Salt Lab a natural magnesium brand I’ve been using for years. It’s a staple in my routine for when I’m stressed or just want to stay calm and grounded! If you want 25 % OFF please use my discount code TESSTALKS25Follow salt lab on Instagram: @salt_labFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like your house has bad vibes? You’re not imagining it? Kelly went from real estate agent to Feng Shui expert after noticing something strange. Some homes just felt off and guess what? Kelly discovered that weird energy could be messing with more than just your mood. Do you have poor sleep, money blocks, relationship tension or health issues? It might be your floor plan, not your flaws.In this ep, we dive into classic Feng Shui and what it is. Feng Shui makes up 33.3% of your luck. So what’s your house saying behind your back?Hit play it’s time to get your home (and your life) into flow!What actually is Feng Shui and why should we care?Why the energy in your home might feel off (and how to fix it)Feng Shui isn’t just about styling it’s a formula rooted in ancient mathsYin and Yang: balancing energy for a calmer, more harmonious homeHow your front door might be affecting your financesWhat is “land healing” and why does the energy around your home matter?Are you sleeping in the “death position”? (Yes, it’s a real thing)Simple Feng Shui switches you can make todayWhy your stove matters more than you think!Clean space = clear energy. Find out Kelly’s non-negotiables!Mentioned in the episode Follow Kelly: @kellymccloskey_fengshuiFollow me on Instagram:@tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently featured in Vogue Living, my home was brought to life by the brilliant minds at McKimm. In this episode, I sit down with the Director of Architecture Danica Garizio and Isabella Cini lead Interior Design Manager to unpack the vision, design principles, and process behind the space!McKimm’s design expertise and backgroundInsights into the Australian interior and architecture industryKey design elements that shaped the homeChallenges faced during the design and build processContemporary features and how they were thoughtfully integratedThe process of sourcing furniture items The importance of supporting Australian brands and designersIsabella shares her expert design tipsThe benefits of using your space Rapid fire hot take questions Mentioned in the episode Vogue Living Youtube video: view hereMSM stone Just Adele  Fleur Studios Harbro local manufacturing of sofas Jardan Sarah Ellison Kustom TimberCello toilets Mckimm's website: HereFollow Danica @danicagFollow Isabella @__Isabelllla__Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you break through the noise when attention spans are shorter than ever? Brendan Kane aka the social media OG, bestselling author, and founder of Hook Point sits down with Tess to unpack the secrets behind going viral and building sustainable, purpose-driven success online. With over two decades of experience and over 10,000 hours of research Brendan dives into storytelling, algorithm psychology, creator burnout, and the real difference between trends and formats. If you're serious about mastering social media, this one’s a must-listen!Brendan's wild journey from Hollywood to social media pioneer, including the first YouTube campaign for a Jason Statham movie The real agenda behind algorithms (and how to use it to your advantage)Why storytelling and retention are the secret to long-term growthThe truth about going viral vs. building a loyal communityHow to avoid creator burnout by aligning content with your goalsThe importance of “the hook”, the format, and the power of analyzing your own contentMentionedFollow Brendan on socials @brendankaneSchedule your viral call with the Hook Point team hereFollow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahanFollow me on YouTube: TessShanahan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.