The Curious Collective - Veterans & First Responders

In emergency services, there is no pause between incidents. You finish one job and move to the next, and the weight of what you have just seen gets compressed, not processed.

Scott Winder knows this from 19 years in emergency services. He also knows what happens to the body when that compression goes on long enough and he found a way out of it that didn't involve stepping off the job or adding more medication to the mix.

In this conversation, Scott breaks down 9D breathwork, a method that layers guided breath technique with sound, frequency and neuro-linguistic programming to shift your nervous system into a specific state on demand. Activation. Down-regulation. Recovery. All through the breath you already have access to, 24 hours a day.

What you'll hear in this episode:

— What 9D breathwork actually is and why it works differently to other breathwork modalities

— How your brain responds differently at different sound frequencies, and how that's used deliberately in session

— Box breathing as an in-field regulation tool, invisible to everyone around you, usable mid-job

— Why masking stress with alcohol or medication doesn't clear the load ... it just delays it

— How Scott nearly lost his relationship and career before breathwork shifted the trajectory

— His message to anyone who's been told the options are limited > keep looking, stay curious

Scott runs Oxygen Evolution alongside his full-time frontline role. He is a first responder teaching first responders, which means he speaks this language without needing it translated.

If you've been curious about breathwork but written it off as soft or unscientific, this conversation is worth your time.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. 

#veteranmentalhealth #firstresponderwellness #emergencyservices #serviceconnected #curiuscollectiveScott - https://linktr.ee/OxygenEvolutionKate - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

For many veterans and first responders, talk therapy is just the beginning ~ what comes next is rarely talked about. In this episode, Kate sits down with Dr Lauren Barker to cut through the noise on esketamine, ketamine-assisted therapy, and psychedelic medicine - what the science actually says, what's now TGA-approved in Australia, and why so many people wait decades before anyone mentions these options exist.

In this episode:

- Why traditional antidepressants don't work for everyone and what the science says about what comes next

- How esketamine works differently, increasing neuroplasticity and creating space for new neural pathways to form

- The average 20-year delay before people access next-step treatments and why early intervention changes outcomes

- What TGA approval actually means for Australians and how to advocate for yourself when your current treatment isn't working

- Why these medicines create a platform (not a one stop solution) and what the real work of recovery looks like alongside them

- The emerging role of MDMA and psilocybin for PTSD and what the veteran and first responder community needs to know right now

About Dr Lauren Barker - Lauren began her career as a medical doctor in New Zealand, working across mental health and emergency medicine before transitioning to management consulting in Australia. Her focus on system-level impact has led her to work with leading Australian healthcare organisations to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes. In her current role Lauren brings clinical and strategic expertise together to help build a more compassionate, effective system for people seeking progressive mental health care.

Connect with Dr Lauren Barker - https://goodmindtherapeutics.com.au/

*This episode is intended for informational purposes. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a healthcare professional.

In Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 · Open Arms 1800 011 046

What if everything you thought you knew about resilience was incomplete?In this conversation, Ben Pronk, DSC —24-year Defence veteran, Special Operations Officer, and co-founder of The Resilience Shield—shares why the "suck it up" mentality is one of the most dangerous definitions of resilience, and what actually builds sustainable strength.

After witnessing vastly different reactions to trauma among equally "tough" soldiers in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Timor, Ben became obsessed with a question - Why do some people thrive after trauma while others struggle—even when they all passed the same selection?The answer led to 15 years of research with the University of Western Australia, 30,000+ survey responses, and the creation of The Resilience Shield framework.In this episode, we explore:The Innate Layer – Why we all start from different baselines (genetics + early life experiences)The Mind Layer – Growth mindset, locus of control, and working WITH your thoughtsThe Body Layer – Sleep, nutrition, exercise as non-negotiablesThe Social Layer – Why authentic relationships are protective, not optionalThe Professional Layer – Finding meaning and competence in what you do

