Love Conquers

On today’s episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt sit down for an in-depth, retrospective review of some of the key challenges they’ve faced over the past 3-4 months. This candid conversation delves into the hurdles that life has thrown their way, exploring how these difficulties have impacted their relationship and how they’ve worked together to navigate them.

As they reflect on their journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear: reviewing and addressing these challenges is not just about healing from past struggles, but it also offers a unique opportunity for growth. Kaz and Matt share how these reflective moments have allowed them to identify patterns, prevent unnecessary trauma, and use their experiences as a launching pad for deeper connection and new successes within their relationship.

The episode touches on themes of resilience, communication, and the importance of vulnerability. By openly examining their setbacks, they highlight the value of maintaining honesty with each other and using tough moments as learning experiences rather than letting them define or damage the relationship.

Listeners will hear practical insights on how they, too, can approach their own relationship challenges—whether it’s handling difficult conversations, dealing with emotional stress, or finding ways to grow stronger together during times of adversity.

Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering episode that shows how reviewing past hurdles can not only prevent future pain but also lead to greater understanding, connection, and long-term success in any relationship.

Want to hear more from Matt & Kaz? Buy the book: My Broken Soldier. Narrated by Kaz and interspersed with the perspective and reflections of her husband and former soldier Matt, the story transcends financial ruin, family politics, two wars and unspeakable loss.

On today’s episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and guest host Rachel Bradshaw, co-host of The GI Spot Podcast, turn the spotlight on Matt as they dive into his recent achievement of earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After years of dedication and hard work, Matt successfully passed his black belt grading, and today he shares the intense and often challenging journey leading up to this pivotal moment.

Kaz and Rachel guide the conversation, asking Matt to reflect on the months of preparation, including balancing training with life’s demands, overcoming injuries, and the mental hurdles he faced. They explore the emotional highs and lows, as Matt recounts the build-up to the grading, the pressure of performing under the watchful eyes of his peers, and how he adapted when things didn’t go according to plan on the big night.

Listeners will get an insider’s view of the atmosphere during grading, from the nerves to the sense of accomplishment once the belt was finally tied. Matt also talks about how this journey has affected his personal life, and how the lessons he's learned on the mats have strengthened his relationship with Kaz.

The episode offers an honest and heartfelt discussion not just about the road to becoming a black belt, but about resilience, partnership, and personal growth. Tune in to hear Matt’s inspiring story of perseverance, the power of community, and how his martial arts journey has shaped both his personal and professional life. Whether you're a Jiu Jitsu practitioner or just looking for motivation in your own life, this episode has something for everyone.

Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.

On this episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt take on the often challenging topic of daughters starting to date. They share their personal experiences, discussing how they’ve navigated this in the past and how their approach has evolved over time. With common parental concerns in mind, Kaz and Matt open up about balancing protective instincts with the need to let their daughters grow and form healthy relationships.

The episode emphasizes the importance of keeping communication open and honest, fostering a trusting environment where their daughters feel comfortable discussing relationships. Kaz and Matt talk about setting boundaries while giving their daughters the space to make their own decisions. They reflect on past lessons and how they plan to apply them now, focusing on helping their daughters identify healthy relationships.

Additionally, they discuss how their own relationship as a couple serves as a model for their daughters. By demonstrating respect, trust, and open communication in their marriage, they hope to provide a positive example.

Tune in for an insightful conversation as Kaz and Matt share their hopes and strategies for navigating the dating stage with their daughters, offering practical advice for parents and thoughtful perspectives on relationships.

Want to hear more from Matt & Kaz? Buy the book: My Broken Soldier. Narrated by Kaz and interspersed with the perspective and reflections of her husband and former soldier Matt, the story transcends financial ruin, family politics, two wars and unspeakable loss.

On this episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt take a nostalgic journey back in time, exploring the world as it was during Kaz's formative years. Born in the 1970s and coming of age in the 1980s, Kaz shares vivid memories of what life was like growing up in Australia during these transformative decades.

Kaz reminisces about a time before the digital age, when life moved at a different pace, and childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, neighborhood friendships, and the simplicity of life without constant connectivity. She paints a picture of her early years, from the cultural influences of the time to the social dynamics that shaped her upbringing.

As Kaz recounts her experiences, she also delves into the challenges and joys of growing up in a pre-internet era, where information wasn’t instantly accessible, and communication relied on face-to-face interactions or handwritten letters. She shares stories of her teenage years, discussing the impact of the social and political landscape of Australia at the time, as well as the values and lessons that were instilled in her by her family and community.

Throughout the episode, Matt and Kaz draw connections between her past and their present lives, exploring how the experiences and values of her upbringing have influenced who she is today. They discuss the contrasts between life then and now, reflecting on how certain aspects of that simpler time could still hold valuable lessons for today's fast-paced world.

Tune in to this episode for an engaging and heartfelt conversation that not only takes a walk down memory lane but also offers insights into how the past shapes our present and future.

On today’s episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt explore the powerful connection between personal growth and the strength of their relationship. They discuss how embracing lived experiences, both the highs and lows, has shaped their individual development and contributed to a deeper bond as a couple.

Kaz and Matt emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual strengths, sharing how this self-awareness has enhanced their sense of self and brought greater understanding and respect to their partnership. They talk about the challenges that can arise when partners grow at different paces and offer strategies for navigating these changes, including open communication and mutual support.

