Sisters in Stoke

Honestly listeners? Buckle up. You are in for an hour of ALL the feels. Joy, laughter, tears, vulnerability, gratitude and more. My guest today isn’t quite sure how she ended up where she is but I sure am glad that she did, along with her tens of thousands of followers.

Jane McCann (aka @themiddleagedgoddess) is all about acknowledging the beauty and gift of ageing.  After sharing her thoughts on menopause, midlife and ageing on Instagram, she’s become an accidental social media sensation who now partners with brands who embrace her ethos around growing older.  With her infectious personality and joy for life, she inspires us to celebrate what it really means to be yourself - from life to love, fashion to beauty and everything in-between.

I have followed Jane for years and she is a daily dose of reality, compassion and stand-up comedy all rolled into one.  She makes me think, she

We talk about how she became an influencer by accident, ageing the way you want, grief, midlife, menopause, bravery, authenticity, choosing how and where to spend your f**ks, relationships, parenting, self- love and self- care, compassion and more.

This conversation went deep, and I was left even more in awe of what an incredible woman Jane is.  My face hurt from smiling and I’m sure you

You can find Jane here

Big love,

Meghann

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Today’s guest is the definition of what it means to be comfortable with who you are.

Joelle Suchy (rhymes with cookie; also known as the Terror in some circles) was born in Southwestern Pennsylvania in the United States, much closer to rural West Virginia than anyone was comfortable with. She started a long and unimpressive gymnastics career at the age of 4 because her father fell in love with Nadia Comaneci. After finding the courage to abandon gymnastics for diving at the age of 14, Joelle's passion for competitive athletics was reinvigorated, if

With athletics on hold, Joelle focused on academics, graduating from Princeton University with a degree in Psychology and began progress toward a PhD in

As they say, third time's the charm, and Joelle had her hip replaced several years ago and is finally pain free. In the height of the pandemic, she discovered Steel Mace Flow and received her SMF Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. She also dabbles in other flow modalities, including rope flow and Indian clubs. After years of constantly reinventing her physical self, Joelle is finally thrilled to be still working a day job (for the time being) and teaching ballroom dance,

We talk about being a competitive athlete, getting sidelined by cancer in her teens, pursuing whatever it is that lights you up, being true to yourself, facing fear and uncertainty, why fun should be at the center of life,  flow modalities, punk rock, dancing, academia and more!  If you’re looking for reassurance that you can try ALL the things, this episode is it.

You can follow Joelle here (which, OMG, please do because her fashion, movement and sense of humour will be a bright spot in your life...guaranteed!)

This conversation left me feeling WILDLY nourished- mind, body and spirit.

Jules Blaine Davis, The Kitchen Healer, is a devoted mother, artist, poet and pioneer in the field of healing as living. She is a way-shower

This conversation starts with a flame, literally, that grows into a bonfire that illuminates the parts of self we have denied. Jules and I talk about the hilarious (and somewhat embarrassing) way that I connected with her work [hint: I got triggered. Hard.], what longing and desire can teach us, the work of questioning stories and narratives, nourishing ourselves on all levels, beauty, love, compassion, activism, growth, our inherent wisdom, accepting the invitation to freedom and what happens when we start with impossible.

My head was spinning after this conversation, and my heart was WIDE OPEN. 

For anyone who is feeling called to a deeper sense of possibility in their life, this episode is not to be missed.

Don't forget to like, follow, share and rate Sisters in Stoke. You're really helping me out!

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More about Jules here:

Insta

Website

Ted Talk: nourishing the deeper hunger of our BODY stories

Shop

Book

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My waitlist is now OPEN for 1:1 coaching spots starting in August and I have some exciting new online options later this year as well! Make sure you're on my mailing list to stay up to date.

Big love,

Meghann

Today’s conversation is a beautiful exploration of what it means to live your creative practice.

Leyla Bulmer is an Irish Australian artist with an innate need to express herself creatively. Much of her work is inspired by the female form and the honesty of the naked figure illuminates her creativity. With the understanding that the body holds much wisdom, she creates to unravel beliefs grounded in the physical, portraying beauty through breaking down societal perceptions of perfection.

