Happy Chicks Podcast

With the findings of the inquest into Veronica Nelson’s death at Dame Phyllis Frost centre in Jan 2020 being handed down this week we have heard announcements from the state government about the changes to health provision at the women’s prisons, but what else is changing?I’m joined by community lawyer, prison activist and board member of Flat Out, a support and advocacy service for women and gender diverse people who are existing prison or at risk of going to prison, Amanda George. While Veronica Nelson’s death highlights problems with the criminal justice system Amanda walks us through what happened to Veronica over the three days of her custody.We have heard from the Andrew’s govt that the outsourced health care provided at women’s prisons will be now conducted by local heath providers, while this is a step in the right direction, is this just putting the mattress at the bottom of the cliff? What reforms do we need to be seeking when it comes to the incarceration of women in Victoria?Amanda addresses these questions and more in our conversation that at times is hard to listen to, but needed if we are to create change.To find out more about Flat Out Inc click HERE

Brief Interventions is a free, confidential and easy-to-access counselling service for anyone aged over 16 who is concerned about their mental health, wellbeing, or drug and alcohol use.BCYF delivers the program throughout Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Colac Otway region, and the Golden Plains Shire.How does it work?Their experienced clinicians use a range of approaches and practical strategies to help improve health and wellbeing.Brief Interventions offer up to five one-hour counselling sessions, along with referrals and further treatment planning if required.Who can access Brief Interventions?Anyone can access the service by contacting BCYF’s AOD (Alcohol & Other Drugs) Intake or completing the referral form HERE. Referrals from GPs are welcome and prioritised (no Mental Health Care Plan required).For more information contact:Phone: 1300 022 293This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

We all hang out for Summer.  That time of the year where the days are long, we spend time at the beach, with friends, having endless BBQ’s and long walks.But the reality can be different and I want to shine a light on the other side of Summer in case you are feeling some of the Summertime Blues.In this episode I'm joined by Kylie Broadfoot Founder of KMB Coaching and we spend time understanding the types of goals we could be making at this time of year and why we sometimes sabotage them . Kylie works with women in their business and their lives to make a significant impact in the world, but who may find burnout, self sabotage or people pleasing may be getting in their way.We begin our conversation with the idea of New Years resolutions and if are they helping us or harming us?This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Have you seen sunflower lanyards getting about the place?  The Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme began in England at Gatwick airport and is now spreading its inclusion cheer all around the world.Sandee Facy from Bayley House joined me in the studio to share who the scheme is for and to call out to organisations and businesses who are looking to be more inclusive for the whole community, to get on board.Living with a Hidden Disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognise, acknowledge or understand the challenges faced. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer (or support person with them) has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.In the studio as well for this conversation is Ainslee Hooper from  Ainslee Hooper Consulting our resident inclusions and accessibility expert.This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong.

Change...eek! Who is good at it?Lisa Taylor, my resident relationships and communication expert, from Strengthening Families Australia and I dive headlong into the notion of change.From being frustrated with someone who is not progressive with their point of view or holds a different opinion to you to struggling to comprehend how someone else can now think something you find too "out there", we can trip up when it comes to our communication and maintaining healthy relationships.Lisa and I tease out how we can navigate these testing time in the first part of our chat and then dive further into why humans find change sooooo tricky in the first place.Stick around for the second part where Lisa shares a framework for change that is extremely useful.Lisa's upcoming full day event "Love and Connection Mastery" to be held on 18th of Feb, 2023 will cover much and more of the ideas we covered in our conversation today.  This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

"From doctor to patient to doctor again, Dr Steven Sommer's uplifting story is told alongside the story of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Steven's life and career was soaring with potential before it was derailed by ME/CFS.Steven and his partner, Tori, unveil the horrors of what it was like to have this disease as he shares his search for answers, a quest that culminates in a joyous turn-around.Interwoven, is the fascinating medical research that's blowing the hat off our understanding of this oft-maligned illness. It exposes and verifies that ME/CFS is truly a biomedical disease not a psychiatric one.Currently, close to two hundred and fifty thousand Australians and millions of people worldwide are impacted by ME/CFS. This number is likely to swell as a percentage of people with Long Covid go on to develop ME/CFS."  drstevensommer.com Steven and Tori share with us their journey with ME/CFS and how their story, research and books can help many who are living with long covid.It's estimated that 1 in 10 people who have covid will develop long covid. This diagnosis usually happens after a person has had lingering covid symptoms for over 3 months.  50% of those are likely to develop ME/CFS.  Dr. Steven's books are available at the Geelong library as well as online at the above website.For more information and support about ME/CFS please head to Emerge AustraliaThis season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

