This week's guest on Susan Dunlop's Coffee and Contemplation with Women is Madi, a tricenarian, 30, from Noosa, Queensland.

Madi's Favourite Quote: (1) as a teen “this too shall pass”; and (2) now “growth requires accountability”

Madi's Favourite Song: Piano Man, Billy Joel – always brings happiness and happy memories.

Madi shares the identity crisis experienced when becoming a new mum and how important it is to “let yourself feel what you need to feel, when you need to feel it – and don’t be ashamed about it”. 

As an adult, mum and teacher, Madi is happy with society’s shift in better managing mental health issues at school. As a teen, Madi experienced undiagnosed depression and an ‘old school’ treatment of being sent away to boarding school in the city and enrolled in anger management classes, run by the school’s ancient nuns.

Now flying solo to raise 2 toddler daughters, Madi is clear about making conscious choices relating to use of her time vs getting caught up in guilt. Now studying a degree in psychology remotely, and with a degree in early childhood education behind her, Madi has a dream to work in child psychology.

Enjoy!

Today's guest is Lois Ronsisvalle, 91,  of Neutral Bay in Sydney. Lois is my first guest in the nonagenarian decade of life. I asked, via my mum, if she could line up Lois to join me on the podcast. I recalled Lois always to be a positive, laughing, keep it sensationally simple, kind of lady. Lois lived across the road from me during my childhood in Beverly Hills, Sydney. Her family of 4 children, all a decade or so older than the children of our household, now has expanded to include 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. During today's episode we had Lois' 1-year-old great granddaughter doing beautiful backing vocals.

Lois shares her earliest memories, she didn't have any 'naughty' memories to share, as the middle daughter of 5 children; she was a good girl. Her adventurous spirit moved her away from home to work across New Zealand before a planned trip around the world in 1947 after the war had ended. She got as far as Sydney.

Still living in Sydney, surrounded by her family, Lois walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge this past weekend. Lois shares about her passion for fashion and all things sparkly filling her up via her years as a business owner. We talk technology... and then Lois had to get going to help with the great granddaughter and head out for a walk to the park in the sunshine. 

This week's podcast took a more focused format, rather than a variety of questions across a woman’s whole life journey. 

Meet one extraordinary real woman, who shares how she developed a passion, the knowledge and experience of working with craft beer, via a rich tapestry of 9 years' travel and work internationally, between the time she left school and now.

Sianna Lucas, 26, of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, shares how she's taking her lessons learnt to shape a business plan, to come out the other end of this Covid-19 tunnel with a plan to thrive, not just survive.

You’ll possibly have listened to Episode 13, our 70-something nanna – Marg, who had been put forward as a guest by her granddaughter. As always, the women who put someone forward, that they admire, also catch my attention. Today’s guest, Sianna, is Marg’s granddaughter, and also the partner of my daughter, Danielle.

On Sunday this past weekend we were having lunch with Sianna and Danielle in our garden. Sianna casually showed us she’d launched a new Instagram page for her new business "Craft Not Krap". As a business owner and coach, I know the exciting feeling that breathing life into a new business has on you. So, on Sunday, it was a pleasure, to sit and happily listen to this lovely young woman’s idea, that was part of her business sparkling into life, just by summoning up the courage to take that idea forward, first one step, then the next. 

Today, Sianna and I focused on career, profession, passion, business, a pivot and how all of that is coming about in this time of covid-19 disruption to business-as-usual.

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If you'd like Sianna or any other guest to speak in more detail on an area of focus in their story, that you wished we'd have gone further with, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. 

My Episode 14 guest went AWOL, so it was a case of good luck vs good management that I spotted myself in the mirror as I passed by, pondering who could step-in last minute. Today, I not only got to see what it was like to contemplate and answer the questions I put to my guests but I got to be Episode 14's  'save-Susan's-arse' guest. 

My daughter just asked 'so you asked yourself the questions... and answered them?'. Well, yes I did and it was kind of fun.

From the list of questions sent out to all my guests, I covered some of the ones today that I've noticed women highlight the most, but others they've skipped around, or had wanted to answer but not on-air, or not just yet. 

The episode touches on the topic of society's most common of all cultural taboos, incest - the great unspoken! Not in a deep dive details way. Sibling Incest was unfortunately a part of my early life, and it's something I am taking my learnings from to do good with in the world. My intention in sharing my story, lightly in this episode; in the book I'm writing; and raising awareness of it via speaking, is that: as I have the intelligence and voice to share my story, it would be wrong for me to not share and do something about it to reduce the occurrence of this form of sexual abuse. In the past 18 months I've researched and read expansively on the topic, on top of what I knew from my own experience, to share the ways in which it's possible to heal from this 'great unspoken'. 

My dream is that other mothers and fathers become more aware or intuitive about what might be going on in their own home; and that the daughters and sons of our world might find the courage, to break the bonds of guilt, shame and self-blame, that suffocate and silence so many survivors into never ever finding their voice. "Shame cannot survive being spoken" - Brene Brown. 

