Season 1 of Fuel Your Confidence comes to a close... and what a season it’s been.

From stand-up comedy stages to Arctic marathons, from law courts to corporate ballrooms, we’ve explored what it really takes to build courage, presence, and self-belief. We’ve talked about saying YES before you feel ready, turning nerves into presence, and letting go of perfectionism (because it’s just fear in disguise).

Along the way, we’ve learned from world-class MCs, ultra-endurance adventurers, creative powerhouses, human behaviour experts, and high-performance scientists; each sharing stories, laughs, and tools to help you step up and speak out.

In this short finale episode, I look back at some of the biggest lessons, the most memorable moments, and the one truth that has connected them all: confidence is built with one... small... imperfect step at a time.

Thank you for being part of Season 1.

Season 2 is coming soon.... And it’s going to be even bigger!

Perfectionism wears a sneaky disguise. It pretends to be ambition, excellence, and care... but beneath the surface, it’s really just fear.

In this solo episode of Fuel Your Confidence, I share the raw truth about how perfectionism hijacked my life and stalled my dreams - including the time I delayed releasing my first book for an entire year (and kept 700 copies hidden in boxes).

You’ll learn the difference between preparation and procrastination and how to spot the fear that’s wearing high standards.... as a mask. If you’ve ever said “It’s just not ready yet” for the 12th time, then this one’s for you.

Here's what we cover this week:

• Perfectionism is just fear in disguise.
• A personal story: How a fear of typos kept my first book hidden for a year.
• Why perfectionism feels productive but secretly blocks momentum.
• The mental and emotional cost of striving for a flawless outcome.
• How to shift from perfectionism to confidence.
• The danger of chasing an unattainable “perfect” that doesn’t exist.
• Powerful mindset reframes to help you start messy and grow in motion.
• An invitation to give your work room to breathe.

Let's connect!

Jordana on Instagram

Jordana on LinkedIn

Jordana on YouTube

21 Days to Become an Incredible Public Speaker

What happens when a keynote speaker brings a paintbrush on stage… and paints with her whole heart? Meet Sarah Rowan - speed painter, storyteller, and wild lover of life.

In this episode of Fuel Your Confidence, Sarah shares how painting fast in front of live audiences taught her how to fail with grace, stay fully present, and create without apology. From accidentally flinging paint across a graduation stage, to auctioning off an abstract masterpiece that began as Nelson Mandela, Sarah reminds us: creativity isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, curiosity, and courage.

You’ll hear how art became her way of surviving 20 years of conversion therapy, how she shifted from starving artist to sought-after speaker, and why she chooses the microphone over the paintbrush - even if she feels naked without a canvas.

Whether you’re a creator, performer, speaker, or just craving more colour in your life, this episode will ignite something deep within you.

Highlights include:

• Why she paints like she’s holding potato chips (yes, really)
• What speed painting teaches about failing fast and staying flexible
• How to silence your inner critic and start creating now
• The power of humour, humanity, and helping others feel seen

Plus: Sarah shares 4 of the 7 steps from her book The Creativity Cycle: Seven Simple Steps to Bring Ideas to Life.

[TIME STAMPS]

2:32 – Imagine painting live in five minutes.

3:10 – How speed painting began — by total accident.

4:08 – Hold your ideas like potato chips.

5:48 – Feel it. Reflect. Then let it go.

6:40 – When Mandela turns into an abstract.

8:27 – What’s scarier: blank canvas or silent audience?

12:58 – Early gigs: painting for beer and food.

15:29 – The less paint, the better the art.

17:34 – When ego-filled rooms can’t receive inspiration.

19:03 – Her backstage ritual before stepping on stage.

21:32 – Creativity = curiosity over fear.

23:00 – We need more “beeps” in our day.

24:10 – A creative recipe: The seven-step cycle.

25:56 – Why stagnation stinks like sh*t

28:47 – Some art holds sunshine. Some holds suffering.

33:56 – Choose the mic or the brush?

35:06 – Three confidence tips you need right now.

CONNECT WITH SARAH

LinkedIn

Instagram

Website  

Buy her book - The Creativity Cycle 

The words we use every day aren’t just communication - they’re creation. In this episode of Fuel Your Confidence, we dive into the everyday language patterns that quietly shape your confidence... for better or worse.

