In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of The Big Umbrella Foundation (TBU), an extraordinary food relief and community-building organisation based in Melbourne. From its humble beginnings with pancakes and soup on trestle tables, TBU has grown into a movement that rescues food, alleviates food insecurity, and creates spaces of dignity, belonging, and connection for what they call their “friends on the street.”

We hear stories of chance encounters, the joy and meaning found in volunteering, and the raw honesty of those who’ve been served. From moments of deep gratitude, to full-circle transformations—like a man once in the food line returning to volunteer—this conversation highlights the healing power of service, community, and compassion.

We also explore:

• How a Chance Encounter under the Dalai Lama Sparked a Movement
• How Pancakes, Dignity + Community Feed a City
• How Food Rescue Turns Waste into Warmth
• Why volunteering floods the body with endorphins and oxytocin.
• The hidden crisis of food insecurity affecting students, families, and working people.
• Why spreading good news stories is as important as addressing the challenges we face.

Takeaways:

• Service is “smart selfish”: giving also heals the giver
• Belonging is built through language, consistency, and fun
• Small acts (a hot meal, a hug, a chat) can change the arc of a life

If you loved this: volunteer, fund a team day, or share this episode with one person who needs a hopeful story today.

This episode is a reminder that one small act of service—whether offering a meal, a conversation, or a smile—can ripple outward and transform lives.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about The Big Umbrella Foundation
• Volunteer, donate, or support TBU’s work.
• Connect with TBU on instagram @thebigumbrella
• Connect with Gabrielle on Instagram: @gabimeyer or @hdydi.pod

Wowee! 3 months since I've been solo on the mic! In this episode, I’m back on the mic with a big warm hello and a deep exhale. We cover a lot, from the season of winter, the Endorphin Effect challenge, to voice notes from friends feeling lost, flat, or unsure of their path… and the reminder that you’re not the only one.

I share a personal story of reconnection, a friendship that found its way back after 10 years apart — and explore what it really means when people say, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll come back.”

Plus, a gentle tool that’s helped me move through stuck seasons: The Universe says yes, the Universe says no.

Whether you’re in a good season, a hard one, or just a meh one… may this episode remind you: things always shift, and you’re never as alone as you think.

This episode is all about resilience and identity at its core.

From stepping into a gym at just five years old to finally qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Emma Nedov’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a World Cup Gold Medalist and now an Olympic Athlete, Emma shares what it truly means to keep going when the odds are stacked against you, especially when the setbacks are completely out of your control.

We dive into the identity shifts that come with devoting your life to a sport, explore the mindset of a high-performing athlete, and unpack the tools that helped Emma turn adversity into fuel. Her story is raw, powerful, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating transition, chasing a dream, or learning to rise again with purpose and strength.

In this episode of How Did You Do It, I sit down with Casey from Melbourne Reiki and Wellness to explore the incredible world of reiki and psychic connection. I share how I went from a total skeptic to a true believer after experiencing Casey’s powerful sessions — including the moment her spot-on psychic messages completely changed my perspective. We dive into Casey’s journey as a psychic, how she receives and interprets messages, and what it's really like to tap into intuitive gifts. Her honesty, warmth, and talent shine through every moment of this conversation.

Post recording this episode I also found out that Casey has been awarded most popular Reiki practitioner for 2022 and 2024!

If you’ve ever been curious (or skeptical!) about reiki, energy healing, or psychic intuition — this is the episode for you.

You can find Casey's offerings here and here

In this raw solo episode, I get real about what it means to show up in your life and work when things feel messy.

Sometimes, discipline and routine doesn't work - we just need to stop fighting ourselves. From here, we can get back to our values, and live a life that feels truly aligned.

Plus, I discuss some juicy updates about exciting new projects including co-facilitation of the Kindred Collective membership, upcoming community events, and meditation classes.

This episode is a beautiful invitation to be human, to reflect on who you are becoming, and to find your people along the way.

Sponsored by Rise Practice

Download it from the App Store and enjoy 2 months free, or sign up at rise-practice.com with the code HDYDI for 3 months free!