Two other mottos: "children should be seen and not heard" and "your brother's in charge - do what he tells you" were buggers of mottos for the 3 younger Catholic children of 4 in our family, back in the 1960s and 70's. Something we've seen coming to light, in cases such as Cardinal Pell's recently. 

I'm in the quinquagenarian decade of life, 54, mother of 3 daughters in their 20s, wife to a beautiful supportive husband and all the other roles I've played, discarded, leapt away from and run towards with my arms open. I'm a mixed bag of magic really.

If this episode includes anything you'd like to be spoken about in greater detail, or if the episode's inclusion of the subject of incest may cause a trigger for you, please reach out - my email is [email protected]. If you, a child or someone you know is at risk or you believe is experiencing family abuse, of any type, reach out to the good people at Phone:  1800RESPECT.

Love to you all,

Susan

#1800respect

Marg is our first brave Nanna, put forward by her granddaughter, Sianna (pictured) to share her story. 

Marg simply began with "I think my life has been fortunate... like everybody I've had ups and downs,  but more ups than downs. I think as you get older you learn to roll with the punches and I do think of myself as a survivor, so maybe that helps."

Marg, our first septuagenarian, or woman in her 70s, of Verrierdale, Queensland, shared her own backstory today, as our chat cuts across the most decades of life of any episode... starting with Marg's first memory at 2 and a half. That was back when being in hospital didn't include being permitted to have your mum sit by your bedside or give you cuddles - but rather she had to make do with seeing you through a window. 

Follow the episode today and listen to Marg's journey. 

I know a few of you will have stories along similar lines. 

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Before you listen: technology and the world in which Marg and I both live and work, tried their hardest to disrupt our chat recording. Between tree removals, a house-demolition, doors slamming, dogs barking - Marg was so gracious in tolerating having to stop, start, stop and start again... and she did it with a laugh. Thank you Marg for persevering despite all the disruption, adjustments to sound quality. You kept your story flowing well.

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If there's any part of Marg's or another guest's story that you'd like them to elaborate on further, or you would like me to bring on other women to speak about a topic in greater depth, please don't hesitate to reach out to me: [email protected]. 

Similarly, if you or a woman you know are willing to share your/her story, that's what this podcast is about. Contact me and I can set you up ready for a comfortable easy chat. My guests so far have been chosen from my heart - no 'show-ponying', 'empire-building'... sorts - just beautiful spirits I've met on my life's journey, who've endured ups and downs and have come to where they are now through hard-lessons learnt, perseverance, loss, love and lightness. 

We timed this episode very nicely, without even knowing it! 

Given my guest, Lynde McKinley's nursing career has evolved to far greater heights than she'd ever have imagined, and today being the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. Florence having blessed us with establishing the nursing profession, it was perfect timing! 

Lynde lives in Saskatchewan (say that 5 times) province, Canada. A quinquagenarian in terms of decades of life, Lynde is about to turn 51. A Professor of Nursing, Lynde holds a Masters of Nursing and a Doctorate in Integrated Medicine. She has also studied Ayurveda with the Chopra Center and the Kerala Ayurvedic Academy. I met Lynde in Kerala, India, and cheer her on, in growing her "passion" business, The OM Experience, where Lynde specialises in Mindfulness, Meditation and Ayurvedic Wellness. 

Today, we began with the question 'what does Florence Nightingale mean to you?' Lynde: "To me it's that powerful woman's roar of Here I Am, Let's Make This Better" and from there the conversation went. 

Lynde talks about life being a roller coaster ride, the experiences she's survived and doesn't regret, as they've led her to thrive. Her nursing career and her business that lights her up and how mindfulness is the safety net in any moment, particularly in managing her diagnosed anxiety disorder. 

Lynde shares tips for the simplest form of mindfulness practice... useful right now in this very 'mindful' period we're experiencing in lockdown. That and other gems you'll find throughout the episode. 

Like all the other guests so far, Lynde has kindly offered to come back as a guest in future episodes. If there's anything particular you would like Lynde to discuss at a deeper level from today's episode, please reach out and let me know. Email: [email protected]. 

Lisa Williams is this week's guest on Susan Dunlop's Coffee and Contemplation with Women. 

A little background on Lisa:

Lisa is a quinquagenarian, or woman in her 50s, whom I met 10 years ago court-side at Noosa Basketball, whilst we cheered on our young daughters' team early one Saturday morning. At that time, underneath the friendly chat, I could feel Lisa's struggle to remain strong and positive, having survived a difficult marriage split. She was suffering depression. Lisa was parenting her two young special needs children, keeping it all together, clearly loving and caring for her family, whilst juggling a full-time job and putting herself last.

I invited Lisa as a guest as, two years ago I ran into Lisa at the One Billion Rising dance on Noosa Beach. Lisa was what I'd describe as a vibrant, smiling, bundle of white glowing happiness, waiting in the wings for the main dance. She was laughing and chatting away comfortably with her work colleagues and mates. It was such an incredible change in between when we first met and then - a completely different woman. I was intrigued in a "can we all have what she's having" kind of way, and from there have been connected with Lisa ever since. 

Lisa has clearly set a new standard and stepped up as a role model to her children and other women. Lisa is very much about finding the positives in every situation, enjoying the relationship with her adult children, and making choices that bring peace, happiness, enjoyment and contentment. 

