Recently featured in Vogue Living, my home was brought to life by the brilliant minds at McKimm. In this episode, I sit down with the Director of Architecture Danica Garizio and Isabella Cini lead Interior Design Manager to unpack the vision, design principles, and process behind the space!

• McKimm’s design expertise and background
• Insights into the Australian interior and architecture industry
• Key design elements that shaped the home
• Challenges faced during the design and build process
• Contemporary features and how they were thoughtfully integrated
• The process of sourcing furniture items 
• The importance of supporting Australian brands and designers
• Isabella shares her expert design tips
• The benefits of using your space 
• Rapid fire hot take questions 

Mentioned in the episode 

Vogue Living Youtube video: view here

MSM stone 

Just Adele  

Fleur Studios 

Harbro local manufacturing of sofas 

Jardan 

Sarah Ellison 

Kustom Timber

Cello toilets 

Mckimm's website: Here

Follow Danica @danicag

Follow Isabella @__Isabelllla__

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you break through the noise when attention spans are shorter than ever? Brendan Kane aka the social media OG, bestselling author, and founder of Hook Point sits down with Tess to unpack the secrets behind going viral and building sustainable, purpose-driven success online. With over two decades of experience and over 10,000 hours of research Brendan dives into storytelling, algorithm psychology, creator burnout, and the real difference between trends and formats. If you're serious about mastering social media, this one’s a must-listen!

• Brendan's wild journey from Hollywood to social media pioneer, including the first YouTube campaign for a Jason Statham movie 
• The real agenda behind algorithms (and how to use it to your advantage)
• Why storytelling and retention are the secret to long-term growth
• The truth about going viral vs. building a loyal community
• How to avoid creator burnout by aligning content with your goals
• The importance of “the hook”, the format, and the power of analyzing your own content

Mentioned

Follow Brendan on socials @brendankane

Schedule your viral call with the Hook Point team here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a powerful and necessary conversation about childhood trauma, resilience, and reimagining how we give back.

Jonathan Webber is the founder of the JW Foundation, a new kind of philanthropic model built on lived experience, radical transparency, and real impact. From surviving an abusive childhood to launching a multimillion-dollar business while living on $50 a week, Jonathan’s journey is anything but conventional.

This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating the kind of change that truly matters. We unpack his story and mission, why he started the foundation, how he’s transforming the charity space, and the importance of giving survivors new avenues to speak up and heal. It’s also a reminder that real change often begins with those who’ve lived through the very challenges they’re now working to solve.

In this episode:

• Why Jonathan lived on $50 a week and slept in his office for 3 years to launch his business
• His childhood experience of abuse and surviving over 30 broken bones
• The importance of speaking up about trauma and how silence can shape our identity
• Using pain as fuel for purpose and helping others do the same
• LifeChanger programs: early intervention and education for young people
• Jonathan’s take on transparency in the charity sector
• The ToyBox initiative and plans to reimagine giving
• His next event at the NGV called Starry Night 
• His vision for future events a blend of storytelling, performance, and social impact

Mentioned

Jonathan’s Instagram: @jw.johnny 

Follow JW foundation: @thejwfoundation 

Buy tickets to Starry Night at NGV on September 13th, 2025: here

Donate to Starry Night: here 

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Part 2! The conversation turns from building a home to building a life within it. Tess and Shaun open up about parenting their daughter Romee, navigating the future of education, and raising children in a world increasingly shaped by AI and rapid change. This is a thoughtful, grounded discussion on modern parenthood, shifting values, and what it means to raise resilient kids in an unpredictable world.

In this episode:

• What parenting in 2025 looks like for them

• How they manage screen time, structure & sleep

• Big questions around the education system & its future

• A raw take on the rise of AI — from creativity to ethics

• How they’re thinking about values, boundaries & resilience in the digital age

Mentioned

Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Bumpsuit the go-to for stylish, sculpting maternity wear that supports you through every stage, from bump to beyond! Use "BumpsuitMAMA15" for 15% off!

