In this episode, I sit down with Carla Oates, founder and CEO of The Beauty Chef, the brand that pioneered the inner beauty movement. From fermenting whole foods in her Bondi kitchen to building one of Australia’s most iconic wellness companies, Carla shares the story of trusting her instincts long before gut health was a trend. We dive into the challenges of staying true to your vision, the hardest lessons she’s learned as a founder, and how her definition of success has shifted over time. Beyond business, Carla opens up about the rituals that keep her grounded, what’s been feeding her soul lately, and the truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industry.

• The instinct that led Carla to back gut health before the industry was ready
• Early doubts, resilience, and the turning point where The Beauty Chef became more than just a product
• What the very first kitchen formulations looked like and how hands-on she was
• The hardest “no” she’s had to make as a founder and what it taught her
• How her definition of success and growth has evolved over time
• The one Beauty Chef product that holds a special place for her
• Advice for anyone feeling bloated, burned out, or disconnected and where to start
• Carla’s go-to rituals and hacks that ground her and make the biggest difference
• What’s feeding her soul lately outside of the business
• The truths she wishes more people knew about the wellness industry

Mentioned in this episode 

Shop the Beauty Chef range here  use code TESS20 for 20% off storewide 😊

Follow the Beauty Chef: @thebeautychef

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

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

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

A solo catch-up where I spill the tea on all all things wedding prep (the good, the chaotic, and the unexpected), share the beauty and wellness rituals I’m loving right now, and get real about routines, body image, and finding balance all through the lens of someone genuinely passionate about health. It’s like a voice note from your best friend.

In this episode:

• Disclaimer: I mention what I eat and take in this episode. This is not advice, just my personal experience!
• A little sneak peek at our wedding location and how prep is going
• Thoughts on routines, why they’re helpful, but also when they become toxic
• Morning rituals and why it’s more important to enjoy them than to “do them perfectly”
• Beauty recommendations I’m loving right now (including my favourite Korean skincare obsession)
• How I am fixing my baby brain!
• LED light therapy and why I swear by it
• My new functional medicine doctor and how it's genuinely changed my health
• Supplement routine and what I’m currently taking
• Fitness update getting back into running and finding flow again
• The importance of body acceptance and how social media messes with our self-image
• Deep dive into hair care hacks products, tools, and what’s actually working (check the “Hair” highlight on my IG)
• A real talk on balance, enjoying life and not taking wellness so seriously

Mentioned

Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is brought to you by Salt Lab a natural magnesium brand I’ve been using for years. It’s a staple in my routine for when I’m stressed or just want to stay calm and grounded! If you want 25 % OFF please use my discount code TESSTALKS25

Follow salt lab on Instagram: @salt_lab

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

Ever feel like your house has bad vibes? You’re not imagining it? Kelly went from real estate agent to Feng Shui expert after noticing something strange. Some homes just felt off and guess what? Kelly discovered that weird energy could be messing with more than just your mood. Do you have poor sleep, money blocks, relationship tension or health issues? It might be your floor plan, not your flaws.In this ep, we dive into classic Feng Shui and what it is. Feng Shui makes up 33.3% of your luck. So what’s your house saying behind your back?Hit play it’s time to get your home (and your life) into flow!

• What actually is Feng Shui and why should we care?
• Why the energy in your home might feel off (and how to fix it)
• Feng Shui isn’t just about styling it’s a formula rooted in ancient maths
• Yin and Yang: balancing energy for a calmer, more harmonious home
• How your front door might be affecting your finances
• What is “land healing” and why does the energy around your home matter?
• Are you sleeping in the “death position”? (Yes, it’s a real thing)
• Simple Feng Shui switches you can make today
• Why your stove matters more than you think!
• Clean space = clear energy. 
• Find out Kelly’s non-negotiables!

Mentioned in the episode 

Follow Kelly: @kellymccloskey_fengshui

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.

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

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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 

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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

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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

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