Project Friend Podcast

Welcome to the second part of grief episode series where we talk about the experience of grieving and delve deeper into the realms of grief and empathy. In this episode, your host Meg continues her conversation with Katrina, founder of Grow with Grief, a platform dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey of grief. Grief is a universal experience, yet it remains one of the most uncomfortable topics to discuss. However, as we learned in our previous episode, acknowledging and embracing grief is a crucial step towards healing. Now, join us as we explore even more empowering and helpful guidance on navigating through grief - both for those experiencing it and for those supporting someone who is grieving. Meg and Katrina delve into the delicate art of holding space for someone's pain and explore ways to foster open conversations about grief, promoting understanding and connection. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and through understanding and connection, we can make the uncomfortable, comfortable.

Welcome to another Project Friend Community pod! In this episode, Meg sits down with Katrina, the founder of Grow with Grief, to have an open and honest conversation about the sometimes uncomfortable topic of grief. Together, we share our personal experiences with grief and explore ways to make the journey of grieving more comfortable through empowerment and support. Katrina, who discovered her calling to support those who are grieving after experiencing her own loss, opens up about her own journey with grief. This personal experience inspired Katrina to create Grow with Grief, a community-driven platform that provides guidance, support, and resources for individuals navigating the grieving process. Together, Katrina and I strive to make the uncomfortable, comfortable, and to remind us all that open conversation and support can bring healing and connection during difficult times. We delve into the importance of normalising conversations about grief.

Do you often find yourself caught in a cycle of negative self-talk? Are you constantly seeking validation and comparing yourself to others? Can you relate to constantly overthinking every conversation and doubting your own abilities? If this is you, we have got you! If any of this sounds familiar, then join us on Project Friend Podcast as we delve into the challenges of low self-confidence and self-doubt. In this self empowering episode, Purdey and Meg, your hosts, recount our intentional self-growth journey in building confidence. We'll share our personal journeys of how our own insecurities held us back from living the lives we truly desired. We discuss how we overcame our own low confidence, transforming our lives and reaching for opportunities that we once thought were out of reach. Get ready to embrace a life filled with greater courage and confidence. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome, social anxiety, or simply yearn for a more authentic and fulfilling life, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Part 2 of our empowering podcast episode with Tara Mont on "Unlearning People Pleasing and Setting Boundaries" is finally here! Are you someone who constantly prioritizes others' needs over your own, always striving to please everyone around you? Do you struggle with asserting yourself and setting healthy boundaries? If this resonates with you, it's time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Boundaries serve as the protectors of our overall well-being, safeguarding our emotional, physical, and mental health. But where do they originate from? The answer lies deep within our values—the fundamental principles that define our true essence. Join us in our thought-provoking Community Pod as we delve into the profound connection between values and boundaries. Tara and Meg discuss boundaries with family members, friends and co-workers. This episode was born out of the need of any fellow people pleaser who is on the journey of unlearning their people pleasing ways! Tara Mont from Trust and Thrive helps empower us to establish boundaries that honour our authentic selves, leading to greater self-awareness and fulfillment.

Is this you? You find it challenging to say no, even when you're overwhelmed or don't have the time or energy to take on more tasks. You often prioritize other people's needs and desires above your own, sometimes at the expense of your well-being. You have a strong desire to be liked and accepted by others, often going out of your way to please them. You tend to avoid conflict or confrontation, preferring to keep the peace and maintain harmony in your relationships. You frequently apologize, even for things that aren't your fault or that you shouldn't apologize for. You have a habit of overcommitting yourself and taking on more responsibilities than you can handle, just to make others happy. Get ready for an empowering episode of the Project Friend Podcast, as we present "Navigating the Journey of Unlearning People-Pleasing". In this captivating conversation, our host teams up with Tara Mont from Trust and Thrive, to explore the transformative process of breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies and we share our own relatable experiences with people pleasing. Delve into the depths of this pervasive behavior and gain valuable insights into why we fall into the people-pleasing trap. Together with Tara, we embark on an enlightening journey of self-discovery, where we uncover our true needs, desires, and values so that we can be our most authentic self. Discover the power of setting healthy boundaries, and learn practical strategies for asserting yourself while maintaining authentic relationships. Overcome the fears and guilt that hold you back, and embrace self-compassion as you navigate this empowering path. This episode is your guide to forging meaningful connections without compromising your own well-being. Join us as we unravel the complexities of people-pleasing and unleash the strength to live life on your own terms.

