Join us as we discuss the importance of giving back with John Stevens and his mission to empower children in Bali through education and compassion. John shares how his first visit to Bali in 1974 sparked a lifelong commitment to helping those in need, leading to the creation of Hope School. Through English and computer education, John and his wife, Made, provide children with the tools to break the cycle of poverty. Hear inspiring stories of resilience, including a student now studying law to advocate for the underprivileged.

About our guest:

John Stevens is the founder of Pro. Vision International Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families in need in rural Indonesia. Seven years ago, he established Hope School in the Balinese mountain village of Munduk, providing education and resources to children from farming families. The school offers a preschool program for five-year-olds and afternoon tutoring for older students, teaching foundational subjects, music, cooking, hydroponics, and essential English and computer skills. In addition, Hope School operates a health clinic, offering basic medical assistance to the local community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, John and Pro. Vision played a vital role in supporting struggling families, reinforcing their mission of service and faith-driven outreach.

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Website: https://provision.org.au/

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

02:28 - A Wake-Up Call in Bali

05:02 - Rescuing Youth from Poverty and Exploitation

08:22 - Creating Stable Learning Environments

13:11 - The Need for Genuine Compassion

18:10 - John's Upbringing and Values

24:28 - Investing in Meaningful Change

29:41 - The Excitement of Learning New Skills

34:25 - The Priceless Nature of Community Investment

38:50 - The Journey of Establishing Hope Schools

42:03 - The Heart of Teaching

44:33 - The Importance of Commitment to Learning

48:55 - Finding Balance in Work and Rest

51:52 - Beyond a Million Bucks

52:46 - The Power of a Mentor

Nadine shared her deeply personal story of navigating life's toughest challenges, including growing up in a home affected by domestic violence, and later enduring what she calls a "life collision." This period saw her juggling her father’s dementia, her husband’s mental health struggles, and a high-risk pregnancy, all of which forced her to confront her identity and priorities. Nadine’s insights on grief, resilience, and breaking free from societal "shoulds" will leave you reflecting on what truly matters and inspire you to embrace life with authenticity and purpose.

About our guest:

Nadine Muller is a transformative leader, mentor, and coach who empowers individuals, particularly women, to step into their personal and professional greatness. After serving 13 years as a Registered Nurse in the Australian Defence Force, Nadine's life was dramatically altered by a series of challenging events, including the turmoil of her husband's mental health struggles and the impending loss of close family members. This period of intense grief and self-sacrifice became the catalyst for Nadine's decision to prioritize herself, shift her mindset, and embark on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. Now, Nadine leads others with fierce conviction, helping them collapse time and unlock their potential, both in terms of wealth and personal fulfillment. With a deep belief in the power of choice and transformation, Nadine inspires those she works with to rise from their past struggles, prioritize their well-being, and create a life of abundance. Nadine's mantra is simple: if she can do it, so can you.

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Website: https://www.nadinemuller.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadinemuller/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bynadinemuller/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

03:53 - Life Shaped by Military Discipline

08:02 - The Unexpected Depth of Responsibility

13:36 - The Breaking Point

21:06 - When the shoulds no longer serve you

23:50 - Success vs. presence

35:21 - The paralyzing effect of perfectionism and people-pleasing on decision-making

41:39 - Carrying Others' Grief

48:57 - Living with Purpose

55:24 - Nadine’s three non-negotiables

58:55 - You've only got 24 hours in a day

01:08:33 - Gratitude of Life’s Design

01:13:26 - Nothing is Everything

01:19:49 - Shifting from "What I Did" to "Who I Was"

01:24:11 - The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Adam Blum talks about the tools that helped him manage his mental health, from journaling to creating a plan for tough days. He explains how important it is to nurture relationships and be there for others, sharing how simple words of love can make a difference. Listen in and take action today—prioritize your mental well-being, show up for the people who matter, and remember that no matter the struggle, there is always hope.

About our guest:

Adam Blum, born in 1992, faced significant challenges throughout his life, including debilitating health issues, multiple surgeries, and relentless bullying during his school years, compounded by ADHD. These hardships followed him into adulthood, where he struggled with severe depression and even contemplated suicide at 22. A life-changing phone call redirected his path, giving him a second chance. Now a firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service and creator of the True Blue Conversations Podcast, Adam uses his platform to share stories of resilience and personal growth. Through his work, especially with his project Easy Target, he aims to inspire others to overcome their struggles and build inner strength.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://adamblum.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-blum-b49249218/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true.blue.conversations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.blum.52

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

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Episode Highlights:

00:54 - Steps to Take When Struggling

02:51 - Small Wins for Mental Health Recovery

04:40 - Creating a Safety Plan

05:58 - Expressing Love and Support

07:57 - Defining Success

11:10 - Greatest Teachers in Life

In this episode, Adam Blum opens up about the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, especially from a male perspective. He talks about his own struggles with mental health and how his journey led him to start True Blue Conversations, a podcast aimed at sharing real stories to help others feel less alone. Adam’s message encourages vulnerability and openness, showing that asking for help is a sign of strength.

