MFEP+ME

*This episode touches on bullying, anxiety, burnout, suicide and self-harm. If these topics are challenging for you, please take care while listening or come back another time.

In this episode, Jo shares an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her experiences in nursing, aged care and medical research, and the impact that caring for, and working with, others can have on our own wellbeing. She talks openly about anxiety, burnout and self-harm, as well as the importance of recognising when we need support ourselves.

Jo also shares some of the things that bring joy and balance to her life, including her love of sailing, adventure and travel, and her experiences living overseas. Her story is a reminder that the people who care for and support others are not immune to their own struggles, and that looking after ourselves is just as important as looking after those around us.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training here. Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 4 Sponsor, Impact100 SA, for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their community giving initiative. The incredible community of members from SA, whose collective generosity helps so many initiatives across the state, is the reason we are able to continue sharing stories that strengthen mental wellbeing across the Eyre Peninsula.

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Wow, where would we be without these incredible banks?! Definitely not where we are, that is for sure!

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses drug and alcohol use, addiction and rehabilitation. It also explores people pleasing, mental health and the role music can play in healing and recovery. If these topics are challenging for you, please take care while listening or come back another time.

Mark “Meggs” Enright shares an honest and open conversation about his love of music and the powerful role it has played throughout his life. From using music as a form of therapy and connection, to navigating people pleasing, drug and alcohol use and rehabilitation, Meggs reflects on some of the experiences that have shaped him.

This is a conversation about finding healthy ways to express yourself, understanding who you are beneath the need to please others, and discovering the things that can help you through difficult times. At the heart of it all is music, something that has offered Meggs a way to connect, process, heal and find his way forward.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training here. Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 4 Sponsor, Impact100 SA, for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their community giving initiative. The incredible community of members from SA, whose collective generosity helps so many initiatives across the state, is the reason we are able to continue sharing stories that strengthen mental wellbeing across the Eyre Peninsula.

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Wow, where would we be without these incredible banks?! Definitely not where we are, that is for sure!

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses anxiety, panic attacks and depression. It is a gentle and hopeful conversation. If these topics are challenging for you, please take care while listening or come back when the time feels right.

Erin has had many adventures in her life! This chat unpacks the learning it took for Erin to understand herself, which became the turning point in her wellbeing. From navigating panic attacks and changing lifelong patterns of thinking, to discovering the importance of values, connection, nature and finding the right support, Erin reflects on the many small steps that helped her move forward.

The conversation explores how everyone's mental health journey is different, why there is no single solution, and how simple daily actions can have a powerful impact over time. Erin also shares her passion for community wellbeing and why creating spaces where people feel connected and supported can change lives.

Whether you're navigating your own mental health, supporting someone you care about, or simply wanting to better understand yourself, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, that healing isn't linear, and that hope can often begin with one small step.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training here. Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 4 Sponsor, Impact100 SA, for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their community giving initiative. The incredible community of members from SA, whose collective generosity helps so many initiatives across the state, is the reason we are able to continue sharing stories that strengthen mental wellbeing across the Eyre Peninsula.

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs. Wow, where would we be without these incredible banks?! Definitely not where we are, that is for sure!

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses bowel cancer. It is a gentle conversation. If this topic is challenging for you, please take care when listening or circle back another time.

In his early 40's, Jason shares his deeply personal journey following a recent bowel cancer diagnosis. In this honest and courageous conversation, he opens up about receiving a temporary colostomy bag, navigating treatment, and the importance of resilience, support, and hope. Jason’s story offers insight, awareness, and encouragement for others facing their own health battles but his main hope is that people take their own health seriously and make sure they get checked.At the moment, Australia has the highest rate of early-onset bowel cancer globally. While most cases occur later in life, rates in people in their 40s are rising. People aged 40–49 account for the majority of early-onset cases, and approximately 1 in 8 Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under 50.

June is bowel cancer awareness month. A great time to do a screening yourself (although any time of the year is a good time). Kits are available online or in chemists for a small fee if you are not eligible for the free screening yet. You can access more information about bowel cancer at https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses child protection, moving overseas, a range of therapies and neurodivergence. It is a gentle conversation. If these topics can be challenging for you, please take care when listening.

Jenny Podorozhnaya is the founder of Positive Future Self. She is a psychotherapist, counsellor, clinical supervisor, and NLP coach who moved from the UK to Australia in 2015 with her family and a powerful vision for accessible, trauma-informed care. Jenny shares the story behind building her multidisciplinary therapy hub, which offers counselling, group work, EMDR, and NDIS support, with a special focus on neurodivergent young people and their families.

With warmth and wisdom, Jenny reflects on her integrated approach to therapy, her passion for helping others heal from trauma, and how life, motherhood and holding space for others has shaped her understanding of resilience and emotional wellbeing.

You can find PFS online at https://www.positivefutureself.com.au/ or their Facebook page at Positive Future Self.

You can find the website that Jenny spoke about for parents of Neurodiverse children at Neuro Diverse Parents Project

The link to the poem, Welcome to Holland, by Emily Perl Kingsley, is here: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses all things farming, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening.