We all have an inner child, the part of us that experienced the world as a child and shaped who we are today. And just like any child, our inner child has needs that must be met. When these needs are unmet, or we experience traumatic events in childhood, it can create inner child wounds that stay with us into adulthood. In this episode, we're joined by Tallia Deljou, an Inner Child Coach who has helped countless people heal their inner child wounds and find greater fulfillment in their lives. She shares her expertise and insights on that are both powerful and reaffirming.  Whether you're just starting on your journey of self-discovery or have been working on inner child healing for a while, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Join us as we explore the transformative power of inner child healing and the path to a more fulfilling life.

Let's talk about your greatest investment: YOUR MINDSET. On this week's episode we are diving into the topic of mindset and exploring how your thoughts can impact your life in profound ways. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals, while others struggle to make progress or why some individuals are more resilient in the face of setbacks, while others give up easily? It all comes down to the set of beliefs that you hold and that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. Our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities can either hold us back or propel us forward. We (Purdey and Meg) are big advocates of investing in your mindset because of the transformation it allowed us. In this episode we share some of the biggest changes we made that has allowed us to thrive in our thirties! We will also share practical tips and strategies for cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, and overcoming common obstacles that can stand in the way of our success or living the life you desire to live. So whether you're looking to improve your career, relationships, or personal growth, this episode will help you develop the mindset you need to thrive.  Let's get started!

Do you sometimes find yourself trying to adult but you have no clue what you are doing? Welcome home. All adults are welcome here. "Adulting" is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years to describe the process of becoming and behaving like a responsible adult. The transition from being in school to suddenly having to figure out life on your own can be a daunting task. We have been there and rumour has it that we are still trying to figure out this whole adulting business. In this episode, we will explore some of the challenges and joys of adulting, and how we can navigate this journey to become our best selves. We have some of our own personal and funny adulting struggles to share with you amongst the many joys that we have experienced as thirty something year olds. These might include managing finances, finding a job, balancing work and personal life, and developing healthy relationships. Of course, no Project Friend episode is complete without offering guidance to best navigate through your adulting years. We have got you!

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals while others struggle? The answer lies in our habits. In this episode, we will explore the science behind habits, and how small changes can lead to big results. Habits are the behaviors that we do automatically, without much conscious thought. They are formed through repetition and become ingrained in our daily routines. Habits can be both positive and negative, and they play a significant role in shaping our lives. Changing our habits can seem overwhelming, but small changes can make a big difference. By identifying the cues and rewards that drive our habits, we can start to make small changes that lead to big results. In this episode, Meg and Purdey delve deeper into cultivating good habits that align with the intentions that you have for yourself and the life you desire to live. We all have goals, dreams and visions of a life that we want to live but yet it can feel so overwhelming to know how to start. Habit looping has changed our lives and we as your self-growth mentors are here to tell you that you are indeed capable of living a beautiful life and you absolutely deserve to do so. In this episode we will share practical tips and guidance on how you can go about instilling healthy habits in your life that will give you real results. We are boldly moving away from measurable goals and into daily useful habits that will eventually lead to big changes in your life! Think mindset habits that will help you forever change the way you think and approach your life. Cultivating good habits is not a destination, but a journey. It requires patience, persistence, and self-awareness to transform your daily actions into positive habits that shape your life. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your efforts add up to create meaningful change.