About our guest:

Adam Blum, born in 1992, faced significant challenges throughout his life, including debilitating health issues, multiple surgeries, and relentless bullying during his school years, compounded by ADHD. These hardships followed him into adulthood, where he struggled with severe depression and even contemplated suicide at 22. A life-changing phone call redirected his path, giving him a second chance. Now a firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service and creator of the True Blue Conversations Podcast, Adam uses his platform to share stories of resilience and personal growth. Through his work, especially with his project Easy Target, he aims to inspire others to overcome their struggles and build inner strength.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://adamblum.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-blum-b49249218/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true.blue.conversations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.blum.52

Follow Us On:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

03:16 - Struggles with Appearance and ADHD

05:09 - Transformation Over Time

10:33 - First Job as a Soccer Referee

12:06 - Early Inspiration to Become a Firefighter

15:01 - The Role of a Strong Support Network

17:02 - Fear Keeps You Alive

23:12 - Greatest Challenges as a Firefighter

28:16 - The Shared Humanity Behind "Celebrity" Status

34:14 - The 15,000 Word Reality Check

42:15 - Taming the Black Dog

48:01 - Rock Bottom and Recovery Journey

01:00:31 - Finding What Works for You

01:04:14 - Advice for Someone Struggling with Mental Health

01:11:33 - The True Meaning of Success

Discover the surprising ways reality TV mirrors our own lives and relationships. Learn why these shows resonate with us, offering an entertaining escape and real insights into connection and behavior. Find out how storytelling and authenticity on screen can inspire personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

About our guest:

Jana Firestone is a dedicated therapist, author, and podcast host with over 17 years of experience in grief, trauma, and family dynamics. Armed with a degree in psychology and a Master’s in counselling, she has worked extensively in Child Protection, Victims of Crime, and The Coroners Court of Victoria. Now in private practice, Jana supports individuals, including elite athletes, while managing her creative endeavors. She is the host of The Curious Life Podcast and The Days That Follow, which amplify inspiring human stories. A published author of Embracing Change and Plot Twist, Jana masterfully balances motherhood, counselling, writing, and entrepreneurship with humor and heart.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jana.firestone/

Website: https://www.thecuriouslife.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

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Episode Highlights:

01:05 - Impact of Reality TV on Society

04:45 - Manufactured Drama in Reality Shows

06:32 - Psychology Behind Casting

08:36 - Authenticity in Reality TV

11:40 - Escapism vs. Reality

19:03 - Relatability in Mundane Moments

20:35 - The Power of Storytelling

Join us as we sit down with Jana Firestone to explore how her journey through grief and growing up in a family of mental health professionals shaped her profound understanding of emotions and the human condition. Jana shares how losing her mother at a young age and working in intense environments like child protection and the coroner's court influenced her perspective on human behavior. Discover the duality of reality TV as both entertainment and a reflection of societal dynamics, offering valuable lessons in communication, authenticity, and personal growth.

About our guest:

Jana Firestone is a dedicated therapist, author, and podcast host with over 17 years of experience in grief, trauma, and family dynamics. Armed with a degree in psychology and a Master’s in counselling, she has worked extensively in Child Protection, Victims of Crime, and The Coroners Court of Victoria. Now in private practice, Jana supports individuals, including elite athletes, while managing her creative endeavors. She is the host of The Curious Life Podcast and The Days That Follow, which amplify inspiring human stories. A published author of Embracing Change and Plot Twist, Jana masterfully balances motherhood, counselling, writing, and entrepreneurship with humor and heart.

Follow Our Guest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jana.firestone/

Website: https://www.thecuriouslife.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecuriouslifepodcast

Follow Us On:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

01:49 - The Impact of Early Loss

04:54 - Understanding Emotions from a Young Age

10:34 - Early Career Experiences

13:12 - Experiences at the Coroner's Court

20:08 - The Work Between Therapy Sessions

23:08 - The Power of Self-Reflection

28:23 - Authenticity Matters More Than Planning

31:39 - The Influence of Reality TV on Society

36:21 - Psychology Behind Casting in Reality TV

38:20 - Production’s Role in Polar Opposite Matches

42:21 -  Lessons Learned from Reality TV

45:20 - The Decline of Traditional Reality Shows

51:16 - Conversations That Matter

58:47 - Non-Negotiables for Busy Lives

01:02:12 - Measuring Success by Feelings, Not Milestones

Discover how to reset your mindset around stress and recovery with Michele Scherr, a remarkable health and wellbeing coach. In this episode, Michele dives into the complexities of stress, resilience, and the critical role of recovery in navigating today’s fast-paced world. She highlights the power of epigenetics—how our environment and experiences shape our genetic expression—and shares practical ways to use this knowledge to make informed decisions about health, nutrition, and lifestyle for a happier, more balanced life.