From the damaging impact of saying “I can’t”...

To the hidden power of the word “yet”...

To why the word “but” is secretly erasing your progress…

You’ll learn how to swap confidence-sabotaging sentences for powerful, self-affirming phrases that support your growth, amplify your voice, and strengthen your belief in yourself — one word at a time.

You'll learn:

- Why “I can’t” is more destructive than it seems

- How “but” cancels your wins — and “and” changes everything

- The identity-shifting magic of “yet”

- What to say instead of “I’m just…” and “I should…”

If you’re ready to rewire your inner dialogue and speak with more clarity, courage, and confidence - this episode is for you.

In this high-energy and jam-packed episode, I sit down with Craig Harper - exercise scientist, motivational speaker, podcaster, expert in human behaviour and resilience - and a self-proclaimed whiteboard fanatic.

We dive into everything from the psychology of perception, self-awareness, and confidence… to the trials of doing a PhD in your 60s (spoiler: it’s as hardcore as it sounds). You’ll hear hilarious anecdotes, deep reflections, and practical takeaways on how to build resilience, delay gratification, and find purpose beyond your ego. 

This conversation is real, raw, and incredibly insightful. Whether you’re launching a podcast, navigating imposter syndrome, or trying to reinvent yourself one uncomfortable step at a time - this one’s for you.

[03:22] Meet Craig Harper: Behaviour, performance and neuropsychology

[05:35] Craig’s complete obsession with whiteboards

[08:50] Making boring ideas engaging

[11:30] How being an overweight and average kid shaped his drive

[14:08] Our reality VS objective reality

[17:25] The power of empathy, meta-perception, and seeing others as they are

[20:08] – Assuming that others see the world like we do

[25:45] – How to optimise this one life and this one body

[27:40] – The decision to pursue a doctorate

[32:20] Why real-world wisdom trumps formal education 

[35:15] – Jealousy, ego, and emotional reactions to others’ success

[38:20] – Finding purpose beyond ego

[43:30] – Why Craig’s mum is his favourite high performer

[46:55] – The key to real growth is to do hard things

[49:40] – Instant gratification vs long-term reward

[53:15] – How painful academic work has tested his limits

[58:25] – Craig’s health journey as a teen

[01:00:00] – Building a successful podcast after losing money for years

[01:05:55] – 3 Confidence Tips

CONNECT WITH CRAIG

Via his website

Via Instagram

On LinkedIn

Listen to The You Project

Have you ever had a speaking disaster that haunted you for weeks (or months)? In this episode of Fuel Your Confidence, I gets real about one of my most painful speaking mistakes - and how it became one of my greatest lessons and most valuable lessons.

I discuss why our most cringeworthy moments on stage aren’t the end of the story… they’re actually the beginning of true growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why mistakes make you a better speaker
• How to stop ruminating and start reframing
• A powerful checklist to turn missteps into future success
• Why resilience, adaptability, and presence are born in chaos

If you’ve ever bombed on stage or left a meeting kicking yourself, this episode is your invitation let go of your worries!

Have you ever dreamed of stepping onto the iconic red dot? In this episode, I speak with TEDx Hobart curator, speaker coach, lawyer and author Theo Kapodistrias for a rare behind-the-scenes look at what really separates an unforgettable TEDx talk from a … well, forgettable one. From idea curation and storytelling structure, to stage presence and recovering from a freeze mid-talk - Theo shares raw, real, and refreshingly honest insights into how TEDx talks are built, broken, and brought to life.

We explore the myths, the pressure, the emotional rollercoaster of the journey - and what actually makes an idea worth spreading. Whether you're a speaker, storyteller, or secretly dreaming of your own red dot moment, this episode will spark your courage and sharpen your message.

