Signposts for Living with Dr Kirsten Hunter

Podcast: Murder of my 8 year old brother - Change in DOCS legislation. Special Guest: Chantelle Deetlefs

The media made a living off this 1982 tragedy, but up until now, Chantelle Deetlefs, the key witness has never told her story. 

This tragic story is about so many things; mental health, dangerous critical assumptions and decisions, ignoring multiple cries for help, duty of care, risk assessment procedures and dismissal of a youth's voice. Chantelle tells me that for herself personally, it was about learning to survive. 

This is a powerful historical story that sadly still resonates today. 

Chantelle, I am honoured that you chose this platform to finally set the story straight. It was brave of you. I hope it was yet another step toward healing. 

Quick Chat: Can parents tell their children not to smoke if they are smokers? 

This controversial topic comes up surprisingly often in session. Parents don't want their children to smoke, but what if they themselves are smokers? What if they are modelling smoking as a normal way of life to their children? 

This is super tricky issue and I have loads of empathy for adults caught in this situation as quitting smoking is argued to be the most difficult addiction to overcome. More the reason to desperately try to discourage our children from smoking right? But then the child says 'Yeah, but you do it...' 

Jump on and see what you think about this controversial topic. 

Podcast: Why should we cry? Our chemical release. Co-Presenter Kristen Coggan

Do you know what happens to your neurochemical self when you cry? Our bodies are pretty clever in their design. When you hear what the physical perks are of releasing a good cry you might just embrace the opportunity when next it comes up.

I personally feel extremely comfortable with tears. I don't feel unsettled when my clients cry in session, I give them all the space they need to be in that moment and release. And when I feel a tearful release, I really value how good it is for me. Find out why for yourself. 

Hope you enjoy. 

When Suzie Holt wins the Federal election in 2025 for the seat of Groom (come on Toowoomba... surely!), our region is in for a much needed shake up. I never put my hat in the ring for politics, but with Suzie Holt I'll make an exception. I've known Suzie for perhaps 18 years, and I can tell you she's got brains, a strong community conscience, brilliant communication skills and the warrior heart of a pioneer. The reason that I'm so confident for a win is that in the last election, before Toowoomba had much time to get to know Suzie, she came second place on two-party preference. That's truly extraordinary for a new comer! But now that Suzie has proven that she's a woman of action, I'm busting to see Toowoomba step out of the cobwebs and embrace some fresh initiative in 2025.

Now onto our podcast...  'The Justice Response to Sexual Violence.' This topic was chosen as Suzie excitedly informed me that there is currently a review happening  into how our Justice channels respond to sexual violence. What is working for sexual abuse survivors, and what is not? Unfortunately the report card is not a good one, and Suzie is grabbing the opportunity to look to international justice practices (Spain!) to see alternative models we can embrace. 

I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Suzie about how she came to politics, and what has fuelled the incredible fire in her belly to advocate for the community's needs. We circled through some great topics, with sexual violence reform being our punchline. 

Thanks Suzie for your time, your thoughts and your passion. 

Everyone... jump on Suzie's website (attached in comments) and check her out. You can't get a more determined, practical and relatable Federal candidate for our region of Groom. Grab her for a chat. She'd love that!

linktr.ee/suzieholt4groom 

Podcast: The importance of financial independence for women; breaking the cycle. Special Guest Bec Balfour

It's very difficult to leave a toxic relationship. One of the most daunting and practical barriers can be our finances. Financial independence of some sort means that we have more freedom and choice to leave. 

Bec Balfour comes at this topic from many angles. She has her personal story of finding the strength to leave a DV relationship, she set herself up with a new career, independent finances, and her own business. She now also provides financial independence for her staff. Furthermore... what's her work area? Finances no less. Bec is eager to join all of these threads and discuss how important it is to be mindful to be empowered rather then vulnerable in your financial position. 

This not just relevant for young woman, we can all relate to the importance of knowing we have choice. 

Thanks Bec for sharing and for your passion to educate and inspire. 

Quick Chat: What is forgiveness really?

Forgiveness is one of those words that we use, but we don't really think about what exactly we are referring to. From a psychological viewpoint, forgiveness is far from straightforward. How have you gone with forgiveness in your past? Have you discovered that it's actually a multi-layered thing to do. 

Let's talk...

Podcast. What is age anyway? Co-presenter Kristen Coggan

Age is such a subjective thing! How you feel within yourself, how you feel physically, your outlook, how you feel in the world... there are so many elements to age. I know some very old young people, and some very youthful older people, which begs the 'what is age anyway'. 

As always Kristen and I enjoyed diving into this question together. 

How do you feel with your age? How has your sense of age changed over time? Interesting! What can we learn from our own lived experience?

Podcast: Being a great leader for self and others. Special Guest: Vanya Hinton

Every since I started these podcasts I have wanted to interview Vanya. Not only is she extremely experienced and knowledgable in this organisational psychology field of leadership, but she is my dearest friend since childhood and through all of our adult life chapters together. This opportunity to hear more about her field was such a treat. 

No matter our field, if we work in a team, we are all going to have experience with the importance of clear and supportive leadership. What a wonderfully relevant area to have a podcast about.

Thanks so much Vanya! Appreciate your time, and as ever that beautiful brain of yours. 

Consent and the importance of being a good human. Special Guest: Adair Donaldson

Adair is a respected Solicitor who has a history of taking on community issues. He doesn't let things go when he takes on a passionate cause. Fortunately for those who have benefited from hearing him speak on the topic, he is passionate about educating youths and the public generally about the urgency and importance of consent. 

Adair visits schools and other educational forums to speak about consent. He can see the danger and the ripple effect of poor choices, and how common it is to have a lack of knowledge on the topic of consent. I was especially interested to hear his broader view regarding the importance of men taking a stand amongst other men, and speaking up. 

Thankyou Adair for you time and for sharing your knowledge and experience. I truly appreciate how community minded you are. 

QUICK CHAT: Protect your child from adult information.

This is an issue that we all face when parenting our children. How much information is appropriate for our child? It sounds so simple, but so often our children are exposed to, and left to deal with adult information. 

Let's chat about it for a moment...