Social Harmony - Time to Talk

Today I'm joined by Michelle Valiukinas Tisdahl, founder and executive director of The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation to talk about her work and - perhaps more poignantly - the circumstances that led up to it.Michelle talks from the heart about her struggles to conceive and carry a pregnancy, the steps taken to become pregnant, the pain of losing her first child Sweet Pea to miscarriage and the awful day in which she was admitted to hospital when she was forced to give birth to her daughter Colette 16 weeks prematurely. Though Colette was born and taken to NICU, sadly she passed 9 days later.In the midst of her own grief and trying to make sense of the situation, Michelle couldn't help but see the pain of others who were struggling with their own grief and loss but also the financial strain placed upon them by the U.S. healthcare system. While acknowledging that she was in a financially privileged situation, Michelle sought to help families who had been affected by their own loss but were forced back to work in a state of physical and emotional distress due to the cost of their time in hospital.On September 7th of that year (Colette's original due date) Michelle launched her foundation with the aim of providing financial assistance to families dealing with high-risk or complicated pregnancies, NICU stays or loss, in addition to advocating for institutional reforms in order to provide better care in traumatic times and working alongside families to provide emotional support.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Michelle's work on the links below:Home - The Colette Louise Tisdahl FoundationThe Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation - YouTubeFacebookCheck Out Michelle Valiukenas’s Story – CanvasRebel Magazine

Today I'm joined by Matt Melvin, author of the book 'Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison' - a story of consequences, wrestling with difficult emotions, a critique of the justice system and redemption.As you can imagine with such a title, there is a great deal to the story of Matt's life from his childhood growing up lonely in a small town, an adult diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, a passion for selling and a great deal more.Matt details his two visits to prison, small town corruption, a brutal rape in prison and his inner work that - along with his faith in Christianity - brought about a change in his life as well as a desire to support positive changes in society and the hope to deter young people from engaging in offending, by social activism and public speaking.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Matt's work on the links below:Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes To Prison | prison reformInstagramMatthew Melvin | World Class Speakers & Entertainers

Today I'm joined by chef to the stars, author, radio personality, entrepreneur and host of the '50 Tastes of Gray' podcast, Matthew Gray.Since childhood, Matthew has held a love of food and cooking that has taken him from New York all around the world to his present home in Hawai'i. Using food as the vehicle, Matthew combines humour, an engaging personality and a genuine curiosity to encourage those around him to share their stories in a manner that showcases the person behind the role that they play.Sharing moments from his own life with the culinary world as the backdrop, Matthew talks us through his journey into kitchens from his time studying in London, through to cooking for groups like Pink Floyd, to the burgeoning Los Angeles restaurant scene before love took him to Hawai'i to run a culinary tour business until COVID had a say...Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Matthew's work on the links below:https://open.spotify.com/show/4f1R9ndbwu4HAoVsC6kvyU?si=fd6c7874fb1c47e050 Tastes Of Gray | Matthew Gray | SubstackInstagramMatthew Gray - Hawaii Food Tours

Today I'm joined by Dr. Ray Doktor, Psy.D., bestselling author of "All it Takes is One", clinical psychologist of 30 years and relationship/life coach who has worked with some of the leading figures in personal development and whose expertise can be read in publications including Psychology Today, the Los Angeles Times and Men's Health.While practising with a broad range of modalities, Dr. Ray looks to understand his clients on an existential level in order to understand what makes them tick while using a solution-focused method of shifting ones' mindset from old, outdated patterns of thinking that leave us stuck in rumination or repeating maladaptive, unhelpful behaviours.In this episode we discuss Conscious Parenting, which highlights the need for our own self-awareness with regard to how we relate to our children, our partner (or ex-partner) and the world around us in order to guide our children into the wider world. We use poignant examples of our own lives to highlight the differences between parenting now against our own upbring, the Gen X climate that shaped our thinking, the differences in aging across the generations and so much more.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Dr. Ray's work on the links below:Ray Doktor Psy.D. - Life and Relationship CoachRay Doktor - YouTubeAll It Takes Is One: Drop Your One BIG Hidden Belief and Master Your Life : Doktor Psy.D., Ray: Amazon.com.au: Books36: The True New Secrets of Attraction Over 40 that High Quality Men Haven’t Shared with You with Dr. Ray Doktor - Love Coach Junie Moon

