Radio Western Port

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

Inspired to Soar with Hannah – Featuring Dani Stewart-Wright

In this powerful episode of Inspired to Soar, Hannah sits down with trauma healing facilitator and former nurse Dani Stewart-Wright.

Dani’s story is one of deep adversity and profound transformation. From childhood exposure to domestic violence, abuse, bullying, addiction, and mental health battles including ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia and CPTSD — Dani has lived through more than most.

After fifteen years of traditional talk therapy, she discovered bottom-up healing approaches including Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Kinesiology, and nervous system-based work. In just three years, her life changed in ways she never thought possible.

Now the founder of Holistic Healings with Dani, she supports others to heal at the root — not just manage symptoms.

This conversation explores:

• The impact of unresolved trauma on the nervous system

• Why talk therapy alone isn’t always enough

• Body-based healing modalities

• Moving from survival to thriving

• Reclaiming identity after trauma

If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode… this episode is for you.

If this discussion raises anything for you, support is available in Australia:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. You are not alone.

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, Julie and Jan sit down with Marie-Therese, long-standing French tutor and Life Member of Hastings U3A.

Marie-Therese has been sharing her love of the French language for many years, teaching courses from beginner to intermediate and intermediate advanced levels, along with her much-loved Café Conversation sessions. Her passion for la langue française and French culture has inspired generations of learners, many of whom have gone on to become tutor leaders themselves.

Join us for a warm and engaging conversation about teaching, lifelong learning, community, and the joy that language brings to life.

The Hastings U3A Podcast – Episode 22

Hosted by Jan & Julie

In Episode 22, Jan and Julie sit down with Pamela, the passionate and talented leader of the Hastings U3A Play Reading group.

With a rich background in theatre and a lifelong love of performance, Pamela shares stories from her time on stage and behind the scenes. From the rhythm of rehearsals to the magic of bringing characters to life through the spoken word, this episode celebrates creativity, connection, and the joy of storytelling.

Whether you’ve acted before or simply love the theatre, you’ll enjoy this warm and engaging conversation about keeping the arts alive in our community.

Listen now and discover how a simple script can bring people together. 🎭📖

Inspired to Soar with Hannah – Featuring “Unhinged Bec”

In this powerful episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we welcome Bec a 38-year-old mum, wife, storyteller, and woman courageously rediscovering who she is beyond the roles she has carried for most of her life.

From primary school bullying to workplace trauma in adulthood, Bec shares her journey through pain, self-doubt, and ultimately, self-discovery. What once felt like a breaking point became a turning point leading her to walk away, protect her peace, and step into the bold, honest, and humorous version of herself many now know as “Unhinged Bec.”

Through her storytelling and Facebook review platform, Bec creates space for real conversations, real laughter, and real healing.

This episode is about:

• Bullying and its long-term impact

• Mental health and rebuilding confidence

• Choosing yourself

• Finding identity outside labels

• Turning pain into purpose

If you’ve ever questioned your worth or felt like shrinking to be accepted this conversation is for you.

If this episode raises anything for you, support is available:

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14

📞 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Your story matters here.

In this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, Hannah is joined by Scott Carson, founder of The Business of Smiles a social impact initiative building stronger people, stronger teams, and stronger communities through connection and courageous conversation.

Scott shares the heart behind Smiles for Life, alcohol-free gatherings where men come together in safe spaces to reflect, grow, and build resilience before reaching crisis. He also unpacks the story behind the iconic Smilligan Socks (bold yellow and black polka dots), created to spark meaningful conversations around mental health and checking in on the people around us.

From Smiles in Sport to Off the Clock, Scott’s work is helping shape values-led environments grounded in respect, accountability, and emotional strength.

A powerful conversation about prevention through presence, culture through behaviour, and why you truly can’t automate being human.

Support (Australia):

Lifeline 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | MensLine 1300 78 99 78 | Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

In Episode 21 of the Hastings U3A Podcast, hosts Julie and Jan sit down with Sue, one of the organisation’s valued committee members, for a conversation that highlights both fun and responsibility within the U3A community.

Sue shares her passion for petanque, the popular outdoor game that has become a favourite among members. She explains how the game creates connection, encourages gentle activity, and provides a welcoming space for people of all skill levels.

The discussion also explores Sue’s role as Health and Safety Officer. She offers insight into how U3A ensures activities are safe, inclusive and well organised behind the scenes. It’s a reminder that thriving community groups rely on both enthusiastic participation and thoughtful leadership.

This episode beautifully reflects the spirit of Hastings U3A active, caring and community focused.

In Episode 21 of the Hastings U3A Podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful Sue, the long-time leader of the much-loved Dancing for Fun and Fitness group.

Sue shares her story of community, resilience, and movement, from a lifetime in the Hastings area to stepping up as a group leader more than a decade ago. With laughter, music, and plenty of heart, Sue explains how dancing has helped members stay active, build friendships, and feel connected, especially during challenging times like COVID.

From Nutbush to Zorba, Elvis to the Twist, this episode celebrates movement that feels more like joy than exercise.

If you’ve ever thought about giving dancing a go, or simply love hearing stories about people who make our community thrive, this episode is for you.

🎶 Keep moving. Keep dancing. Stay connected.

Inspired to Soar with Hannah – Episode 81 | Inspire Change Crew

Welcome to Inspired to Soar with Hannah the show where real stories spark real change.

In this powerful episode, Hannah is joined by Inspire Change Crew, an FMX and BMX action sports team and youth organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of young people across Victoria and beyond.

Founded by Bindi and Callum, Inspire Change Crew is about far more than high-energy shows. Alongside professional athletes, youth workers, CFA volunteers, medics, and community mentors, they use action sports as a way to connect with young people creating belonging, building confidence, and opening honest conversations around mental health.

Beyond the ramps and bikes, Inspire Change Crew delivers free BMX coaching, trade experience days, one-on-one mentoring, crisis support, and youth programs that meet young people exactly where they are. As foster carers raising 13 children and supporting emergency placements, Bindi and Callum bring deep lived experience into their work, supporting young people with trauma, complex needs, and big life challenges.

This conversation explores mental health, resilience, community, and what it truly means to show up for young people. It’s honest, hopeful, and deeply inspiring.

Sit back, be inspired, and remember you are not alone.

This is Inspired to Soar with Hannah, and your story matters here.

In this episode, Julie chats with George, Hastings U3A’s much-loved Spanish tutor, about the joy of learning a new language in a relaxed and supportive environment.

George shares how he came to teach Spanish at U3A, his conversational approach to learning, and why you’re never too old or too inexperienced to start something new. From travel-ready phrases to cultural insights from Spain and South America, this episode highlights how language learning can build confidence, friendships, and community.

No homework, no pressure just conversation, curiosity, and connection.

If you’ve ever thought about learning Spanish (or any new language), this episode might be just the inspiration you need.