Kustom Timber: shop the range here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a two part episode. Welcome to Part 1 of this weeks couples chat, where Tess and Shaun pulling back the curtain on what it really took to build their dream home from the ground up. From unexpected hurdles to hard-won lessons, they share the highs, lows and everything in between. Finally sharing their full story, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest insights. If you're planning to renovate, thinking about buying your first home, or just trying to make sense of the current market, this conversation might save you time, stress, and a whole lot of money. Shaun also weighs in on Australia’s political climate, the role of the banks, and why getting into the property market feels harder than ever!

In this episode:

• The real story behind building their dream home

• Favourite design choices, material regrets & lessons from the build

• What they’d do differently if they did it again

• Renovation tips: what to avoid & where to invest

• How it actually feels to live in the finished space

• The vision behind their Byron Bay property

• Honest thoughts on renting vs. owning and Australia’s housing crisis

• Shaun’s take on the banks, policy, and the shifting landscape of home ownership

Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Bumpsuit the go-to for stylish, sculpting maternity wear that supports you through every stage, from bump to beyond!

Use discount code BumpsuitMama15 for 15% off.

Mentioned

Dr Daniel Amen

Kustom Timber: shop the range here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into the detox method that’s taken Australia by storm - The Beetox Method. Known for its bespoke, science-led approach to beauty and wellbeing, this unique treatment focuses on lymphatic health to help you glow, de-bloat, and deeply restore from the inside out. In this ep, Bee breaks down the magic of the lymphatic system: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s directly linked to stress, burnout, digestion, and your ability to truly rest and recover. From dry brushing to drainage myths, facial sculpting to nervous system support, this conversation will change the way you think about healing. If you’ve been feeling puffy, sluggish, or stressed - start here!

In this Episode 

• Why so many of us are disconnected from our lymphatic system
• Understanding “rest & digest” and the role of the parasympathetic nervous system
• The link between burnout, stress, and lymphatic stagnation
• What exactly is the lymphatic system? Bee breaks it down into 3 key components
• How cancer has brought lymphatic health into mainstream conversation
• Bee’s 25-year journey with lymphatics and how it supports digestion and gut health
• The complexities of lymphatic flow and detoxification
• The power of dry brushing to activate lymph flow
• Why your body thrives when it functions in harmony
• How to reduce stress and stimulate key drainage points
• Busting common misconceptions
• Natural ways to enhance and brighten your face

Mentioned

Follow Bee on Instagram: @beetoxmethod 

Explore Lymphatic drainage tools: shop the range here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the way you make decisions and connect with others was written in your DNA? In this episode, Tess chats with Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones to unpack the system that’s transforming self-understanding around the world.Erin explains how Human Design blends ancient wisdom and modern science to map your unique energetic blueprint revealing how you're wired to thrive. Tess even gets a live reading of her own chart, helping you follow along and decode yours too!

In this episode:

• What exactly is Human Design and why it’s not just another personality tess
• How the system was channeled in 1987 and why it’s more relevant than ever
• The 5 types of Human Design: Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Manifestor, and Reflector
• Tess gets a real-time reading of her chart and what it reveals about her decision-making and energy
• How understanding your “type” can ease tension and guide aligned choices
• Why Human Design never changes and how it evolves with you
• Tips for using your chart in everyday life (from business to boundaries)
• How this tool can help you understand your loved ones more deeply
• The power of trusting your inner authority and intuition

Mentioned:

Shop Erin’s book “How Do You Choose” here

Study Human Design with Erin: here (use the code TESS for a discount on the course)

Link to look about your design: here

Link to get your custom guide: here

Look at your chart for free https://humandesignblueprint.com/ 

Follow Erin On Instagram: @erinclairejones & @humandesignblueprint

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Manoj Dias gets real about his journey from battling health issues and burnout to discovering the life-changing impact of meditation. He opens up about growing up in a Sri Lankan household, leaving the corporate world behind, and what it really means to live mindfully. Tess and Manoj chat about spirituality, emotional awareness, and the messy beauty of being human. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or just curious about finding more calm in the chaos, this one’s for you.