TIME STAMPS

[03:08] – The subtle but critical difference between an inspiring “talk” and a TEDx-worthy idea worth spreading

[04:33] – Why “having a pet cat is cool” isn’t an idea (but preventing loneliness with a cat is)

[08:47] – How to coach a non-speaker to become TEDx-ready (hint: plain English and red pen magic)

[11:52] – What every TEDx talk needs

[13:23] – Helping first-timers stay calm under TEDx lights

[14:39] – “She lost her place 12 times” — and still hit 7 million views

[17:00] – The power (and limits) of vulnerability on stage

[20:55] – Breaking down the biggest TEDx myths: Fame, fortune, and professional speakers

[22:29] – Why pro speakers are less likely to land a TEDx talk

[23:52] – Theo’s personal “why” behind volunteering hundreds of hours

[27:44] – What writing a book taught Theo about chaos, creativity, and confidence

[30:08] – Why Theo kept his entire book a secret (even from friends)

[33:39] – How legal skills transfer surprisingly well to MCing and speaking

[36:10] – Confidence is built through courage

[37:06] – Why networking is the secret training ground for speaking skills

[37:59] – Preparation is the #1 confidence booster for speakers

[39:09] – Why there’s so much mystery around TEDx (and why TED likes it that way)

CONNECT WITH THEO

Theo’s website

Theo on Instagram

Theo on LinkedIn

Theo’s book ‘A Way with Words'

This week’s episode is quick - but it cuts deep.

That voice in your head that whispers, “I’m the only one who feels this way”... It’s lying...

Have you ever stood backstage or sat at your desk, heart racing, thinking:

“What if I forget everything?”

“What if they realise I don’t belong here?”

“What if this is the moment I finally get found out?”

You’re not alone. I’ve worked with thousands of people - from interns to execs, creatives to CEOs - and here’s what they won’t tell you: Fear doesn’t vanish. It just morphs.

It shows up as perfectionism... As late-night rumination... As shrinking from praise... As slide tweaks... As shaky hands.

So the danger isn’t fear - it’s the shame of believing you’re the only one feeling it.

Here's the shift: You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to stop treating fear like a flaw.

What if the price of success was your health, your focus - and even your life? In this insightful episode, Neuro-Performance Scientist and Peak Performance expert Dr. Kristy Goodwin joins me to unpack the hidden toll of modern achievement. From surviving a life-threatening burnout episode to redefining how we view stress, sleep, and recovery, Dr Kristy shares the science-backed truths that every high performer needs to hear.

We dive into:

• Why burnout doesn’t always feel like stress - and the subtle signs to watch out for
• How recovery (not hustle) unlocks your peak performance
• The truth about cold showers, dopamine, and legal neuro-hacks
• The neuroscience of confidence, focus, and emotional regulation
• Her hilarious Zoom disaster story
• Why FQ (Focus Quotient) is the new super skill
• How to use the Piccolo-Tall-Grande recovery framework
• Why success tax is the price too many high achievers unknowingly pay
• And so much more!

You’ll walk away with mindset shifts, stress-busting tools, and a renewed respect for the power of sleep, breath, and… sighing. Whether you’re a high achiever burning the candle at both ends or just curious how your brain really works under pressure, this episode will change how you think about performance - and what it truly means to thrive.

TIME STAMPS

[0:02:27] - Dr Kristy’s journey into neuroscience

[0:06:46] - Burnout's sneaky symptoms revealed

[0:08:51] - A deep-dive into stress, insomnia and sleep

[0:13:47] - How life transformed after a critical health experience

[0:16:05] - Revolutionary break strategies that will boost your productivity

[0:22:12] - The truth about oxytocin in digital communication

[0:25:22] - How Dr Kristy applies neuroscience insights to high-energy speaking events

[0:33:21] - Mental prep for talks and presentations

[0:37:35] - Masterful stress management in times of chaos

[0:41:46] - How neuroscience and confidence connect

[0:45:03] - Three powerful pillars to become the best version of yourself

CONNECT WITH DR KRISTY

Dr Kristy's website

Connect with Dr Kristy on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr Kristy on Instagram

How fast do people form opinions about you? Would you be shocked to discover it's less than a single second?

In this solo episode, I break down the research behind first impressions - and how tiny signals like your posture, tone of voice, smile, and energy can either amplify your confidence or sabotage it before you even speak.

You’ll learn:

• The neuroscience behind emotional contagion
• How presence impacts your perceived power
• Why “glitter chest” will become your new favourite confidence hack
• Five fast tools to own any high-stakes first impression

This episode is your toolkit for making unforgettable first impressions — and showing up with unshakable presence, from the inside out.

Let's connect

Connect with me on Instagram

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Check out my course '21 Days to Become an Incredible Public Speaker'