The Adaptation Layer – Transferring resilience to unforeseen challengesKey Takeaways - Why "keep going" is only HALF the resilience equation- How to identify where YOU need to focus (not generic advice)- The difference between resilience and just "toughing it out"- Why the body keeps the score—and what to do about it- How to shift from victim hood to "I've got tools for this"About Ben Pronk:Ben spent 24 years in the Australian Defence Force, primarily in Special Operations. Alongside his brother Dr. Dan Pronk and colleague Tim Curtis, he co-founded The Resilience Shield—a research-backed, multi-layered approach to building sustainable resilience for military, first responders, and high-performance professionals.Resources Mentioned:Free Resilience Survey - https://resilienceshield.com/assess-your-resilience/(do this survey then connect in with Kate Chisholm - Resilience Shield Mentor - to go through your results & assess areas of focus and support)Book - "The Resilience Shield" (paperback, Kindle, Audible)Connect with Ben & The Resilience Shield:🌐 resilienceshield.com📘 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-resilience-shield/Connect in with Kate (host) & her work - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

Former Air Force technician turned psychedelic therapy advocate Michael Raymond gets refreshingly real about his path from being medically discharged and over medicated to finding profound healing through plant medicines in Ecuador.

This conversation cuts through the noise: Why traditional ceremony matters. Why integration is harder than the experience itself. Why self-agency is non-negotiable. And what veterans actually need to know about accessing these therapies in Australia—including the $20-40K price tag nobody talks about.

Michael co-founded Heroic Hearts Project Australia to create the support system he didn't have. His story proves that healing isn't about returning to who you were before trauma—it's about discovering who you become when you finally create space to feel, release, and rebuild.

3 Takeaways:

1. Micro-habits over peak experiences - Lasting transformation comes from small, consistent daily practices that rewire your nervous system, not just the profound ceremony itself. Think morning routines, journaling, and intentional choices that keep you from sliding back into old patterns.
2. Safety = experienced practitioners - Working with master-level facilitators (20-30+ years experience) isn't optional—it's the difference between coming out better or worse. High-level trauma requires high-level containment and skill to navigate safely.
3. Integration is the real work - The medicine creates potential (like fresh snow on a mountain), but you choose the new paths through daily practice. Without proper integration support, you'll default back to the old tracks worn into your brain.

If you're curious about alternative healing modalities but skeptical of the hype, this one's for you.

For veterans, first responders, and anyone who's been told to "just try another medication"—this conversation offers a different doorway.

CEO & Co-Founder Heroic Hearts Project Australia
https://heroicheartsprojectaustralia.org/meet-the-team/

What if everything you've been told is "wrong" with you is actually your superpower? In this raw and transformative episode, Kate sits down with Alexander Kenny—a certified CliftonStrengths coach who helps high-performers turn their natural intensity into strategic advantage.

Alexander reveals how Australia's tall poppy syndrome nearly derailed his potential until he discovered the research-backed science of strengths identification. From his days as a goalkeeper representing Australia to his current work dissolving conflicts between "difficult" people, Alex shares why 90% of Fortune 500 companies trust this approach to unlock human talent.

What you'll discover:

• Why your "intensity" or "directness" might be exactly what teams need in chaos
• The 1-in-34-million uniqueness of your communication pattern (and why most conflicts stem from not understanding this)
• How psychological safety gets created when you focus on what's RIGHT about people
• Real strategies for veterans and first responders to leverage their natural command presence in civilian relationships

This isn't your typical personal development fluff. It's tactical intelligence for anyone who's been misunderstood, anyone leading under pressure, or anyone ready to stop apologising for taking up space.

Perfect for veterans, first responders, leaders, and anyone who's ever been called "too much" but suspects they might just be exactly enough.

Connect with Alex -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-j-kenny-181933182/

https://www.shoshinry.com/

Get your Gallops Strengths - https://store.gallup.com/p/en-au/10003/cliftonstrengths-34

Transforming Trauma Through Nervous System Education

Join host Kate Chisholm for an inspiring conversation with Nick Moss, veteran turned nervous system educator, as he shares his remarkable transformation from Australian infantry service to pioneering holistic health practitioner specialising in functional neurology and kinesiology.

After experiencing the challenges of civilian transition, Nick's curiosity-driven approach led him to discover powerful healing modalities that not only transformed his own life but now helping others understand & build nervous system resilience.