About our guest:

Michele Scherr is a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Coach, Registered Nurse, wife, mother, and grandmother with a passion for empowering others to achieve their goals and optimize their health. With extensive experience as an emergency and critical care nurse in Australia and military war zones, Michele has worked on the front lines of health crises, gaining deep insights into the challenges of modern healthcare. Today, she is passionate about helping clients prevent and reverse lifestyle diseases, guiding them toward vibrant, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://michelescherr.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-scherr/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele.scherr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleScherrConsulting/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

03:07 - Resilience Through Adversity

07:45 - Understanding Resilience

09:58 - The Importance of Recovery from Stress

11:46 - The Evolving Pressures of Modern Society

15:01 - Identity Beyond Professional Roles

18:19 - Finding Value in Service to Others

26:57 - Stress Isn’t Just Mental

28:17 - Understanding Diverse Wellness Needs

35:39 - Explaining Epigenetics

40:40 - The Role of Environment in Health

46:12 - Client Transformations and Outcomes

53:15 - Primitive Bodies in a Technological World

57:05 - Beyond the Pill

01:06:51 - Redefining Success

01:10:37 - Realizing Survival vs. Thriving

From losing everything to finding hope, Travis shares his raw and emotional experience with gambling addiction. Discover the moment that changed his life forever as he recounts the pivotal decision to seek help, his transformative time in rehab, and the unexpected inspiration he found in running. Now, through his passion for running, he empowers others to overcome their challenges, embrace change, and find hope in their own journeys.

About our guest:

Travis Ireland is the founder of Run the World, an initiative focused on promoting mental health and well-being through exercise. With a deep passion for running and physical activity, Travis advocates for the transformative power of fitness as a tool for emotional healing and personal growth. Having battled his own struggles with gambling addiction, he has used his experiences to help others, emphasizing the importance of mental health support, self-care, and meaningful connections. His journey of recovery and personal development led him to create Run the World, where he aims to inspire individuals to prioritize their health, both mentally and physically. Through his work, Travis strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of others by highlighting the vital connection between physical activity and mental well-being.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://runsoftheworld.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runsoftheworld/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runsoftheworld/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:22 - How Travis’s Gambling Addiction Began

02:20 - Chasing Losses and Hiding the Truth

04:43 - The Light Bulb Moment

06:33 - Meeting Robert de Castella

08:14 - Running the Gold Coast Marathon

10:18 - The Transformation Through Running

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Travis as he shares his journey of resilience and transformation. After hitting rock bottom and losing it all, Travis found hope and strength through the power of accountability and the support of a caring community. Discover how running became a turning point in his life and led him to create a virtual running platform that connects people from all walks of life. With his warm and passionate approach, Travis invites us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace a healthier lifestyle, and find joy in the journey.

About our guest:

Travis Ireland is the founder of Run the World, an initiative focused on promoting mental health and well-being through exercise. With a deep passion for running and physical activity, Travis advocates for the transformative power of fitness as a tool for emotional healing and personal growth. Having battled his own struggles with gambling addiction, he has used his experiences to help others, emphasizing the importance of mental health support, self-care, and meaningful connections. His journey of recovery and personal development led him to create Run the World, where he aims to inspire individuals to prioritize their health, both mentally and physically. Through his work, Travis strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of others by highlighting the vital connection between physical activity and mental well-being.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://runsoftheworld.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runsoftheworld/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runsoftheworld/

Follow Us On:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

02:10 - Travis's Early Running Journey

09:07 - Underlying Causes of Gambling Addiction

11:01 - Chasing Losses: The Cycle of Gambling

13:29 - The Moment of Realization

15:19 - A Chance Encounter with Robert de Castella

23:17 - Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction

32:32 - Stories of Transformation Through Running

35:05 - The Power of Community and Connection

37:12 - Exploring Australia Through Running

41:44 - Non-Negotiables for Mental Well-Being

44:25 - The Importance of Communication

47:31 - Impact of Losing Physical Activity

50:18 - The Shift from “Being” to “Doing”

54:22 - How Rehab Helps Address Past Pain

In this episode, I have the profound honor of speaking with Di, an inspiring woman whose journey through life and illness has profoundly reshaped her understanding of happiness, choice, and living fully. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at 31, Di emphasizes the importance of focusing on life rather than the inevitability of death. Guided by her mantra of being "obsessed with the way that I'm living," she shares her story of resilience and transformation, including her decision to embrace happiness, natural healing, and gratitude after being given just 12 months to live. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of choosing joy, even in the face of adversity.

About our guest:

Di Foster is a seasoned coach, speaker, and business consultant with a diverse background in management and a personal story of resilience. After earning a commerce degree with a focus on accounting, Di began her career at Tamahine Knitwear in Dunedin, eventually leading management roles across the knitwear and production industries. With over 15 years of experience navigating business closures, mergers, and start-ups, Di transitioned into coaching, driven by a passion for helping people thrive in both business and life. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Di defied a terminal diagnosis 14 years ago and now advocates for living life to the fullest. Her coaching emphasizes perspective shifts and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

Follow Our Guest:

Website: https://www.difoster.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/difoster.live/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/difoster.live

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-foster/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/

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Episode Highlights:

00:59 - The Turning Point

02:48 -  Confronting Fear

06:14 -  Finding Purpose in Survival

08:33 -  Initial Diagnosis Experience