Today I'm joined by Dr. Matt Motchkavitz Ph.D, founder of The Excellence Incorporated Company to talk about the importance of goals - just in time to kick off 2026.Matt started the company with a mission to teach practical life skills and this is done via a variety of mediums including seminars, takeaway training programmes, events and tangible products such as books. These are currently provided across the United States with a view to take these teachings to a global audience.Matt talks of his beginnings in college while training to become a therapist and how he had never taken a class on personal development but circumstances took him in a different direction after becoming a single parent to his son, meaning that he never became a therapist but moved towards training and public speaking.We discuss the role of ego, self-esteem, array of distractions and so much more when looking at how to set goals that resonate with us, how to stay on track once your goals are identified, how regularly to review them as well as the importance of having fun and balance along the way.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=546ac484ebde4135https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061Check out Dr. Matt's work on the links below:The EI WebsiteThe EI Website

Today I'm joined by Petya Yordanova, the owner of 'You-Expanded Coaching' . Petya works with women to attract the love they deserve by focusing on that which is within - healing from past hurt, removing emotional blocks and allowing your true self to flourish in order to find someone who aligns with you rather than settling for an unsuitable partner or repeating old, negative patterns.Petya and I examine how past trauma can show up in relationships, often unnoticed and keeps us locked in cycles that perpetuate unhappiness or the feeling that something is missing. We talk honestly and openly about our own lives, using examples of our own relationship struggles before taking steps to love and appreciate ourselves in order to attract that which works.As a student of Katherine Woodward Thomas, Petya brings a transformational style that incorporates what is unique about YOU into a coaching model that highlights the positives whilst bringing about a greater self-awareness which will benefit your love life in addition to how you show up in the world.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Petya's work on the links below:Finally Find Love | Relationship Coaching for Women | You.Expanded CoachingYou.Expanded Coaching - Create the Love You Desire | Facebook

I'm joined today by Dominique Favreau - an artist, growth advocate and presenter of the Coconut Soul Podcast to discuss a myriad of topics including vulnerability, self-love, personal growth and so much more...Dominique AKA Nikky, supports people in the move to become 'Soulpreneurs' in that she helps them to discard the unnecessary and sometimes toxic baggage that accumulates in life over time with a view to living a more fulfilled life and "being vulnerable enough to love yourself"As part of this, we look at things such as shame, mistrust, fear and perfectionism which manifest as getting in our own way and adding to the stressors already present in modern life. As both of us are fans of the 'no BS' approach, we draw on our own experiences and the mistakes within to demonstrate that the path through life is not a simple one and that it's expected that we will make mistakes - something that we seem to often forget when judging ourselves.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Nikky's work on the links below:Self love story of “Being vulnerable enough to love yourself” - Nikky & Patrick Coconut Soul PodcastDominique Favreau, M.A. | LinkedInhttps://youtu.be/R7uf61USr1c?si=Vya1F3porbXa1EzV

Today I'm joined by Alexander J. Ward, musician, advocate and the face of the People Helping People podcast, which looks to do good things in the community whilst also showcasing people from all walks of life who are adding positively to the lives of those around them.Alexander talks with me about his own origin story and how he came to be in the position he currently sits - a life that includes having to step too early to be the peacekeeper, his shock diagnosis of both Type-1 Diabetes and Crohn's Disease and how the impact of this spurred him on to advocate for those in need while rebuilding both his body and his outlook on what life held for him.Honest, open and unashamedly vulnerable throughout, we talk of our own struggles, lessons learnt, what it looks like to be a masculine man in the modern world and so much more...Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Alexander's work on the links below:People Helping People - YouTubehttps://open.spotify.com/album/0vwfJWxi5SngfDLTr3mlFy?si=e1MZhirnT1qYmwBggk5-mQInstagramPeople helping people on BetterWorld