Julian Baillie, known to his mates as Julz, is a farmer with big dreams and deep roots. From appearing on Farmer Wants a Wife to managing the realities of rural life, Julz is as committed to his future as he is to the land he works. Whether it’s chasing sheep, dreaming of building his own farming empire, or simply making time to check in with his mates, Julz believes in doing the hard work- both on the farm and within himself. He’s a strong advocate for connection, conversation, and community, and he knows firsthand how important it is to speak up when things get tough. His story is one of ambition, heart, and the courage to grow- even through the dry seasons.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through fundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses suicide, grief and the challenges of menopause, which may be challenging for some listeners. Please take care when listening.

Ingrid Kennerley has always had a passion for connection, whether that be in community for bringing pieces of fabric together to give them new life. Ingrid is a loving Mum, an active community member and a passionate mentor for people navigating grief; especially due to suicide. Life has many ups and downs and Ingrid does her best to ride them all with the optimism that, with the support of family and friends, she's got this... and she knows that you have got this too!

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to put energy towards.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years throughfundraising. Their efforts and dedication have supported the EP community in a variety of ways and for that we are grateful!

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Thank you to Port Lincoln City Motors for their partnership in providing the Mentally Fit EP vehicle which helps us travel around the region to connect with the EP communities.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

Mentally Fit EP began in 2014 with a collective vision to flip mental illness on its head; to create conversation about mental health and to focus on wellbeing and what is in our control. A group of 'go-getters' came together to create magic. Some of the key players being Kirsty Traeger, Angela Cordon, Jo Clark, Ash Lawrie, Penny Will, Leonie Green, Sue Berry and some of the Port Lincoln Rotary Club members. It started out as an idea to hold a Gala Ball to raise funds to run a program to empower people to take charge of their lives by educating, reducing stigma and up-skilling community members. The "Life is a Circus" Gala Ball was held in October, 2014, at the Port Lincoln Race Course. 10 years later, Mentally Fit EP follows the same vision and goals. The program organises and conducts workshops, this Podcast, community forums, guest speaking roles, courses, events and campaigns, among other things.

We give special mention to Kirsty Traeger and Jo Clark who are now no longer with us, earthside, but well and truly in our hearts.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses anxiety and depression, which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening.

Steven Johnson’s life path was pretty ‘straightforward’. He did pretty well at school. Got some great bonus points, thanks to living in Port Lincoln, and enrolled in Uni. A story that sounds like so many other people. Steve soon realised the course he chose wasn’t ‘right’ for him and that was the beginning of his journey of choosing many different life paths. Life certainly involves many twists and turns. If you can change your mind, you can change your life.

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of mental challenges then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to take the training free of cost. This training is funded by Country SA PHN. We thank them for their support in the Suicide Prevention space- an area we believe is important to

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program Mentally Fit EP (MFEP). MFEP aims to empower people to take charge of their lives and to build mentally fit, connected communities. We believe mental health is everyone's business!

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and Community Support, for making MFEP a possibility! A rock star organisation with rock star staff!

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for supporting Mentally Fit EP for many years through

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln Community Banks for supporting Mentally Fit EP through their grant programs.

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned to the top of the Mentally Fit EP Facebook page

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467

*This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, stillbirth and other topics which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care when listening.

This episode is a conversation with Rachel Sherry. With the world at her feet, Rachel headed up to Whyalla as a

Take care and enjoy the inspiring conversation we were lucky enough to have with Rachel.

If you are in a relationship or situation that is unsafe, please reach out.

Yarredi Services vision is “An empowered, safe and respectful community”. Founded in 1979, Yarredi Services

Yarredi provides a range of services that aim to support and empower clients. These services include;

*Specialist domestic and family violence counselling utilising a case management framework.

*Therapeutic Children’s Wellbeing Program and family liaison

*Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) - providing an avenue for a person who may be at risk of domestic violence to get information about their partner or former partner, to help make decisions about their safety and the future of the relationship. https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/dvds

*Community development initiatives, including group work, Healthy Relationships sessions in schools, and public speaking engagements.

You can find out more about Yarredi at https://yarredi.org.au/

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, please call the Domestic Violence

or 1800RESPECT (24 hours) 1800 737

or Yarrow Place 8226 8777 or toll-free 1800 817 421 (after hours 8226 8787)

If you are concerned about someone who is struggling and finding it difficult to see their way out of grief or mental challenges, then we highly recommend Question. Persuade. Refer. QPR training, which Emma and Lain talked about in the first episode of Season 1. You can access the training ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Type in the code CSA to

We hope you enjoy this episode. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the future MFEP+ME episodes!

*MFEP+ME is a project created within the program

Thank you to our NFP organisation, West Coast Youth and

Thank you to our Season 3 Sponsor, Lincoln Rural, for

A big thank you to the Cummins and Port Lincoln

Helpline Numbers and EP Counselling services are pinned

Lifeline 131 114

Regional Access 1300 032 186

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467