EPIC Conversations for Parents & Carers of Teens In Crisis

In this conversation, Madeleine explores what peer parent support is, why it makes such a difference for parents and carers, and why it matters so much in youth mental health. Drawing on years of walking alongside EPIC families, she shares how connecting with parents who truly understand can bring relief, practical wisdom, real hope and renewed confidence, and how the first step can be as simple as listening.

In this conversation Madeleine talks with Carlie Byrom, founder of Life Brain Training, about her family's journey through emotional dysregulation, discovering neurofeedback as a tool for nervous system regulation, and why parents need to look beneath behaviour to understand what's really going on.

In this conversations, Madeleine talks with Julie, Clinical Lead at the Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service, to discuss child sexual abuse, common myths, grooming behaviours, and the evolving risks for young people, both online and offline. Julie offers practical guidance for parents and carers on building safety, trust, and open communication, and shares where families can access support across Northern Sydney and beyond.

To view the episode transcript and access the shared list of supports, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/child-sexual-assault-and-grooming 

This conversation with Vivienne Li explores why knowing yourself as a parent - your values, strengths, and emotional triggers - is key to building stronger connections with your young person. Vivienne shares practical, compassionate insights to help parents understand their inner world, respond with intention, and navigate challenges with greater confidence.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/vivienne-li 

To learn more or connect with Vivianne, go to Together Parent Support — or  Together Parent Coaching

In this relaxed conversation, Madeleine chats with Nicky Hammond, a certified master life coach, breathwork practitioner, and long‑time friend of EPIC. Nicky shares how combining mindset work with somatic practices like breathwork can help parents regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with what truly matters, and make grounded decisions even in moments of overwhelm.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/nicky-hammond

To learn more or connect with Nicky Hammond, visit her website here - https://www.nickyhammond.com/

In this episode of EPIC Conversations, Madeleine introduces the Six Stages of Change and explores how this model can help parents better understand behaviour, readiness, and resistance to change.

With a focus on connection, safety, and trust, this episode offers practical insights for parents supporting young people through mental health challenges, risky behaviours, and moments of crisis — reminding us that change is not linear, and pushing too hard can often push change away.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC website at

In this powerful episode, Madeleine talks with key note speaker and youth advocate Jason Blyth, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from trauma to purpose. Through raw honesty and unforgettable metaphors, he shares how pain can shape us, how hope can return, and why every young person deserves to hold their own pen. A moving conversation for any parent seeking reassurance and inspiration.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/jason-blyth 

Madeleine chats with Tiffany Westphal from School Can’t Australia about what happens when a young person finds it too hard to attend school. Tiffany shares her lived experience as a parent, the common challenges families face, and how peer support can make all the difference. Together, they explore advocacy, self-care, and the importance of understanding that parents are not alone in this journey.

In this insightful conversation, Madeleine speaks with Dr. Anthony Rigney about the power of connection, curiosity, and emotional regulation in parenting. Anthony shares practical strategies for building epistemic trust— a young person’s openness to receiving guidance — through everyday acts of understanding and kindness.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/tell-me-more-about-that

In this episode, Peter Coyle shares his journey from corporate life to becoming a psychotherapist and introduces the concept of heart-centred listening. Peter explains how listening with empathy, awareness of your own nervous system, and understanding the Polyvagal response can help parents and carers create safe, meaningful connections with their young people.

To view the episode transcript, go to the EPIC Website at https://www.empoweringparentsincrisis.com/epic-conversations-podcast/heart-centred-listening