What's mHBOT and can it help with long covid symptoms?The simple answer is yes, the longer answer is ...listen to the interview.It was great to speak with Chris Reed from Geelong Bowen and Remedial Therapies about the use of mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for people experiencing long covid symptoms.While each person is different the research Chris refers to in his latest blog shows very encouraging signs.We also speak about his best advice when it comes to engaging a body work practitioner, whether that be Bowen therapy or another modality, to best support the recovery of people with long covid.This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, in collaboration with the Surf Coast Shire Council, will hold an inaugural truth-telling event: Pilk Purriyn, which means ‘sunrise’ from 5:30am - 7am Thursday 26th of January 2023.It is an opportunity for members of all communities to come together for deep listening and reflection as the sun rises. The event will acknowledge the trauma and harm to First Nations People through colonisation and recognise the resilience of their people and culture which continues today. The day will begin with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony followed by truth-telling.  To register for this free event CLICK HERE.It was wonderful to sit with Corrina and Jenna and briefly hear about why they are holding this event and what it can mean for our community moving forward together.Corrina brought in but we didn't get time to discuss a Djillong Timeline, please access it HERE.This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Just because it has always been doesn't mean is has to be this year.Chrissie Davies from Chaos to Calm joined me in the studio to discuss how parents are looking to create new traditions that reflect their families needs and values.We discuss a range of ideas on how you can have a far more peaceful and enjoyable Christmas by tweaking expectations, doing things differently and catering for your family's needs.Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour expert, trauma informed educator, consultant, writer, guest speaker, loving mama of two and a passionate advocate for understanding 'differently wired' children.This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Grief does strange things to you.  It can take away your taste, appetite and even your ability to make a decision.  It makes us ache, robs us of sleep and keeps us in a perpetual fog.  It's a state that requires us to live with it.  It doesn't end, and is not gotten over.  Annie Norrish from Hope Bereavement Care based in Geelong joined me to discuss how we can live with bereavement in times when the rest of the world is full of joy and excitement.This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Want to be successful in business?  Kim walks us through the 5 things the successful business owners have in common.  Remember we don't need to reinvent the wheel, success leaves clues so pick them up and use them.Kim Macdonald is a BAS Agent and Business Money coach passionate about empowering business owners to understand their business finances so they can make great decisions.Kim joins me as a regular on Pulse FM in the Making Life Better segment of the show.  This season I'm sharing interviews with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These chats are part of the morning program Loretta's Front Page broadcast on 94.7Pulse FM community radio in Geelong

Here is a word many of us are familiar with, Endometriosis…but did you know that the average diagnosis delay in Australia is 6.4 years, I find this stat staggering yet unfortunately very believable.I was joined on the program by Kat Stanely, director of Endo Help Foundation who  helps us understand why this is and what we can ALL do to shift this alarming delay.This October join Kat and me as we, and many others from around the world, complete the Walk the World 4 Endo virtual month long walk. Register HERE.This season I'm sharing interviews and conversations with inspirational people about conversations that need to be had and heard.  These conversations are part of the morning radio program Loretta's Front Page, broadcast on 94.7 Pulse FM community radio in Geelong.You can listen live or pick up a replay of the entire show at https://947thepulse.com/shows/lorettas-front-page/

You can stop pushing sh*t uphill any time you like.  You have my permission to surrender. Not because you can't cope but because you choose.In this episode we dive into how Acceptance and Surrender are a fast track to more happiness joy and flow.  In the past "giving up" was shunned and "hustling and pushing through" was praised.  Fortunately we are moving into a time when we can know the power of letting go, accepting what is and being ok with it.  As Buzzy, my guest ,says, "There isn't a right way or wrong way to be, but there is a gentle way"My guests this week are:Laura DickLaura is a cyclical business mentor who helps high achieving and driven business women to ditch the hustle and run their businesses and launches with intention, and in alignment with their cycles.With a blend of cycle syncing, systems, and planning, Laura's approach to business allows her clients to focus their time and energy on the things that matter most, and get results without burning out.https://www.businesswithflow.com https://www.instagram.com/businesswithflowBuzzy LewisBuzzy Lewis spends her time between her partner's family farm and her beachy hometown Warrnambool, the natural beauty of both places inspire her endless creativity. Buzzy loves creativity. It lights her up, and it’s how she pays the bills. She’s been a graphic designer, marketing manager, artist, art teacher, entrepreneur and strategist.But it’s the dark-side of creativity that led her to become a writer. As a recovering perfectionist Buzzy is very susceptible to creative anxiety, self-doubt and creative burnout. Since 2014 she’s been researching and writing about the lessons from the dark-side of creativity and building a pretty remarkable toolkit for what she calls a ‘Failure Friendly Mindset’. Her Failure Friendly action cards teach the three non negotiable skills needed for a Failure Friendly Mindset: self-awareness, self-belief and self-compassion. While her book ‘Being Creative’ goes beyond treating symptoms like perfectionism or procrastination, to explore the true cause of our difficulties and how to establish a healthy relationship with the creative process. Buzzy’s current creative projects include a farmhouse renovation, planning her wedding, designing a gameshow, self-publishing her second book, designing a jewellery collection and rolling out a worker attraction campaign as part of her day-job as an Economic Development Officer.https://www.failurefriendly.com/

