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SHE Speaks Podcast
30 Episodes
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What if one of the most powerful self-care tools was already within you—waiting to be noticed, honoured, and used with intention? In this deeply calming and insightful conversation, Carol Segal joins Professor Narelle Lemon to explore the transformative potential of conscious breathing as a sustainable self-care strategy for women. A PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University and a member of the She Speaks team, Carol invites us to rethink something so natural yet so often forgotte...
What if resilience isn't about toughing it out or building impenetrable armor? Professor Caroline Mansfield joins us to challenge everything we think we know about resilience, revealing it as something far more nuanced—and accessible—than we've been led to believe. This conversation explores how we can honour both our strength and our humanity, especially during life's most demanding seasons. In This Episode Caroline shares: Why resilience is "ordinary magic" that belongs to all of us, ...
In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr Maria Loreta Outtrim shares her groundbreaking research on women in educational leadership and the vital role of self-care in sustainable leadership. Drawing from her doctoral work with female principals in Western Australian Catholic schools, Maria explores how prioritising wellbeing isn't separate from leadership excellence—it's fundamental to it. This episode challenges traditional leadership models and offers a new vision where self-compassion an...
In the second part of our conversation with sex worker advocate Jenna Love and sexologist Dr Giselle Woodley, we examine what meaningful change actually looks like. From the classroom to the courtroom, we explore how evidence-based approaches can reshape our understanding of sexuality education and sex work policy. This episode cuts through moral panic to reveal what young people are actually experiencing and what research tells us works. This Episode Jenna Love and Dr Giselle Woodley continu...
When society talks about sex work, the conversation is often shaped by assumptions rather than reality. In this thoughtful dialogue, we sit down with sex worker and advocate Jenna Love and sexologist Dr. Giselle Woodley to explore what these discussions miss. From the practicalities of safety and boundaries to the complex relationship between research, policy, and lived experience, this conversation challenges us to think beyond the headlines and examine our own preconceptions about sexuality...
What happens when you spend decades thinking you're "clever but lazy," only to discover your brain works differently? Dr Alix Woolard shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding, revealing the hidden reality of ADHD in women and the unique self-care challenges that come with a brain that craves novelty while struggling with traditional wellness advice. This conversation goes beyond the hyperactive boy stereotype to explore what ADHD actually looks like in daily life - from the exhau...
Motherhood is transformative, joyful, and undeniably challenging. But what if supporting maternal mental health didn't mean adding another item to an impossible to-do list? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research that's changing how we think about accessible, practical mental health support for pregnant women and new mothers. Dr Jackie Davis shares insights from the "Mums Minds Matter" study—research that goes beyond telling mothers what they should do, and instead discovers what ...
In this “powerful goose-bump land it” episode, we explore mindful awareness not as another item on our self-care checklist, but as the essential foundation that guides how we truly care for ourselves. Registered psychologist and mindfulness educator Liv Downing shares how tuning into each moment with presence and compassion can fundamentally transform our approach to wellbeing - moving us from prescribed solutions to authentic, responsive self-care. This Episode Liv Downing takes us on a jour...
What if true empowerment isn't about dramatic life changes or breaking free from tradition, but about making strategic choices within your own circumstances? In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge mainstream narratives about women's empowerment and explore how agency looks different across cultures, communities and contexts. Paola Bórquez Arce shares insights from her groundbreaking research with women in rural Timor-Leste and her work with refugee communities in Australia, revealing...
For many women, "get out in nature" feels like wellness advice we can't afford - another should on the pile when we're already drowning in responsibilities. Environmental scientist and nature therapy guide Belinda McCawley dismantles this narrative entirely. Through her journey from hypervigilant multitasker to forest therapy guide, she reveals how nature connection isn't luxury self-care - it's essential medicine for our overwhelmed nervous systems. This isn't about finding three hours for f...
In this heartfelt conversation, wellbeing expert Esmee Ng shares powerful insights on nurturing family wellbeing while honoring our own needs as caregivers. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Esmee offers practical wisdom on breaking free from perfectionism, creating meaningful connection, and embracing self-compassion as the foundation of family care. This Episode Esmee shares her journey with family wellbeing and self-care. We explore: Why self-care isn't selfish ...
In this in depth and illuminating conversation, Narelle and Julie Ann welcome Professor Loretta Baldassar, an anthropologist whose work explores the intersections of culture, care, and aging. Drawing from her extensive research with migrant communities and leading the Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab at Edith Cowan University, Loretta shares profound insights about how cultural backgrounds shape women's experiences of aging and caregiving, challenging us to reconsider our understanding of ind...
In this candid episode of She Speaks, we explore what wellbeing and self-care really look like beyond Instagram perfection and commercialised images. Kate Hulett, a Fremantle business owner, community advocate, artist, and independent political candidate, shares her raw experiences of balancing multiple roles while navigating the demands of political candidacy. With honesty and authenticity, she reveals the challenges and small victories in maintaining wellbeing during intensely busy periods ...
In this second part of our conversation with public health researcher Felicity, we explore how to transform our relationship with menstruation from one of secrecy and shame to one of awareness and appreciation. Felicity shares her insights on befriending our cycles, breaking through cultural barriers of shame, and developing meaningful rituals that honor our bodies' natural rhythms. This episode offers practical wisdom for women seeking to reclaim their menstrual experiences as sources of pow...
In this conversation, public health researcher Dr Felicity Roux from Curtin Medical School shares her expertise on menstrual health literacy. She offers a refreshing perspective on how our menstrual cycles serve as an inbuilt personal health monitor, helping us understand our bodies better and practice more intentional self-care. This episode challenges the unnecessary secrecy and shame surrounding menstruation, inviting listeners to develop a more compassionate and informed relationship with...
In this episode, Narelle connects with psychology student and research assistant Lilly to explore how self-trust and mindful awareness can transform our relationship with self-care. Together they unpack why many women struggle to trust themselves, what happens in our brains when we're not present, and practical ways to integrate mindfulness into even the busiest lives. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on self-care that moves beyond commercialized notions to reveal how these p...
In this inspiring conversation, Natalie shares her remarkable journey from an exhausted single mother of three who struggled to find time for breakfast to a confident triathlete who discovered that challenging her physical limits could transform her entire approach to self-care. Her story reveals how embracing a seemingly impossible physical challenge became the catalyst for reclaiming her energy, strength, and sense of possibility. This Episode Natalie shares her journey from never running t...
In this conversation, Narelle speaks with Dawn about mental health—what it truly encompasses and how we can support ourselves proactively. They explore the importance of developing strategies while we're feeling well to help navigate future difficult times, as these resources often become harder to access when we're struggling. Dawn shares her extensive knowledge as a mental health professional while offering compassionate, practical wisdom about self-care, kindness, and mental wellness. In T...
In this powerful conversation, Rachel shares her insights on the delicate balance of motherhood and self-care. We explore how mothers can nurture their own identity, worthiness, and self-compassion while raising children. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on challenging perfectionism, embracing our inherent worth, and finding moments of self-compassion in the midst of parenting demands. This Episode Rachel shares her journey and wisdom about motherhood and self-nurturing. We explor...
In this end-of-year special episode, we explore the complexities of navigating life's transitions, milestone birthdays, and finding gentle ways to care for ourselves. Our guest Tamara shares her candid reflections on turning 50, building sustainable habits, and learning to embrace imperfection. This Episode Tamara shares insights on: - Reframing expectations around milestone life transitions - Finding compassionate ways to build habits that work for neurodivergent minds - The pow...