Personal Transformation

• Nick's powerful story from military service to holistic health expertise
• How TBI and stress became catalysts for discovering alternative healing paths
• The role of curiosity in overcoming resistance to new approaches

Practical Nervous System Tools

• Understanding kinesiology and its applications for regulation
• Simple breathwork techniques that create profound shifts
• How functional neurology supports everyday wellbeing

Community Impact

• Teaching nervous system education
• Creating ripple effects through holistic approaches
• Building awareness and space for healing in communities

Getting Started

• Overcoming hesitation about alternative healing modalities
• Practical first steps for nervous system awareness
• Creating sustainable practices for long-term wellbeing

Veterans navigating post-service health challenges, first responders managing stress, parents seeking family wellness tools, practitioners exploring integrative approaches, and anyone curious about the connection between nervous system health and overall wellbeing.

Featured Topics: Functional neurology, kinesiology, traumatic brain injury recovery, breathwork, nervous system education, veteran health, holistic healing, stress management, curiosity-driven healing

Connect with Nick Moss: @functionalneurohealth on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/functionalneurohealth/

The Curious Collective is dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, and their families through body wisdom, nervous system education, and trauma-informed approaches to wellbeing.

Hosted by Kate Chisholm - Somatic practitioner and founder of The Curious Collective

In our milestone 101st episode, we welcome Gareth Goodsir—and the synchronicity couldn't be more perfect. When we first met, Gareth was serving in the 101 Battery 8/12 Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Darwin, and now he joins us as guest 101 on The Curious Collective!

From our shared military roots to our parallel paths supporting the service-connected community, this conversation feels like coming full circle 20 years later. Gareth has transformed from soldier to elite performance coach, specialising in hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming to create powerful change for his clients.Today, we explore how Gareth works across two impactful modalities: creating instant breakthroughs for specific challenges and developing sustained high performance for those facing stress and pressure. His approach helps veterans, first responders, athletes, and executives access flow states, build resilience, and develop mental toughness.

Our conversation dives into the unconscious patterns that drive behaviour, particularly for those transitioning from service roles to civilian life. Gareth shares insights on breaking cycles of achievement without fulfillment, understanding core motivations, and creating meaningful change through emotional leverage.

Listen as Gareth reveals his personal transformation story, including the pivotal moment that changed everything and his practical framework for managing overwhelm by prioritising health, wealth, and relationships. This episode offers practical tools to shift your inner dialogue and create lasting change in alignment with your body's wisdom and nervous system needs.The 101 connection makes this episode especially meaningful—don't miss this conversation with someone who truly understands the unique challenges faced by the service-connected community.

Connect with Gareth on Instagram or visit his website to learn more about his work with the service-connected community and high performers.

https://www.instagram.com/garethkgoodsir/
www.garethgoodsir.com

Connect with Kate - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

In this milestone 100th episode, I connect with the dynamic Kadi Sonntag, a women's empowerment coach and Australian Army veteran, to explore the transformative shift from "doing" to "being." With Kadi's natural adaptability and freedom-seeking spirit, this conversation illuminates the unique challenges faced by women in military and first responder settings, especially when navigating the contrast between high-achievement in demanding environments and the authentic call toward rest, creativity, and emotional embodiment.

Kadi shares her personal story of overcoming burnout after over 13 years in the Army, revealing how her innate versatility became both a strength and challenge. With remarkable communication skills characteristic of her numerological blueprint, she articulates the process of reconnecting with her body, intuition, and feminine energy. The conversation candidly addresses how challenging—yet rewarding—it can be to surrender to uncomfortable emotions, develop self-compassion, break free from comparison cycles, and celebrate the subtle victories along the path to authenticity.

If you've ever felt called to rediscover yourself beyond constant action, or if you recognise that restless energy seeking meaningful expression, this episode offers valuable perspective. Kadi's experience demonstrates how adventurous spirits can find fulfillment through presence rather than endless seeking. Tune in for actionable insights, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of every listener walking this path of healing and transformation.

Let's get curious, compassionate, and inspired—together.