Do you ever feel like you're being manipulated and controlled in your relationships, but can't quite put your finger on it?  In this Community Pod, Purdey speaks to Dr Stephanie Carinia - a clinical psychologist with 13 years experience in trauma and identity.  They deep dive into the topic of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation that can leave you doubting your own perceptions and memories. Gaslighting has become a buzz word, splashed around social media or thrown in faces when people are defensive. But how often do we experience it, what is it, how do we recognise it and most importantly why do people do it. We will also cover the impact of gaslighting on your mental health and self-esteem, and provide practical tips on how to respond when faced with gaslighting in a conversation. If you're ready to take back control of your reality and protect yourself from manipulation, this is the episode for you. Tune in for a powerful discussion on gaslighting and learn how to recognize and overcome it.

This episode is for our graduates, someone starting a new job or for those of you currently transitioning from one season to the next. Join us as we unpack the terrifying and liberating phase of life people go through when transitioning from being a graduate to entering the workforce. We have both been there and can very clearly remember what it felt like. Any new season calls for big changes and adjustments as what used to be very quickly changes and you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. On this week’s episode to unpack the reality of graduating, the quest one goes on to get a job and the reality that many people face after having studied for many years only to find out that they do not want to pursue a career in what they studied. We discuss the fears that one faces and why these fears are so valid. We have practical tips to offer as your self-growth mentors and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

On this week’s Community Pod, Meg speaks to Emma Wilson, the only turning 30 coach and we unpack Chapter 30 and how to confidently embrace your thirties. This episode is especially relatable to anyone who is feeling the pressure of societal expectations or who might currently be dealing with a lack of confidence, changing friendships or feeling stuck in their thirties. We have been there and we are here to guide you on this journey. We unpack friendships changing, life changes as you go from your twenties to thirties, comparison and confidence. Emma Wilson is a life coach who helps you to get unstuck, be more confident and feel better in your 30s. We discuss the reality of turning 30 and the expectations that one might feel on the day of turning 30 or in your thirties. Emma has amazing tips to share on building your confidence in your thirties and a concept she calls “turning 30 manuals”. Emma and Meg share their own personal experiences and have plenty of tips and life advice to offer for our fellow late 20s and 30s community.  If you are feeling anxious about turning thirty or if you are in your thirties, this episode was made for you!

Let’s talk about why we are not setting New Year's Resolutions this year! Yes, we said it. Those mostly unsustainable goals that you set for yourself, only to feel like a failure mid February because despite believing that this year it will be different, you just cannot manage to stick to what you made your goals. In this episode we unpack intentions and share practical tips with you on how to do the same. Although you can set intentions at any point in time in the year, there is just something about the beginning of the year and feeling inspired and excited about the possibilities and opportunities of the year ahead!  After a busy past year filled with all sorts of shenanigans, there is nothing quite like kicking up your feet and reflecting on the past year. Somehow, all the yearly fluff comes to a halt and you get to experience both the gratitude as well as the emotions attached to the ups and downs of the past year. Taking time to reflect is an important part of setting intentions for the year ahead. On this week's episode of Project Friend, Meg and Purdey take time to reflect on the past year and we share our intentions for the year ahead with you. We have some interesting perspectives to share on goals, New Year's resolutions and this journey called life!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! On this week’s episode of Project Friend, we are bringing all the holiday cheer to our podcast. Think Christmas sweaters, favourite holiday dessert and food, December traditions, our favourite holiday movies and our most treasured holiday memories. In this episode we reflect on the pit and the peak of the past year. We have light-hearted and fun stories to share as well as more personal experiences we have gone through in the past year. Of course, no holiday edition podcast is complete without unwrapping (excuse the pun) a few funny holiday stories, our thoughts on giving vs receiving and enjoying a  guilt-free time off after a really crazy past year. We have some practical tips and guidance to offer for the festive season. We know that this time of year can be tough for many of our listeners. We unpack tips and offer guidance on how to navigate your way through the tough discussions, family gatherings and boundaries that are not respected. We, your self-growth mentors, are here to support you every step of the way ! 