Leyla draws from life using a flowing continuous line style. Through drawing first, then painting, she allows fluid but striking lines to emerge organically. The work celebrates the self while acknowledging the imperfections that make us unique. Her work can be incredibly simple, holding true to form and features without the obvious details - a shedding of layers and an appreciation of peace. She allows something not usually visible to become seen- a moment of vulnerability, a moment of true self.

Leyla creates unique fine art pieces, offers personal body portraits and holds life drawing workshops and events. Having been drawn by her myself, I can attest that this experience is one that is deeply healing and incredibly transformative.

Her mission is to accept and honour ourselves and our bodies, healing the relationship we have with ourselves and the world around us and to find freedom in knowing oneself deeply.

We talk about her art, creative practice, vulnerability, the shedding of layers, moving with courage and compassion for oneself, self-love and body image, the power of letting ourselves be truly seen, embracing our flaws, surfing, the inspiration for her work, feminine energy and why it’s sometimes

This episode is an invitation to explore our own creative lives; where we are hiding, the narratives that hold us back and what it would mean to allow ourselves to be truly seen.

More about Leyla here:

Website and Shop

Insta 

Body Portrait Commissions

Workshops

Today’s conversation left me feeling super inspired and ready to lift some heavy shit! Red Wiard (@redalicious_strongwoman ) is a  multi-strength athlete who has competed internationally, putting Aussies on the map. She is a registered nurse with a Masters degree in mental health. She is also a LT Nursing Officer in the Army Reserves who works with veterans with PTSD, anxiety and depression and is a member of Mates 4 Mates Australia, a veteran support group.

She is a lover of music, board sports and roller derby and a HUGE part of the Australian strength community, giving back through MCing,

In 2022 she became the 9th woman in history to lift the famous Dinnie Stones in Scotland at a combined weight of 332kg.

Red and I chat about how strength sports make you stronger in ALL areas of your life, backing yourself, getting comfortable with discomfort,

Her infectious drive and commitment to making life better for everyone is sure to leave you as stoked as I am. I’m so excited to share

More about Red:

Insta

Her history making Dinnie Stones lift

Mates 4 Mates

Sisters in Strength Australia

Sisters in Strength Insta

Strong Women Documentary

Scottish Lifting Stones Locations

Today’s guest is someone who walks the walk when it comes to being vulnerable and committing to ALL the layers of diving more fully into self. She

Jess MacLeish is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. After experiencing a deep disconnection from herself, she has taken a path of self-development to become the empowered woman she is today. Her lived experience gave her a burning desire to give back, and help other women strive to be the most inspired, true versions of themselves.

Jess has been working in women's empowerment in many different capacities for the last 12 years. As a professional burlesque performer, she portrayed and

In the field of mental health and community services, Jess has worked to support women through phases of personal transition, with both individual and

Also a qualified Sensual Embodied Dance Facilitator and reiki practitioner, Jess founded 'Bring The SASS'; a practice designed for women to connect with their deeper selves and their 'SASS': Self Awareness Sensuality and Soul through dance, movement, meditation, women's circles and workshops.

In this global world, Jess believes the place we can make the most impact is locally.

A keen surfer living on Bunurong country, Jess is the Co-Founder & President of Peninsula Surf Sisters; a community organisation aiming to connect, uplift and support women to claim their space in the water. PSS welcomes women of all ages, backgrounds, stages of life, level of ability and wave riding craft to be part of the community. 

We talk vulnerability, giving back, embracing change, facing fear, confronting self-doubt, creating community organisations, surfing, dance, singing and more.  This will definitely be  Part One, as we didn’t even scratch the surface!  This is a must listen episode for any woman looking to embrace the complexity of who they are…and there’s a very exciting announcement for the Peninsula Surf Sisters!

More about Jess here:

Jess’ Insta

Peninsula Surf Sisters Insta

Peninsula Surf Sisters on Facebook

Elizabeth Sneed- better known as Curvy Surfer Girl- is a surfer, model and freediver based in Oahu, Hawaii. She is a fierce advocate for

Elizabeth has been a huge inspiration for me and many women I know. She shares honestly and vulnerably on her socials about the challenges- and JOYS!- of being a curvy surfer girl.