The episode also offers practical tips on fostering personal growth, such as setting goals, practicing mindfulness, and seeking new experiences together. Kaz and Matt highlight the value of celebrating each other’s successes as a way to strengthen the relationship and maintain positive momentum.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on how personal growth can enhance both individual fulfillment and the connection between partners, providing inspiration and practical advice for couples looking to grow together.

Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.

On this episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt dive into the topic of medicinal cannabis, exploring its implications, benefits, and challenges, particularly in relation to Matt's personal journey.

Prompted by a question from a personal friend and loyal listener, who reached out after hearing Episode 50, "What's Wrong with You," Kaz and Matt decided to tackle the complex relationship between medicinal cannabis and Matt's history of addictive tendencies. This question opened the door for a broader conversation about the role of medicinal cannabis in managing health issues, especially for those with a predisposition to addiction.

The episode begins with an overview of how medicinal cannabis has evolved in Australia, highlighting the significant strides made in recent years. Kaz and Matt discuss the legal landscape, detailing the process for obtaining approval to use medicinal cannabis, including the steps required, the role of healthcare professionals, and the criteria patients must meet to access this treatment.

They also explore the accessibility of medicinal cannabis, touching on the challenges patients face in navigating the system, including costs, availability, and the differences in regulations across various states and territories. The discussion extends to the different delivery methods of cannabis, such as oils, capsules, and vaporizers, and how these methods cater to different medical needs and patient preferences.

Throughout the episode, Kaz and Matt share their personal experiences and insights, particularly focusing on Matt's journey with medicinal cannabis. They discuss how he manages the potential risks associated with his addictive tendencies while using cannabis as a therapeutic tool. Matt opens up about the strategies he employs to ensure that his use of medicinal cannabis remains controlled and beneficial, rather than becoming a source of dependency.

Kaz and Matt also examine the broader implications of using medicinal cannabis, addressing the stigma that still surrounds its use and the importance of informed decision-making when considering it as a treatment option. They emphasize the need for ongoing research and education to better understand the potential benefits and risks, especially for individuals with a history of addiction.

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at medicinal cannabis, blending personal stories with practical information. Kaz and Matt aim to provide clarity and support for those considering medicinal cannabis as part of their treatment plan, while also addressing the concerns and questions that arise for individuals with addictive tendencies.

Tune in for an informative and thoughtful discussion that sheds light on the evolving role of medicinal cannabis in Australia and its potential impact on those navigating complex health challenges.

Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.

Kaz and Matt delve into the various facets of relationship maintenance, emphasizing how attending to both personal well-being and the relationship itself can lead to growth and a stronger bond. They explore practical strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as ensuring proper nutrition and regular exercise, and discuss how these habits positively impact not only individual health but also the dynamics of the relationship.

The conversation also covers the significance of carving out quality time for your significant other amidst busy schedules. Kaz and Matt share their personal experiences and the challenges they've faced in balancing work, personal commitments, and their relationship. They offer tips on how to prioritize and create space for meaningful interactions, whether it's through date nights, shared hobbies, or simply spending time together without distractions.

Kaz and Matt highlight how these efforts not only keep the relationship functioning smoothly but also foster deeper intimacy and understanding. They discuss the importance of open communication, mutual support, and continually investing in the relationship to prevent stagnation and keep the connection vibrant.

Listeners will gain insights into the practical steps they can take to maintain their relationships and the benefits of making these efforts a regular part of their lives. This episode serves as a reminder that nurturing a relationship requires ongoing attention and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.

Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.

On this episode of the Love Conquers Podcast, Kaz and Matt delve into a deeply personal and candid conversation about Matt's journey through food addiction, an eating disorder that resurfaced following a head injury, and his use of performance-enhancing drugs as a misguided attempt to self-medicate his declining mental health.

Matt opens up about the complexities and challenges of battling food addiction and the profound impact his eating disorder had on his life. He shares the difficult moments following his head injury when the disorder resurfaced, compounding his struggles. In an attempt to cope, Matt turned to performance-enhancing drugs, believing they could help compensate for his mental health issues. Instead, they only served to exacerbate his problems.

Kaz and Matt discuss the far-reaching effects these struggles had, not just on Matt, but on their entire support network. They explore how his addiction and mental health challenges created turbulence in their relationship and among their loved ones, highlighting the interconnected nature of personal struggles and the importance of a strong support system.

Despite the hardships, Kaz and Matt share how they found common ground and worked together to overcome these issues. Through open communication, mutual support, and a commitment to understanding each other's experiences, they navigated the difficult path toward healing and recovery.

Join Kaz and Matt for an intimate and heartfelt episode that sheds light on the realities of addiction, mental health, and the power of love and resilience in overcoming life's toughest challenges.

Each episode unpacks a relationships issue or life lesson that Matt & Kaz have had to learn.

In this episode of The Love Conquers podcast, Kaz and Matt delve into the intricacies of self-talk. They explore the staggering statistic that the average person unconsciously experiences up to 60,000 thoughts daily, with approximately 80% of these thoughts being repetitive and, alarmingly, 85% of these thoughts, being negative. Kaz and Matt provide insights into how these internal dialogues can either empower individuals or become obstacles in their lives.

They share personal reflections on navigating their own inner monologues, discussing strategies to harness positive self-talk and mitigate its adverse effects. Join them as they uncover the dynamics of self-perception and its profound impact on personal growth and relationships.

ontent warning: Love Conquers is a podcast for adults that deals with confronting themes of all kinds including mental health, suicide and trauma.