Today Lisa shared that her favourite song is Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", which I'm sure you will agree is fitting as Lisa's Theme Song, and also possibly a timely reminder, that we will survive these times of Covid-19.  If you'd like Lisa to share any part of her story, at a deeper level, please don't hesitate to contact me. Lisa said she'd be more than happy to come back and chat.

Today's guest on Coffee and Contemplation with Women is Lucy Wilkie-Boulus, our youngest guest so far. Lucy is a denarian, or 18 year old woman, from Dalby, Queensland, Australia. 

Lucy is the daughter of Lyndalee Wilkie (episode 8) who spoke on christianity, sexuality and the magic of her country town. In helping us set up the Zoom call that day, Lucy put her hand up and said "I've got a story to share. I'm the elder sibling to 15-year old triplets, have lesbian parents, am being co-parented across 2 homes, can't see my boyfriend and can't start uni til 2021 due to Covid-19, and I've had anxiety and depression for 4 years."

Lucy, like all the other guests in the series looked across the questions I shared as prep but knew what she wanted to speak about straight-up! Particularly sharing her journey through grief over the loss of her grandparents, that turned into anxiety and depression and how she was supported by her mums, sought help and rose to the challenge to find who she is and 'make her own box'. It was the love of her mums and family and consulting with a kinesiologist that has got her back to where she is today. 

Where Lucy's journey has come to at the age of 18 is only the beginning. Lucy shares her plans to contribute through the education system in demystifying mental illness, in an age-appropriate way, to earlier grades at school than is done currently.

A courageous beautiful woman, inside and out. Lots of great take-aways today no matter who you are.

If the discussion around depression and anxiety or Lucy's sharing of the loss of her best friends, aka her grandparents, hits a nerve or causes you upset, in anyway, please reach out and speak with someone you trust, who can support you, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Today's guest on Coffee and Contemplation with Women is Naomi Peake, a vicenarian, or 25 year old woman, from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  

Naomi shares that she began to travel the path as an apprentice chef, from the early age of 16, and switched paths, by choice, a few years into that career. Putting the importance of her intimate relationship and her social life also on the table, Naomi shifted gears up a few notches to tackle TAFE then 4 years of university study in Medical Science, plus get married, develop new life-long friendships, travel overseas, dance up a storm and set up a home with her lovely husband. Naomi now works as a Haematology Scientist in Brisbane.

Naomi will share some happy memories and her belief that all our choices in life aren't permanent. That it's OK to change paths, as you might learn the most wonderful things about yourself if you do change your path. 

I've known Naomi, from a distance, for the past 5 or 6 years and was intrigued by her launch recently of a public Facebook group "Frugal Isolation Meals", that made me curious about where this passionate Scientist's love of cooking sprang from. Through that Facebook group Naomi gets to share her skills and knowledge, showing members how to cook beautiful, yet low-cost, meals during these times of Covid-19. Teaching others to find the valuable resources on the supermarket shelves that go into the mixing pot of a variety of menu options. Naomi has also just created a YouTube channel, demonstrating step-by-step how to prepare the meals. 

Naomi had first suggested I invite her mum as a guest, which is so lovely, knowing a daughter believes her mum has a story worthy of sharing for other women's benefit. I felt that at 25, Naomi has her own very worthy story to share and I was grateful for her offer to contribute to the podcast series this week.

Episode 8 of Coffee and Contemplation with Women welcomes guest, Lyndalee Wilkie, a quinquagenarian, or woman in her 50s. Lyndalee is a registered nurse and midwife, a parent of an 18 year old daughter and 15 year old triplet daughters and a son.

I met Lyndalee some 17 years ago as a rural remote nurse relocating with her partner and young daughter to the Sunshine Coast and joining my previous nursing agency business. We've remained in touch, celebrated births, birthdays and watched each others' children grow, since she moved back to her hometown of Dalby, in Queensland, when their family doubled in one beautiful birth experience.

Lyndalee is one of the most open-hearted women I've met in terms of there being no judgment and real care when sharing thoughts, experiences and feelings are concerned. Maybe that's because Lyndalee has had first-hand experience of mis-guided words, beliefs and judgments upon her since she was a young girl.

Lyndalee wanted so dearly to commit her life to Christ as a young teen, yet, because she was a lesbian, she didn't feel worthy, and moved away from God for 10-15 years. We talk today around the topic of christianity, sexuality and the magic of a country community; a belief in love, which Lyndalee has instilled into her way of being in her personal and professional life.

Lyndalee talks about her passion for midwifery, her experience of the births of the 4 beautiful souls she and her partner, have nurtured to be kind, fun and loving teens. If you didn't check out the trailer, Lyndalee also sings an affirmation "A Tower of Strength" she finds powerful when needing strength for herself, and when others she cares for, might need to find their own strength too.

Covid-19 being all pervading, we were both aware today that the conversation would drift, and we agreed to no unrealistic expectations of a polished recording. Lyndalee shared many small and large gems - you'll pick up on them throughout - and hopefully can take those away to contemplate as your week unfolds.