My mantra is Clarity Is Kindness.  This is how I try to turn asking into an art rather than a dreaded job.Getting clear on what we want, asking for help or requesting the space to step forward on our own is all a form of kindness.  It’s kind for us because it means we have more hope of getting the desired outcome and kind for those around us.  They can choose to grant the request when they have all the information.This is the Happy Chicks podcast where we explore the pathways of happiness with the fluff and bullshit.Our guests this episode:Kim MacdonaldKim is a BAS agent and book keeper who as a single mother of three found herself in a state of overwhelm and exhaustion.  Kim’s rates simplicity as one of her top values in life and in business and shares her story from the heart.Kim has the ability to make the complex simple and her down to earth tips and advice makes it feel like you are listening to a friend.https://www.savvyofficesolutions.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/SavvyOfficeSolutionsGeelongLisa TaylorLisa is a family therapist, coach and consultant and Director of Strengthening Families Australia.  She is incredibly passionate about supporting individuals and families to connect, heal and understand themselves and each other. She uses her highly-sensitive superpower to listen to what’s in people’s hearts, hear what’s not being said and reconnect relationships, whether it’s with yourself, partner, family or business.  The core of her craft is helping people to see who they truly are in the world and to understand the gift they are to others and her mission is to create experiences of connection and belonging that allows love to thrive.Lisa is a wife and Mum of 3 teenagers and loves working with conscious parents, and families and has developed The Ultimate Parenting Success Program and The Source coaching group to support parents and anyone wanting to strengthen their relationships.Follows us on Facebook & InstagramSign up here for Connect & Thrive newsletterWebsite: https://strengtheningfamiliesaustralia.com.au/

Sick of living on repeat patterns of blah?  Ever wonder who is actually in charge of the decisions you make and the things you do?  Surely it can’t be you, why would you create this for yourself.  Well as it happens we are ultimately responsible but sometimes we give our the reins to a committee that doesn’t have your best interests at heart.

Andrea FrankAs a licensed mental health therapist, coach and consultant, Andrea explores a new emerging meaning of kindness from a wellbeing lens and as a sustainability practice. Her Covid passion project involved co-creating wellbeing economic policy with eclectic professionals from around the globe to serve organizations from parliaments to local communities with ground up solutions for reimagining how the economy works for everyone. Countries like Australia, Scotland, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Finland, UK, and Canada have and are moving forward with these practices in their governments and communities.She works with high achieving individuals currently in the medical field, CEO’s in the nonprofit and for profit sectors and organizations interested in using wellbeing as a lens. Together she is building a kinder world one thriving person at a time.https://andreakanefrank.com/Alice Eldred Only when we treat the whole person can the person feel well within themselves.“I  first heard of Bowen Therapy after I had just had my child and was in pain suffering from sciatica and vertigo. I was in so much pain, and with constant dizziness I was unable to drive. Then after exhausting all that was offered to me, my mum suggested Bowen Therapy . I was skeptical, but I was also desperately wanting to be living a pain free life. Honestly, while on the therapist's table I could feel the pain ease and the sensation to my feet returning. It was such a sweet relief. After just one session I was able to sleep better , move better and suddenly finding the energy I so desperately needed, to be a new mother. Something I will always be so grateful for.”Alice trained in massage and Bowen therapy and runs her practice, Soothe My Soul, in Hastings Hawkes Bay NZ.  She believes that creating moments of mindfulness throughout your day are the stepping stones for not only greater mental health, but physical wellbeing too. She is intrigued with the way trauma is held in our bodies and loves to work with other trauma sufferers to help them feel safe, and at ease in their body https://www.soothemysoul.co.nz/And make sure to read "2 Great Reasons to be Kind" over on the Happy Chicks Blog

 A short and sweet episode to reveal a nugget of wisdom, aka a Happiness Gem.I'm Loretta Hart, your host. I'm a happiness strategist, I love helping you find your happy. Happy Chicks Podcast, happiness chat without the fluff and bullshit.This week I talk about Living Above the Line. You can also read more about living above the line and calling bullsh*t on yourself HERE!

