In Episode #67, Hannah is joined by Mayor Kris Bolam, a proud Frankston local whose leadership journey has been defined by service, resilience, and heart. Kris has served multiple terms on Frankston City Council, including several as Mayor, and remains one of the youngest leaders ever elected in the region.

This episode goes beyond titles and achievements. Together, Hannah and Kris explore the reality of leadership under pressure, the unseen mental-health challenges that come with public life, and why vulnerability matters just as much as strength. Kris shares how growing up in Frankston shaped his values, how diverse career paths influenced his understanding of people and wellbeing, and his vision for a more connected, inclusive future for the city.

It’s an honest, grounded conversation about community pride, personal responsibility, and leading with empathy on and off the public stage.

Sit back, be inspired, and remember:

The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

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

In this episode of the Hastings U3A podcast, we step outside and into the fresh air with Paul, leader of the Walk the Peninsula group. Paul shares how walking together across the Mornington Peninsula has created friendships, improved fitness, and helped members stay connected to both nature and each other.

A relaxed and uplifting conversation about movement, community, and the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other, in some of the most beautiful surroundings the Peninsula has to offer.

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

In this powerful episode, Hannah is joined by Julie Fisher, a mum of three boys, disability advocate, best-selling author, speaker, and radio host, whose life was forever changed when she learned her youngest son, Darcy, would be born with Down Syndrome.

Julie shares her journey from that life-defining moment, the emotions and uncertainty that followed, and the conscious decision her family made: to give Darcy every opportunity to live a full, joyful, and supported life.

Over the past 19 years, Julie has become a trusted voice for inclusion and acceptance, using lived experience to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and remind us of a simple but powerful truth, every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and seen.

This is a raw, honest, and uplifting conversation about motherhood, resilience, advocacy, community, and unconditional love. Julie’s story will open your eyes, move your heart, and leave you inspired to see inclusion not as an idea, but as a way of living.

Sit back, be inspired, and remember:

The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

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

This episode is different.

Today, the microphone turns toward the woman who usually holds space for everyone else.

Guest host Melissa sits down with Hannah Swinnerton , mental health and anti-bullying advocate, podcaster, athlete, Special Olympics supporter, and the heart behind Inspired to Soar with Hannah.

Hannah shares her full story:

• years of bullying

• living with mental health diagnoses and an intellectual disability

• finding strength through sport, advocacy, and self-belief

• the moment she stopped seeing herself as a victim and started choosing herself

This is a raw, honest conversation about resilience, identity, and turning pain into purpose.

If you’ve ever felt underestimated, excluded, or silenced, this episode is for you.

Because no matter what you’ve been through, you are not alone.

And your story matters here.

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

In this episode, I’m joined by someone who lives and breathes community: Cr Nathan Butler, Frankston City Councillor for Yamala Ward and co-founder of Social Walks, one of the largest walking and adventure communities in Australia.

Nathan’s journey is grounded, honest and heart-led. From his early experiences in tourism and small business, to championing accessible beaches, local art, mental health fundraisers and neighbourhood connection, Nathan shows what it truly means to lead with purpose.

We talk about:

What inspired him to step into public life

The rise of Social Walks and why it resonates with tens of thousands

Accessibility, housing, safer neighbourhoods and community impact

His values, his resilience, and the heart behind everything he does

Nathan’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t start with a title — it starts with compassion, lived experience, and the courage to show up for others.

Sit back, be inspired, and remember:

The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

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

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

I’m your host, Hannah Swinnerton. I’m a mental health and anti-bullying advocate, a proud gym girl, and someone who’s walked through bullying, mental health struggles, and body-image battles… and come out the other side stronger.

Today, I’m joined by someone who represents strength, humility, and real community leadership — Cr Emily Green.

Emily is a lifelong Frankston local, a young mum, a student of government and community leadership, and Councillor for Kananook Ward. Her journey is rooted in lived experience, grassroots volunteering, and a genuine love for her community.

In this conversation, Emily opens up about:

✨ Growing up in Frankston

✨ Her path into public leadership

✨ Motherhood, resilience, and balance

✨ The challenges and triumphs of local government

✨ What community connection truly looks like

✨ Why lived experience matters in leadership

This episode is a grounding reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be loud, it can be humble, heartfelt, and driven by compassion.

Please welcome to Inspired to Soar with Hannah… Cr Emily Green.

The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

Your story matters here. 💛

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

Today I’m joined by Gary from Advance Frankston, a man whose voice has become a steady, positive force in our community. What began as one person wanting Frankston to move forward has grown into thousands of locals coming together to share news, celebrate wins, and look after each other.

In this episode, Gary opens up about:

why he created Advance Frankston

the lessons he learned from decades at Telstra and running his own business

what he loves about retirement, family life, and staying mentally healthy

the challenges and bright spots in our community

how everyday people can shape the place they call home

Gary’s honesty and heart shine through in every moment. He proves you don’t need a title to lead — just courage, compassion, and consistency.

Sit back, be inspired, and enjoy this powerful conversation.

In this week’s episode of the Hastings U3A podcast, Jan and Julie catch up with Phil, one of the leaders of the Cycling Group.

Phil talks about the fun and freedom of exploring local trails, the friendships that build along the way, and the health benefits that come with regular riding. From relaxed local rides to full “away days” on some of Victoria’s most beautiful cycle paths, the group offers something for riders of all levels.

If you’ve ever thought about joining in, or you just enjoy hearing stories of people staying active and connected, this is a warm and uplifting listen.

In this episode, Jan and Julie sit down with Paul, the leader of the Computer Tasks group at Hastings U3A.

Paul shares how the group helps members build confidence with everyday technology , from basic computer skills to exploring new digital tools.

It’s a practical, friendly chat about learning at your own pace, problem-solving together, and staying connected in a fast-changing digital world.

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

In this episode, Hannah sits down with a man whose influence stretches far beyond the boxing ring. Marcos Amado isn’t just the owner and Head Coach of Peninsula Boxing , he’s a leader, a mentor, a father, and one of the quiet giants of Australian boxing.

For 23 years, Marcos has shaped athletes from the inside out. He’s coached at every level - Boxing Victoria, Boxing Australia, Youth World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 Paris Olympics. But behind every achievement is a deeper story: resilience, humility, and a commitment to showing up even on the hardest days.

Marcos also opens up about his journey with early-onset Parkinson’s , a chapter that has reshaped his purpose, deepened his leadership, and strengthened his belief in serving others.

This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply human. It’s about discipline, identity, health, family, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.

If you’re navigating your own battles , silent or loud , this episode is for you.

Your story matters here.

Let’s soar. 🥊✨