Connect with Kadi - https://linktr.ee/KadiSonntag

Connect with Kate - https://linktr.ee/curiouscollectiveau

Join host Kate Chisholm for a powerful conversation with Jason "Frosty" Frost, a veteran whose path from elite military service to community leadership reveals the transformative power of self-agency in recovery.

After 16 years in the Australian Army's elite Special Boat Teams, Frosty's medical discharge in 2015 began a harrowing battle with polypharmacy, severe medication side effects, and deteriorating health that pushed him to the brink.

This episode explores how taking ownership of your health can change everything. Through Frosty's remarkable transformation, you'll discover:

• How medicinal cannabis became his turning point in 2018, leading to a holistic approach incorporating EMDR therapy, nutrition, and meditation
• The breakthrough moment when specialised brain scans finally revealed his traumatic brain injuries after years of misdiagnoses
• His evolution from patient to advocate as President of Defence Shed Wagga and founding board member of Pro Patria Centre
• The innovative community model he's built combining traditional support structures with cutting-edge services and psychiatric care
• How evidence-based research into alternative modalities is changing the landscape for veteran care

This isn't just an inspiring story—it's a practical roadmap for anyone seeking to reclaim control of their healing experience while finding connection in community. Frosty's message is clear - recovery is possible when we address root causes with the right combination of support and innovative therapies.

For veterans, first responders, and those who support them, this conversation offers wisdom from someone who's walked the path from isolation to purpose.

Share this episode to help extend these important conversations to those who need them most.

https://www.instagram.com/propatriacentre/

https://www.propatria.com.au/

Transform Your Nervous System Through Breathwork | Chris Payten on Body Wisdom & Regulation

UNLOCK YOUR BODY'S NATURAL REGULATION SYSTEM - No Tools Required!

Discover how your breath—something you're already doing 20,000+ times daily—can become your most powerful tool for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. This conversation with breathwork expert Chris Payten, Co-Founder of Infinity Training and Coaching, reveals the science-backed secrets to transforming stress, anxiety, and overwhelm through accessible somatic practices.

⚡ Instant Nervous System Regulation

• How to recognise your body's stress signals before they overwhelm you
• Simple breathing techniques that activate your rest-and-digest response
• Why understanding your nervous system states changes everything

🧠 Body Wisdom & Somatic Intelligence

• The fascinating connection between breath patterns and emotional states
• How to develop deeper body awareness without years of training
• Practical tools for reading your body's signals in real-time

💪 Trauma-Informed Approaches

• Why traditional "push through" mentalities can backfire
• Getting curious about resistance instead of fighting it
• Safe, accessible practices for high-stress professionals and trauma survivors

🔄 From Survival to Thriving

• Converting automatic stress responses into conscious choices
• Building resilience that actually lasts
• Creating sustainable wellbeing practices for demanding lifestyles

✅ Veterans, first responders, and their families seeking practical regulation tools✅ Anyone experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm✅ Professionals in high-pressure environments✅ Those supporting others through trauma or crisis✅ Anyone curious about body-based approaches to mental health✅ Skeptics of "woo-woo" wellness looking for science-backed solutions

In a world of constant stimulation and stress, your nervous system is working overtime. This isn't about adding another task to your day—it's about transforming something you're already doing (breathing!) into a powerful ally for regulation, resilience, and wellbeing.

Chris breaks down complex somatic concepts with scientific precision and practical wisdom, making advanced breathwork accessible whether you're a complete beginner or experienced practitioner.

• All Links: https://linktr.ee/chrispayten
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispayten_/
• FREE Breathwork Course: https://www.infinitytrainingandcoaching.com/offers/EEgLQkmJ/checkout

What's your relationship with your breath? Have you noticed how stress shows up in your breathing patterns? Share your insights in the comments—your curiosity and experiences help shape future episodes and support our community of practice.

Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring nervous system education, trauma-informed practices, and somatic approaches to wellbeing. Each conversation brings you practical tools to honor your body's intelligence while building genuine resilience.

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This episode is part of our ongoing exploration of body-based approaches to transformation, featuring experts who bridge science and somatic wisdom for practical, accessible change.