EP #24 — Rebecca Wood: Rebuilding a Life Without Burning Down the Business

What if the worst chapters of your story became the fuel for your biggest climb? 💥

In today’s episode, Hannah sits down with multi-award-winning salon owner Rebecca Wood, single mum, cancer survivor, domestic-violence thriver, and founder of the transformational women’s program Rebel25. Together they unpack:

The day Rebecca realised “survival” wasn’t the finish line.

How she kept her salon thriving while her personal life fell apart.

The silent question every overwhelmed woman asks: “Is this really it?” and Rebecca’s playbook for rewriting that script.

Self-care that actually works when you’re the one holding everyone else up.

If you’re stuck, tired, or wondering whether your spark can ever come back, press play. Your next chapter might begin right here.

🔗 Connect with Hannah: @inspiredtosoarwithhannah | radiowesternport.org

When the spotlight fades, what’s left?

In Episode #23 of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Paul Mercurio MP, yes, the man who tangoed his way through Strictly Ballroom and later judged Dancing with the Stars, drops the glitter and gets honest.

We unpack:

How dance became his first language for emotions

The mental whiplash of overnight fame

Reinventing himself from stage to Parliament for Hastings

Why regional mental health keeps him up at night

Raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. Press play, lean in, and remember: your history is fuel, not dead weight.

Episode 22 – Chris Crewther: Politics, Purpose & Mental Resilience

From regional Victoria to Parliament House, Chris Crewther has carried one mission: make life better for the people around him. In this candid chat, the Member for Mornington (and former Federal MP) opens up about:

His “aha” moment for entering public service

Balancing high-pressure politics with mental wellbeing

Lessons from leading Australia’s Modern Slavery Inquiry

Why secure housing is healthcare and what must change next

If you’ve ever wondered how leaders stay grounded while pushing for big change, this one’s for you. Hit play, get inspired, and remember: the more you believe in yourself, the more you can achieve.

Episode #11 – The Joe Show

Rates going up, crime on the rise, and a 102-year-old legend still showing us how it’s done, welcome to Episode #11!

‣ MPS passes its biggest budget yet – what it really means for your mortgage and front yard

‣ Car-theft hotspots: the 24 % crime jump and how thieves are gaming the system

‣ Grattons Rd cool-store inferno: what’s next for local growers?

‣ Somerville High’s student high-flyers – applause, please!

‣ Why your next rates notice is +$75 (hint: McRae is slipping)

‣ Meet Olga, 102 and still doing the rounds for charity

‣ Foreshore dog-lover debate – who gets the beach?

‣ The Men’s Shed is bursting at the seams – bigger digs needed

‣ Frankston’s public pool closes for a facelift – where to swim meanwhile

‣ 25 arrested in Frankston: weapons, drugs, and Friday-night mayhem

‣ Vandalism spike in Hastings – Joe’s camera-powered fix

Hit play, share with a mate, and keep the convo rolling.

Episode #21 – “Empowering Brighter Futures”

Real-life stories. Real change.

This week Hannah sits down with Haley, Casey & Nicole—the powerhouse trio behind Empowering Brighter Futures, a purpose-driven NDIS provider turning inclusion and mental-health advocacy into daily action.

🎙️ In this episode:

How three women turned passion into a movement

Mental-health rituals that keep frontline workers grounded

Breaking down barriers to meaningful community participation

Why “one-on-one employment support” can change a life

The future of disability services—and how we can all help shape it

Press play, get inspired, and remember: the more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve. ✨

–––

Hosted by Hannah Swinnerton | Inspired to Soar on Radio Western Port

Follow, share, and tag @InspiredToSoar to keep the conversation flying.

You know that friend who always listens but rarely gets asked, “How are you doing?” that was Cathy Vescio-Dibella for 30 years behind the salon chair. Today, she flips the script.

In Episode 20 of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we unpack Cathy’s journey from silent strength to published author and radio host. We talk emotional load, self-love “tanks,” and why your story is never “just a haircut.”

Why listen?

Learn how to spot burnout when you’re the one holding space for everyone else.

Steal Cathy’s first step for refilling your own love tank.

Hear the moment she decided to write the book that changed her life and could change yours.

Press play, hit ★ Follow, and share this episode with the person who always has your back, it might be the lifeline they never knew they needed.

What do you call a climate plan that’s “too expensive” to write?—apparently, nothing at all.

On Episode #10 of The Joe Show, Joe dives head-first into the big local headlines that matter:

A kindergarten’s handwritten note sparks a brand-new Mornington Peninsula Shire flag policy.

Tree-planting for our koalas—because furry locals deserve leafy homes.

A noise-pollution court victory in Rosebud (peace & quiet never sounded so good).

Council shelves its climate-change action plan on “cost” grounds—Joe asks the uncomfortable questions.

Sorrento Village’s off-season hustle, Dromana’s ageing facilities, and why Rosebud Hospital is still waiting for its glow-up while Frankston’s is already shiny and new.

PSA from Joe: roll up your sleeve—get your flu shot.

And yes… no dad-jokes this week. Blame Joe’s daughter (we kinda agree with her).

On this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we’re stepping into the glittery, feel-good world of Disco Dating with the incredible duo Johanna and Josh. 🎶✨

Forget awkward speed dating nights, these two are flipping the script and mixing connection with music, movement, and true inclusivity. We talk about how their events are creating safe, joyful, and pressure-free spaces where love, friendship, and confidence blossom.

Whether you're looking to connect or just want to feel inspired by something heartwarming and fresh, this episode will make you want to dance to your own rhythm and maybe even sign up for a Disco Dating night near you!

🎧 Press play, be inspired, and remember: The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

Inspired to Soar with Hannah – Episode 01: Healing, Self-Love & Alopecia with Alison

Real talk. Real transformation. 🦋

In our very first episode, host Hannah Swinnerton sits down with spiritual healer, life-coach and alopecia warrior Alison to unpack:

Growing from “victim → survivor → thriver”

What “holding space” REALLY means (and how to do it)

Navigating alopecia & body image with radical self-acceptance

Practical rituals that reconnect you to your inner light— even on the tough days

Busting the biggest myths about spirituality & energy work

Hit play, grab your favourite mug, and remember: the more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

‣ Follow & leave a review to help more people soar.

‣ Connect with Hannah on Instagram @InspiredToSoarPodcast.

Kick off 2025 with the first episode of Western Port Secondary College’s podcast on Radio Western Port! The student hosts bring you a lively mix of music, interviews, and community news. Highlights include:

🎸 Music Makes You Lose Control: Liam explores the power of symphonic metal.

📅 Community Buzz: Marcus shares upcoming events across Western Port and the Mornington Peninsula.

🔄 Evolution of Music: Rory debuts a new segment on how music has changed through the years.

🎓 Star Student Interview: Nash and Beau (last year’s highest ATAR achievers) chat about their experiences as part-time tutors.

🕵️‍♂️ True Crime Story: A chilling student-created true crime segment by Adison, Patrick, and Toby.

🎙️ Live Performance: Austin performs an acoustic cover of a rising country artist.

This episode is a truly student-powered production. Listen now to join the fun and stay connected with our community!