What happens when rest doesn’t work? When even after sleep, time off, or a holiday, you still feel depleted? That’s the reality of burnout and it’s something Ruth Limkin has seen up close. 

As Founder of The Banyans, Ruth shares how burnout often hides in plain sight - from professionals quietly struggling with addiction to healthcare workers pushing through chronic fatigue. She explains the difference between being worn out and being burnt out and why recovery takes more than just a good night’s sleep. 

We explore the early signs many overlook, the six dimensions of wellbeing, and how The Banyans’ team of up to 14 specialists work together to support deep, whole-person healing. Ruth also shares simple, science-backed practices, like time in nature and quality sleep, that can shift your mental health for the better. 

This episode is for you if you’re feeling constantly drained, supporting others through tough seasons, or ready to rethink what true wellbeing looks like. 

The Banyans are generously offering listeners a free download of their Facets of Wellbeing Workbook - a practical tool to help you explore your personal wellbeing landscape and begin mapping a more resilient, sustainable path forward. Download for free here.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Ruth's Organisations of Choice, Sober in the Country. 
Sober in the Country is a grassroots bush charity creating radical social change and saving the lives of rural and remote Australians affected by alcohol harm through their advocacy, straight talk, lived experience, partnerships, and their online peer-support group, the Bush Tribe. They don't preach prohibition... they teach communities the power of social inclusion. 

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What does it take to truly fix healthcare in Queensland? According to Dr. Nick Yim, it starts with smarter systems, not just more funding. In this episode, we sit down with the AMA Queensland President to unpack a bold new idea: a statewide digital passport for clinicians. It’s a simple solution with the power to break down bureaucratic barriers and supercharge workforce flexibility across hospitals and communities.

But Dr. Yim doesn’t just talk policy, he brings lived experience. His winding path from would-be pharmacist to rural GP and now state advocate, reminds us that careers (and life) rarely follow a straight line. His passion for community-led solutions and patient-first care is as compelling as his insight into what today’s doctors really need to thrive.

With topics ranging from clinician burnout to the boundaries of AI, this episode is packed with heart, vision, and practical wisdom. Dr. Yim’s message is clear: great healthcare starts with great people and with the right support, we can build a system where everyone has a chance to flourish.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Dr Nick's Organisations of Choice, AMA Queensland Foundation
The AMA Queensland Foundation brings together medical colleagues and the business community to deliver vital services outside those catered for by the public health system. They were established in 2000 as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland, with a mission to improve medical conditions in areas of need. 

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What would life look like if you couldn’t speak? No way to order your morning coffee, tell someone you love them, or ask for help. For people recovering from strokes or neurological conditions, this loss of communication can be one of the most isolating parts of their journey and it’s where speech pathologist Nikki Wells steps in with purpose and compassion.

Nikki shares how her unexpected start in a teenage sign language class sparked a lifelong commitment to adult rehabilitation. Unlike many who gravitate toward paediatrics, she’s drawn to supporting people through some of life’s most vulnerable moments. She explains how aphasia doesn’t affect intelligence, comparing it to being dropped in a country where you don’t speak the language and why moments of reconnection, like saying a grandchild’s name or sipping tea again, are so powerful.

We also explore how telehealth and technology are reshaping access to care, especially for rural patients, and why speech therapy is so much more than just words. This episode is for anyone who values empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection in healthcare.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Nikki's Organisations of Choice, Logan Hospital Fund
The Logan Hospital Fund supports the Logan community through funding patient support initiatives, staff education and equipment at the Logan Hospital. Donations support patients and their families and help create a happier and healthier community, where patients, their family, friends, and neighbours experience improved health outcomes.

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What drives a doctor to leave the safety of private practice and instead offer care inside prisons and homeless shelters? For Dr Juergen Landmann, it all started with a simple mindset: “Why not?” In this powerful conversation, Juergen shares how burnout led him to rethink the way he worked and opened the door to a more energising, purpose-led path.