In today's episode I speak with Adam Meyers - a serving Police Officer (now Captain) of 23 years and founder of 'Stop The Threat, Stop The Stigma'.In 2016, Adam was on a routine call which turned into much more - resulting in him using his service weapon and the loss of life. While to those on the outside this may be seen as just another day on the job but for Adam the aftermath of the event led him to a deep depression and self-numbing with alcohol, drugs and casual sex to mask the pain that was underneath - a pain that he was not attending to.Adam's subsequent termination, year of recovery and return to the force all served as important lessons and led to the formation of 'Stop The Threat, Stop The Stigma' - an organisation that encourages first responders to acknowledge the cumulative trauma from the situation faced daily and seek the appropriate supports - but also encouraging a culture that makes it normal for people to reach out without shame.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Adam's work on the links below:Stop The Threat - Stop The Stigma |"Stop the Threat - Stop the Stigma" with Adam Meyers(2) Facebook

Today I'm joined by Dr. Jennifer Schlueter, a trauma-informed certified hypnotherapist who incorporates emotional freedom techniques, neuro-linguistic programming and breathwork into her practice to shift mental blocks that are in the way of physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.Jenny was formerly in a high-achieving corporate role and was doing very well professionally but her personal life was unravelling and she knew something was missing. After visiting a hypnotherapist in search of answers, she made the decision to move to Paris (and has since lived in a number of other countries) and change her trajectory.In her current role, Jenny has worked with hundreds of clients and helped them navigate psychological and physiological conditions including depression, endometriosis, chronic pain and several more. Her work has also brought her to the teachings of 'Human Design' which has informed not only her professional life but also how she shows up in the world.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out Jenny's work on the links below:mindyoursubconscious.comhttps://youtu.be/4syD1Idj9LQ?si=MT1ETW_67sFUjlMMFacebookAnd learn more about Human Design on the link below:Get Your Human Design Chart - a Human Design

Today I'm joined by James McCambridge, a movement coach specialising in the brain and nervous system and owner of Rewire Neuro Dynamics to discuss his work - in particular the principles of neuroplasticity and the real-world implications in relation to recovery from injury, skill acquisition, moving away from bad habits and mental wellbeing.Throughout our conversation, James brings science-backed strategies for improving brain function to the forefront using relatable language and describing tested methods for success that have life-changing impacts and in some cases can be incredibly simple. I was amazed by what I learned in just a one-hour conversation and James' knowledge and attention to detail had me fascinated throughout.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:Check out James' work on the links below:Rewire Neuro DynamicsRewire Neuro Dynamics - YouTubeFacebook

In preparation for International Men's Day on 19th of November, I'm joined by David Maywald - author of 'The Relentless War on Masculinity - Does it Ever End?' and driving force behind 'Celebrating Masculinity'David discusses his book and the research behind it that backs up what many of us have been seeing in society for decades - that boys and men are falling behind women in education, employment, physical health outcomes, mental wellbeing and much more. Further to this, we look at gaps in society that are failing young men and boys such as a need for role modelling, no real purpose in life, a coddled environment that does not support the attainment of manhood and a move towards gynocentric philosophies and provision of services.David's passion for his work shines through and his efforts to seek change that supports empowerment of masculine and feminine alongside one another for the betterment of all is truly inspiring. Looking to provide positive solutions rather than blindly accepting tired narratives, David calls on men and society as a whole to advocate for initiatives that support men, women and the family unit as the current levels of detachment, depression, suicide and reduced outcomes are clearly not moving us in the right direction.To check out David's work, click the links below:The Relentless War on Masculinity: Does it Ever End? eBook : Maywald, David: Amazon.com.au: BooksFacebookCelebrating Masculinity (@CelebrateMales) / XCelebrating Masculinity | SubstackDavid Maywald | The Australian