We talk about facing your fears both in and out of the water, creating the change you want to see in the world, leading by example, radical

Tune into this episode to find out how a woman who grew up in landlocked Texas has gone on to inspire millions of women around the world

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You can find out more about Elizabeth here:

Website

Curvy Surfer Girl insta

CSG by Jolyn collection in the USA

To let Jolyn Australia know you want to see this collection Down Under, let them know via email or via their socials

Today’s guest was actually the first episode I recorded and it was an honour to speak with my dear friend Tanya Carroll.

Tanya found her calling as a Corrective Exercise and Holistic Lifestyle Coach after her first husband passed away as a result of melanoma cancer.

Actively choosing to move forward and forge a career in health in terms of preventative rather than reactive, Tanya knew she wanted to provide a positive example for her then two young children in leading a life that showed them how to find and live their potential through their soul purpose.

After finding love again and expanding her family to include her new husband’s three children and then having another child, Tanya also expanded her career to include Surf Coaching. Her family has also grown to include two Grandsons.

For someone who could not swim and has a fear of fish, Surf Coaching seemed left of field but the long held desire to coach professional surf athletes helped drive Tanya to become a leading Surf Coach at URBNSURF Melbourne.

Tanya works with a wide range of people from athletes in and out of the water, to people learning to surf for the

Currently Tanya shares part ownership in Integrity Chiropractic where her clinic practice is based, as well as coaching and surfing in every spare minute at URBNSURF. She also advocates for women’s health in surfing through her podcast Amongst The Waves.

We talk about surfing, facing your fears, chasing your dreams in midlife, the importance of community, vulnerability, the healing power of the waves, and giving back in a BIG way!

For anyone who’s been sitting on a dream, this episode is a must listen!

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More about Tanya here:

Website

Insta

Amongst the Waves Podcast

Raw- Heart & Soul Podcast

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Ready to find your stoke? Is it time to stop playing small and step into ALL of who you are- the good, the bad, the gloriously messy? To uncover what it is you really desire and discover how to ask for it?

I currently have limited 1:1 coaching opportunities available (via Zoom) and online courses launching later in 2023. 

Join my email list here to stay up to date with offerings or get in touch today for a free discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.   More information about who I am and how I work can be found at www.meghannbirks.com

Big love,

Meghann

Every so often you just click with someone, and this was certainly my experience with today’s guest, Lissie Turner. This episode is longer

Lissie Turner (also known as Mel Bampton) is a mother, grandmother, former radio host and creator of triple j’s Like a Version, a journalist,

We talk about: addiction, recovery, sobriety, perimenopause, challenging and changing our narratives, vulnerability, music, surfing, feminism,

I enjoyed every moment of this conversation and I know you will too.

More about Lissie here:

Next 21 Day Dissolving Patterns Program (May 7th-27th)

The POW of Peri Program (May 2nd- June 6th)

Podcast: Lissie Turner Presents

Instagram⁠

Website

Was My Vagina Dead?: AKA The Escapades of Perimenopause

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I currently have limited 1:1 coaching opportunities available (via Zoom) and online courses launching later in 2023. 

Join my email list here to stay up to date with offerings or get in touch today for a free discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.   More information about who I am and how I work can be found at www.meghannbirks.com or on Instagram.

Big love,

Meghann

Today’s conversation was so much fun that my face hurt from smiling! My guest is Beyah Del Mundo- aka Slush. She is the one of the co-founders of

She is radically committed to living her life as authentically as possible and going all in on the adventure has led to a fairly unconventional life.

We talk about owning your shit, cultivating curiosity and fun, taking risks, backing yourself, learning to move on, running a business, embracing your whole

I left this conversation wanting more and feeling super inspired to get out there and move through this world with a sense of playfulness and power and I

Links:

Website: https://www.slushropes.com/

The Own Your Shit Rope: https://www.slushropes.com/product-page/own-your-sh-t-danielle-gertner-x-slushropes

Instagram: www.instagram.com/slushropes

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Ready to find your stoke? Is it time to stop playing small and step into ALL of who you are- the good, the bad, the gloriously messy? To

I currently have limited 1:1 coaching opportunities available (via Zoom) and online courses launching later in 2023. 

Join my email list here to stay up to date with offerings or get in touch today for a free discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.   More information about who I am and how I work can be found at www.meghannbirks.com

Big love,

Meghann