Now splitting his time between general practice, correctional facilities, and Emmanuel City Mission, Juergen’s work is rooted in connection, trust, and consistency. He speaks openly about the realities of working with people who’ve experienced deep stigma - those sleeping rough, cycling in and out of prison, or simply falling through the cracks of traditional care. With each story, he shows how showing up, again and again, can create lasting change.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered what it means to do work that truly matters, if you’re curious about alternative ways to practise medicine, or if you’re passionate about reaching the people who need care most.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Juergen's Organisations of Choice, Emmanuel City Mission
Emmanuel City Mission is a daytime sanctuary in South Brisbane that provides a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness. Open seven days a week, the mission offers meals, facilities, and genuine connection to those doing it tough. 

You can find out more about the Vinnies CEO Sleepout here.

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Who cares for the carers? Discover how one foundation is quietly reshaping rural healthcare.

In this heartfelt episode, we speak with Fran Avon, CEO of the Rural Doctors Foundation, and rural GP Dr. John Buckley. Together, they reveal the hidden struggles faced by rural doctors who serve as the backbone of their communities. From responding to catastrophic floods to managing everyday burnout, we explore why supporting rural doctors is essential to sustaining healthcare in remote Australia. 

You’ll hear the inspiring origin story of the Rural Doctors Foundation, born out of crisis and driven by compassion. Their flagship initiative, GPs for Rural Docs, brings confidential medical care directly to rural practitioners, care they often go without due to stigma or isolation. Dr. Buckley shares powerful moments from the field, reminding us just how deeply personal rural medicine can be.

 This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about improving rural healthcare, championing doctor wellbeing, or building stronger, more resilient communities. Fran and John’s mission reminds us that by caring for those who care for others, we ensure a healthier future for all. 

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Fran & John's Organisations of Choice, Rural Doctors Foundation
Rural Doctors Foundation is a national rural health charity committed to improving access to life-saving healthcare in Australia’s rural and remote regions. Led by rural doctors and local community members, the foundation supports healthcare where it’s needed most, from the remotest outback towns to vibrant coastal hubs and rural farming districts.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Ever felt like your career was running on empty? Travelling Midwives Jess and Millie did and they chose the open road over burnout.

In this episode, we sit down with Jess and Millie, two Dual-Registered Midwives who turned burnout in healthcare into a journey of rediscovery, purpose, and friendship. They open up about the emotional toll of permanent roles and what finally pushed them to make bold moves into rural and remote contract work. From quitting multiple jobs to buying a caravan on a whim, their decisions may have been daring, but they were exactly what they needed to fall back in love with midwifery.

Introduced by their cmr consultant who knew they'd click, the pair met in Ceduna on an agency contract and quickly realised they’d found something special - in their careers, and in each other. Together, they reflect on the emotional highs and lows of midwifery, the importance of strong support systems, and the joy that comes from feeling truly valued again.

For healthcare professionals feeling stuck or burnt out, Jess and Millie offer an honest and hopeful perspective, proof that it’s possible to fall back in love with your work, and your life.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Jess & Millie's Organisations of Choice, Rednose & MND Australia.
Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and safer pregnancy advice, and bereavement support for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, the death of a baby or child.

MND Australia is the national peak body of state organisations that support those living with and impacted by motor neurone disease (MND). Their national and international networks help increase understanding of the disease and advocate for the needs of those affected, funding world-class research for better treatments, improved care, and ultimately a cure.

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What do Disney cruise ships, rural hospitals, and music festivals have in common? For Dr. Tim Turk, they’ve all been part of his incredible medical journey. In this episode of It Takes Heart, Tim chats with hosts Sam and Kate about how saying “yes” to unique opportunities has led him across continents, specialties, and communities - creating a career rich in purpose, adventure, and impact.

Tim shares how rural medicine offers unparalleled hands-on experience, often accelerating learning and confidence in ways metropolitan placements can’t match. His insights reveal how a values-driven approach - shaped in part by his time with Disney - can turn even the briefest patient interaction into something meaningful.

Tim also reflects on his time as a festival medic, working alongside pill testing teams and witnessing firsthand the powerful shift toward harm reduction. These collaborative efforts not only saved lives but transformed the environment, dramatically reducing hospitalisations and creating safer spaces for young people. It’s a conversation full of heart, humanity, and bold career lessons for every healthcare professional.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Tim's Organisation of Choice, Rural Doctors Foundation.
Rural Doctors Foundation is a national rural health charity committed to improving access to life-saving healthcare in Australia’s rural and remote regions. Led by rural doctors and local community members, the foundation supports healthcare where it’s needed most, from the remotest outback towns to vibrant coastal hubs and rural farming districts. 