Today I'm joined by Mandy who talks firstly about her battle against a 16-year addiction to cocaine and her subsequent recovery, alongside her efforts to rebalance herself whilst also battling a nervous breakdown and serious depression.Mandy had - in her own words - what we would call a 'normal' childhood that, while including some bumps in the road was relatively happy. At the age of 12 she first began smoking cannabis and this progressed in the manner of youthful curiosity towards harder drugs that eventually took over in a number of ways.Told with honesty and emotion, Mandy walks us through her life of partying, to the point where she decided to move away from drug use, the slip-up's and successes, learning about how the body functions with a view to healing herself and much more in between. Ultimately Mandy's story is one of hope, self-belief and the realisation that "there's a lot of beauty in this world if you just look".Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.To check out Mandy's work, click the links below:mandyalexismotivation.caInstagram(1) Facebook

Today I'm joined by Shlomit Liz Sanders - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional to talk about how easy it is to fall into routines, the need to work on oneself to improve your partnership, becoming 'weather guy and handwash girl' and so much more...Shlomit has 10 years' experience in the field, working with high achieving individuals as well as couples - all of whom have either lost their way or who feel like things just "aren't right". In her work, Shlomit integrates neuroscience and psychotherapy as a method of helping clients to understand themselves and their needs, as well as how to express them confidently in order to get what they want out of life.Talking openly and honestly from both professional and personal experiences, Shlomit reminds all of us that the need for communication and co-operation in a partnership doesn't just go away once we get to know one another and the phrase "never stop dating each other" will stick with me for years to come.Check out Shlomit's work on the links below:HomeShlomit Liz Sanders Profile - ThrivingCampusShlomit Liz Sanders, LMFT - Alma

Today I'm joined by Rob McCarthy, author of 'Fuck The Script - How to Own Your Shit and Rewrite Your Story' - a self-help book that's not your average read. As Rob himself states "...you come for the title, you stay for the book".So many of us are consumed by the belief that success means having a newer car, a bigger house, flashier clothes and other trappings that signal to others that we've 'made it' - but it's an illusion, a hamster wheel designed to keep you wanting more and a game that you cannot win as there's always some shiny new toy that you just have to have. Then comes the debt, the stress, the sleepless nights - all in the name of trying to keep up with the Jones's...Rob's book isn't the fluffy arm around the shoulder and comforting "there there's" - it's the kick in the arse that we often need to wake up and ditch the bullshit and the maladaptive habits that keep you poor and unfulfilled.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=693a7408e31a46d2https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061Check out Rob's work on the below links:F*CK THE SCRIPT: How to Own Your $hit: A No-BS Self Help Book to Stop Caring What Others Think and Rebuild Your Life on Your Terms: McCarthy, R P: 9798263888534: Amazon.com: BooksR.P. "Rob" McCarthy (@FTS25) | Stanfckthescript (@fckthescript) | TikTokInstagram

Please don't let the title of the episode put you off - this is actually a story of hope. Today I'm joined by Mordy Gottlieb, chef-turned social worker turned therapist who works predominantly with men who are struggling in a number of ways and can't seem to find a way forward.Mordy works on the premise that there is always hope - you just can't see it yet and through connections - along with often painful lessons - we can craft a life that is fulfilling, based upon self-worth and understanding what success means to you.Mordy talks openly with me about his own journey - the shame, the self-fulfilling prophecies and the maladaptive behaviours that caused him to seek a path of turning that pain into strength.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=29320f2611e04376https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061Check out Mordy's work on the links below:Game Changer Grouphttps://youtu.be/l7ulLKNFE9c?si=5iuCSXkg6_ZDSma9https://youtu.be/KZnjq5npqZM?si=JcZuLl4Sujy6nV8A