This is an hilarious episode filled with plenty of laughter as well as some really interesting realisations about each other! In this episode your hosts Purdey and Meg show vulnerability in sharing some of their reasoning for their “would you rather” statement choices. You might be surprised to find out what funny quirks these two podcast hosts have. In this episode they reveal their internet search history, they talk about their own experiences and life perspectives as a way to explain some of their decisions and they find out just how similar they are and just how different they are at the same time!

To put it simply, 12 years ago a fear of being vulnerable would have been a hot topic on our Project Friend walks and today we get to sit together weekly and share our vulnerabilities on a public platform with confidence. Our Project Friend Podcast hosts have experienced both comfortable living as well as being put in incredibly uncomfortable experiences. We have had to brave it through and dig deep for that little voice that repeatedly says: “you can do it”... and no, this is not an endorsement or ad for Nike, but yes, just do it ! Some of the most uncomfortable experiences have brought some of the most beautiful memories and allowed us opportunities that we would otherwise not have had. When you start to live according to the limiting narrative that you repeat to yourself daily, you are living a life based on fear. Beyond your fears is your most brave and true self. To move beyond this fear, one needs to take a big brave step out of the fear zone and into the growth zone. It might mean that at first you need to continuously show up for yourself but eventually, this zone will become comfortable too.

The term narcissist gets thrown around fast and loose sometimes. If you argue with someone or don't see eye to eye on an option, and it gets heated enough, that word pops out as an insult and an accusation. But what are narcissists, what do they want, what does their cycle of abuse look like and most importantly, what can we do about it? Join Purdey in this month's community pod as she speaks to Adriana Bucci, a narcissistic abuse recovery coach, and they delve into this fascinating topic of manipulators, love bombing, chronic pain, red flags and a few funny stories on the side (who has Purdey realised she really shouldn't laugh at). It is important to note that you can only ever change something when you can see it, and seeing it is the first step in change. There is a whole community of people waiting for you if you ever find yourself in a situation of physiological abuse and need help. You are worthy of happiness, healthy relationships and living the life you desire to have!

On this episode of Project Friend, we come to realise that we never truly understood the two terms that get used so often and loosely, introverts and extroverts. We unpack the true meaning behind these two terms and we talk about the labels that oftentimes get associated with these two terms. You might be surprised to find out that what people so often call an introvert or an extrovert, is in fact not that at all!  Both Meg and Purdey share their thoughts on these terms and the limitations they hold when we define ourselves only by these terms. We come to some interesting findings when we both do a personality test (something we have never felt strongly about) and realise how much has changed in the past few years.

There is nothing like experiencing a heartwarming and wholesome encounter with a stranger, someone who knows very little about you yet they have a lasting effect on your life. This week's episode finds a good balance between being hearty, yet light and fun. Have you ever had an experience with a stranger that stuck with you forever? Your Project Friend Podcast hosts have had many beautiful moments with strangers and on this week's episode we share these moments with you. These very moments are when faith is restored in humanity. They are the collections of experiences that influence our decisions, the way we treat other people and the way in which we see life.  Encounters with strangers makes one realise just how little it costs to change someone's life forever. Experiences could be through an observation made, an act of service, through subtle acknowledgement, stretching out a helping hand, giving advice, a kind deed or even a compliment. Your Project Friend Podcast hosts also have some funny stories to share about moments with strangers that were both meaningful and funny.

Jana is a woman of many hats - wife, mother, teacher, small business owner, and breast cancer survivor. Join us as she shares her story, experiences, and the lessons she learnt while being diagnosed with breast cancer at the very young age of 27 and 6 months into being married. For most people, it would be hard to comprehend being faced with finding out that you have breast cancer in your first year of being married, a time that you would naturally envision your life being new and joyful!  Jana’s story is not only a friendly reminder of why early detection is key, and despite the challenges faced, she is the epitome of courage with her ability to use humour to overcome some of the harsh realities of breast cancer and reflects on the importance of community.  On Project Friend, we share stories as a way to lend support, gain understanding and perspective, share wisdom so that everyone can learn from different people's experiences, and most importantly, build connections through vulnerability. Jana’s story is the epitome of these attributes. Her breast cancer journey and the perspective she shares are not only inspiring but also empowering.