I remember being in a psychology lecture at university and the question was asked why do humans sleep.It seemed like a no brainer to me.Isn’t it because we are tired??  The lecturer went on, ‘Yes we sleep because we are tired but why do humans need to fall into an unconscious state in order to revive themselves and why do we need 8 hours a night.  Why can’t we exist and perform by having mirconaps or just reduce our metabolism and activity like fish but stay alert to danger?This question still intrigues me mainly because we often accept what we do as normal and don’t question the why behind it.It's like the question: Why do humans need connection?We come out of the womb looking to bond. We seek places to ‘fit in and belong’ all through life, often knowing that when we are part of something bigger than ourselves we feel more fulfilled and whole.Religion, clubs and organisations flourish as people with common mindsets come together to connect, but why do we do it?  What does it give us?Lisa TaylorLisa is a family therapist, coach and consultant and Director of Strengthening Families Australia.  She is incredibly passionate about supporting individuals and families to connect, heal and understand themselves and each other. She uses her highly-sensitive superpower to listen to what’s in people’s hearts, hear what’s not being said and reconnect relationships, whether it’s with yourself, partner, family or business.  The core of her craft is helping people to see who they truly are in the world and to understand the gift they are to others and her mission is to create experiences of connection and belonging that allows love to thrive.Lisa is a wife and Mum of 3 teenagers and loves working with conscious parents, and families and has developed The Ultimate Parenting Success Program and The Source coaching group to support parents and anyone wanting to strengthen their relationships.Follows us on Facebook & InstagramSign up here for Connect & Thrive newsletterWebsite: https://strengtheningfamiliesaustralia.com.au/Dallas ScottPittockWe've all got one... the friend who's always got a camera in their hand... that's me! Always with the camera, the photos and the memories. The friend who always gives photos for gifts! I'm also the friend who nags about keeping photos safe, and most importantly sharing and using those beautiful treasures. Now I get to be that person for my clients. The person with the information, the camera scanner and the help to keep their treasures safe and share with their families.Moving from photography to photo organising wasn’t really in the plan… then again neither was 2020 or a pandemic! It did, however, give me the time and opportunity to get deeply lost in the world of photo organising, write a class for my clients and friends, and think deeply about the future of my business. They say a change is as good as a holiday… and given we weren’t going anywhere and I couldn’t work in 2020… I changed my business from taking the photos to helping clients with their own photos. So, Dallas ScottPittock, Professional Photo Organiser and owner of Treasured Collections Photo Organising it is! And I’m loving every minute, challenge, client and project! Change is often challenging, but out of challenge often comes the best parts of life. My passion has forever been photos! I used to create them, but now I get to help save, use and share them!www.treasuredcollections.com.au

A short and sweet episode to reveal a nugget of wisdom, aka a Happiness Gem.I'm Loretta Hart, your host. I'm a happiness strategist, I love helping you find your happy. Happy Chicks Podcast, happiness chat without the fluff and bullshit.This week I talk about Just SurvivingI have lots of great ideas, tips, advice ,and tools you can use to create more happiness and joy.But I know that if you are in the middle of the shitter none of that feels really helpful.I know you probably don’t have the brain space or energy to do any of the stuff I'm talking about. You are just surviving.So if that's you, then let’s talk about what we do when we're really in the shit and we're just keeping our head from going under.Click here to read more about Just Surviving

We hear that “courage is fear walking” but in this conversation we break apart why sometimes we feel like we need a rest from being courageous all the time.  We unpack the difference between courage and bravery and how that impacts us.  We also laugh, share our “happy this week” moments and inspire each other.Make sure to read more about 'Courage' HERERachel PennRachel is an art therapist and a somatic experiencing practitioner who has worked in the community services sector for the last 10 years in a counselling and case management position.Rachel has spent the last several years working with women and their babies before taking maternity leave to grow and nurture her own baby.Rachel likes to incorporate touch work for trauma resolution and movement such as QiGong to support her therapeutic work and embodiment practices.https://www.instagram.com/healingpenn/Kylie PaatschKylie is the founder of a company called the Fearless way and is on a mission to permeategreater consciousness, courage, compassion, and creativity in all dimensions of leadership.She has spent over 25 years in business, leadership, and people development and hasstudied, researched, explored, and directly experienced what success looks like when weconnect deeply with ourselves and live with less fear.She is an advocate of courageous leadership, mindfulness and passionate about breakingdown barriers to inequality, creating environments where everyone can thrive anddeveloping female talent.www.thefearlessway.com.au