Today I'm joined by Stacey Niedenthol, an evidentiary medium, psychic and published writer. We talk about her work since learning of her particular gifts 11 years ago after convincing herself that she was potentially schizophrenic before receiving guidance that opened her eyes in a number of ways.We discuss her journey from childhood to the present day, her troubled past, skepticism and not rising to negativity, parallels in everyday life and much more besides...While I have never felt drawn to the spiritual realms in the same way as Stacey, throughout our conversation I find a great deal of overlap in both my personal and professional life alongside a new willingness to pay attention to that which is around me - both seen and unseen...Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=34cd3feebfb64d8ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061Check out Stacey's work on the links below:www.connectingtospirit.comFacebookConnectingtoSpiritwithStacey - YouTube

Today I'm joined by Joyce Holden Wheeler, owner and driving force behind Total Holistic Living, the company Joyce set up following startling discoveries in the aftermath of her husband becoming chronically ill.In 2009, Joyce's husband began to feel ill and was becoming increasingly fatigued and unwell. Following a series of incorrect diagnoses and discussions with doctors who seemed unwilling to dig deeper, by chance they discovered the source of the problem and much more besides.While looking into possible treatment options, Joyce became increasingly aware of the number of 'hidden toxins' within our food, cleaning products and hygiene items that are a staple in homes worldwide. Taking the decision to live a totally holistic life and promote a complete picture of health, Joyce and her family changed the way they ate, shopped and took care of themselves - and her husband's improving health gave further vindication of their decision.Having begun her business, Joyce made it her mission to educate others on the damage they are unknowingly doing to their health, while seeking out producers and providers who align with these values and look to promote a lifestyle free of over-processed and increasingly toxic products.Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=3bcf710bee3241eehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061To learn more about Joyce's work, click the links below:HOME | Total Holistic LivinBlog | Total Holistic LivinFacebook

At the moment it feels like many of us are doing life hard, with much of what happens around us seemingly beyond our control. The cost of living crisis, unemployment, political turmoil and so on can leave us feeling more disconnected and struggling to deal with everyday issues.Today I'm joined by Shelley Loader, manager at Community House, Whanganui and someone who regularly sees the best and worth in both human behaviour and the situations faced by many of the most vulnerable in our society.Shelley freely admits that her passion for her work is something that impacts upon her but it is this drive to support both her community and services operating on a national level that drives her and while she may often return home exhausted, it is her love of people that keeps her motivated.Shelley and I talk about how lack of dialogue, events like the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, 'othering' in reporting and social media forums among other things can splinter relationships between those around us and create further division when unity is our most positive tool for wellbeing and social harmony.Check out some of Shelley's work on the below links:How personality shapes our approach to social justice - Shelley Loader - NZ HeraldThe power of everyday role models in shaping community values – Shelley Loader - NZ HeraldOur different perspectives should strengthen, not divide – Shelley Loader - NZ HeraldWelcome to Community House – Supporting our communities together

I'm joined today by Michelle Steiner, who talks about her life having been diagnosed in kindergarten with dyscalculia, visual perception issues and limited hand dexterity.Although being supported by family and involved professionals, Michelle was regularly told that she would be unable to excel academically due to her disabilities, despite an aptitude for reading and writing that marked her out from her peers. This was in conjunction with struggles to fit in socially and find her 'tribe' at a time of life when seeking to define our place in the world.Having found a group of people with who she could connect and a strong desire to succeed rather than just accept the limitations placed upon her by others, Michelle succeeded in getting into university, completing her Bachelor's Degree, becoming a photographer and also a published writer.Michelle's story is one of overcoming challenges and digging deep, while highlighting the importance of support, empathy and listening to the individual - the importance of taking someone on their qualities rather than just following accepted definitions shows us the power of belief in oneself, particularly when cheered on.Check out Michelle's work on the links below:Michelle's MIssionMeet Michelle Steiner: Conquering Disabilities, Inspiring Many! ⋆ The Writing KingFacebookTurning You Can’t into I Did: Overcoming Barriers with Disabilities - Aspergers StudioWhen I'm 'Caught in the Act' of Having a Learning DisabilityAvailable on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:https://open.spotify.com/show/4aAdbPrTjEEnwco5jII65U?si=d2d00e410fcc4e03https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-harmony-time-to-talk/id1792776061