Follow on Instagram: @gabimeyer | @hdydipod

Kindred Collective Membership Waitlist: details @_growgirlgrow_

Find me teaching Meditation at Happy Melon and Trinity Curated Wellness.

💛

Meet Sheridan Ruth – Your Nervous System’s New Best Friend

Sheridan is a best selling author, somatic therapist and nervous system specialist who helps ambitious humans (like you) navigate stress, avoid burnout, and lead with ease. With a background that spans community development to corporate finance, she knows firsthand how to balance big dreams with real-life challenges.

TEAM I may be biased but I LOVE this conversation!!! 

In this episode, Sheridan breaks down how your nervous system impacts everything. Your relationships, career, and even how you show up for yourself. Whether you're building a business, chasing goals, or just trying to feel less overwhelmed, her practical insights will help you feel more grounded and in control. Don’t just listen to this episode ONCE, listen to it three or four times, because nuggets of gold will KEEP dropping. 

Get ready to learn how to work with your body, not against it…because thriving shouldn’t mean burning out.

Sheridan’s Tags are below!

Website

Book

Instagram

Until next month beautiful people 😍

Welcome to the first episode of How Did You Do It? in 2025! This year has already brought a whirlwind of change, and from conversations I've had, so many of us are sitting in transition, grappling with loss, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown.

In this episode, I explore how to navigate your hardest moments with compassion. We talk about slowing down your "Merry-Go-Round", staying connected to your heart despite challenges, and finding the type of support you need.

I also dive into vision boarding—not as a wish list, but as a way to cultivate the feelings and experiences that we want to embody this year.

If you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or in need of grounding, this one's for you. And if you need someone to talk to, I've included support numbers in the description—you are not alone.

✨ Follow along: @gabimeyer & @hdydipod on Instagram

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and mental well-being)

📞 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 (24/7 phone and online counseling for people in distress)

📞 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (24/7 confidential support for young people aged 5-25)

📞 13 YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

📞 MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 (24/7 support for men dealing with relationship or mental health issues)

📞 QLife – 1800 184 527 (Support for LGBTQIA+ individuals, 3pm–midnight daily)

For more mental health resources, visit:

🌏 Headspace – headspace.org.au (Youth mental health support)

🌏 SANE Australia – sane.org (Support for complex mental health issues)

You're not alone, and support is always available. 💙

I am so excited to bring to you today’s conversation with Kenny Lee.

Everyone has a story and a journey, and through Kenny coming on to spread his message, it is a reminder of exactly that. We are all faced with the same kinds of thoughts, societal pressures, expectations, and reasons why we shouldn’t do something. Yet, it is in those very moments where we must find the courage to take action, push past fear, and "Find A Way".

In this episode, we dive into Kenny’s past, and the transformative moments that led him to where he is today. Kenny shares how he navigates obstacles, challenges limiting beliefs, and uses his experiences to inspire others. Whether you’re facing personal or professional doubts, this episode will remind you that your story matters, and the path to overcoming obstacles starts with the decision to take that first step.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with powerful insights and practical advice on how to break through barriers and embrace your own journey with confidence.

Hello Lovely Listeners!

Grab a snack, a blanket, a hot drink, as we delve into this solo episode.

In this episode we discuss that life will always be doing it's cute little thing of throwing unexpected curve balls, challenges and pulling rugs out from under our feet, but it's always up to us to get back up.

Some key questions for you:

• Where are you outsourcing?
• Where are you choosing not to show up?

I also offer a little meditation at the end because goodness knows, we all need some grounding and peace to give us some perspective on this wild ride we are currently experiencing.

Hope you enjoy!

Welcome Back to HDYDI you beautiful, dedicated listeners of this podcast.

Life has a funny way of working, as always, and this episode release is coming at the most perfect time for me. I didn't even realise how much I needed to re-listen to this story, until I was editing and found myself wiping the tears from my cheeks. Life has a way of working out for you, and I hope this episode is a reminder that it always will.

You can find Brigitte on LinkedIn here

As always, follow hdydi.pod and all social media apps.

Sending you my love,

Gabi xx