The Bold Platform

Kellie is on a mission to share 100 stories of domestic violence survival and escape, with the aim of providing hope and support to those who are currently living in a DV situation. Through both her own lived experience plus the amazing work she does in the community around this shocking issue, Kellie's passion for this project is so obvious. The 100 Alice Stories Project has already been the catalyst for multiple women to leave their abusive partners and has no doubt become a life changing resource for others.

This episode is personally very important to me, as in September 2015 I contributed my own story to this project. The process of writing my story was both painful but healing at the same time. I am so grateful to Kellie for allowing me to contribute to this project and for taking the time to sit down with me and chat on the podcast.

You can learn more about Kellie and the 100 Alice Stories Project at www.100alicestories.com.au

If you or someone you know needs support please call 1800 RESPECT

Five years ago, Shanna Whan was on the brink. She was drinking excessively and had become an extremely destructive person who was living very close to the edge. The epitome of a high functioning alcoholic. When her husband found her at the bottom of a stair case in a pool of blood, they both knew something had to give. Shanna then embarked on the most important journey of her life - her journey to sobriety.

A country girl through and through, Shanna realised that the city model for alcohol recovery did not fit the country landscape. Shanna began to write online about her experience and the work she was doing for her own sobriety. This began an amazing online conversation which grew into what Sober In The Country is today. Whether you are from the city or country, this is a very important conversation.

You can learn more about Shanna's work at www.soberinthecountry.com.au/

To watch the Ted Talk Shanna mentioned visit https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong

If this episode has brought up anything for you please contact Lifeline.

Just before an overseas trip of a lifetime, Katie received an abnormal result from a routine pap smear. She was terrified, and unsure who she could talk to. She didn't know anyone who had been through this process of procedures, appointments, biopsy's and uncertainty. Katie wanted to be part of a conversation, so she started it herself.

In June 2019 Katie started a project called Get Papped, a birthday card for 25 years old women. #GetPapped aims to encourage women to take control of our health and promote a discussion around female health amongst loved ones.

To learn more about the National Cervical Screening Program click here.

Follow Get Papped on Instagram at www.instagram.com/get.papped or purchase a card at bit.ly/get-papped

In 2005, Melanie had a life-threatening car accident in Canberra that left her with a severe traumatic brain injury. Learning to walk and talk again was the easy part of her recovery. The rewiring of her emotional and spiritual life took many more years.

What Melanie learned about the brain and neuroplasticity through this car accident allowed her to create her own business, The Balanced Brain.

Through this business, Melanie now works with people to build their self-awareness and resilience through coaching, workshop and keynote speaking.

To read Melanie's latest article in Arianna Huffington's Thrive Global magazine at www.thriveglobal.com/authors/melanie-nicholson

To learn more about Melanie and The Balanced Brain please visit www.thebalancedbrain.com.au

Sometimes brilliant ideas are born in boardrooms. Sometimes around the dinner table. And sometimes at the pub.

Surrounded by great company (and great wine) Louise made a comment to her husband and friends about not being able to find good quality leggings that had some sort of give back component. They asked Louise what she was going to do about that gap in the market, little did anyone in that pub know that this question would turn out to be the start of something pretty special!

Two years and 50 legging samples later, Louise launched Moody Activewear on International Women's Day in 2018 - a day very fitting for a social enterprise that donates 100% of its profits to women's mental health support services across Australia and Ireland (Louise's home country).

Motivated by her late Mum and the struggles she faced with physical and mental wellness, Louise has built a beautiful online business with huge vision for the future of her social enterprise.

You can learn more about Louise's story and the Moody Activewear line at moodyactivewear.com.au

The Babes Project began with one story. Now many stories begin with The Babes Project.

Through Helen's own personal experience of crisis pregnancy and after finding that there was little support available to her, the seed of what would become The Babes Project was planted. Helen found herself in need of someone to tell me that her that she could a parent, and then show her how.

As Helen and the team of employees & volunteer gear up to celebrate their 10th anniversary, The Babes Project really is changing the way Australians approach crisis pregnancy by supporting women in the perinatal period.

You can learn more about Helen Parker OAM and The Babes Project at www.thebabesproject.com.au

What started as a random act of kindness in 2017 has now grown in to a beautiful social impact business, sharing the love of reading and books throughout the country. When you order a secret book or send one to a friend anywhere in Australia, they donate a secret book as a random act of kindness. They leave them in cafes for people to find and take home, donate them to hospitals and schools, and gift them to non-profit organisations doing incredible things for this world. PLUS, $5 from their Secret Book Box is donated to Share The Dignity. And if that's not enough, the profit they make in their new book stores goes directly toward volunteering trips with their official charity partner for 2019, Books 4 Outback!

Amy + Laura are not only partners in business but in life and they are such a warm and kind pair of women.

Learn more about Secret Book Stuff please visit www.secretbookstuff.com

At the age of just 18 years old, Alex Dellaportas decided she would start her own dance company. Inspired by a school performance she was performing in, Alex knew this dance company would be different. It would be for the youth, by the youth. Every person who is involved in Spark Productions is a young person; every choreographer, set designer, lighting person and musician. Alex has created a safe space for young people to be themselves and express themselves. It is so clear that Alex is passionate about the growth of these young artists, of her non profit company and most importantly, herself.

To learn more about Alex and Spark Productions please visit sparkyouthdance.com.au

When Keeley was just 13 years old, she decided to start a project which would fundraise money to buy iPads for young people with Autism. As someone with Autism, Keeley saw how easier learning was with an iPad and wanted to share that with other kids.

Keeley really stepped out of her comfort zone to do this interview and showed a massive amount of bravery to sit and talk. Keeley was wonderfully support by her Mum Sharon during our chat.

If you would like to learn more about Keeley's Cause please visit www.keeleyscause.org.au

Kellie's story is a story of hope and resilience. Kellie spent many years trying to start her own family and is now sharing her journey with others to help them to have hope. Sometimes when your plan A doesn't work, there is always a plan B (or plan E in Kellie's case!).

To learn more about Kellie's story visit longawaitedchild.com, you can also purchase a copy of Kellie's beautiful book online via her website.