Sue shares her powerful story of overcoming bullying, anxiety, depression, hospitalisation, single motherhood, and cancer, and how those experiences helped shape her purpose. Now a leader in Jim’s Life Coaching, she is passionate about helping others transform their mindset, build resilience, and create a life they truly love.

This is a raw, real, and uplifting conversation about adversity, healing, growth, and finding strength through life’s toughest seasons.

A beautiful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, there is always hope and a way forward.

If you want, I can also turn this into a short promo caption for Instagram and a one-line episode teaser for the image tile.

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, hosts Julie and Jan sit down with Rhonda, one of the organisation’s dedicated volunteers, to explore what volunteering really means.

What motivates someone to give their time? What do they get back in return?

Rhonda shares her personal story, the connections she’s built, and the unexpected rewards that come from being part of something bigger than yourself.

This is a warm and honest conversation about community, purpose, and the simple impact of showing up.

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, hosts Julie and Jan sit down with Gail, the creative writing tutor who’s helping members bring their stories to life.

Gail shares how her workshops create a relaxed and supportive space where people can explore their imagination, find their voice, and try different styles of writing, from short stories and poetry to memoir.

We talk about where ideas come from, why it’s never too late to start writing, and the quiet confidence that builds when people begin to share their stories.

If you’ve ever thought about writing but didn’t know where to start, this one’s for you.

This week, Julie takes the lead as interviewer, chatting with co-host Jan and fellow member Daphne.

Jan shares her journey as an acrylic artist and what inspires her work, while Daphne gives insight into the organisation and support that keeps Hastings U3A running smoothly.

A relaxed, behind-the-scenes conversation highlighting the people who make the community what it is.

In this episode, Julie and Jan chat with Julianne, the talented leader of our Guitar Fingerpicking Group.

Julianne shares how she supports beginners to get started with fingerpicking, breaking it down in a way that feels simple and achievable. She talks about building confidence, staying patient, and enjoying the process of learning something new.

To close the episode, Julianne performs live playing guitar and singing in a moment that captures the joy of music and community.

Tune in for a relaxed and inspiring conversation.

In this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah speaks with Josie Jones — coastal advocate, citizen scientist, and underwater photographer.

Josie shares her journey protecting Victoria’s beaches, the story behind the Beach Hand Bin initiative, and what she’s learned from years spent observing life beneath the surface.

The conversation explores marine biodiversity, community action, and simple ways everyday people can help protect our oceans.

A grounded and inspiring episode for anyone who cares about the environment and wants to make a difference.

In this heartfelt episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah speaks with Chantelle Roos, founder of Projex J, about love, loss, and finding purpose through grief.

After losing her son Jamerson, Chantelle chose to honour his life by creating a space where others experiencing grief can feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Jamerson lived by the words “Get Busy Living,” and through Projex J, that message continues to guide and inspire others every day.

This is a raw and honest conversation about:

Navigating grief

Looking after your mental health

The power of community support

Finding meaning after loss

If you’re grieving, supporting someone, or just need to hear a real story from the heart, this episode is for you.

💛 You’re not alone.

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, Julie and Jan speak with Mike, a tutor who leads both the Easy Riders cycling group and the guitar group. Mike talks about how these activities help members stay active, creative, and connected.

From cycling along local routes to making music together, the groups create welcoming spaces where people can learn new skills, build friendships, and enjoy the social side of Hastings U3A.

Hosts Julie and Jan chat with Mike, tutor of the Easy Riders cycling group and the Hastings U3A guitar group. In this episode, Mike talks about the joy of cycling local routes, the friendships formed along the way, and the fun of bringing people together through music. The conversation highlights how Hastings U3A offers members opportunities to stay active, learn new skills, and connect through shared passions.

In this episode, we meet Trish, the enthusiastic leader of the Hastings U3A Luncheon Society and Coffee Morning Group.

Trish shares how simple gatherings over coffee or lunch have grown into something special within the Hastings U3A community. These friendly meet-ups provide a welcoming space where members can relax, share stories, and form lasting friendships.

For many people, especially those living on their own, these mornings offer connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging.

Through Trish’s stories, we learn how something as simple as sitting down together for a meal or coffee can help build a stronger, more connected community