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Get to know cmr better!
Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

What do you get when a fourth-generation farm girl swaps her ballet slippers for blister packs? You get Shaylee Mills (better known as The Rural Pharmacist) who shares why she chose to take her pharmacy career off the beaten track and into the heart of rural Australia. 

 Based in Karratha, Western Australia, Shaylee sheds light on what rural pharmacy really looks like, dispelling the myths of outdated clinics and highlighting the modern facilities, advanced technologies, and close-knit teams that make rural practice so rewarding. From working in Aboriginal Health Services to community pharmacies, she highlights how connection and continuity of care shape better health outcomes for patients and professionals alike.

Her award-winning work and social media advocacy are opening doors for countless young healthcare professionals to consider the path less travelled.  With infectious energy, Shaylee champions the value of rural practice and encourages early-career pharmacists to think beyond the city. “You can do anything in pharmacy, but it’s easier to do everything in rural pharmacy,” she says, and after this chat, you just might agree.  

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Shaylee's Organisation of Choice, the Pharmacists' Support Service
The Pharmacists' Support Service is a free service run by pharmacists for pharmacists. The service provides a listening ear over the telephone to pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and students, offering support related to the many demands of the profession. 

Follow Shaylee, The Rural Pharmacist on TikTok and Instagram.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Lorraine Evans is the kind of midwife who turns every experience into a story worth telling. With a larger-than-life personality and a passion for adventure, Lorraine has built a career that’s taken her from the bustling streets of London to some of the most remote communities in Australia. As a travel midwife, she’s delivered babies in outback hospitals, managed high-risk births via telehealth, and tackled emergencies as the sole midwife on call - all with her signature humour and warmth.

Before healthcare, Lorraine’s career path was as varied as her travels, but nothing fulfilled her quite like midwifery. Lorraine shares the realities of agency nursing, from intense clinical moments to the deep connections she forms with patients and communities. Despite the unpredictability of locum life, she thrives on the freedom, flexibility, and unique experiences it brings.

A wine judge in her spare time, Lorraine brings her expertise to the podcast studio, sharing a glass with our hosts - who, unsurprisingly, end up breaking one in the process! Tune in to hear Lorraine’s take on agency midwifery, her love for connecting with communities, and why she wouldn’t have it any other way.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Lorraine's Organisation of Choice, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation
We are a non-profit, charitable organisation who raises funds in order to directly support the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, which care for nearly 285,000 people from Tully to the Torres Strait.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.

Content warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. If you feel you could be triggered by this content, you may want to skip this episode.

Dr. Karyn Matterson’s path to medicine was anything but typical. Building a career first in tourism, a devastating personal tragedy shifted her purpose entirely, leading her to study clinical dietetics before ultimately pursuing medicine. Determined to create security for her family while making a real impact, Karyn joined the Australian Defence Force, balancing medical studies with family life. Her journey was far from easy, and in this episode, Karyn shares the challenges she overcame and the lessons that shaped her along the way.

Eleven years as an Air Force doctor honed Karyn’s adaptability and teamwork skills, preparing her for the complexities of rural healthcare. Now the Director of Medical Services at Blackall Hospital in outback Queensland, Karyn is a passionate advocate for rural general practice and the vital role of locum doctors in remote communities. Throughout her career, Karyn has also taken an active role in many professional committees, contributing to the development of rural healthcare policies and workforce solutions. She gives an inside look at life in outback Queensland - what it’s like to live and work there and the unique challenges facing rural healthcare.

Karyn’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose often emerges from life’s toughest moments. Whether you're a doctor considering locum work, curious about rural healthcare, or simply love stories of resilience, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr CEO Sam Miklos, alongside Head of Talent and Employer Branding, Kate Coomber. 

We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso 

More about Karyn's Organisation of Choice, Remote Australian's Matter.
Remote Australians Matter is a community-driven organisation that empowers and encourages remote Australians to join and participate in the design and development of solutions that are fit for their community and their residents.

Connect with Karyn on LinkedIn.

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Follow @ittakesheartpodcast on Instagram, @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment on Linked In, @cornerstonemedicalrec on TikTok and @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment on Facebook.