In this episode: 

• Manoj's journey into meditation after health struggles.
• Meditation helped him make wiser decisions and find happiness.
• Upbringing with Buddhism and curiosity about something bigger.
• Intuition as a child guided him and led to surrendering boundaries.
• Meditated 15 hours a day and connected deeply with nature.
• Transitioned from the finance industry to teaching.
• Created a meditation app after a seminar opportunity.
• Discussed the intersection of religion, science, and meditation.
• Breath as a tool for changing physiological states.
• Embracing duality in existence with awareness and authenticity.
• Importance of researching and being authentic in spirituality.
• Emphasising that we are not defined by our experiences.
• Meditation as a practice for self-awareness, not healing.
• Creating the right conditions to thrive, especially with ADHD.

Mentioned:

Episode Sponsor: If you’re looking to support your health with plant-based, naturopath-formulated supplements. Wanderlust is a brand worth exploring. From sleep and stress to energy and focus, their range is rooted in traditional herbal medicine. Shop here

Explore more:

Open App: https://go.o-p-e-n.com/TESSTALKS use code “tesstalks” for a discount.

Manoj Dias https://www.manojdias.com.au/ 

Open Meditation app: ​​ https://go.o-p-e-n.com/TESSTALKS

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Sonya Jensen to explore the deep connection between our hormones, generational trauma, and emotional resilience. After navigating her own journey with PCOS, an eating disorder, and a passion for healing, Dr. Sonya shares how understanding the root causes of stress such as emotional, chemical, and ancestral can help us transform our health from the inside out. This conversation dives into the future of healing, hormonal blueprints, and how rewriting your internal narrative puts you back in the driver’s seat of your wellbeing.

In this episode:

• The link between generational trauma, hormonal imbalances, and healing.
• How to regulate your emotions and undo chronic stress.
• The different types of stresses such as emotional, chemical, physical and how your body processes them.
• How the stories we tell ourselves impact our physiology.
• How to work with your vagus nerve to support your nervous system.
• Tips for finding acceptance, resilience, and self-trust.
• The significance of periods as clues to your hormonal health.
• The impact of suppressing your natural rhythms (like with the pill).
• How to shift ancestral patterns and embrace generational wisdom.
• Understanding the hormonal hierarchy of healing.
• The future of healing: self-discovery, emotional regulation, and hormonal recalibration.
• Why postnatal depression is so common and how we can better support women.
• Moon cycling and how to hack your hormones naturally.

Mentioned:

Discover the powerful guide to healing your hormones and reclaiming your story with Dr. Sonya Jensen’s book, "Woman Unleashed” Get your copy here!

Episode Sponsor: If you experience period pain, anxiety, or just want to feel more at ease in your body Hottie Co is a great place to start. Their Australian sheepskin hot water bottle offers slow, consistent warmth without the rubber smell or leaks. 

Explore more here: https://hottieco.com/ Get 10% off your order with code TESSTALKS.

Follow Dr Sonya Jensen: @drsonyajensen

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Robert Whitfield, is a world-renowned holistic plastic surgeon and expert in Breast Implant Illness (BII) and he shares insights into the process of breast implant removal and the importance of holistic recovery. Dr Whitfield discusses his groundbreaking SHARP method which combines advanced testing, personalized care, and lifestyle modifications for optimized healing. He also dives deep into the emotional and physical journey of explant surgery, the detoxification process, and the key factors in achieving lasting wellness! Dr Whitfield’s mission is to raise awareness about BII and educate people on how to care for their health through genetics, diet, and environment. If you have implants and are experiencing health complications then this ep is for you! 

In this episode:

• Dr. Robert Whitfield's Background as renowned expert in Breast Implant Illness (BII) and advanced breast explant procedures.
• The first signs of BII and how the body reacts to implants.
• How breast implants are safely removed and the steps involved in the procedure.
• How sleep, environment, and lifestyle affect the body’s ability to detoxify.
• The MTHFR gene and understanding how genetic factors influence detoxification and health.
• Can using a sauna affect health when you have breast implants?
• Dr Whitfield’s Strategic Holistic Accelerated Recovery Program focuses on genetics, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
• The emotional aspects of explant surgery and how mindset plays a crucial role in healing.
• Fat transfers vs implants 
• The personalized care and support provided through Dr. Whitfield's practice.
• The importance of prioritizing sleep for better recovery and overall health.

Mentioned:

Website: www.drrobertwhitfield.com

IG: @breastimplantillnessexpert

Dr Roberts Podcast: linked here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial 

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.